Deer Park School District - News Feed https://www.deerparkschools.org Copyright 2024 Syntax Communications DPHS February Students of the Month Deer Park High School recently honored the February 2024 Students of the Month: Vincent Cacciola was named Scholar of the Month and Bryana Elyzee was named Citizen of the Month. For the 2023-2024 Student of the Month program, in addition to recognizing outstanding students with the traditional Student of the Month title, Deer Park introduced two distinct categories: Scholar of the Month and Citizen of the Month. Scholar of the Month honors students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, a strong commitment to their studies and a passion for learning. It is an opportunity to celebrate the academic excellence of our students. Citizen of the Month recognizes students who exhibit outstanding character, leadership qualities and a commitment to making a positive impact on our school community and beyond. It is a chance to highlight the remarkable citizenship and contributions of our students. Date Added: 3/18/2024 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=175471 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 04:00:00 GMT false175471 Deer Park Seniors Hull and Romero Named Suffolk Zone Winners Deer Park High School seniors Kaliyah Hull and Tyler Romero were recently named winners of this year’s Suffolk Zone awards. Hull and Romero are both active members of Deer Park’s sports programs. Romero is the captain of the school’s swimming and diving team, and recently competed in the state diving championships. Hull is the captain of Deer Park’s girls cross-country, winter track and spring track teams. The Suffolk Zone Chapter of the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance annually honors the top male and female physical education students in each Suffolk County high school graduating class. The criteria include attainment of at least a 3.0 or B overall grade point average, an A or 90 in physical education and health classes, outstanding character in both classroom and school, exceptional leadership in the school environment, and status as a physical fitness role model for other students. Date Added: 3/13/2024 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=175364 Wed, 13 Mar 2024 04:00:00 GMT false175364 Board of Education BUDGET Meeting 1, March 12, 2024 Date Added: 3/13/2024 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=175341 Wed, 13 Mar 2024 04:00:00 GMT false175341 Deer Park Runners Cornelia and Geosits Break State Record in Relay Deer Park High School girls winter track team members Chelsea Cornelia and Alexandra Geosits put up a New York State record-breaking performance on March 4, winning the 3,400-meter distance medley relay at the New York State High School Championships. The girls qualified for the intersectional relay, held at Ocean Breeze Complex in Staten Island, after both running amazing times at the Section XI state qualifier meet on Feb. 14, with Cornelia running 2:55.8 in the 1,000-meter race and Geosits putting up a school record of 42.4 in the 300-meter. At the state championship, they made up the first two legs of the intersectional relay that represented Section 11, going up against all of the public school sections as well as the Catholic School League, independent schools and PSAL. Cornelia began the race by getting out to a 20-meter lead and never looked back. After running 2:59 in her 1,000-meter leg, she passed the baton off to her teammate Geosits, who then ran a speedy 26-second, 200-meter leg, passing off to teammate Laina Friedman from Smithtown West (600-meter), and then on to the anchor, Cali Gabrielson from Mount Sinai (1,600-meter). The four girls ran a time of 10:09, breaking the previous state record by almost seven seconds to claim the title of NYSPHSAA and federation champions. “We really went for it at the state qualifier meet,” Coach James Petti said. “Alex made states last year in the 600-meter open race, but wasn’t really hitting her times like we wanted this year, so we decided to go for broke and have her race in the 300-meter, knowing she has very good speed. We felt we had nothing to lose. It paid off and she pulled off a huge upset in the finals. Chelsea knew she had the toughest path to states ahead of her with the first, second and third-ranked girls in the state in her race, but she never let it bother her. She had been improving all season, and I knew she could finish in that top four spot to make states. She’s only a freshman and has a very bright future ahead of her in this sport. What her and Alex accomplished is rare. I can’t remember two girls from the same school on the intersectional relay. I am so incredibly proud of the way they prepared and executed their race. They have a great support system around them in their team and family. Deer Park is very proud.” Date Added: 3/12/2024 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=175314 Tue, 12 Mar 2024 05:00:00 GMT false175314 Deer Park Hosts BOCES Life Skills Consortium This winter, Deer Park hosted the first annual Western Suffolk BOCES Life Skills Consortium. Special education teachers from across the region gathered in the Deer Park High School library to collaborate and share educational strategies. “The opportunity to network with teachers who run similar programs in nearby districts was truly enlightening,” Deer Park High School special education teacher Gabriella Gilmartin said. “Exchanging insights, strategies and resources underscored our collective commitment to enhancing opportunities for our students, ensuring they receive a well-rounded education tailored to their future success. A huge shoutout to Mr. DePrima for making this consortium a reality. I can’t wait to collaborate with these amazing educators again soon.” Date Added: 3/12/2024 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=175313 Tue, 12 Mar 2024 04:00:00 GMT false175313 High School Winter Sports Teams Honored at Awards Night Deer Park High School’s successful winter student-athletes were recognized at the school’s annual winter varsity sports awards night on March 5, hosted by Athletic Director Dominick Fontana. Members of nine teams – cheerleading, kickline, boys and girls basketball, wrestling, boys bowling, boys swimming and diving, and boys and girls winter track – were presented with certificates and plaques recognizing Most Valuable Player awards, Coaches Awards, Spirit Awards and Scholar-Athlete awards. Date Added: 3/11/2024 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=175289 Mon, 11 Mar 2024 05:00:00 GMT false175289 Deer Park HS DECA Team Has Most Impressive Showing in Decades Deer Park High School sent 68 students to participate in DECA’s Suffolk County Regional Competition this winter, competing against over 1,000 students from 26 other Suffolk schools for spots at this year’s state conference. In Deer Park’s most impressive showing over the past 20 years, 41 of these students received trophies, with another four students earning honorable mention. The team was guided by DECA adviser Gregory Menig. The award winners went on to compete in New York DECA’s State Career Conference, held March 6-8 at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center in Rochester. Date Added: 3/11/2024 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=175288 Mon, 11 Mar 2024 04:00:00 GMT false175288 JFK’s Let’s Make a Difference Club Provides Lunches for Shelter Residents In a lovely display of culinary community service, members of the Let’s Make a Difference Club at Deer Park’s John F. Kennedy Intermediate School recently made over 130 bagged lunches for the residents of the Pax Christie Hospitality Men’s Shelter in Port Jefferson. “The people living at the shelter were very grateful, and the kids had so much fun,” teacher Jacqueline Amato said. Date Added: 3/7/2024 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=175208 Thu, 07 Mar 2024 06:00:00 GMT false175208 Deer Park HS Librarian Evan DeNaro Awarded Jovia Grant Evan DeNaro, the new librarian at Deer Park High School, was recently awarded a $500 grant from Jovia Credit Union for improvements at the high school library. The grant will support the purchase of makerspace resources and games as well as enable the new Library Leaders service club. Date Added: 3/7/2024 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=175207 Thu, 07 Mar 2024 05:00:00 GMT false175207 Classes Collaborate at Poetry Café at Robert Frost Library Brittany Skrypek’s seventh grade English as a New Language class collaborated with Rachel Burkel’s Life Skills classes for a Poetry Café at Robert Frost Middle School. Prior to the event, Skrypek’s students wrote ode poems inspired by Kwame Alexander’s “The Crossover. Burkel’s class had visited Frost librarian Anne Lotito-Schuh in the library to write their ode poems on Valentine’s Day. Students included figurative language and vivid imagery to bring their writing to life. Both classes came together on Feb. 16 to read their poems in the library’s transformed Poetry Cafe. With the lighting dimmed, soft jazz playing and electric tea lights glowing at each table, students shared their poems over cups of hot cocoa provided by the Library Leaders and Burkel’s Brew Club. “I really liked writing poetry and sharing it with the class at the podium in the café,” student Steven LaSpina said. “I enjoyed listening to the ode poems about food and the pictures they drew with it,” student Sai Akula said. “It was a wonderful morning collaborating with Mrs. Burkel’s class,” Skrypek said. “It was awesome to see how writing and sharing poetry can bring everyone together.” “Seeing our kids participate in our school’s mission of welcoming diverse learners and striving for equity in real time was awesome to see.” ENL teacher Michelle Champlin said. “Everyone enjoyed this interactive activity.” Date Added: 3/6/2024 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=175167 Wed, 06 Mar 2024 05:00:00 GMT false175167 Senior Calvin Nguyen Nominated for U. S. Presidential Scholars Program Deer Park High School senior Calvin Nguyen was one of only four Long Island students and 25 statewide nominated for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program by the state Education Department. The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars annually chooses students for this invitation-only honor based on factors such as academic success, artistic excellence and community service. Selected scholars will receive a medallion in June. In his application, Nguyen prepared personal essays on such topics as a person who is significant to him, describing a challenge he faced and how he overcame it, and what he would do to change the world. An AP Scholar with Distinction, Nguyen, is Deer Park High School’s president of Science Honor Society, vice president of National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society, STEM Club coding leader, co-captain of the Science Olympiad team and a member of DECA. He was selected as homecoming royalty at the school’s October 2023 homecoming and will be the Class of 2024 salutatorian at graduation in June, Outside of school, Nguyen serves as director of altar service and money collection for his church. “A student like me, who dedicates themselves to academic excellence but also values and champions commitment to serving others and their community, who cares about the wellbeing of others around them, I feel like those types of people are deserving of this nomination,” Nguyen said. Date Added: 3/5/2024 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=175131 Tue, 05 Mar 2024 06:00:00 GMT false175131 Deer Park HS Actors Wow Audiences With “Curtains” Deer Park High School’s student actors wowed audiences with the school’s winter play, a production of “Curtains” performed on Jan. 26 and 27. It was directed by Kristen Wallace. The cast included Xavier Edmond as Charlie Leach, Elizabeth Howe and Kayleigh Pellicano as Cheri Leach, Azariyah Owns and Brandon Work as Tony Tenor, Julia Silva as Isabella DeStarr, Frankie Alferi as Ivan DeStarr, Andre DeLosSantos and Jayden Philippe as Professor Quirk, Anabella Lindsay and Zyann Wright as Angela Angel, Sophia Lindsay and Kayleigh Pellicano as Paula, Shujana Aurin as Mrs. Petrie, Stephanie Sheeler as Sprinkles, Madison Griffin and Valeriana Rosales as Monica Steele, LaSheena Pottinger and Sophia Sheeler as Daffodil, Bryana Aguilar as Connie, Sophia Lindsay and Princess Mansibang as Tulip, Jaidyn Shabe as Hyacinth, Frankie Alferi as Devinn, Hayden Snyder as Deborahh, Jayden Morton as Rex Rippit, Baileigh Braithwaite as Regina Rippit, Andre DeLosSantos and Jayden Philippe as Mr. Krook, and Kerwin Bartholomew and William Fox as Lance Culpepper. Date Added: 3/5/2024 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=175130 Tue, 05 Mar 2024 05:00:00 GMT false175130 Announcements of Anticipated Vacancies - 2023-2024 School Year Please click on the JOB OPPORTUNITIES link under the DISTRICT tab to see all Instructional and Non-Instructional Vacancies. We have Part-Time, Full-Time and Substitute employment opportunities available. Date Added: 3/4/2024 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=165473 Mon, 04 Mar 2024 05:00:00 GMT false165473 May Moore Welcomes Year of the Dragon May Moore Primary School students and staff celebrated Lunar New Year and the Year of the Dragon on Feb. 12. First graders learned about Lunar New Year traditions, enjoyed the wonderful traditional parade and finished off the event with a feast of delicious Chinese food. Date Added: 2/28/2024 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=174978 Wed, 28 Feb 2024 05:00:00 GMT false174978 DPHS College Digital Generation Students Win at Stony Brook Students enrolled in Deer Park High School’s College Digital Generation course, a business elective taught by Ian Kyranakis, wrapped up their semester on Jan. 19 at Stony Brook University. Each student was an integral part of a group presentation on the stage at the prestigious Charles Wang Center. The presentations included many important aspects of the business education curriculum, including market research, competitive analysis, infographics, newsletters, logos, public service announcements, social media and website design. Deer Park’s Saawariya Shahriar took first place, Sophia Oltean finished second and Sultan Chattha was given honorable mention designation, earning all three Deer Park students the opportunity to take an April tour of St. John’s Terminal, the new Google headquarters in New York City. Date Added: 2/28/2024 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=174979 Wed, 28 Feb 2024 05:00:00 GMT false174979 February 27, 2024 Board of Education Meeting - Change in start time of meeting The public portion of the February 27, 2024 Board of Education meeting will begin at approximately 8:30 p.m. (not 8:00 p.m. as previously posted) in the District Office Board Room. Thank you! https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=174908 Mon, 26 Feb 2024 18:00:00 GMT false174908 Eight Deer Park Artists Chosen for Display at Colors of Long Island Eight Deer Park High School elementary school students were recently selected for the 25th annual Colors of Long Island student art exhibit, on display from Feb. 8 through April 7 at the Long Island Museum in Stony Brook. This year’s chosen students are Deer Park High School students Paige Bailey and Daniella Deckler, John F. Kennedy Intermediate School fifth graders Nicholas Goldstein and Yulianna Heredia, John Quincy Adams Primary School first grader Jordan Wahlig and second grader Annemarie Hernandez, and May Moore Primary School second graders Melanie Carroll-Moreno and Archer Perdios. “We are so proud of their hard work,” JFK art teacher Briana Fayans said. “It is such a wonderful opportunity for our students to see their artwork on display in a museum along with other students from our community on Long Island.” Date Added: 2/23/2024 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=174884 Fri, 23 Feb 2024 05:00:00 GMT false174884 Deer Park Virtual Enterprise Class Gets “Supercharged” at Trade Show Deer Park High School’s first Virtual Enterprise business class participated in the Long Island Regional Business Plan Competition and Trade Show, held on Jan. 10 at LIU Post’s Brookville campus. Under the banner of Supercharged, a venture conceived by 20 talented students, Deer Park’s VE firm showcased battery-powered portable chargers. This innovative class, taught by Annemarie Lenio, provides hands-on learning, breaking the mold of traditional education by fostering creativity and collaboration. The students of Supercharged demonstrated exceptional prowess by clinching Gold in the Best Booth, Sales Material and Sales Pitch competitions. Engaging all departments – from chief officers to art and design – contributed to their success. Navigating a bustling event with 72 high schools and companies, they not only increased sales but also networked extensively, gaining valuable insights into running a business. Impressively, Supercharged raked in $68,608 in sales. Deer Park students Lucas DiVanna, Damon Ierulli, Melissa Laguerre, Alexis Lazarte, Joel Nash and Katia Papailler showcased their skills in the National Business Plan Competition. This included presenting an executive summary covering business rationales, marketing plans and financial highlights, followed by an 8-10 minute presentation before judges. Eager to build on their success, Supercharged is gearing up for upcoming trade shows at Lynbrook High School on March 26 and the Javits Center in Manhattan on April 12. Their journey exemplifies the transformative impact of practical, hands-on learning in shaping the business leaders of tomorrow. Date Added: 2/20/2024 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=174833 Tue, 20 Feb 2024 05:00:00 GMT false174833 Square Dancing Comes to JFK In 2021, physical education teachers approached Principal Kelly Benson with an idea to bring square dancing to John F. Kennedy Intermediate School. Since then, retired physical education teacher and Deer Park track coach Mario Fiore was brought in to help teach square dancing. Fifth grade students participated in three PE classes in which they were taught dances like the Alley Cat, Patty Cake Polka and the Virginia Reel. They also learned traditional square dancing, called by Fiore. The lessons culminated with a Square Dance Night, sponsored by the PFC. Students brought a special adult to dance with and competed for the Best Dressed Duo Award. Date Added: 2/20/2024 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=174834 Tue, 20 Feb 2024 05:00:00 GMT false174834 Deer Park Secondary Schools Celebrate Black Literature Students and teachers at Deer Park High School and Robert Frost Middle School celebrated Black History Month with readings from contemporary and historical Black writers. Students in ELA classes at both schools connected past and present issues on Feb. 8, discussing how ideas from historical writers continue into today. Jazz, hip hop, slam poetry and spoken word were all included as ways to show these contemporary connections. Lessons included station activities and book tastings from Black authors to encourage interactivity. “Students love when they get to read stories and writers who reflect experiences and issues that they recognize,” said Justin Uliano, Deer Park’s director of ELA, Reading and Library. “It is always so important to us that students see how writers of the past relate to what students experience in the modern world.” Date Added: 2/19/2024 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=174788 Mon, 19 Feb 2024 05:00:00 GMT false174788 A Wonderful Heartfelt Tradition at JQA Every year before Valentine’s Day, prekindergartners at John Quincy Adams Primary School invite special adults to join them for the school’s heart workshop. At this year’s event on Feb. 8, students created winter candle holders out of mason jars. “It was so nice to see parents and grandparents joining our students for this wonderful tradition,” Principal Christopher Molinelli said. Date Added: 2/19/2024 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=174789 Mon, 19 Feb 2024 05:00:00 GMT false174789 A Wonderful 100th Day of School at Deer Park’s Elementaries Deer Park’s John Quincy Adams Primary School and May Moore Primary School celebrated the 100th day of school on Feb. 8, dressing the part with enthusiasm. May Moore’s annual tradition is for the school’s second-graders to dress as if they are 100 years old. The students also celebrated 100 days of learning by participating in activities in which they count to 100, collecting 100 words and creating projects with 100 items. At JQA, each grade level celebrated the day in a different way. Kindergarteners brought in 100th day projects that contained 100 items of their choosing, first graders dressed up like centenarians and second graders participated in 100th day rotating centers. “We love to celebrate this day every year at JQA, and we all had a wonderful time,” JQA Principal Christopher Molinelli said. “Our students had a fantastic time celebrating the 100th day of school,” May Moore Principal Tammy Alcalde said. “It is a fun day of learning and celebrating!” Date Added: 2/16/2024 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=174781 Fri, 16 Feb 2024 05:00:00 GMT false174781 Deer Park High Schoolers Find Success at Science Olympiad On Jan. 27, Deer Park High School competed in the Eastern Long Island Regional Science Olympiad Competition for the fifth year in a row. Ten students attended the event, which featured 60 teams competing from across Suffolk County. Four Deer Park students were awarded medals for their expertise in various areas of science. Reza Zorakhsh placed second in the Ecology event, Nobin Nath came in fifth in Anatomy, Kimberly Cho finished ninth in Forensics and Vincent Cacciola came in ninth in the Chemistry Lab event. “We are incredibly proud of our Science Olympiad students and the hard work of their advisers, Kevin Richards and Diana Rispoli,” said Deer Park Science Director Alison Branca-Peterson. Date Added: 2/16/2024 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=174782 Fri, 16 Feb 2024 05:00:00 GMT false174782 Two Deer Park Football Players Earn All-State Honors Two exceptional Deer Park High School football players were recently honored by the New York State Sportswriters Association. Senior Hayden Lovinsky, who plays wide receiver and cornerback, was named to the All-State first team. Sophomore quarterback Aaron Smith earned All-State honorable mention. After being named to Newsday’s All-Long Island Team, Lovinsky had an outstanding senior season, winning the Tom Cassese Award as Suffolk County’s best defensive back. He was one of three finalists for the Rob Burnett Award for Suffolk County’s most outstanding defensive player, and was a finalist for the Paul Longo Award, which is given to the top wide receiver in the county. Throughout the season, Lovinsky allowed only two completions thrown against him, and finished with three interceptions and 11 pass breakups. Offensively, he accounted for 13 touchdowns and over 1,400 all-purpose yards. Lovinsky had 40 receptions for 691 yards and five touchdowns as well as 74 carries out of the backfield for 502 yards and six rushing touchdowns. He also returned two kickoffs for touchdowns. Lovinsky will continue his academic and football career next season for the national champion Red Dragons at SUNY Cortland. “It was good to get this award in my senior year, to end my high school career,” Lovinsky said. “I went All-County last year, so to go All-State this year was a big goal for me, especially first team. Coaching, working out in the summer and playing with my teammates really helped me get there.” “Hayden is the ultimate competitor, and is now one of the most decorated football players in Deer Park football history,” head coach Dan Bowker said. Smith concluded his excellent sophomore year with the fourth most passing yards on Long Island. He went 133 out of 208, completing 64 percent of his passes for 1,843 yards and 15 passing touchdowns. Smith added 155 rushing yards on the ground along with a touchdown. In Deer Park’s playoff game, he threw for 415 yards and five touchdowns. “I’m honored to be named All-State honorable mention,” Smith said. “I couldn’t have done it without God, my mom, my family, my coaches and my team.” “The future is very bright for Aaron Smith as he enters his junior season,” Bowker said. Date Added: 2/13/2024 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=174650 Tue, 13 Feb 2024 05:00:00 GMT false174650 Frost and JQA ENL Students Connect for Groundhog Day Seventh and eighth grade English as a New Language students from Christy Villalobos’ class at Deer Park’s Robert Frost Middle School recently visited John Quincy Adams Primary School to spend time with a group of younger ENL students for Groundhog Day. The middle school ENL students began by reading the Natasha Wing book “The Night Before Groundhog Day.” Each of the middle schoolers read a different part of the story aloud to the elementary school students. Next, all of the students worked on a groundhog craft together. The middle schoolers were able to assist the younger students and talk to them about where they were from and what languages they speak. Some students even spoke together in their native languages together. Finally, the fun morning ended with a game of Groundhog Day bingo. “It is so important to foster relationships between our ENL students throughout the district, and this yearly visit is a great way to do so,” JQA ENL teacher Maria Cacoperdo said. Date Added: 2/13/2024 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=174651 Tue, 13 Feb 2024 05:00:00 GMT false174651 DPHS January Students of the Month Deer Park High School recently honored the January 2024 Students of the Month. Abbas Meersyed was named Scholar of the Month andMacKenzie Rubinsteinwas named Citizen of the Month. Date Added: 2/12/2024 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=174569 Mon, 12 Feb 2024 05:00:00 GMT false174569 JFK's Day in Clay Spurs Customized Creativity Fifth graders at John F. Kennedy Intermediate School visited Briana Fayans’ art classroom during the week of Jan. 29 for the annual Day in Clay project. Each student had the opportunity to customize their own clay bowls or plates, utilizing stamps, texture tools and 3D elements before glazing and firing in a kiln. “Every year our fifth graders look forward to their Day in Clay,” Fayans said. “It is a special tradition at JFK and the students love the opportunity to work with clay to create something sculptural. They enjoy personalizing their artwork, and I am always so impressed with their creativity.” Date Added: 2/12/2024 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=174570 Mon, 12 Feb 2024 05:00:00 GMT false174570 Fifth Graders Gain Job Insights at JFK's Career Day Fifth graders at John F. Kennedy Intermediate School experienced the school’s annual Career Day on Jan. 26, featuring in-person volunteers from a wide range of professions such as digital entrepreneurs, lawyers, financial advisers, doctors, nurses, police officers, firefighters, architects, DJs and representatives from the New York State Department of Agriculture. Most of the volunteers who participated, providing insights into what their jobs entail, were former Deer Park students. “This is always a wonderful day for our JFK students,” Principal Kelly Benson said. “It was nice that students were able to see people who graduated from Deer Park and learn what they were able to become by following their passions. We can’t thank the community members and volunteers enough, because without them, this event would not be possible. We also have a group of teachers that work extremely hard each year to put this event together. Nina Ragone, Brittany Grosse, Kathryn DeRoss, Ashley Maune and Marybeth Ingram went above and beyond to pull this event off. Date Added: 2/7/2024 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=174470 Wed, 07 Feb 2024 05:00:00 GMT false174470 Seventh Graders Explore Circuits During Study of Electricity Seventh graders at Robert Frost Middle School are in the middle of a unit on electricity and magnetism. In this lab, the students were given materials – wires, a light bulb and batteries – and challenged to create a closed circuit. They discussed as a class that when the lightbulb turns on, it indicates that the circuit is closed, creating a complete loop for the electrons to flow. Students then explored ways to close an open circuit by testing different materials with their group members. If a material was able to close the circuit and turn on the light bulb, then the students classified it as a “conductor.” After students built their circuits, they had to draw and label the components in their lab packets. “The New York State Science Learning Standards are placing a heavy emphasis on student exploration and using and creating models, so this lab helps build those skills,” teacher Natalie Birnbaum said. As an added challenge, the seventh graders tried to create series and parallel circuits. They noticed that in a series circuit, where there is only one path for the electrons to flow, if one light goes out, all the rest of the lights go out too. The class discussed the benefit of using parallel circuits in homes, schools and office buildings, because they provide multiple paths for the electrons to flow. This lab built on students’ prior knowledge of electrons, and their experience earlier in the week building circuits on Frost’s Explore Learning Gizmos digital lab platform. “This lab was a fun, interactive way for my students to apply their knowledge of circuits to turn on a light bulb,” Birnbaum said. “It also served to reinforce vocabulary. We had discussed earlier the difference between insulators and conductors, and here they got to apply their knowledge of these words to categorize different materials based on their observations. The kids got so excited when an unexpected item like a paper clip helped complete a circuit and turn on the light bulb. I think my students were extra excited to complete this lab because they had helped me prep the materials the day before, so they had an added layer of ownership. I also love that it allows for student choice. There is no ‘right’ answer; as long as the light bulb turns on, you know you made a closed circuit.” Date Added: 2/5/2024 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=174420 Mon, 05 Feb 2024 05:00:00 GMT false174420 DPHS Art Students Install New Murals https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=174424 Mon, 05 Feb 2024 05:00:00 GMT false174424 JFK Fifth Graders Learn Valuable Lessons at Deer Park Aquatic Center In early January, fifth graders from Deer Park’s John F. Kennedy Intermediate School took an exciting and educational field trip to the Deer Park High School Aquatic Center swimming pool. The long-planned trip covered physical skills related to self-rescue for situations like muscle cramps, exhaustion and sudden immersion in cold water. While clothed, the students were taught survival floating and swimming, self-rescue using their clothing, the importance of lifejackets, the HELP and Huddle positions, and handling unusual circumstances like a submerged vehicle or a capsized boat. “The students had fun while learning valuable lessons that we hope they will never need to put into action,” JFK physical education teacher Keri Zuk said. Date Added: 2/1/2024 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=174345 Thu, 01 Feb 2024 05:00:00 GMT false174345 JQA Wins TangerKids Grant for Ukulele Program Playing the ukulele is in the fun future for young musicians at John Quincy Adams Primary School. Music teacher Diana Cotrone’s “Uke Can Do It!” proposal was selected to receive a $2,000 grant from the TangerKids Grants program to fund the purchase of ukuleles for the school’s music program. “I am honored that we are the TangerKids recipients this year,” Cotrone said. “The grant will fund JQA receiving a class set of ukuleles and wall mounts. This is an exciting opportunity for our students to grow their love, experiences and passion for music. I am most looking forward to seeing our students try something new, exploring the ukulele for the first time and most importantly, finding joy in playing together.” Date Added: 1/31/2024 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=174291 Wed, 31 Jan 2024 05:00:00 GMT false174291 EdTech Trainers Joneleit and Paduano Nominated for ASSET Bright Light Award EdTech trainers Christine Joneleit and Jennifer Paduano have been nominated for the Bright Light award by the Association of Suffolk Supervisors for Educational Technology. “Jennifer and Christine’s devotion to expanding the use of EdTech within our district and department has truly set them apart,” Executive Director for Instructional Technology and Innovation Jay Murphy said. “They have not only demonstrated expertise, but also a remarkable capacity to innovate and enhance the EdTech experience for both students and staff. Their commitment has gone and continues to go beyond the ordinary, making a significant impact on the educational landscape. I congratulate both Christine and Jennifer on this well-deserved recognition from ASSET. It’s a testament to their dedication and the positive influence they’ve had on the Deer Park School District.” Date Added: 1/18/2024 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=174018 Thu, 18 Jan 2024 05:00:00 GMT false174018 Seventh Grader Mikaela Ponte Builds Strongest Bridge Mikaela Ponte, a seventh grader in Jeffrey Cifelli’s technology class at Robert Frost Middle School, recently constructed a bridge capable of holding 210 pounds without breaking. In this annual project, students are tasked with designing and building their own truss bridge made out of balsa wood and glue, competing to see who can build the strongest bridge. “Mikaela’s bridge has been the strongest – without breaking – in my five years of doing this project,” Cifelli said. “We stopped testing to preserve Mikaela’s hard work, not to mention, we had run out of weights. Very impressive engineering.” Date Added: 1/16/2024 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=173956 Tue, 16 Jan 2024 05:00:00 GMT false173956 DPHS December Students of the Month Deer Park High School recently honored the December 2023 Students of the Month. Emerson Smuian was named Scholar of the Month andDanny Alvarado was named Citizen of the Month. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=174200 Mon, 15 Jan 2024 05:00:00 GMT false174200 Robert Frost Music Theater Club Sells Out Two Nights of Fabulous “Annie” The Music Theater Club at Deer Park’s Robert Frost Middle School again sold out both performances of its musical on Dec. 15 and 16. The fabulous production of “Annie” was directed by Lauren Stein and Lori Sullivan, with Nicole Hock serving as stage manager. A talented cast list included seventh grader Emily Hofacker as the title character, eighth grader Radiah Zaman as Tessie and sixth grader Jillian Wagner as Molly. “Theater is my passion, and performing in ‘Annie’ was probably one of the best moments of my entire life,” Hofacker said. “I have loved theater and the movie and play ‘Annie’ for forever, and when I found out we were doing ‘Annie Jr.’ this year, I knew I had to try out, and I ended up getting the part of Annie! Although theater is acting and singing, it is also about the people that come with it. I have made so many friends from theater. Another highlight of this production was the directors, Ms. Stein and Mrs. Sullivan. They are always there when you need them, and are always willing to help you with anything. Their support really helps. ‘Annie’ will forever be one the most memorable moments of my life. Great job to the cast, and thank you to the directors!” “People told me that if I can dream it, I can do it, and that’s why I did musical theater,” Zaman said. “I loved everything about being in the show,” Wagner said. “I cannot express how grateful I am for everyone’s support and efforts to make sure this show was perfect. While I was able to make so many new friends, I still got to be with old friends, too. I love being on stage, so this was the highlight of my school year so far and probably will always be.” “I loved learning everything and watching how everything played out,” said seventh grader John Reina, a member of the stage crew. “I saw the actors learning how to do everything and it was really cool to see their growth. Also, I have always wanted to be in lighting, but didn’t know how to work it. Now that I know, I will hopefully be able to do lighting more in the future.” “We are so proud of all our performers and the hard work and dedication they put into the show,” Sullivan and Stein said. “They are not only talented, they are kind, and take care of one another as if they were all family. Watching them grow as performers and as individuals with beautiful hearts is one thing that we as directors love the most.” Date Added: 1/10/2024 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=173844 Wed, 10 Jan 2024 05:00:00 GMT false173844 Read the DPHS Spanish Honor Society Winter Newsletter! Deer Park High School's Spanish Honor Society presents the winter newsletter! In this edition, we have a diverse array of topics that highlight the vibrant tapestry of Latin American culture. Starting with the "Celebración de Fiestas," as we delve into the lively festivities that capture the essence of cultural celebrations. In November, we celebrated "Be a Teacher Day," recognizing the invaluable role teachers play in shaping minds. Following that, we explore the stories of inspiring individuals and highlight Deer Park's noteworthy restaurants. Continuing our cultural journey, we delve into the significance of "Días de la Independencia y Revoluciones," acknowledging historical milestones. Then our focus shifts to "Environmental Initiatives in Latin America," exploring efforts towards sustainability. Delving into social awareness, we address the topic of "Cultural Appropriation," prompting reflections on respectful cultural engagement. The newsletter continues by observing "Months for Awareness," shedding light on important causes. Shifting gears, we explore the fascinating world of "Fashion in Latin America" and showcase the artistic talents of our students in the "Student Art Showcase." Next, we present insightful "Teacher Interviews," providing a glimpse into the dedicated educators at our institution. Closing this edition, we express our gratitude and extend "Acknowledgments," recognizing the collective effort that makes our community thrive. This newsletter aims to celebrate, educate, and foster a sense of community among our readers, embracing the richness of Latin American culture and the diverse stories that make our community unique. We hope you enjoy this season's edition! Date Added: 1/9/2024 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=173809 Tue, 09 Jan 2024 05:00:00 GMT false173809 Committee Meeting, Work Session, & Public Hearing - Tuesday, January 9, 2024 Date Added: 1/9/2024 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=173780 Tue, 09 Jan 2024 05:00:00 GMT false173780 An Immersive French-Speaking Experience for May Moore Deer Park High School’s French Honor Society brought a vibrant and engaging cultural experience to May Moore Elementary School students during a recent visit, using a “Learn French Words” magazine they had designed. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as students and teachers alike were greeted with warm “bonjour” and “salut” by the honor society members, creating an immersive French-speaking environment. The educational journey began with a captivating exploration of colors, days of the week, fruits, vegetables, body parts, animals and types of weather in French, using interactive activities such as writing exercises and matching games. The winter-themed segment added a seasonal touch, with students enthusiastically participating in matching activities related to winter terms and clothing. The creative side of learning was fostered through coloring pages, while the intellectual curiosity of the students was sparked with word searches. As a meaningful addition to the cultural exchange, the French Honor Society shared insights about Haiti and an interview with one of the high school’s Haitian students, fostering a global perspective and enriching the students’ understanding of French-speaking cultures. “Thank you to May Moore’s teachers for inviting us to their classrooms,” said Deer Park High School Associate Principal Dr. Dina Pannone. “We were so impressed with the students and their enthusiasm to learn the French language.” Date Added: 1/8/2024 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=173776 Mon, 08 Jan 2024 06:00:00 GMT false173776 Delightful Winter Concert Performances from JFK’s Students Young student-musicians at John F. Kennedy Intermediate School had the chance to display the results of their hard work in front of family and friends at the school’s annual winter concert on Dec. 12. The audience was delighted by the performances by the advanced band, directed by Louis Nicolosi; the chorus, directed by Kristen Lombardo; and the orchestra, directed by Kathy Attard. Date Added: 1/8/2024 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=173775 Mon, 08 Jan 2024 05:00:00 GMT false173775 May Moore Kindergartners Perform at First Blizzard Day Concert May Moore Primary School held its very first Blizzard Day concert on Dec. 21. Excited kindergartners filled the school’s gymnasium to perform a wonderful variety of holiday-themed songs and poems for their visiting parents. Date Added: 1/5/2024 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=173746 Fri, 05 Jan 2024 06:00:00 GMT false173746 JFK Community Newsletter for Fall 2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=173725 Fri, 05 Jan 2024 05:00:00 GMT false173725 High School Showcases Musical Talent at Winter Concert Deer Park High School presented its annual winter concert on Dec. 21 in front of an auditorium full of family and friends ready to savor the talented sounds of the chamber orchestra, directed by Kathryn Attard; the chorus, directed by Catherine Singer; and the wind ensemble, directed by Derek Schmelter. A highlight of the evening was a joint performance by the chamber orchestra and wind ensemble of the Christmas classic “Sleigh Ride” that closed out the concert and left the audience with a warm glow. Date Added: 1/3/2024 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=173669 Wed, 03 Jan 2024 05:00:00 GMT false173669 JFK Gives Back for the Holiday Season Students at John F. Kennedy Intermediate School found creative ways to serve the community during December. The school’s student government, led by advisers Darlene Matulich and Christine Musachio, sold candy canes for Toys for Tots, raising over $400 and purchasing many toys to help put smiles on children’s faces on Christmas. Meanwhile, five classes at JFK jointly sponsored a dog named Lambo from the Babylon Animal Shelter, collecting items that the shelter needed for Lambo’s care. “We taught our classes the importance of giving back during the holiday season,” teacher Heather Buksa said. Date Added: 1/3/2024 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=173670 Wed, 03 Jan 2024 05:00:00 GMT false173670 JFK Class Publishes Book on Kindness Jennifer Arella’s class at Deer Park’s John F. Kennedy Intermediate School spent the past two months writing essays and creating illustrations for their book “Make Kindness Contagious,” which was recently published. “I am so proud of my students’ hard work writing and illustrating this book about kindness,” Arella said. “Their writing and illustrations in the book truly embody the meaning of kindness and making it contagious.” Date Added: 12/21/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=173556 Thu, 21 Dec 2023 06:00:00 GMT false173556 Authors Make Virtual Visit to Robert Frost Young adult authors Kwame Alexander and Judy Blume made a virtual visit to Deer Park’s Robert Frost Middle School on Dec. 6. The authors conducted a book reading from Alexander’s novel-in-verse “Booked,” as well as involving students in a creative writing exercise for creating their own characters. Finally, Alexander interviewed Blume about her legendary career as the writer of timeless books such as “Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret” and “Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing.” “Kwame is one of the most popular authors with our students, so to hear him live was really engaging and will only encourage our students to read more,” English Language Arts Director Justin Uliano. Date Added: 12/21/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=173555 Thu, 21 Dec 2023 05:00:00 GMT false173555 BOE Honors Vets Day Essay Winners and BOCES Students At the Deer Park School District Board of Education’s Dec. 19 meeting, Robert Frost Middle School students Abigail Daniel and Ibrahim Faisal were honored for their participation in the Town of Babylon Veterans Day Awareness Week essay contest. Daniel earned first place in the competition, with Faisal taking second. “I think it’s very important that our students understand the value of service and be able to express their appreciation,” Superintendent James Cummings said. Next, the Board recognized five Deer Park High School students attending the Wilson Tech program at BOCES who participated in the annual holiday dinner: culinary students Adrian Rosario, Andrew Vanegas, Joseph Ventincinque and Ramon Zapeta Leon, and aviation student Zamani Simon. As a result of the district’s partnership with Western Suffolk BOCES, Deer Park juniors spend half of their school day at the high school and the other half learning different trades at Wilson Tech. Every winter, the WSBOCES superintendents and boards of education are treated to a dinner by Wilson Tech’s culinary students. For this event, these juniors get to work in the kitchen, out on the floor serving, and at the serving and carving stations. During the cocktail hour, all of the Wilson Tech students present demonstrations on the programs they are participating in. “In my estimation, it’s a really great way for the board to see the students thriving in a program that we invest in,” Cummings said. “We are proud of them. It’s a nice night, because we also get to sit and meet the students and talk to them in a way that we normally don’t get a chance to. We thank them for giving us such a nice night and sharing their experiences at BOCES with us.” Date Added: 12/20/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=173498 Wed, 20 Dec 2023 05:00:00 GMT false173498 Updated Holiday Calendar https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=173486 Wed, 20 Dec 2023 05:00:00 GMT false173486 DPHS November Students of the Month Deer Park High School recently honored the November 2023 Students of the Month. Nia Elias was named Scholar of the Month and Andre Villa Villacres was named Citizen of the Month. Date Added: 12/19/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=173448 Tue, 19 Dec 2023 05:00:00 GMT false173448 Deer Park Celebrates JQA’s 60th Anniversary in Style John Quincy Adams Primary School turned 60 this year, a momentous occasion that was honored with two fabulous 60th anniversary celebrations. The school held a Sixties Day on Dec. 8. Students rotated through stations, enjoying some of the sights, sounds and activities that were around in the 1960s such as music, dancing, games and tie-dye crafts before enjoying a classic ’60s-style lunch. On Dec. 12, JQA invited students, 1963 alumni and district administration to join together for an assembly in the school’s cafeteria to commemorate the milestone anniversary. The idea for the 60th celebration came when Principal Christopher Molinelli and Associate Principal Lynn Coyle noticed a cornerstone on the building that was dated 1963. At their request, the buildings and grounds department excavated the cornerstone and uncovered a time capsule, created by the teachers and students in 1963. Artifacts included class lists, the principal’s letterhead, a signed teachers’ proclamation and a 1964 World’s Fair promotional packet. JQA today is a pre-K to grade 2 school, but when the school began 60 years ago, it included kindergarten through sixth grade. The school’s dedication service was held May 17, 1963, and the time capsule installed a month later on June 19. Before the time capsule was resealed, JQA’s current administration installed a selection of artifacts from 2023 from every class, including instructional items, magazines, fun facts to describe the world of 2023 and letters written from current students to future JQA students. “Boys and girls, who knows, maybe in 40 years you will be invited to a ceremony right here to celebrate JQA’s 100th year,” Molinelli told his students. “We’re going to hope for the future.” Next, Babylon Town historian Mary Cascone addressed the assembly, providing a detailed history of the Deer Park School District and John Quincy Adams Primary School. She revealed that while the school was named after President John Quincy Adams, this was based on an error, confusing a map listing of local minister and property owner Rev. John Quincy Adams, with the former president, who had no connection to Deer Park. Music teacher Diana Cotrone then led students in joyful renditions of “JQA Song,” “December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)” and “Surfin’ U.S.A.” Another special guest in attendance was Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly, a Deer Park alumnus who attended JQA from 1971 to 1977. “When I look back to those years, they were the most formative years of my life, and I was really blessed to be part of John Quincy Adams,” Donnelly said. “Several teachers had a profound impact on me, not only as a student but as a human being. It’s a testament to the leadership and all the teachers that we have here at Deer Park. When people ask me where I am from, I always very proudly say that I was born here in Deer Park, I grew up here and I continue to serve here as your representative in government. I’m a proud Deer Park student and this school, for me, really has a lot of memories.” Date Added: 12/18/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=173423 Mon, 18 Dec 2023 05:00:00 GMT false173423 Deer Park High Schoolers Volunteer at Food Pantry for Thanksgiving Members of Deer Park High School’s French Honor Society and Cornerstone Club recently volunteered at the Gerald J. Ryan Outreach Center food pantry in Wyandanch. Providing emergency food assistance to those in need in the Wyandanch area and neighboring communities, GJROC is one of the largest food pantries of its kind on Long Island, assisting an average of 15,000 men, women, and children annually. The Deer Park students helped organize and deliver food to families in need for Thanksgiving. “Through community service and participation in a Thanksgiving food drive, we not only fill plates but also nourish the soul,” Associate Principal Dr. Dina Pannone said. “Giving back during this season of gratitude connects us, fosters compassion and transforms the act of sharing a meal into a shared commitment to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.” Date Added: 12/13/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=173340 Wed, 13 Dec 2023 05:00:00 GMT false173340 Frost’s Winter Concerts Bring Joy and Cheer The winter concerts at Robert Frost Middle School were an unqualified success, featuring the sixth grade band, chorus and orchestra, and the combined seventh and eighth grade band, chorus and orchestra. Sixth graders enjoyed their very first performances at Robert Frost, while the eighth graders celebrated their last year of music in middle school. “It was a fantastic concert showcasing months of practice and hard work,” Director of Fine and Performing Arts Bradley Murphy said. “The ensembles filled the venue with beautiful singing and joy, bringing joy and cheer to those in attendance. Bravo to all groups who performed!” Date Added: 12/12/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=173307 Tue, 12 Dec 2023 05:00:00 GMT false173307 JQA Students Learn by Making Butter Students in Jackie Stein’s class at JQA recently participated in a butter making activity, run by JQA speech pathologists Trish Baldwin and Christine Michels. Students practiced skills such as turn taking, following multiple step directions and using their words to correctly sequence the steps. At the end of the activity, students were able to sample their hard work. Date Added: 12/11/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=173267 Mon, 11 Dec 2023 05:00:00 GMT false173267 JFK Sets Out to Help Families with Pop Tab Drive John F. Kennedy Intermediate School recently began a drive for Ronald McDonald House, a charity that houses families who have children that are ill and need to stay in the hospital. Families are able to stay close to their children at minimal or no cost. JFK’s drive, led by fifth-grade teacher Eileen Tuozzo, will last for the remainder of the school year, helping to fund the Ronald McDonald House stay for families by collecting pop tabs from soup and soda cans. Date Added: 12/7/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=173198 Thu, 07 Dec 2023 05:00:00 GMT false173198 May Moore Explores Extreme Science Experiments May Moore Primary School recently hosted magician and science entertainer David Hagerman’s Extreme Science assembly. Hagerman investigated the science behind many things the students take for granted in their everyday lives. Using in-line skates, Hagerman demonstrated the laws of motion. Armed with a giant bungee cord slingshot, the students witnessed potential and kinetic energy and explored gyroscopes via a balancing act. He used slime to explain polymers, caused water to “vanish” to explain crystallization and provided a shocking experience to demonstrate electricity. “What an awesome time learning through cool science experiments,” Associate Principal Kimberly Essig said. “We had a blast!” Date Added: 12/4/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=173033 Mon, 04 Dec 2023 05:00:00 GMT false173033 DPHS October Students of the Month Deer Park High School recently honored the October 2023 Students of the Month. Josiah Pointer was named Scholar of the Month and Melissa Martinez was named Citizen of the Month. Date Added: 12/11/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=173260 Fri, 01 Dec 2023 05:00:00 GMT false173260 Second-Grade Student Council Honored at Deer Park Board of Ed Meeting The dozen second graders on the student council at John Quincy Adams Primary School – Farouk Adejumobi, Kylie Bennett, Anthony Ferrante, Reagan Henry, Alana Hossain, Dorothy King, Emanuel Marquez Crespin, Abbey Ortlieb, Brianna Thai, Yursa Tursonzadah, Julianna Velasquez Hinton and Kendrick West – were recognized for their leadership at the Board of Education’s Nov. 28 meeting. The students had recently led a guided tour of the school buildings for Superintendent James Cummings and members of the Board. “They were so mature and excited to show us around,” Cummings said. “What impressed me was their ability to make eye contact, have a conversation and enunciate their words. They were really proud of their school. It was a special day because we got to see young kids leading adults.” “This is our second year of having a student council at JQA with our second graders,” Associate Principal Lynn Coyle said. “Our council members are learning how to take on leadership roles within our school building and community. They have visited our local assisted living center, they greet all of our students each morning at the front door to wish them a great day and they will be assisting in giving tours throughout the building to JQA alumni for our upcoming 60th anniversary celebration.” Date Added: 12/1/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=172992 Fri, 01 Dec 2023 05:00:00 GMT false172992 Fall 2023 Newsletter Date Added: 11/29/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=172888 Wed, 29 Nov 2023 05:00:00 GMT false172888 JQA Second Graders Spread Holiday Cheer at Sunrise of Dix Hills As a team, the second-grade student council at Deer Park’s John Quincy Adams Primary School recently decided to visit the Sunrise of Dix Hills assisted living center as a way to give back to the community and spread holiday cheer. Each grade level was asked to create cards for the council members to bring to make the residents smile and brighten their day. Students assisted the residents in creating a Thanksgiving craft and enjoyed having conversations about their school day. “Our student council members understand the importance of giving back to their community and how it makes everyone feel good to do something for others,” Associate Principal Lynn Coyle said. “This visit brought joy to the residents and will leave a lasting impact on our students by teaching them the value of empathy, kindness and the importance of reaching out to others in our community.” Date Added: 11/28/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=172870 Tue, 28 Nov 2023 05:00:00 GMT false172870 Deer Park HS Orchestra Students Attend “Phantom” Master Class The Deer Park High School Chamber Orchestra recently had the rare opportunity to work with Bradley Bosenbeck and Bernard Tamosaitis. The former assistant conductor of “Phantom of the Opera,” Bosenbeck is an accomplished Broadway musician, arranger and composer. Tamosaitis, an accomplished cellist and Juilliard graduate, serves as principal cellist of the Bellas Artes orchestra of Mexico City. Students attended master classes on music from “Phantom of the Opera” which will be performed at the school’s winter concerts in December. Directed by Bosenbeck and Tamosaitis, they also rehearsed as a group, learning about the opera and how to musically connect with the audience. Date Added: 11/28/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=172871 Tue, 28 Nov 2023 05:00:00 GMT false172871 Seventeen Deer Park Achievers Recognized at Breakfast for Champions Deer Park High School held its annual fall Breakfast for Champions on Nov. 15, welcoming the winning students, their parents, and school administrators and teachers to the library for a morning of recognition of student achievements, hard work and determination to overcome obstacles. Students were honored in the 15 school department categories of athletics (Kaliyah Hull), business (Lucas Di-Vanna), English (Alyssa Cortes), English as a new language (Josue Ramires Del Cid), family and consumer science (Anthony Schiaffo), fine arts (Sara Zirpola), guidance (Zamani Simon), health (Gloria Min), mathematics (James DeGrange), performing arts (Meghan Brown), physical education (Tyler Romero), science (Vincent Vitolo), social studies (Leila Hastie), technology (Sanaya Archer) and world languages (Alexis Lazarte), as well as the Principal’s Award (Cliff Valtrin) and Teacher’s Award (Alexander Torre). The breakfast was accompanied by classical music performed by the talented high school string sextet of Jayme Lipiec (viola), Eadie Liu (violin), Liana Luc (violin), Gloria Min (violin), Lorelai Silverstein (bass) and John Susana-Mendez (cello). Date Added: 11/27/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=172849 Mon, 27 Nov 2023 05:00:00 GMT false172849 Deer Park Libraries Celebrate Veterans Day With Letter-Writing Campaign In celebration of Veterans Day, the Deer Park High School and Robert Frost Middle School libraries were a hub of activity in honor of those who have served. Both libraries hosted activity stations to reach out to veterans, and students chose to write letters to veterans in honor and gratitude for their service. Members of the Library Leaders Club at both schools guided the letter-writing campaign and librarians hosted mini-lessons on letter-writing skills before the letters were mailed. “Taking the time to show gratitude was a gift not only to our veterans, but to our students who paused to reflect on their freedoms and opportunities,” Robert Frost librarian Anne Lotito-Schuh said. Date Added: 11/21/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=172787 Tue, 21 Nov 2023 05:00:00 GMT false172787 DPHS National Honor Society Welcomes 81 Inductees Deer Park High School held its 62nd annual National Honor Society induction ceremony on Nov. 13, welcoming 81 new members to the prestigious organization. Class of 2024 valedictorian Jordan Trohan led the pledge of allegiance, NHS President Muhsin Maqsood administered the society’s pledge to the inductees, and Babylon Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer and Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly were on hand to congratulate the new members. “We congratulate and welcome these new members, who bring new energy in support of our continuing work as leaders in the Deer Park community,” NHS adviser Seth Margolin said. Date Added: 11/21/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=172788 Tue, 21 Nov 2023 05:00:00 GMT false172788 May Moore Second Graders Learn About Diabetes Since November is Diabetes Awareness Month, May Moore’s school nurse Holly Giovi recently read the book “Go, Team Coco!” to second graders. The story follows Coco as she is diagnosed with diabetes and learns how to manage her condition. May Moore students loved hearing about Coco’s adventures and how she checks her blood sugar, counts carbs and gives herself insulin. Giovi explained that diabetes is a condition where your body has trouble regulating blood sugar, and how some students may have diabetes and need accommodations like checking blood sugar or having snacks with them. “We are so glad our students learned about this important health topic and Coco's story during Diabetes Awareness Month,” Giovi said. “Reading this book was a fun way for all to better understand diabetes and understand how students with diabetes can do everything their classmates can do, just with some planning.” Date Added: 11/20/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=172738 Mon, 20 Nov 2023 06:00:00 GMT false172738 Deer Park Boys XC Team Successfully Defends Town Championship Deer Park High School’s boys cross-country team concluded their 2023 season by successfully defending the Town of Babylon Championship for the fourth year in a row, with four Falcons runners – Evan Attrino, Berk Bass, Mahdi Karimi and Jordan Trojan –among the top 10 finishers. This followed a strong performance as a team at the Suffolk County cross-country championship meet, where Attrino secured All-County honors. “We are so proud of these gentlemen for their continued hard work and dedication they put into this program every day,” coach Sam Canonica said. “Great job from our running Falcons!” Date Added: 11/20/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=172737 Mon, 20 Nov 2023 05:00:00 GMT false172737 Deer Park High School Honors Its Fall Athletes Deer Park High School’s boys and girls of autumn were honored at the school’s fall sports awards ceremony, held in the school auditorium on Nov. 8 and hosted by Athletic Director Dominick Fontana. All nine of the fall varsity teams – boys cross-country, girls cross-country, football, boys golf, boys soccer, girls soccer, girls swimming, girls tennis, and girls volleyball – were brought up to the stage to be recognized, and four athletes per team were presented with plaques for the Coaches Award Most Improved Player, Most Valuable Player and Sportsmanship Award. Date Added: 11/17/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=172695 Fri, 17 Nov 2023 06:00:00 GMT false172695 Frost’s World of Friendship Club Inspires Compassion with Friendship Bracelets Guided by teachers Stephanie O’Connell and Kathy Ugalde, the members of the World of Difference Club at Deer Park’s Robert Frost Middle School recently put their hearts and hands together to create friendship bracelets with the motto “Be a Nice Human.” Together, they aim to inspire a school year filled with compassion, making each day a little brighter. “We chose this saying because the Robert Frost administration made it the theme for this school year,” O’Connell said. “We as a club discuss the different ways people show respect and tolerance for each other, and we also celebrate the differences among us.” Date Added: 11/17/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=172694 Fri, 17 Nov 2023 05:00:00 GMT false172694 JFK Students Invite Veterans to Breakfast John F. Kennedy Intermediate School held its third annual Veterans Breakfast on Nov. 9, organized by the JFK Good Citizenship Committee with the goal of taking a moment to honor those who have served and are serving the country. Proud students invited veterans in their families to attend the special breakfast. “We believe there are no better role models for our children than the veterans who have shown their patriotism and citizenship by serving our great nation,” teacher Briana Fayans said. Date Added: 11/15/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=172604 Wed, 15 Nov 2023 05:00:00 GMT false172604 Deer Park HS SADD Members Promote a Drug-Free Lifestyle This year, Deer Park High School’s SADD Club honored Red Ribbon Week by promoting the theme of “Be Kind to Your Mind – Live Drug Free.” Club members interacted with students as they entered the building on Oct. 26, part of the weeklong nationwide campaign to promote a drug-free lifestyle. Students and teachers had the opportunity to sign a “Pledge to Be Drug Free,” which was posted in the school’s lobby showcase. Students also received information about the dangers of substances such as drugs and alcohol, as well as stickers and activity pages that promoted a drug-free life. “We were elated with the club’s participation before and after school, as well as how the campaign was received by the rest of the school community,” said Karen Haar, the SADD Club co-adviser with Marissa Caruso. “The club looks forward to making Red Ribbon Week a staple at Deer Park High School for years to come.” Date Added: 11/15/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=172606 Wed, 15 Nov 2023 05:00:00 GMT false172606 High Schoolers Share Heritage at Passport to Culture During Superintendent’s Conference Day on Nov. 8, Deer Park High School held its second annual Passport to Culture, a student-run event celebrating the traditions of the many different countries that reflect the students’ global cultural backgrounds. District administrators, teachers and staff were invited to visit different rooms at the high school to learn about some of these various cultural elements, including cuisines, music, dances, activities and products, to gain greater understanding of the rich diversity present in the student body. Students shared facts about their native countries as well as their personal experiences and immigration stories, providing the educators with important insights and tools to enhance compassion and find creative future opportunities for the students to share their experiences in the classroom. “I learned a lot from this experience and I was proud to share my culture with teachers and other faculty,” student Devin Cherry said. “I really loved presenting and teaching about my culture to the teachers,” student Naga Lakshmi Meghana Akula said. “They were all supportive. I understood how hard it was standing all day and teaching. I enjoyed it very much and I think everyone who came to the school on that day also enjoyed and learned a lot about the various cultures.” “This was a special day of acknowledgement,” Board of Education President Donna Marie Elliott said. “Our students were so excited to share with our staff about themselves and their family heritage. In my opinion, there is no greater gift than to give value and importance to a person. By embracing our cultural differences, we choose to unite this community. Sharing life together without judgement makes us stronger. I am honored and proud to be part of this amazing school community.” “The Passport to Culture extravaganza was the most meaningful professional learning experience I’ve participated in since I started working in Deer Park,” Executive Director of Elementary Education Danielle Sheridan said. “It had a profound impact on me, as well as all of the staff members who I’ve spoken to about it.” “Watching the students read stories and share cultural information made for one of the best days ever,” John F. Kennedy Intermediate School Associate Principal Jenny Dixon said. “It was heartfelt, rewarding and educational. The teachers I spoke with all had such positive things to say and enjoyed it so much.” “The students were so proud to be sharing their culture and heritage with us, even on their day off from school,” guidance counselor Rachel Glaubach said. “Seeing students who have struggled because of their differences have the opportunity to shine in their element was inspiring. It proves that giving students the chance to be themselves can truly make a world of difference. It was also so much fun.” “This was a meaningful way to utilize Superintendent’s Conference Day and helped to build perspective, understanding and empathy for our students from different countries and backgrounds,” special education teacher Tim Grant said. “It was amazing to see the students in a different environment from what we are used to,” special education teacher Karen Haar said. “I loved that they were up in the front of the room and teaching me something, and that I got to learn from them, and on top of that, I was learning something about their individuality, background and life experiences.” “The students did an amazing job,” science teacher Melissa Green said. “It was so interesting and eye-opening to hear about their own personal experiences in their country and their journey here.” “I couldn’t be prouder of our students for sharing their stories and pride in their country,” ENL teacher Kristen McHugh said. “I absolutely loved the experience,” health teacher Jen Michaels said. “I wish I was able to see more cultures.” “The students were so grateful to be able to share their stories,” ENL teacher Amy Pellegrino said. “It was truly an enlightening experience.” “Passport to Culture was one of the best professional development experiences that I have ever been part of,” FACS teacher Lauren Madden said. “The kids did wonderfully.” “This was the best Superintendent’s Conference Day I have attended in all of my 18 years,” guidance counselor Kate Alvich said. “The students were incredible, and it was so meaningful and moving to hear about their backgrounds and experiences and feel their pride in their countries or cultures.” Date Added: 11/14/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=172560 Tue, 14 Nov 2023 05:00:00 GMT false172560 JQA Second Graders Collect for Community During Socktober During the Socktober sock drive, the second grade student council at Deer Park’s John Quincy Adams Primary School collected many pairs of socks to donate to those in need within the community. “The support and contributions from the Deer Park community are truly appreciated and will make a strong impact, providing warmth and comfort to those in need,” Associate Principal Dr. Lynn Coyle said. “Socks are always the least donated item and will be greatly needed as the colder months approach.” Date Added: 11/9/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=172497 Thu, 09 Nov 2023 05:00:00 GMT false172497 REVISED Committee Meetings - November 14, 2023 Date Added: 11/9/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=172464 Thu, 09 Nov 2023 05:00:00 GMT false172464 Spanish Honor Society Newsletter - September-October 2023 We are excited to share with you the latest edition of the Spanish Honor Society Newsletter, covering the months of September and October. This newsletter is a celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, a time when we come together to honor and recognize the rich history and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities. In this edition, you will find a wide range of articles and pieces, including: What Is Hispanic Heritage Month? – An exploration of the significance and history of this special month. Learn Spanish Phrases – An opportunity to expand your Spanish vocabulary. Influential Hispanic Figures – A spotlight on a notable Hispanic individual who has made a significant impact on the world. El Día de la Raza – An in-depth look at this important day in Hispanic culture. Día de los Muertos – A colorful and touching overview of the Day of the Dead. Interview with a Teacher – Get to know one of our dedicated teachers and their experiences in the classroom. Restaurant Review – A delicious culinary journey through a local Hispanic restaurant. Social/Cultural Pieces – Thought-provoking articles and pieces on various aspects of Hispanic culture and society. Music Playlists – Enjoy some hand-picked Hispanic music playlists to groove to. Hispanic Authors and Book Recommendations – Discover captivating literature and book suggestions from Hispanic authors. Student Art Pieces – A showcase of our talented students' artistic creations. We encourage you to read, explore, and engage with the vibrant culture and stories shared in this newsletter. It's a testament to the wonderful diversity and richness of Hispanic and Latinx heritage that enriches our community. We hope you enjoy this edition of the Spanish Honor Society Newsletter. Please feel free to share it with friends and family, and don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or feedback. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=172417 Tue, 07 Nov 2023 05:00:00 GMT false172417 College and Career Newsletter - November 2023 Edition Available https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=172244 Wed, 01 Nov 2023 04:00:00 GMT false172244 Deer Park’s Best Buddies Promote Inclusion at Boo Ball The Deer Park High School chapter of Best Buddies International attended the Best Buddies Boo Ball on Oct. 27, held at Eastport-South Manor Junior/Senior High School. The annual event is held for all students with or without disabilities to have fun with a Halloween-themed party, all in the name of inclusion. The Deer Park students dressed up in Halloween costumes alongside other Long Island Best Buddies chapters in an effort to promote inclusion for all students throughout the schools of Long Island and beyond. “Our students had a lot of fun dancing, meeting new and old friends, and successfully bringing in the Halloween season,” social studies teacher Joe Alo said. Date Added: 11/1/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=172245 Wed, 01 Nov 2023 04:00:00 GMT false172245 College & Career Fair Proves a Resounding Success Over 80 college and other representatives were in attendance at Deer Park High School’s College & Career Fair on Oct. 25. Attending students and parents had the opportunity to speak with admissions counselors and learn more about the programs they offer. The school’s guidance department was also on hand to provide information, including scholarships, Naviance, Method Test Prep, NCAA and filling out college applications. “The College & Career Fair was a resounding success,” Associate Principal Dr. Dina Pannone said, “I want to commend our dedicated team of organizers, students and participating institutions for making it happen.” Date Added: 10/31/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=172210 Tue, 31 Oct 2023 04:00:00 GMT false172210 Pumpkin Patch Traditions Continue at Deer Park Primary Schools Pumpkin time came ’round again at Deer Park’s May Moore Primary School and John Quincy Adams Primary School, on Oct. 24 and 25, respectively. “Our May Moore students were all given magic pumpkin seeds to plant on our front lawn,” Associate Principal Kimberly Essig said. “When they arrived on Tuesday morning, the pumpkin patch was in full bloom and our students were beyond thrilled. It was a great experience for our students and we are grateful to the PFC for their help.” “One of our favorite traditions at JQA is our pumpkin patch,” Principal Christopher Molinelli said. “Every year, our PFC creates a pumpkin patch in our front grass, allowing our students to pick pumpkins. The students always have a wonderful time looking for their perfect pumpkin to bring home.” Date Added: 10/30/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=172178 Mon, 30 Oct 2023 04:00:00 GMT false172178 School Board Recognition Week Celebrated in Deer Park The Deer Park School District honored its dedicated Board of Education at a celebration of School Board Recognition Week on Oct. 24. During the board meeting, ENL and World Languages Director Ashley Rosenberg presented a video salute to the board from district students, and the board was also gifted with cards from fourth graders and signed wooden Deer Park projects made by seventh graders in Robert Frost Middle School technology classes. “Certainly here, I think we are really fortunate to have one of the most supportive boards of education in New York State,” Superintendent James Cummings said. “From the bottom of my heart, and on behalf of the entire school community, I want to thank each and every one of them for doing what they do. My favorite thing about working with this group is that their interest is in what’s best for the kids. We really are a great district because of them.” “We truly are a Deer Park family,” Board of Education President Donna Marie Elliott said. “We thank you for this recognition, and also for just being part of our family. We all work together and do the best we can for these kids, and it’s a group effort.” The evening also featured a special student recognition, in which Deer Park High School senior Jordan Trojan was honored for his amazing achievement in earning a perfect score on the AP Computer Science Principles exam. Date Added: 10/27/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=172135 Fri, 27 Oct 2023 04:00:00 GMT false172135 Deer Park Seniors Helm and Lozarte Attend American Legion Program Deer Park High School seniors Erik Helm and Alexis Lozarte were recognized by members of the Sgt. John Sardiello Post 1634 of the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary Unit 1634, as members of the American Legion Boys State and American Legion Auxiliary Empire Girls State Class of 2023, respectively. This scholarship program, coordinated by Associate Principal Dr. Dina Pannone in partnership with high school teaching assistant Billie Jo Vozza, who also serves as Auxiliary 2nd vice president, was rekindled this year. Helm and Lozarte are the first Deer Park students in over 15 years to attend. Lozarte joined over 350 young women at SUNY Brockport, while Helm attended at SUNY Morrisville with over 350 young men, all hailing from across New York State. Each made friends, took part in creating a “51st State” from the ground up, explored the inner workings of government at every level, ran for public office and had a preview of what dorming on a college campus is like. A recognition ceremony was held on Sept. 21, where the two seniors spoke about their experiences, were presented with Empire State medals and were praised by elected officials, including State Sen. Monica Martinez, Assemblywoman Kimberly John-Pierre, Suffolk County Legislator Kevin McCaffrey and Town of Babylon Deputy Supervisor Tony Martinez. Date Added: 10/25/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=172054 Wed, 25 Oct 2023 04:00:00 GMT false172054 Deer Park Holds Inaugural Hall of Fame Induction It was an evening of celebration and reunion as the Deer Park School District’s athletic department inducted 10 individual athletes, three coaches, three honorary members and one former team to its inaugural Hall of Fame, held in the auditorium on Oct. 13. “Each of you left your mark at Deer Park High School in your own unique and special way,” said Athletic Director Dominick Fontana, who congratulated and welcomed the inductees. “Your hard work, dedication, passion and abilities were recognized back then, and I am proud to say will now be remembered forever.” After each inductee was presented and given a commemorative plaque, they were invited to view their announcement plaques placed on the school’s new Hall of Fame wall outside of the school gymnasium. The group also mingled and reminisced over coffee and dessert at the end of the program. Congratulations to the following inductees: Team Category: 1978 softball team – Won League title, Suffolk County title and Long Island Championship with overall record of 25-1. Honorary Members Category: Al Centamore (Class of 1965) – Captain of district’s first football team; MVP baseball player; the district’s first to be named All-League in football; started Booster Club in 1980; raised more than $500 thousand through fundraisers and events; organized and started first homecoming parade; personally built press booth, dugouts and fencing around baseball field and scoreboard on soccer field; added foul poles on girls softball and baseball fields; and helped athletes with personal struggles. Denise Maniscalco – Director and coordinator of the Deer Park Track Invitational concession stand and a liaison for businesses associated for sponsorship; coordinator of the team fundraising lottery; assists in the end-of-year track awards dinner. Frances Theiss (Class of 1980) – President of the Booster Club and held fundraisers to raise money for scholarships and awards to graduating seniors; volunteered during football games and homecoming. Coaches Category: Carmine Argenziano (Class of 1964) – Three-sport athlete (football, baseball and basketball); started coaching career in 1970 for 35 years for football, basketball and baseball; earned numerous recognitions as Coach of the Year and seventh place in Suffolk County history with 474 wins; and led his teams to 10 league championships, three Suffolk County championships, three Long Island championships and the New York State finals. Warren Deutsch – Retired physical education teacher and athletic director; coached various sports including lacrosse; started the school’s lacrosse program and won five league championships; served on the U.S. Lacrosse Coaches Board of Directors and was president of the Suffolk County Lacrosse Coaches Association; and elected to the Long Island Metropolitan Area Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 1992. Ed Luksik – Social studies teacher and wrestling coach at Deer Park High School from 1962-1996; led team to 1995 Suffolk County championship, 233 dual meet victories and five league championships; named Suffolk County Coach of the Year in 1975; earned Lifetime Service Wrestling Award from National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Oklahoma in 1999; coached 60 league champions and several state champs; and the school hosts the annual Coach Ed Luksik Classic wrestling tournament in his honor. Athletes Category: Kevin Baugh (Class of 1980) – Hansen Award winner as best football player and Yastrzemski Award winner as best baseball player in Suffolk County; All-League basketball winner; and attended Penn State University on full scholarship for football (1980-1983). Michael Becker (Class of 1977) – Middle distance and distance runner; named All-State and All-County in cross-country (1976); Long Island representative in the Millrose Games in Madison Square Garden; earned Scholar-Athlete recognition and Victor Rugg Scholarship; and won Suffolk County championship in one-mile run. Adam Brown (Class of 1995) – Twice named All-Long Island for football; recipient of the Zellner Award (best lineman in Suffolk County); runner-up for Hansen Award (Best player in Suffolk County); named to Newsday All-Decade Team for the 1990s; earned All-County in lacrosse in 1994. Joseph Downey (Class of 1980) – Four-year varsity wrestler; earned All-League as a Section II Qualifier; competed at National Junior Greco Roman Wrestling Championships in 1978; and was named Section XI county champion and runner-up in the New York State High School Championships (1979) and champion in New York State Freestyle and Greco-Roman (1980). Raymond Downey (Class of 1985) – Varsity wrestler (grades 8-12); named All-American, New York State Champion and Suffolk County Wrestler of the Year; was a two-time New York State Freestyle Champion, two-time New York State Greco-Roman champion and a Greco-Roman All-American; and was a New York State Triple Crown winner in his senior year. Aaren Edmead (Class of 2014) – Long Island Top Ten Freshmen in basketball; earned Long Island’s Top 10 Sophomores, All-League, All-County, Newsday All-Long Island and a place on All-New York State Team as a junior; named League 4 Player of the Year, Suffolk County Player of the Year, Newsday 1st team All-Long Island, and Newsday Long Island Player of the Year as a senior; named Longislandbasketball.com Long Island Player of the Year; earned a spot on All-New York State team and one of Top 10 Players in New York State; was a nominee for the McDonald’s All-American Team; and was first player from Deer Park in 40 years to earn a Division I basketball scholarship. Ryan Kelly (Class of 1999) – Three-sport athlete (basketball, soccer and lacrosse): Three-time All-County selection; Won gold in the 1998 Empire State Lacrosse Team for Long Island; MVP of the 1999 National North/South All-Star Game; Recipient of the 1999 Suffolk County Sportsmanship Award; Recipient of the 1999 Deer Park High School Most Outstanding Athlete Award. Timothy Layden (Class of 2001) – Two-sport athlete (basketball and baseball); earned All-League (grade 8) and All-County (grades 9-12); received League MVP title in grades 11 and 12 and NY State Gatorade Player of the Year during senior year; won Paul Gibson Award (best pitcher of the year for Suffolk County), Carl Yastrzemski Award; named Player of the Year in Suffolk County; achieved All-American status as a junior and senior; represented Team USA in the Pan Am Games for the Eastern Region during senior year; drafted by Tampa Bay Rays in 16th round; and received full scholarship to Duke University. Thomas Migliozzi (Class of 1987) – Three-sport athlete (baseball, winter track and spring track); twice named Suffolk County champion in cross-country; named New York State cross-country champion in 1995; won numerous county and state winter and spring track championships; ran a 4:10 time for the 1,600-meter track race in the Golden West Meet in California; finished third among top milers in the country; and earned a full athletic scholarship to Clemson University. Date Added: 10/18/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=171877 Wed, 18 Oct 2023 04:00:00 GMT false171877 Deer Park Keeps Homecoming Spirits High Despite Inclement Weather Deer Park High School and the entire Deer Park school community proudly celebrated this year’s homecoming game against Huntington High School on Oct. 14 at Al Centamore Football Field. Due to inclement weather, Deer Park’s much anticipated homecoming parade, pregame ceremony and halftime performances were canceled. As a result, student floats were judged and displayed before the game, and the winners of the floats and homecoming court were announced in school on Monday. The seniors took first place in the float contest, followed by the juniors, sophomores and freshmen. Calvin Nguyen and Katia Papailler were selected as homecoming royalty, with the rest of the homecoming court consisting of Saad Iqbal, Hayden Lovinsky, Antonia Lugo, Muhsin Maqsood, Anthony Marcajoux, D’Anni Marshall, Olivia Monte, Joel Nash and Mia Skoubas. Although the weather conditions were less than ideal, fans sporting white, grey and maroon colors filled the bleachers with their umbrellas and raincoats to support the Falcons – who played valiantly but fell to the Blue Devils by a final score of 25-22 – alongside Deer Park’s cheerleaders. Date Added: 10/17/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=171805 Tue, 17 Oct 2023 05:00:00 GMT false171805 Terrific Performances Highlight Spirited Pep Rally While the homecoming parade and performances the following day were sadly canceled due to rain, sunny skies on Oct. 13 permitted Deer Park High School to hold its traditional pep rally on the football field. The spirited event featured the introduction of the school’s athletic teams and homecoming court as well as terrific performances from the Marching Falcons band, the Falconettes kickline team, and the varsity and JV cheerleaders. Date Added: 10/17/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=171799 Tue, 17 Oct 2023 04:00:00 GMT false171799 Deer Park Secondary Schools Enjoy Hispanic Heritage Celebration Day In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Deer Park held a Hispanic Heritage Celebration Day on Sept. 29 at both Deer Park High School and Robert Frost Middle School, with teachers conducting lessons focused on Hispanic authors, culture, experiences and literature. Students in all English language arts classes at both schools celebrated with readings from contemporary and historical Hispanic writers, learning about musical, artistic and culinary traditions, and creating their own writing in response. Students shared personal experiences and wrote creative works that explored the rich Hispanic literary traditions. At Frost, the Cultural Awareness Club – under the direction of teacher Sara Watkin-Fox – created a main lobby display case with an original painting of a flamenco dancer, painted by art teacher Danielle Menig, along with flags and decorations representing Spanish-speaking countries. The club members also enjoyed a “Loteria” tournament where they played a Spanish-style bingo game for prizes, and are working to create a hallway display to showcase their research on foods, traditional clothing, holidays and traditions of Hispanic cultures. “The most gratifying part of these activities was watching students light up with pride in describing their own cultural experiences with their peers,” Director of ELA, Reading and Library Justin Uliano said. Date Added: 10/10/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=171630 Tue, 10 Oct 2023 04:00:00 GMT false171630 DPHS History Students Analyze Sources on Colonial Settlement of America Deer Park High School students in social studies/special education teachers Lindsay Baudier, Hunter Hayes and Laurie Osbern’s U.S. history classes recently participated in a gallery walk as part of their unit on the colonial settlement of North America. The activity involved small groups working cooperatively to analyze various historical sources in order to understand the characteristics of life in the New England, Middle and Southern colonial regions. Students moved throughout the room, examining the displays, and making observations and inferences about the natural resources, economies and societies of the different regions. “In addition to the social studies standards addressed in these types of lessons, group work gives our young adults the opportunity to practice skills that will benefit them beyond the classroom,” Osbern said. “They are working on problem-solving, time management, negotiation and leadership skills that will prove valuable in the workplace as well as college. Right from the start, our classes this year demonstrated a high level of independence and ability to work cooperatively on these types of tasks. Hopefully throughout the year, they will continue to build those skills as we provide more opportunities for them to actively participate in their learning experience.” Date Added: 10/5/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=171534 Thu, 05 Oct 2023 04:00:00 GMT false171534 BOE Committee Meetings - Revised dates https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=171510 Thu, 05 Oct 2023 04:00:00 GMT false171510 Senior Jordan Trojan Earns Perfect AP Score and National Merit Commended Student Status Deer Park High School senior Jordan Trojan recently earned a perfect score on the AP Computer Science Principles exam, which he took this past May. Advanced Placement exams are scored on a scale of 1 to 5. Trojan not only received the top score of 5, but was also one of only 459 students in the world to earn every point possible on the test, receiving the maximum score on each portion of the exam. “Scoring a 5 means you scored in an approximate range between 104 and 150,” Director of Mathematics and Business Christine Gill said. “Data indicates that only 0.1% of students that take the AP internationally achieve a perfect score, making this an incredible scholastic accomplishment.” Additionally, Trojan has been named a Commended Student in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program. He is one of only 34,000 Commended Students recognized nationwide for their exceptional academic achievement. Their high scores place them among the top 50,000 of over 1.5 million students who took the 2022 PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. “Being named a Commended Student is a testament to the outstanding potential Jordan has for academic success,” Principal Charles Cobb said. Date Added: 10/4/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=171477 Wed, 04 Oct 2023 04:00:00 GMT false171477 Deer Park High Schoolers Attend New York Black College Expo Deer Park High School juniors and seniors attended a College and Career Center field trip to the National College Resources Foundation’s 12th annual New York Black College Expo, held on Sept. 23 at CUNY Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn. More than 50 Deer Park students attended the Expo and had an opportunity to meet with representatives from over 50 colleges including historically Black colleges and universities, as well as participate in seminars and on-site admissions, apply and receive scholarships, and discuss application fee waiver eligibility. “I am so proud of our students,” Associate Principal Dr. Dina Pannone said. “Several of our students were accepted to college during on-site admissions, and in total, they won over $45,000 in scholarship money.” Date Added: 10/3/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=171447 Tue, 03 Oct 2023 04:00:00 GMT false171447 Frost Eighth Grader Writes “Brave Dave” About Surviving Leukemia David Tran, an eighth grader at Robert Frost Middle School, recently wrote and published the book “Brave Dave,” illustrated by longtime Robert Frost art teacher Danielle Menig. A story about Tran’s battle against leukemia when he was three years old, the book describes how despite all of his struggles, he always looked at the bright side of things. At Robert Frost’s Back to School night on Sept. 21, Tran held a charity book signing where he raised close to $400 for the Childhood Leukemia Foundation. Date Added: 10/2/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=171418 Mon, 02 Oct 2023 04:00:00 GMT false171418 Five Deer Park HS Student-Musicians Earn All-County Honors Five exceptional student-musicians from Deer Park High School were recently selected for the New York State Council of Administrators of Music Education’s All-County festival, and one was also chosen by the New York State School Music Association for All-State honors. Tenor Xavier Edmond (mixed chorus), violinist Eadie Liu (orchestra), soprano Nathalie Martillo (treble chorus), alto Arielle Salgado (mixed chorus) and soprano Stephanie Sheeler (mixed chorus) were named NYSCAME All-County musicians. Additionally, Liu was named an All-State musician and will perform with the All-State Symphonic Orchestra in December at the NYSSMA Winter Conference in Rochester. “We are extremely proud of our students’ accomplishments,” said Bradley Murphy, the district’s administrator for fine and performing arts. Date Added: 9/30/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=171385 Sat, 30 Sep 2023 04:00:00 GMT false171385 College Board Recognizes 58 Deer Park High School AP Scholars The College Board recently recognized 58 current Deer Park High School students for earning AP Scholar designation for 2023, honoring their hard work and high achievement in college-level AP courses and exams. The Advanced Placement Program recognizes several different award levels. Thirty-one students – seniors Anthony Alvino, Shirley Bhuiyan, Connor Burkitt, Nicholas Charland, Mohammad Fahad, Alexandra Geosits, Michelangelo Giuliano, Alyssa Howe, Umar Hussain, Angelique Jean-Pierre, Angelica Jones, Mahdi Karimi, Liana Luc, Gabriella Morace, Kayleigh Pellicano, Luis Rodriguez, Abigail Siegel, Helena Thomas and Altay Tuzun; and juniors Shubat Alam, Naeil Alim, Dakota DeSantis, Praise Eze, Alexander Farahmandpour, Matthew Flores, Nathalie Martillo, Gloria Min, Valerie Ponte, Hassan Rehman, Adib Shaikh and Lissha Varghese – were named AP Scholars, granted to students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams. Eleven students – seniors Shujana Aurin, Aniqa Azgar, Alexa Brady, Hannah Ferguson, Fatima Nawaz, Demitrius Plangetis, Sasha Rico, Tyler Romero and John Susana-Mendez; and juniors LaSheena Pottinger and Sarina Saeed – were named AP Scholars with Honor, granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. Sixteen students – seniors Evan Attrino, Lillian Cullen, Jade Griffin, Kaliyah Hull, Saad Iqbal, Alexis Lazarte, Kathy Lin, Eadie Liu, Muhsin Maqsood, Calvin Nguyen, Ethan Ronquillo, Valeriana Rosales, Liliana Salgado, Stephanie Sheeler and Jordan Trojan; and junior Reza Zorakhsh – were named AP Scholars with Distinction, granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. “We are thrilled to recognize our students for their remarkable achievement as AP Scholars,” Associate Principal Garret Noblett said. “Their dedication, hard work and commitment to academic excellence have truly paid off.” Date Added: 9/26/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=171297 Tue, 26 Sep 2023 04:00:00 GMT false171297 Patriotic High Schoolers Participate in POW/MIA Vigil Students from Deer Park High School’s Patriot Club, Spanish Honor Society and band participated alongside Deer Park Boy Scout Troop 157 in the Town of Babylon’s POW/MIA Vigil on September 15. The event was coordinated by high school teaching assistant BilleJo Vozza, the 2nd vice president of the Auxiliary Unit for Sgt. John Sardiello American Legion Post 1634. The students set up and served a picnic for local veterans, which was followed by speeches by town dignitaries and veterans, and a white table ceremony. The event culminated with a candlelight walk around the memorial as a sign of reverence, respect and honor to the community’s POW/MIAs and their sacrifices. “Many veterans commented on how grateful they are for programs like ours that emphasize the importance of remembering and honoring our military,” said Laurie Osbern, the Patriot Club’s co-adviser with Joseph Alo. “Some shared their personal stories and photos with our students, and greatly appreciated the interest shown in their military service. It was an honor to be invited to participate again in this very emotional and moving evening.” Date Added: 9/25/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=171255 Mon, 25 Sep 2023 04:00:00 GMT false171255 Deer Park Art Classes Make Their Mark on International Dot Day Elementary art classes at Deer Park’s John F. Kennedy Intermediate School, John Quincy Adams Primary School and May Moore Primary School celebrated International Dot Day throughout the week leading up to Sept. 15, participating in various activities led by staff dressed in polka dots. The event is based on the classic book “The Dot “by Peter H. Reynolds, which tells an inspirational story of encouragement and creativity. “All of our students had so much fun ‘making their mark’ and sharing their creativity,” teacher Briana Fayans said. Date Added: 9/19/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=171140 Tue, 19 Sep 2023 04:00:00 GMT false171140 Seven Deer Park HS Students Earn National Recognition from College Board Seven hardworking Deer Park High School students were recently awarded with National Recognition by the College Board based on their outstanding academic achievements in school and performance on the PSAT or AP Exams. Kaliyah Hull, Liana Luc and Brandon Work earned the National African American Recognition Award; Luis Rodriguez, Liliana Salgado and John Susana-Mendez earned the National Hispanic Recognition Award; and Helena Thomas earned both the National African American Recognition Award and National Hispanic Recognition Award. “We’re thrilled to celebrate our students and recognize them for the great work they’ve been doing,” Associate Principal Dr. Dina Pannone said. “We’re proud of their strong academic performance in the classroom and on College Board assessment. There’s so much that makes our students unique, and receiving this honor reinforces this as an asset for their future.” Date Added: 9/18/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=171098 Mon, 18 Sep 2023 04:00:00 GMT false171098 Deer Park Elementary Students Honor 9/11 with Flag Plantings Students at all three of Deer Park’s elementary schools honored the memory of 9/11 by planting American flags in front of the schools for Patriot Day, with John F. Kennedy Intermediate School and John Quincy Adams Primary School participating on Sept. 11 and May Moore Primary School on Sept. 12. “We were proud to celebrate Patriot Day at May Moore with our annual flag-planting,” Principal Tammy Alcalde said. “Our students sported red, white and blue and honored those we lost on Sept. 11.” Date Added: 9/14/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=171030 Thu, 14 Sep 2023 04:00:00 GMT false171030 Deer Park Appoints Jenny Dixon as New Associate Principal at JFK The Deer Park School District recently appointed Jenny Dixon as the new associate principal for curriculum, instruction and assessment of John F. Kennedy Intermediate School, effective Aug. 22. She replaces Marilin Gutierrez, who is now the director of ENL, bilingual and world languages for the Central Islip School District. Dixon has spent 17 years working in Deer Park as a special education teacher, most recently at JFK and previously at May Moore Primary School. She has served on the Multi-Tiered System of Supports and Building Safety committees, and has served for three years as the summer academic program adviser. A Sayville resident, Dixon earned her bachelor’s degree with a certification in general education and special education from Dowling College, a master’s degree in special education from Dowling College, and her educational leadership degree from Stony Brook University. “I’m ecstatic to join the administrative team here at JFK,” Dixon said. “I look forward to working closely with Mrs. Benson, Mr. McLeod and staff, to create a safe, comfortable learning environment for our students. I foresee an open and collaborative dialog with parents and the community to ensure success.” Date Added: 9/11/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=170935 Mon, 11 Sep 2023 05:00:00 GMT false170935 Deer Park Reaffirms Mission and Vision on Superintendents Conference Day In his annual address for Superintendent’s Conference Day on Aug. 30, Superintendent James Cummings welcome Deer Park School District staff to the 2023-2024 school year, and delved into discussion of many important topics including the district’s organizational structure, mission and vision statements, core beliefs, administrative reorganization, and security issues. “Our mission statement hasn’t changed in seven years, but I think it’s important that we start the year with reviewing what our mission statement is as a district,” Cumming said. “Very simply, we are diverse and welcoming learning community that is committed to equity and excellence. We pledge to support our students in achieving academic and personal success while providing a safe and secure learning environment in every building, every classroom and for every child. That’s really the broad strokes of what we do, and that brings us to our vision statement, in which our goal is to create an inclusive learning environment while engaging students in a rigorous curriculum that prepares all students to become productive citizens in a global community.” Date Added: 9/11/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=170955 Mon, 11 Sep 2023 04:00:00 GMT false170955 Join a Board of Education Committee Please consider joining a Deer Park Board of Education Committee: Sign up and learn more HERE https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=170924 Mon, 11 Sep 2023 04:00:00 GMT false170924 First Day of School Brings Smiles and Excitement for Deer Park Students On a sunny Sept. 5, students from each of the Deer Park School District’s buildings – Deer Park High School, Robert Frost Middle School, John F. Kennedy Intermediate School, John Quincy Adams Primary School and May Moore Primary School – stepped off their buses and walked through the doors, ready to start a new school year. “The first day of school at Robert Frost was filled with smiles and excitement,” Principal Dr. Eliana Levey said. “Our returning seventh and eighth graders worked to make our new sixth grade students feel at home. Our staff was eager to begin classes and get to know their new students. The start of a school year is a chance for everyone to start the year on a positive note and with a clean slate. The optimism was palpable.” “The first day of school is always filled with mixed emotions, excitement, nervousness and anticipation,” JFK Principal Kelly Benson said. “I love seeing the students come off the bus for the first day of school. They have smiles on their faces when they see their friends, their teachers from the previous year and the new teachers. I am so excited for this upcoming year, as we have so much to look forward to.” “It was wonderful to greet all of our students back to JQA this year,” Principal Christopher Molinelli said. “It is always one of my favorite days of the year, as I get to see so many smiling faces and excited students ready to start a new year.” “We were excited to welcome so many smiling faces to May Moore,” Principal Tammy Alcalde said. “Our youngest learners entered the building enthusiastically, ready to learn and make new friends. We can’t wait to see all they accomplish this year!” Date Added: 9/7/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=170887 Thu, 07 Sep 2023 04:00:00 GMT false170887 Happy First Day! https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=170822 Tue, 05 Sep 2023 04:00:00 GMT false170822 Hills Park Dental Donates School Supplies for Deer Park’s JQA In preparation for the beginning of classes next week, Hills Park Dental of Deer Park provided school supplies for the students of Deer Park’s John Quincy Adams Primary School. “All of us at JQA are so appreciative of Hills Park Dental for their generous school supply donation,” Associate Principal Dr. Lynn Coyle said. “Their kindness and thoughtfulness are going to support so many of our students as they begin their school year here at JQA.” Date Added: 8/31/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=170762 Thu, 31 Aug 2023 04:00:00 GMT false170762 Sixth Graders Get Oriented to New Home at Robert Frost At Robert Frost, incoming sixth graders explored their new school and lockers at orientation on Aug. 24, making new friends and getting acclimated to the Frost program. “We were so excited to welcome the new sixth graders to the #FrostFamily,” Principal Dr. Eliana Levey said. “Our school counselors planned a great program for our students, and so many of our teachers came in to help. We hope this orientation helped them to start to feel like Robert Frost will be their home.” Date Added: 8/25/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=170672 Fri, 25 Aug 2023 04:00:00 GMT false170672 2023-2024 Full Calendar Now Available! Date Added: 8/22/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=170635 Tue, 22 Aug 2023 04:00:00 GMT false170635 Summer 2023 Newsletter Click here to view the newsletter. Date Added: 7/26/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=170423 Wed, 26 Jul 2023 04:00:00 GMT false170423 Elliott Reelected to Fifth Term as Deer Park Board of Ed President At the Deer Park Board of Education’s annual reorganization meeting on July 11, Donna Marie Elliott was voted in to her fifth consecutive term as president, while Kristine Rosales was named to her fourth term as vice president. Elliott, Rosales, reelected trustees Al Centamore and Donna Gulli Grunseich, Superintendent James Cummings and District Clerk Lisa Brennan were all sworn in during the meeting. Date Added: 7/11/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=170295 Tue, 11 Jul 2023 05:00:00 GMT false170295 Eighth Graders Rewarded With Visit to New York Public Library Exhibit The graduating eighth-grade members of the Library Leaders Club at Deer Park’s Robert Frost Middle School, were thanked for volunteering at the school’s library, and rewarded with special field trip to the New York Public Library to see the “The Polonsky Exhibition of The New York Public Library’s Treasures.” During the visit, the eighth graders viewed fascinating historical items taken from the NYPL’s centuries-spanning archives, including Thomas Jefferson’s handwritten draft of the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, cuneiform tablets thousands of years old, a lock of Beethoven’s hair, the first Gutenberg Bible brought to the Americas, Charles Dickens’ writing desk and the original stuffed animals that inspired the Winnie-the-Pooh stories. “This amazing group of eighth graders donated so much of their time to the Frost library, and it will not be the same without them next year,” library media specialist Anne Lotito-Schuh said. Date Added: 7/11/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=170288 Tue, 11 Jul 2023 04:00:00 GMT false170288 Seven Deer Park Student-Writers Honored in NCTE Competition Seven Deer Park students were recently recognized by judges in the National Council for the Teachers of English writing competition, which awards eighth-grade and 11th-grade student writers from across the country. Deer Park High School juniors Mohammad Fahad and Stephanie Sheeler were First Class winners, the highest designation. Also honored were junior Eadie Liu and Robert Frost Middle School eighth graders Arianna Ahmad, Vincent Cacciola, Victoria Hernandez and Cayden Zappola. “We are extremely proud of the talent and accomplishments of these students and look forward to what they write next,” Director of ELA, Reading and Library Justin Uliano said. Date Added: 7/6/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=170248 Thu, 06 Jul 2023 04:00:00 GMT false170248 Deer Park Students Celebrate New Journeys at Moving Ups The magical moments were many at the four moving-up ceremonies held across the Deer Park School District in June, as students from the four buildings – John Quincy Adams Primary School, May Moore Primary School, John F. Kennedy Intermediate School and Robert Frost Middle School – began the next phase of their educational careers. May Moore’s outdoor celebration came first on June 6, delayed by rain but saved due to heroic efforts to dry the seats. Musical numbers, directed by Kristen Lombardo, included “Possibilities,” “The Climb” and “I Feel Like Dancing.” JFK’s event for fifth graders moving up to middle school was next, held in the school’s courtyard on June 13. JQA’s moving up was held on the rain date of June 20, highlighted by a Billy Joel theme, with the second graders singing classics like “Piano Man,” “Goodnight My Angel” and “We Didn’t Start the Fire.” Finally, Frost’s celebration came that evening, filling the school’s gymnasium with proud parents ready to watch their eighth graders get ready for high school. “You came to school ready to learn every day, and you weren’t willing to let anything stop you from having an extraordinary second-grade year,” May Moore Principal Tammy Alcalde told her charges. “You truly are a remarkable group. As you get ready to continue your school journey at John F. Kennedy Intermediate School, we couldn’t be prouder of you. You will continue to shine, and we know that you’ll handle every challenge that comes your way. Continue to make your school community proud. Continue to have big dreams and be willing to do the work to achieve them. Continue to be more kind, more safe and more responsible.” “I couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome each and every one of you,” Principal Kelly Benson said to the excited second graders. “First and foremost, we want you to know how delighted we are to have you as part of our school family. Each and every one of you brings unique talents, ideas and perspectives that will contribute to our school. We believe that every student has the potential to excel and achieve great things, and we are here to support and guide you every step of the way. The transition to a new school can feel like an adventure filled with both anticipation and a touch of uncertainty. As you prepare to embark on this exciting new chapter, I encourage you to approach it with an open mind and adventurous spirit. Embrace the challenges that lie ahead, for they will only make you stronger. Embrace the friendships that you will make and the knowledge that you will gain. In a few short months, when September arrives, you'll be welcomed with open arms, ready to embark on this incredible third grade journey together. So, my young Falcons, spread your wings, let your spirits soar and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime at John F. Kennedy Intermediate School.” Date Added: 7/3/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=170216 Mon, 03 Jul 2023 04:00:00 GMT false170216 Deer Park History Students Enjoy a Night of Baseball Students in Deer Park High School’s Long Island History class finished their inaugural year with a home run when they attended a Long Island Ducks baseball game on June 6. The Ducks marched their way to victory with a 13-3 win over Frederick in front of the excited Deer Park Falcons in attendance. The students were able to experience Long Island sports culture as well as enjoy a night out at the ballpark with their peers. Some even walked away with a few foul balls and souvenirs. “Now that the 2023-2024 academic year has come to a close, we look forward to expanding this course to include even more interactive ways students can explore their identity as Long Islanders,” history teacher Joseph Alo said. Date Added: 6/29/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=170185 Thu, 29 Jun 2023 04:00:00 GMT false170185 Pride and Perseverance Mark Deer Park’s 60th Commencement For the Class of 2023, Deer Park High School’s 60th commencement on June 22 proved as unconventional as the seniors’ high school experience. Inclement weather forced the ceremony indoors in the high school auditorium, but it did not dampen the spirits of the gathered soon-to-be graduates or their immensely proud families. While the location was different, much was familiar in the joyous ceremony, from the bagpipes of the Roisin Dubh Pipe Band kicking it off, to the patriotic nods of Steven Mendell leading the Pledge of Allegiance and Gabrielle Mayne singing “The Star-Spangled Banner,” to the traditional handing out of diplomas, turning tassels and tossing caps. “Today is our last actual day as Deer Park students,” said Senior Class President Kayley Eising, who was first up to speak. “Today is a day of reflection and gratitude as we say goodbye to these familiar hallways and embrace the next chapter of our lives. As scary as it may seem, we should be incredibly proud of all that we have accomplished and all that we have to look forward to. It’s safe to say that our journey to get to this moment has been nothing but ordinary. As freshmen, we entered high school with such anticipation and ambition only to be faced with a worldwide pandemic. We missed out on so many traditions, yet remain united. Through all of this, we have simultaneously been able to dabble in discovering ourselves. Thank you, Deer Park High School, for these amazing opportunities, and to my soon-to-be fellow alumni, remember, once a Falcon, always a Falcon.” On a day in which the seniors were poised between past and future, salutatorian Sara Naqvi reflected on the latter. “There's a subtle strength that elements of our past hold, whether they be experiences or the people we’ve met,” Naqvi said. “These memories and artifacts of the past will take us far in unexpected ways. Our past contains the people who shaped us, peers engaged in friendly competition and teachers committed to connecting with us. I’m sure the difficulties we face will be remembered, but ultimately, don’t let hardships overshadow the beauty of those that taught us to embrace the challenges.” Valedictorian Sophia Zoraksh offered a suggestion to her classmates intertwined with a powerful story of her family’s experience as immigrants. “As we stand at this crossroad, I would like to offer you some encouraging advice,” Zoraksh said. “Find something that motivates you to keep learning, to keep growing, to keep pushing you through life to become the person that you envision yourself to be. For me, it was my family. When my family left war-torn Afghanistan over 30 years ago, they had no idea what their life would become. Their stories are similar to many immigrants in the United States: learning a new language, adjusting to a different culture, and struggling to receive an education and make ends meet. They simply knew that they would work hard day and night to provide a better life for their children and grandchildren, dreaming that one day they would make something of themselves. They sacrificed so much in order to give our generations the life they never had. I give thanks to Allah for allowing me to stand here before you all as valedictorian, to honor and represent not only their legacy, but to represent and be a beacon of hope for the girls in Afghanistan who do not have the privilege to receive an education like I did. I did it for them.” The day’s guest speaker was returning Deer Park Class of 2013 valedictorian Tyler Doogan, who went on earn a bachelor’s degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering at the University of Buffalo and a master’s degree in aerospace engineering at Texas A&M University. “Regardless of what lies ahead of you, I implore you to continue the educational journey that you’ve been on,” Doogan told the current seniors. “The world we live in is ever evolving, and you should be too. This doesn’t necessarily mean sitting through lectures and doing homework. What I mean by continuing your education is likely different for each and every one of you. An important part of continuing your lifelong learning process is to seek out new people and experiences. You can surround yourself with people and things that better you throughout all parts of your life, whether that’s striving to be the best at your job or acquiring a new hobby that you’re passionate about. It’s also important to make time for the things that bring you happiness and laughter.” Superintendent James Cummings discussed the many challenges faced by the graduates, and affirmed the renewed importance of health and happiness. “As you conclude what can only be considered an unconventional high school career, I hope you take the lessons that you learned within these walls, and carve out a wonderful life for yourself,” Cummings said. “I leave you with some final pieces of advice. Number one, live a lifestyle that is healthy for you and for those around you. Surround yourself with good people and those who help you. Be the best version of yourself. Stand up for yourself. Stand up for what is right and stand up for what is just. Take risks. Dream big. Never give up. Treat people as though it would be the last time you see them. Understand that there’s no such thing as failures in life, there are successes and there are lessons. And then you learn from those lessons. And happiness is not determined by your possessions, but rather by the relationships you develop with people that you love and respect. Take nothing for granted. That means every friend, every family member, every day and every moment. And then finally, plan for the future but never forget to live for and enjoy each moment, and most importantly, be good to yourself and to others.” Principal Charles Cobb addressed his charges for the last time, encouraging them to celebrate the culmination of their hard work and dedication. “You have persevered through countless challenges and obstacles, and as a result, you have achieved a significant milestone in your lives,” Cobb said. “Graduating high school is no easy feat, and you should be proud of yourselves for making it to this point. As you move forward into the next phase of your lives, I want to remind you of the importance of resilience, adaptability and perseverance. These are the qualities that will help you navigate the unpredictable journey that is life. Whether you choose to pursue higher education, enter the workforce or take a gap year to explore your passions, you will undoubtedly face setbacks along the way, but it’s how you respond to those setbacks that will determine your success. I also want to emphasize the importance of community. You have spent the last four years of your lives surrounded by peers, teachers and staff members who have supported you and encouraged you to be your best selves. As you move forward, remember to seek out and build communities that will continue to support you in your endeavors. Surround yourself with people who will uplift you and challenge you to grow. Lastly, I want to remind you that the world needs your unique talents, perspectives and contributions. You are the future leaders, innovators and changemakers of our society. I urge you to use your education and experiences to make a positive impact on the world around you. Whether that means advocating for causes you hold dear, creating art that inspires or starting a business that solves a pressing problem, you have the power to make a difference. As you leave this stage and embark on the next chapter of your lives, I want you to know that we are proud of you, we believe in you and we cannot wait to see all that you will accomplish.” Date Added: 6/26/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=170128 Mon, 26 Jun 2023 04:00:00 GMT false170128 Congrats! Date Added: 6/23/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=170087 Fri, 23 Jun 2023 04:00:00 GMT false170087 JFK Theater Students Steal the Show With “Space Pirates” The Musical Theater Club at John F. Kennedy Intermediate School presented “Space Pirates” on June 15. Directed by teachers Michael Capobianco and Lori Palopoli, the story encompassed aliens, pirates and a whirlwind space adventure. Date Added: 6/22/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=170035 Thu, 22 Jun 2023 05:00:00 GMT false170035 Fun Times for Sixth Graders at Robert Frost’s Mathletics Robert Frost Middle School teacher Anthony Tannacore recently held his annual Mathletics event, in which sixth graders took a practice final while enjoying snacks and drinks. After Tannacore went over the answers, the students went outside to compete in softball. While they awaited their turn to play, the students enjoyed soccer and football. Halfway through, the fun came to a temporary halt for a dinner break of pizza, garlic knots and soft drinks. At the end of the night, the parents who came to watch the games, manage the teams and help pass out food, got up to bat and run the bases. “I would like to thank my co-teacher Mr. Miller for helping out and making everything run as smoothly as possible,” Tannacore said. Date Added: 6/22/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=170034 Thu, 22 Jun 2023 04:00:00 GMT false170034 Deer Park Secondary Music Ensembles Win Big at Music in the Parks The music ensembles from Deer Park High School and Robert Frost Middle School successfully participated in the Music in the Parks competition, held June 2-3 at Dorney Park and Hersheypark in Pennsylvania. The schools were represented by talented students who demonstrated their hard work and dedication to music education. Robert Frost’s concert band, led by Michael Livorno, took home the first place trophy with a superior rating. Meanwhile, three high school groups – the chamber orchestra, led by Kathryn Attard; the guitar ensemble, led by Scott Abrams; and the wind ensemble, led by Derek Schmelter – all won first place with superior ratings. The chamber orchestra and wind ensemble also achieved the overall Best Ensemble Performance award for the festival. The women’s choir, directed by Catherine Singer, achieved first place with an excellent rating, and vocalist Nathalie Martillo was awarded the Best Overall Individual Performance from any group throughout the festival. Additionally, the students in the high school ensembles were honored with the Esprit de Corps award, recognizing their successes beyond music in being kind, respectful and demonstrating exemplary character to all other performing groups. “We could not be prouder of our ensembles," said Bradley Murphy, Deer Park’s district administrator for fine and performing arts. “Their hard work, determination and passion for music have resulted in outstanding performances and a well-deserved recognition. We congratulate all the students, teachers and chaperones involved in making this event a huge success.” Date Added: 6/20/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=169960 Tue, 20 Jun 2023 04:00:00 GMT false169960 Grandpa Tony’s Birthday Drive at May Moore Collects Food for Island Harvest “Grandpa Tony” is one of May Moore Primary School’s seven adopted grandparents from the Federation of Organizations for the Foster Grandparent Program, volunteering three times a week to work with students in Nicole Leggio’s classroom. He also spends his free time at Island Harvest, handing out food to help those most in need. For Grandpa Tony’s birthday this year, Leggio’s class and the May Moore faculty collected 213 pounds of food that was donated to Island Harvest in his honor. “Grandpa Tony is truly amazing and I am very lucky to have him,” Leggio said. “He is generous and kindhearted, and the kids look forward to him coming in every day. In honor of his birthday, we wanted to acknowledge him and all the wonderful things he does for others by supporting a cause near and dear to his heart and helping others in need. He would rather help others than have his birthday celebrated, and was sincerely touched by the school’s generosity,” “A huge thank you to everyone who contributed and helped us celebrate Grandpa Tony’s birthday in a way he would appreciate – by donating to others in need,” Principal Tammy Alcalde said. “We love you Grandpa Tony!” Date Added: 6/16/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=169903 Fri, 16 Jun 2023 04:00:00 GMT false169903 Frost Sixth Graders Create Rhythm Books for JQA Music Classes Diana Cotrone’s seventh-grade general music classes at Robert Frost Middle School recently created custom rhythm books for all of the first-grade music classes at John Quincy Adams Primary School. The middle schoolers used rhythms that the first graders learned to create the books for them. The books, with the help of publications, were gifted to the first graders to take home and treasure forever. Date Added: 6/16/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=169904 Fri, 16 Jun 2023 04:00:00 GMT false169904 Deer Park High School Recognizes Spring Athletes Deer Park High School celebrated its athletes at its spring varsity sports awards, held in the school auditorium on June 8. Athletic Director Dominick Fontana congratulated the athletes on all of their accomplishments and thanked the parents for their dedication and unwavering support. The Unified basketball and bowling teams were first called to the stage to be recognized for a fantastic season. The eight spring varsity teams were then recognized and four athletes per team were awarded plaques for the Most Improved Player, Sportsmanship Award, Coach’s Award and most valuable player. Additional awards were also handed out to special players. Congratulations to the following award winners: Girls Golf: Bianca Bell (Coach’s Award), Brianna Boyd (Sportsmanship Award), Gloria Min (Most Improved Player) and Kayleigh Pellicano (MVP). Boys Lacrosse: Massimo Capozza (Sportsmanship Award), Nadal Charles (Unsung Hero Award) Brandon LaGonterie (Coach’s Award), John Laird III (Hard Hat Award), Joel Nash (Spirit Award) and Marley Witzman (MVP) Girls Lacrosse: Addison Costanza (Sportsmanship Award), Kristin Farina (Coach’s Award), Taylor Gaskin (Most Improved Player), Leah Means (All-Rookie Award), Lorelai Silverstein (Unsung Hero Award Award) and Fiona Stapleton (MVP). Boys Tennis: Timothy Celona (Coach’s Award), Sameer Chaudhary (MVP), Jeshurun Daniel (Most Improved Player) and Ryder Min (Sportsmanship Award). Baseball: Nolan Delargy (Most Improved Player), Joseph DeSimone (Carmine Argenziano Baseball Scholarship), Michael Hendrickson (Sportsmanship Award), Vincent LaCasia (MVP) and Christian Maxwell (Coach’s Award). Softball: Summer Eisenberg (Coach’s Award), Kayley Eising (MVP), Madison Picciocchi (Most Improved Player), Alana Villavicencio (Sportsmanship Award). Boys Spring Track: Aiden Arifi (Coach’s Award), Jovani Elysee-Holloway (MVP), Luciano Stallone (Most Improved Player) and Reza Zoraksh (Sportsmanship Award). Girls Spring Track: Lesley Almanzare (Sportsmanship Award), Ava Capone (Coach’s Award), Chelsea Cornelia (Rookie Award), Olivia Corrado (Most Improved Player), Alexandra Geosits (Co-MVP) and Natalia Lee (Co-MVP). Date Added: 6/15/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=169848 Thu, 15 Jun 2023 04:00:00 GMT false169848 Elementary Staff Compete in Battle of the Schools Deer Park’s three elementary schools – JFK, JQA and May Moore – competed in a Battle of the Schools sports night competition on May 12, held at the high school. The competition consisted of staff members from each school battling it out for first place by participating in silly events such as Hula Hoop Chain; Hungry, Hungry Hippos; and Pigs in a Blanket. Deer Park staff, district administrators and Board of Education President Donna Marie Elliot served as referees. In the end, May Moore took the first-place trophy home, with JFK claiming second place and JQA finishing third. Date Added: 6/15/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=169852 Thu, 15 Jun 2023 04:00:00 GMT false169852 Deer Park HS Presents Class of 2023 With Senior Awards Deer Park High School recognized outstanding seniors of the Class of 2023 at the school’s annual senior awards on June 1, presenting the students with department awards, schoolwide awards and scholarships. Steven Mendell led the pledge of allegiance, Dimitra Pavlatpos performed the national anthem and Principal Charles Cobb provided words of support and congratulations for the seniors and their families. Music for the event, held in the school’s auditorium, was provided by the school’s superb jazz ensemble, directed by Louis Nicolosi. Date Added: 6/13/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=169769 Tue, 13 Jun 2023 04:00:00 GMT false169769 Deer Park Honors Devoted District Personnel at Board of Ed Meeting At the Deer Park School District’s May 30 Board of Education meeting, personnel were honored for their years of dedicated service, and retiring and newly tenured administrators, teachers and staff were recognized. Recognized for their decades of service were Kathryn Attard, Angela Baker, Robert Brennan, Carla DeVito, Josephine Gambale, Maryann Giuliano, Eric Gottesman, Michael Livorno, Kristen Lombardo, Salvatore Mascolo, Susan Mehr, Dean Militello, Daryn Perry, Francine Pullman, Amy Rocchetta, Andrea Schwint and Scott Surdi for 25 years; Michael Gennaro, Alicia Konecny, Brian Kruger, Louis Nicolosi and Linda Stow for 30 years; and Philomena Otto for 40 years. “Tonight, we get the opportunity to recognize our staff for the many years of love and devotion that they have given to this district,” Board President Donna Marie Elliot said. “Whether 25, 30 or 40 years of dedication, no matter their role, they have been and continue to be a very important part of this Deer Park family. We thank them for helping to make Deer Park as special as it is.” Nineteen retiring staff members – teachers Ann Bullis, Lauren Chipkin, Teresa Cupolo, Patricia Katz, Brian Kruger, Christine Meckley and Susan Pannell; teaching assistants Gail Dunne, Margo Kilkelly and Ann Pastore; and non-instructional employees Donald Buhrmeister, Michael Fullam, Sonia Hidalgo, Alison Lacoff, Patti Maurio, Joseph Orecchio, Nancy Ragone, Jose Seda and Teresa Smith – were all recognized for their important contributions to the district and its students. “We recognize the blood, sweat and the tears, and how much dedication you put in, Superintendent James Cummings said. “Wherever in the district you worked, that place will not be the same without you.” Congratulated for receiving tenure were District Administrator of Instructional Technology Jay Murphy; Curriculum Associate for ELA, Reading, and Library 6-12 Justin Uliano; Deer Park High School Associate Principal Garret Noblett; John F. Kennedy Intermediate School Principal Kelly Benson and Associate Principal Marilin Guiterrez; Deer Park High School social studies teacher Joseph Alo, math teacher Julissa Larkin, science teacher Kevin Richards, special education teacher Vincent Russo and science teacher Olivia Vilardi-Perez; Robert Frost Middle School technology teacher Jeffrey Cifelli, special education teacher Nicole Sharkey and world language teacher Oscar Villalobos; John F. Kennedy Intermediate School teacher Zachary King; John Quincy Adams Primary School elementary teacher Erica Berdugo and special education teacher Tess Maloney; and May Moore Primary School elementary teacher Lindsay Barry. “We are excited to celebrate you all and the major accomplishment you have achieved,” Elliott said. “Thank you for what you do, day in and day out. Together, we are one Deer Park – proud, strong, talented and devoted to the successes of our children and our community.” Date Added: 6/12/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=169717 Mon, 12 Jun 2023 04:00:00 GMT false169717 Deer Park HS Celebrates Second Cultural Representation Day Deer Park High School celebrated its second annual Cultural Representation Day on May 19. Students came to school dressed in cultural clothing that represented their heritage. “Thank you to all that participated,” said Josephine Conway and Alfonsina Sguera, the co-advisers of the school’s International Culture Club. Date Added: 6/12/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=169718 Mon, 12 Jun 2023 04:00:00 GMT false169718 Ten Deer Park Senior Athletes Sign to Play in College Ten hardworking Deer Park High School senior student-athletes committed to continuing their sports on the college or university level this fall during a May 22 recognition ceremony in the school’s chorus room. Alex Aiello will play football at SUNY Morrisville. He earned first and second team All-Division recognition and won the Ironman Award twice. Aiello’s major is undeclared. Ava Capone will run track at Rider University. She earned All-County, All-League and MVP during her high school career. She plans to major in accounting. Gianna Capone will play basketball at St. Joseph’s University. She earned All-League, MVP and the Coach’s Award during her high school career. She plans to major in child study. Kristin Farina will play lacrosse at SUNY Old Westbury. She plans to major in early childhood education. Nate Gordon will play basketball at SUNY Brockport. He earned All-State Honorable Mention, All-County, All-Conference, All-League and MVP during his high school career. Gordon plans to major in accounting. Tyler Kuhn will play basketball at Manhattanville College. He plans to major in criminal justice. Natalia Lee will run track at SUNY Binghamton. She earned All-County, All-League, MVP and was a three-time Scholar-Athlete during her high school career. Lee plans to major in biology. Marco Milankovic will wrestle at Utica University. He won the Coach’s Award and Spirit Award during his high school career. Milankovic plans to major in physical education. Rachmani Pierre will play football at Southern Connecticut State University. He earned All-County, All-Divison and Newsday Top 100 during his high school career. Pierre plans to major in information systems. Dmitri Tulloch will play soccer at Washington & Lee University. He earned All-League and All-County Honorable Mention during his high school career. Tulloch plans to major in business. “We want to take the opportunity to recognize everybody, because it really takes a lifetime of hard work, dedication, sacrifice, commitment to achieve this,” District Administrator for Athletics, Physical Education, Health and Recreation Dominick Fontana said. “I am happy to hear that you are interested enough – and have the ability – to keep playing outside of these walls. Hopefully, you will go on to do good things for the next four as well, and no matter where you’re going, congratulations.” Date Added: 6/9/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=169662 Fri, 09 Jun 2023 04:00:00 GMT false169662 Deer Park School District UPK RFP Date Added: 6/9/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=169630 Fri, 09 Jun 2023 04:00:00 GMT false169630 DPHS Fashion Marketing Students Tour Garment District Deer Park High School students studying fashion marketing recently walked the streets of Manhattan’s Garment District, listening to first-hand stories of immigrants coming to New York City to start a new life in America and the enormous contribution they made on the apparel industry in the early 1900s. During the field trip, the students witnessed how the use of technology is changing the dynamics of how fashion designers and manufacturers are impacting New York City and the world. Their tour guides stopped at several historical and modern buildings that contributed to the development of the garment industry. A visit to a factory demonstrated how original designs are modified into numerous different sizes for purchase through the use of technology, and how patterns are created and cut. “We learned so much,” students Ruby Kappel and Jayna Singh said. “By listening to our tour guides’ experiences, we saw how the garment district in New York City has changed over the years. We also learned how workers in the fashion industry have struggled throughout history to make money, and how labor laws and technological advancements have affected the industry. It was one of our favorite trips because there was so much interesting information included in such a short amount of time.” Date Added: 6/8/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=169615 Thu, 08 Jun 2023 04:00:00 GMT false169615 JFK Spelling Bee Raises Close to $1K for Food Pantry John F. Kennedy Intermediate School’s Let’s Make a Difference Club recently hosted the first annual spelling bee for third, fourth and fifth graders, successfully raising close to $1,000 for the Ss. Cyril and Methodius Church food pantry. Third-grade winners were Adam Fahl (first place), Olivia Jones (second place) and Rayyan Khan (third place). Fourth-grade winners were Kingston Treco (first place), Mason Ylitalo (second place) and Sara Muntz (third place). Fifth-grade winners were Irena Azgar (first place), Jad Ali (second place) and Jake Palma-Ovegas (third place). Date Added: 6/8/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=169616 Thu, 08 Jun 2023 04:00:00 GMT false169616 Deer Park Valedictorian Recognized at SCSSA Luncheon Deer Park High School’s 2023 valedictorian Sophia Zorakhsh was among those recognized when the Suffolk County School Superintendents Association hosted the 29th annual Valedictorians Luncheon at Villa Lombardi’s in Holbrook on June 1. The SCSSA tradition honored the enviable accomplishments of the county’s highest-achieving graduates from the Class of 2023 and was attended by school district superintendents, high school principals, valedictorians and their parents. After a warm welcome by SCSSA Vice President Dr. Harold Dean, SCSSA President James Polansky noted that the expectations of the valedictorians moving forward will be different and more challenging. Polansky advised the graduates to continue “being you.” He also gave them “the basics of success:” You don’t have to win every argument; Learn to yield; Don’t compare your life to others; Give credit; Don’t take no for an answer; No one is in charge of your happiness; Believe in miracles; and Get up, dress up, and show off. Guest speaker Angelique Johnson-Dingle, the New York State Education Department deputy commissioner of P-12 Instructional Support, spoke from the heart with her advice for the valedictorians. In addition to encouraging them to pay it forward, not letting a fall prevent them from succeeding and to remember their home, she advised the graduates to “be kind to yourselves.” “You are the future,” she said. “We need you to go out into the world and shape it into a world you want it to be.” The valedictorians were then called up onto the stage, accompanied by their district superintendent of schools and principal, to receive a commemorative plaque. During closing remarks, SCSSA President-Elect Dr. Timothy Hearney acknowledged that parents were integral to the graduates’ achievements and should also be congratulated. To the valedictorians, Dr. Hearney said, “We are confident you will create new trails. You represent the best of education.” Date Added: 6/6/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=169527 Tue, 06 Jun 2023 04:00:00 GMT false169527 DPHS Clubs Host Cedar Beach Clean Up Deer Park High School’s Environmental Club and Community Service Club hosted the third annual Cedar Beach Clean Up on May 13. More than 60 students volunteered this year to participate. “We are so proud of our students and staff members who dedicated time to not only help their community but the environment as well,” science teacher Andrea D'Orazio said. Date Added: 6/5/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=169488 Mon, 05 Jun 2023 04:00:00 GMT false169488 May Moore Bus Driver Continues Red Nose Day Tradition Continuing a special annual tradition, Deer Park bus driver Juan Rodriguez purchased a red nose for each student on his May Moore Primary School bus route in honor of Red Nose Day. This foundation supports programs that help break the cycle of child poverty and ensure children have access to healthcare, nutritious food and quality education, are safe from harm, and have the opportunity to thrive without limits. “Mr. Juan does this annually, and we are always so happy to join in and support this worthy cause,” May Moore Principal Tammy Alcalde said. “He is truly a treasure and we are so lucky to have him at Deer Park.” Date Added: 6/5/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=169489 Mon, 05 Jun 2023 04:00:00 GMT false169489 Deer Park HS Inducts First Ever National English Honor Society Members For the first time ever, Deer Park High School established a chapter of the National English Honor Society this year and inducted its first 65 members during a May 17 ceremony which included guest alumni who spoke on the importance of language and celebrating the humanities. Advised by ELA teachers Teresa Greco and Kristen Wallace, the English Honor Society is dedicated to literary achievement and community service. The chapter is sponsored nationally by Sigma Tau Delta and seeks to recognize student accomplishment, as well as providing service to English department activities. “We have an amazing group of student leaders and a terrific adviser team who put in so much effort to make this happen,” ELA Curriculum Associate Justin Uliano said. “I am so proud of them.” Date Added: 6/2/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=169420 Fri, 02 Jun 2023 04:00:00 GMT false169420 Deer Park’s French Honor Society Hosts Haitian Dinner Deer Park High School’s French Honor Society hosted a memorable Haitian Dinner on May 18, encompassing music, food, fashion, art and entertainment. Sam Adolphe, the society’s treasurer, demonstrated how to say “welcome” in Haitian Creole. Attendees also enjoyed dance lessons and a fashion show, and feasted on a menu of traditional Haitian favorites such as griot, diri djon djon, pate kode and shaved ice. The high school has 24 students and two staff members that speak Haitian Creole. Date Added: 6/1/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=169385 Thu, 01 Jun 2023 04:00:00 GMT false169385 Senior Emily Franciscovich Earns Girl Scouts Gold Award for Memorial Garden Deer Park High School senior Emily Franciscovich recently earned her Girl Scouts Gold Award by spearheading the construction of a memorial garden at the school. The dedication ceremony was attended by Legislator Tom Donnelly, Superintendent James Cummings, Principal Charles Cobb, Associate Principal Dina Pannone, Board of Education President Donna Marie Elliott and Board trustee Jerry D. Jean-Pierre. The memorial garden honors those who have passed with ties to the Deer Park School District, including two of Franciscovich’s classmates who died last year: Christine Nguyen and Kaitlyn Zanello. The project took almost a year to complete. At the end of last summer, Franciscovich started brainstorming and building a team to work with to bring her vision to life, consisting of school administration, Parent Faculty Club and the Buildings and Grounds Committee. “The community that is Deer Park is one that I am proud to be a part of for many reasons,” Franciscovich said. “We all come together no matter what the circumstance, and that is one thing Deer Park knows how to do well. I knew Kaitlyn from being in the same graduating class and seeing her throughout our years in the district. My freshman year, I played tennis with Christine and saw her almost every day during our season. I wanted to specifically honor these two girls because I was lucky enough to know them during my time here at the high school, and that is something I will forever be grateful for. The meaning behind this project is to create a positive space to carry on their legacy.” Franciscovich has been a Girl Scout for 13 years. Only 5.4% of Girl Scouts successfully earn the Gold Award, making it a major achievement. Earlier this school year, Franciscovich – captain of the Deer Park High School tennis team and founder of volunteer group Girls That Give Back – won the News12 Scholar Athlete Award, earning her a $1,000 college scholarship from Bethpage Federal Credit Union, and a Distinguished Youth Award gold medal from the Suffolk County Legislature. Date Added: 5/31/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=169354 Wed, 31 May 2023 04:00:00 GMT false169354 Falcons Basketball Program Earns Accolades Another successful season came to an end for the athletes of Deer Park High School’s varsity boys basketball team, who qualified for the playoffs for the 14th consecutive year. Three Deer Park senior players were honored at the Suffolk County Boys Basketball Coaches Association brunch on May 21: Nolan Delargy (Academic All-County), Nate Gordon (All-League, All-Conference, All-County) and Billy Murphy (All-League, All-Conference). Additionally, junior varsity coach Justin Gutman – whose JV Falcons completed an unbeaten 20-0 season – was honored as the League 5 JV Coach of the Year. In other accolades, the varsity Falcons, coached by John McCaffrey, were honored as the Section XI Sportsmanship Award winner for League 5 for the second consecutive year; seniors Nate Gordon, Tyler Kuhn, Jaivon Martin and Billy Murphy were selected for the Suffolk County Boys Basketball Coaches Association Exceptional Senior Game; and juniors Maismy Desir and Gabe Lembert and seniors Nolan Delargy and Billy Murphy were named New York State Scholar-Athletes. In team honors, Delargy was selected to receive the Coaches Award, sophomore Dimaunte Gardner was voted Most Improved, Kuhn was selected as the Sportsmanship Award winner and Gordon was voted team MVP. Nine seniors from the team will graduate in June, with two – the 27th and 28th college players to come from the Deer Park boys basketball program – continuing on to play basketball in college, Gordon at SUNY Brockport and Kuhn at Manhattanville College. Date Added: 5/31/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=169357 Wed, 31 May 2023 04:00:00 GMT false169357 Spelling Bee Fever at Robert Frost Robert Frost Middle School students got caught up in a competitive fever at their first spelling bee this spring, organized by ELA teacher Teri Vieira. A total of 41 students in sixth, seventh, and eighth grades competed in classroom mini-bees before the winners moved on to the buildingwide competition. After 20 rounds, seventh grader Brent Ceballos was named the winner, with sixth graders Shayan Hassan and Nate Fahl as runners-up. Ceballos’ victory qualified him to move on to the Regional Spelling Bee, hosted at Milton L. Olive Middle School in Wyandanch on May 11 against other school winners from across Long Island. Ceballos made it to the sixth round of competition. Date Added: 5/24/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=169198 Wed, 24 May 2023 05:00:00 GMT false169198 A Fun Family Night for JQA’s ENL Students JQA’s ENL students had a great time at their recent annual ENL Family Night, filled with games, dancing, art and crafts, raffles and fun. “We had a wonderful turnout and hope that the students enjoyed time with their classmates and friends,” teacher Vanessa Pizzo said. “It was a nice way to celebrate being halfway done with state testing.” Date Added: 5/24/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=169197 Wed, 24 May 2023 04:00:00 GMT false169197 JFK’s New Golf Club Ends Season with Top Golf Trip JFK’s Golf Club was started last fall by fourth-grade teacher Zack King, intended an introductory program to the sport of golf. The club was composed of 20 boys and girls from third through fifth grade, and ran on Tuesday afternoons from October until May. As a culminating event, the club took a field trip to Top Golf Long Island in Holtsville. “I grew up around the sport of golf and have worked at a country club in Westchester County during my summers since the age of 13,” King said. “Using the generous donations of 20 junior golf club sets, hitting mats and golf balls from Brae Burn Country Club, I developed a teaching program that taught the students the basics of the sport of golf, beginning with putting and progressing through the different clubs until we learned to hit the driver. We ended our season at Top Golf, where the students got to have a great time showing off all they had learned about golf through the year. My ultimate vision for this program is to grow interest in the sport and develop the district golf program.” Date Added: 5/22/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=169093 Mon, 22 May 2023 04:00:00 GMT false169093 Register for Deer Park Summer Sports Camps Click here to register. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=168989 Thu, 18 May 2023 04:00:00 GMT false168989 May Moore Second Graders Participate in Postcard Project Last summer, May Moore Primary School teacher Dana Grafstein joined a group of second-grade teachers from 40 different states in the U.S. for a postcard project to help students learn about each state. Using facts about New York, Grafstein typed up postcards to send out to the classes in each of the other participating states. After reading each postcard, Graftstein and her students pin the state on a map and attach the card. “We have been receiving postcards over the past couple of weeks, and my students are so excited to learn about the states and what second-grade classes are like in different parts of the country,” Grafstein said. “Some of them are so different.” Date Added: 5/17/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=168937 Wed, 17 May 2023 04:00:00 GMT false168937 Budget Passes! The Deer Park 2023-2024 budget has passed. Thank you! Yes – 570 No – 178 Congratulations to Al Centamore and Donna Gulli Grunseich on winning the Board election. Al Centamore – 584* Donna Gulli Grunseich – 533* ************* El presupuesto ha sido aprobado. ¡Gracias! Si – 570 No – 178 Felicitaciones a Al Centamore y Donna Gulli Grunseich por ganar la elección de la Junta. Al Centamore – 584* Donna Gulli Grunseich – 533* https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=168884 Tue, 16 May 2023 05:00:00 GMT false168884 Five DPHS DECA Students Compete at International Conference Five Deer Park High School students – Sasha Khellawan, Brandon Lanaro, Katia Papailler, Luis Rodriguez and Sidra Syed – attended DECA’s International Career Development Conference in Orlando, Florida at the end of April. They were among more than 20,000 students from across the country and around the world participating in a variety of business and marketing events. Syed,a freshman, was an international finalist in Principles of Marketing, placing her in the top 20 worldwide in that event. She was one of only 24 students from New York State to earn this distinction. Date Added: 5/16/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=168862 Tue, 16 May 2023 04:00:00 GMT false168862 Robert Frost Inducts 67 Into National Junior Honor Society The National Junior Honor Society at Robert Frost Middle School inducted 67 new members on May 1, including 45 students from the school’s seventh grade and 22 from the eighth grade. After Student Council President Kaylee Puterbaugh led the Pledge of Allegiance, National Junior Honor Society President Alessandra Tejero welcomed the audience and members. Also speaking were NJHS Vice President Mollie Pellicano, NJHS Secretary Sophia Lindsay, NJHS Treasurer Nobin Nath and Student Council Treasurer Aditya Kataria “Tonight, we induct all these students and welcome them to be a part of a society that demonstrates well-rounded student leadership in their community and school,” Tejero said. “Looking at all our current and new members, I know we can continue to be role models and bestow all of our members with pride.” Principal Dr. Eliana Levey hailed the inductees’ growth as leaders, citing one of her favorite books, John C. Maxwell’s “The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader.” “You have demonstrated that you are not followers,” Dr. Levey told the students. “You are willing to work hard to be successful in your academic careers, and have demonstrated the high quality of your character and your willingness to get involved with your school and community. Getting into the National Junior Honor Society is about more than having good grades. You have committed your time and service to others.” “You are incredibly hardworking students who have not only shown achievements in academics, but also in your involvement with activities inside and out of Robert Frost Middle School,” Deer Park High School National Honor Society President Ryan Klivansky said. “Today is an incredible achievement for all of you, but I hope that is just the beginning of the great things you can all do in this world. The National Junior Honor Society stands on the pillars of scholarship, leadership, service, character and citizenship. I hope you use these five pillars to guide you as you continue to get involved in your school and community. By volunteering your time, you gain valuable skills, develop leadership qualities and make meaningful connections with others. This is the start of your opportunity to make an impact on your school and community, but also to build upon your character as an individual. You are now a part of something greater. You are part of a nationwide honor society, which allows you to create positive change here in Deer Park, but also nationwide or even worldwide. You now can make a difference. You can help improve your school and community by participating in service projects, organizing events, holding fundraisers, advocating for awareness and promoting causes that you care about. Remember, being a member of the National Junior Honor Society is not just a title. It is a responsibility to use the talents and ability to work so hard to achieve, to make the world a better place. So, take advantage of this opportunity to get involved, lead by example and inspire others to do the same. Thank you for your commitment to excellence and your dedication to service. I’m excited to see what you can accomplish in the future.” Date Added: 5/11/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=168767 Thu, 11 May 2023 04:00:00 GMT false168767 JQA Kindergartners Demonstrate “How-To” Marcella Biordi’s kindergarten class at Deer Park’s John Quincy Adams Primary School held a “How-To” Writing Celebration on April 18. Over the previous weeks, the students had worked hard on creating “how-to” books, deciding on topics – from the classroom and home to the kitchen and outdoors – that they were knowledgeable about and could teach to someone else. From there, they worked hard to put each detailed step together, adding tips, warnings and suggestions to show someone how to do something. To celebrate their hard work, the kindergartners dressed up to showcase their writing topic and shared their writing, reading their “how-to” books to another class and then to their own parents. “We are so proud of their dedication during this writing unit,” Biordi said. Date Added: 5/9/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=168674 Tue, 09 May 2023 04:00:00 GMT false168674 Arianna Jones and Joseph Sciurca Named Suffolk Zone Award Winners Deer Park High School seniors Arianna Jones and Joseph Sciurca were recently named winners of this year’s Suffolk Zone Awards. Both have maintained a 100 average in physical education. The Suffolk Zone Chapter of the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance annually gives awards to one male and one female student in each Suffolk high school, selected for excellent achievement in physical education, outstanding character and leadership in schoolwide activities. Jones is a member of the Spanish Honor Society and Science Honor Society. Besides being a leader in the classroom, she is involved in many extracurricular activities including track and cross-country, sound crew, and Dungeons and Dragons Club. Outside of school, Jones is involved in the Civil Air Patrol and the New York Marine Rescue Center in Riverhead, and studies theater and dance at the Vic D’Amore Studio of Dance as well as Brazilian jiu jitsu. A class leader because of his consistent effort and positive attitude, Sciurca has been on the Gold Honor Roll each quarter since sixth grade. Outside the classroom, he is involved in numerous sports and clubs. He has been a member of the track program since his freshman year as well as the soccer team. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Math and Science Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society and marching band. He is also a junior member of the Deer Park Fire Department. Date Added: 5/8/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=168609 Mon, 08 May 2023 04:00:00 GMT false168609 DPHS Holds College and Career Week Deer Park High School held its annual College and Career Week from April 24-28, providing students with the opportunity to meet and speak with over 15 different colleges, universities, trades, unions and military services each day of the week. “We had an amazing turnout from our students, who loved being able to meet with representatives from various institutions during their lunch breaks,” Associate Principal Dina Pannone said. Date Added: 5/5/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=168571 Fri, 05 May 2023 04:00:00 GMT false168571 A Sweet Time at Tanger Honeybee Workshop for JQA Second Graders Representatives from Tanger Outlets Deer Park recently visited Deer Park’s John Quincy Adams Primary School to donate a tree to the school for Earth Day and present a special honeybee workshop to a second-grade class. The students learned about honeybees from a beekeeper, taste-tested honeys and decorated two bee boxes for placement on top of Tanger’s buildings. Date Added: 5/4/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=168535 Thu, 04 May 2023 04:00:00 GMT false168535 Board of Ed Honors Class of 2023’s Top 10 Seniors Deer Park High School’s Class of 2023 top 10 students were honored at the Deer Park School District’s April 25 Board of Education meeting. With their proud families looking on, school administrators lauded the success of these outstanding students, recognizing valedictorian Sophia Zorakhsh, salutatorian Sarah Naqvi and the remaining top 10 ranked seniors: Steven Mendell (third), Brett Patrick (fourth), Jimmy Jiang (fifth), Ryder Min (sixth), Tiffany Bala (seventh), Gabriella Ortiz (eighth), Kayley Eising (ninth) and Ryan Klivansky (10th). “Regardless of what topic you are talking about, the top 10 is signified with one common theme,” Principal Charles Cobb said. “We are talking about the best of the best, the elite. In this instance tonight, we are here to recognize our academic elite, our top 10 students at Deer Park High School. Congratulations on this tremendous accomplishment. We are proud of you and look forward to all that you are going to accomplish in the future.” “Congratulations to all of you and your families,” Board President Donna Marie Elliott told the seniors, “No matter where your endeavors take you, we wish you great success and much happiness.” Date Added: 5/3/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=168492 Wed, 03 May 2023 04:00:00 GMT false168492 Book Buddies Program Encourages Reading and Leadership Deer Park High School’s English students continued the Book Buddies program by promoting reading with fifth graders from John F. Kennedy Intermediate School. The younger students chose books to peer-read with sophomores and juniors from the high school. After an initial virtual meet-and-greet, students met in person for the first time at JFK, where they discussed characters they loved, literary concepts and social-emotional lessons raised in the books. The Book Buddies met two more times over the project, including a final meeting where the fifth graders visited Deer Park High School and had a final discussion about their books. The “Buddies” loved the project, sharing their love of choice reading and discussing the challenges of growing up. The high schoolers developed leadership skills throughout the project, leading discussions, making reading plans and identifying key concepts. “I was impressed by my students embracing their mentor roles, demonstrating their ability to peer deeply into texts, to make authentic connections and to find value in the reading and sharing process,” 11th grade teacher Teresa Greco said. “There is no greater academic skill than reading, and to see the passion and exuberance displayed by all of our students solidified the importance of this tremendous activity,” Deer Park High School Principal Charles Cobb said. “This project was a great way to motivate and encourage readers, build confidence and make connections,” JFK Associate Principal Marilin Gutierrez said. “I have been participating in the Book Buddies program for three years now, and every year the kids absolutely love it,” JFK fifth grade teacher Nina Ragone said. “The fifth graders always want to impress their partners with new ideas and they really take pride in their work.” Date Added: 5/3/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=168494 Wed, 03 May 2023 04:00:00 GMT false168494 Deer Park’s Spring Breakfast for Champions Honors 17 Achievers At the annual spring Breakfast for Champions celebration on April 19, Deer Park High School recognized the achievements of 17 remarkable students in categories corresponding to school departments as well as principal’s and teacher’s awards. Held in the school’s library, the event included the students’ proud families and featured music from a string quintet of high school musicians. The spring 2023 Breakfast for Champions honorees were Naeil Alim (health), Ramiah Anderson (English), Victoria Ashdown (technology), Avery Barnett (athletics), Brianna Burnett (fine arts), Ashley Castro Garcia (Teacher’s Award), Inara Chowdhury (Principal’s Award), Colin Donovan (science), Alexa Feliciano (family and consumer science), Eric Helm (math), Salvatore Ippolito Jr. (business), Kristina Kerr (physical education), Giovanna Luppy (social studies), Nathalie Martillo (performing arts), Nicholas Miga (world languages), Vincent Petrillo (guidance) and Daniel Santiago Ponte (English as a new language). “This morning’s event is an opportunity for teachers and administrators to honor students who impacted them in some way this year,” Associate Principal Garret Noblett said. “These students show exceptional conduct and character on a daily basis. The stories heard today recognize the students’ achievement, hard work and determination to overcome obstacles. Thank you to the parents and families of our champions, who played a key role in helping them to get where they are today. “These students’ achievement solidifies that the work that we do here in the Deer Park community is impactful, not only for our students, but beyond the walls of Deer Park High School as well,” Principal Charles Cobb said. “Congratulations to all our students here this morning.” Date Added: 5/2/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=168427 Tue, 02 May 2023 05:00:00 GMT false168427 Deer Park HS Students Explore Long Island History on Field Trip Deer Park High School students in two classes – Joe Alo’s Long Island History and Kevin Richards’ Natural History of Long Island – recently took a joint field trip. At the Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site in Huntington Station, the students toured the house and wrote poems. They then visited West Hills County Park, hiking three miles to the top of Jayne’s Hill, the highest point on Long Island and over 387 feet above sea level. Date Added: 5/2/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=168426 Tue, 02 May 2023 04:00:00 GMT false168426 Celebrating Deer Park High School's 2023 Students of the Month So Far Date Added: 5/1/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=168380 Mon, 01 May 2023 04:00:00 GMT false168380 Budget Newsletter 2023 Now Available Date Added: 4/28/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=168340 Fri, 28 Apr 2023 04:00:00 GMT false168340 Deer Park’s New National English Honor Society Hosts Poetry Slam The new National English Honor Society at Deer Park High School recently hosted a Poetry Slam, led by Junior Vice President Mohammad Fahad. Student performers took the stage to read prepared poetry of their own, as well as published verse of other professional writers. Students also participated in improv poetry activities created by NEHS officers. “Student leadership in the literary arts is a hallmark of a great English Honor Society, and I’m proud of our students who have taken the reins at the founding of the Deer Park Hugh School chapter of NEHS,” said Justin Uliano, the district’s curriculum associate for English language arts. Date Added: 4/28/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=168343 Fri, 28 Apr 2023 04:00:00 GMT false168343 Deer Park HS Inducts 92 New World Language Honor Society Members The Deer Park High School World Language Honor Society proudly inducted 92 new members – eight for French, 23 for Italian and 61 for Spanish – at its annual induction ceremony on April 13. Music was provided by the school’s string quartet. After the school’s women’s choir sang the national anthem, Stephanie Sheeler performed a rendition of Baroque composer Giuseppe Torelli’s “Tu lo Sai” and English as a new language students from John Quincy Adams Primary School sang the “Hello Song” to the delighted audience of family and guests. Date Added: 4/25/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=168228 Tue, 25 Apr 2023 04:00:00 GMT false168228 Rockin’ Socks at JFK for Down Syndrome Awareness Students and staff at JFK recently rocked their socks for Down Syndrome awareness, with the staff raising $250 in donations for the Special Olympics. Date Added: 4/24/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=168176 Mon, 24 Apr 2023 04:00:00 GMT false168176 DPHS Kicks Off Spring with Ninth Annual Track Invitational Deer Park High School’s varsity track programs kicked off the spring sports season with their ninth annual coed invitational on April 8. This event was a huge success, with over 15 teams from across Long Island and over 1,000 athletes participating. The meet highlighted performances from Deer Park seniors Sam Adolphe, Lesley Almanzar, Avery Barnett, Ava Capone, Lutherson Chauvette, Isaiah Harrillal, Jovanni Holloway, Natalia Lee, Denise Offiah, Alexa Perez, Kevin Rodriguez, Daran Saul and Brianne Vasconcellos. “This event showcased all of the hard work and dedication that goes into this program every day from our athletes,” varsity boys coach Sam Canonica said. “It’s so nice to see the support from all of the local businesses, parents and athletes, all coming together to put on such a great event that is so successful every year from our athletes.” Date Added: 4/24/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=168177 Mon, 24 Apr 2023 04:00:00 GMT false168177 Deer Park Again Wins Best Communities for Music Education Award The NAMM Foundation has once again bestowed a Best Community for Music Education designation on the Deer Park School District’s vigorous music program. Now in its 24th year, the Best Communities designation recognizes outstanding efforts in making music education part of a well-rounded education. Only 830 districts across the United States were given this award for 2023. “We are proud that NAMM has again distinguished us as one of the Best Communities for Music Education as a direct result of the work and efforts of our students and teachers in the area of music education,” said Bradley Murphy, the district’s administrator for fine and performing arts. Date Added: 4/21/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=168124 Fri, 21 Apr 2023 04:00:00 GMT false168124 DPHS Patriot Club Bakes Brownies for 1st Precinct The Deer Park High School Patriot Club recently collaborated with family and consumer science teacher Suzanne Long to bake brownies for local police officers. The following day, club members delivered the brownies to the 1st Precinct along with a banner displaying messages of thanks from high school students and staff. “We were glad we were able to come together and bake them a delightful treat,” Patriot Club Co-President Zara Islam said. “The officers we met were very polite and appreciated the delicious treats the club provided for them.” Suffolk County Police Department community liaison Keley Abbriano gave the Patriot Club students a quick tour of the precinct. During the tour, she spoke about her career and informed the club members about upcoming community service events which they can get involved in. “Every year, the Patriot Club finds a different way to honor law enforcement officers, and this year the students were very enthusiastic about delivering their ‘thanks’ to the police station in person,” club adviser Laurie Osbern said. “The members thoroughly enjoyed this trip and were very thankful for the opportunity to meet with the officers of the 1st Precinct.” Date Added: 4/20/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=168075 Thu, 20 Apr 2023 05:00:00 GMT false168075 May Moore’s Jacob Garcia Wins Town of Babylon Art Contest May Moore Primary School second grader Jacob Garcia recently won the 2023 Town of Babylon Art Contest, centered on themes of the outdoors and environment. “Jacob did a great job and was so excited,” teacher Dana Grafstein said. Date Added: 4/20/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=168074 Thu, 20 Apr 2023 04:00:00 GMT false168074 A Fine First Season for Deer Park’s Unified Bowling Team Deer Park High School’s Unified Bowling team recently completed a fine first season, guided by head coach Brian Tower and assistant coach John King. Through six marvelous matches during March, both home games at Strike 10 Lanes in Deer Park, and away contests at Larkfield Lanes and East Islip Lanes, the participating students developed their athletic and social skills. Sponsored by the Special Olympics, the Unified Bowling sports program combines unified athletes with intellectual disabilities and unified partners without intellectual disabilities to form competitive teams at the high school level. In Unified Sports, students with disabilities are given the chance to interact with their peers who do not have a disability in a “typical” school experience, creating new friendships and building confidence and important social skills. Date Added: 4/18/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=168009 Tue, 18 Apr 2023 04:00:00 GMT false168009 JFK Students Enjoy the Return of Camp Read Away More than 150 students of Deer Park’s John F. Kennedy Intermediate School attended Camp Read Away in March, a memorable evening event in the school gymnasium last held prior to the pandemic. Students rotated between 10 different stations, including stories, crafts, camping games and an amazing star lab, where students were educated by Deer Park High School science teacher Katelyn O’Brien, Deer Park High School English as a new language teacher Amy Pellegrino and constellation expert Mark Levine. “We were so happy to bring Camp Read Away back after a long hiatus,” teacher Beth Ann Vahle said. “We started to do Camp Read Away as a way for children to come and listen to stories, read by wonderful JFK teachers and staff while sitting in tents and ‘roasting marshmallows.’ We have a very supportive PFC at JFK. Stephanie Baio and her team set up snacks for parents and gave each child a free book as a gift. The principals and I were so excited to have our students attend this event, and every single one left with a smile on their face.” Date Added: 4/12/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=167946 Thu, 13 Apr 2023 04:00:00 GMT false167946 A “Pi” to Savor at Robert Frost Middle School Seventh graders in Lauren Kalinowski’s math class at Robert Frost Middle School recently celebrated Pi Day with a pi recitation contest. Melikai Gasby won third place, memorizing 63 digits of pi, while Khloe Sabbat came in second place, reciting 69 digits. Jael Elyzee took the lead, earning first place by memorizing an outstanding 145 digits of pi. Elyzee celebrated her victory by sharing an apple “pi” with her friends in the library during their lunch period. Date Added: 4/12/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=167937 Wed, 12 Apr 2023 04:00:00 GMT false167937 Naval Officers Visit High School Math and Physics Classes U.S. Navy officers visited Deer Park High School on March 31 to make presentations to AP physics and financial algebra classes. Topics discussed included nuclear engineering, financial planning, applied math and physics in the Navy, gas laws and Navy divers, and continuing education after high school. Date Added: 4/11/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=167924 Tue, 11 Apr 2023 04:00:00 GMT false167924 JFK Third Graders Exhibited at SCALA Children’s Show This year’s Suffolk County Art Leaders Association Children’s Show features the artwork of Fatimah Imran and Zoe Thompson, both third graders at Deer Park’s John F. Kennedy Intermediate School. Both students were invited to a reception on March 25 along with their families, teachers and SCALA members, where all could view the displayed art. The exhibit will run through April 26 at Babylon Old Town Hall. “This show is such a nice opportunity to showcase student artwork and see all of the talent within our community,” art teacher Briana Nussbaum said. Date Added: 4/10/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=167909 Mon, 10 Apr 2023 04:00:00 GMT false167909 May Moore’s Magical “Frozen” Presented by Second-Grade Actors The May Moore Music Club at Deer Park High School’s May Moore Primary School presented “Frozen” on March 23, directed by Kristen Lombardo. The spectacular production, held in the school’s gym in front of family and friends, featured the talents of 35 second-grade actors. The cast included Nicholas Colon as King Agnarr, Kallie Fabrizio as Queen Iduna, Victoria Reyes as Young Anna, Sophia Williams as Young Elsa, Aviel Samuel as Pabbie, Stella Fusaro as Bulda, Hayley Milbauer as Middle Anna, Teagan Phamphile as Middle Elsa, Angie Peraza as Anna, Isabellah Destina as Elsa, Jacob Garcia as Hans, Daniel Daal as Kristoff, Lincoln Fucci as Sven and Asa Hubert as Olaf. “The May Moore Music Club works on a musical production once a week for one hour from October through March,” Lombardo said. “Although they are only second graders, I truly believe that any goal can be achieved if you believe in yourself as a teacher and have faith that your students can do whatever they set their minds to. This performance exceeded my expectations.” “We are so very proud of our second graders and their performance in the play,” Principal Tammy Alcalde said. “They worked hard to learn the songs, choreography and lines for their performance, and together, they put on an amazing show. We would also like to thank Mrs. Lombardo for her dedication and love of her students and her exceptional work in directing this year’s play. It was simply magical.” Date Added: 4/7/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=167887 Fri, 07 Apr 2023 04:00:00 GMT false167887 Six Deer Park Seniors Participate in Student Day at Suffolk County Legislature Deer Park High School seniors Shannon D’Amato, Blessing Fraser, Emily Kleiber, Hamza Latif, Yasmine Sanchez and Alyssa Skeen were selected to participate in Student Day at the Suffolk County Legislature in Hauppauge on March 15. At the event, sponsored by both the Suffolk County Legislature and the League of Women Voters, the six students met with local legislators and members of the Suffolk County Police Department. The event culminated in a student-led debate on a proposed resolution before a mock legislature, centering on arming school safety officers and SCPD officers working in Suffolk County schools. Students were assigned sides, allowing them to view the proposal from multiple viewpoints. For the debate, students were given the role of “Legislator” or “Member of the Public.” Prior to the debate session, students met in separate caucus meetings to discuss strategy. “The day provided our students with an inside look at how their local government functions as well as allowing them a voice on a topic very personal to them,” said Vanessa Langdon, Deer Park’s curriculum associate for secondary social studies and FACS. “All students participating were insightful and respectful. In reflecting on the experience, our students were very grateful to not only be awarded the opportunity to participate but, more importantly, to feel they were being heard.” Date Added: 4/6/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=167871 Thu, 06 Apr 2023 04:00:00 GMT false167871 Deer Park’s DECA Team Earns Four Trophies at State Conference Deer Park High School’s DECA club returned with four trophies from the New York State Career Development Conference. Another three Deer Park students earned medals at the annual contest, held March 8-10 at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center in Rochester. A total of 36 Deer Park DECA students competed, among more than 2,000 high school business students from across the state. Top five overall trophy winners, all finishing in second place, were the team of Sasha Khellawan and Brandon Lanaro (Buying and Merchandising Team Decision Making), Luis Rodriguez (Personal Financial Literacy) and Sidra Syed (Principles of Marketing). These four trophy winners earned the right to move on to compete in DECA’s International Career Development Conference in Orlando, Florid at the end of April. Top 10 test medal winners were Shubat Alam (Travel and Tourism Team Decision Making), Jade Griffin (Apparel and Accessories) and Madison Griffin (Principles of Marketing). Additionally, senior Ryder Min was inducted into the New York DECA Honor Society, and Katia Papailler was elected to serve as a state officer. Papailler will be the vice president of competition for the 2023-2024 school year. “Congratulations to all of our students on a job well done,” Deer Park DECA adviser Gregory Menig said. Date Added: 4/3/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=167747 Mon, 03 Apr 2023 05:00:00 GMT false167747 Deer Park’s Boys Swimmers Earn All-County, All-League Recognition Deer Park High School’s boys varsity swimming and diving team completed an excellent season, guided by swim coach Craig Mangio and diving coach Daniella Cornelia. It was highlighted by junior Tyler Romero earning All-County recognition, placing second overall in Suffolk and setting a new Deer Park diving record. Additionally, four Deer Park swimmers – eighth graders Daniel Arrascue and Talon Silverstein, freshman Angel Garcia, and senior Ryder Min – earned All-League status. Date Added: 4/3/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=167746 Mon, 03 Apr 2023 04:00:00 GMT false167746 “Book Love” Continues with Read-Alouds by HS Public Speaking Students Deer Park High School students recently performed readings of children’s books for second grade classes at John Quincy Adams and May Moore primary schools. Christine Harbison’s public speaking students continued the ELA Department’s “Book Love” initiative, sharing the enthusiasm for books and encouraging students to develop lifelong reading habits. Each public speaker practiced the skills they are learning in the course while also hosting discussions with students about social-emotional topics raised in the books. One class even performed a mini-meditation session after reading a book on mindfulness. “It’s always great to speak for live audiences, but it was extra-special for the speakers to be special guests for young students in the district," Harbison said. Date Added: 3/30/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=167662 Thu, 30 Mar 2023 04:00:00 GMT false167662 Terrific Talents on Display at JFK’s Variety Show John F. Kennedy Intermediate School showcased its talented students in grades 4 and 5 at the school’s annual Variety Show on March 3. Directed by Donna Arena, Melissa Price and Suzanne Wright, the event’s many terrific performances included singing, dancing, instrumental performances, karate, comedy and even steel pan drum. Date Added: 3/30/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=167663 Thu, 30 Mar 2023 04:00:00 GMT false167663 Kimberly Essig Named As New May Moore Associate Principal The Deer Park School District recently named Kimberly Essig as the new associate principal at May Moore Primary School, effective April 10. She replaces Matthew Comiskey, who will now serve as Deer Park's districtwide elementary associate principal for American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund data and grant-funded programs. Essig joins May Moore from the district’s John F. Kennedy Intermediate School, where she taught English as a New Language for the last eight years. She previously worked as a first-grade in the Sachem School District. During her career at JFK, Essig served as the building representative for the Deer Park Teachers Association for four years, worked as an educational technology and new teacher mentor, and sat on various committees including the Building Safety Team, Districtwide Attendance Committee and Districtwide RtI/MTSS Committee. She has also coached girls lacrosse at Robert Frost Middle School for the past four years. A Coram resident, Essig graduated from St. Joseph’s College with certifications in general education and special education. She earned her master’s degree in educational technology from Long Island University, an advanced certificate in teaching English to speakers of other languages from Molloy University, and school building leadership and school district leadership advanced certificates from the College of Saint Rose. “I am overjoyed to join the May Moore family as the new associate principal,” Essig said. “My hope is to work with the students, staff, faculty and families of the May Moore community to ensure a safe, sound and secure learning experience for all. I look forward to my partnership with Principal Tammy Alcalde and I know we will make a great team.” Date Added: 3/29/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=167635 Wed, 29 Mar 2023 04:00:00 GMT false167635 Board of Ed Honors Student Writers and Influential Educators The Deer Park Board of Education commended seven exceptional young writers who participated in the National Council for the Teachers of English national writing competition at the Board’s March 22 meeting. Robert Frost Middle School eighth graders Arianna Ahmad, Vincent Cacciola, Victoria Hernandez and Cayden Zappola, and Deer Park High School juniors Mohammad Fahad, Eadie Liu and Stephanie Sheeler were presented with certificates from both the Board and the NCTE. This is the first year that Deer Park has nominated students to the competition, which recognizes the top 1% of student writers in 8th and 11th grade nationwide. Last year, only 266 juniors and 116 eighth graders were selected. As part of the program, student nominees submitted portfolio writing to the NCTE national jury, who will name finalists in May. “Our schools’ ELA teachers identified the ‘best of the best’ at Deer Park,” said Justin Uliano, Deer Park’s curriculum associate for ELA, reading and library. “Every NCTE competition student who is a representative of their school is unbelievably outstanding, and every student who is a representative of their state is top-notch.” Additionally, the Board recognized three influential educators – District Administrator of World Languages and ENL Alicia Rosenberg, Deer Park High School Associate Principal Dina Pannone and world language teacher Nicole Bjarnason – for organizing the recent Passport to Culture Night at the high school, which invited Deer Park students to learn about some of the various cultures and traditions of peers in order to get a better understanding of those around them. After an opening ceremony led by Bjarnason and Rosenberg, the attendees were treated to a performance by Gabrielle Mayne, Gabriella Ortiz, Fimitra Pavlatos and Gianna Sanchez from the high school’s women’s choir. Student leaders from the French Honor Society, LatinX Student Association, Muslim Student Association, South Asian Culture Club and Spanish Honor Society ran 12 different rooms representing 11 different countries – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, El Salvador, Greece, Haiti, Jamaica, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru and Vietnam – and the territory of Puerto Rico. In each room, elementary, middle and high school student attendees participated in analyzing the culture studied, as well as participating in or creating a practice or product of that culture. After visiting a room, student attendees received stamps that verified their “visit” to the nation in their personalized passports. Students also visit the International Cafe, where they sampled various delicious foods from the students’ cultures. The night ended with students dancing the night away with the Arts Horizons Dance Around the World assembly. “The Deer Park community is well known for its immense diversity, and this was an amazing night,” Bjarnason said. “Many thanks to our amazing high school students for sharing their passion for their roots and beautiful diverse backgrounds.” “It was an opportunity for our students to teach the community, staff members and other students about their culture and where their families come from,” Superintendent James Cummings said. “It was a night of sharing, of learning and of really just celebrating our students and their heritage,” Board of Education President Donna Marie Elliott said. “It was such a wonderful experience.” Date Added: 3/27/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=167555 Mon, 27 Mar 2023 04:00:00 GMT false167555 Deer Park’s Schools Explore Differences at Diversity and Inclusion Assemblies Deer Park elementary school counselor Angeline Ramos recently presented three Diversity and Inclusion assemblies, in which students were able to learn about diversity through engaging activities and discussion, as well as the importance of inclusion. The entire student body at John F. Kennedy Intermediate School participated in two sessions on Feb. 16, featuring a performance by the Deer Park High School step team, directed by teacher Brianne Hertzog. Assemblies were then presented to second graders at John Quincy Adams Primary School on March 1 and May Moore Primary School on March 2. “Our students explored the differences that make them unique, and how we can include each other regardless of our differences,” Ramos said. Date Added: 3/24/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=167518 Fri, 24 Mar 2023 04:00:00 GMT false167518 Deer Park HS Honors Hardworking Winter Sports Teams Deer Park High School held its winter varsity sports awards night on March 9, honoring the outstanding student-athletes of nine teams: cheerleading, kickline, boys and girls basketball, wrestling, boys bowling, boys swimming and diving, and boys and girls winter track. Members of each team were presented with certificates and plaques recognizing Most Valuable Player awards, Coaches Awards, Spirit Awards and Scholar-Athlete awards. “To our coaches and our athletes, obviously everything revolves around what you do, so thank you for all the time that you spend, all the sacrifices and all the hard work through good times and bad,” Athletic Director Dominick Fontana said. He also lauded the efforts and support of the student-athletes’ parents, the district board of education and administration, and the diligent Booster Club. Date Added: 3/23/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=167487 Thu, 23 Mar 2023 04:00:00 GMT false167487 Harvard Club Honors Two Deer Park Teachers The Harvard Club of Long Island has announced the dozen Long Island teachers who will receive the 2023 Distinguished Teacher Award; among them are Robert Frost Middle School social studies teacher Kevin Cogan and Deer Park High School history teacher Victor LoMonaco. The 2023 award winners were honored at the Harvard Club’s annual University Relations Luncheon on March 18. “This award honors teachers who transform lives,” said Dr. Judith Esterquest, chair of the Distinguished Teacher Selection Committee. “Devoted teachers honored by these awards offer Long Island students their deep expertise, extraordinary talents and countless hours of attention. By capturing the minds and imaginations of our children and preparing them for challenges that were unknown even a few decades ago, these teachers shape the future of our country.” Cogan has been teaching social studies in Deer Park for over 21 years, and also coaches soccer, basketball and track. He earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from King’s College in Pennsylvania and his master’s degree in secondary education from Dowling College. LoMonaco has taught in Deer Park for 20 years, the last 14 teaching AP world history. He earned his bachelor’s degree in history from Stony Brook University and his master’s degree in education from Dowling College. Date Added: 3/22/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=167466 Wed, 22 Mar 2023 04:00:00 GMT false167466 Deer Park HS Honors 51 Math and Science Honor Society Inductees Deer Park High School recognized 51 exceptional scholars during the combined induction ceremony of the National Math and Science Honor Societies, held on March 2 in the school auditorium. Principal Charles Cobb addressed the inductees, noting that their foundation in math and science will serve them well in future career endeavors. Date Added: 3/20/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=167360 Mon, 20 Mar 2023 04:00:00 GMT false167360 DPHS and Frost ELA Classes Celebrate Black Authors Deer Park High School and Robert Frost Middle School students and teachers recently celebrated and discussed issues on the theme of Black History Month with readings from contemporary and historical Black writers. On Feb. 9, ELA classes in both schools were immersed in literature, jazz, hip-hop, slam poetry and spoken word from Black artists and writers. Students talked about the relationship between past and present, discussing how ideas from historical writers continue into today. “Celebrating authors that represent our diverse backgrounds is one of the important missions of the language arts classes,” said Justin Uliano, Deer Park’s ELA curriculum associate. Date Added: 3/16/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=167242 Thu, 16 Mar 2023 04:00:00 GMT false167242 JFK Fourth Graders Study Energy and Create Chain Reactions Students in Beth Ann Vahle’s fourth-grade class at John F. Kennedy Intermediate School recently wrapped up their energy unit by creating a chain reaction with various materials in the classroom. This included taking a virtual field trip to the New York State Fair, learning about roller coasters and exploring ideas such as speed, collisions and energy conversions. Throughout the unit, students learned about different forms of energy, the relationship between energy and speed, changes in energy during collisions and how energy can be transferred from one location to another. In the hands-on activity, students worked in collaborative groups to create their own chain reactions, using various classroom items such as dominoes, Legos and marbles. “My students worked extremely well on the design process while planning their ideas, creating this reaction, testing it and finding ways to improve the design,” Vahle said. Date Added: 3/15/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=167229 Wed, 15 Mar 2023 04:00:00 GMT false167229 Students Gain College Insights at Black History Month Panel Deer Park High School held a Black History Month event on Feb. 15, providing students with the opportunity to engage in a panel discussion with representatives from various colleges and organizations such as Binghamton University, Queens College and Stony Brook University. Deer Park college and career counselor Kate Maloney gave an overview of the college application process and programs available at historically Black colleges and universities, known as HBCUs. Farmingdale State College educational opportunity counselor Natiesha Reid-Smith and Queens College adjunct professor and SEEK alumnus Carmine Couloute shared their experiences and described support options for students in college. Recent Deer Park High School graduate Arianna Smith spoke on her transition to college life and discussed the stark differences between high school and college. CUNY John Jay internship specialist Muldy Fletcher, New York City Police Department Sgt. Donnie Daal, third-grade teach Khaleel James and retired Internal Revenue Service agent Cynthia Gamble discussed their membership in historically Black fraternities and sororities and explained the lifelong benefits that membership provided. “These organizations were created to foster communal bonds and increase professional and networking opportunities within collegiate careers, but also to provide community service and develop leadership skills,” said social studies teacher and Black Student Union adviser Aleisha Forbes. The panel discussion culminated in questions from students such as Katia Papailler and Saharabi Shariar on ways to balance social activities in college with academic life as well as general advice for students during the college application process. Date Added: 3/14/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=167183 Tue, 14 Mar 2023 04:00:00 GMT false167183 Deer Park Board of Ed Honors Leaders Club and Marching Falcons Deer Park High School’s Varsity Leaders Club and the Marching Falcons band were recognized at the Board of Education’s Feb. 28 meeting. “Thank you to those Varsity Leaders Club students for all the times they have made a positive difference in the lives of other students and our community,” Board President Donna Marie Elliott said. “Their achievements on and off the field should be celebrated, as should our marching band, a group of students continually express their amazing talents through their music.” Legislator Tom Donnelly, who was in attendance to congratulate and present the students with certificates, noted that both high school groups were “staples in our community.” Elliott and Superintendent James Cummings also praised Varsity Leaders Club adviser Brian Tower and Marching Band Director Derek Schmelter. “Thank you, Mr. Tower, for all the years that you have devoted to ensure the success of this club and for your dedication to your students and their successes,” Elliott said. “Running a marching band is a labor of love, so we are so fortunate to have a teacher like Mr. Schmelter, who has revived this program,” Cummings said. Date Added: 3/13/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=167121 Mon, 13 Mar 2023 04:00:00 GMT false167121 Deer Park’s Jill Perry-Eising Named Harvard Club Distinguished Teacher Deer Park High School business teacher Jill Perry-Eising was recently commended as a Harvard Club of Long Island Distinguished Teacher. To honor outstanding Long Island teachers, the HCLI asked current Harvard University undergraduates to nominate the teachers in grades 7 through 12 who made the greatest difference to their lives. Perry-Eising was nominated by her former student, Class of 2022 salutatorian Saima Hoque, who is currently a freshman at Harvard, majoring in molecular and cellular biology and interning for the United Nations. Date Added: 3/8/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=166970 Wed, 08 Mar 2023 05:00:00 GMT false166970 Robert Frost’s Cultural Awareness Club Creates Black History Display In honor of Black History Month, the Cultural Awareness Club at Deer Park’s Robert Frost Middle School put together a huge “Take a Ride on the Civil Rights Freedom Trail” hallway display last month, depicting key cities of the Civil Rights Movement and the events and people who shaped them. In the middle of our display, the club’s students created a 3,996-piece sticker mosaic of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Additionally, Deer Park resident and Robert Frost staff member Vanessa Jackson visited the Cultural Awareness Club to talk about her cousin, the late Civil Rights activist Dorothy Cotton, who was the highest-ranking woman to serve in Dr. King’s inner circle. The students were fascinated by her accounts of this important woman in Black history. Date Added: 3/7/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=166947 Tue, 07 Mar 2023 05:00:00 GMT false166947 Deer Park HS Honors Student’s Memory on P.S. I Love You Day Each year, Deer Park High School participates in P.S. I Love You Day, a day for all to come together and stand up against bullying, help end depression and ultimately prevent suicide. In December 2021, the school lost one of its own students, Kaitlyn Zanello from the Class of 2023, who will be greatly missed. The school dedicated its P.S. I Love You Day celebration in Zanello’s honor on her birthday, Feb. 10. “You Matter” shirts and wristbands were purchased by students, faculty and staff, raising over $4,000 for her memorial scholarship fund. Date Added: 3/6/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=166902 Mon, 06 Mar 2023 05:00:00 GMT false166902 Winter 2023 Newsletter Now Available Date Added: 3/3/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=166825 Fri, 03 Mar 2023 05:00:00 GMT false166825 JFK Third Graders Enjoy Super Bowl-Themed Math Celebration JFK classroom teacher Theresa Santa Maria, along with AIS math teachers Rosanne Alfieri and Randi Cortina, hosted a Super Bowl Math Celebration on Feb. 10. Third graders were engaged in various math activities and stations related to the Super Bowl while enjoying some delicious football snacks. “It was a fun learning experience that all of us enjoyed,” Santa Maria said. Date Added: 3/3/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=166858 Fri, 03 Mar 2023 05:00:00 GMT false166858 Deer Park Educators Enhance Communication Skills with Spanish Class Deer Park School District educators recently participated in a Spanish for Communication professional development course taught by Deer Park High School Associate Principal Dina Pannone and teacher Nicole Bjarnason, the co-adviser for the school’s French and Spanish Honor Society. Faculty taking this course learned basic Spanish needed to communicate with students, parents and community members. They also had an opportunity to take a puppet-making workshop led by Dr. Camen Campos. During this workshop, they learned how to use puppets as a means of communication for their students, created their own puppets and practiced their conversational Spanish skills. “It is absolutely amazing to see the hard work of our Deer Park educators and their devotion to learning the Spanish language,” Pannone said. Date Added: 3/2/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=166809 Thu, 02 Mar 2023 05:00:00 GMT false166809 Seventh Graders Explore Density of Liquids Using Towers Seventh graders in Natalie Sabia’s class at Robert Frost Middle School recently learned about density as a property that can be used to identify a sample of matter, and explored how an object’s density plays a role in whether it sinks or floats in water. They then used their knowledge of density to create density towers using different liquids. The students had already spent time in class analyzing a nine-layer density tower made with liquids and solids. Students were able to determine the densest liquids and solids based on their position in the tower; denser objects sink to the bottom, less dense objects rise to the top. In this hands-on activity, students worked in collaborative lab groups to create their own density towers. Students were given six liquids – honey, mineral oil, syrup, water, rubbing alcohol and dish soap – as well as the density of each liquid. Students then had to use their knowledge of density to determine the order in which they should add the liquids to their test tube. Students had to know that the densest liquid should go in first, on the bottom, and the liquids should be added after that in order of descending density. Once Sabia approved their “plans,” students were given the go-ahead to start building their density tower, layer by layer. “This activity challenges students to work in collaborative groups, analyze data and apply their scientific knowledge to create an end product that they can be proud of,” Sabia said. “The students were so excited to show me their completed density towers.” Date Added: 2/28/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=166733 Tue, 28 Feb 2023 05:00:00 GMT false166733 Deer Park Senior Kevin Bailey Wrestles His Way to All-County Status Deer Park High School senior wrestler Kevin Bailey placed sixth in the 189-pound weight class at the Dr. L Robert “Doc” Fallot Memorial Suffolk County Division 2 Wrestling Championship, held Feb. 13-14 at Stony Brook University. Bailey’s fine performance at this individual tournament earned him All-County designation. Date Added: 2/28/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=166734 Tue, 28 Feb 2023 05:00:00 GMT false166734 Deer Park DECA Team Puts on Strong Performance at Regionals In a strong performance, 73 Deer Park High School students participated in DECA’s Suffolk County Regional Competition in January, competing against over 900 students from 26 other schools. A total of 34 Deer Park students earned trophies while another 11 were given honorable mention designation. Jaidyn Schabe took first place in Principles of Business Management. Winning second place were Jade Griffin (Apparel and Accessories Marketing); Shujana Aurin and Katia Papailler (Hospitality Services Team); and Sasha Khellawan and Brandon Lanaro (Buying and Merchandising Team). Finishing in third place were Shubat Alam and Adib Shaikh (Travel and Tourism Team); and Ayush Manchanda and Brett Patrick (Hospitality Services Team). Additional trophy winners included Suhan Barat (Accounting Applications); Inaya Ali (Apparel and Accessories Marketing); Gabriella Morace (Automotive Services Marketing); Hassan Rehman (Automotive Services Marketing); Erin Lin (Business Finance); Nafisa Mazumder and Saharabi Shahriar (Buying and Merchandising Team); Ryan Pichardo and Utku Uysal (Entrepreneurship Team); Gloria Min and Ryder Min (Financial Services Team); Nora Elmoussaoui (Food Marketing); Valerie Ponte (Personal Financial Literacy); Fatima Nawaz (Personal Financial Literacy); Luis Rodriguez (Personal Financial Literacy); Malvin Nunez (Principles of Business Management); Lucas Divanna (Principles of Finance); Abigail Cullen (Principles of Hospitality and Tourism); Tanin Ahmadzai (Principles of Hospitality and Tourism); Sidra Syed (Principles of Marketing); Madison Griffin (Principles of Marketing); Rihanna Sayed (Principles of Marketing); Saad Salman (Sports and Entertainment Marketing) and Natalia Lee (Sports and Entertainment Marketing). Earning honorable mention recognition at the DECA Regional Competition were Luciano Stallone (Business Finance); Pavani Pointi and Tonika Sikder (Business Law and Ethics Team); Brandon LaGonterie and Juan Mayoral (Financial Services Team); Calvin Nguyen (Human Resources Management); Hiba Amin and Aimen Khan (Marketing Management Team); Gessie Sainrival (Personal Financial Literacy); Isabelle Dsouza (Principles of Hospitality and Tourism) and Shahidul Azam (Restaurant and Food Service Management). Deer Park’s DECA adviser Gregory Menig noted that 36 of his students will participate in New York DECA’s State Career Conference in early March as they try to qualify for the International Career Development Conference to be held in Orlando, Florida at the end of April. Date Added: 2/27/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=166691 Mon, 27 Feb 2023 05:00:00 GMT false166691 Deer Park High School’s SADD Club Promotes Importance of Kindness Deer Park High School’s SADD Club hosted Kindness Week at the end of January, celebrating the many ways that students can become a positive influence in each other’s lives. The week culminated in a showcase in the main lobby, where SADD members greeted students by handing out information on the importance of kindness and how to spread kindness to both friends and strangers at the school. Students received encouraging notes, bookmarks and a list of 50 ways to participate in a random act of kindness in their daily lives. “A small and random gesture of kindness can go a long way in making someone’s day,” SADD Club president David Perez said. Date Added: 2/24/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=166658 Fri, 24 Feb 2023 05:00:00 GMT false166658 Retired Deer Park Teacher and 2006 Alumnus Collaborate on MS Book Retired Deer Park High School teacher Janet Werner recently wrote and published a book “A Pear in an Apple Tree: A Journey with Multiple Sclerosis.” The book, which took almost four years to complete, features cover art and illustrations by Werner’s former student Kyle Horne. Werner, who was an educator for almost 40 years, taught at Deer Park as well as Southampton College and SUNY Stony Brook. She served as the SADD Club adviser at Deer Park High School for 20 years prior to her retirement, and received numerous accolades during her career, including SCOPE Teacher Service Award, Dowling College/News 12 Long Island Educator of the Month and Who’s Who Among American Teachers. Her book was endorsed by the president and CEO of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. “I was diagnosed with MS in 1986,” Werner said. “My book covers a short autobiography leading up to my diagnosis, then the diagnosis and learning to deal with my MS. My favorite part of the book is Words of Wisdom quotes from friends and colleagues on what advice they would give to someone facing a challenge.” After graduating from Deer Park High School in 2006, Horne attended SUNY Old Westbury, where he obtained a degree in visual communications. He has since illustrated more than 25 children’s books, and his artwork has been displayed in numerous schools and libraries. Werner and Horne held a book signing at Jack Jack’s Coffee House in Babylon on Feb. 11. They are currently collaborating on a children’s companion book titled “Mommy Is Mizzy Today,” which will focus on providing help for children in understanding multiple sclerosis and its effects on family members. Date Added: 2/23/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=166644 Thu, 23 Feb 2023 05:00:00 GMT false166644 Deer Park High School Athletic Hall of Fame Deer Park High School will be holding its first Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony in the fall of 2023. Click here for eligibilityinformation and nomination form. Date Added: 2/22/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=166628 Wed, 22 Feb 2023 05:00:00 GMT false166628 Autism Awareness Training Date Added: 2/21/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=166593 Tue, 21 Feb 2023 05:00:00 GMT false166593 Seventh Graders at Frost Explore Bucket Drumming in Music Class Seventh graders in Diana Cotrone’s general music classes at Robert Frost Middle School recently finished a unique unit on bucket drumming, using both traditional and nontraditional techniques of music. Students learned how to read notation and perform while also getting the opportunity to compose their own songs at the culmination of the course. Date Added: 2/21/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=166611 Tue, 21 Feb 2023 05:00:00 GMT false166611 Two Track Athletes from DPHS Earn County Titles Deer Park High School girls indoor track athletes Alex Geosits and Natalia Lee were named county champions in the 600-meter run and triple jump, respectively, at the Section XI Girls Small School Championships, held on Feb. 4 at Suffolk County Community College in Brentwood. Lee, a senior, jumped a 16-inch personal best 35-5.25 on her first jump to set the tone for winning her first county championship and moving to eighth overall in the triple jump in Section 11. She also placed eighth in the 300-meter run. Top-ranked Geosits, a junior, also secured her first ever title by convincingly winning the 600-meter run. Despite battling illness, she managed to not only win but dominate the race. Both athletes moved on to the state qualifier meet. The Deer Park girls track and field team as a whole finished in ninth overall in the county, with only five points separating fifth from ninth. Freshman Vanessa Cayea hit a personal best in the high jump (an event she just started training in), then improved by 13 inches in the long jump, earning her ninth place in the county. Sophomore Dru Tulloch made a splash in the 55-meter run with a personal best of 7.93, placing 10th overall. In her first ever county championship appearance, freshman Kayla Beaumont placed 15th in triple jump, and also ran the 4x400 relay. In her first year as a 1,500-meter race walker, sophomore Nicole Lainez placed ninth overall. In shot put, junior throwers Denise Brown finished eighth overall with 28-7 and Anjelique Jean-Pierre placed 21st with 24-7. The 4x800 relay team of Ava Capone, Bailey Corcoran, Alex Geosits and Kaliyah Hull placed fourth. Date Added: 2/17/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=166579 Fri, 17 Feb 2023 05:00:00 GMT false166579 Deer Park Sixth Graders Use Ratios to Design Tallest and Economical Structures Sixth graders in Kevin Auer’s Math II class at Deer Park’s Robert Frost Middle School recently competed in a freestanding structure project which reinforced the idea of ratios. The students had to design their structure to be the tallest while also costing the least amount of money, using paper straws, plastic straws, tape and paper clips, each having a different monetary value. The tallest structure measured 53 inches, while the design that had the best ratio of price per inch was 14 cents per inch. “The students worked very hard and came up with some incredible designs,” Auer said. Date Added: 2/15/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=166449 Wed, 15 Feb 2023 05:00:00 GMT false166449 JQA Continues a Dozen Years of Math-A-Thon Donations For the 12th consecutive year, Deer Park’s John Quincy Adams Primary School participated in the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Math-A-Thon under the guidance of math lab specialist Marianna Grieco, raising $3,700 for the cause. Students solved math problems to complete Math-A-Thon Funbooks, with sponsors making donations based on how many problems or pages the students completed, or a donation of their choice. “The families at JQA are proud and happy to help children and their families at St. Jude,” Grieco said. “Over the past 12 years, we have raised over $70,000.” Date Added: 2/14/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=166427 Tue, 14 Feb 2023 05:00:00 GMT false166427 Ramiah Anderson Named DPHS December Student of the Month Date Added: 2/9/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=166275 Thu, 09 Feb 2023 05:00:00 GMT false166275 Deer Park’s Brett Patrick Named Coca-Cola Scholars Program Semifinalist Deer Park High School student Brett Patrick was recently named a semifinalist in the 2023 Coca-Cola Scholars Program, recognizing his outstanding academic achievements, leadership ability and dedicated community service. Patrick was one of just 51 Long Island students and 1,157 nationwide to earn semifinalist status, giving him a chance to earn one of 150 Coca-Cola Scholarships worth $20,000 each to be announced this spring. “I feel very honored to be selected as a semifinalist out of 90,000 applicants,” Patrick said. “I think it was well worth all the service and commitment and time I've contributed to the school and the community.” Date Added: 2/8/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=166168 Wed, 08 Feb 2023 05:00:00 GMT false166168 High School Social Studies Students Learn About the Holocaust Via “The Barn” On Jan. 26, the eve of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, all 10th grade social studies students at Deer Park High School attended a special screening of 2019 Holocaust documentary “The Barn.” The film follows Long Island native Rachel Kastner and her grandfather, Karl Shapiro, as they journey back to the barn where Shapiro hid in a bunker for 18 months during the Holocaust in 1943. Approximately 2,600 students across the country participated in this interactive event, organized by the National Council of Jewish Women Peninsula Section. As students learn about the causes, events and effects of the Holocaust as part of their study of World War II in their social studies classes through lessons, virtual field trips, independent research projects and source analysis, “The Barn” served to bring the curriculum to life and connect students directly to history. Kastner, currently in Israel, personally introduced the documentary to the students and answered questions following the screening. Not only did students learn about the resilience of Karl Shapiro, but they also found out about the role of resisters and rescuers such as Paulina Plaksej, a teenager much like themselves, who visited a young Shapiro, his parents and 15 more Jews hiding in the bunker to provide them with food and medicine. “Winston Churchill said, ‘Those who fail to learn from history are condemned to repeat it,’ and Deer Park’s social studies department is committed to ensuring our students never forget the atrocities of the Holocaust as well as honor its victims and their families, impressing in our students that such horrors never happen again,” said Vanessa Langdon, Deer Park’s social studies curriculum associate. To fulfill this commitment, social studies teachers at Deer Park High School have engaged in a series of workshops led by the Institute for Curriculum Services, including “The History of European Anti-Semitism” and “Developing Religious Literacy.” The series has provided teachers with resources, knowledge and techniques to utilize in their classrooms. In addition, following the screening of “The Barn,” teachers shared Montana Tucker’s “How To: Never Forget” with their classes. The 10-part TikTok series, produced by Kastner, follows the experience of Tucker’s grandparents during the Holocaust. Students will continue to reflect on the lessons of the Holocaust in all grade levels as they examine human rights, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, immigration trends and current events. Date Added: 2/7/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=166157 Tue, 07 Feb 2023 05:00:00 GMT false166157 May Moore Creation Station Teacher Honored as “Bright Light” Jason Ranghelli, the Creation Station teacher at May Moore Primary School, was recently honored with the Association of Suffolk Supervisors for Educational Technologies’ Bright Light award. He was recognized by ASSET President Patrick Kiley-Rendon at an awards ceremony in January. “Mr. Ranghelli has transformed our library into what we now call Creation Station, a mixture of literature and STEAM-based projects,” May Moore Principal Tammy Alcalde said. “He is creative in the hands-on learning our students participate in. Our students work collaboratively and utilize iPads to code and BeeBots for robotics, and build structures supporting engineering principles.” Date Added: 2/6/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=166080 Mon, 06 Feb 2023 05:00:00 GMT false166080 Deer Park Board of Ed Honors Outstanding Track Athlete Alex Geosits At the Deer Park School District’s Jan. 24 Board of Education meeting, Deer Park High School junior Alex Geosits was honored for finishing in first place in both the 300- and 600-meter races at the Molloy Stanner Games, held on Jan. 15 at The Armory in New York City. Her incredible day earned her the Outstanding Individual Performer award. “Alex, we are so proud of you and your accomplishments,” Board of Education President Donna Marie Elliott said. “Many years ago, I was the track coach, so I know how much goes into this,” Superintendent James Cummings said. “Alex was honored as the most outstanding individual athlete, which is incredible considering there are hundreds of runners at these events. She was presented with the Karina Vetrano Memorial Plaque by Karina’s father. Karina tragically lost her life six years ago and was an avid track athlete. Mr. Vetrano was so pleased to hand the award to such a deserving and humble person as Alex.” Legislator Tom Donnelly, a Deer Park alumnus who ran track for the high school himself, was in attendance to laud Geosits. “Alex really makes our community shine, there’s no better way to say it,” Donnelly said. “It’s a pretty significant feat to run two races in that period of time at a really big tournament.” Date Added: 2/3/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=166038 Fri, 03 Feb 2023 05:00:00 GMT false166038 Students Discover Possible Professions During JFK’s Career and College Readiness Month January was Career and College Readiness Month at Deer Park’s John F. Kennedy Intermediate School, with students take part in daily activities that exposed them to various career opportunities. The month concluded with two culminating events, designed to provide JFK’s students with a plethora of information on future careers. Third and fourth graders participated in a virtual Career Week during the last week in January. Volunteers who could not come in person offered to create videos giving students a glimpse of their careers. Medical Monday featured nurses, a pediatrician, dentist and veterinary assistant; Technology Tuesday featured a media professional, DJ, 911 dispatcher, technology teacher and software engineer; Wisdom Wednesday featured actors, a school counselor, dietician and prosecutor; and Trade Thursday featured an engineer, tradesman, custodian, salesman and car wrapper. Lastly, on Dress for Success Friday, students dressed for their future careers, teachers wore their colleges’ shirts, and guests included a project program manager, Orangetheory Fitness instructor, police officer, college counselor and firefighter. Meanwhile, fifth graders took part in an in-person Career Day on Jan. 27. Volunteers from different professions visited JFK to talk about what they do and what it takes to be part of their profession. “College and Career Readiness is one of my favorite months here at JFK,” Principal Kelly Benson said. “Students are able to listen to people talk about so many different jobs. It really opens their eyes to all the possibilities out there for them. Students learn about what it takes to be in a wide range of professions. There is something for everyone. This is made possible because we have so many community members willing to volunteer their time and speak to our students. I love when I am able to see a student’s eyes light up when they are excited about becoming something in the future. It is a great month for all of our students here at JFK.” Date Added: 1/31/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=165634 Tue, 31 Jan 2023 05:00:00 GMT false165634 Six Talented Deer Park Artists Selected for Colors of Long Island Talented students from Deer Park’s John F. Kennedy Intermediate School, John Quincy Adams Primary School and May Moore Primary School were recently selected to have their work displayed in the 24th annual Colors of Long Island student art exhibit. The show will be on view from Feb. 17 through April 8 at the Long Island Museum in Stony Brook. Sponsored by Sterling National Bank, Colors of Long Island provides students from kindergarten through 12th grade an opportunity to showcase their artistic accomplishment in a museum setting. This year’s chosen Deer Park artists are JFK fifth graders Sarah Faruke and Albert Rodriguez, JQA kindergartener Ali Tuzcu and second grader Kasey Gomez, and May Moore kindergartner Luciana Burriesci and second grader Izabella Gilmor. Date Added: 1/31/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=165635 Tue, 31 Jan 2023 05:00:00 GMT false165635 JFK Fifth Graders Get Creative During a Day in Clay John F. Kennedy Intermediate School held its annual Week in Clay during the beginning of January. Every fifth grader at JFK enjoyed their own Day in Clay in Briana Nussbaum’s art classroom, creating bowls or plates that were able to be customized using many different types of tools. The students enjoyed using stamps and texture tools to create interesting patterns and designs in their clay. Some students even chose to add 3D elements to their pieces. After the projects were finished and dried out, they went into a kiln to help the clay solidify. Once the projects came out of the kiln, they were ready for color, and the fifth graders glazed their projects using a variety of colors. When this step was complete, the projects went into the kiln again. Finally, the the colors turned bright and glossy and the students could take their creations home. “I love working on the clay project with the fifth graders each year,” Nussbaum said. “This workshop-style lesson is something different for a lot of students and they love putting their own creativity into their bowls or plates. We always have a lot of fun and it is something that many students keep for years and years. It is so special to be a part of that memory for them.” Date Added: 1/30/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=165600 Mon, 30 Jan 2023 05:00:00 GMT false165600 May Moore Primary School Celebrates Lunar New Year While the name of the event may be a little different, the beloved annual Lunar New Year celebration at Deer Park’s May Moore Primary School featured the familiar sight and sound of red-clad first graders banging drums and carrying paper dragons as they paraded through the halls for an audience of pre-K, kindergarten and second-grade students. “Our students and staff were very excited to celebrate the year of the Rabbit,” Principal Tammy Alcalde said. “The festival had traditionally been referred to as Chinese New Year, but as this event is not only celebrated in China but in several other countries as well, the term Lunar New Year is more appropriate.” This year, the family of one of May Moore’s students generously donated food from their restaurant for the first graders to enjoy after the parade. The students had an opportunity to eat with chopsticks and were able to sample lo mein, fried rice and spring rolls. Date Added: 1/26/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=165505 Thu, 26 Jan 2023 05:00:00 GMT false165505 Deer Park HS Musician Sarah Naqvi Named to All-County Jazz Ensemble Deer Park High School senior Sarah Naqvi was recently selected to perform with the Suffolk County Music Educators’ Association’s All-County Jazz Ensemble. Naqvi had the distinction of being selected after auditioning for the group last spring and was one of only two alto saxophonists selected for the group from Suffolk County. In addition to playing the saxophone, Naqvi is an accomplished flutist and member of both the wind ensemble and jazz ensemble at Deer Park High School. “I’m very pleased that Sarah received both the recognition and the opportunity to perform alongside other talented and dedicated students from Suffolk County who are interested in pursuing jazz studies," Band Director Louis Nicolosi said. "I couldn't be happier for her. She worked very hard for this." Date Added: 1/25/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=165463 Wed, 25 Jan 2023 06:00:00 GMT false165463 Celebrating a New Year of Learning at JFK John F. Kennedy Intermediate School celebrated the new year of 2023 and math on Jan. 4, with students working on New Year’s word problems with partners, then making cheers with cups of apple cider. Date Added: 1/25/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=165462 Wed, 25 Jan 2023 05:00:00 GMT false165462 DPHS Girls Track Stars Succeed at Stanner Games Deer Park High School’s girls track team successfully competed in the Molloy Stanner Games at The Armory in New York City on Jan. 15. Junior Alex Geosits, who finished first in both the 300-meter, with a time of 42.93, and the 600-meter, with a time of 1:36.89, was honored with the Outstanding Individual Performer award. With an impressive leap of 10.25 meters, senior Natalia Lee finished fourth overall in the triple jump and currently sits in the top 10 in Suffolk County. Date Added: 1/23/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=165398 Mon, 23 Jan 2023 05:00:00 GMT false165398 JFK’s ENL Family Night Returns with Fantastic Turnout John F. Kennedy Intermediate School held its annual ENL Family Night on Jan. 12, featuring several fun stations for students and their families to explore including snow globes, snowman painting, photo frames and hot chocolate. The families also enjoyed a special video highlighting the ENL students. “This was our first year back in person having this event since January 2020, and we had a fantastic turnout,” teacher Kimberly Essig said. “Our students and their families had a great time.” Date Added: 1/20/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=165343 Fri, 20 Jan 2023 05:00:00 GMT false165343 Robert Frost's Young Actors Show Effort and Enthusiasm in “Shrek” The dedicated young actors of Robert Frost Middle School’s Musical Theatre Club put on two sensational performances of “Shrek the Musical” in December, bringing in over 200 guests each night. The cast included AJ Arroyo as Shrek; Sophia Lindsay as Princess Fiona; Amaiyah Elysee as Donkey; Kaiya Pierson as Dragon/Captain of Guards; Jayson Tavarez as Lord Farquaad; Logan Stylianou as Pinocchio; Emily Hofacker as Teen Fiona/Storyteller/Bishop; Jocelyn Pierson as Young Fiona/Storyteller/Dwarf; Livia Mortensen de Oliveira as Gingy/Wicked Witch; Addison Phelan as Mamma Ogre/Mama Bear; Carly Lyons as Pappa Ogre/Papa Bear, Shiraz Rana as Little Ogre/Baby Bear, Anabella Lindsay as Piped Piper/Storyteller; Jael Elyzee; Mikayla Hill and Kaylee Puterbaugh as Knights; Adam Dia, Erik Leach and Sarafina Roffi as Three Pigs; Katherine Fuentes Perez as Big Bad Wolf; Amaan Kapoor as Peter Pan; Zaida Ngaondo as Ugly Duckling; and Radiah Zaman as Puss in Boots. “It was such a great feeling to be in front of a crowd and on stage with everyone,” said eighth grader Arroyo. “It made me feel so good about myself. My favorite part was being backstage with all of the cast and crew. I was so excited to meet new people. I will miss this show that made me feel like I was on Broadway!” “We are in awe of the talented cast and crew,” said directors Lauren Stein and Lori Sullivan. “It is an understatement to say that these performers put on a great show, because they blew us away. We are so proud of our performers and how they have grown through the rehearsal process. They put forth so much effort and enthusiasm to make this show as wonderful as it was. It is emotional for us to see our eighth graders take their last bow on the Frost stage, but we know there is so much that lies ahead for them, and we cannot wait to see what the future brings." Date Added: 1/19/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=165327 Thu, 19 Jan 2023 05:00:00 GMT false165327 International Culture Club Brings World Holidays to May Moore Deer Park High School's International Culture Club, guided by advisers Josephine Conway and Alfonsina Sguera, recently took a field trip to May Moore Primary School, where ICC members taught the younger students about holidays around the world throughout the calendar year. The two groups of students also made lanterns for when it comes time in April to celebrate Eid. Date Added: 1/11/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=165090 Wed, 11 Jan 2023 05:00:00 GMT false165090 Four Deer Park HS Student-Athletes Attend Leadership Conference Accompanied by District Administrator for Athletics, Physical Education, Health and Recreation Dominick Fontana and physical education teacher Brian Tower, four Deer Park High School students – seniors Samuel Adolphe and Kayley Eising, and juniors Joel Nash and Katia Papailler – participated in a student-athlete leadership conference at Center Moriches High School on Dec. 16. Over 300 student-athletes from 57 high schools were represented at the event. The conference focused on a number of topics including leadership in sports, the dangers of social media, student-athlete mental health and college expectations, and featured guest speakers such as former Major League Baseball player Frank Catalanotto, MLB sports agent Mark Leinweaver and numerous college athletes from Long Island. The conference also provided valuable opportunities for Deer Park’s student leaders to interact with their peers and build their individual leadership skills. “The goal here was to help our student-athletes build their leadership skills and become future leaders,” Tower said. Date Added: 1/10/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=165089 Tue, 10 Jan 2023 05:00:00 GMT false165089 Delilah the Dog Gives JFK Students a Chance to Give Back Several classes at John F. Kennedy Intermediate School recently joined forces to give back to the community, sponsoring a dog named Delilah from the Babylon Animal Shelter. Together, the students collected items that the shelter needed and learned about the importance of giving back during the holiday season. Date Added: 1/9/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=165055 Mon, 09 Jan 2023 06:00:00 GMT false165055 Robert Frost Holds Toy Drive for Theissen Foundation The National Junior Honor Society at Deer Park’s Robert Frost Middle School recently sponsored a toy drive for the holiday season, collecting donations from the student body, faculty and staff. The toys were then donated to the John Theissen Children’s Foundation, which brings the donated toys to sick and underprivileged children in more than 185 hospitals and childcare facilities across Long Island throughout the year. “Once again, our school community has shown such generosity and these donations will help fulfill so many wishes during this holiday season,” NJHS adviser Seth Margolin said. Date Added: 1/9/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=165056 Mon, 09 Jan 2023 06:00:00 GMT false165056 Patriot Club Organizes Several Successful Vets Day Activities Deer Park High School’s Patriot Club organized a variety of Veterans Day activities this year to mark the federal holiday. Club participants sent handwritten cards to retired U.S. Army Air Force Corporal David Wolman, a World War II veteran and father of retired Deer Park teacher Nancy Wolman. Miss Wolman expressed her gratitude for the students’ messages, sharing that her father “read every single one, more than once!” In the days leading up to Veterans Day, club members asked students and staff to write messages of appreciation on hearts to be displayed in the showcase at the high school. In the past, the Patriot Club held an annual Jeans for Troops fundraiser to raise money for the G.I. Go Fund, a nonprofit organization that raises money for military veterans and their families. This yearly event is now called the Red, White & Jeans fundraiser, but the cause is the same. On Nov. 10, students throughout the district were asked to wear red, white, and blue, or camouflage, and staff were asked to wear jeans and make a $5 donation in honor of our veterans. More than $400 dollars was raised for this worthy cause. Date Added: 1/9/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=165054 Mon, 09 Jan 2023 05:00:00 GMT false165054 Spanish Honor Society's December Newsletter! Happy New Year!!! The Spanish Honor Society would like to wish everyone a happy and healthy new year! We are excited to present the December newsletter, covering human rights and the mission of our Amnesty International Club, the DPHS Blood Drive, World AIDS Day, Latina equal pay, the World Cup, holiday celebrations around the world, and more! Hope you enjoy this month's issue. Date Added: 1/6/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=164948 Fri, 06 Jan 2023 05:00:00 GMT false164948 JQA Prekindergartners Enjoy Beloved Gingerbread Tradition Prior to the winter break in late December, prekindergartners in Deer Park’s John Quincy Adams Primary School were joined by their families for a seasonal project of creating gingerbread houses. “This is one of our favorite traditions at JQA,” Associate Principal Lynn Coyle said. “The students and loved ones had a wonderful day full of smiles, yummy treats and some messes.” Date Added: 1/6/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=164998 Fri, 06 Jan 2023 05:00:00 GMT false164998 Knights of Columbus Donation Brightens Christmas for JFK Students The Deer Park Knights of Columbus recently donated for the Christmas holiday to a family of four children, all students at John F. Kennedy Intermediate School. The organization’s Columbiettes, women members of the auxiliary council affiliated with the local Knights of Columbus council, organized a large donation of gifts that put a smile on the faces of the four students on Christmas morning. “We at JFK would like to say a special thanks for the generosity of the Columbiettes who helped brighten this Christmas for one of our families in need,” Principal Kelly Benson said. Date Added: 1/4/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=164894 Thu, 05 Jan 2023 05:00:00 GMT false164894 May Moore Continues Elf Shelf Gift Shop Tradition May Moore Primary School continued the December tradition of the Elf Shelf, established in 1989 as an annual holiday gift shop and boutique run by the May Moore’s Parent Faculty Club. All of the school’s classes have a chance to come down to the gym and shop for affordable and personalized gifts for their family members. Date Added: 1/4/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=164893 Wed, 04 Jan 2023 07:00:00 GMT false164893 Deer Park HS Women’s Choir Kicks Off County Legislature Meeting The Deer Park High School Women’s Choir recently performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” at a start of a general meeting of the Suffolk County Legislature in Hauppauge, on the invitation of Legislator Tom Donnelly. The women’s choir, directed by Catherine Singer, will be performing for the first time in three years at the Music in the Parks competition in Hershey, Pennsylvania in June 2023 after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Date Added: 1/4/2023 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=164892 Wed, 04 Jan 2023 05:00:00 GMT false164892 Deer Park Welcomes 74 New National Honor Society Members Deer Park High School welcomed 74 new members at its 61st annual National Honor Society induction ceremony on Dec. 12. Class of 2023 valedictorian Sophia Zoraksh led the pledge of allegiance, while NHS President Ryan Klivansky administered the society’s pledge to the inductees. “Tonight is a culmination of hard work and dedication that should be celebrated,” Associate Principal Garret Noblett said. “For the last 11 years, these inductees have worked tirelessly to become members of the National Honor Society. Inductees and their ongoing accomplishments foster educational spirit, community pride and personal expectation that all improve our school and our surroundings.” Noblett went on to directly address the new members. “On behalf of the building, administration, teachers and your peers, thank you,” he said. “You contribute an intangible factor that every secondary school wants. You shape Deer Park High School’s culture. Schools like ours that boast diverse, involved, academically minded young leaders are inspiring and serve as a model to how society should operate. Students who want to learn and have constructive experiences change classrooms, hallways, athletic arenas and communities. You set the bar and establish a special expectation for your peers. We rely on your role modeling and assistance on, and your open-mindedness in confidence, and most importantly, on your ability to challenge us as leaders, to think creatively and encourage your peers to do the same. This is a tall order for teenagers, and you handle it with finesse and enthusiasm. Tonight’s induction ceremony provides a moment of pause to recognize and praise you, but tomorrow it’s back to business positively impacting Deer Park High School. Your parents, guardians, friends and teachers eagerly anticipate your moves and your successes. This is only the beginning. Universities are awaiting your arrival with experience that will allow you to indulge your passions and enrich their campuses. Congratulations on your demonstration of character, leadership, scholarship and service, and thank you for contributing so positively to your school and our community.” Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly – a lifelong Deer Park resident whose daughters attended Deer Park High School, two being National Honor Society members – was in attendance to congratulate the students. Date Added: 12/23/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=164810 Fri, 23 Dec 2022 05:00:00 GMT false164810 A Surprise “Elf” on the Roof at JQA When students arrived at John Quincy Adams Primary School on the morning of Dec. 14, they were greeted with a most unusual surprise. An “Elf on the Shelf” appeared on the school roof, played by Principal Christopher Molinelli. “It was certainly an exciting way to start off our day,” Molinelli said. Date Added: 12/22/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=164772 Thu, 22 Dec 2022 05:00:00 GMT false164772 DPHS Runner Evan Attrino: From the Trainer’s Table to the State Championship After several years of frustrating injuries that held him back, Deer Park High School runner Evan Attrino had a fantastic 2022 cross-country campaign, being named captain of the team, earning All-County, All-Division and All-League honors, and qualifying for both the New York State Public High School Athletic Association State Championship and the New York State High School State Federation Championship. Attrino was a top runner in League 4, winning all of his races except one. He was the Town of Babylon Championship Meet individual champion, and ran the fifth fastest 5k time in Deer Park boys cross-country history at the Six Flags Invitational. “This was a remarkable turnaround from the previous cross-country season, where Evan was barely able to make it to the start line due to over a year of injuries,” coach Thomas Brouillard said. “Evan worked tirelessly to rehab from his injuries, putting in countless hours at night at the school pool, going to physical therapy several times a week, and still being involved with the team all while doing so. Despite the frustration, disappointment and setbacks, Evan never gave up and showed what happens to those who want something bad enough and never give up no matter how difficult the road ahead is. Evan is a great kid and has developed into a team leader. I don’t know if I have ever been more thrilled for an athlete’s success as much as Evan’s. He truly deserves it.” Date Added: 12/22/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=164773 Thu, 22 Dec 2022 05:00:00 GMT false164773 Four Deer Park Swimmers Earn All-League Honors Four exceptional Deer Park High School student-athletes – sophomore Andrea Cayea, freshman Alexa Flores, senior Hailey Quinn and senior Zyon Small – from the varsity swim team earned All-League honors for the 400-meter freestyle relay. Accompanied by coach Craig Mangio, they were honored in a recent ceremony by the Suffolk County Swim Coaches Association. Date Added: 12/20/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=164661 Tue, 20 Dec 2022 05:00:00 GMT false164661 Deer Park HS Students Host Social Issues Talk by Author Adriana Devers Deer Park High School students from Christine DiProperzio’s English language arts course and the school’s Black Student Union leadership recently hosted a talk on social issues by author and activist Adriana Devers. Devers spoke to the students on issues of cultural pride and enrichment, as well as about using the arts as a means of cultural expression. She also gifted copies of her book to several lucky students. “Our students appreciated Mrs. Devers’ candid speech about finding her identity without losing her sense of pride in her culture,” DiProperzio said. “They loved receiving journals to write their own stories and learning how to merengue dance. Several students requested copies of Mrs. Devers’ poetry, which celebrates her Dominican heritage.” Date Added: 12/20/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=164662 Tue, 20 Dec 2022 05:00:00 GMT false164662 Board of Ed Honors BOCES Culinary Students At the Deer Park School District Board of Education’s Dec. 13 meeting, four Deer Park High School students – Zury Aguilar, Lynn Fanfan, Gianna Sanchez and Carson Warkenthien – who study culinary arts at Western Suffolk BOCES’ Wilson Tech Center were honored. The four young chefs had showed off their skills by cooking and serving for the Board of Education members and district administrators at a BOCES holiday dinner. Date Added: 12/16/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=164566 Fri, 16 Dec 2022 05:00:00 GMT false164566 Deer Park HS Celebrates Top 10 Students Deer Park High School celebrated the accomplishments of the school’s top 10 ranked seniors during a breakfast held in the library on Dec. 14, joined by parents, administrators and guidance counselors. Each student was called to the podium where their counselor introduced them and talked about their hard work and outstanding accomplishments. Upcoming valedictorian Sophia Zorakhsh was ranked first with salutatorian Sarah Naqvi ranked second. Rounding out the top 10 were Steven Mendell (third), Brett Patrick (fourth), Jimmy Jiang (fifth), Ryder Min (sixth), Tiffany Bala (seventh), Gabriella Ortiz (eighth), Kayley Eising (ninth) and Ryan Klivansky (tenth). Principal Charles Cobb congratulated the students and their parents and guardians on this momentous occasion and the culmination of 13 years of the students’ hard work, dedication and constant pursuit of perfection in their academic pursuits. He noted that being named a top 10 student doesn’t just start at the end of their high school career, but instead, starts with the foundation laid and fostered by teachers, parents and guardians. “I encourage and implore all of you to not stop here,” Cobb told the students. “Continue to do what you are doing with passion and vigor.” Date Added: 12/15/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=164517 Thu, 15 Dec 2022 05:00:00 GMT false164517 Exploring Gratitude with the Spanish Honor Society's November Newsletter We hope everyone had a beautiful November that was full of family time and gratitude. In this month's edition, the Spanish Honor Society focuses on ways to practice gratitude. They also dive into the history of Thanksgiving from the Native American and Latino perspectives. This month's writers also had an opportunity to catch up with guidance counselor Noel Skelton to find out how he celebrates the Thanksgiving season and attend the Best Buddies Thanksgiving Feast to enjoy a meal together with theBest Buddies Club. In addition, the newsletter highlights diabetesawareness and includes tips for eating healthy and a diabetes-friendly recipe. Hope you enjoy this month's editionand have a great week! Date Added: 12/12/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=164408 Mon, 12 Dec 2022 05:00:00 GMT false164408 Deer Park FACS Students Give Back with “Cornbread in a Bag” Students in Suzanne Long’s family and consumer science class at Deer Park High School made 41 “Cornbread in a Bag” donations as a way to give back during the Thanksgiving season. “I asked the students, ‘With the holidays coming up, what is something we could donate besides money?” Long said. “One student, Alexa Brady came up with a fantastic idea to donate something that could be used as an activity for families to bond.” After deciding on the Cornbread in a Bag project, the students worked in pairs to create Canva graphics highlighting the recipe and what they had included in the bag. The next day the class voted on the Canva recipe to include with the donations, which were given to Robert Frost Middle School for its holiday basket program. Date Added: 12/9/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=164384 Fri, 09 Dec 2022 05:00:00 GMT false164384 Fall 2022 Newsletter Date Added: 12/8/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=164325 Thu, 08 Dec 2022 05:00:00 GMT false164325 Deer Park Primary Students Have a Rockin’ 50th Day of School Students at John Quincy Adams and May Moore primary schools celebrated the 50th day of school on Nov. 23 with a 1950s-themed day. Students dressed in ‘50s fashion and even danced to old-time rock and roll music. Each teacher provided a special activity around the number 50. Date Added: 12/7/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=164300 Wed, 07 Dec 2022 05:00:00 GMT false164300 Spanish 2 Students Explore Extracurricular Options at DPHS Students enrolled in Spanish 2 classes at Deer Park High School recently participated in an extracurricular activity exploration day, meeting members from different Deer Park clubs, honor societies, and sports teams. At the event, Spanish Honor Society members provided the Spanish 2 students with important information in Spanish about the organization they represent. “The goal of this event was to inspire new students to join a new activity and to open their eyes to all of the many extracurricular activities and opportunities available at Deer Park High School,” Associate Principal Dina Pannone said. “It is important that all students are involved with the school and are given the opportunity to explore their talents outside of their academic classes.” Date Added: 12/5/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=164225 Mon, 05 Dec 2022 05:00:00 GMT false164225 Three from Deer Park HS Earn Distinguished Youth Award Gold Medals Deer Park High School seniors Emily Franciscovich and Dimitra Pavlatos and freshman Muntazir Mehdi recently received Distinguished Youth Award gold medals from the Suffolk County Legislature. The three students were honored at a Nov. 22 ceremony. For Franciscovich and Pavlatos, it was their second consecutive year earning this distinction. The Distinguished Youth Award program challenges Suffolk County’s youth to become more involved in civics in their communities and requires 200 hours of volunteer service, 100 hours of personal development, 100 hours of physical fitness and exploration through visits to 15 Suffolk County parks. Date Added: 11/30/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=164117 Wed, 30 Nov 2022 05:00:00 GMT false164117 JQA Students Learn to Connect Via Start with Hello Teachers Brittany Kappenmacher and Angeline Ramos recently led a Start with Hello assembly to teach students at John Quincy Adams Primary School how to be more socially inclusive and connected to each other. The students were empowered to end social isolation in three easy steps: See Someone Alone, Reach out and Help, and Start with Hello. Date Added: 11/29/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=164074 Tue, 29 Nov 2022 05:00:00 GMT false164074 New DPHS Electives Focus on Long Island History and Geography Two new electives at Deer Park High School – Long Island History, a social studies course taught by Joseph Alo, and Natural History of Long Island, a science course taught by Kevin Richards – have turned attention on Long Island itself. In Richards’ class, students learn about the geology and ecology of Long Island, exploring topics such as how glaciers impacted Long Island; the various ecosystems on Long Island, like the Hempstead Plains; and how climate change can affect Long Islanders. Students participate in various lab activities to better understand these topics and attend field trips to explore some of Long Island’s amazing natural environments. “The course was created to not only educate students about where they live, but hopefully instill a greater appreciation for the place we all call home,” Richards said. Alo’s class explores Long Island history from its geological origins to the present day. Analyzing the island both as a distinct region and as a case study in the broader history of America, students examine the impact of the ethnic, cultural, political, social and religious diversity that developed over time and gave the island its identity. Field trips exploring the culture and history that Long Island has to offer began with a visit to the Long Island Aquarium and possible future trips to Sagtikos Manor, the Gatsby-era Gold Coast mansions, the birthplace of Walt Whitman, Sagamore Hill, a Long Island Ducks game and countless other Long Island historic sites. “Long Island holds a rich and storied history that is often overlooked in the grand scheme of the study of history,” Alo said. “As Long Islanders, it is important to understand the events and concepts that got us to where we are today. This is history and culture that directly impacts us, rather than reading about distant civilizations. For the first time at Deer Park High School, a course on Long Island history is being offered for students to better understand who we are as Long Islanders. I am honored to be teaching it in its inaugural year.” Date Added: 11/29/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=164075 Tue, 29 Nov 2022 05:00:00 GMT false164075 Deer Park HS Honors 17 Outstanding “Champions” The annual fall Breakfast for Champions returned to Deer Park High School’s library on Nov. 16, recognizing outstanding students for their achievements, hard work and determination to overcome obstacles in 17 different categories corresponding to school departments as well as principal’s and teacher’s awards. The fall 2022 Breakfast for Champions honorees were Alexis Borowski (science), Ava Capone (social studies), Nalasia Chavannes (family and consumer science), Mitchella Etienne (guidance), Emily Franciscovich (athletics), Nathaniel Gordon (Principal’s Award), Anthony Gotay (Teacher’s Award), Angelica Jones (physical education), Colson Lyons (math), Matthews Mendez-Jara (English as a new language), Joel Nash (technology), Katia Papailler (business), Kayleigh Pellicano (English), Arielle Salgado (performing arts), Gladys Sanchez (world languages), Xavier Sanchez (health) and Kely Surin (fine arts). “It is always great to see our students being recognized for their various accomplishments,” Associate Principal Garret Noblett said. “These students show exceptional conduct and character on a daily basis, and the teachers and presenters all did a fantastic job in showcasing our champions’ achievements and accolades.” The breakfast was attended by administrators, teachers and the students’ proud families, and was accompanied by selections of lovely classical music from Deer Park High School’s string quintet of Emily Kleiber (cello), Jayme Lipiec (viola), Eadie Liu (violin), Ryder Min (violin) and Lorelai Silverstein (bass). Date Added: 11/23/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=163984 Wed, 23 Nov 2022 05:00:00 GMT false163984 HS Art Club Students Paint “Wakanda Forever” Windows for Regal Deer Park High School Art Club members Denise Brown, Emma Burkitt, Emmerson Cadena, Oswald Green III, Aimen Khan, Alexis Lazarte, Kathy Lin, Salwa Waseem and Sara Zirpola recently volunteered to paint five themed windows at the Regal Deer Park movie theater at the Tanger Outlets to celebrate the premiere of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” Guided by teacher Joe Mucci, the students had only three days to finish the project, arranged by Regal Deer Park Deputy General Manager Jessica Philips-Harris, a Deer Park High School graduate. Date Added: 11/22/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=163940 Tue, 22 Nov 2022 06:00:00 GMT false163940 JQA Shows How to “Bee Kind” Every morning, staff at Deer Park’s John Quincy Adams Primary School remind the students of the school’s “4 Bees”: Be safe, be kind, be responsible and be the difference at JQA. For the second consecutive year, JQA celebrated World Kindness Day on Nov. 14 by wearing blue and taking a school photo as a reminder for all to “Bee Kind.” Date Added: 11/22/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=163939 Tue, 22 Nov 2022 05:00:00 GMT false163939 Deer Park’s Rebuilt Marching Falcons Program Flies High Deer Park High School’s storied marching band program is on the rise, rebuilt to new heights. The Marching Falcons have a long tradition of competitive excellence and enthusiasm, but the program had diminished in recent eras. Now, guided by current Band Director Derek Schmelter and boasting 45 student participants, the band is poised for bigger and better things. The seeds for the band’s reinvigoration were sown when Schmelter was hired in 2020, and the marching band came up in discussions with District Administrator of Fine and Performing Arts Bradley Murphy. “At that time, the marching band was a mandatory part of the band program, meaning if students were enrolled in band, they were required to participate in marching band,” Schmelter explained. “Brad and I decided that making it a volunteer program would give students the agency to choose whether or not to participate. Additionally, this opened up the opportunity to have after-school rehearsals, which has allowed us to improve the quality of our performance. In 2020-2021, we had a small number of students who participated both virtually and in person, but as we moved into the 2021-2022 school year, we nearly doubled in size. We had our first performance in a number of years as a voluntary co-curricular program and it went really well. Students saw the potential in the program, and we doubled in size again, going into this year. After our first summer band camp in a decade, we were set to perform in our normal halftime capacity, and were able to schedule outside performances.” Recent successes include participation in the Huntington New York State Field Band Conference Competition and Newsday Marching Band Festival. “Our musicians had the opportunity to see how supportive and positive the marching arts community is, and how other schools perform,” said Schmelter, who has been involved in the marching arts for over 15 years as a participant, designer and instructor. “My primary goal for the band is for students to have a space to perform for and support the community of Deer Park, at football and basketball games, both as a pep band and marching ensemble, and marching in parades,” Schmelter said. “We may revisit competing locally. Whatever the kids want to do, I am here to explore that with them. There is a great history with the Deer Park Marching Falcons, and it’s clear the band’s presence in the community is longstanding. I am just trying to create a group that represents the school and community to the best of its ability.” Schmelter is keenly aware of how much value the Marching Falcons bring to a school like Deer Park. “A marching band helps develop a sense of pride and school spirit,” he said. “I feel that performing at school and community events gets everyone excited. We all listen to music in our daily lives, and I think that having a live ensemble enhances the joint experience. As the band is now more visible, I hope that parents and kids coming up through Frost and JFK will see what this program can bring to the Deer Park community. Only about half of the members at this time are enrolled in band. Color guard and percussion members participate in chorus, orchestra, or don’t even take part in a school ensemble. I love that we have such a variety of students in our band, and that reflects the community we’re a part of.” For the students, being in marching band brings multiple and diverse benefits, and their reasons for joining up are equally varied. “When looking at it during football games, it would always catch my eye,” senior Riya Shah said, while sophomore Destiny Gavin said, “I had friends say that I should try it out, and I wanted to do more stuff related to music.” “I wanted to get involved with band activities and feel the type of connection you would feel with a sports team or activity,” freshman Lauren Marable said. “The people have really made this an enjoyable experience. There’s no barriers or differences in school grades or interests, everyone finds a way to bond.” “I love being in marching band because it allows me to meet so many new people and gives me new experiences that I would have never experienced before,” junior Hannah Ferguson said. “I always remember watching videos of big college marching bands like Ohio State or USC, and just thinking, ‘I want to do that someday,’’’ senior Anthony Bruno said. “Once Deer Park started to grow its marching band, the decision to join was a no-brainer, and it was one of the best parts of my high school career. The best part of being in the band has to be the people. From the director and assistant directors to the seniors and underclassmen, the band becomes your second family. When you join a marching band, the experiences you have, and the friendships you make, they’ll stay with you for life.” Date Added: 11/21/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=163874 Mon, 21 Nov 2022 05:00:00 GMT false163874 Deer Park High School Recognizes Fall Athletes Deer Park High School celebrated its athletes during the fall sports awards, held in the school auditorium on Nov. 9. Athletic Director Dominick Fontana congratulated the athletes on all of their accomplishments and thanked the parents for their dedication and unwavering support. The nine varsity teams’ members were called to the stage to be recognized and four athletes per team were awarded plaques for the most improved player, sportsmanship award, coach’s award and most valuable player. Congratulations to the following award winners: Boys Cross-Country: Evan Attrino (MVP), Berk Bas (most improved player award), Ayush Manchanda (coach’s award) and Burak Tuzun (sportsmanship award) Girls Cross-County: Kayla Beaumont (most improved player award), Ava Capone (MVP), Kaliyah Hull (coach’s award) and Brianne Vasconcellos (sportsmanship award) Varsity Football: Joseph DeSimone (most improved player award), Jovani Elysee-Holloway (coach’s award), Hayden Lovinsky (MVP) and Christopher Rodriguez (sportsmanship award) Boys Varsity Golf: Nicholas Fedrich (coach’s award), Michael Hodgkiss (MVP), Joseph Linken (most improved player award) and Dylan Rhodes (sportsmanship award) Boys Varsity Soccer: Jesse-Daniel Ediale (coach’s award), Michaelangelo Giuliano (most improved player award), Isaiah Harrilal-Jamison (sportsmanship award) and Anthony Miller (MVP) Girls Varsity Soccer: Isabella Colon (coach’s award), Taylor Gabel (MVP), Eadie Liu (most improved player award) and Fiona Stapleton (sportsmanship award) Girls Varsity Swimming: Alexa Flores (MVP), Gloria Min (most improved player award), Hailey Quinn (coach’s award) and Theresa Tiernan (sportsmanship award) Girls Varsity Tennis: Emily Franciscovich (MVP), Dimitra Pavlatos (most improved player award), Riya Shah (coach’s award) and Morgan Sinclair (sportsmanship award) Girls Varsity Volleyball: Raidiris Burgos (MVP), Kayley Eising (coach’s award), Allyssa Skeen (most improved player award) and Mikayla Williams (sportsmanship award) Date Added: 11/18/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=163813 Fri, 18 Nov 2022 05:00:00 GMT false163813 JFK Honors Vets at Second Annual Breakfast John F. Kennedy Intermediate School held its second annual Veterans Breakfast on Nov. 10. Organized by the JFK Good Citizenship Committee, the celebration honors those who have served and those currently serving the country, with students inviting veterans in their families to attend the breakfast. “We believe there are no better role models for our children than the veterans who have shown their patriotism and citizenship by serving our great nation,” art teacher Briana Nussbaum said. Date Added: 11/17/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=163773 Thu, 17 Nov 2022 06:00:00 GMT false163773 Deer Park HS Participates in Town of Babylon POW/MIA Vigil POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed across the nation on the third Friday of September each year. Many Americans take the time to remember those who were prisoners of war and those who are missing in action, as well as their families. Principal Charles Cobb was approached by Deer Park teaching assistant Billie Jo Vozza, the chairperson of the Town of Babylon POW/MIA Vigil Committee, to request the high school’s participation in the Sept 16. event, hosted at Babylon Town Hall by the Sgt. John Sardiello American Legion Post 1634. Deer Park High School’s Patriot Club and Foreign Language Honor Society, supervised by faculty members Joseph Alo, Nicole Bjarnnson, Laurie Osbern and Dina Pannone, provided volunteers to help with the Veterans Picnic prior to the ceremony. High school vocalists Gianna Sanchez and Stephanie Sheeler led the attendees in singing the national anthem, followed by Gianna Sanchez’s solo performance of “God Bless America.” Brandon Lanaro’s hauntingly beautiful rendition of “Taps” solidified the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by service members. After the ceremony, the students and staff kept vigil by walking around the lake and monument. Students spearheaded the decoration and the placement of luminaries around the lake at dusk in remembrance of those lost and still missing. “Many of the veterans were highly impressed by our students and were very appreciative of the many conversations they had,” Vozza said. Date Added: 11/17/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=163772 Thu, 17 Nov 2022 05:00:00 GMT false163772 Deer Park Prekindergartners Continue Veterans Day Tradition Continuing an annual patriotic tradition for Veterans Day, teacher Tammy Cotrone and her prekindergarten classes at May Moore Primary School created a special tribute to local veterans, which they delivered to the vets at Town Hall. Students’ military family photos were also put on display outside their classroom. “I come from a strong military family, so this holiday is close to my heart and a tribute to all veterans,” Cotrone said. “The veterans look forward to my visit each year, and the children learn what a veteran is and how to honor and thank them for their service and sacrifice.” Date Added: 11/16/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=161781 Wed, 16 Nov 2022 05:00:00 GMT false161781 SADD Club Encourages Healthy Choices During Red Ribbon Week Deer Park High School’s SADD Club recently participated in Red Ribbon Week, a nationwide campaign encouraging students to live a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. On Oct. 28, students took a pledge to be drug-free and received resources on how to make healthy life choices to invest in their future. Date Added: 11/15/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=161750 Tue, 15 Nov 2022 05:00:00 GMT false161750 Seven Deer Park HS Student-Musicians Earn Music Honors Seven stellar student-musicians from Deer Park High School were recently awarded All-County music honors, and two of them also received All-State honors. Evan Attrino (band), Xavier Edmond (chorus), Eadie Liu (orchestra), Sarah Naqvi (band), Dimitria Pavlatos (chorus), Gianna Sanchez (treble choir) and Theresa Tiernan (chorus) were named All-County musicians by the New York State Council of Administrators of Music Education. Additionally, Attrino and Liu were named All-State musicians by the New York State School Music Association, and will perform with their ensembles in December at the NYSSMA Winter Conference in Rochester. “I think a lot of hard work went into achieving this, and it’s always good to see your hard work pay off,” Attrino said. Date Added: 11/14/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=161696 Mon, 14 Nov 2022 06:00:00 GMT false161696 Deer Park Welcomes Full-Time Athletic Trainer Dan Stevens has served as Deer Park’s athletic trainer for the past four years as part of his responsibilities as a Performax PT employee. This year, the district made the decision to hire Stevens as a full-time, district-employed, on-site trainer. “The district felt that the move from part-time to full-time status would be an enormous benefit to not only our athletes, but also to the entire district,” said Dominick Fontana, Deer Park’s administrator for athletics, physical education, health and recreation. “We were happy to offer the position to Dan and thrilled that he accepted. He has been a tremendous asset to the athletic department since he arrived four years ago, and even more so in the past couple of months.” Date Added: 11/14/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=161697 Mon, 14 Nov 2022 05:00:00 GMT false161697 Deer Park’s Anthony Fasano Gets HS Diploma on His 80th Birthday Longtime Deer Park resident Anthony Fasano was honored for achieving his 90th birthday at the Deer Park School District’s Board of Education meeting on Oct. 26. With his family in attendance, he was presented by Superintendent James Cummings with an honorary high school diploma. Born Nov. 21, 1932 in Brooklyn, Fasano was a U.S. Army veteran. Due to family and military obligations, he did not have the opportunity to finish high school and obtain his diploma. He worked for the Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation for several decades, as well as Republic Airport in East Farmingdale, before retiring. Fasano’s five children are all Deer Park High School graduates, as are eight of his 11 grandchildren, and one of his great-grandchildren still resides in the district. “It was a privilege to be able to do something special for this family and for a man who has given so much to this community and our country,” Cummings said. When asked during the presentation if he felt he was missing anything from Deer Park, Fasano replied, “Nothing! This is the greatest town.” “Best answer!,” Cummings replied. “I would like to thank everyone in this town and Deer Park Schools for making my 90th birthday so memorable,” Fasano said. “Deer Park is the biggest little town. I’ve lived here most of my adult life and here we are not just neighbors, we are family.” Date Added: 11/10/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=161645 Thu, 10 Nov 2022 05:00:00 GMT false161645 High Schoolers Gain Insight at College and Career Fair Deer Park High School held its annual College and Career Fair on Oct. 27, providing students with the chance to meet and speak with over 30 colleges and universities; military branches including the U.S. Army, Navy and Marine Corps; the Deer Park Fire Department; Western Suffolk BOCES; Access-VR; and the electrical and HVAC/R Training Center. “We had such a wonderful turnout,” Associate Principal Dina Pannone said. “I know our students were thrilled to speak with everyone in person and to be able to ask all of their questions to gain insight into the different organizations.” Date Added: 11/8/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=161540 Tue, 08 Nov 2022 05:00:00 GMT false161540 Spanish Honor Society October Newsletter Deer Park High School's Spanish Honor Society is excited to present the October newsletter highlighting Hispanic Heritage Month.This month's edition features articles in Spanish and English, collaborative pieces with other DPHS clubs, Hispanic heritage events in the community, DPHS National Spanish Examine medalists, poetry by the PEN Society, and more! Date Added: 11/7/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=160480 Mon, 07 Nov 2022 05:00:00 GMT false160480 Diwali Celebrated in JQA Art and Music Classes In a collaboration between music teacher Diana Cotrone and art teacher Samantha Racano, students at Deer Park’s John Quincy Adams Primary School recently participated in Diwali activities. The students created diya lamps in art, then used them for a Diwali song and Dandiya dance in music class. Date Added: 11/4/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=160407 Fri, 04 Nov 2022 04:00:00 GMT false160407 DPHS Hosts Quantico Marine Corps Band Performance In a special Oct. 19 visit in the auditorium, Deer Park High School hosted a tour performance by the Quantico Marine Corps Band. Established in 1918, this brass band is one of the oldest professional musical ensembles in the service and one of just 10 fleet bands that perform in the Marine Corps. The band played a variety of material from jazz and blues to modern pop music, discussed the ensemble’s history, and answered questions some of the high school’s music students. “We welcomed this wonderful opportunity for students, and are thankful to the Marine Corps for honoring our request for this performance,” said Bradley Murphy, the district’s administrator for fine and performing arts. Date Added: 11/3/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=160406 Thu, 03 Nov 2022 04:00:00 GMT false160406 May Moore Rededicates Beloved Garden May Moore Primary School held a rededication ceremony for the Mrs. Densing Memorial Garden on Oct. 20. The garden was originally created in loving memory of Kathy Densing, a May Moore teacher. Its vibrant mural, recently updated by local artist Ron Becker, depicts the view from Densing’s home in Maine. A chalkboard was also installed so that teachers can take their classes outside to read and write “I did not have the privilege of meeting Kathy, but her friends here at May Moore have shared memories of her kind and caring heart and her genuine love for all those she encountered,” Principal Tammy Alcalde said. “When asked about Kathy, I heard many comments about her love of reading and writing and passion for sharing that love with her students. We envision our garden as an extension of our school building, another location for students to learn, read, write and play, which we think is an appropriate way to honor Mrs. Densing and her memory.” The garden redesign was supported by the district’s buildings and grounds crew, who worked tirelessly to transform it into a place where multiple classes can come outside and enjoy nature while also being engaged in the learning process. The May Moore Parent Faculty Club provided Adirondack chairs and a deck box, which stores outdoor cushions for the students. At the rededication ceremony, a former colleague of Densing, May Moore teacher Deana LaPlaca, and five of her students – Seline Ertugrul, Kallie Fabrizio, Kaden France, Emmanuella Marsielle and Denzel Santos – shared a garden poem. The assembled audience include Densing’s sister, John F. Kennedy Intermediate School teacher Patty Katz, as well as Densing’s husband Larry and son Jack, who helped cut the ribbon officially reopening the garden. Date Added: 11/2/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=160361 Wed, 02 Nov 2022 06:00:00 GMT false160361 JFK Staff Holds Donation Drive for Breast Cancer In honor of those affected by breast cancer, Deer Park’s John F. Kennedy Intermediate School recently held a staff donation drive for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The week’s fundraising activities, organized by JFK teachers Rosanne Alfieri, Theresa Santa Maria and Eileen Tuozzo, included pink pens, pink donuts, breast cancer ribbon bagels, pink kisses in a jar, and “Rock Your Pink” clothes. “We are proud to support such a wonderful cause,” Alfieri said. Date Added: 11/2/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=160360 Wed, 02 Nov 2022 04:00:00 GMT false160360 Deeanna Saul Named DPHS September Student of the Month https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=160308 Tue, 01 Nov 2022 04:00:00 GMT false160308 Seasonal Science at JQA In keeping with the season, students at John Quincy Adams Primary School recently performed pumpkin science experiments, measuring the gourd’s size and investigating how many lines were in each pumpkin. Date Added: 10/31/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=160258 Mon, 31 Oct 2022 04:00:00 GMT false160258 Deer Park Freshmen Explore Options on Career Day Freshmen explored career options and heard from community professionals at Deer Park High School’s annual Career Day on Oct. 12. Community members in industries such as business, technology and medicine discussed how their schooling and life experiences led them to be successful, and held question-and-answer sessions with students. The freshmen had the opportunity to hear from two industry panels regarding different career paths. Speaking on the healthcare panel were physical therapist and athletic trainer Cheryl Christie, owner and president of Paragon Physical Therapy and Elite Strength & Performance, who also runs strength training classes for Deer Park High School students; 1981 Deer Park alumnus Thomas Gallo, a physical therapist and attorney in the healthcare industry as well as a professor and clinical coordinator for Hofstra University; and Huntington Hospital labor and delivery nurse Carlene Willimas, who teaches nursing at St. Joseph’s University in Patchogue and at Suffolk Community College campuses. Speaking on the business panel were Deer Park High School alumna Bernadette Catanzano, who worked her way up over 30 years at JPMorgan Chase from starting out as a loan processor to becoming a managing director in charge of people nationwide, focusing on maintaining the bank's compliance regulations; Broadridge Financial Solutions Vice President of Service Delivery Jill Whitney, who leads Broadridge’s client services efforts; and Joseph Muscatelli, who after serving as both a social worker and a teacher, made a career change into the IT field and now serves as a computer and network technician for Custom Computer Specialists, which is contracted by Deer Park to maintain the district's computer systems. Deer Park guidance counselors and business teachers conducted workshops on useful topics such as Naviance, SAT prep, and landing a job in high school. The school’s National Honor Society also participated by conducting mock interviews with freshmen. “The day was a great success, with students taking their first important steps toward present and future endeavors,” said Christine Gill, Deer Park’s curriculum associate for mathematics and business. Date Added: 10/31/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=160259 Mon, 31 Oct 2022 04:00:00 GMT false160259 Prekindergartners and Parents Participate in Pumpkin Workshops at Primary Schools Prekindergartners at John Quincy Adams Primary School and May Moore Primary School got into the spirit of the season on Oct. 20, participating with their parents in pumpkin workshops. Date Added: 10/28/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=160216 Fri, 28 Oct 2022 04:00:00 GMT false160216 Deer Park Honors Frank Vertullo Jr. at Board Meeting Frank Vertullo Jr. was honored at the Deer Park School District’s Board of Education meeting on Oct. 26. Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly was on hand to present Vertullo with a proclamation. The Deer Park High School alumnus, who recently served as grand marshal of the Deer Park homecoming parade, founded the Frank and Michael Vertullo Faith & Hope Foundation in 2016 as a living tribute to his son Michael, vowing to always raise enough funding to help enrich the lives of children and young adults living with special needs. Since the organization’s inception, all monies raised have supported student tuition for summer camps; updates to the district’s PAES Lab, which is a resource for students in learning and mastering specific skills to be used outside of their academic careers; updates to the Falcon Academy life skills apartment, which helps to reinforce skills needed for independent living; awarding annual senior scholarships; and funding the Unified Sports programs within the district, which currently includes a Unified Basketball team and the upcoming Unified Bowling team. “He is a humble man with a huge heart and we are lucky to have such an angel amongst us,” Board of Education President Donna Marie Elliott said. Date Added: 10/27/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=160169 Thu, 27 Oct 2022 04:00:00 GMT false160169 Deer Park Says “Thank You” to Board of Ed The Deer Park School District celebrated School Board Recognition Week on Oct. 26, praising its dedicated board members for their dedication, caring and teamwork. Students from John Quincy Adams Primary School made a surprise appearance to perform a special “Thank You Song” with new lyrics referencing their gratitude for the board, accompanied by teacher Diana Cotrone on ukulele. “Here at Deer Park, I would consider us to be about as fortunate as any community can be to have the board of ed that we have,” Superintendent James Cummings said. “They are really the most wonderful and supportive of boards I can speak for on Long Island. Anybody that has taught here, met them and met their families, realizes that they’re here for one thing, and that’s to make the community better and to make our students successful. Every conversation that we have is centered around how do we make our students successful, and how do we do it in the most fiscally responsible way. From the bottom of my heart, on behalf of the school district, I want to thank the seven of you for what we do for us, what you do for the community, and most importantly what you do for the kids.” Date Added: 10/26/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=160144 Wed, 26 Oct 2022 04:00:00 GMT false160144 Deer Park’s Emily Franciscovich Named News12 Scholar Athlete Deer Park High School senior tennis player Emily Franciscovich recently won the News12 Scholar Athlete Award. She will receive a $1,000 college scholarship from Bethpage Federal Credit Union and will be also featured on News12. Franciscovich is a two-time captain of the Deer Park High School tennis team and started the volunteer group Girls That Give Back. Date Added: 10/22/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=160014 Sat, 22 Oct 2022 04:00:00 GMT false160014 Deer Park Rallies for Fantastic Homecoming Celebration The Deer Park community rallied on Oct. 15 for a fantastic homecoming celebration. Proudly wearing maroon and white, the district’s students, staff and families joined the morning parade led by the Deer Park High School Falcons Marching Band, that began at John F. Kennedy Intermediate School and ended at Al Centamore Football Field. Each high school grade level worked hard to create memorable TV show-themed floats for the parade, ranging from “Slime Time Live” (freshmen) and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” (sophomores) to “The Fairly OddParents” (juniors) and “SpongeBob SquarePants” (seniors). Prior to the big afternoon game, Samuel Adolphe and Theresa Tiernan were crowned as homecoming king and queen, and the senior class was announced as the winner of the float and Spirit Week contests. Continuing the positive energy, the varsity Falcons football squad delivered with a rousing 27-19 victory over Hauppauge, highlighted by stellar performances by the Lovinsky brothers, Hayden and Hunter. Hunter ran for 152 yards, including a 25-yard touchdown, threw a touchdown and racked up two interceptions on defense, while Hayden ran for 102 yards, including touchdown runs of 25 and 60 yards. On defense, standout Alex Aiello notched 15 tackles. Date Added: 10/21/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=159976 Fri, 21 Oct 2022 04:00:00 GMT false159976 Falcons Spirit on Display at Deer Park High School Pep Rally An outpouring of maroon and white Falcons spirit filled Al Centamore Football Field on Oct. 14 as Deer Park High School celebrated its athletic teams and prepared for the following day’s homecoming with a fun, energetic pep rally highlighted by astounding performances by the cheerleading squads. Date Added: 10/19/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=159908 Wed, 19 Oct 2022 04:00:00 GMT false159908 Deer Park Secondary Students Explore Hispanic Literature and Culture Deer Park secondary students and teachers recently celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with readings from contemporary and historical Hispanic literature. Students in ELA classes at Deer Park High School and Robert Frost Middle School participated in different activities celebrating Hispanic writers, including browsing and reading Latino young adult literature, writing poems modeled on historical authors, and even letting guest readers perform Spanish-language poetry while analyzing translation. “It was gratifying to see all students making connections to their lives, to their peers and to the current day,” said Jeanne Kozlowsky, District Administrator for Secondary Curriculum and Instruction. “It is important to recognize and celebrate the ways that culture is such an integral part of learning.” Date Added: 10/11/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=159719 Tue, 11 Oct 2022 04:00:00 GMT false159719 Deer Park High School Recognizes 41 Outstanding AP Scholars Deer Park High School recently recognized 41 current students for earning AP Scholar designation for 2022 by the College Board, recognizing their diligence in attaining college-level achievement in AP courses and exams. The Advanced Placement Program recognizes several different award levels. Thirty students – seniors Ezekiel Babarinde, Tiffany Bala, Brandon Christmas, Laura Corcoran, Nolan Delargy, Kayley Eising, Arass Fatima,, Mia Hendrickson, Alexander Lanaro, Tahmid Matin, Gabrielle Mayne, Ryder Min, Sarah Munoz, Gabriella Ortiz, Kaetlynne Quinones and Yalda Said; and juniors Anthony Alvino, Evan Attrino, Lillian Cullen, Kaliyah Hull, Angelique Jean-Pierre, Alexis Lazarte, Kathy Lin, Eadie Liu, Muhsin Maqsood, Gabriella Morace, Fatima Nawaz, Calvin Nguyen, Stephanie Sheeler and Jordan Trojan – were named AP Scholars, granted to students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams. Five students – seniors Emily Kleiber, Brandon Lanaro and Arianna Magali; and juniors Aniqa Azgar and Mohammad Fahad – were named AP Scholars with Honor, granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. Six students – seniors Ryan Klivansky, Steven Mendell, Sarah Naqvi, Brett Patrick, Gabriel Villacres and Sophia Zorakhsh – were named AP Scholars with Distinction, granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. Date Added: 10/5/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=159598 Wed, 05 Oct 2022 04:00:00 GMT false159598 Dot Day in Deer Park Highlights Important Message Numerous art classes in buildings across the district participated in International Dot Day activities and projects, based on the book “The Dot” by Peter H. Reynolds. The book’s strong message encourages students to always try their best. At JFK, art teacher Briana Nussbaum and music teacher Kristen Lombardo collaborated to create a multifaceted piece. In art class, students worked on creating their own dots, while fourth-grade music classes learned a Dot Day song written by Reynolds and Emily Dale. The two teachers then used footage of the dots being made and a recording of the students singing the Dot Day song to develop a music video. At Robert Frost, seventh graders who had grown up reading “The Dot” revisited the book during Samantha Racano’s art classes. The students rotated between four stations, with activities ranging from marble-paint rolling and painting tie-dye, to stamping dots of paint and finally chalk-dipping. “We read ‘The Dot’ again together because the message is important for all ages,” Racano said. “The students and myself all had so much fun creating such a variety of dots.” All of the participating schools prepared Dot Day banners for display. “It’s a beautiful thing when our children can utilize both art and music to promote love, acceptance and kindness towards each other,” JFK Associate Principal Shaun McLeod said. Date Added: 9/28/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=159409 Wed, 28 Sep 2022 04:00:00 GMT false159409 Deer Park’s Steven Mendell Travels to Puerto Rico on Junior Scholarship It was the trip of a lifetime for Deer Park High School student Steven Mendell, who was selected by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese last winter as one of only 24 high school juniors to be given the Spanish Honor Society Bertie Green Junior Travel Award. Mendell, now a senior, was given the opportunity to travel to Puerto Rico in July with other students from around the country to study the island’s culture and be immersed in the language. Mendell’s trip began in San Juan and Bayamon, where he befriended the other scholarship winners. The students explored the city and visited famous sites like Castillo San Cristobal, explored caves, and went ziplining in the forest. The group then ventured to Ponce, where they visited Castillo Serralles, learned salsa dancing, tried authentic food of the region and went to the beach. The last portion of the trip was in Fajardo, where Mendell and his fellow scholarship winners went snorkeling, encountered turtles and explored the bioluminescent bay at La Laguna Grande. “My trip to Puerto Rico was one of the best experiences of my life,” Mendell said. “It was a trip of many firsts. I went to a lot of places and had experiences that will last a lifetime, but probably the most memorable was the friendships I made along the way.” Date Added: 9/27/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=159381 Tue, 27 Sep 2022 04:00:00 GMT false159381 May Moore Autism Program Wins TangerKids Grant Alannah Boccard, a special education teacher at May Moore Primary School, recently applied for and won a $750 TangerKids grant for sensory materials for her May Moore Autism Program classroom. These materials will directly support and enhance the curriculum that Boccard’s students receive and their special education needs. The TangerKids Grant Program creates a space for teachers to request the tools needed to create more modern, inclusive and functional classrooms for their students. Representatives visited May Moore on Sept. 14 to present the grant check for MMAP. “Locally, Tanger Outlets Deer Park awarded $3,000 in grants to local teachers for projects that enhance learning environments and support students’ success both in and out of the classroom,” Tanger Outlets Marketing Director Amaka Oweazim-Muir said. “Creating opportunity for all is a top priority at Tanger, and it’s humbling to see the impact of these grants.” “We are so proud of Mrs. Boccard and thankful for the opportunity Tanger Outlets has provided for our school, Principal Tammy Alcalde said. Date Added: 9/21/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=157337 Wed, 21 Sep 2022 04:00:00 GMT false157337 Seven High Schoolers Earn National College Board Awards Seven outstanding Deer Park High School students were recently recognized by the College Board based on their academic achievements in school and performance on the PSAT or AP Exams. Denise Offiah, Ezekiel Babarinde and Gabrielle Mayne earned the National African American Recognition Award; Gabriella Ortiz, Kaetlynne Quinones and Tiffany Bala earned the National Hispanic Recognition Award; and Yasmine Sanchez earned the National Hispanic Recognition Award as well as the National Indigenous Award. “These students have accomplished these milestones during an immensely demanding period of their high school career,” Associate Principal Dina Pannone said. “We couldn’t be more delighted to congratulate them.” Date Added: 9/20/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=157295 Tue, 20 Sep 2022 05:00:00 GMT false157295 Crucial Discussions Highlight Superintendent’s Conference Day In his annual address to Deer Park School District staff for Superintendent’s Conference Day on Sept. 1, Superintendent James Cummings discussed numerous crucial topics, including the Dignity for All Students Act, communication with parents, supporting students’ mental health, sexual harassment policies, and school safety protocols and emergency planning. Date Added: 9/20/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=157294 Tue, 20 Sep 2022 04:00:00 GMT false157294 Planting Flags at May Moore in Memory of 9/11 Students from May Moore Primary School proudly displayed their red, white and blue outfits on Sept. 9 while participated in the school’s annual flag planting ceremony in honor and remembrance of 9/11. Date Added: 9/15/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=157212 Thu, 15 Sep 2022 04:00:00 GMT false157212 Deer Park’s Students Are Excited to Be Back for a New Year Across Deer Park’s schools, students from each building – Deer Park High School, Robert Frost Middle School, John F. Kennedy Intermediate School, John Quincy Adams Primary School and May Moore Primary School – came back on a rainy Sept. 6, enthusiastic to start a new school year. “Rainy weather couldn’t dampen our smiles on the first day of school,” May Moore Principal Tammy Alcalde said. “We opened our doors and welcomed all of our students for another wonderful year at May Moore. We are looking forward to providing a safe, fun, nurturing learning environment for our youngest learners as they begin another year.” “The rain couldn’t stop a great first day at JQA,” Principal Christopher Molinelli said. “It was so nice to see all of the smiling faces on our students as they entered the building.” “We had an amazing first day of school at Robert Frost,” Principal Eliana Levey said. “All the students were so excited to be back in a routine, meet their new teachers and see their friends. Everyone is settling in now and getting down to the business of learning, not only academics, but how to be a good citizen of the world. We look forward to a great school year.” Date Added: 9/12/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=157117 Mon, 12 Sep 2022 06:00:00 GMT false157117 Elementary Students Get Creative at Summer STEAM Program This summer, the Deer Park School District offered a STEAM enrichment program to students in grades 1-5 for the very first time. Students from John F. Kennedy Intermediate School, John Quincy Adams Primary School and May Moore Primary School engaged in hands-on STEAM activities, creating planes, cars, boats and ziplines. Servivng as advisers for the program were JQA Associate Principal Lynn Coyle and JFK ENL teacher Kim Essig. “The STEAM program allowed students to explore creative ways to turn household items into masterpieces of engineering,” Essig said. “They had a great time testing their projects, altering their ideas and perfecting their visions.” “While walking the halls and popping into classrooms, I was amazed to see the level of excitement and engagement as students worked on their projects,” District Administrator for Elementary Curriculum and Instruction Danielle Sheridan said. “The kids truly enjoyed this program and you could feel their excitement as they entered the building each morning and as they exited the program with their final projects at the end of the session,” Coyle said. Date Added: 9/12/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=157118 Mon, 12 Sep 2022 05:00:00 GMT false157118 New Ninth Graders Get Oriented at High School Incoming ninth graders at Deer Park High School arrived at the school on Aug. 30 for breakfast, kicking off a morning of freshman orientation. After a talk by Principal Charles Cobb, the students met with their guidance counselors and took a tour of the building. Date Added: 9/12/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=157119 Mon, 12 Sep 2022 04:00:00 GMT false157119 Deer Park BOE Community Committees Date Added: 9/7/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=156989 Wed, 07 Sep 2022 04:00:00 GMT false156989 DPHS Student Katia Papailler Attends Sports Law Summer Program Deer Park High School’s Katia Papailler was one of just 20 students recently accepted into the St. John’s University School of Law’s sports law summer program, run in affiliation with the NBA G League’s Long Island Nets and WNBA’s New York Liberty and supported by the Brooklyn Nets and New York Liberty Foundation. Now in its third year, the program – which seeks to increase diversity in the legal profession – was held for the first time at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Guest speakers included Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business Associate Professor of Law and Ethics Mark Conrad and University California Los Angeles School of Law Critical Race Studies Project Director Taifha Alexander. Throughout the course, led by Ronald H. Brown Center of Civil Rights Faculty Director Elaine Chiu, students participated in daily classes where they learned about sports law, civil rights, careers in the legal field, the business of sports, networking, financial literacy, and college admissions. They also participated in community engagement activities focused on social justice and a concluding mock trial experience. “The eight-day program was a great experience,” Papailler said. “I learned so much and it really helped me figure out my path for the future. Next time I have a college discussion with my counselor, I will know much more about what I want to do. I learned what it takes to be in law school and how to network with all the people I meet. This really made my summer and is a core memory of something I have completed in my life.” Date Added: 8/31/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=156833 Wed, 31 Aug 2022 04:00:00 GMT false156833 Incoming Sixth Graders Welcomed to Robert Frost Incoming sixth graders paid their first official visit to Deer Park’s Robert Frost Middle School on Aug. 25, preparing for the new school year and a new building by participating in a thorough orientation session. “We were so thrilled to welcome the new sixth graders to Robert Frost,” Principal Eliana Levey said. “It was evident how excited they were to begin the new school year and start at their new school. We look forward to an amazing three years working with them, teaching them and watching them grow.” Date Added: 8/29/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=156785 Mon, 29 Aug 2022 04:00:00 GMT false156785 Secondary Students Find Fun and Friendship at Unplugged Classes Deer Park’s summer Unplugged program in August again brought fun and socialization to Deer Park High School and Robert Frost Middle School students, providing them with a chance to reconnect and learn new things during a variety of enriching class sessions covering topics from arts and crafts to outdoor sports tournaments. The high school’s classes included anime and cartoon character design, batik pillow making, digital portfolios, Mexican culture, Photoshop and digital art, power walking, small sided soccer, touch rugby, woodburning, woodworking, and yoga. Frost’s sessions included 3D printing, acting and singing for musical theater, bead art, button making, cheerleading, coding, darts, journaling, Lego, origami, sailing, sand art, soccer, string art, table tennis, woodworking and yoga. “Unplugged is a great way for our students to form meaningful relationships with our staff while taking classes that fit their various interests and abilities,” Deer Park High School Associate Principal Garret Noblett said. “It was so nice to meet the incoming ninth graders who participated in the program, and to see them collaborate with our current students as they engaged in this year’s Unplugged activities,” Deer Park High School Associate Principal Dina Pannone said. “The Unplugged Program was once again a huge success, and we all look forward to welcoming these amazing students in the fall of 2022,” Robert Frost Associate Principal Kevin Quirk said. Date Added: 8/22/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=156706 Mon, 22 Aug 2022 04:00:00 GMT false156706 JFK’s Incoming Third Graders Attend Music Theater Camp Deer Park teacher Kristen Lombardo ran a music theater camp for incoming third graders at John F. Kennedy Intermediate School during July, ending the program with a special performance of “Decades of Disney” for visiting parents and guests. Date Added: 8/16/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=156645 Tue, 16 Aug 2022 04:00:00 GMT false156645 Freshman Kayla Tyson Represents U.S. at World Taekwondo Competition Kayla Tyson, an incoming freshman at Deer Park High School, was selected to represent Team USA at the 2022 World Taekwondo Cadet and Junior World Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria. Tyson, who has practiced taekwondo since age 3, had traveled to compete in Fort Worth, Texas, where she went undefeated and earned a spot on the national team. Competitors must pay their own fees to travel to Bulgaria, and local philanthropist Steve Castleton decided to sponsor Tyson in conjunction with New York Sportscene Children's Foundation President Fran Petito, which helped to fund her hotel and flight during the competition. Castleton, Petito and Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone honored Tyson at a press conference on July 21 at Deer Park’s May Moore Primary School, which Tyson had attended and where her mother Alexis currently works as a teaching assistant. Petito presented the teen with a check for $2,500 in front of her family, friends and Tyson’s taekwondo instructor, Master SoonKwon Kang of Champions Martial Arts. At the taekwondo competition, which ran from July 28 to 31, Tyson fought valiantly against Korea’s Hyang-gi Kim, the eventual gold medalist. She hopes to eventually compete in taekwondo for the U.S. at the Olympics. “We are so proud of Kayla for representing Team USA at the Taekwondo Championships in Bulgaria,” May Moore Principal Tammy Alcalde said. “It wasn’t too long ago that Kayla walked the halls of May Moore, and this September, she will begin her high school career at Deer Park High School, and we couldn’t be prouder of her. Kayla is a wonderful student, who knows the true definition of hard work and always puts her best effort forward in all she attempts.” Date Added: 8/15/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=156621 Mon, 15 Aug 2022 04:00:00 GMT false156621 Optical Academy Brings Eye Exams to JQA At the end of the school year, school social worker Jarrod Alexander arranged to have the Optical Academy visit Deer Park’s John Quincy Adams to conduct eye exams and provide eyeglasses to families who signed up. “What a fantastic, convenient and affordable way to help get our students the glasses they may need,” Principal Christopher Molinelli said. Date Added: 8/10/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=156561 Wed, 10 Aug 2022 04:00:00 GMT false156561 2022-2023 Calendar - Now Available Click here to view the 2022-2023 District Calendar and Directory Date Added: 8/2/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=156430 Tue, 02 Aug 2022 04:00:00 GMT false156430 Summer 2022 Newsletter - Now Available Date Added: 8/2/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=156431 Tue, 02 Aug 2022 04:00:00 GMT false156431 JFK Students Read and Review Math Concepts Together At the end of the school year at John F. Kennedy Intermediate School, third graders enjoyed a special visit from fifth graders who were about to move up to middle school. Students were paired up to celebrate all they learned during the year using teacher Frances Marotta’s math literature collection. Not only did the fifth graders read math picture books to the third graders, but the younger students read to the older students as well. “Our students were all smiles sharing math stories together,” Marotta said. “It was a perfect way to review math concepts while making new friendships.” Date Added: 8/1/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=156420 Mon, 01 Aug 2022 04:00:00 GMT false156420 Four Deer Park Grads Honored at Call to Serve At the Town of Babylon’s seventh annual Call to Serve event on June 10, town and state elected officials honored high school seniors joining the five branches of the U.S. military after graduation, including Deer Park High School Class of 2022 graduates Santos Barahona. Christian Cordero, Dominic Morano and Louis Muniz. Cordero was in attendance at the event, along with Associate Principal Dina Pannone. The students were presented with honorary certificates, recognized by the military families in the Town of Babylon and met the veterans who reside in their town. Councilman DuWayne Gregory served as master of ceremonies; also speaking to the future servicemen and servicewomen were Supervisor Rich Schaffer and Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Pierre. “This was such a beautiful event,” Pannone said. “I was extremely proud and honored to have shared this night with Christian and his family.” Date Added: 7/28/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=156378 Thu, 28 Jul 2022 04:00:00 GMT false156378 JQA Showcases “Stars” at Talent Show Deer Park’s John Quincy Adams Primary School held a terrific talent show in June, sponsored by the school’s Parent Faculty Club and titled “A Night With the Stars of JQA.” “JQA has so much talent and all of our performers did an excellent job,” Principal Christopher Molinelli said. Date Added: 7/25/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=156332 Mon, 25 Jul 2022 04:00:00 GMT false156332 Unified Basketball Team Finds Success in Inaugural Season To the delight of the entire school community, Deer Park High School’s Unified Basketball team completed its successful inaugural season this year. Sponsored by the Special Olympics, Unified Basketball was founded as an inclusive sports program in 2008, combining unified athletes with intellectual disabilities and unified partners without intellectual disabilities to form competitive teams at the high school level. In Unified Sports, students with disabilities are given the chance to interact with their peers who do not have a disability in a “typical” school experience, creating new friendships and building confidence and important social skills. Section XI currently holds a spring Unified Basketball league for Western Suffolk County school districts, consisting for a nine-week season that includes three home and three away games. “We have a mix of our general education students that work so nicely with our students with special needs,” said Coach Cory Black, a guidance counselor at the high school. “This seems to be trending across many schools, which is so exciting. We tried to start this in 2020, but the world had different plans, so we are happy to have it going now.” Deer Park’s proud and exuberant Unified Basketball team was recognized both at the high school’s spring sports awards night on June 9 and the district’s June 14 Board of Education meeting, where the roster was introduced and presented with certificates and trophies. “The success of this team is apparent,” said Board of Education President Donna Marie Elliott. “When I say success, I don’t just mean the score on the scoreboard. I mean the confidence, determination, teamwork and pride on the faces of our athletes. A picture is worth a thousand words. If you were at a Unified game, your whole world was wonderful, because if you’d had a bad day, you needed to come to one of those games. It was what every athletic event should be.” Date Added: 7/21/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=156312 Thu, 21 Jul 2022 04:00:00 GMT false156312 Celebrating Poetry in the Garden at May Moore June 3 was a great day for a poetry celebration at May Moore. First graders in Tiffany DeMarchis’ class read their poems aloud in the school’s new garden. Date Added: 7/18/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=156271 Mon, 18 Jul 2022 04:00:00 GMT false156271 Deer Park Board of Education Reorganizes at July 11 Meeting At the Deer Park Board of Education’s annual reorganization meeting on July 11, Donna Marie Elliott was voted in to her fourth consecutive term as president, while Kristine Rosales was named to her third term as vice president. Rosales was unable to attend and will be sworn in at a later date. Superintendent James Cummings, also unable to attend the meeting, was sworn in earlier. Reelected trustees Anthony Henkel and Jerry D. Jean-Pierre were sworn in for another term. Date Added: 7/12/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=156198 Tue, 12 Jul 2022 04:00:00 GMT false156198 JQA First Graders Find Fun Indoors on “Farm Day” When a planned field trip to White Post Farms of Melville was canceled, Kasey Kephart’s first graders at John Quincy Adams Primary School made lemonade out of lemons by having a “Farm Day” inside the classroom. Students rotated through five different farm-themed stations, enjoyed a virtual field trip of White Post Farms and took a trip down the hall to Drew Cisek’s kindergarten classroom to see his live ducklings. Date Added: 7/6/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=156115 Wed, 06 Jul 2022 04:00:00 GMT false156115 Board of Ed Honors an Amazing Track Athlete Gianna Marquez, a recent graduate of Deer Park High School, was honored at the district’s June 14 Board of Education meeting for her exceptional track and field success during her senior year. Superintendent James Cummings congratulated Marquez and thanked her for the way she represented Deer Park as a community. In the 2021-2022 season, she placed first in the county and state qualifier meets, was Division 1 public school and Long Island Elite Meet champion, finished third overall in the federation and fifth overall in the state, and broke the school record in the 400-meter hurdles. Marquez will be continuing her running career at North Carolina Central University this fall. Date Added: 7/6/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=156116 Wed, 06 Jul 2022 04:00:00 GMT false156116 Deer Park UPK RFP Information Date Added: 7/5/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=156095 Tue, 05 Jul 2022 04:00:00 GMT false156095 JFK Musical Theater Club Presents “The Claw” The Musical Theater Club at John F. Kennedy Intermediate School presented its 21st production on June 16. To the delight of the audience, talented fourth and fifth graders performed the musical “The Claw.” Written by Jack Mitchell with Jessica Penzias, Kerry Kazmierowicztrimm and Christyn Budzyna, the story involves an out-of-order claw game that suddenly turns back on, with the toys inside tasked with learning what it takes to face the unknown. Date Added: 6/30/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=156064 Thu, 30 Jun 2022 04:00:00 GMT false156064 Deer Park’s Moving Ups Mark Changes and New Challenges Across Deer Park’s schools, students marked the end of one era and began the next stage in their educations in a series of moving up ceremonies. At May Moore Primary School on June 6 and John Quincy Adams Primary School on June 8, second graders were excited to move “up, up and away to JFK.” In John F. Kennedy Intermediate School’s ceremony on June 13, fifth graders readied themselves for the step up to middle school, while Robert Frost Middle School’s eighth graders celebrated the exciting changes and new challenges that they will find at Deer Park High School this fall during their June 21 moving up. Date Added: 6/29/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=156043 Wed, 29 Jun 2022 04:00:00 GMT false156043 Deer Park Graduates Are Falcons Forever Deer Park High School graduates were encouraged to draw upon the lessons learned and the friendships made as a source of inspiration for the future at the graduation ceremony for the Class of 2022 on June 23. In their crowning moment as Falcons, the 303 graduates walked onto the field in the maroon caps and gowns to cheers and applause from their proud families. After remarks from senior class advisers Sara DiCandia and Marissa Caruso, who reminded them to never forget where they came from, senior members of the chorus sang the Alma Mater. Senior class President Yoki Lin recalled how much they have achieved since their first day of high school on Sept. 5, 2018. There were also some unexpected moments. “We’ve come across every challenge that life can throw at us and these hardships have only made us stronger,” she said. Salutatorian Saima Hoque centered her speech around the quote, “Do I dare disturb the universe?” She encouraged her fellow graduates to indeed disturb the universe in their pursuit of their goals and dreams. Valedictorian Nicholas Stamatakis spoke about the “mini role models” throughout his time in high school – teachers and friends who have imparted some kind of knowledge on him. He told everyone, as they move on from high school, to find people who have traits they want to emulate. For the seniors, the path to graduation felt like a long journey but for their parents, the time flew by, noted Superintendent James Cummings. They’re both right, he said. To give a little perspective, he noted some changes that have taken place in the lifetime of the graduates. They were born around the time Michael Jordan retired from basketball and people could still rent movies from Blockbuster. The iPhone came out when they were 4 and popular social media site TikTok debuted when they were in middle school. Mr. Cummings said that that graduating class features students who have been educated in Deer Park their entire lives, as well as those who have moved here later on from other towns, states and countries. “For one brief moment in time, all of your journeys have taken you to the same place,” he said, encouraging them to continue their personal journeys by following their own passions and interests. Principal Charles Cobb recognized five students who will be joining different branches of the military after graduation. He praised the entire class for the style, grace and unrelenting passion they have shown in enduring many challenges over the past few years. Date Added: 6/24/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=155919 Fri, 24 Jun 2022 04:00:00 GMT false155919 Deer Park High Schoolers Take a Walk at Their Old Primary Schools Continuing a beloved senior walk tradition begun in 2018, Deer Park High School students from the Class of 2022 visited their respective primary schools on June 21, speaking to second graders from John Quincy Adams Primary School and May Moore Primary School and reconnecting with their old teachers. Date Added: 6/23/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=155863 Thu, 23 Jun 2022 07:00:00 GMT false155863 Deer Park HS Congratulates Senior Awards Recipients Deer Park High School held its annual senior awards on June 2, presenting numerous department awards, schoolwide awards and scholarships to the deserving members of the Class of 2022. The school’s jazz ensemble welcomed guests to the event with delightful musical selections. After salutatorian Saima Hoque led the pledge of allegiance and Anthony Aguilar performed the national anthem, Principal Charles Cobb greeted the seniors and their families. “Students, thank you and congratulations,” Cobb said. “You deserve every bit of this. And thank you to those who have donated to our wonderful students. They’re going to put that money to good use, to further their education or move out into the workforce, beyond Deer Park High School, and these things couldn’t be done without your extremely generous support.” Date Added: 6/23/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=155861 Thu, 23 Jun 2022 06:00:00 GMT false155861 High School Celebrates Spring Student-Athletes Deer Park High School recognized the athletic accomplishments of varsity teams at spring sports awards night, hosted by Athletic Director Dominick Fontana on June 9 in the high school’s auditorium. Teams honored included baseball, girls golf, kickline, boys lacrosse, girls lacrosse, softball, boys tennis, boys spring track, girls spring track and unified basketball. Athletes received certificates and plaques including Most Valuable Player awards, Coaches Awards, Spirit Awards and Scholar-Athlete awards. Date Added: 6/23/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=155860 Thu, 23 Jun 2022 05:00:00 GMT false155860 Practice Pays Off at Deer Park HS Spring Concerts After a long year of diligent practice, Deer Park High School’s accomplished student-musicians put their talents on display at the school’s annual spring concerts on the evenings of June 6 and 7. The events included performances by the orchestra and chamber orchestra, directed by Kathryn Attard; the symphonic band and wind ensemble, directed by Derek Schmelter; and the chorus and women’s choir, directed by Catherine Singer. Date Added: 6/23/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=155859 Thu, 23 Jun 2022 04:00:00 GMT false155859 Sophomores Take First and Second in LILAC Writing Contest Deer Park High School sophomores Mohammad Fahad and Sasha Rico won first and second place, respectively, in the Long Island Language Arts Council’s 2022 Kenneth F. Gambone Writing Contest. The students were juried on two of their best pieces of writing, with their teachers helping them from their portfolios. LILAC honored the winners and their teachers on May 20 with a luncheon and reading at Capt. Bill’s Restaurant in Bay Shore. “We are exceedingly proud of these young writers and the moving work they produced,” said Justin Uliano, Deer Park’s ELA curriculum associate. Date Added: 6/16/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=152802 Thu, 16 Jun 2022 04:00:00 GMT false152802 Deer Park Artists Recognized for Cedar Beach Mural Painting Guided by teachers Laurie Schwartz and Ashley Woolsey, members of Deer Park High School’s mural painting class returned to Cedar Beach on April 29 for the second phase of the mural project. The eager students completed three murals in one day, painting the other side of the tunnels under Ocean Parkway, connecting the Cedar Beach Marina to Cedar Beach. The project was organized by Ron Becker of Deer Park Arts Council and sponsored by the Babylon Citizens Council on the Arts. As with the first phase last October, BACCA and the Town of Babylon invited student-artists from each school district to create and paint outdoor murals at Cedar Beach. BACCA held a mural unveiling ceremony on May 21, which included recognition of the students, teachers and the schools involved in the project. Date Added: 6/13/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=152690 Mon, 13 Jun 2022 04:00:00 GMT false152690 Deer Park Fourth Grader Organizes Green Planet Community Cleanup Payton Lewis, a fourth grader at Deer Park’s John F. Kennedy Intermediate School, organized a successful Payton’s Green Planet Community Cleanup event in West Babylon on June 5, collecting more than 10 bags of garbage. The event was a collaboration with Team Green Basketball Academy, which Lewis attends, and was supported by the Town of Babylon, where he serves as a Junior Beautification Ambassador. Several students from JFK volunteered their time at this event along with over 35 other participants, all of whom received certificates of participation from the Town of Babylon for their community service hours. Date Added: 6/13/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=152691 Mon, 13 Jun 2022 04:00:00 GMT false152691 Celebrating Apraxia Awareness Day at JQA JQA celebrated Apraxia Awareness Day on May 13. Two JQA students have apraxia, and their mother, Stephanie Pope, visited the two students’ classrooms to read a book supporting apraxia awareness of this disability, which affects the brain’s ability to plan for speech and makes it hard for children to express themselves. Date Added: 6/9/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=152537 Thu, 09 Jun 2022 04:00:00 GMT false152537 DPHS April and May Students of the Month Deer Park High School recently honored Kayleigh Pellicano as April 2022 Student of the Month and Christopher Bonanno as May 2022 Student of the Month. Date Added: 6/8/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=152478 Wed, 08 Jun 2022 05:00:00 GMT false152478 Deer Park Bus Driver Celebrates Red Nose Day with JFK and May Moore Students Deer Park bus driver Juan Rodriguez celebrated Red Nose Day with his passengers from John F. Kennedy Intermediate School and May Moore Primary School on May 27, providing each student on his routes with a red nose and inviting administrators on board for group photos. Red Nose Day supports programs that help break the cycle of child poverty and ensure children have access to healthcare, nutritious food and quality education, are safe from harm, and have the opportunity to thrive without limits. Date Added: 6/8/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=152477 Wed, 08 Jun 2022 04:00:00 GMT false152477 Deer Park Honors Retiring, Tenured and Long-Serving Personnel The Deer Park School, District recognized personnel for their years of service, as well as celebrating retiring and newly tenured administrators, teachers and staff, at the May 24 Board of Education meeting. Congratulated for receiving tenure were Robert Frost Middle School Associate Principal James Henry; Curriculum Associate for Science and Technology Alison Branca-Peterson; Deer Park High School teachers Andrea Farina, Stephanie Giatas and Gabrielle Gilmartin; Robert Frost Middle School teachers Shayna Gnann, Brianne Hertzog, Natalie Sabia and Kathy Ugalde and teaching assistant Christine LaCascia; John F. Kennedy Intermediate School teachers Lauren Kuban and Nina Ragone; and John Quincy Adams Primary School teacher Brittany Kappenmacher. Recognized for their many wonderful years of service were Superintendent James Cummings and John F. Kennedy Intermediate School Associate Principal Shaun McLeod as well as Cindy Adriaenssens, Jacqueline Amato, Thomas Fanning, Ardis Gerrie, Gregory Gullotti, Matthew Jeran, Donna Josefak, Thomas Locascio, Tami Loughlin, Susan Pannell, Frank Piazza, Theresa Sepe, Eileen Tuozzo and Sara Watkin-Fox for 25 years; Jill Perry-Eising, Lisa Stallone, Dawn Mauceri-Guzzardi, Denise DeVivo and Esther Fullam for 30 years; and Lucy Benivegna and Nancy Liston for 35 years. Retirees honored for all their many contributions were teachers Cindy Adriaenssens, Annette Armenti, Lisa Baker, Denise Black, Denise DeVivo, Yongsun Koh, Amy Smith, Matthew Spataro and Daryl Woods; teaching assistants Robin Billings, Janet Ciurleo, Dorothy Monteith and Louise Rothman; and staff members Debra Cook, Kathleen Coughlin Buda, Andrew Cuniowski, Esther Fullam, Susan Gaskin, Michael McEvoy, Clare Merkle, Janet Metzler, Francis O’Donnell, Marie Racanelli, Andrea Schuyler,Lorraine Sears, Rita Smith, Catherine Thompson, Lionel Victor and Lauren von Ende. Date Added: 6/3/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=152322 Fri, 03 Jun 2022 04:00:00 GMT false152322 Deer Park High School’s Best Buddies Take a Friendship Walk Deer Park High School’s Best Buddies chapter, run by school counselor Bianca Cannizzaro and teacher Gabriella Gilmartin, joined 40,000 walkers across the country as they walked in the name of inclusion at the 2022 Best Buddies Friendship Walk on May 14. Date Added: 6/2/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=152266 Thu, 02 Jun 2022 05:00:00 GMT false152266 Deer Park HS Students Provide Painted Gift for JQA Deer Park High School students in Laurie Schwartz’s mural painting classes recently gave a special gift to the district’s John Quincy Adams Primary School, providing painted murals for all to enjoy at the latter building. Last fall, Schwartz and the students met with JQA Principal Christopher Molinelli and Associate Principal Lynn Coyle to plan the murals. The high schoolers then prepared sketches and the murals were designed by incorporating as many of these sketches as possible. The project was completed over the winter, and then installed this spring by custodians at the high school and JQA. Note: Photos taken prior to mask mandate change. Date Added: 6/2/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=152265 Thu, 02 Jun 2022 04:00:00 GMT false152265 Take a Look at the High School's 20 New Murals! https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=152870 Wed, 01 Jun 2022 04:00:00 GMT false152870 JQA and May Moore Teachers Face Off in Kickball Contest Deer Park’s John Quincy Adams Primary School and May Moore Primary School held their first inter-school kickball contest on May 13, with teachers and staff from both buildings representing their schools in a friendly game of kickball. “JQA took home the title and trophy with a complete shutout, but we had a blast playing and hope for a rematch,” said May Moore Principal Tammy Alcalde. Date Added: 5/31/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=152168 Tue, 31 May 2022 04:00:00 GMT false152168 Senior Athletes Commit to Continuing Their Sports During a May 25 recognition ceremony in the auditorium, 15 Deer Park High School student-athletes committed to continuing their sports on the college or university level this fall. District Administrator for Athletics, Physical Education, Health and Recreation Dominick Fontana congratulated the students and their parents for their perseverance. “You don’t get here without a lifetime of dedication and commitment,” Fontana said. “Continue to represent us well.” The district congratulates the following students and extends best wishes for success: Jon Alicea – track – Salisbury University Henry Almanzar – track– Suffolk Community College Alexander Collins – football – Utica College Daniel D’Amato – lacrosse – Misericordia University Nicholas Esposito – football – Utica College Juliana Gentile – lacrosse – SUNY Oswego Nicholas Glancy – soccer – Maritime College Michael Hofstetter – soccer – Merchant Marine Academy Kyle Jefferson – basketball – Sarah Lawrence College Gianna Marquez – track and cross-country – North Carolina Central University Kerry Mercidieu – football – Thiel College Jake Merckling – lacrosse – Dominican University Michael Milankovic – lacrosse – Utica University Josiah Nelson – basketball – Purchase College Brady Parks – baseball – Saint Elizabeth University Date Added: 5/27/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=152120 Fri, 27 May 2022 05:00:00 GMT false152120 Robert Frost MS Inducts 70 New National Junior Honor Society Members The National Junior Honor Society at Robert Frost Middle School welcomed 70 new members at the school’s annual induction ceremony on May 16. The pledge was administered by NJHS President Eve Valentine, who also provided the event’s introduction. Deer Park High School National Honor Society President Megan Bush also addressed the audience. NJHS Vice President Jaidyn Schabe, Secretary Ava Sacarin, Treasurer Aubrey Goetz and members Jasmine Uppal and Gavin Lallbachan delivered remarks on the five NJHS principles of scholarship, citizenship, service, leadership and character. “I would like to personally congratulate our new members,” Valentine said. “Here, you will have the opportunity to grow both as a student and as an individual, so please take advantage of that.” During the ceremony, guided by adviser Seth Margolin, the NJHS also honored its current members for their work this year, and each eighth-grade member received the medal that they will wear at their moving up ceremony in June. Date Added: 5/27/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=152121 Fri, 27 May 2022 04:00:00 GMT false152121 Deer Park Decorates Hearts to Show Support for Local Law Enforcement Deer Park High School’s Patriot Club and SADD Club recently spearheaded a project to compose messages of support and appreciation for the law enforcement officers of the 1st Precinct. The clubs asked students and teachers from throughout the district – including Robert Frost Middle School, John F. Kennedy Intermediate School, John Quincy Adams Primary School and May Moore Primary School – to decorate paper hearts that were then used to create a banner that was delivered to the 1st Precinct. “We believe it is important for our local law enforcement personnel to know that they have the respect and appreciation of the young people in the community they serve,” teacher Laurie Osbern said. “It also sends a positive message of support to our students who have family members in law enforcement, as well as those who may be considering a career in the field. The students’ messages were touching and creative, expressing heartfelt appreciation for the men and women who put their lives on the line daily to protect and serve us all.” Date Added: 5/25/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=152012 Wed, 25 May 2022 04:00:00 GMT false152012 JFK Music Students Show Off Skills at Spring Concerts Showcasing a year of learning and diligent practice, the music students of JFK showed off their skills in a series of spring concerts on May 4 and 5. Consisting of two consecutive evening concerts and a daytime performance in front of their classmates, the performances featured ensembles including the cadet band, directed by Gregg Romano; the fifth-grade band, directed by Louis Nicolosi; the third-, fourth- and fifth-grade choruses, directed by Kristen Lombardo; and the orchestra, directed by Kathryn Attard. Date Added: 5/24/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=151963 Tue, 24 May 2022 04:00:00 GMT false151963 Plant Sale Proceeds to Support May Moore Students May Moore Primary School held an all-day spring plant sale on May 5, with proceeds going to the school’s Parent Faculty Club, which supports May Moore and its students throughout the year. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=151865 Mon, 23 May 2022 04:00:00 GMT false151865 District Wide and Building School Safety Plan Date Added: 5/20/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=151809 Fri, 20 May 2022 04:00:00 GMT false151809 DPHS Celebrates Diversity on Cultural Representation Day Deer Park High School held a Cultural Representation Day on April 14, organized by International Culture Club advisers Josephine Conway and Alfonsina Squera and teacher Victoria Rosenthal. Participating students were proud to represent their cultures with traditional clothing, flags and other garments. “We enjoyed celebrating diversity together throughout the day and thank those who participated in creating a memorable experience,” Associate Principal Garret Noblett said. Date Added: 5/19/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=151750 Thu, 19 May 2022 05:00:00 GMT false151750 JQA’s ENL Students and Families Have Fun “Under the Sea” John Quincy Adams Primary School hosted its annual ENL Family Night on May 5, this year with an “under the sea” theme. The fun evening event featured games, dancing, crafts, music and refreshments for students within the school’s English as a New Language program. ENL teachers Heather Cirola, Tara Gallagher and Vanessa Pizzo led the party and thanked the attending families for the huge turnout. “It has been a long two years of paused festivities and it was wonderful to have everyone come together once again,” Pizzo said. Date Added: 5/19/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=151751 Thu, 19 May 2022 04:00:00 GMT false151751 World Language Honor Society Inducts Over 100 New Members Deer Park High School’s World Language Honor Society held its annual induction ceremony on April 28, welcoming more than 100 proud new members. “Congratulations to all new inductees,” Associate Principal Dina Pannone said. Date Added: 5/18/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=151723 Wed, 18 May 2022 04:00:00 GMT false151723 Code of Conduct Date Added: 5/18/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=151697 Wed, 18 May 2022 04:00:00 GMT false151697 Budget Passes! The Deer Park 2022-2023 budget has passed. Thank you! Yes – 628 No – 217 Congratulations to Anthony Henkel, Jerry D. Jean-Pierre and Kristine Rosales on winning the Board election. Anthony Henkel – 579 Jerry D. Jean-Pierre – 577 Kristine Rosales – 543 ************* El presupuesto ha sido aprobado. ¡Gracias! Yes – 628 No – 217 Felicitaciones a Anthony Henkel, Jerry D. Jean-Pierre y Kristine Rosales por ganar la elección de la Junta. Anthony Henkel – 579 Jerry D. Jean-Pierre – 577 Kristine Rosales – 543 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=151573 Tue, 17 May 2022 04:00:00 GMT false151573 Sophomore Mohammad Fahad Wins Second Place in Stony Brook Essay Competition Deer Park High School sophomore Mohammad Fahad recently won second place in the Japan Center of Stony Brook University’s 17th annual Essay Competition. The aim of the JCSB essay contest is to provide students with the opportunity to think creatively and critically about their lives by relating them to some aspect of Japan – such as art, culture, tradition, values, philosophy, history, society, politics, business or technology – to help them broaden their horizons and develop global citizenship. Fahad’s entry, “Cabinet of Porcelain,” juxtaposed the Imari style of Japanese porcelain with the life experiences of Fahad and his mother, an immigrant from Bangladesh. “I'm really happy about letting my story be known,” Fahad said. “Many people may experience what I've experienced and come through in the end being better.” “Not only evident but obvious right from our Personal Family Migration Story assignment in AP Human Geography, was Mohammad Fahad’s ability as a narrative writer,” teacher Michael Chin said. “Never before had I worked with a student who could manipulate semantics to his will to convey his story. Mo possesses the rare and unique ability to generate such emotion from his written words, and elicit genuine empathy through his prose, which allows his message to emanate into the hearts and souls of his readers. When presented with the opportunity to invite students to participate in the Japan Center Essay Contest, Mo jumped immediately to the forefront of our consideration. Clearly, he was able to inspire the judges in the same manner he inspires us daily.” Date Added: 5/16/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=151568 Mon, 16 May 2022 05:00:00 GMT false151568 Thriving Deer Park Music Program Earns Another Best Communities Award The Deer Park School District’s outstanding music program has again been named a Best Community for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation, one of only 738 districts across the nation given this award. Now in its 23rd year, the Best Communities designation recognizes outstanding efforts in support for music education as part of a well-rounded education for all children, with this year’s program focused on celebrating schools and districts adapting, innovating and persevering in the face of change. “Our district is honored to be recognized by the National Association of Music Merchants,” said Bradley Murphy, the district’s curriculum associate for fine and performing arts. “In Deer Park, our music programs continue to thrive, supporting all of our wonderful student-musicians.” Date Added: 5/16/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=151567 Mon, 16 May 2022 04:00:00 GMT false151567 Robert Frost Shows Support for Neurodiversity with BandAid Project Students and staff at Deer Park’s Robert Frost Middle School participated in the school’s seventh annual BandAid Project on April 13, moderated by Stephanie O’Connell and Kathy Ugalde. Sponsored by the World of Difference and Student Ambassadors clubs, BandAid is one of the primary activities that Robert Frost conducts each year as part of the No Place for Hate initiative. The 2022 BandAid theme was neurodiversity, celebrating the idea that it is normal and acceptable for people to have brains that function differently from one another. Rather than assuming there is something wrong or problematic when someone doesn’t think, learn or behave similarly to others, neurodiversity embraces all differences. This year’s BandAid Project was a full-day activity consisting of three main parts. The first involved student volunteers who promised not to speak and wore adhesive bandages on their mouths throughout the day. Students had to communicate with their teachers and each other only via nonverbal means of communication, an experience intended to bring attention to the difficulties people with disabilities face each day. Wearing the bandage also gave students the experience of “standing out” among their peers. The second part of the event welcomed students and staff to visit Robert Frost’s Neurodiversity Sensory Stations during their lunch periods. The eight stations – including optical illusions and touch, smell and taste experiences – were designed to encourage conversation and highlight the concept that everyone perceives the world around them in a different way. The final part of the BandAid program was an afterschool discussion on neurodiversity and ableism, which is discrimination or prejudice against individuals with disabilities. Student volunteers James Degrange, Rebeckah Garrow and Mikey Vertullo shared their knowledge about being a part of the neurodiverse community, discussing both the challenges and highlights of their own experiences. “Throughout the day, our students and staff demonstrated how crucial it is that we accept and support those who experience the world differently from ourselves,” O'Connell said. Date Added: 5/11/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=151419 Wed, 11 May 2022 05:00:00 GMT false151419 Talent Shines During Deer Park’s “Little Mermaid” Production The myriad musical talents of Deer Park High School’s theater students were on full display at the school’s April production of “The Little Mermaid.” Directed by Catherine Singer and Kristen Wallace, the award-winning musical based on the Hans Christian Andersen story and beloved Disney film starred Dimitra Pavlatos as Ariel, Brandon Feldman as Prince Eric, Mathaias Edmond and Rashieq Zaman as Grimsby, Bryana Aguilar and Arielle Salgado as Flounder, Stephanie Sheeler as Scuttle, Anthony Aguilar as King Triton, Xavier Edmond as Sebastian, Kayleigh Pellicano as Flotsam, Shujana Aurin as Jetsam, Megan Bush and Gianna Sanchez as Ursula, Ashton Ortiz and Carson Warkenthien as Chef Louis, Paul-Destin Blanc as Pilot, Frankie Alfieri as The Herald and Nala Francis as Carlotta. Date Added: 5/10/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=151350 Tue, 10 May 2022 05:00:00 GMT false151350 Deer Park Hoops Stars Honored at Coaches Association Dinner Outstanding Deer Park High School student-athletes were honored at the Suffolk County Boys Basketball Coaches Association dinner, held April 25 at Villa Lombardi’s in Holbrook. Deer Park’s varsity basketball Falcons were named League IV champions for the eighth time since 2012, reaching the Class A finals for the fourth time since 2014 and the Class A Final Four for the seventh time since 2012. The team finished the season with an overall record of 17-5. Deer Park was also given the Section XI Sportsmanship Award for their league, along with being named a New York State Scholar-Athlete award-winning team. Many individual accolades were also recognized. Sophomore Preston Edmead was named All-League, All-Conference, All-County, Class A All-Tournament, League IV MVP, Newsday first team All-Long Island and New York State Sportswriters Association Class A All-State second team. Senior Kyle Jefferson was named All-League, All-Conference, Class A All-Tournament, Academic All-County and PAL Exceptional Senior All-Star. Junior Nate Gordon was named All-League and All-Conference. Senior Chance Nelson was named the recipient of the Coaches Award and selected as a PAL Exceptional Senior All-Star. Lastly, senior Jayden Pasco received the Sportsmanship Award and junior Billy Murphy received the Spirit Award from Deer Park Athletics. “Our boys return nine lettermen in 2022-2023 and they are already in the gym working towards next season,” said coach John McCaffrey. “They will support those nine lettermen with players from a junior varsity team that won the League IV championship as well, led by League IV JV Coach of the Year Aaren Edmead, as well as players from a Robert Frost Middle School team that went 8-2 overall.” Date Added: 5/10/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=151349 Tue, 10 May 2022 04:00:00 GMT false151349 April World Language Newsletter Celebrates Ramadan, Autism Awareness and the Earth April is a month to celebrate Ramadan, autism awareness and our Earth. The latest World Language newsletter presents an overview of Ramadan and the personal experiences of some of our high school's Muslim students. It also includes articles that focus on ways to live a sustainable life, suggestions for new sources of energy, information on the climate refugee crisis, the history of American Sign Language and autism awareness in the Hispanic community. We hope you enjoy this month’s edition and apply some of the suggestions offered by our students to live a more sustainable life and protect our environment. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=151405 Mon, 09 May 2022 04:00:00 GMT false151405 HS Students Prepare for Future During College and Career Week Deer Park High School’s College and Career Week from April 25-29 proved an enriching experience for students of all grade levels. Each day, workshops were held and different college representatives were on hand to speak with students, helping them to prepare for their future aspirations. “Our students shared that they learned a lot from workshops on financial management, resume writing, preparing for life after college and interview techniques,” Associate Principal Dina Pannone said. “They were especially excited to end the week in their college gear and uniforms for their future jobs.” “I hope this was an inspiration for the underclassmen,” said student Arianne Hernandez. Date Added: 5/6/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=151230 Fri, 06 May 2022 04:00:00 GMT false151230 Holocaust Survivor Shares Her Story with Deer Park Sophomores On April 7, the entire sophomore class at Deer Park High School was invited to meet with Holocaust survivor Rose-Helene Spreiregen, who works with the United States Holocaust Museum to share her story with students and the world. Spreiregen, a Polish immigrant who lived in Paris, France during the Nazi occupation, spoke to the students about the discrimination she faced as a Jewish child under the Nuremburg laws as well as the loss of her grandmother, who was murdered at Auschwitz. The virtual presentation included Spreiregen’s testimony, as well as visual documentation and sources related to her story. “In the next 10-20 years, students will no longer have the opportunity to meet with someone who lived through the Holocaust,” said Vanessa Langdon, Deer Park’s curriculum associate for secondary social studies and FACS. “As social studies educators, it is our duty to preserve the legacy of the survivors and pass these stories on to our future leaders.” Date Added: 5/5/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=151211 Thu, 05 May 2022 04:00:00 GMT false151211 DPHS Public Speakers Put Reading Into Practice Deer Park High School students recently performed readings of children’s books for second-grade classes at John Quincy Adams and May Moore primary schools. Christine Harbison’s public speaking students continued the ELA Department’s “Book Love” initiative, sharing their enthusiasm for books and encouraging the younger students to develop lifelong reading habits. Each public speaker practiced the skills they are learning in the course while also hosting discussions with students about social-emotional topics raised in the books. “It’s always great to speak for live audiences, but it was extra-special for the speakers to be special guests for young students in the district,” Harbison said. Date Added: 5/4/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=151147 Wed, 04 May 2022 04:00:00 GMT false151147 Deer Park’s Young Writers Compete at LILAC Gambone A dozen outstanding Deer Park students were recently nominated by the district’s English language arts faculty to compete in the Long Island Language Arts’ 2022 Kenneth F. Gambone Writing Contest. These young authors – Deer Park High School sophomores Shujana Aurin, Mohammad Fahad, Alexis Lazarte, Eadie Liu, Sasha Rico and Jordan Trojan, and Robert Frost Middle School seventh graders Vincent Cacciola, Kasumi Dennis, Anabella Lindsay, Nobin Nath, Kaylee Puterbaugh and Kaelyn Vila – were juried on two of their best pieces of writing, including a timed piece on the topic of diversity. Their teachers helped them brainstorm ideas and select the best works from their portfolios. LILAC Gambone finalists will have their work selected for an all-Long Island competition. “It was really impressive to watch the students being so inventive and moving with the pieces they wrote about diversity,” said Justin Uliano, Deer Park’s ELA curriculum associate. Date Added: 5/3/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=151099 Tue, 03 May 2022 04:00:00 GMT false151099 Board of Ed Honors Class of 2022’s Top 10 Seniors At the district’s April 26 Board of Education meeting, Deer Park High School’s Class of 2022 top 10 students were honored. Administrators extolled the students’ achievements, recognizing valedictorian Nicholas Stamatakis, salutatorian Saima Hoque and the remaining top 10 ranked seniors: Rumeysa Camlica (third), Giovanna Giffone (fourth), Andrew Dolinsky (fifth), Kylie Kuhn (sixth), Megan Bush (seventh), Nicholas Glancy (eighth), Shadat Alam (ninth) and Pritheva Zakaria (10th). “As we sit here and honor the accomplishments of the top 10 of our graduating class, I think it’s important that we recognize and honor their families, because this doesn’t happen without the support of parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, brothers and sisters,” Superintendent James Cummings said. Board President Donna Marie Elliott told the seniors, “When you leave us in June to pursue your life’s goals, know this: Your school district and community members are proud of each and every one of you, and want nothing more than to see you succeed and prosper in your future.” Date Added: 5/2/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=151065 Mon, 02 May 2022 04:00:00 GMT false151065 2022 Budget Newsletter Now Available Date Added: 4/29/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=150980 Fri, 29 Apr 2022 04:00:00 GMT false150980 JQA Students Sing "Bruno" for HS Induction Ceremony At the high school's World Language Honor Society induction ceremony last night, JQA's K-2 ENL students performed Disney's "Encanto" song "We Don't Talk About Bruno" for the enjoyment of all who attended! https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=150989 Fri, 29 Apr 2022 04:00:00 GMT false150989 Senior Michael Crescenzo Reaches for the Sky Deer Park High School senior Michael Crescenzo recently earned his Private Pilot Certificate at the age of 17, the youngest age allowed to be issued by the Federal Aviation Administration. After almost a year of rigorous training, Crescenzo passed his FAA checkride examination and is now an FAA-certified private pilot, able to fly his family and friends on exciting aerial adventures. Crescenzo will be attending Minnesota State University in the fall, where he will major in aviation and continue his flight training. He plans to pursue a career as an airline pilot for a major U.S. airline. Date Added: 4/28/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=150931 Thu, 28 Apr 2022 04:00:00 GMT false150931 Seventh Graders Create Supportive “Sunflowers for Ukraine” Deer Park seventh graders in Cindy Adriaenssens and Patricia Skjoldahl’s family and consumer science classes at Robert Frost Middle School recently created “Sunflowers for Ukraine” suncatchers to beautify the school while also demonstrating their support for Ukrainian citizens. “These suncatchers brighten the halls at Frost while also reminding students of their roles as global citizens,” said Deer Park Social Studies Curriculum Associate Vanessa Langdon. Date Added: 4/28/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=150932 Thu, 28 Apr 2022 04:00:00 GMT false150932 Deer Park High School Welcomes Future Freshmen at Open House Deer Park High School held an open house for incoming freshmen on April 13. The students and parents of the incoming eighth grade were treated to a presentation by Principal Charles Cobb and performances by the high school’s women’s choir and Falconettes kickline. Following the performances, the guests were invited into the cafeteria, where representatives from all departments and co-curricular clubs were stationed to provide information to the incoming students. Building tours were held by the high school’s Varsity Leaders Club. Date Added: 4/21/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=150739 Thu, 21 Apr 2022 06:00:00 GMT false150739 JFK’s Scintillating Socks Show Support for Down Syndrome Awareness Students and staff at John F. Kennedy Intermediate School recently showed off their scintillating socks to show their support for Down Syndrome awareness. The staff at JFK raised $290 for donation to the Special Olympics. Date Added: 4/21/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=150737 Thu, 21 Apr 2022 05:00:00 GMT false150737 Second Graders and High Schoolers Join to Learn LOTE at JQA In celebration of world languages, second-grade classes at John Quincy Adams Primary School participated in the school’s annual video conference on April 6, meeting virtually with Languages Other Than English students from Deer Park High School. “Every year, our second graders get the opportunity to learn a second language from high school students,” Principal Christopher Molinelli said. “It is always amazing to see students teaching students, and we want to thank the high school and World Language Department for another amazing LOTE experience.” Date Added: 4/21/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=150738 Thu, 21 Apr 2022 04:00:00 GMT false150738 High School Italian Classes Get First-Hand Account of Immigration Experience Deer Park High School’s Italian language teachers Josephine Conway and Alfonsina Sguera recently invited Sguera’s father, Italian immigrant Tony Toscano, to visit their classes to talk to students about the realities that immigrants face when coming to a new country. Toscano, who was born in Italy and immigrated to the United State over 40 years ago, discussed his journey and life experiences with students. He highlighted the importance of education and noted that struggles can make a person stronger. “With a positive attitude and good work ethic, the sky’s the limit,” Toscano said. “Our classes have been learning about immigration and Italian immigrants in class, and this first-person account was such a great experience for students to learn from someone who experienced what they are studying,” Associate Principal Dina Pannone said. Date Added: 4/18/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=150671 Mon, 18 Apr 2022 04:00:00 GMT false150671 Deer Park DECA Brings Home Five Trophies from State Conference A group of 27 business students from Deer Park High School’s DECA club recently competed at DECA’s New York State Career Development Conference, with 19 Deer Park students bringing home medals and five earning trophies. Held from March 8-11 at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center in Rochester, it was the first in-person DECA Conference since 2020, prior to the pandemic. Top five overall trophy winners, all finishing in second place, were Michael Crescenzo (Hotel and Lodging Management), Andrew Dolinsky (Accounting Applications), Saima Hoque (Business Finance), and the team of Nico Bruni and Adrian Herrera (Business Law and Ethics). These five trophy winners earned the right to move on to compete in DECA’s International Career Development Conference in Atlanta, Georgia at the end of April. Top 10 test medal winners were Shadat Alam (Personal Financial Literacy), Sadat Chawdhury (Entrepreneurship), Yoki Lin (Apparel and Accessories), Bart Polster (Personal Financial Literacy) and the team of Shujana Aurin and Katia Papailler (Hospitality Services). Top 10 role play medal winners were Madison Cadena (Restaurant and Food Service Management) and Sonam Kataria (Apparel and Accessories). Top 10 overall medal winners were Nora Elmoussaoui (Food Marketing), Jade Griffin (Apparel and Accessories), and the teams of Shubat Alam and Adib Shaihk (Travel and Tourism) and Umar Qasir and Nicholas Stamatakis (Financial Analysis). Additionally, Saima Hoque and Nicholas Stamatakis were inducted into the New York DECA Honor Society. Date Added: 4/15/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=150641 Fri, 15 Apr 2022 05:00:00 GMT false150641 Robert Frost Debuts New Math Tutoring Program Need help in math? Robert Frost Middle School recently began a new math peer tutoring program. Volunteer tutors are happy to help students during their lunch period in the library. Sign up on the library’s website or the link posted in Math Google Classroom. Please contact Ms. Lotito-Schuh or Ms. Kalinowski with any questions. Date Added: 4/15/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=150639 Fri, 15 Apr 2022 04:00:00 GMT false150639 Deer Park HS Honors Exceptional Students at Spring Breakfast of Champions Deer Park High School’s annual spring Breakfast for Champions honored 17 exceptional students on April 6, recognizing their achievement in different categories corresponding to school departments as well as principal’s and teacher’s awards. As with last fall’s Breakfast for Champions, the ceremony was held in the school auditorium and did not feature breakfast, focusing on the students and their proud families. The spring 2022 Breakfast for Champions honorees were Tea Arato (fine arts), Henry Almanzar (Teacher’s Award), Karmin Castillo (family and consumer science), Miguel Chacon Romero (English as a new language), Delmi Chavez-Castro (world languages), Dina Farrell (math), Oswald Greene III (health), Koralie Mercidieu (physical education), Amya Murray (English), Aidan Neilson (athletics), Marlene Rodriguez (business), Raymond Scarfi (technology), Zyon Small (Principal’s Award), John Susana-Mendez (performing arts), Theresa Tiernan (social studies), Rida Zehra (science) and Madison Zic (guidance). “These students show exceptional conduct and character on a daily basis,” Associate Principal Garret Noblett said. “They have either worked on achieving their personal best inside and outside of the classroom, demonstrating good citizenship or showing compassion to help others.” “A big component of the reason that students are here today are the parents and teachers that work with these students on a daily basis,” Principal Charles Cobb said. “It’s that unwavering commitment to developing your child into a whole individual that really lets them become not only an outstanding student, but more importantly, an outstanding person, and those are the qualities and attributes that we see out of these students every day.” A Deer Park string ensemble – featuring Emily Kleiber on cello, Jayme Lipiec on viola, Eadie Liu and Ryder Min on violins, and Lorelai Silverstein on bass – provided excellent musical accompaniment to the ceremony. Date Added: 4/14/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=150608 Thu, 14 Apr 2022 05:00:00 GMT false150608 A “Smart” Way to Learn Fractions at JFK Third graders at John F. Kennedy Intermediate School recently celebrated spring colors while learning fractions with math specialist Fran Marotta. The students used individual packs of spring-colored Smarties candies to learn fraction concepts such as calculating the fraction of each color in a pack. After doing a wonderful job, the students were rewarded with eating the Smarties. Date Added: 4/14/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=150607 Thu, 14 Apr 2022 04:00:00 GMT false150607 Superb Six from JFK Chosen for SCALA Art Show Artwork from six superb students from Deer Park’s John F. Kennedy Intermediate School was recently chosen for the Suffolk County Art Leaders Association Children’s Show, held annually in cooperation with the Babylon Citizens Council of the Arts. The exhibit ran from March 10 to April 5 at Babylon Old Town Hall. The JFK student-artists – third graders Gabriella Gilmor and Ariana Persaud, fourth graders John Corrado and Natalie Siskoglou, and fifth graders Emily Rodriguez and Jayson Tavarez – and their families had a chance to see their work displayed at a SCALA reception in March. Date Added: 4/8/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=150410 Fri, 08 Apr 2022 04:00:00 GMT false150410 A Fun Way for JQA Kindergartners to Learn Injury Prevention Kindergartners at John Quincy Adams Primary School recently participated in the Stony Brook Children’s Hospital Teddy Bear Clinic. During this injury prevention program, students explored topics on car and helmet safety in a fun and interactive way before dressing up as doctors and nurses to “take care” of their injured teddy bear and other stuffed animals. Date Added: 4/8/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=150412 Fri, 08 Apr 2022 04:00:00 GMT false150412 Reminder: Registration Dates For The May 17, 2022 Budget Vote/Trustee Election Date Added: 4/7/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=150320 Thu, 07 Apr 2022 04:00:00 GMT false150320 Robert Frost Actors Shine in “One Act Showcase” Young theater students from Deer Park’s Robert Frost Middle School presented a “One Act Showcase” on March 25 and 26, performing 18 short plays written by Laurie Allen, Jennifer Kirkeby and Erin Moughon. Directed by Michael Moriarty, the production gave the Frost students an opportunity to portray different characters in multiple plays. “What was also special for them is that they were all leads, whereas in a traditional play, there would be a handful of leads and many supporting and bit roles,” Moriarty said. “Every student was able to shine.” Date Added: 4/5/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=150271 Tue, 05 Apr 2022 04:00:00 GMT false150271 JFK’s Camp Read Away Promotes Love of Books Permanent substitute teachers Anthony Farina, Sarah Fell, Taylor Kwintner, Kristina Occhino, Geena Sullivan and Brianna Will at Deer Park’s John F. Kennedy Intermediate School created a special Camp Read Away in March, transforming the school’s library into a campground. Using handheld reading lights, students read books in tents, participated in a read aloud around a “campfire” and went on a scavenger hunt to search for staff members’ favorite books. “This was a great way to help foster students’ love for reading, keep them motivated to read their favorite books, and even read something new,” Principal Kelly Benson said. Date Added: 4/5/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=150272 Tue, 05 Apr 2022 04:00:00 GMT false150272 Deer Park HS Holds Insightful Women’s History Month Panel Deer Park High School held a Women’s History Month panel on March 21 in the school’s library, sponsored by the Spanish and French Honor Societies and Amnesty International. Guest panelists included Suffolk County Assistant District Attorney Melissa Bliss, Sompo Global Risk Solutions Senior Vice President Rose Charles, police officer Jessica Romano, International Rescue Committee Education Unit manager Payal Batra, college professor and fashion industry nonprofit founder Amanda Munz, fitness coach Stephanie Anthony, Pav Productions CEO Sophia Pavlatos, Dariene Coffee President Cindi Diorio, and Jessica Green, RaeAnna Quick and Tara Sandvik of Body Designs tattoo and piercing establishment. Deer Park High School Associate Principal Dina Pannone introduced the event’s presenters, teacher Nicole Bjarnason provided information about the 2022 Women’s History Month theme, and teacher Jaime Pambianchi discussed the mission of Amnesty International. In four breakout sessions lasting for 10 minutes each, participating students rotated between each presenter’s table, getting a chance to sit and hear the guest speakers discuss their careers and insightful topics such as their typical workday, their roles and responsibilities, balancing work and personal life, and how being women effects their jobs. Date Added: 4/1/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=150167 Fri, 01 Apr 2022 05:00:00 GMT false150167 World Language Honor Societies Present Women's History Month Newsletter This month, the World Language Honor Societies present a Women's History Month newsletter, promoting hope and gender equality for a sustainable tomorrow. This edition includes highlights from the Women's History Month panel discussion, ways to achieve gender equality to empower women, a discussion on the gender wage gap and a recap of the Trailblazing Women in History event. We hope you enjoy reading the newsletter! Date Added: 4/1/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=150166 Fri, 01 Apr 2022 04:00:00 GMT false150166 Mohit Salaria Named DPHS February Student of the Month Deer Park High School recently honored sophomore Mohit Salaria as Student of the Month for February 2022. “Mohit constantly holds strong averages in every class despite moving to New York from India only two years ago,” teacher Lisa Kiernan said. “In just two years, he has truly excelled in school. He is sweet and polite, and deserves to be recognized for doing the right thing and working hard always, in every class." Date Added: 3/30/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=150085 Wed, 30 Mar 2022 04:00:00 GMT false150085 Memorable Mathematics at Deer Park’s Exciting Pi Day Deer Park High School and Robert Frost Middle School celebrated Pi Day on March 14 in a big way this year. At Robert Frost, Lauren Kalinowski’s seventh-grade math class held a pi recitation contest. The top three students were Kaylee Puterbaugh, who memorized 54 digits of pi, Mikael Salnave-Guerrier, who memorized 53 digits, and Kimberly Cho, who recited 28 digits. Since then, Puterbaugh has gone on to memorize 68 digits of pi and Salnave-Guerrier has since memorized 100 digits of pi. Other seventh-grade math classes created a Pi Day link, with each color of the link representing a specific digit of pi. The link grew throughout the day and was on display throughout the school’s math wing. A sixth-grade multi-language class learned numbers and how to say the first 10 digits of pi in Italian. Lastly, the Robert Frost Math Team created a video with Pi facts that played throughout the classrooms during homeroom. The students on the Math Team also created a “Pi in the Sky” craft, coloring a city skyline in which each building in the cityscape represented a number in pi. The students then colored in the number of squares on the graph paper that corresponded to each digit of pi. The mathematical artwork was hung in the cafeteria for everyone to enjoy on Pi Day. Over at the high school, member of the Math and Science Honor Societies decorated the main lobby and began advertising their long-awaited Pi Day scavenger hunt as students walked into the building. During morning announcements, Math Honor Society President Saima Hoque revealed the details of the scavenger hunt to the student body: 10 prompts were hidden in math and science classrooms, as well as the cafeteria, that students could engage with and then submit for a prize. At the end of the day, the Math and Science Honor Societies received 23 submissions from participating students. “It was a memorable day,” said Christine Gill, Deer Park’s curriculum associate for mathematics and business. “The students buzzed with excitement and chatter flooded the halls about this event. All in all, you couldn’t ask for a better Pi Day.” Date Added: 3/29/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=150068 Tue, 29 Mar 2022 04:00:00 GMT false150068 BOE Meeting on April 26 The Deer Park Board of Education will hold an open meeting on Tuesday, April 26. The meeting will begin at 8 p.m. and will be take place at the high school. Date Added: 3/29/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=149669 Tue, 29 Mar 2022 04:00:00 GMT false149669 DPHS Presents "The Little Mermaid" on April 1 and 2 DPHS presents the spring musical "The Little Mermaid" in performances on Friday, April 1 and Saturday, April 2. Click here for advance ticket sales. Date Added: 3/29/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=150054 Tue, 29 Mar 2022 04:00:00 GMT false150054 Time to Learn About Dental Health at May Moore Dental Smiles 4 Kids, a pediatric dental office in North Babylon, recently visited Deer Park’s May Moore Primary School to distribute goody bags that included toothbrushing instructions for children and travel bags, each containing a toothbrush, toothpaste, flossers and a sand timer. Date Added: 3/28/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=150027 Mon, 28 Mar 2022 04:00:00 GMT false150027 Sophomore Tyler Romero Wins Diving All-League Award Deer Park High School sophomore Tyler Romero, a key member of the school’s varsity swim and dive team, recently won first place for his 1-meter diving in the League 2 championships, earning the All-League award. Date Added: 3/25/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=149962 Fri, 25 Mar 2022 04:00:00 GMT false149962 Fun and Games at Deer Park High School’s Sports Night Deer Park High School students came together for Sports Night on March 18, enjoying a fun shared evening of games and friendship. Each grade competed in several events – including cage ball, crab soccer, dodgeball, scooter relay race, three-legged race, tug of war and wheelbarrow race – with the seniors emerging victorious. Proceeds from Sports Night were split between the school’s student council and all four classes to offset funding losses from the pandemic. Date Added: 3/24/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=149863 Thu, 24 Mar 2022 04:00:00 GMT false149863 Deer Park Sends Six Selected Student-Artists to Colors of Long Island Artwork by six Deer Park students – John F. Kennedy Intermediate School fifth graders Cameron Howard and Amaya Muniz, John Quincy Adams Primary School second grader Kaizer Mazumder and kindergartner Yusra Tursonzadah, and May Moore Primary School second graders Michael Diorio and Xindi Li – was selected for display at the 23rd annual Colors of Long Island student art exhibition at the Long Island Museum. Art teachers from JFK, JQA and May Moore each chose two students from their respective buildings who displayed exemplary talent and determination in the art room. “These students have shown tremendous work ethic in the art room all year long, and we are so excited to have their hard work on display for others to see,” JQA teacher Samantha Racano said. The show, held at the museum’s visitors center, runs from March 3 through April 3. Date Added: 3/24/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=149903 Thu, 24 Mar 2022 04:00:00 GMT false149903 Books Battle for Student Selection at JFK During the month of March, which is focused on the theme of reading, JFK engaged in Book Battle Madness, in which students are exposed to different books – read by other students and staff – that they might not find in their current classroom library. Books “compete” against each other for the championship, with students voting for their favorites. Date Added: 3/22/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=149773 Tue, 22 Mar 2022 04:00:00 GMT false149773 May Moore Celebrates Dr. Seuss’ Birthday with a Cat’s Help The Cat in the Hat came to visit at May Moore on March 2, as the school celebrated the birthday of Dr. Seuss with students wore crazy hats in the style of the Cat. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=149569 Tue, 15 Mar 2022 04:00:00 GMT false149569 Deer Park HS Winter Athletes Recognized Deer Park High School’s winter sports awards night, held in the auditorium on March 9, recognized the school’s outstanding athletes of the cheerleading, kickline, boys winter track, girls winter track, boys swimming and diving, boys bowling, wrestling, girls basketball and boys basketball teams. The ceremony was hosted by Athletic Director Dominick Fontana, who thanked the Board of Education, administration, Booster Club, Buildings and Grounds Department crew, coaches and trainer, athletes and their parents for their support and dedication. The students were presented with certificates and plaques, including Most Valuable Player awards, Coaches Awards, Spirit Awards and Scholar-Athlete awards. Date Added: 3/14/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=149524 Mon, 14 Mar 2022 05:00:00 GMT false149524 Robert Frost Middle Schoolers Give Back to Animal Shelter During the month of February, Rachel Burkel’s life skills class at Robert Frost Middle School made cat and dog toys to donate to the Town of Babylon Animal Shelter. During weekly cooking lessons, the students also worked on following a visual recipe in order to make dog biscuits. Their hard work culminated in selling cupid kisses on Valentines’s Day in honor of Betty White, raising $300 to donate to the animal shelter. Date Added: 3/14/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=149525 Mon, 14 Mar 2022 04:00:00 GMT false149525 Two Deer Park Students Earn Medals at Science Olympiad Deer Park High School sent 16 Science Olympiad students to compete at the Eastern Long Island Regional Tournament, held on Feb. 12 at Hauppauge High School. Senior Nicholas Stamatakis and junior Jimmy Jiang both won two medals, one for the WiFi Lab event and another for the Remote Sensing event. Their project adviser, Ted Smirlis, helped guide the two students in constructing an amazing antenna that transmitted a signal of 2.4 GHz. “All 16 students worked really hard and had a lot of fun,” said Science Olympiad adviser Kevin Richards. Date Added: 3/10/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=149405 Thu, 10 Mar 2022 05:00:00 GMT false149405 “Little Buddies” Build Social Skills at JQA John Quincy Adams Primary School recently started a weekly afterschool club called Little Buddies, run by teachers Tess Maloney and Jackie Stein. The club includes students with disabilities from Stein’s K-2 self-contained class as well as students from the schoolwide general education population in grades 1 and 2. “We are working on playing games, making crafts and overall social skill building practice,” Stein said. Date Added: 3/9/2022 Note: Photos taken prior to the March 2 mask mandate change. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=149381 Wed, 09 Mar 2022 05:00:00 GMT false149381 Robert Frost Cabaret Presents Marvelous Virtual “Lion King” The Robert Frost Middle School Cabaret presented “The Lion King Jr.” on Feb. 4 in a virtual performance, directed by Lauren Stein and Lori Sullivan. It was later shared in video form with the community (the show can be viewed at the video link below). The marvelous musical’s cast included Caiden Boltz as Timon, Baileigh Braithwaite as Sarafina, Nadia Elsergany as Pumba, Alexa Flores as Sarabi, Dillon Jeffries as Simba, Sophia Lindsay as Nala, Livia Oliveira as Scar, Kaiya Pierson as Rafiki, Ashleigh Rauch as Ed, Jaidyn Schabe as Banzai, Hayden Snyder as Shenzi, Jenna Sy as Mufasa and Kayla Tyson-Beaumont as Zazu. “This past summer, we introduced students to the Broadway version of ‘The Lion King, Jr.’ when we offered musical theater classes during the Robert Frost Unplugged program,” Stein and Sullivan said. “When we returned to school in September, we got to work, cast the show and began to rehearse. Our performers worked incredibly hard, and showed dedication at all rehearsals. Unfortunately, a week before our show, COVID cases rose quickly, and we were forced to change our live performance to a virtual one. However, our students knew that the show must go on and did not let this setback get in the way of showing how hard they worked to bring this show to life. We are incredibly proud of our cast and cannot express how much fun we have had, and what a joy it has been to work with our dedicated students. We also want to thank the parents and caregivers, as without them, none of this would have been possible.” Date Added: 3/8/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=149338 Tue, 08 Mar 2022 05:00:00 GMT false149338 DPHS Holds Black History Month Panel Discussion Deer Park High School’s Black Student Union held a Black History Month panel discussion in the library on Feb. 28, in collaboration with the school’s Spanish and French Honor Societies. Student panelists included Troy Cofie (Ghanaian descent), Angelica Jones (Nigerian descent), Sasha Khellawan (Afro-Indo Caribbean/Guyanese descent), Christian McMillan (African American and Indian descent), Morgan Sinclair (Afro-Caribbean/Jamaican descent), Starlene Smith (African American and Brazilian descent) and Diondra Talleyrand (Afro-Caribbean/Haitian descent). The seven panelists shared information about their backgrounds, heritage, roots and culture. Some also shared anecdotes, and each panelist discussed what it meant for them to have African roots. At the conclusion of the event, attending students were able to ask the panelists meaningful questions to panelists. “It was truly a wonderful, meaningful experience where students were able to participate in important conversations about race, perceptions and culture,” Associate Principal Dina Pannone said. “The panel provided a space for us to appreciate the beauty of different backgrounds and celebrate Black History Month,” Spanish Honor Society member Megan Bush said. “We were all reminded how vital it is to take the time to listen to others’ stories, especially those of our peers.” Date Added: 3/7/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=149283 Mon, 07 Mar 2022 06:00:00 GMT false149283 French and Spanish Honor Society February Newsletter The French and Spanish Honor Society collaborated with the Black Student Union to develop the February newsletter. This month's newsletter is based on the quote, "What has always made our country special is that it doesn't matter where you are from; it matters where you're going," by Condoleezza Rice. The newsletter dives into topics that explore the history of historically black colleges and universities, presents a timeline of historic moments in black history, and highlights black student athletes at the university level and black representation in the 2022 Winter Olympics. There is also a tribute to the life of Kobe Bryant, a piece on important civil rights movement leader Ella Baker, and additional articles covering topics such as BLM, ways schools can better serve black students, black history within the LGBTQ+ community and the school's Black History Month Panel discussion. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=149276 Mon, 07 Mar 2022 05:00:00 GMT false149276 Deer Park Theater Productions Return In-Person After years of virtual events due to the pandemic, the performing arts in the Deer Park School District have made an exciting return to in-person theatrical productions. The events kicked off last November with Deer Park High School’s annual One Act Play Festival, a memorable showcase for a variety of short plays directed by students, followed by the high school’s winter play, a production of the classic courtroom drama “12 Angry Jurors” directed by Kristen Wallace, which thrilled audiences on Feb. 4-5. “It was awesome to actually be rehearsing live in the auditorium,” said Mike Moriarty, the co-director of the One Act Play Festival. “The kids jumped into their parts on stage without missing a beat. Rehearsals ran smoothly and once again the students of Deer Park High School gave great performances. It was such an amazing feeling for the kids – and for the directors – to be performing live again.” Date Added: 3/2/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=149121 Wed, 02 Mar 2022 05:00:00 GMT false149121 Deer Park HS Takes “Steps” to Spread Kindness Deer Park High School’s Student Council and Community Service Club hosted P.S. I Love You Day on Feb. 11, spreading light on the importance of being kind to yourself and others. The annual event emphasizes the importance of embracing differences, choosing kindness and lifting others up. This year’s theme was “One Step at a Time,” and throughout the week of February 7-11, daily affirmations and words of inspiration were announced. The clubs also decorated the lobby for the event and asked other students to sign a banner to help spread kindness and awareness. Date Added: 2/28/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=149025 Mon, 28 Feb 2022 05:00:00 GMT false149025 A Fun Week of Kindness at May Moore Kindness Week began on Feb. 7 at May Moore. For each day of the week, first graders were given kindness challenges and each day was designated as a different spirit day. On Monday, for the theme of Cozy Up With Kindness, students learned what they can do to be kind to their friends while they spent the day clad in cozy pajamas. Classes listened to books about friendship and watched a video teaching how kindness colors the world. The first graders also did a directed drawing of heart hands showing how you should always be kind to everyone. The students dressed in camouflage on Tuesday for the theme of We Don’t Hide from Kindness. They learned about ways to show kindness to their family, and wrote four kindness cards to a family member, which were hidden inside their home for their family member to find. Wednesday was Team Kindness Day, with students dressing in their favorite team gear and focusing on being kind to classmates and linked by kindness. Each first grader made a paper link for the school’s kindness chain, writing a kind act they could do for a classmate on their link. Then all the links in the chain were joined and connected it to another class chain. Students wore crazy hair styles and socks on Thursday, and focused on how they can be kind to neighbors and people in the community. Each first grader decorated a feather and wrote an idea they had to show kindness to a neighbor or the community. The feathers were then combined to make a pair of kindness wings for Friday’s P.S. I Love You Day. On the last day of Kindness Week, students wore purple to school for P.S. I Love You, promoting kindness and fostering a welcoming environment full of love for all. They wrote name acrostic poems about things that are special to each student. Classes spent time talking about always being kind to each other and treating others like they would want to be treated. “The students had so much fun participating this week and they cannot wait for their next kindness challenge,” teacher Nicole Leggio said. Date Added: 2/23/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=148916 Wed, 23 Feb 2022 05:00:00 GMT false148916 Deer Park Secondary Students Connect with Black Literature Deer Park High School and Robert Frost Middle School students and teachers celebrated Black History Month on Feb. 10 with readings from contemporary and historical Black writers. Students in ELA classes at both buildings connected past and present issues, discussing how ideas from historical writers continue into today. Jazz, hip-hop, slam poetry and spoken word were all included as ways to show these contemporary connections. “It is always so important to us that students see how writers of the past relate to what students experience in the modern world,” said Justin Uliano, Deer Park’s curriculum associate for ELA, reading and library. Date Added: 2/22/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=148897 Tue, 22 Feb 2022 05:00:00 GMT false148897 Two Deer Park Class of 2021 Grads Earn Perfect AP Score Deer Park High School alumni Jasleen Kaur and Brandon Yasin earned a rare perfect score on the college-level Advanced Placement Research Exam in spring 2021. They are in select company, being two of only 375 students in the world who earned a perfect score on this exam. Kaur, the valedictorian of the Class of 2021, earned every point possible on the AP Research Exam. Her research identified a new process using soxhlet extraction and transesterification to create biodiesel from waste avocado pits and successfully produced usable biodiesel. Kaur is currently studying physics at Harvard University. “From the planning stages to the lab work, it was always a rewarding experience working with Jasleen,” said physics and chemistry teacher Ted Smirlis, her expert adviser. “Her research highlights the need for further investigation into overlooked and often discarded biomasses that can be used to extract usable biodiesel. Such fuel oils are great candidates to supplement our nation’s fuel supply to reduce our dependency of foreign oil and eliminate any future oil shortages.” Yasin, a top 20 graduate of the Class of 2021, also earned a perfect score on the AP Research Exam. His yearlong project looked at the stigmatization of mental health in the Indo-Guyanese community and its influence on the relationship between immigrant parents and their American-born adolescent children. Yasin is currently studying engineering at the University of Pittsburgh. Both Kaur and Yasin were part of Deer Park High School’s inaugural cohort of 24 students receiving the College Board’s AP Capstone Diploma. Students earned this great distinction by completing AP Seminar, AP Research and a minimum of four additional AP exams scoring a 3 or higher on all. “In the entirety of my educating career, this particular cohort of AP Research students were truly outstanding,” AP Research teacher Andrea Farina said. “Due to the pandemic, they had to overcome more obstacles than most during their last few years of high school. Jasleen and Brandon embody what it means to be highly-motivated, self-driven students who spend extensive time ensuring they will attain nothing short of excellence. I am so proud of them for achieving such an honor within our inaugural year of the AP Research program and look forward to all of their future successes." “I couldn’t be prouder of both our staff and students during the establishment of the AP Capstone program at Deer Park High School,” Curriculum Associate for Science and Technology Alison Branca-Peterson said. “This has truly been a community effort. Our students received support from a number of science teachers who took advisership roles using their scientific expertise, while AP Seminar teachers, PPS staff and the administrative team also helped our students and the program become what it is today.” Date Added: 2/18/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=147592 Fri, 18 Feb 2022 05:00:00 GMT false147592 Robert Frost Middle Schoolers Set Up Black History Month Museum Students at Robert Frost recently set up a Black History Month museum exhibit. The activity included an online quest consisting of a tech-based fact-finding mission throughout the museum display. Date Added: 2/15/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=147466 Tue, 15 Feb 2022 07:00:00 GMT false147466 Deer Park National Math and Science Honor Societies Induct 69 It was a night of honor as 69 Deer Park High School students attended a combined induction ceremony of the National Math and Science Honor Societies, held in the auditorium on Feb. 10. National Math Science Honor Society adviser Sara DiCandia and National Science Honor Society adviser Dylan Duprez welcomed the inductees and their families to the ceremony after National Math Honor Society President Saima Hoque led the students and their families in the pledge of allegiance and the Women’s Choir sang the national anthem. Principal Charles Cobb congratulated the inductees on this outstanding accomplishment and noted that science, technology, engineering and mathematics will have more of an impact than ever in this digital age. Cobb told the students that they “will be well suited and prepared” for college and beyond and that their “hard work has been noticed.” He also said he looks forward to hearing about future accomplishments down the road. Members Rumeysa Camlica and Sonam Kataria welcomed the existing members to the ceremony and spoke about the honor societies’ goals and values. National Science Honor Society President Nicholas Stamatakis then encouraged the inductees to “do what is distinctly you” and to use “your specific knowledge.” National Math Honor Society president Saima Hoque also spoke about her love of probability and encouraged inductees to “live life in the incredible awareness that it is.” The inductees – 56 students into the National Math Honor Society and 66 into the National Science Honor Society – were then asked to recite their respective oaths. New inductees then rose as members Kristin D’Souza and Yoki Lin called out their names one-by-one, followed by applause and congratulations for a job well-done. Date Added: 2/15/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=147464 Tue, 15 Feb 2022 06:00:00 GMT false147464 Students Put Stained Glass Hearts on Display at Deer Park High School Students in Laurie Schwartz’s life skills class at Deer Park High School recently created stained glass hearts using recycled transparencies. The students used glue to outline stained glass patterns; once the glue was dry, they colored the plastic with Sharpies. These lovely creations were then put on display on the glass outside of the school’s main office, bringing joy and Valentine’s Day spirit to all who passed by. Date Added: 2/15/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=147465 Tue, 15 Feb 2022 05:00:00 GMT false147465 JQA Kindergartners Create Colorful Mosaics for Black History Month During the week of Feb. 7, kindergartners in Ashley Woolsey’s class at JQA worked on a colored mosaic project in the style of artist Alma Woodsey Thomas for Black History Month. “I felt that Alma’s story was a wonderful example to share with students and exemplified exactly why we celebrate diversity, Black History Month and Women’s History Month,” Woolsey said. “Alma had grown up in the early 1900s during a time of great divide in our country, but didn't let the unkindness she experienced in the world stop her from doing what she loved. She had a dream to become an art teacher and an artist and she did just that. She went to college, became an art teacher and one of the first women in America to graduate with an art degree, and finally had her own solo art exhibition show at the age of 81. Her story shows children that no matter what you face in life and how tough it may seem, to never give up on your dreams. This idea of never giving up on what you love to do is something that can resonate with students of all ages.” An abstract artist, Woodsey Thomas chose her colors based on the ideas of “happiness” and “beauty,” and often created paintings with circular patterns in various colors. Students were given colorful square paper mosaic pieces and chose colors that made them feel happy. They arranged the pieces in circular patterns, like Woodsey Thomas’ work, to create their art pieces, working on fine motor skills and dexterity while enhancing their mastery of patterns, shapes, colors and gluing. “I love having my students explore art through different mediums so I chose to honor Alma’s style through creating a mosaic,” Woolsey said. “Letting students, especially young students in kindergarten, explore their creativity through art making is such a joy and privilege to see. Watching them enjoy their creations, choose their colors with smiles and show pride in what they made is such a testament to Alma’s message to the world.” Date Added: 2/11/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=147364 Fri, 11 Feb 2022 05:00:00 GMT false147364 Boys Winter Track Team Earns Medals at Counties Deer Park High School’s boys winter track team earned finalist and runner-up status at the county championships for the first time since 1987. Aidan Neilson was county champion in the 1,600-meter race, Daniel Thomas won the 1,000-meter race, Jon Alicea finished third in the county for triple jump, and both the 4x800-meter and 4x400-meter relay teams came out on top. This outstanding Feb. 5 performance by Deer Park, coached by Thomas Brouillard, followed a second-place finish at the League III championship. Other athletes competing for Deer Park included Henry Almanzar, Lutherson Chauvette, Mahdi Kamiri, Michael Leon, Maxx Perla, Justin Petrizzo, Dorian Pino, Daran Saul, Joe Sciurca, Dean Sparacino, Jordan Trojan and Victor Watson. “I have no doubt that all the runners from Deer Park really worked hard for this meet and season and were able to showcase everything we worked for,” said senior athlete Watson. Date Added: 2/10/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=147308 Thu, 10 Feb 2022 05:00:00 GMT false147308 JFK Third Graders Get Inspired by Artist Romero Britto During Briana Nussbaum’s art classes, third graders at Deer Park’s John F. Kennedy Intermediate School have been learning about contemporary Brazilian pop artist Romero Britto, founder of the Happy Art Movement. Students were able to view work by the artist and learned that Britto loves to use bold colors and patterns in his pieces. Nussbaum then introduced students to a “marker printmaking” project, inspired by the artist. The third graders designed heart templates for Valentine’s Day and incorporated bold colors and patterns just like Britto. “This technique is fun because students are able to create multiple prints of their drawings and change the color combinations each time,” Nussbaum said. Date Added: 2/9/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=147295 Wed, 09 Feb 2022 05:00:00 GMT false147295 DPHS Junior Steven Mendell Wins Bertie Green Travel Award Deer Park High School student Steven Mendell was recently chosen for the Spanish Honor Society’s Bertie Green Junior Travel Award, one of only 24 high school juniors selected for this scholarship. Mendell will travel to Puerto Rico this July to study the island’s culture and language. In the spirit of the society's mission, each year the Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica contributes more than $160,000 in awards to student members of the SHH, chapters, sponsors and other SHH officers, with the majority of the award money provided to student travel awards. Date Added: 2/8/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=147250 Tue, 08 Feb 2022 05:00:00 GMT false147250 HS Physics Students Enhance Learning With Rockets Deer Park High School students in Ted Smirlis’ AP Physics 1 and Regents Physics classes recently launched model rockets to enhance their learning of acceleration and forces. This experience brought students outside of the classroom to gather data using an electronic nose cone installed in a model rocket. “When my students returned to the classroom, they made numerous calculations using the data they gathered with only a .1% margin of error,” Smirlis said. “I’m excited to facilitate blended learning experiences, taking rockets built by our seventh graders at Robert Frost Middle School, and using them for authentic learning in our Advanced Placement and Regents Physics classes at Deer Park High School,” said Curriculum Associate for Science and Technology Alison Branca-Peterson. Date Added: 2/7/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=147203 Mon, 07 Feb 2022 06:00:00 GMT false147203 Celebrating the Year of the Tiger at May Moore The Year of the Tiger was celebrated at May Moore on Feb. 1, as first graders paraded through the hallways with a dragon, decorations, and instruments. Classes lined the halls to cheer on the annual Chinese New Year Parade with decorations and masks, while second grader Xindi Li taught her classmates about Chinese New Year and how to make a Chinese lantern. Another student, Brandon Cheng, who is Korean and celebrates Lunar New Year with his family, brought in some items to share with his classmates to teach them about some of his traditions. Date Added: 2/3/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=147073 Thu, 03 Feb 2022 05:00:00 GMT false147073 Deer Park’s Kuhn and Milankovich Named Suffolk Zone Winners Deer Park High School seniors Kylie Kuhn and Michael Milankovic were recently named winners of this year’s Suffolk Zone Awards. The Suffolk Zone Chapter of the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance annually gives awards to one male and one female student in each Suffolk high school, selected for excellent achievement in physical education, outstanding character and leadership in schoolwide activities. Kuhn is a three-sport varsity athlete, competing on the school’s cross-country team (where she earned All-County, All-County Academic and Team MVP honors), basketball team (three-time All-County and All-Long Island Second Team honors) and lacrosse (All-County, Team MVP and U.S. Lacrosse Top 2022 honors). She is also a member of the school’s National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Math and Science Honor Society, Student Council, Math Team, Science Olympiad team, Varsity Leaders Club, Red Cross Club, Community Service Club, Social Issues Club and Best Buddies, and ranked sixth in the Class of 2022. Kuhn plans to attend Siena College. Milankovich, a member of the Falcons varsity football and lacrosse teams, earned the Sportsmanship Award in both sports. He is also a member of Deer Park’s Varsity Leaders Club, and plans to attend Utica College, majoring in sports management. Date Added: 2/2/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=147037 Wed, 02 Feb 2022 05:00:00 GMT false147037 World Language Honor Society January Newsletter In celebration of National Mentoring Month, the World Language Honor Society's January newsletter focuses on mental health and wellness. This month's issue provides readers with tips for improving mental well-being, cultural wellness, physical wellness, emotional wellness and social wellness. The society also discusses the history of mental health awareness and highlights advocates that play an important role in history. French Honor Society member Bart Polster interviewed Deer Park High School's social worker, Ms. Mattila, discussing topics such as student confidentiality, reasons to see the social worker, and guidance for students who suffer with alcohol and/or drug addiction. Ms. Bjarnason, co-adviser for the French and Spanish Honor Societies, shares her own self-care journey with readers and pictures from the World Language Honor Society Wellness Event are shared. We hope you enjoy this month's addition and have a happy and healthy month ahead! Date Added: 2/7/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=147129 Tue, 01 Feb 2022 05:00:00 GMT false147129 Deer Park DECA Comes Home With 34 Trophies at Regionals Of the 61 Deer Park High School students participating in DECA’s Suffolk County Regional Competition in December, competing against over 800 students from 22 other schools, 34 earned trophies and another four were given honorable mention designation. Winning first place were Andrew Dolinsky (in the Accounting Applications category), Saima Hoque (Business Finance), Bart Polster (Personal Financial Literacy), and Umar Qasir and Nicholas Stamatakis (Financial Services Team). Winning second place were Shadat Alam (Personal Financial Literacy), Julia Bakar (Principles of Hospitality and Tourism), Sadat Chawdhury (Entrepreneurship) and Jade Griffin (Apparel and Accessories Marketing). Winning third place were Naeil Alim (Food Marketing) and Gloria Min (Principles of Hospitality and Tourism). Additional trophy winners included Shubat Alam and Adib Shaikh (Travel and Tourism Team), Shujana Aurin and Katia Papailler (Hospitality Services Team), Nico Bruni and Adrian Herrera (Business Law and Ethics Team), Kaitlyn Burke (Principles of Hospitality and Tourism), Madison Cadena (Restaurant and Food Service Management), Michael Crescenzo (Hotel and Lodging Management), Nora Elmoussaoui (Food Marketing), Muhammad Hamza (Automotive Services Marketing), Sonam Kataria (Apparel and Accessories Marketing), Sasha Khellawan and Natalia Lee (Sports and Entertainment Marketing Team), Erin Lin and Valerie Ponte (Marketing Management Team), Yoki Lin (Apparel and Accessories Marketing), Tahmid Matin (Hotel and Lodging Management), Dao Nguyen (Human Resources Management), Yalda Said and Sophia Zorakhsh (Marketing Management Team), Yama Said (Automotive Services Marketing), and Arthur Seraline (Principles of Finance). Earning honorable mention recognition at the DECA Regional Competition were Ayush Manchanda and Brett Patrick (Entrepreneurship Team), Ryder Min (Business Finance), and Kayley Eising (Sports Marketing). “These students will have the opportunity to compete in the state competition this March in an attempt to qualify for the national competition at the end of April,” DECA adviser Gregory Menig said. “Congratulations to all of the students on a job well done.” Date Added: 1/31/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=146975 Mon, 31 Jan 2022 05:00:00 GMT false146975 Diversity in Deer Park Displayed on Special World Map at Frost Recent Martin Luther King Jr. presentations at Robert Frost Middle School were tied into the school’s January theme of “Give Diversity a Hand.” Morning announcements were made each day with relevant music and information about MLK, the Robert Frost newsroom ran a student-created video of the Civil Rights Movement, special “Give Diversity a Hand" quotes were placed on paper “hands” displayed around the school, and Frost embarked on a unique map project. In an ongoing anonymous survey, students and staff identified what countries or regions of the world their ancestors came from. A huge world map was then set up in the main lobby and the various ancestral places of origin were pinned. In an enlightening display of diversity, the pins appear literally all over the world, from Suriname to Senegal to Sumatra. “I like how this map shows that how everybody is from different countries,” said seventh grader Amirah Wilson. “It makes people feel more welcomed when they come in, because I know a lot of my friends feel different or out of place,” said seventh grader Kathleen Dos Santos. “It’s nice to show that everybody’s from a different place, so you don’t have to feel left out.” Date Added: 1/28/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=145970 Fri, 28 Jan 2022 06:00:00 GMT false145970 Ramiah Anderson Named DPHS December Student of the Month Deer Park High School recently honored freshman Ramiah Anderson as Student of the Month for December 2021. “Ramiah just joined the Deer Park community last September and she really has made an effort to be involved in the school community,” teacher Aleisha Forbes said. “She is an active member of the Black Student Union and participated in the Holidaygrams sale for the class of 2025. Ramiah is a very focused student, she exhibits high interest, effort and participation in class and is always willing to help others.” Date Added: 1/28/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=145969 Fri, 28 Jan 2022 05:00:00 GMT false145969 Virtual Wellness Event on Jan. 31 Deer Park High School’s Spanish and French Honor Societies will present a virtual wellness event on Monday, Jan. 31 from 6-7 p.m. There are eight different 30-minute sessions focused on wellness and mindfulness to choose from. To learn more about each session and to participate in this free wellness event, please see the attached flyer. Hope to see you there! Date Added: 1/28/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=145966 Fri, 28 Jan 2022 05:00:00 GMT false145966 Vowel Charts Assist JQA Kindergartners in Writing Kindergartners in Marcella Biordi’s class at JQA have been working on making “readable” true stories during Writing Workshop. To do so, the students know that they can use many tools to make their writing the best it can be. One tool that is particularly helpful to them is a vowel chart. As they sound out words, they know to listen for a vowel sound and record the letter that makes that sound. The kindergartners keep their chart on hand while they write. “These students are such hard workers and brave spellers,” Biordi said. “Their writing has improved tremendously this year.” Date Added: 1/25/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=145874 Tue, 25 Jan 2022 05:00:00 GMT false145874 Deer Park High School’s Black Student Union Decorates Display for MLK Members of Deer Park High School’s Black Student Union recently decorated a display case to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Traditionally, MLK Day is recognized as a day of service, so the students were eager to organize a service project that would impact their Deer Park High School community. The display case includes a collaborative mural and selected quotes from Dr. King, including “Darkness cannot drive out darkness: Only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: Only love can do that.” “Our students are hopeful that with small acts such as this, they can make the world a better place,” teacher Aleisha Forbes said. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=145812 Mon, 24 Jan 2022 05:00:00 GMT false145812 May Moore First Graders Make (And Eat) “Edible Dirt” First graders in Dana Grafstein’s class at May Moore are learning to write “How To” books, choosing something they are good at and writing a book that teaches someone else how to do it. As an introductory lesson, the class created the book “How to Make Edible Dirt” as a shared writing exercise. The students were given the job of working together to write each step while creating the edible dirt at the same time. They decided what materials were needed, and each student was given individual supplies. As the class wrote each step together, the students performed that step toward creating their edible masterpiece. Once the book was completed, it was time to dig in. “Our students loved eating their words and are excited to write more ‘How To’ books,” Grafstein said. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=145761 Fri, 21 Jan 2022 05:00:00 GMT false145761 Robert Frost Library Expands Learning With Four Grants Anne Lotito-Schuh, the new librarian at Robert Frost, has been busy winning several grants to upgrade the library. She was awarded a Jovia Bank grant for flexible-reading seating, a Long Island Language Arts Council grant for graphic novels and manga collections, a New York State Educational Media/Technology Association grant to help create digital content and an Eduporium grant to support makerspace coding projects. These grants will be used to expand the ways in which the Frost library can enrich student learning. Date Added: 1/20/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=145740 Thu, 20 Jan 2022 05:00:00 GMT false145740 Trio of Falcons Swimmers Earn All-League for Relay Performance Three members of Deer Park High School’s girls varsity swimming and diving team – junior Jamey Amador, freshman Nathalie Martillo and junior Hailey Quinn – were recently awarded All-League status for their exceptional performance in the 200-meter freestyle relay. Date Added: 1/14/2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=145588 Fri, 14 Jan 2022 05:00:00 GMT false145588 Frost and JQA Students Enjoy ENL Endeavor Before the holiday break, Christy Freire’s English as a New Language students at Robert Frost visited JQA to read to Tara Gallagher’s second-grade ENL class. The high schoolers – who belong to Frost’s Newcomer’s Club – and second graders then worked together on an activity, creating “Gingerbread Friends” out of construction papers and stickers, before finishing their time together with a game of holiday bingo. “It was a great experience for all the students,” Freire said. “Both the second graders and the middle schoolers asked when we can do something like that again before we even left. It was nice to see so many smiling faces, especially when one of the siblings was completely surprised because he didn´t know his brother was coming to read a book. I cannot wait to organize another event like this." https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=145352 Thu, 06 Jan 2022 05:00:00 GMT false145352 Spanish Honor Society's December Newsletter! For the month of December, the Deer Park High School Spanish Honor Society newsletter focused on holiday celebrations. The members discussed the history of celebrations and highlighted the similarities and differences between holidays such as Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Three Kings Day, Eid and Chinese New Year. Junior Dimitra Pavlatos interviewed Spanish Honor Society member Sarah Naqvi about her background and the way her family celebrates the different holidays of their cultures. Member Tiffany Bala spoke with the high school social worker, Mrs. Nelson-Williams, and reported that many faculty members, clubs and neighbors contribute to the annual Giving Tree and join together to support Deer Park families in need. Other cultural contributions were shared by the International Culture Club, Pen Society, Black Student Union, Muslim Student Association, Gay Straight Alliance and Deer Park High School Library. We hope you enjoy reading this month's newsletter and that you and your families had a very Happy New Year! https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=145240 Tue, 04 Jan 2022 05:00:00 GMT false145240 May Moore Students Enjoy Santa and Sing-Alongs Before Winter Break Students and staff entered May Moore on the morning of Dec. 22 to see that it had been magically transformed to resemble the Polar Express. Each class rode “tracks” to the gymnasium to see two special visitors, Santa and Mrs. Claus. The students had the opportunity to say hello to Santa, take a class picture and receive a holiday book from the May Moore PFC. The day concluded with socially distanced holiday sing-a-longs led by music teacher Kristen Lombardo. “These events are treasured pastimes at May Moore and I am so excited we were able to bring a little holiday joy to our students’ faces,” Principal Tammy Alcalde said. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=145216 Mon, 03 Jan 2022 05:00:00 GMT false145216 Welcoming Winter Concerts Back to Deer Park Deer Park welcomed back its winter concert tradition in December with live, in-person events at Deer Park High School, Robert Frost Middle School and John F. Kennedy Intermediate School, showcasing the talent and hard work of the district’s student-musicians. “Students and teachers produced a wonderful concert series to usher in the return of live performances in Deer Park,” said Bradley Murphy, the district administrator for fine and performing arts. “Congratulations to all our performers!” Click here to view videos of each school's performances. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=145092 Mon, 27 Dec 2021 06:00:00 GMT false145092 JFK Third Graders Give Back With Animal Shelter Drive Third graders in Heather Buksa and Christine MacQuarrie’s class at JFK recently teamed up for a donation drive with Babylon High School junior Lindsay MacQuarrie to collect for the Babylon Animal Shelter. “We wanted to teach the kids about giving back to the community during the holiday season,” Buksa said. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=145091 Mon, 27 Dec 2021 05:00:00 GMT false145091 DPHS Violinist Ryder Min Performs at All-State Conference Deer Park High School violinist Ryder Min was named an All-State musician by the New York State School Music Association this year, and performed with the All-State Symphony Orchestra. at the 85th annual All-State Winter Conference, held Dec. 2-5 in Rochester. “We are incredibly proud of all of Ryder’s accomplishments,” said Bradley Murphy, the district administrator for fine and performing arts. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=144913 Mon, 20 Dec 2021 05:00:00 GMT false144913 DPHS Welcomes 65 New National Honor Society Inductees In a triumphant return to in-person recognition, Deer Park High School held its 60th annual National Honor Society induction ceremony on Dec. 13, welcoming 65 new members in front of proud family and friends. “It’s good to be back,” said NHS adviser Seth Margolin. “We are very happy and proud to be here tonight, to be a part of this important event in the lives of these 65 inductees.” After lauding the new inductees for their achievement, Margolin asked for a round of applause for the students’ parents, saying, “To the parents that are here tonight, that’s not an accident. This doesn’t happen without you. Thank you for your love, your support and your guidance that’s brought these students here to the National Honor Society.” In attendance were Suffolk County legislators Tom Donnelly and Steven Flotteron, who both congratulated the students and the district for their academic success. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=144757 Thu, 16 Dec 2021 05:00:00 GMT false144757 HS Psychology Students Meet May Moore Pen Pals to Make “Snowmen” Deer Park High School students in Laura Abbey’s child psychology class have been exchanging letters for the past few months with second graders in Juliana Giulietti’s classroom at May Moore. The high schoolers were able to meet their pen pals in person on Dec. 9, and Jadin Karbonic and Kristina Kerr read the class “Snowmen at Night.” The students then worked together to create their own snowmen. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=144739 Wed, 15 Dec 2021 06:00:00 GMT false144739 JFK Participates in Emily’s Awesome Toy Drive Marie Tortorici, a special education teacher at JFK, organized the school staff’s participation this year in Emily’s Awesome Toy Drive. The Emily Meyer Foundation initiative, now in its 11th year, donates toys to hospitals and children’s organizations across Long Island. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=144738 Wed, 15 Dec 2021 05:00:00 GMT false144738 Deer Park Patriot Club Raises $800 for Veterans’ Causes Deer Park High School’s Patriot Club recently organized a districtwide Jeans for Troops fundraiser for worthy veterans’ causes, raising $800 to benefit the GiGoFund, Wounded Warrior Project and Deer Park Wall of Honor. Each of the district’s school buildings, the district office and the transportation department were asked to make a donation to participate in a casual day of wearing jeans. Students and staff were encouraged to wear either red, white and blue or camo on the day before Veterans Day to show their support for military veterans. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=144665 Mon, 13 Dec 2021 05:00:00 GMT false144665 Deer Park Juniors Set Positive Example with Second Annual Toy Drive Deer Park High School juniors Tiffany Bala and Kayley Eising spearheaded an annual toy drive last year, and continued their endeavor this year, collecting approximately 800 toys over that span. After witnessing their friends’ parents lose their jobs due to the pandemic, they saw a need to help less fortunate children in the Deer Park community. Once again, they partnered with the Anthony DeNoyior Memorial Foundation, to collect toys for children in the local community as well as Nassau and Suffolk County Toys for Tots. Together with the foundation’s head, Stacy DeNoyior, Bala and Eising planned and executed a very successful drive, collecting more than 500 toys. The charity was created to honor DeNoyior, who died due to COVID early in the pandemic. A Suffolk County auxiliary police captain who volunteered 20 years of service to the Deer Park community, he was known for his passion in helping the less fortunate. “Kayley and Bala are setting the stage for our students and future leaders through their compassion and care for people,” DeNoyior said. “They are setting positive examples for their student peers.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=144449 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 05:00:00 GMT false144449 Reza Zorakhsh Named DPHS October Student of the Month Deer Park High School recently honored freshman Reza Zorakhsh as Student of the Month for October 2021. “Reza is one of the hardest working students I have had,” world language teacher Heather Nola said. “His dedication is definitely paying off. He comes to extra help almost daily and works so hard to achieve stellar grades in Spanish and across the board. He participates in class daily, is very respectful and polite, and really seems to love learning Spanish. He is the kind of student we all wish for and a model for his classmates.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=144392 Thu, 02 Dec 2021 05:00:00 GMT false144392 Robert Frost’s National Junior Society Gathers Goods for Food Drive The National Junior Honor Society at Robert Frost recently held a Thanksgiving food drive for families in the community, guided by adviser Seth Margolin. Every morning, students from the NJHS led a buildingwide collection of canned goods and nonperishable foods. After collecting for two weeks, NJHS members were able to fill dozens of baskets with Thanksgiving food for the families in need. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=144303 Tue, 30 Nov 2021 06:00:00 GMT false144303 Spanish Honor Society's November Newsletter Focuses on Gratitude The November newsletter from the high school's Spanish Honor Society focused on Native Americans and gratitude. The issue discussed the importance of being grateful and showcased the gratitude hearts of Deer Park High School students. The International Culture Club taught readers how to say thank you in Spanish, Chinese, Urdu, Bengali, Japanese, Vietnamese, Korean and French. The Black Student Union contributed an essay that discussed the history of celebrating Thanksgiving in the African American community and Sabrina Cornelia designed a Native American-inspired art piece. “This year is the year that we treasure the things that matter, even if we lost them,” said student Troy Cofie. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=144302 Tue, 30 Nov 2021 05:00:00 GMT false144302 JFK Hosts Breakfast Honoring Local Veterans As part of November as Good Citizenship Month at JFK, the school’s Good Citizenship Committee hosted a special breakfast honoring the community’s veterans on Nov. 17. Students and faculty invited veterans in their families to the event in JFK’s old gymnasium, which was organized by committee members Helene Cotter, Zack King, Lauren Kuban, Taylor Kwintner, Briana Nussbaum and Kate Torres. “We are so happy we were able to host this event and give students an opportunity to celebrate the brave veterans in their families,” Kuban said. "It was just one way that we felt we could thank those who have made such an incredible sacrifice for our country, and we hope to be able to do it again next year.” “This was a wonderful day at JFK,” Principal Kelly Benson said. “We were able to show appreciation to the men and women who serve and served our country each and every day. The students enjoyed learning about how their family members helped contribute to make our world a better place.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=144102 Mon, 22 Nov 2021 10:00:00 GMT false144102 Senior Aidan Neilson Leads Boys XC Team to Success Deer Park High School senior Aidan Neilson competed at the New York State cross-country championship on Nov. 13, the first time a Deer Park runner has qualified for the state race since Joe Parks in 2005. During the season, Neilson was named second overall in Suffolk County Class A, Division II individual champion and League individual champion for the fourth straight season, boasting a 20-0 league record. He also set the school record in the 5,000-meter race at Sunken Meadow State Park. “Aidan is a great example of what happens when talent meets commitment, desire and work ethic,” coach Thomas Brouillard said. “When Aidan is racing, you know it is going to be a fun day and exciting race to watch.” Neilson’s Deer Park teammate Daniel Thomas also had a successful season, capturing first team All-League, All-Division and first team All-County honors, while Evan Attrino and Michael Leon were named All-League recipients. The team’s senior class of 2022, led by Neilson, leaves behind a 20-3 cross-country league record in their four years competing at Deer Park High School. “Anchored by the senior class, our team had a pretty successful 2021 cross-country campaign,” Brouillard said. “As always, the boys committed to, worked hard towards and produced results. Winter and spring track should be exciting going forward with this group continuing.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=144101 Mon, 22 Nov 2021 07:00:00 GMT false144101 Patriotic Displays in Deer Park Schools Give Thanks to Veterans In honor of Veterans Day, students in both social studies and family and consumer science classes at Deer Park High School and Robert Frost created heartfelt thank you messages for military veterans on red, white and blue cards. Many students gave personal thanks to friends and family members who have served. The cards were then put on display in cases in the lobbies of both schools. The high school’s display was assisted by members of the Patriot Club. “We often take for granted the freedoms and protections we have as United States citizens,” said Vanessa Langdon, Deer Park’s curriculum associate for secondary social studies and FACS. “Veterans Day reminds us to reflect on the sacrifices that have been made, and continue to be made, to ensure our liberty.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=144100 Mon, 22 Nov 2021 05:00:00 GMT false144100 Deer Park Honors Top 10 Seniors of Class of 2022 In a welcome return to an important ceremony, Deer Park High School’s top 10 ranked seniors of the Class of 2022 were announced on Nov. 12 in the school’s auditorium, joined by administrators and the students’ proud parents. Nicholas Stamatakis, the upcoming valedictorian, was ranked first, with future salutatorian Saima Hoque ranking second. Rounding out the top 10 were Rumeysa Camlica (ranked third), Giovanna Giffone (fourth), Andrew Dolinsky (fifth), Kylie Kuhn (sixth), Megan Bush (seventh), Nicholas Glancy (eighth), Shadat Alam (ninth) and Pritheva Zakaria (10th). “Although this ceremony may look a little bit different than we’ve done it in your past, due to COVID, this does not change the meaning and importance of this event,” Principal Charles Cobb said. “For all the students and their families that are gathered here with us today, this is a momentous occasion and the culmination of 13 years of these students’ hard work, dedication and constant pursuit of perfection in what they do academically. Out of all the ceremonies we have here during the year, this personally is the one I enjoy most because after I’m done talking, I’m going to sit in one of those chairs and get to hear about 10 outstanding individuals and the things that they have accomplished and the things that they look forward to do after Deer Park High School. The accomplishments of these students – not only here at the high school but for what they’re going to do after they leave – will no doubt leave an indelible mark on our society and as members of this community. Their hard work has definitely been noticed by myself and the staff here, and they all should be commended for that.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=144009 Thu, 18 Nov 2021 06:00:00 GMT false144009 Kylie Kuhn Signs to Play Lacrosse at Siena Deer Park High School senior Kylie Kuhn signed a national letter of intent on Nov. 10 to play lacrosse for Siena College. Her Nov. 12 ceremony in the school’s auditorium was attended by her family and numerous friends and teammates. Kuhn’s outstanding athletic career for the Falcons includes being named Team MVP, All-County Honorable Mention, Scholar-Athlete, Unsung Hero and Newsday Key Player. She is currently undecided as to her major. “I chose Siena because of its great academics and athletics,” Kuhn said. “I wanted to play at the highest level possible.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=143992 Thu, 18 Nov 2021 05:00:00 GMT false143992 JQA Staff and Students Gather to “Bee Kind” JQA celebrated World Kindness Day on Nov. 15 by wearing blue. Staff and students staff gathered for a big outdoor group photo that spelled out the words “Bee Kind.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=144006 Thu, 18 Nov 2021 05:00:00 GMT false144006 Deer Park Senior Saxophonist Saladino Chosen for All-County Jazz Ensemble Deer Park High School senior Damian Saladino was recently named to the SCMEA All-County Jazz Ensemble. Saladino is one of only 20 students selected by way of an audition to perform in the group, and the sole baritone saxophone player from Suffolk County. “To be the only baritone saxophonist chosen to perform with theAll-County Jazz Ensemble, out of the entire county, is quite an accomplishment,” said Louis Nicolosi. “As Damian’s jazz band teacher, I couldn’t be more proud and happy for him.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=144007 Thu, 18 Nov 2021 05:00:00 GMT false144007 May Moore Prekindergartners Thank Local Veterans Prekindergartners in teacher Tammy Cotrone’s class at May Moore honored Veterans Day on Nov. 9 by creating a special tribute to local veterans consisting of cards, patriotic windmills and a thank you poster. The gifts were then delivered to the vets at Babylon Town Hall. The students also brought in military family photos, which were put on display outside their classroom. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=143906 Tue, 16 Nov 2021 06:00:00 GMT false143906 Deer Park’s Breakfast for Champions Returns Deer Park High School’s annual fall Breakfast for Champions returned on Nov. 10, honoring outstanding students in 17 different categories corresponding to school departments as well as principal’s and teacher’s awards. As Principal Charles Cobb noted in his address, this ceremony was different than in prior years – breakfast was not featured, and it was moved from the library to the school auditorium – but retained its sharp focus on student recognition, to the delight of the proud families in attendance. The fall 2021 Breakfast for Champions honorees were Anthony Aguilar (performing arts), Alexa Brady (science), Emmerson Cadena (athletics), Julia Castro (social studies), Fabrice Charles (math), Joel Jobson (Principal’s Award), Rahim Khurram (technology), Toki Lin (business), Kyle Moodie (English), Calvin Nguyen (world languages), Dimitra Pavlatos (health), Logan Rhodes (physical education), Harry Pineda Rivas (English as a new language), Mark Rivela (fine arts), Jessica Rojas (Teacher’s Award), Derek Sanchez (guidance) and Yasmine Sanchez (family and consumer science). The event was accompanied by music from a Deer Park string ensemble featuring Emily Kleiber, Jayme Lipiec, Eadie Liu, Ryder Min and Lorelai Silverstein. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=143907 Tue, 16 Nov 2021 06:00:00 GMT false143907 DPHS Honors Fall Student-Athletes The high school’s fall sports awards night returned in person to the auditorium on Nov. 8, recognizing the school’s outstanding athletes of the boys cross-country, girls cross-country, football, boys golf, boys soccer, girls soccer, girls swimming and diving, girls tennis, and volleyball teams. The ceremony was hosted by Athletic Director Dominick Fontana, who thanked the coaches, athletes and parents for their dedication. The students were presented with certificates and plaques, including Most Valuable Player awards, Coaches Awards, Spirit Awards and Scholar-Athlete awards. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=143613 Tue, 09 Nov 2021 06:00:00 GMT false143613 Celebrating South Asian Culture at Robert Frost The Deer Park School District’s ELA Department will be celebrating the different cultures of its students and families with an ongoing Cultural Celebration series throughout the year. ELA classes at Robert Frost kicked off the first event in the series on Nov. 5, focusing on the experiences of American teen voices from South Asian backgrounds. Middle school sudents and teachers read texts of South Asian authors and discussed how those experiences relate to common experiences shared by many families and young people. “Students were able to make connections between the celebration of Diwali and their own holidays, which led to meaningful and fun discussions,” English teacher Carla DeVito said. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=143612 Tue, 09 Nov 2021 05:00:00 GMT false143612 Deer Park’s Students Present Tribute for School Board Recognition Week The Deer Park Board of Education was honored for School Board Recognition Week during the rescheduled October meeting, held on Nov. 2. Organized by Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services Alicia Konecny and District Administrator of Instructional Technology Jay Murphy, EdTech student presenters from each building offering biographical tributes to each individual board member. Deer Park High School student Katia Papillar presented on President Donna Marie Elliott, May Moore Primary School student Isabella LaGonterie presented on Vice President Kristine Rosales, John F. Kennedy Intermediate School student Avery Freda presented on trustee Al Centamore, JFK student Brandon Jones presented on trustee Al Centamore, high school student Mohammad Fahad presented on trustee Anthony Henkel, Robert Frost Middle School student Jaidyn Schabe presented on trustee Jerry Jean-Pierre, middle school student Eve Valentine presented on trustee Robert Marino and JFK student De’Shaun McClean presented on District Clerk Lisa Brennan. Assisting in the presentation were EdTech mentors Marcella Biordi, Kimberly Essig, Thomas Fitzmaurice, Dana Grafstein, Carey Okurowski, Lori Palopoli, Jamie Pambianchi, Natalie Sabia, Ashley Varney and Olivia Vilardi Perez, as well as tech coaches Christine Joneleit and Jennifer Paduano. “It’s tough to be a board member right now, and it’s an unpaid position,” Superintendent James Cummings said. “They volunteer their time to try and do what’s best for the kids. And this district is in a good financial position for years to come thanks to this board of ed. The people on this board are graduates of Deer Park, they are parents and grandparents of graduates and students of Deer Park. They’re our community members. So, every year, we spend a few minutes to honor them. I appreciate the time they put in for the students and parents of this community.” In staff recognitions, the Board thanked May Moore Primary School teaching assistant Barbara Goemans for saving a choking student in the cafeteria. “Barbara didn’t even think twice, she knew exactly what to do, and that’s part of what makes Deer Park such a great community,” Cummings said. “She saved a life.” Additionally, John F. Kennedy Intermediate School fourth grader Christopher Valencia was recognized for being an honoree in the Town of Babylon’s 23rd annual Hispanic Heritage Festival. “We have so many great kids and staff members here, and it’s important in a school district that we honor some of the great things they do that maybe don’t get recognized,” Cummings said. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=143579 Mon, 08 Nov 2021 06:00:00 GMT false143579 Red Ribbon Week Fosters Drug-Free Declaration in Deer Park For this year’s Red Ribbon Week at Deer Park High School, held from Oct. 25-29, SADD club members hung red ribbons around the school, made informational flyers for social media, and sold pins and pens to raise funds for the National Family Partnership’s Red Ribbon Campaign. “Together, we spread awareness about the importance of leading a drug-free lifestyle and pledged to be drug free,” said teacher Marissa Caruso. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=143577 Mon, 08 Nov 2021 05:00:00 GMT false143577 Deer Park SEPFC Hosts Fun Halloween Carnival Deer Park’s SEPFC hosted a Halloween Carnival on Oct. 29 at JFK. The event was planned by the SEPFC and the high school’s Varsity Leaders Club. Each station was run by staff and Leaders Club members, headed by adviser Brian Tower. “It was such a great night for everyone who attended,” said Philip Paniccia, the district’s administrator of elementary special education. “It was so nice seeing our students dressed up in their costumes and having so much fun.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=143524 Fri, 05 Nov 2021 04:00:00 GMT false143524 Pumpkin Season at Deer Park’s Primary Schools ‘Twas the season of pumpkins in Deer Park’s primary schools last month, with both John Quincy Adams and May Moore buildings enjoying pumpkin patches, prekindergarten pumpkin workshops and art sessions creating scarecrows and jack-o-lanterns. “The pumpkin patch is a favorite pastime cherished by many,” May Moore Principal Tammy Alcalde said. “This year, we added new friends to our patch with the addition of several scarecrows made by our students, teachers and class parents. Though the weather made things a little muddy, our amazing May Moore PFC banded together and provided our students with a fun filled pumpkin patch experience.” Students in Laura Oddo’s kindergarten class at JQA had a special hands-on pumpkin experience that involved taking a look inside. “We discussed the properties of a pumpkin and tested out the theory that a pumpkin with a lot of curved lines means it has a lot of seeds,” Oddo said. “The students were very excited to discover that the theory was true. They all took seeds home with them to grow their own pumpkins.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=143424 Wed, 03 Nov 2021 06:00:00 GMT false143424 JFK Staff Raises $600 for Breast Cancer Research To raise awareness for breast cancer research, JFK staff raised $600 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Throughout the month of October, various fundraising events at JFK included pink goodie bags, pink and ribbon bagels, and a Hershey’s kiss estimation jar. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=143423 Wed, 03 Nov 2021 05:00:00 GMT false143423 Robert Frost Honors September Students of the Month Robert Frost Middle School recently honored its Students of the Month for September: sixth graders Isabella Geneo, Manaal Irfan and Anilla Varghese; seventh graders Crystal Kyei, Dimitri Pissanos and Samantha Steed; and eighth graders Alexis Borowski, Sophia Paduano and Ethyn Wong. Additionally, the following students were recognized with Project Wisdom awards for exemplifying self-control and self-discipline in their school community: sixth graders Jordany Adames, Constance Atamanov and Imaan Fasih; seventh graders Chelsea Cornelia, Bianca Lopez and Matthew Thelismond; and eighth graders Skylar Gavin, Natalie Hample and Brianna Jackson. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=143422 Wed, 03 Nov 2021 04:00:00 GMT false143422 JQA’s Month of “Socktober” Collects 100 Pairs of Socks for the Needy Last month was dubbed “Socktober” at JQA, with the school collecting more than 100 pairs of socks to donate to men, women and children who live in homeless shelters within the community. “Socks are the least donated item given to homeless shelters, and we here at JQA wanted to help keep people warm this winter,” Associate Principal Lynn Coyle said. “We are truly grateful to everyone that participated and we look forward to continuing this sock drive next year.” “Deer Park is such a special community that always steps up to help those in need,” JQA social worker Jarrod Alexander said. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=143370 Tue, 02 Nov 2021 04:00:00 GMT false143370 DPHS Artists Create Marvelous Murals at Cedar Beach Guided by teachers Laurie Schwartz and Ashley Woolsey, student-artists in the high school’s mural painting classes visited the Cedar Beach tunnels on Oct. 15, working for an entire day to create two different marvelous murals. “I was so impressed by how hard the students worked,” Schwartz said. “They worked throughout the day and even finished earlier than I expected. They were collaborating and constantly discussing the best way to accomplish the task they were given.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=143162 Wed, 27 Oct 2021 07:00:00 GMT false143162 JFK Students Learn from First Responders The Deer Park Fire Department and Suffolk County SCOPE recently visited JFK to discuss fire safety and teach students about the daily routine of police officers. “We are so grateful that the fire department took time from their busy days to share with us,” Principal Kelly Benson said. “Our students enjoyed the day and explored these two wonderful professions. Our thanks to all who gave up their time to teach our students.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=143160 Wed, 27 Oct 2021 06:00:00 GMT false143160 Talking Books and Science with Second Graders at JQA Second graders in the Creation Station at JQA recently participated in a virtual “Ada Twist, Scientist” celebration of science and books with author Andrea Beaty and scientist Theanne Griffith. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=143161 Wed, 27 Oct 2021 05:00:00 GMT false143161 Spanish Honor Society Newsletter Celebrates Heritage The high school's Spanish Honor Society celebrates National Spanish Heritage Month with the publication of its October newsletter highlighting the winners of the Hispanic Heritage Month Contest and important contributions by Hispanics around the world. Click to view newsletter https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=143101 Wed, 27 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT false143101 Frost Seventh-Graders Tap Creativity With “Fall Into FACS” Cindy Adriaenssens’ and Patricia Skjoldahl’s seventh-grade family and consumer science classes at Deer Park’s Robert Frost Middle School began the school year exploring creativity. As part of the unit, students completed a “Fall Into FACS” project, designing different leaves and created an amazing display of fall suncatchers for the entire school to enjoy. Their efforts were displayed on the windows overlooking the school’s courtyard. “Creativity is one of the most important tools for future success,” Skjodahl said. “It seems that the U.S. has shown a decline in creativity with the increased use of technology and screen time, so we wanted to ensure our students had this opportunity to tap into their creative skills to start the year.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=143102 Tue, 26 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT false143102 2021 Fall Newsletter https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=140525 Fri, 22 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT false140525 A Great Day for Deer Park’s Homecoming An exciting sense of normalcy mingled with school pride as homecoming returned to Deer Park on Oct. 16, starting with a traditional parade led by the high school’s marching band and featuring Disney-themed floats. It was preceded by an exciting pep rally at the high school the previous afternoon, with all of the school's sports teams being introduced. Serving as a trio of grand marshals were former longtime Board of Education President John Gouskos, Class of 1983 alumnus and retired high school chief custodian John Giffone, and retired athletics department clerk Rose Alvarado. Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly was in attendance as a special guest. “I’d like to thank you for all coming out here today,” Deer Park High School Principal Charles Cobb told the spirited crowd at Al Centamore Football Field, all decked out in maroon and white. “It’s really a great experience for our students and community members.” Deer Park’s various cheerleading and kickline teams provided rousing performances before homecoming king and queen Michael Leon and Yoki Lin were announced and took their royal spin around the track. A rendition of the national anthem by the high school’s women’s choir set the stage for the big football game. The Falcons did not let the home crowd down, decisively defeating Amityville by a score of 29-6 to improve their league record to 4-2. Quarterback Logan Rhodes completed 10 of 18 passes for 120 yards and two touchdowns, Noah Fearon ran for 84 yards and Roshmani Pierre and Jariq Shaw each boasted two sacks. “I’m as excited as anyone else that we were able to pull today off,” Superintendent James Cummings said. “It’s been a long stretch, and to get everyone together again is so important for the school and the community, and more importantly, for the kids. Today, to me, represents a little bit of back to normalcy for our students. Being able to have the floats and parade, and now the game with the stands filled, makes me say it’s a great day.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=140463 Thu, 21 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT false140463 JFK Fourth Grader Christopher Valencia Honored for Hispanic Heritage Month Christopher Valencia, a fourth grader at JFK, was selected to be honored on Oct. 12 at the Town of Babylon’s 23rd annual Hispanic Heritage Month Program. The recognition ceremony, titled “Esperanza: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage and Hope,” was livestreamed on the Town’s Facebook page and featured Suffolk County Police Department Internal Affairs Bureau Deputy Chief Milagros Soto as keynote speaker. The nine-year-old of proud Colombian, Dominican and Ecuadorian heritage has become involved in his community by engaging in many civic and community service activities. Since 2017, Valencia has been actively helping his mother, Priscilla Zarate, in the planning of the children’s activities at the Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations. He has also participated in the Latina Moms Connect Caring Cards for Seniors program in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service; supported the Long Island Latino Teacher’s Association by donating books and toys to benefit scholarships for English language learner students following a career path in education; and participated in the Latina Moms Connect Parranda Navidenas Christmas caroling initiative where he promotes holiday spirit from the Hispanic cultural heritage perspective. During the pandemic, Valencia was a full virtual student. He not only lost more than a year of in-person academic learning, but suffered the great loss of his grandfather and role model, Hector Zarate-Caceres. Despite these obstacles and circumstances, Valencia proved resilient and hopeful, completing a full year and a half of school virtually while excelling in his classes. “The past year and a half have been difficult for me, but I am glad that we are in a better place today with the pandemic,” Valencia said. “I am happy that I am back in school with my friends and my teachers attending in person. I know that my grandfather is watching over me every day like my guardian angel. I want to thank Superintendent James Cummings, Principal Kelly Benson, the school administrators and all of my teachers for working so hard to make sure that all children are back to school safely. I also want to thank my parents for caring for me and showing me that there is always hope at the end of the tunnel.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=140444 Wed, 20 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT false140444 Hispanic Heritage Month Contest Winners 2021! https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=140445 Tue, 19 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT false140445 JFK’s “Happy Teacher” Ricardo Carter Spreads Wellness Strategies Ricardo Carter, an English as a new language teacher at JFK, recently began holding Happy Teacher Revolution meetings in his school. Carter meets twice a month with other JFK teachers to promote mental health and offer wellness strategies such as forming habits and setting boundaries. “I joined HTR because I want to be proactive and not reactive to the constant conflicts that come up in education,” Carter said. “I feel supported in knowing that there is a community of educators that are passionate about self-care and acknowledging our humanity in this rollercoaster of a career. In this profession, we need to be reminded that our mental and physical health is just as important as doing our daily responsibilities. Happy Teacher Revolution reminds you that you are human and that we can’t run on autopilot. We need that time to decompress those events that occurred in school in order to be there for all the other people in our lives that need us.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=140301 Fri, 15 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT false140301 JQA First Graders Show Off Their Positivity First graders at JQA proudly wore shirts bearing positive messages for PositiviTee Shirt Day on Oct. 8. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=140264 Wed, 13 Oct 2021 21:00:00 GMT false140264 Watch: Social-Emotional Presentation from JFK JFK's PPS staff put together a great video on students' social and emotional well being. Click here to view. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=140144 Thu, 07 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT false140144 Pajamas and Books in the Sunshine Marcella Biordi's kindergarten class at JQA ecently celebrated Pajama Day with some reading outside in the sunshine. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=140074 Tue, 05 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT false140074 HS Patriot Club Honors Military Killed in Afghanistan The high school’s Patriot Club recently organized an activity at the high school to honor the 13 U.S. military personnel killed in Afghanistan on Aug. 26 while overseeing the evacuation of Americans and Afghans. The students set up a display in the main lobby showcase that included the names and photos of the service members. For three days, Patriot Club volunteers handed out black ribbons to students and staff to wear in honor of those who lost their lives in service. “The tragic loss of these brave individuals reminds us that the freedom we enjoy does not come without a price, but continues to be earned by the sacrifices of the members of our armed forces,” said Patriot Club President Bart Polster. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=140049 Mon, 04 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT false140049 JQA Kindergartners Chalk It Up Outside Jackie Stein's kindergarten class at JQA recently went outside to practice letters and numbers with chalk. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=140055 Mon, 04 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT false140055 Senior Nicholas Stamatakis Named National Merit Commended Student Senior Nicholas Stamatakis was recently named a Commended Student in the 2022 National Merit Scholarship Program. He earned this recognition through his excellent performance on the 2020 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Stamatakis is currently enrolled in numerous AP courses and college-level Italian, and has already received college credit toward his future post-high school academic career. “I am honored to have been named a Commended Student,” Stamatakis said. “I want to thank my teachers, parents and brother who supported me throughout my preparation for this difficult exam. I couldn’t have done it without them.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=139998 Fri, 01 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT false139998 BOE Committee Meeting Flyer 2021-2022 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=139919 Wed, 29 Sep 2021 04:00:00 GMT false139919 JQA Students STEAM Back to the Creation Station JQA students are excited to return to building in the school’s Creation Station, a space devoted to creative, problem solving and project-based learning. “JQA is so excited to have our Creation Station back this year,” said Principal Christopher Molinelli. “Our students are challenged through STEAM activities where learning is fun-filled and driven by creativity.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=139890 Tue, 28 Sep 2021 04:00:00 GMT false139890 JFK Students Show Their Individuality on Dot Day JFK celebrated Dot Day on Sept. 15, inspired by the Peter Reynolds book “The Dot,” which was published Sept. 15, 2003. Teacher Briana Nussbaum worked with all of her art classes on Dot Day collaborative projects. In the story, the character Vashti felt like she couldn’t draw, but her art teacher encouraged her to “just make a mark, and see where it takes you.” She marked her paper with a small dot, which was displayed the next day on the classroom wall, leading to her creation of many different dot drawings. The lesson of the book is that while a dot might be small, it is a powerful way to show individuality and creativity. “Ms. Nussbaum helped build confidence in her students, to inspire them to be unique and brave,” said Principal Kelly Benson. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=138112 Thu, 16 Sep 2021 04:00:00 GMT false138112 Vanessa Langdon Appointed as Social Studies Curriculum Associate The district has appointed Vanessa Langdon as the new social studies curriculum associate, replacing Heather Stewart. Langdon had previously served as a social studies teacher at Deer Park High School since September 2001. A resident of Island Park, Langdon earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Pace University and a master’s degree in liberal arts from Stony Brook University. “Teaching at Deer Park High School for the past 20 years has provided me with lasting memories and experiences that I will always hold dear to my heart,” Langdon said. “I am very excited to begin working with my colleagues in a new capacity as curriculum associate. My goal is to support our teachers, community and students, ensuring a collaborative learning environment that celebrates our students’ diversity and achievements while preparing them to be civic-minded global citizens of the 21st century.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=138101 Wed, 15 Sep 2021 04:00:00 GMT false138101 Five from Deer Park HS Recognized as Remarkable Scholars Five high school students were recently honored by the College Board based on their remarkable academic achievements and outstanding performance on PSAT or AP exams. Tovia Manning, Sydney Pottinger and Lindsay Williams were designated as National African American Recognition Program Scholars, and Megan Bush, Pottinger and Gabriel Villacres were designated as National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholars. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=138089 Tue, 14 Sep 2021 05:00:00 GMT false138089 Megan Bush Named Long Island Scholar-Artist The high school’s Megan Bush has been named a Long Island Scholar-Artist in the area of theater. Bush was one of only such honorees chosen for the 2021-2022 school year. The Long Island Arts Alliance Scholar-Artist program annually recognizes students who excel academically and in the areas of either music, visual arts, dance, theater or media arts. “Our department is extremely proud of Megan for earning this prestigious designation and honor,” said Bradley Murphy, the district administrator for fine and performing arts. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=138088 Tue, 14 Sep 2021 04:00:00 GMT false138088 Deer Park Students Plant Flags and Show Kindness in Memory of 9/11 Clad in patriotic colors, students at Deer Park’s John F. Kennedy Intermediate School, John Quincy Adams Primary School and May Moore Primary School participated in annual flag planting ceremonies on Sept. 10 in remembrance of those who gave their lives on 9/11. “Our students were excited to wear their finest red, white and blue last Friday,” said May Moore Principal Tammy Alcalde. “We also asked our students to do an act of kindness for a family member, friend or even a stranger in honor of those lost on Sept. 11,” said JFK Principal Kelly Benson. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=138054 Mon, 13 Sep 2021 09:00:00 GMT false138054 HS Classmates Both Win Distinguished Youth Award High school classmates Emily Franciscovich and Dimitra Pavlatos both recently received gold medals for the Suffolk County Distinguished Youth Award. The students were honored at a ceremony by the Suffolk County Legislature. Promoting and recognizing achievement in four categories, the program challenges Suffolk County youth to become more involved in their communities by requiring 200 hours of volunteerism, 100 hours of personal development, 100 hours of physical fitness and visits to 15 different Suffolk County parks. Through hard work and sheer determination, Franciscovich and Pavlatos exceeded the 200-hour goal of volunteering at various nonprofit organizations. For personal development, Franciscovich improved her skills in photo and video editing, while Pavlatos enhanced her cooking and baking skills. Both students improved their tennis game for physical fitness and both visited the required number of parks as part of the exploration category. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=138053 Mon, 13 Sep 2021 04:00:00 GMT false138053 Deer Park Commemorates 20th Anniversary of 9/11 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=138012 Fri, 10 Sep 2021 04:00:00 GMT false138012 Deer Park Welcomes Smiling Students Back to School Rain didn’t deter Deer Park’s students and staff from enjoying a terrific first day of classes on Sept. 1. From the high school and middle school, to JFK, JQA and May Moore, all were ready to reconnect and learn. “We were beyond excited to welcome our students back for another year at May Moore,” said Principal Tammy Alcalde. “We opened our doors and students entered smiling, waving and high-fiving our Ladybug mascot who greeted our students as they entered the building. We’re looking forward to seeing how our students are ‘Spotted Being Moore’ this year!” “The rain couldn’t stop our smiling faces as we welcomed our students back to JQA,” said Principal Christopher Molinelli. “We had a wonderful first day and are looking forward to an awesome year.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=137892 Fri, 03 Sep 2021 04:00:00 GMT false137892 Welcome Back! https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=137837 Wed, 01 Sep 2021 04:00:00 GMT false137837 Freshmen and Sixth Graders Get Familiarized at Orientations The high school and middle school both welcomed their newest students on Aug. 25, offering freshman and sixth grade orientation events, respectively. Robert Frost’s newcomers, recently having moved up from JQA and May Moore, were introduced to life in middle school, and were given an opportunity to tour the building and meet administrators and counselors. At the high school, Principal Charles Cobb gave a short introductory presentation after breakfast and introduced the new freshman class advisers for the Class of 2025. Students then had a chance to meet their guidance counselors and were given tours of the building by older students from the senior class, Student Council and National Honor Society. “We wanted to make sure that the incoming ninth grade class had a chance to walk the halls and familiarize themselves with the high school,” said Deer Park High School Associate Principal Garret Noblett. “They all seemed really happy to be among their friends and peers again.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=137802 Tue, 31 Aug 2021 04:00:00 GMT false137802 JFK’s Faculty Meeting Emphasizes Teamwork During this year’s Superintendent’s Conference Day, held on Aug. 30, JFK Principal Kelly Benson and Assistant Principals Marilin Gutierrez and Shaun McLeod held a productive faculty meeting in the school’s gym to ensure the new school year is a successful one. “Over the past 18 months, we all have overcome many challenges,” Benson said. “We decided that our motto this year would be TEAM: Together Everybody Achieves More. Last year, we learned that when we work together, we can get through even the toughest of times and create the best learning environment for our students. So, we discussed the different ways we can make this year engaging for the students while also addressing their social and emotional needs. Shaun, Marilin and I shared that we not only want to spread this motto to our staff, but it is important for our students to learn that as well. Last year, many of our staff members stepped up and created safe in-person and virtual assemblies and activities for students that were centered around a theme, so we discussed things like Kindness Month, Diversity and Inclusion Month, Mental Health Month, and Read Month, along with other themes. We also updated our staff on the most current protocols and procedures in effect for this year and discussed any questions that they had regarding that. Overall, JFK’s staff is super excited to be back in person with our students in our classroom and our teachers couldn’t be more excited to have all our students back. I can’t thank Mr. McLeod and Ms. Gutierrez enough for all the preparation and planning they did this summer to help make this school year run smoothly and safely. I could not have done it without them.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=137803 Tue, 31 Aug 2021 04:00:00 GMT false137803 JQA Welcomes Kindergartners With Fun Meet and Greet In preparation for the upcoming school year, JQA recently hosted a Kindergarten Meet and Greet for all incoming kindergartners and their families. “Thanks to the help of our PFC, custodians, secretaries and kindergarten teachers, the children had a great time,” said Associate Principal Lynn Coyle. “Everyone was able to play on the playground, do a scavenger hunt in the building, practice riding the school bus and enjoy a refreshing ice pop with new friends. We can't wait to see everyone on the first day of school.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=137778 Mon, 30 Aug 2021 04:00:00 GMT false137778 An Enriching Experience for Frost’s “Unplugged” Attendees Students from incoming sixth graders to outgoing eighth graders attended the middle school’s Unplugged program in August. The enriching, connection-building program featured various classes on topics ranging from arts and crafts to outdoor sports tournaments. The activities were led by a Frost teacher who is dedicated to creating fun and enriching experiences with the school’s students. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=137744 Fri, 27 Aug 2021 05:00:00 GMT false137744 Falcons Prep for a Successful Race Season During August, the high school’s boys track and cross-country team began preparing for another successful Falcons race season. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=137743 Fri, 27 Aug 2021 04:00:00 GMT false137743 Deer Park UFSD Re-Opening Plan 2021-22 Now Available https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=137716 Thu, 26 Aug 2021 04:00:00 GMT false137716 High Schoolers Reconnect at “Unplugged” Classes The high school’s successful summer Unplugged program provided students in grades 9-12 with a unique opportunity to reconnect and socialize with their classmates and teachers, helping build better relationships and enrich their educational experience. Various classes during two-day August sessions included crocheting, knitting, clay basket weaving, drama, band, arts and crafts, woodburning, rocketry, Science Olympiad, college essay writing, yoga, mindfulness, stress management, tortilla making, culinary creations, Wiffle ball, and constructing planter boxes, raised herb gardens and picnic tables. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=137704 Wed, 25 Aug 2021 04:00:00 GMT false137704 2021-2022 District Calendar & Directory Now Available https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=132080 Thu, 12 Aug 2021 04:00:00 GMT false132080 DPHS Student-Volunteers Paint for the Park Under the guidance of art teacher Laurie Schwartz, high school students and Deer Park Junior Community Association members Aniqa Azgar. Mohammad Fahad, Gabriella Morace and Sasha Rico recently volunteered as painters to create a Tiny Library at the Joseph Piagentini Memorial Playground at Fabio Buttitta Memorial Park. Their hard work was celebrated at and unveiling and dedication ceremony at the park on July 24. “The kids did an amazing job on such short notice,” said DPJRCA Chairperson Rosaria Luppy. “The Tiny Library was built to promote literacy while honoring our fallen law enforcement heroes and to thank those who continue to serve our community with distinction every day.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=131985 Thu, 05 Aug 2021 04:00:00 GMT false131985 Two New Associate Principals Hired for Primary Schools The district recently announced the hiring of two new associate principals: Matthew Comiskey at May Moore Primary School and Lynn Coyle at John Quincy Adams Primary School. They replace Tammy Alcalde, who was promoted to the post of May Moore principal. Comiskey comes to Deer Park from the Northport-East Northport School District, where he spent the past six years as a curriculum and instructional coordinator. Prior to that he taught for nine years, also in Northport, in both second and third grade and as a math interventionist. A Smithtown resident, he earned his bachelor’s degree in childhood education and master’s degree in special education from LIU Post, and an advanced certificate in educational administration from Stony Brook University. “I am thrilled to partner with Mrs. Alcalde and the talented faculty and staff at May Moore to continue to foster a student-centered environment where each child can reach their fullest potential,” Comiskey said. Coyle had worked for the past 19 years as an elementary classroom teacher in the Islip School District, most recently as a second-grade teacher at Maude S. Sherwood Elementary School. Prior to that, she was a New York City classroom teacher for three years. A Yaphank resident, she earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Dowling College, a master’s degree in special education from Long Island University and a doctorate degree in administration and leadership from St. John's University. “I am truly honored to be the new associate principal at JQA,” Coyle said. “I am greatly looking forward to meeting everyone in the community and fostering strong relationships with the students, teachers, parents and administrators. It is important to me that all of our students feel valued and loved while they grow as learners.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=131945 Mon, 02 Aug 2021 04:00:00 GMT false131945 Deer Park Taps Raymond Scotto to Head Security Raymond Scotto was recently named lead security guard for the district. Scotto most recently worked since 2015 as a locksmith for Farmingdale State College. He also serves as lead instructor at BSI Security Training in Levittown. Scotto was previously employed as a security officer for Country Club Gardens in West Babylon and Dowling College Campus Security, an executive protection agent for NYC Executive Protection Services in the Bronx, a supervisory security officer at the Federal Bureau of Prisons Department of Justice in New York City, a security guard supervisor at Peace Security in Bohemia, a locksmith at Nassau Suffolk Hardware in Roslyn, and a locksmith and physical security specialist at Mr. ADI Lock Inc. in Franklin Square. During his long career of providing law enforcement, security and locksmithing services in federal, state corporate, residential, retail and construction settings, Scotto was a lead instructor in numerous security, firearms and first aid fields, and earned Instructor of the Year and Officer of the Year accolades. An Elmont native and Deer Park resident, Scotto is a graduate of Valley Stream North High School. After school, he served for three years as an inventory management specialist in the U.S. Air Force. “It is my goal to use my 40-plus years of experience and expertise as a security professional to improve the safety and security of the Deer Park School District, to give back to our community for the excellent education my children received,” Scotto said. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=131906 Thu, 29 Jul 2021 04:00:00 GMT false131906 Tammy Alcalde Is May Moore’s New Principal Tammy Alcalde has been named the new principal of May Moore, replacing Philip Paniccia, the district’s current administrator of elementary special education. Alcalde had served as associate principal for both May Moore and John Quincy Adams Primary Schools since 2019. Prior to that, she had worked for 15 years as a general education teacher in kindergarten and first grade as well as an instructional support teacher in the Longwood Central School District in Middle Island. Alcalde, who resides in Middle Island, earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Dowling College, her master’s degree in library and information science from St. John’s University and an advanced certificate in school building/district leadership from St. John’s University. “As a new school year approaches, I am beyond honored to accept the role of principal of May Moore,” Alcalde said. “I have spent the past two years working with the students, families and staff of May Moore and am extremely grateful for the relationships I have been able to build with the Deer Park community. I am excited to continue the great work in supporting our students in becoming lifelong learners and helping them reach their fullest potential with the best team of teachers and staff at May Moore.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=131725 Tue, 13 Jul 2021 04:00:00 GMT false131725 Summer Newsletter Now Available https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=131729 Tue, 13 Jul 2021 04:00:00 GMT false131729 Elliott and Rosales Sworn in as Board of Ed President and VP At the Board of Education’s annual reorganization meeting on July 6, Donna Marie Elliott was named to her third consecutive term as president, and Kristine Rosales was named to her second term as vice president. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=131651 Wed, 07 Jul 2021 04:00:00 GMT false131651 Marquez and Capone Find Success at Track County Championships Two members of Deer Park High School’s varsity girls track team had an outstanding day at the county championships on June 17. Gianna Marquez became Deer Park’s first track and field county champion since 2016 when she won the 2,000-meter steeplechase. She is the first-ever athlete to win this event in Deer Park history, and ended the season ranked first in the county. “In a shortened year filled with so much uncertainty, Gianna never faltered and never gave up,” coach Jim Petti said. “She understood that time was precious because of the pandemic and COVID-19 precautions, and she knew how important it was for her to have a fulfilling junior year. She also finished in the top 5 in the county in the 400-meter hurdles and anchored our All-League 4x800 meter team with a time of 2:19, which showed her range as a track athlete. She made a statement this year that she will be coming back her senior year as the athlete to watch. She motivated her teammates so much so that we had an unprecedented showing in almost all events this year. She deserves the recognition. We can’t wait to see what her senior year brings.” Meanwhile, sophomore Ava Capone finished fourth in the county in the 1,500-meter race with a time of 4:52, setting a personal record and securing her place as Deer Park’s first 1,500-meter All-County athlete since 2010. “Ava and Gianna go hand in hand when it comes to work ethic,” Petti said. “Ava drives Gianna to be her best and vice-versa. Ava is a huge reason for our team’s success this season, more for her tireless effort than just racking up wins and points. She’ll return as a junior next year as one of the top distance runners in Suffolk and the state.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=131635 Tue, 06 Jul 2021 04:00:00 GMT false131635 Unplugged Program at HS and Frost in August See below attachments for more info. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=131612 Fri, 02 Jul 2021 04:00:00 GMT false131612 JQA Students Learning at the Living Museum JQA held its annual Living Museum event on June 14, with students dressing up as various past and present famous people from history or pop culture. Additionally, a “foster grandma” interacted with the students via Zoom, giving them the chance to show her all the historical and cultural figures that the class learned about. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=131586 Thu, 01 Jul 2021 04:00:00 GMT false131586 A Day of Pride and Potential for the Graduating Class of 2021 After a long school year filled with change and confusion, Deer Park High School’s dream of a single graduation ceremony with the entire Class of 2021 became a happy reality on June 24. Led by the Roisin Dubh Pipe Band, the seniors filed on to the football field under beautifully sunny skies to begin the school’s 58th commencement. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Student Council President Esteysy Yanes Amaya, Senior Class President Taylor Korsiak reflected on the uncertainty the seniors experienced due to the last year’s COVID pandemic. “The most important thing to note is that we managed to continue on the path life gave us,” Korsiak said. “Each and every one of you should be extremely proud of yourself for completing your education during this pandemic. Take the drive and ambition that you maintained this year with you throughout all of life's hardships. And most importantly, remember to take it just one moment at a time. Falcons, I am certain you can and will get through whatever life throws at you. We sure managed to do so this year.” “This evening, we are doing something felt to be impossible a year ago,” said salutatorian Matthew Heinen. “We are returning to normal life and celebrating a normal graduation. Throughout all the dark times we have all faced, we have not let them stop us. It would have been easy to accept the circumstances we are in, but we always tried to make the best of it. Whether it be in school and learning while sitting behind the screen, performing our daily lives while wearing a mask or just staying at home in order to prevent the spread of the virus, we have always adapted. And that brings us to today: All of us together, some of us maskless, seeing the light at the end of a very dark tunnel. Over these past 15 months, I believe that there have been three overarching traits that we’ve all possessed during this pandemic: accountability, versatility and compassion. If we continue to possess these traits in our future lives, I believe that we will all be successful no matter the path we take.” In her address, valedictorian Jasleen Kaur extolled the power and value of curiosity and vulnerability. “Be curious,” Kaur told her fellow graduates. “Never stop questioning the world around you. Curiosity is the catalyst of change. It is the act of constantly contemplating the structures and fabric of our reality that sparks something beautiful in all of us: awareness of the wonders of this world and the hardships that plague it. Vulnerability is having the courage to make the bold sacrifices and choices that open one’s heart to pain, only in the hopes of breeding, love, innovation and change. It is that childish optimism, inquisitiveness, empathy and resilience that connects you with the person on your right, that unlocks the possibility of a better future. So, remember: Be curious, be wrong, be vulnerable.” Superintendent James Cummings touched on all that was lost and sacrificed during the prior 15 months before accentuating the many positives of the day. “Despite what we’ve all lost and missed out on, we managed to persevere,” Cummings said. “And here we are, all together, with a chance to give our graduates a proper send-off. I look around and I’m proud of our graduates. I’m proud of our faculty. I'm proud of our families and I’m proud of our community. I’m proud of all that we managed to accomplish over the last year. I’m proud of getting to this moment. So, while this day is certainly focused on our graduates, I also see it as a very symbolic day for our whole school and community. I think that the weather, the fact that we’re all together, the timing of this event, all signify the potential to potentially return to normalcy, whatever that may be.” “As we move on tonight, there are many lessons that you can take from your high school experience,” Principal Charles Cobb told his seniors. “One trait that I hope all of you take with you is your ability to continue to persevere through whatever challenges and obstacles that you may encounter. The senior Class of 2021 has persevered like no other. Your unrelenting quest to have all your high school experiences, although slightly modified at times, has defined you all as individuals that will not allow failure to happen. I encourage you to keep pushing to pursue all of your goals and ambitions. You all have the potential to leave an indelible mark on this world.” After the diplomas were conferred, tassels turned and caps tossed, the new graduates walked out of the stadium as proud Falcons alumni, ready for their next challenge. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=131511 Mon, 28 Jun 2021 04:00:00 GMT false131511 Moving Up and Onward in Deer Park After over a year of changes and obstacles due to the pandemic, the students of Deer Park recently celebrated their determination and achievement in a stirring series of moving up ceremonies, many held outdoors. These milestones were honored at JQA on June 7, May Moore on June 8, JFK on June 14 and 15, and Robert Frost on June 17. “The second-grade moving up ceremony is one of my favorite events of the year and met with plenty of emotions,” said JQA Principal Christopher Molinelli. “Watching these young boys and girls grow and blossom over the past few years is quite amazing. Everyone at JQA couldn’t be prouder of our graduates and we will miss them all. We’re looking forward to hearing about all of the great things they will do in their future.” “We are all so proud of what these second graders achieved this year,” said May Moore Principal Philip Paniccia. “Whether it was virtual, hybrid, or in-person, our students showed up every day and didn’t let any obstacle stand in their way. They’re a truly courageous bunch and we will miss them at May Moore.” “I want to thank the parents and community for their continued support during this school year,” said JFK Principal Kelly Benson. “This year would not have been possible without them. They demonstrated flexibility, patience and understanding in a year filled with changes, and we were happy to be able to hold an in-person moving up ceremony.” “We were thrilled to be able to celebrate our eighth graders in person,” said Frost Principal Eliana Levey. “After the past 15 months, it was wonderful to be able to have a moving up ceremony. The smiles on the faces of the students and parents were evidence that they were excited, too. Our students deserved this recognition for all that they've endured. It was a celebration of their determination and spirit.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=131390 Thu, 24 Jun 2021 18:00:00 GMT false131390 DPHS Celebrates 19 College-Bound Senior Athletes In a joyous June 7 ceremony in the school auditorium, Deer Park High School recognized 19 seniors who will be continuing their exemplary athletic careers in college this fall. Daniel Bartolomei will play lacrosse at St. Thomas Aquinas College, majoring in computer science; Daniella Belotti will join the cross-country and track team at SUNY Cortland, majoring in childhood education; Nicholas Capone will play baseball at SUNY Maritime, majoring in mechanical engineering; Daniel Catano will join the cross-country and track team at Farmingdale College, majoring in liberal arts; Connor Costanza will play lacrosse at Utica College, majoring in nursing; Mike D’Amato will play lacrosse at Molloy College, majoring in nursing; Nick DeNoyior will play baseball at Neumann University, majoring in political science; Casey Fonseca will join the swimming team at Adelphi University, majoring in physics and education; Kristina Gambino will play soccer at Pace University, majoring in advertising and graphic design; Nicholas Maniscalco will join the track and field team at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, majoring in computer science; Jessica Mare will play soccer at American International College, majoring in physical therapy; Madison Mattera will play lacrosse at Nyack College, majoring in childhood education; Jordan Minerva will play lacrosse at Bloomsburg University, majoring in finance; Patrick Oswald will play lacrosse at SUNY Cortland, majoring in physical education; Jaelyn Rios will play volleyball at Mercy College, majoring in nursing; Jordan Rodriguez will play baseball at CUNY Lehman, majoring in physical education; Jordan Sheehan will play lacrosse at Manhattanville College, majoring in political science; Kaylee Shindel will join the equestrian team at Sacred Heart University, majoring in secondary education and English; and Don Vento will play baseball at SUNY Polytechnic Institute, majoring in finance. “Congratulations to all of our senior athletes who are going on to play in college next year,” said Athletic Director Dominick Fontana. “All of your hard work and dedication over the years have paid off. Best of luck in the future.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=131399 Thu, 24 Jun 2021 04:00:00 GMT false131399 Tons of Fun at Frost's Eighth-Grade Picnic! Tons of fun were had at Frost's annual eighth-grade picnic! https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=131326 Wed, 23 Jun 2021 04:00:00 GMT false131326 HS Recognizes Senior Awards Winners The high-achieving members of Deer Park High School’s Class of 2020 were recognized in a virtual version of the school’s annual Senior Awards on June 15. Administrators and teachers were able to honor each winning student for their dedication and hard work in earning these school-based and communitywide awards. Deer Park then held a Senior Awards certificate pickup for the students in the front of the school on June 17, providing parents with the chance to take photographs of their seniors in front of a sign and balloons. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=131250 Mon, 21 Jun 2021 06:00:00 GMT false131250 JFK’s Musical Theater Club gets “Super Happy” The fourth- and fifth-grade Musical Theater Club at JFK recently presented a virtual production of Jessica Penzias and Denver Casado’s “Super Happy Awesome News!” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=131251 Mon, 21 Jun 2021 04:00:00 GMT false131251 Deer Park Names Paniccia as Elementary Special Education Administrator The district has named Philip Paniccia as the new administrator of elementary special education, replacing David Renahan. Paniccia has served as principal of May Moore since 2019, and previously as an associate principal at Robert Frostl, a teacher in the Sayville School District and principal of Sayville Summer School, following a 15-year career in financial service. The Setauket resident earned his bachelor’s degree in child study, master’s degree in liberal studies and advance graduate degree in educational leadership from St. Joseph’s College in Patchogue and Stony Brook University. “While it was a very difficult decision to leave my position as principal of May Moore, I am really excited to have the opportunity to step into my new role as the director for elementary special education in Deer Park,” Paniccia said. “I am looking forward to working with the educators, administrators and families in each of our elementary schools to make sure all of our students have every opportunity to succeed.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=131179 Fri, 18 Jun 2021 04:00:00 GMT false131179 Pannone Named Associate Principal at DPHS Dina Pannone was recently named an associate principal for the high school. Pannone had recently worked for Deer Park as a Spanish teacher at the high school for the past five years, and previously at Robert Frost for 14 years. During her time as a district teacher she has served as the adviser of the Spanish and French honor societies as well as the English as a New Language Study Buddy program, a first-year teacher mentor, and a member of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Professional Learning Committee and Deer Park High School Reopening Committee. Pannone was recently awarded the New York Association World Language Admistrators Teacher Leadership Award for the 2020-2021 school year. The Centerport resident earned her bachelor’s degree in Spanish education and dance from Hofstra University, her master’s degree in Spanish education from Queens College and her educational leadership certificate from Stony Brook University. She will graduate from Northcentral University in 2023 with a doctorate in education. “As the new AP, I will strive to promote equity and equality for all students and support teachers in creating inclusive, culturally relevant classrooms,” Pannone said. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=131087 Wed, 16 Jun 2021 06:00:00 GMT false131087 HS Musicians Collaborate to Present “Nostalgia” The Deer Park High School Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Kathryn Attard, and the Deer Park High School Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Derek Schmelter, proudly present a collaborative virtual performance of “Nostalgia” by Rossano Galante. “We would like to commend all our students for their hard work and dedication during these uncertain times,” Attard and Schmelter said. “We would also like to thank Bradley Bosenbeck, our artist-in-residence, for all his continued help and commitment to the students in Deer Park. We hope you all have a wonderful and safe summer.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=129942 Wed, 16 Jun 2021 04:00:00 GMT false129942 June Issues of Spanish Honor Society Newsletter and French Magazine For the month of June, the high school’s French and Spanish Honor Societies created publications that celebrate the end of the 2020-201 school year. This month’s Falcon Mosaic newsletter, created by the Spanish Honor Society, highlights graduating seniors and the many activities the club participated throughout this school year. It also includes a link to a video interview with the club’s president, a brief history of Gay Pride Month, suggestions for the upcoming summer, an inspirational poem and a farewell message for seniors. The June issue of the French children’s magazine “Bonjour Paris”, created by the French Honor Society, highlights the benefits of learning French and provides fun activities for learning basic French words, numbers and favorite cultural foods. The magazine also includes an interview with both of the club’s presidents and final thoughts for the school year. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=129850 Tue, 15 Jun 2021 04:00:00 GMT false129850 HS Orchestras Present “Jubilation” and “Rhosymedre” The Deer Park High School Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Kathryn Attard and artist-in-residence Bradley Bosenbeck, recently presented performances of Deborah Baker Monday’s “Jubilation,” by the orchestra, and Ralph Vaughan Williams’ “Rhosymedre,” by the chamber orchestra. “We are so proud of all our students and hope you all have a wonderful summer,” Attard and Bosenbeck said. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=131203 Tue, 15 Jun 2021 04:00:00 GMT false131203 HS Students Meet Virtually With Holocaust Survivor High school students had the unique opportunity to meet with Holocaust survivor Al Munzer on May 27 via Zoom. Munzer, who works with the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC, shared his experiences with the students in a half-hour presentation, accompanied by visuals. He described being born in 1941, put into hiding, and growing up with an Indonesian family during the Nazi regime. He also delved into the murder of his two sisters after three days at Auschwitz as well as his eventual liberation and reunion with his birth mother. Following the presentation, the students were able to ask their own questions for an additional 30 minutes, which included “How do you feel about the Germans today?”; “Do you have survivor’s guilt and if so, how do you cope?” and “We are learning about other genocides, like in Rwanda and Cambodia, have you had the opportunity to connect with any other genocide survivors?” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=129853 Mon, 14 Jun 2021 04:00:00 GMT false129853 Junior Kylie Kuhn Honored as May Student of the Month Junior Kylie Kuhn was recently honored as Deer Park High School’s Student of the Month for May. “Kylie is a spectacular student who takes her academics seriously and always has a good time learning in class,” said Kristen Salemi, who was Kuhn’s Algebra 2 Honors teacher last year. “Her work ethic is unmatched and she is looked to as a leader not only in class but in the sports world as well. She is a member of the girls varsity basketball and lacrosse teams. Kylie is the ultimate well-rounded student who deserves recognition. She is a positive energy who lights up the room.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=129727 Thu, 10 Jun 2021 04:00:00 GMT false129727 Deer Park School District UPK RFP https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=129721 Thu, 10 Jun 2021 04:00:00 GMT false129721 DPHS Class of 2021 Photomontage Watch this memorable video tribute! https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=129454 Fri, 04 Jun 2021 04:00:00 GMT false129454 District Personnel Honored at Board Meeting The district recognized retiring and newly tenured administrators, teachers and staff and honored personnel for their years of service at the May 25 Board of Education meeting. Congratulated for receiving tenure were District Administrator for Secondary Curriculum and Instruction Jeanne Kozlowsky; District Administrator for Secondary Special Education David DePrima; District Administrator for ENL and World Language Ashley Rosenberg; Deer Park High School math teacher Sara DiCandia, science teachers Dylan Duprez and Katelyn O’Brien, social studies teacher Marissa Caruso, and special education teachers Karen Haar and Jaime Pambianchi; Robert Frost Middle School English teacher Brittany Skrypek and special education teacher Cody Ciolino; and John F. Kennedy Intermediate School art teacher Briana Nussbaum, elementary teacher Lauren King-Hempel and special education teacher Brittany Verdicchio. Recognized for their many years of service were Rosemarie Barbato, Elaine Justic and Phyllis Senia for 35 years; Caryn Kaplan and Allison Sweeney for 30 years; and Mary Burlandi, Josephine DiMaio, Susan Gaskin, Christine Garcett, Maria Giglio, Karen Hyland, Craig Mangio, Danielle Menig, Coleen Reha, Debbie Rios, Louise Rothman, Lionel Victor and Debra Wasp. Twenty-two retiring staff members – teachers Anne Marie Abeltin, Joanne Bibow-Buck, Jerry Cannarozzo, Peter Colletti, Michelle DelGiorno, Laura Gerstenhaber, Kathleen Leibow, Karen Linkletter, Anne-Marie Ponzio and Susan Steinman; teaching assistants Drusilla Bond, Virginia Lepore, Anna Marino and Madlyn Quatela; and non-instructional employees Rose Alvarado, John Bennett, Carol Delahunty, Gary Fricke, Constance Gambale, Robert Loy, Marion O’Brien, Vito Rebecca and Lawrence Tronolone – were all recognized for their exceptional contributions to the district and its students. “We couldn’t be more grateful for what you’ve done for Deer Park for so many years,” said Superintendent James Cummings. “I think this district, from top to bottom, is just a great place to be and it’s really because of all the people who work here. Everyone cares about the district and community, they take pride in their work, and it shows on a daily basis.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=129388 Wed, 02 Jun 2021 04:00:00 GMT false129388 Thiebaud Inspires JFK Artists’ Ice Cream Cone Creations Briana Nussbaum’s third-grade art students at JFK recently learned about contemporary pop artist Wayne Thiebaud, then created ice cream cone artworks inspired by the sweet treats that Thiebaud likes to include in his work. Students chose their favorite flavors for the project and used torn paper pieces to collage the colors. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=129351 Tue, 01 Jun 2021 12:00:00 GMT false129351 Senior Jadon Hunte Named DPHS April Student of the Month Senior Jadon Hunte was recognized as the high school’s Student of the Month for April. “Jadon has a nearly perfect average,” said marine biology teacher Ed Libretto, who nominated Hunte for the award. “Every assignment is completed in a timely manner. Jadon is a leader both in class and in our virtual meetings. He leads conversation and even assists me during presentations without prompting. I look forward to my interactions with Jadon and his appropriate humor adds levity to the class dynamic and makes it more enjoyable for everyone.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=129352 Tue, 01 Jun 2021 05:00:00 GMT false129352 A Blue Day of Apraxia Awareness at JQA JQA honored Apraxia Awareness Day on May 14, bringing attention to this rare speech disorder via wearing blue shirts. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=129203 Wed, 26 May 2021 04:00:00 GMT false129203 Juniors and Fifth Graders Connect as “Book Buddies” The high school’s ELA students continued the “Book Love” initiative by promoting reading with younger students from JFK. Over a six-week period, juniors in Teresa Greco-Tarello’s class met virtually with fifth graders in Thomas Fitzmaurice’s and Nina Ragone’s classes to jointly read and discuss student-chosen books. The “Book Buddies” talked about characters they loved, literary concepts and social-emotional lessons. “I was very impressed by how my students embraced their mentor roles, and how they demonstrated their ability to peer deeply into texts, make authentic connections, and to find value in the reading and sharing process,” Greco-Tarello said. “The fifth-grade students had a great time connecting with the high schoolers via Google Meet,” Ragone said. “They were very excited each week when they got to chat with their Book Buddies, and couldn’t wait to catch up with them about their novels and the new things that they discovered while reading. The students felt so special that the older kids knew their names, wrote notes about the books and that they genuinely wanted to talk to them. All the students loved the experience and even asked to continue it in years to come.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=129155 Tue, 25 May 2021 09:00:00 GMT false129155 JFK Staff and Students Show Their Support for Autism Awareness Staff members and students at JFK recently wore blue for autism awareness in Deer Park. Staff members also raised $500 to benefit Camp ANCHOR, the Town of Hempstead’s six-week summer day camp program for children and adults with special needs. Combined with generous donations from several JFK alumni, the Deer Park funds will support Camp Anchor’s events and campers with different abilities. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=129154 Tue, 25 May 2021 04:00:00 GMT false129154 JFK Band Rises to Challenge With Virtual Performances Under the direction of Louis Nicolosi and Gregg Romano, the JFK Band recently performed a virtual spring concert consisting of the songs “Old MacDonald,” “Junkyard Jam,” and “School Spirit.” Each student was filmed separately performing their individual parts in school or at home. Romano then assembled and synchronized the videos into a performance for each selection. “Though it will never substitute for a live concert and playing in front of an audience, it was important to offer the children an alternative opportunity to perform,” said Romano. “Congratulations to all the students who took part in this event. They truly handled all of the challenges put in front of them this year and exceeded our expectations.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=129059 Fri, 21 May 2021 04:00:00 GMT false129059 JFK Orchestra Students Present Virtual Spring Concert JFK orchestra students recently presented a virtual spring concert, directed by Kathryn Attard and artist-in-residence Bradley Bosenbeck. The performances included “Beauty and the Beast,” arranged by Bosenbeck for the select chamber group. “We are so proud of all the students, they have really excelled during these uncertain times,” said Attard. “We would like to thank Mr. Bosenbeck for all his help and wish everyone a safe and healthy summer." https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=129003 Thu, 20 May 2021 05:00:00 GMT false129003 Frost’s FACS Seventh Graders Get into “Grow Lab” To welcome spring, seventh graders in family and consumer science classes at Robert Frost participated in a “Grow Lab” project. Guided by teachers Cindy Adriaensens and Patricia Skjoldahl, the students planted marigold and zinnia seeds, then measured their growth and development during class. The students will bring their plants home to share in their family garden. “This brought life, fun and lots of smiles to our students – both virtual and in-class – during this challenging school year,” Skjoldahl said. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=129008 Thu, 20 May 2021 04:00:00 GMT false129008 May Moore Music Club Presents "Rock Around the '50s" The May Moore Music Club presents "Rock Around the '50s." https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=128883 Tue, 18 May 2021 04:00:00 GMT false128883 Budget Passes, Elliott and Marino Reelected Residents voted to support the Deer Park School District's 2021-2022 budget on May 18 by a vote of 514 to 127. The district thanks the community for participating in this important process. For the Board of Education, voters reelected incumbent President Donna Marie Elliott (receiving 490 votes) and trustee Robert Marino (422 votes), both running unopposed. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=128910 Tue, 18 May 2021 04:00:00 GMT false128910 May Issues of Spanish Honor Society Newsletter and French Magazine For the month of May, the high school’s French and Spanish Honor Societies created publications that celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This month’s Falcon Mosaic newsletter, created by the Spanish Honor Society, includes an interview with Spanish Honor Society member and Class of 2021 valedictorian Jasleen Kaur. In the interview, Kaur discusses what it is like to grow up as a Southeast Asian in New York, ways she balances her culture and the culture of the U.S., some of her favorite customs from her culture, and how the “Modern Minority Myth” has played a role in her life. The newsletter also highlights the contributions of important Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and influential women from the LGBTQ community. This edition also adds a “Poetry Corner,” spotlighting two Asian American-inspired poems by members of the DPHS Pen Society. The May issue of the French children’s magazine “Bonjour Paris”, created by the French Honor Society, welcomes our elementary students to explore the history of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. It includes a list of regions that are celebrated throughout the month, highlights from the interview with Jasleen Kaur, a traditional Asian recipe, a fun educational game and Asian-inspired coloring activities. Click on the attachments below for a closer look at the amazing work and collaboration of these societies and clubs. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=128854 Mon, 17 May 2021 04:00:00 GMT false128854 Frost Inducts 62 New Members Into National Junior Honor Society Robert Frost held its annual National Junior Honor Society induction on April 26, welcoming 62 new members in a virtual ceremony. Speakers included NJHS adviser Seth Margolin, Principal Eliana Levey and District Administrator for Secondary Curriculum and Instruction Jeanne Kozlowsky. The new inductees were seventh graders Hasan Asif, Brandon Bailey, Anaelle Beauchamp, Alexis Borowski, Pearse Boylan, Baileigh Braithwaite, Gianna Bruni, Emily Cannet, Julia Castaldo, Rebecca Comba, Bailey Corcoran, Olivia Corrado, Addison Costanza, Kayla Cruz, James DeGrange, Drew Delargy, Lucas Di-Vanna, Taylor Gabel, Skylar Gavin, Casey Giles, Aubrey Goetz, Carsyn Goetz, Natalie Hample, Jaelyn Hasemann, Jordyn Hasemann, Ryan Hughes, Mason Jones, Ruby Kappel, Aimen Khan, Gavin Lallbachan, Michael LaSorsa, Alyssa Lema, Jessica Lema, Mina Marchetti, Onwuka Offiah, Sophia Paduano, Adison Patrick, Madison Picciocchi, Valentina Plaza, Aubrey Pottinger, Bryan Ramlakan, Brooke Rivela, Ava Sacarin, Jaidyn Schabe, Sophia Sheeler, Luciano Stallone, Sidra Syed, Isabella Turner, Jasmine Uppal, Eve Valentine and Salwa Waseem; and eighth graders Frank Alfieri, Jack Azzaretto, Miguel Belliard, Sohaib Choudhry, Praise Eze, Alexeyia Garrido, Destiny Gavin, Tyler Lynch, Nicole Tavares Batista, Dru Tulloch and Jason Turner. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=128800 Fri, 14 May 2021 05:00:00 GMT false128800 New Murals Installed in High School Hallways Large murals created by high school students enrolled in the school’s mural painting class were recently installed in the hallways. The student-artists worked with a new material called CanvasTac that is traditionally used for large billboards and trade show banners. This very durable and flexible canvas has a very sticky back. Once it is installed on the walls, it is permanent until it ever needs to be removed, and then it can be peeled off and installed in a new location. Using this material allowed the students to be able to work in class and then roll their canvas up to take home and continue to work on. The mural students are also currently working on a second series of paintings that will be installed prior to the end of the school year. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=128798 Fri, 14 May 2021 04:00:00 GMT false128798 Day of Silence Shows Support for LGBTQ Movement The high school’s Gay Straight Alliance club, directed by Victoria Rosenthal, sponsored the Day of Silence on April 23. A national, student-led movement, the Day of Silence features students standing up against LGBTQ discrimination, harassment and lack of inclusivity by taking a vow of silence for the entire day. Deer Park’s Spanish Honor Society, French Honor Society and many in-person and virtual high school students supported this important movement and pledged their silence for the day. All participants received a GSA-created pin recognizing their vow. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=128687 Wed, 12 May 2021 04:00:00 GMT false128687 DPHS Honors Accomplishments of Top 10 Seniors The high school honored its top 10 graduates of the Class of 2021 at the district’s April 28 Board of Education meeting. Recognized were valedictorian Jasleen Kaur, salutatorian Matthew Heinen and the remaining top 10 ranked seniors: James Hope (ranked third), Ushima Chowdhury (fourth), Sameem Ahmadzai (fifth), Gianna Giffone (sixth), Taylor Korsiak (seventh), Isabella Coon (eighth), Steven Shames (ninth) and Victoria Mung (10th). “Your accomplishments here are based on the last four years of academic success you’ve had here at Deer Park High School, but in all actuality, it began much earlier than that,” Principal Charles Cobb told the seniors. “It is important to recognize not only your accomplishments, but those of your parents, guardians and the teachers that you’ve had along the way from every building in the district. This is just the start. There’s no doubt in my mind that you will continue to achieve vast and amazing accomplishments in whatever you go on to after high school. Remember what you’ve accomplished here and use it as a base and foundation as you move forward, but always continue to strive for more, to better yourself and your community.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=128615 Tue, 11 May 2021 04:00:00 GMT false128615 Frost's Stellar Students! Celebrate Frost's stellar students with this video! https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=128429 Fri, 07 May 2021 04:00:00 GMT false128429 From Compost to Volcanoes, JQA Students Explore on Earth Day Earth Day brought a dizzying array of exciting activities for the students of JQA to explore. First graders in Brittany Kappenmacher and Margaret Simon’s class learned about compost and sorted materials that can be used to make compost. They then made their own edible chocolate “compost” consisting of layers of chocolate pudding (soil), marshmallows (greens), chocolate chips (browns), sprinkles (greens) and oreos (browns). Kindergartners in Annette Armenti and Susan Ricciardelli’s class planted flowers; Erica Fulgenzi’s first graders worked on a “What Will Your Bottle Become?” STEAM project, thinking outside the box to design their own recycled creations; Kasey Kephart’s first-grade students decorated planters and planted their own seeds; and second graders in Phyllis Senia’s class made their own paper volcanoes. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=128418 Wed, 05 May 2021 04:00:00 GMT false128418 Spring 2021 Breakfast of Champions Presentation https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=128339 Tue, 04 May 2021 04:00:00 GMT false128339 Registration Dates for the May 18 Budget Vote/Trustee Election https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=128319 Mon, 03 May 2021 04:00:00 GMT false128319 Meet Deer Park’s 2021 Valedictorian and Salutatorian The high school’s Class of 2021 valedictorian and salutatorian are Jasleen Kaur and Matthew Heinen, respectively. Kaur, who serves as president of Deer Park’s Red Cross Club, earned a perfect score on the ACT. As a member of DECA, she is a four-time state award winner and four-time international competitor, and was elected president of New York State DECA. She is a member of the school’s varsity girls soccer and track teams, and also interned on Jackie Gordon’s congressional campaign. Kaur will attend Harvard University, majoring in physics. Heinen is a member of Deer Park’s National Honor Society and Sanish Honor Society member. As an athlete, he has played on the school’s varsity and JV soccer teams and participated in CYO travel basketball. He will attend Haverford College, majoring in computer science. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=128140 Wed, 28 Apr 2021 04:00:00 GMT false128140 Budget Newsletter Now Available https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=128116 Wed, 28 Apr 2021 04:00:00 GMT false128116 Girls XC Team Wins First-Ever League Championship This April, Deer Park High School’s varsity girls cross country team won the league championship for the first time in the school’s history. The team was led by undefeated league MVP and All-County winner Gianna Marquez. Rounding out the top scorers were All-County winner Kylie Kuhn, All-Division winners Kaliyah Hull and Natalia Lee, and All-League winners Alexa Belotti, Daniella Belotti and Madison Mattera. “We are tremendously proud of these girls,” coach Jim Petti said. “They knew it was a shortened season and understood the work that needed to be put in. Cross-county training should be months in the making and we only had a few weeks. Regardless, they worked hard and smart every single day and made sure to do their part. It paid off. The energy level of this team was unlike anything I’ve seen before. They were excited and looked forward to each race, especially considering the long layoff the COVID-19 pandemic had forced on us. We were happy just to be back doing something. Winning the league championship was a nice bonus.” At the county championships on April 22, Deer Park earned third, with Marquez coming in eighth place. “It was an amazing season with high hopes, but it was cut short with a heartbreaker as we missed out on the team county championships by only 0.27 seconds,” Petti said. “That’s the way it goes though, and we couldn’t be prouder. It ended earlier than expected, but the memory of this season will last a lifetime. We said one last goodbye to our seniors who were the biggest catalyst in our success as a team. I thank them for their leadership and compassion. Up next is spring track, but you can bet we are itching to get back at it in September.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=128055 Mon, 26 Apr 2021 05:00:00 GMT false128055 JFK Rocks Socks for Down Syndrome Awareness The students and staff at Deer Park’s John F. Kennedy Intermediate School recently rocked their socks for Down Syndrome Awareness Month, raising $215 for donation to the Special Olympics. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=128054 Mon, 26 Apr 2021 04:00:00 GMT false128054 Pair From DPHS Run at County Cross-Country Championships High school runners Aidan Neilson and Daniel Thomas, both members of the school’s 2021 League IV champion cross-country team, delivered exciting performances on April 21, taking sixth and seventh overall, respectively, at the Section XI Suffolk County championship. “They raced tough and determined,” coach Tom Brouillard said. “Awesome job by these two.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=127977 Fri, 23 Apr 2021 05:00:00 GMT false127977 HS Student Publications Highlight Arab American History and Autism Awareness The high school’s French Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society and Gay Straight Alliance recently showcased Arab American history and autism acceptance in their monthly magazine and newsletter. The April issue of the French Children’s Magazine, created by the French Honor Society, provides elementary students with important facts about Arab American history, Arabic-inspired recipes, games, coloring and books. The Falcon Mosaic newsletter, created by the Spanish Honor Society with help from the Gay Straight Alliance, highlights the importance of recognizing Arab Americans and acceptance of autism. In this issue, the GSA honored two important Arab Americans that also represent the LGBTQ community. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=127978 Fri, 23 Apr 2021 04:00:00 GMT false127978 Freshman Kaliyah Hull Named HS March Student of the Month Freshman Kaliyah Hull was recognized as the high school’s Student of the Month for March. “Kaliyah Hull is an outstanding student in my Spanish 2 class,” said teacher Heather Nola, who nominated Hull for the award. “She works hard, participates and does her best daily with a smile in her eyes, as I cannot see her true smile behind the mask! I nominated her for Student of the Month because of her diligence. Every virtual day she was online completing her work during her slotted class time. Her strong work ethic surely contributes to her 100 overall average in Spanish this year. Additionally, she is a member of the girls track team and works tirelessly to achieve her goals. She has a growth mindset and is a true leader in our school.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=127916 Thu, 22 Apr 2021 04:00:00 GMT false127916 HS Science Olympiad Team Earns Regional Medals In their second year of participation, the high school’s Science Olympiad Team earned several medals at the recent Eastern Long Island Regional Competition. After being motivated by earning two medals at last year’s competition, the team doubled their medals and earned 26th place overall, a huge jump from last year. The 2020-201 Deer Park team consisted of 13 students who competed against 43 other teams from Suffolk County in various events including anatomy, astronomy, circuits, fossils, machines and ornithology. Sonam Kataria and Gabriel Villacres medaled in the astronomy event by placing seventh, while and Jimmy Jiang and Nicholas Stamatakis medaled in the circuit lab event by placing sixth. “Despite this being an unconventional year, our students worked hard and really helped boost our rankings for Science Olympiad,” said team adviser Kevin Richards. “I have a great group of hardworking kids and am so proud of each and every one of them. The students are already planning for next year and look forward to making their third year their best yet.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=127923 Thu, 22 Apr 2021 04:00:00 GMT false127923 Two Falcons Soar to All-LI Basketball Honors High school freshman Preston Edmead and junior Kylie Kuhn were recently selected to the Newsday All-Long Island basketball team. Both players received second-team honors while leading their respective squads to successful seasons. Edmead led his team to an undefeated league championship while averaging 17.8 points per game, while Kuhn led her team to a 5-3 record while averaging 23.5 points per game. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=127848 Tue, 20 Apr 2021 04:00:00 GMT false127848 DPJRCA Cleans Up Corner for Spring Students in the Deer Park Junior Community Association recently volunteered to do a spring cleanup at an “adopt-a-spot” on the corner of Deer Park Avenue and Long Island Avenue. They also collected items for donation to single mothers in shelters, filling laundry baskets with detergent, soap and other household items. The DPJRCA students received community service hours for their hard work and donations. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=127806 Mon, 19 Apr 2021 04:00:00 GMT false127806 May Moore’s Young Artists Focus on Communication for Poster Contest Doreen Bellantoni’s class at May Moore invited one student from each second-grade class to join them in entering a Long Island-wide poster contest held by the Long Island Speech-Language-Hearing Association. The students at May Moore joined together to create a poster that illustrates the power of positive communication and the ways that communication has the ability to connect people. Students discussed the different methods of communication that are used by themselves and their peers, including verbal communication, sign language and communication devices. Some students drew pictures of themselves using nonverbal communication, such as communication devices and sign language, while others illustrated themselves using kind words or added handprints to the center of the poster. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=127698 Thu, 15 Apr 2021 21:00:00 GMT false127698 Deer Park Celebrates Diversity Week with Book Readings The high school’s World Language Honor Societies and Black Student Union helped JFK students celebrate Diversity Week this month by reading books written by authors from different ethnicities, including Maria Dismondy’s “Chocolate Milk, Por Favor,” Dorina Lazo Gilmore’s “Cora Cooks Pancit,” Mae Jemison’s “Mae Among the Stars,” Hena Khan’s “Under My Hijab,” Lina Maslo’s “Free as a Bird” and Richard Michelson’s “As Good as Anybody.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=127695 Thu, 15 Apr 2021 09:00:00 GMT false127695 Pro Musicians Pay Virtual Visit to HS Orchestras The high school’s orchestra and chamber orchestra have been meeting with professional musicians on Virtual Wednesdays, including two Juilliard School graduates, harpist Karen Lindquist-Spyer and cellist Bernard Tamosaitis. The guest artists, both current members of the Canta Libre Chamber Ensemble, demonstrated their instruments, played several pieces and answered questions about practicing and performing in professional orchestras. “We are excited to meet with more guests in the future and have our students learn from these outstanding musicians,” said Kathryn Attard, the director of both orchestras. “It has been a pleasure and a privilege to host musicians of this magnitude in a new format,” said Bradley Murphy, the district’s fine and performing arts administrator. “Our students are truly receiving a one-of-a-kind experience.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=127697 Thu, 15 Apr 2021 05:00:00 GMT false127697 2020 Grad Pays Surprise Visit to Younger Brother After being away during his first year as an U.S. Marine, Deer Park High School Class of 2020 graduate Daniel Busa paid a surprise visit on April 7 to his younger brother, sophomore Dominic Busa, while the latter was sitting in teacher Joe Mucci’s art class. “I told Dominic that he was in trouble and had to step outside the class, but nothing could have been further from the truth,” said Associate Principal Craig Evans. “It was a heartwarming event to witness. With all of the negative in the world going on with the pandemic, it was nice to see these brothers reunite.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=127694 Thu, 15 Apr 2021 04:00:00 GMT false127694 Boys XC Team Wins First League Championship Since 1995 The high school’s undefeated boys cross-country team won its first League IV championship title since 1995 on April 6, going 5-0 in league competition. Junior Aidan Neilson, the individual league champion, was also undefeated individually, winning every race, while Daniel Thomas finished sixth in all of Division II at the division championship meet and earned a spot in the county championship as the second seed. Neilson, Thomas and fellow runners Dan Catano, Justin Petrizzo and Dorian Pino earned All-League recognition, giving Deer Park the most All-League honors out of the 14 allotted within the league. “Our team was so close to this accomplishment the past few years,” said Coach Thomas Brouillard. “We were runner up the previous two seasons. It has personally been extremely rewarding to watch the athletes’ growth and see the hard work these young men put in – and past athletes before them as well – pay off in bringing the program to the next level.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=127696 Thu, 15 Apr 2021 04:00:00 GMT false127696 Spring Newsletter Now Available https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=127568 Mon, 12 Apr 2021 04:00:00 GMT false127568 Best Buddies Friendship Walk on May 1 Every year, the Best Buddies Chapter holds its annual Friendship Walk, which is the leading walk in the country supporting inclusion for people with IDDs. Prior to the event and on the event date, all funds that are raised help move the mission of Best Buddies forward by funding local Best Buddies programs, and the Walk provides a unique opportunity to see our mission in action at the local level. Every dollar raised goes towards making the world a more inclusive, accepting place. The Long Island Friendship Walk will take place on May 1 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. We will have a definite virtual walk option and tentatively an in-person walk as well. At this event, whether virtual or in-person, everyone will be walking in the name of inclusion. If you would like to join us on May 1, please see the links below: Registration Link Time Slot Link https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=127472 Thu, 08 Apr 2021 04:00:00 GMT false127472 Deer Park Earns Another Best Community for Music Education Recognition The Deer Park School District’s music program has earned another Best Community for Music Education designation from the NAMM Foundation. This prestigious annual recognition, now in its 22nd year, honors districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in providing music access and education to all students. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=127410 Tue, 06 Apr 2021 04:00:00 GMT false127410 Monster Masterpieces Made at May Moore Kindergartners in Vincent Amodio’s and Alannah Boccard’s classes at May Moore recently embarked on a special art project, learning about lines and painting with primary colors for an art project inspired by Mike Austin’s book Monsters Love Colors.” First, the students were introduced to different types of lines and drew them with crayons. They then painted over the lines with watercolors to create wax-resist masterpieces. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=127377 Mon, 05 Apr 2021 04:00:00 GMT false127377 Notice of BOE Special Meeting - April 8 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=127355 Mon, 05 Apr 2021 04:00:00 GMT false127355 Tech Coordinator Jay Murphy Named Model Schools Admin of the Year Western Suffolk BOCES recently recognized Jay Murphy, the district’s coordinator of instructional technology, as the 2020-2021 Model Schools Administrator of the Year. Murphy has worked tirelessly over the past year to inspire an active integration of technology in the learning process, with instructional technology growing exponentially in the district under his leadership. During these turbulent times, Murphy continues to serve as a catalyst to keep learning alive, from spearheading initiatives to ensure that every student had access to remote instruction during the pandemic to enhancing digital spaces once the schools were ready to reopen their doors. Some of Murphy’s recent accomplishments include presenting on the topic of cybersecurity at the New York State School Board Association’s annual conference, and serving as a keynote speaker at the 2020-2021 Long Island Math Conference. In addition to organizing and facilitating Superintendent’s Conference Days, livestreaming events for the Deer Park Board of Education, rolling out Chromebooks to over 2,000 students and ensuring that staff had access to technology that would yield enhanced instructional opportunities, Murphy continues to plan and facilitate quality digital learning experiences for the students of Deer Park. He has a strong passion for curating and creating customized resources made specifically for Deer Park’s schools, regularly publishing the “TECHnically Speaking” educational technology newsletter as well as curating web pages featuring digital resources for parents, students, teachers and staff. He has also offered intensive professional development opportunities for district staff, facilitated parent workshops to further educate the community and utilized technology to keep the community safe by regularly providing districtwide COVID-19 updates. “I attribute much of my success to the hard work and dedication of the technology team and the willingness of district staff to embrace technology,” Murphy said. “I am grateful to be part of the Deer Park team, one that has risen to the occasion of the tech-filled needs of the pandemic.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=127325 Wed, 31 Mar 2021 04:00:00 GMT false127325 JFK’s Delayed Memory Project Art Exchange Is Complete at Last During the 2019-2020 school year, a group of 16 JFK fifth graders completed the Memory Project international art exchange with art teacher Briana Nussbaum, with the goal of exchanging artwork with students in Pakistan. To complete their activity, the JFK students met with Nussbaum several times during their lunch periods, bringing their lunches to the art room, learning about the students in Pakistan and brainstorming ideas for their artwork. The fifth graders used various art media and incorporated themes of friendship, peace and happiness. The artwork was set to be exchanged at the end of March 2020, but the process was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now in the 2020-2021 school year, Nussbaum was finally able to send the artwork from the students in Pakistan to her students, who are now sixth graders at Robert Frost. “When I found out that we would not be returning to teaching in school for the remainder of the school year, I made sure to bring my students’ artwork home,” Nussbaum said. “They had been working so hard and I knew how much it meant to be a part of this special opportunity. I was in touch with members of the Memory Project organization, and they were so happy to help and make this work. Our students were thrilled to find that the art exchange was complete. This opportunity allowed my students to connect with students from another country and learn that we can all be united through our art.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=127311 Tue, 30 Mar 2021 04:00:00 GMT false127311 A Week of Pi Projects at DPHS Celebrated around the world on March 14, Pi Day is an annual opportunity for math enthusiasts to recite the infinite digits of the mathematical symbol known as pi, talk to their friends about math and to eat pie. This year’s Pi Day fell on a Sunday, but the high school’s Math and Science Honor Societies were excited to celebrate all week long, working hard to create pi-related projects to showcase their passion for math and pi, including a pi rap video. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=127292 Mon, 29 Mar 2021 04:00:00 GMT false127292 Senior Jared Santiago Named HS February Student of the Month Senior Jared Santiago was recognized as the high school’s Student of the Month for February. “Jared came to Deer Park High School in the fall of 2019,” said teacher Maria Devitt. “From the moment he walked through my door, and shook every person’s hand to personally introduce himself, I knew he was someone special. Jared is a leader, both in the classroom and outside of school. He pushes himself to take on more advanced academic tasks and always has his hand up to volunteer answers. Jared goes out of his way to include all of his friends. Not only does he organize Friday night Zoom meetings, he also hand-writes invitations for his friends to meet him at the bowling alley over the weekend. Jared is a very special young man and we are so fortunate that he came to Deer Park High School.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=127091 Tue, 23 Mar 2021 06:00:00 GMT false127091 JFK Student Government Creates Pandemic Safety PSA The student government at JFK recently created a public service announcement to remind kids how to stay safe during the pandemic. The “newscast” included topics such as masks and social distancing. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=127088 Tue, 23 Mar 2021 04:00:00 GMT false127088 Frost Actors Present Special Virtual Cabaret Young actors at the middle school recently challenged their dramatic and singing skills during these difficult times, presenting a special version of the Robert Frost Cabaret. Lauren Stein and Lori Sullivan, the directors of the Cabaret, were determined to have the students shine even if they had to do it virtually. Since the students could not offer a live performance, they created a true cabaret-style production, concentrating on famous musicals. The students were given the opportunity to sing a Broadway song or recite a monologue of their choosing. They then compiled all of the videos and made a movie production for the community to enjoy. Participating students from all grades included Frankie Alfieri, Ava Azzaretto, Caiden Boltz, Cassidy Boltz, Baileigh Braithwaite, Rebecca Comba, Aubret Goetz, Valentina Plaza, LaSheena Pottinger, Ashleigh Rauch, Ava Sacarin, Arielle Salgado, Jaidyn Schabe, Jeremy Theroux and Eve Valentine. “We could not be prouder of how they handled themselves throughout the production process, which was very unusual for us all,” Stein said. “However, true to form, they persevered and were able to give us a show that we can all be proud of.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=127089 Tue, 23 Mar 2021 04:00:00 GMT false127089 Deer Park BOE's Diversity & Inclusion Committee Host Panel Discussion to Celebrate Women’s History Month The Deer Park Board of Education Diversity and Inclusion Committee is proud to host a panel discussion to celebrate Women’s History Month. The title of the discussion is “Shattering the Glass Ceiling.” Our panelists will discuss their current careers, the challenges they have faced, and the future for women in their respective fields. The event will take place on Wednesday, March 24th from 8-9 pm. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=127074 Tue, 23 Mar 2021 04:00:00 GMT false127074 Seniors Enjoy a Surprise Welcome Back After six months of waiting, the students of the high school’s Class of 2021 were able to officially kick off their senior year activities with a surprise welcome back celebration upon their return to in-person learning on March 15. The seniors were greeted in the lobby – which was decorated in their class colors – by a live musical performance by members of the school’s band and a welcome banner signed by the high school staff, and were invited to have their picture taken in front of the senior display. The event was organized by senior class advisers Jenine Moran and Laurie Osbern and band director Derek Schmelter, with behind-the-scenes help from teachers, administrators, custodians and freshman class officers. “With this celebration, the wheels were set in motion to make up for lost time and make the remainder of the school year exciting and memorable for our seniors,” said Associate Principal Craig Evans. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=127000 Fri, 19 Mar 2021 05:00:00 GMT false127000 HS Boys Basketball Team Finds Major Success During the winter season in February, the Deer Park High School boys basketball team was a major success, going 5-0 in League IV play and 6-2 overall on route to earning their seventh league championship since 2012. They also qualified for the Suffolk County playoffs for the 12th season in a row. In individual accolades, freshman Preston Edmead was named All-County and League IV Player of the Year, sophomore Anthony Daley was named All-League and Conference 2 All-Tournament, junior Kyle Jefferson and senior Jalen Van Dorn were named All-League, and Van Dorn was named Academic All-County. Senior captain Matt Myrick was honored with the Spirit Award, captain Nahleaj Delbridge was honored with the Coaches Award, and Jefferson was honored with the Sportsmanship Award. The Falcons return 13 lettermen from this year’s squad and have already begun working on their 2021-2022 campaign. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=126999 Fri, 19 Mar 2021 04:00:00 GMT false126999 JFK’s Career Week Brings Dreams of Future Professions During Career Week, students at JFK learned about different professions. Virtual guest speakers – including a dentist, an orthodontist and several nurses, doctors, carpenters, DJs, fitness instructors and computer programmers – talked to the students about what it takes to be successful at a particular job. As the culminating activity at the end of the week, students dressed up as their future professions, with potential astronauts, hairdressers, interior designers, police officers, professional athletes, social workers and teachers walking the halls. “Our students learned that if they can dream it, they can be it,” said Principal Kelly Benson. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=126865 Tue, 16 Mar 2021 04:00:00 GMT false126865 Notice of Board Meeting - March 23 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=126832 Tue, 16 Mar 2021 04:00:00 GMT false126832 District Offers Drive-Up COVID Testing Site at the HS As a service for its constituents, the Deer Park School District has partnered with local health company Advanced Cardiovascular Diagnostics to offer voluntary on-site rapid COVID-19 testing for the Deer Park educational community. Drive-up testing is being offered every Tuesday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at a mobile site located at the back parking lot of Deer Park High School. All tests require an appointment made in advance, with payment processed through the individual’s health insurance. The uninsured are also welcome under the CARES Act. Click here to make an appointment. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=126862 Mon, 15 Mar 2021 04:00:00 GMT false126862 HS Virtually Inducts 65 New National Honor Society Members Deer Park High School inducted 65 new members into the National Honor Society in February 2021. The virtual ceremony was led by President Jasleen Kaur, and included speeches from National Honor Society adviser Seth Margolin, Principal Charles Cobb and District Administrator of Instructional Technology Jay Murphy. The inductees were also congratulated by Suffolk County legislators Susan Berland, Tom Donnelly and Steven Flotteron as well as Town of Babylon Supervisor Rich Schaffer and Deputy Supervisor Tony Martinez. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=126864 Mon, 15 Mar 2021 04:00:00 GMT false126864 First Graders Make Star Labs to Answer Science Question Young astronomers in Dana Grafstein and Joanna Napolitano’s class at May Moore recently set up individual star labs in the classroom to investigate why stars are only visible in the night sky. The first graders explored the cause-and-effect relationship between the sun’s brightness and the visibility of the stars. The lesson began with the teachers asking the students to close their eyes, turning off the lights and projecting stars onto the ceiling of the classroom. When the students opened their eyes, they tried to guess what we would be learning about. When the lights were then turned back on, the stars on the ceiling disappeared. Using Google Slides, the class discussed some of the important vocabulary words that the students needed to know to conduct their investigation, such as a telescope. A Mystery Science video was shared, which provided background information about the Big Dipper and what the stars look like in the bright city sky and how that differs from how they look in the country, where there is less light pollution. Using a document camera, Grafstein and Napolitano showed the students how to use a paper cup, push pin and dotted pattern of the Big Dipper so they could create their own star-makers. Two privacy shields – one around the desk and one on top – were utilized to make an individual star lab for each student. Inside each star lab was a picture of the night sky. The students were given a finger flashlight and shined the light through the holes they had made in the cup to create a star pattern of the Big Dipper on their night sky. Next, the class again discussed what kind of light in the daytime sky could affect the ability to see the stars. “Now they were realizing that it must be the sun,” said Grafstein. “We then went around to every student’s star lab with a flashlight disguised as the sun. While the student was projecting their Big Dipper on their own night sky, we made the sun rise and set on their Big Dipper. They each realized that they were unable to see the Big Dipper when the sun was out, but when the sun set, they could see it again. They learned that the stars don’t disappear in the daytime, we just can’t see them because the sun outshines them.” To conclude the activity, the first graders drew pictures of the different parts of their star labs and completed an exit ticket explaining why we can’t see the stars in the daytime even though they are still there. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=126643 Thu, 11 Mar 2021 04:00:00 GMT false126643 High School Theater Students Record Memorable One Act Plays This was a different but positive year for the student directors and actors of the high chool’s annual One Act Play Festival, traditionally a fall theater showcase for different short plays directed by students. Delayed due to snow and COVID-19, it nevertheless persevered and was recorded for viewing in early 2021, featuring five memorable comedies: “Wine Candles, and Anthrax,” “Rumple Schmumple,” “Zombies R Us,” “Graceland” and an original play by senior Alexa Arbore titled “En Garde.” “We were planning a virtual play season over the summer in anticipation of the modified school year,” said Michael Moriarty, the festival’s co-director along with Catherine Singer. “Luckily, we planned for all of our rehearsals to be virtual and it worked out very well. This has been one of the most well-prepared One Act Play festivals we’ve ever had. The kids rehearsed with Catherine and I, but they also did a lot on their own. When we finally got together to record the festival for the families, it didn’t take many times to nail a good recording as all of the takes were great. As different as it was, we all had fun putting the show together.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=126644 Wed, 10 Mar 2021 13:00:00 GMT false126644 Spreading Smiles With Kind Notes at May Moore For the month of February, students at May Moore were busy spreading kindness throughout the halls and beyond. School social worker Sandra Polichron challenged students to “Be the Reason Someone Smiles Today” and write positive notes to staff, peers and family members. “Our students and staff really enjoyed writing kindness notes and reminding each other that smiles are important, even if we can’t always see them behind masks,” Polichron said. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=126645 Wed, 10 Mar 2021 05:00:00 GMT false126645 READ Month Book Celebration Kicks Off at Elementary Schools READ Month kicked off this spring throughout Deer Park’s elementary schools, emphasizing the value and enjoyment of reading books. At JFK, READ Week began on March 1 with daily themes, from wearing jerseys for Sport Your Favorite Book Day and wearing sunglasses on a beach towel for Beach Party Day, to Flashlight Friday where students read books with a flashlight and the lights off. For the entire month, March Book Battle Madness is giving JFK’s teachers a chance to expose students to different books that they might not necessarily read in the classroom. March Book Battle Madness is structured similarly to the basketball March Madness, with books competing against each other for the championship, based on student votes. At JQA, members of Deer Park’s Board of Education and district office were invited to visit the school as guest readers. Each class at JQA enjoyed a special read-aloud – either in person or virtually – to share the love of reading and inspire students to read during Read Month. JQA also held a READ Race in conjunction with the theme of “On Your Mark...Get Set...Go Read!,” challenging each grade level to read and record their minutes. Staff members representing each grade took part in a “race” to close out READ. As a whole, the school’s students read for 43,056 total minutes over the course of two weeks, with the second-graders reading for 16,622 minutes, first graders for 12,543 minutes and the kindergartners and pre-K students reading for 13,891 minutes. At May Moore, READ Month kicked off on March 2 with a virtual assembly with “Pete the Cat” author Eric Litwin. As a special treat for students, Pete the Cat himself visited classrooms and students were invited to dress in pajamas for afternoon milk and cookies. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=126641 Wed, 10 Mar 2021 05:00:00 GMT false126641 Lead Testing in School Drinking Water https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=126844 Wed, 03 Mar 2021 05:00:00 GMT false126844 BOE Meeting Notice - 3/9/2021 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=126414 Wed, 03 Mar 2021 05:00:00 GMT false126414 Deer Park HS Fosters Pride with Black History Posters As part of Deer Park High School’s Black History Month celebration, students – both virtual and in-person – created posters highlighting important figures in Black history. The posters were designed by members of the Black Student Union in collaboration with the French and Spanish Honor Societies. The quotes featured on the posters were written in English, French and Spanish to promote diversity and inclusion as well as to enhance cultural awareness and understanding through student-created art. “The purpose of this decorating campaign was to educate and empower students to learn more about influential African Americans and to foster a sense of pride in their school and learning community,” said social studies teacher Aleisha Forbes, the Black Student Union adviser. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=126339 Mon, 01 Mar 2021 05:00:00 GMT false126339 Frost’s Black History Committee Creates Mini-Museum to Raise Awareness The Black History Committee at Robert Frost recently created a Black History Month “mini-museum” for display in the main lobby. The committee was started this year by 15 Frost students, along with advisers Darin Harrison and Sara Watkin-Fox, with the goal of providing education and awareness of the African American experience. For the 2021 Black History Month celebration, student-created morning announcements were delivered during the week preceding Martin Luther King Day and throughout February. Schoolwide challenges include learning about and writing letters directly to the Ruby Bridges Foundation, and studying and reacting to inspiring quotes by famous African Americans. With the help of teacher Carey Okurowski, the Frost Black History Committee also put together a Black History website that will be updated throughout the year to raise awareness of Black history. The site includes student-developed “biographies” of famous African Americans, reading suggestions for students throughout the school district, word searches, photos of the committee’s activities and a special student-created video tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The website can be viewed at: https://sites.google.com/deerparkschools.org/blackhistory/home?authuser=0 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=126340 Mon, 01 Mar 2021 05:00:00 GMT false126340 Legislator Donnelly Rewards May Moore First Graders for Their Kindness Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly recently honored the first graders of Christine Garcett’s class at Deer Park’s May Moore Primary School. As part of a kindness lesson, the students had made handwritten letters and Valentine’s Day cards for senior citizens at the Regal Heights Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Queens. Donnelly noticed their efforts, and decided to give each student in the class a certificate recognizing their kindness, which he presented via Zoom on Feb. 26. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=126341 Mon, 01 Mar 2021 05:00:00 GMT false126341 Snack Drive Delivers for May Moore Students Sandra Polichron, a social worker at May Moore, recently teamed up with volunteers at Ascension Lutheran Church to coordinate a snack drive to benefit the students at May Moore Primary School. A box of snacks was delivered to every class at May Moore. “Times are tough for many of our families and sometimes parents can’t afford to send in a snack every day, so it was nice to be able to provide some options to help our students in need,” Polichron said. “Thank you to Ascension Lutheran and all who donated to the snack drive.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=126343 Mon, 01 Mar 2021 05:00:00 GMT false126343 Having “Snow Much Fun” at May Moore Students in Doreen Bellantoni’s class at May Moore recently brought the winter fun indoors by making snow out of baking soda and conditioner. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=125935 Fri, 26 Feb 2021 05:00:00 GMT false125935 Principal “Falcon” Flies in for a Visit at JQA Jan. 29 was “Wear Your Favorite Sports Jersey” Spirit Day at JQA, and Deer Park’s Falcon mascot – played by Principal Christopher Molinelli – swooped in for a special visit. The Falcon and Associate Principal Tammy Alcalde stopped at each classroom to share sports-themed treats with the students. “The children were excited to see our district mascot and can’t wait until he flies in again for the next visit,” Alcalde said. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=125936 Thu, 25 Feb 2021 05:00:00 GMT false125936 Sophomore Jaleen Gil Named HS January Student of the Month The high school named sophomore Jaleen Gil as Student of the Month for January. “Jaleen is very self-motivated and strives to complete all assignments on or before the due date,” said her earth science teacher, Andrea Farina. “She has set a high standard for herself and has consistently shown improvement over the course of the school year so far, even in some of our most challenging topics. She is also great at self-advocating when further clarification is required, a skill that is hard to come by among high school students. Jaleen is doing great work this year, and truly deserves this recognition.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=126229 Wed, 24 Feb 2021 05:00:00 GMT false126229 PS I Love You Day at DPHS https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=126230 Fri, 19 Feb 2021 05:00:00 GMT false126230 Virtual Visit from DPHS Alumni High school seniors in English classes recently participated in the annual Alumni Day visits, meeting virtually this year with graduates to discuss post-graduation life. Students discussed topics such as college life, strategies for academic success and ways to cope with pandemic realities. “It is so great when our graduates come back to share their experiences with the current seniors,” said English teacher Kristen Wallace, who organized the event with substitute teacher Katie Healy. “The college application process can be so stressful, and our seniors receive advice from parents, counselors and teachers, but it has a different impact when it comes from their peers.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=126187 Wed, 17 Feb 2021 06:00:00 GMT false126187 Broadening Knowledge of Black History at Frost As part of a Black History Month lesson by social studies teacher Maureen Vecchia, seventh graders at Robert Frost analyzed quotes from inspirational and influential African Americans and engaged in meaningful classroom discussion. “The purpose of the History Makers lesson was to provide students with a cultural appreciation of inspiring and influential African Americans and to broaden their knowledge of Black history,” Vecchia said. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=126185 Wed, 17 Feb 2021 05:00:00 GMT false126185 Frost FACS Students Make Winter Warmer for the Needy In a heartwarming community service project, family and consumer science students at Frost recently made and donated 70 winter hats for distribution to people in need at the Mercy Soup Kitchen of Wyandanch. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=126184 Wed, 17 Feb 2021 05:00:00 GMT false126184 Freshman Tatum Hastie Named Student of the Month Freshman Tatum Hastie was recently named the high school’s December Student of the Month. “Tatum is an awesome student who should be recognized for her hard work and perseverance,” said Spanish teacher Heather Nola. “She is a student who never gives up, no matter what challenges she faces, and who continues to strive for excellence. I am so proud of how she does not let obstacles hold her back, but works tirelessly to overcome any challenge with a smile on her face. Her high grades mirror her outstanding effort.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=125939 Tue, 16 Feb 2021 16:00:00 GMT false125939 Eagle Scout Punger Creates Sensory Box for JFK Students High school senior Robert Punger visited the district’s John F. Kennedy Intermediate School in September 2019, asking Principal Kelly Benson if he could donate an Eagle Scout project for the school. “He wanted to do something different and something that could be used for our students with special needs,” Benson said. “In our discussion, we talked about creating a sensory hallway in JFK. A few weeks later, he came back to me with an idea. After doing some research, he discovered that some children have a particular sensory system that needs extra input, and it can be helpful to put materials together to provide specific stimulus to that sensory system.” Punger decided to create a sensory box for JFK, but when COVID-19 hit last year, the school had to put its sensory hallway on hold. Punger, however, was undeterred in his goal, and recently delivered the sensory box for JFK’s life skills class to test out. “Robert overcame many obstacles that COVID threw at him and created this wonderful piece for our JFK students,” Benson said. “It brought joy to their faces, and I am sure it will continue to be a resource for all of our students at JFK.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=125940 Mon, 15 Feb 2021 05:00:00 GMT false125940 May Moore First Graders Create Cards With Compassion First graders in Christine Garcett’s class at May Moore recently learned a lesson in kindness and “giving back” as they created handwritten letters and designed Valentine’s Day cards for senior citizens living at the Regal Heights Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Queens. After reading the award-winning Matt De La Pena and Christian Robinson book “Last Stop on Market Street,” which describes a grandmother and her grandson showing kindness to those in need, the students then found a meaningful way to be compassionate by creating the cards and letters for the nursing home residents. Garcett’s mother Kathleen, who lives in Regal Heights, visited the class during the lesson via Zoom and described what it’s like to live in a nursing home. “The Regal Heights residents will absolutely love receiving these cards, and my students learned that giving is the most reliable way to feel happy,” Garcett said. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=125931 Thu, 11 Feb 2021 05:00:00 GMT false125931 Mysterious Objects Inspire Poetry at JQA To kick off a poetry and songwriting unit, each student in Erica Fulgenzi’s class at JQA was given a mystery object to write a poem about using their senses. “The students had a fun time writing creative poems about their mystery objects,” Fulgenzi said. “They used their poets’ eyes to look closely, describe their objects and tell what the objects reminded them of.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=125934 Mon, 08 Feb 2021 05:00:00 GMT false125934 JQA’s Mathematicians Raise Over $7K for St. Jude Children’s Hospital Guided by math lab specialist Marianna Grieco, JQA participated in the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Math-A-Thon for the 10th year in a row, raising more than $7,000 for the charity. Students completed Math-A-Thon Funbooks by solving math problems, and sponsors made donations based on how many problems or pages the students completed, or made a donation of any amount they chose. The school, which has raised over $62,000 for St. Jude to date, also held a poster contest to spread awareness of what the hospital does for children with cancer and their families. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=125933 Wed, 03 Feb 2021 05:00:00 GMT false125933 HS Public Speakers Bring “Book Love” to Primary Schools As part of the district’s “Book Love” initiative, high school students in Christine Harbison’s public speaking class recently shared their love of reading by conducting virtual read-alouds with second graders at JQA and May Moore. Each “public speaker” practiced the skills they learned through the course while fostering discussion about social-emotional topics such as character growth and problem-solving. “We were so excited to be able to bring the high school students into our elementary classrooms via a virtual setting,” said Principal Tammy Alcalde, the associate principal at JQA and May Moore. “Our second-graders had the wonderful opportunity of listening to stories read aloud with expression and intonation. This was a perfect model for our early readers, highlighting the importance of practicing reading.” “Especially this year, we are thrilled that we could bring students together to work on such critical topics,” said Justin Uliano, Deer Park’s ELA curriculum associate. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=125938 Fri, 29 Jan 2021 05:00:00 GMT false125938 A Milestone Birthday for May Moore’s Barbato Rosemarie Barbato, an aide at May Moore for the past 35 years, will celebrate her 80th birthday on Dec. 7. During her time at May Moore, Barbato has worked with six different principals and seen numerous changes, including the building configuration’s change from K-5 to prekindergarten-2. Her duties over the years have included working as a kindergarten classroom assistant and monitoring the halls to keep students safe. Prior to the district’s hiring of security guards, Barbato was posted at the security desk. “Rosemarie is known for taking her daily walks and for being a kind and friendly member of the May Moore family,” said Principal Phil Paniccia. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=124087 Fri, 04 Dec 2020 05:00:00 GMT false124087 Celebrating 50 Days of School at May Moore Karen Linkletter's kindergarten class at May Moore celebrated the 50th day of school on Nov. 20. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=124088 Wed, 02 Dec 2020 05:00:00 GMT false124088 Kindness “Spotted” at JQA First graders in Melissa Frischeisen and Tess Maloney’s class at JQA recently celebrated World Kindness Day by reading the Diane Alber book “A Little Spot of Kindness” and getting their own spot to show the power of kindness. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=124089 Tue, 01 Dec 2020 07:00:00 GMT false124089 Frost Students Serve Community with Cleanup Frost students in the Deer Park Junior Community Association recently volunteered to conduct a fall cleanup at an “Adopt-a-Spot” on Deer Park Avenue and Long Island Avenue. The students also donated toys, hats, scarves, socks and gloves to the community’s homeless families. “I am super proud of these kids for always helping out and serving our community and those in need,” said DPJCA representative Rosaria Luppy. “The students all received community service hours for their hard work and donations.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=124090 Tue, 01 Dec 2020 06:00:00 GMT false124090 Troy Cofie Named DPHS October Student of the Month The high school recently honored junior Troy Cofie as Student of the Month for October. Cofie serves as vice president of the school’s Social Issues Club and is also a member of the International Culture Club. “I had the privilege of teaching Troy in my Spanish 2 class when he was a freshman,” said teacher Alfonsina Sguera, who nominated Cofie for the award. “Troy was always ready to learn, considerate, positive and brought great energy to the classroom. Recently, he came to visit me as a junior, and it was clear his passion for learning was still very strong and his goals were high. He continues to challenge himself with several AP courses and works diligently throughout the weekend to achieve his goals. He is a model student and I am so proud of his contributions to the community.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=124091 Tue, 01 Dec 2020 06:00:00 GMT false124091 JFK Fourth Graders Demonstrate Thankfulness As part of coping with the COVID-19 pandemic and coming back to school, Catherine Torres’ fourth-grade class at JFK has adopted Thankful Thursdays. Each Thursday, the students choose to highlight a group in the school or community that they are thankful for. They have written letters to past teachers, given shout-outs to special area teachers, made a movie trailer for building administrators and wrote cards for veterans. Most recently, the fourth graders created a banner with thank you messages for the building’s custodians. “My students recognized the custodians as a major part in keeping our school clean and safe so that we can stay in school during this pandemic,” said Torres. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=124092 Tue, 01 Dec 2020 05:00:00 GMT false124092 May Moore Kindergartners Show Off School Spirit with Special Jerseys Vinnie Amodio’s kindergarten class at May Moore recently showed off superlative school spirit, wearing May Moore jerseys made by aide Alexis Tyson. She handcrafted jerseys for every staff member and student in the classroom, with each student’s jersey featuring the kindergartner’s names on the back. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=123876 Tue, 17 Nov 2020 05:00:00 GMT false123876 JQA Second Graders Thank a Veteran Among Them Second graders in Brittany Kappenmacher and Margaret Simon’s class at JQA recently learned about Veterans Day in class and wrote letters to thank veterans for their service. The students also wrote a special thank you letter to one of the school’s security guards, veteran Tom Plitt. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=123879 Mon, 16 Nov 2020 05:00:00 GMT false123879 Writing in the Sunshine at May Moore First graders at May Moore recently enjoyed spending time outside in the fresh air and sunshine to work at their writing workshop stations. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=123877 Mon, 16 Nov 2020 05:00:00 GMT false123877 Marshmallows in Motion at the Middle School Students in Natalie Sabia’s class at Frost recently designed their own catapults out of disposable materials – including popsicle sticks, rubber bands and plastic spoons – to explore Newton’s second law of motion and the relationship between mass, force and acceleration. To change the mass, the students launched mini- and regular-sized marshmallows, using the same launching force each time. The Maroon cohort was given “goodie bags” with the materials, to be completed at home. Students concluded that the mini marshmallow traveled further and had more acceleration because it had less mass. To model the process of peer reviewing, important in the scientific world of publishing, students posted their conclusions on SeeSaw and gave each other feedback. “This was our first hands-on lab this year, due to COVID-19 restrictions, and the kids did such a great job,” said Sabia. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=123878 Mon, 16 Nov 2020 05:00:00 GMT false123878 Happy Thanksgiving!!! https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=123880 Sun, 15 Nov 2020 05:00:00 GMT false123880 Analyzing Air Force Music for Veterans Day at May Moore In honor of Veterans Day, second graders at May Moore studied and analyzed the music of the U.S. Air Force with teacher Kristen Lombardo. A friend of Lombardo’s family has been deployed, so she decided to turn the activity into a writing and art project as well. The students turned their Air Force listening glyphs into cards, thanking members of the Air Force for their service. The cards were then sent overseas to bring some good cheer to American service members. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=123881 Fri, 13 Nov 2020 05:00:00 GMT false123881 JFK Teacher’s Aide Darrel Clark Recognized Darrel Clark, a certified teacher’s aide at JFK, was recognized by the Developmental Disabilities Institute in October for National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which serves to highlight the important contributions made to the national workforce by people with disabilities. Clark has been receiving DDI’s Supported Employment Service since 2007, which assists people with disabilities to find, secure and maintain jobs in their community that fit their needs, interests and experience. He has been employed with the Deer Park School District for the last 14 years, working in classrooms supporting children with special needs and assisting in the school library. He received the Hats Off Award for his outstanding work in February 2020. Since the reopening of school, Clark monitors the hallways and bathrooms to ensure that everyone adheres to the safety protocols in place to keep everyone safe from the spread of COVID-19. Clark is also an author, and has written two children’s books, “The Happy Frog” (2012) and “Millie the Special Chicken” (2017). He is currently working on his third book. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=123882 Thu, 12 Nov 2020 05:00:00 GMT false123882 New May Moore Teachers Reflect on the Year’s Biggest Challenges https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=123883 Thu, 05 Nov 2020 05:00:00 GMT false123883 Nicholas DeNoyior Named DPHS September Student of the Month The high school recently honored senior Nicholas DeNoyior as Student of the Month for September. While this school year has proven challenging for everyone, DeNoyior has dealt with his own adversity and met those challenges head on. He is taking difficult AP courses and maintaining a 90 average, while working two jobs, one at a baseball facility and another at a golf course. He is also visiting colleges and played in a fall baseball league while taking care of all of his academic responsibilities. “Nick is an all-around great kid,” said teacher Jill Perry-Eising, who nominated him for the award. “As a student, Nick is everything you could hope for as a teacher – he’s a gentleman who is bright, conscientious, inquisitive, polite, respectful and on top of his responsibilities. As a young man, Nick is mature beyond his years. He’s very knowledgeable on current affairs and is delightful to have a conversation with. Nick’s ability to meet challenges head on makes him a role model for our students here at the high school. I’ve always known what a great kid Nick is, but through his perseverance, he has really demonstrated his character. He is a terrific asset to our student body.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=123884 Wed, 04 Nov 2020 05:00:00 GMT false123884 A Mindful Moment at May Moore Second graders in Jessica Caputo and Krissy Noblett’s class at May Moore recently enjoyed a mindful moment with the Mind Yeti, a series of guided mindfulness sessions for children that help students calm their minds and focus their attention. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=123885 Tue, 03 Nov 2020 05:00:00 GMT false123885 Pumpkin Patch Fun at Primary Schools JQA and May Moore enjoyed a day of Halloween fun at the pumpkin patch, sponsored by the Parent Faculty Clubs. Students participated in the schools’ first ever scavenger hunts alongside the traditional pastime of picking pumpkins and then decorating them. JQA’s pumpkin patch event took place on Oct. 22, while May Moore’s was held on Oct. 27. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=123886 Mon, 02 Nov 2020 22:00:00 GMT false123886 Halloween at JQA! https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=123887 Mon, 02 Nov 2020 05:00:00 GMT false123887 Halloween at May Moore! https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=123888 Mon, 02 Nov 2020 05:00:00 GMT false123888 School Board Recognition Month In honor of School Board Recognition Month, the Board of Education were recognized for their time and commitment to the district's students and staff. Each member was presented with gifts at the Oct. 27 open meeting in the high school auditorium. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=123889 Wed, 28 Oct 2020 04:00:00 GMT false123889 Deer Park Parent Brings Red Ribbons to Secondary Schools Valerie St. Bernard, a district parent and founder of the Deer Park Drug Prevention Coalition, recently secured 100 red ribbons from Lindy Cares for Red Ribbon Week distribution at Deer Park High School and Robert Frost Middle School. “There’s no two ways about it, substance abuse is an ongoing national health crisis,” St. Bernard said. “By taking action and joining your local coalition against drug and alcohol abuse, you can help prevent the struggles that far too many families have to go through each year across the country.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=123890 Tue, 27 Oct 2020 04:00:00 GMT false123890 May Moore Nurses Distribute Thermometers with FLUency For the second consecutive year, May Moore was selected as a partnering school for Kinsa's FLUency school health program, which provides parents with free thermometers and a smartphone app to help detect and respond to spreading illnesses. May Moore’s school nurses Holly Giovi and Christina O’Loughlin have distributed 276 thermometers so far to Deer Park families and staff who requested them through the program. “Feedback from parents and medical providers has been very positive,” said Giovi. “This is a wonderful and proactive step in keeping the May Moore community healthy,” said Principal Philip Paniccia. May Moore families still have time to sign up for a free smart thermometer by texting FLUENCY to 900900, downloading the app and confirming the email. A new shipment of thermometers should be arriving in mid-November. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=123891 Mon, 26 Oct 2020 04:00:00 GMT false123891 Math Is “More” at JQA Using One Less, One More game boards, students in Erica Fulgenzi’s class at JQA recently honed their math skills. The students placed number cards from their card piles in a middle box and then wrote the number that was one less and one more than that number. The students then spoke aloud all three numbers they wrote to double check that the numbers were in the correct order. “This is a very fun and engaging way to have students not only practice counting and writing numbers, but also practice correct number order,” Fulgenzi said. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=123892 Mon, 26 Oct 2020 04:00:00 GMT false123892 Up and Away with Robert Frost’s Rockets Aided by teacher Rachel Burkel, students in Scott Surdi’s technology class at Frost recently had the chance to reach for the stars. The students spent September creating model rockets from paper and glue while learning about forces and space travel, then launched their rockets on Oct. 1, many reaching as high as 100 feet. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=123893 Tue, 20 Oct 2020 00:00:00 GMT false123893 Sparkle Spurs Spelling for Second Graders at JQA Second graders in Jackie Stein and Ashley Varney’s classroom at JQA recently practiced their sight words for the week by playing a game called Sparkle. “It was a fun way to get kids playing together while staying socially distant,” Varney said. “They ask to play it every day. This year, more than ever, we have to be mindful to get our young learners moving and make learning engaging, even if it’s from six feet away.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=123894 Mon, 19 Oct 2020 04:00:00 GMT false123894 Seeking Strawberry DNA in Deer Park Research students in Jon Steigerwald’s scientific inquiry class at the middle school recently extracted DNA from strawberry cells. “DNA extraction is a very important method in biotechnology,” Steigerwald said. “The purpose of the class is to introduce students to the techniques used in scientific research, and each student is required to enter a science fair project into the LISEF competition. It’s nice to see the excitement the students display when they use techniques that they have only read about in a textbook. My goal is to increase their interest in the sciences.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=123895 Mon, 19 Oct 2020 04:00:00 GMT false123895 Clarinetist Alia Naqvi Earns All-State Recognition High school senior Alia Naqvi was recently named an All-State musician by the New York State School Music Association. A clarinetist, Naqvi was chosen for the All-State Symphonic Band. The selection process for students nominated for NYSSMA’s All-State Ensembles was different this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and was based on evaluation scores and comments from the spring 2019 NYSSMA assessment as well as teacher recommendations. The festival itself will be virtual this year. Naqvi will rehearse and perform as a member of the virtual NYSSMA All-State Symphonic Band during early December 2020, and a virtual 2020 All-State Concert will be recorded at the conclusion of these rehearsals. “Alia is an outstanding musician, and I’m so happy that all of her hard work has paid off,” said Derek Schmelter, the high school’s band director. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=123896 Fri, 16 Oct 2020 03:00:00 GMT false123896 The Library Comes to Students at May Moore Students at May Moore can’t go to the school’s library this year, due to social distancing constraints and COVID-19 precautions, but that’s not stopping the library from coming to them. The school has developed a “Books on Wheels” mobile library cart, which visits every classroom once a week. Teaching assistants Eileen Lamotte and Jen Paduano, the cart’s operators, have been taking inventory of student interest, discussing genres, sharing books and even lending books via a mobile book scanner they assembled. Once books are returned, they are taken out of circulation for at least one week. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=123897 Thu, 15 Oct 2020 04:00:00 GMT false123897 JQA's 10 Frame Game Sparks Math Understanding First graders in Melissa Frischeisen and Tess Maloney’s class at JQA recently played 10 Frame Build It. After rolling a number cube, each student used counters to show the number on a 10 frame. The 10 frame tool helps students understand counting, addition and subtraction. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=123898 Thu, 15 Oct 2020 04:00:00 GMT false123898 HS Students Thank Teachers In an effort to promote social-emotional learning in the classroom, high school teachers Jessica Canale and Jaime Pambianchi asked each student to think about a teacher who positively impacted their life. Students then wrote anonymous letters to teachers, thanking them for their efforts and all that they do. The letters were arranged into a rainbow and displayed in various rooms of the high school, including the front lobby. The display allowed teachers to read the encouraging notes, reminding them that their efforts do not go unnoticed. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=123899 Tue, 13 Oct 2020 15:00:00 GMT false123899 Committee Meeting Flyer https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=123900 Thu, 08 Oct 2020 04:00:00 GMT false123900 Department of Health Seasonal Flu Information https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=123901 Tue, 06 Oct 2020 04:00:00 GMT false123901 Creating Collaborative Kindness Snippets at JFK Students at JFK recently completed a group art activity with teacher Briana Nussbaum, inspired by the Diane Alber book “Kindness Snippet Jar.” Each student each created and designed their own kindness snippet by thinking about acts of kindness in their lives. Each snippet became a part of a collaborative mosaic displayed in JFK’s hallway. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=123902 Tue, 06 Oct 2020 00:00:00 GMT false123902 Deer Park’s School and Public Libraries Collaborate on Initiative Deer Park High School librarian Victoria Rosenthal recently met with Ruby Marchetti, the head of young adult services at Deer Park Public Library to discuss the 2020-2021 young adult/high school student collaborative initiative. The two discussed ways to bridge the gap between the public and school libraries in order to promote all library resources, programs and services. “Collaborating in this way will ensure that Deer Park students and young adult patrons have the best of what our libraries have to offer,” Rosenthal said. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=123903 Mon, 05 Oct 2020 21:00:00 GMT false123903 Celebrating Bilingualism at DPHS In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, high school English as a New Language student Dixi Granados read the poem “Bilingue” for her impressed classmates in Heather Nola’s Spanish 2 class. Granados came to the United States from El Salvador with her family in 2017, speaking very little English, and is now proud to call herself bilingual. “This celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month is so indicative of what so many of our families in Deer Park experience: Finding joy in their heritages, their countries, and their languages, while being proud of their bilingualism and their involvement in Deer Park's diverse community,” said Ashley Rosenberg, the district’s administrator for ENL and world languages. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=123904 Mon, 05 Oct 2020 04:00:00 GMT false123904 Free Online Homework Help Service Offered by the Deer Park Public Library https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=123905 Tue, 22 Sep 2020 04:00:00 GMT false123905 SCOPE Before and After School Program 2020-21 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=121612 Thu, 13 Aug 2020 04:00:00 GMT false121612 Kevin Quirk Named Frost Associate Principal The district has named Kevin Quirk as an associate principal at Robert Frost. A Deer Park native and graduate of the Deer Park High School Class of 1998, Quirk had worked as a special education teacher at Frost for the past decade. The Sayville resident earned his undergraduate degree from St. Joseph’s College and his administrator degree from the College of Saint Rose. “I am both honored and humbled to be able to serve a community that I still call home,” Quirk said. “The safety and success of the students, parents and teachers of Deer Park are my top priorities and I hope to pave a road there with compassion, understanding and listening. By working as a team, there is nothing we can not accomplish. I am excited for this opportunity to work alongside people I call family in this extraordinary town.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=121614 Mon, 10 Aug 2020 04:00:00 GMT false121614 Deer Park Reopening Plan Deer Park Reopening Plan https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=121613 Mon, 10 Aug 2020 04:00:00 GMT false121613 2020 Graduates Overcome Adversity to Celebrate Their Achievement Showing pride and community spirit in the face of adversity, Deer Park High School’s Class of 2020 graduated at last in the school’s 57th commencement, divided into six sessions over July 30 and 31. After students and parents assembled at the football field, socially distanced for safety, Morgan Laissle led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a speech from Senior Class President Emily DeStefano. “Although this ceremony is not what we imagined, it still symbolizes how far we’ve come,” DeStefano said. “Despite what was thrown our way, we figured out how to rise above it. We are now the class graduating during a pandemic, but the Class of 2020 is so much more than that. We know what it’s like for our lives to change unexpectedly, but throughout it all, we held our heads high, finished with a smile, and now we are starting our own lives with determination. Remember to never give up, never stop believing in yourself and live every day like it’s your last.” “This pandemic didn’t stop us,” salutatorian Zubaer Mohiuddin said. “Our generation stayed positive and invented new and creative ways to get around our problems. We didn’t let that flame inside us burn out. We made the best of it. This upcoming year will be different. It’s already a big step to be moving on after high school into a new environment, but on top of that, we have to adapt to this new way of life due to the pandemic. But I know that this will not be a setback for us.” Valedictorian Sameer Riaz discussed the concepts of opportunity, privilege and responsibility. “Not everyone has the opportunity to graduate from high school and make it this far,” he said. “We did it, and yet we still take time to thank those who made this possible, because we know that there are so many people who put effort into moving us along our journey. So, when you’re congratulated a million times today, accept it, because you deserve it. Be proud of yourself for making it to the end of the path.” Superintendent James Cummings told the new graduates, “If you’ve learned a lesson from this, you’ve learned how to overcome and how to make sacrifices, and then how to care for other people and maybe think about other people before yourselves. As you move on from this ceremony, you don’t want to be defined by the disappointment of the way your senior year ended, you want to think back to the first 11-and-a-half years and the great times you had, the great friends you made, and the position you put yourself in to make a difference in the world. That’s what life is about: Making sure that anything that comes your way, you learn from it, you figure out how to overcome it, you make yourself better, and help other people be better.” “With all that has occurred, by no means has this diminished all your accolades, who you are as individuals or how you are viewed as the Class of 2020,” said Principal Charles Cobb. “It has shown that you are a group of young adults who are resilient in your constant pursuit of excellence, and you have been able to handle these adverse situations with the utmost poise and professionalism that is usually displayed by those with much more experience. You will be remembered as the Class of 2020 that has overcome these obstacles, and moved forward to ensure that all your goals are met. For that, I and the staff of Deer Park High School are most proud of you.” Following Cobb’s words of praise, diplomas were conferred and tassels turned at each of the six joyful ceremonies, and the Class of 2020 embarked on the next step of their educational and life journeys. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=121615 Sun, 09 Aug 2020 04:00:00 GMT false121615 Rosales Named New Board of Ed Vice President At the Board of Education’s annual reorganization meeting on July 7, Kristine Rosales (who was unable to attend) was named the board’s new vice president. New trustee Anthony Henkel was sworn into office, as were Donna Marie Elliott, now in her second year as president, reelected trustees Al Centamore and Donna Gulli Grunseich, and Superintendent James Cummings. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=121616 Thu, 09 Jul 2020 04:00:00 GMT false121616 Frost Eighth Graders Cheered on at Drive-Through Moving Up Eighth graders at Robert Frost enjoyed a triumphant drive-through moving up ceremony in the school’s parking lot on June 18, commemorating the last three years of their middle school journey. Students rode past in cars decked out in maroon and white as the Deer Park Falcon mascot cheered them on; each also had the chance to pose for photos at a graduation podium. “Each of you has something so worthwhile to contribute to the world, and we encourage you to go out there and don’t let anyone stop you from achieving your dreams,” Principal Eliana Levey told the graduates in a special video address. “It’s time to take everything that you learned at Robert Frost and apply it to high school.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=121617 Sat, 04 Jul 2020 04:00:00 GMT false121617 May Moore Moving Up Celebrated with Fun Car Parade May Moore hosted a fun moving up car parade on June 15 for the school’s graduating second graders, giving the students and their families a chance to safely celebrate their educational milestone. “We are so proud of our second-grade students and wanted to make sure they knew it,” said Principal Philip Paniccia. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=121618 Wed, 24 Jun 2020 00:00:00 GMT false121618 May Moore Moving Up Celebrated with Fun Car Parade May Moore hosted a fun moving up car parade on June 15 for the school’s graduating second graders, giving the students and their families a chance to safely celebrate their educational milestone. “We are so proud of our second-grade students and wanted to make sure they knew it,” said Principal Philip Paniccia. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=118251 Tue, 23 Jun 2020 04:00:00 GMT false118251 Community Cheers for Senior Car Parade Deer Park held a terrific car parade on June 12 to honor the high school’s senior Class of 2020, organized by teacher Jacqueline Amato and community members Taneka Jones and Alicia Libraro. Preceded by fire trucks, students drove through the neighborhood in cars decked out with balloons, streamers and messages, waving and honking as onlookers cheered. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=121619 Tue, 23 Jun 2020 00:00:00 GMT false121619 Community Cheers for Senior Car Parade Deer Park held a terrific car parade on June 12 to honor the high school’s senior Class of 2020, organized by teacher Jacqueline Amato and community members Taneka Jones and Alicia Libraro. Preceded by fire trucks, students drove through the neighborhood in cars decked out with balloons, streamers and messages, waving and honking as onlookers cheered. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=118252 Sun, 21 Jun 2020 04:00:00 GMT false118252 Deer Park High School Class of 2020 Send-Off Video https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=121620 Thu, 18 Jun 2020 04:00:00 GMT false121620 Deer Park High School Class of 2020 Send-Off Video https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=118254 Thu, 18 Jun 2020 04:00:00 GMT false118254 Robert Frost Moving Up Video https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=118255 Thu, 18 Jun 2020 04:00:00 GMT false118255 HS Honors Girls Track Seniors with Parade The high school held a special senior parade on May 16 for the girls track team. Forty cars filled with students and parents circled the high school track parking lot honking and cheering as the team’s nine seniors – team manager Lindsey Lam; team captain and sprinter Julia DiMaio; 1,500-meter race walker Arianna Araujo; triple, high and long-jumper Marissa Cummings; sprinters Stephane Honore and Raven Hull; and throwers Tassyana Blake, Morgan Keuler and Regan Mays – looked on with the posters their teammates had made for them. “Even though our season was canceled, these girls knew it was imperative that we all get together one last time to honor their senior teammates,” said coach James Petti. Deer Park’s girls track program was ranked among the top teams in the county this year, and the Falcons were preparing to defend their league championship title and try to win their first-ever Suffolk County Division 2 title. “We had the best team this program has ever seen,” Petti said. “When the quarantine halted the season, we didn’t know what to expect, so we all decided to keep training on our own. The girls took initiative and never gave up. Days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months. The more time that passed, the less hope we had of having a season and seeing our seniors perform one last time. With four potential All-County athletes and three All-League-caliber runners and throwers, these seniors wanted nothing more than to get back on that track and win. When the season was officially canceled, even though we were so heartbroken, the underclassmen understood we had to give our seniors a special send -off, and they did. We are proud of these amazing athletes as exceptional students. We wish them all the best in their post-high school endeavors and will miss them tremendously.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=121621 Wed, 17 Jun 2020 04:00:00 GMT false121621 Message to the Class of 2020 from the HS English Department https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=121622 Wed, 17 Jun 2020 04:00:00 GMT false121622 Message to the Class of 2020 from the HS English Department https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=118256 Wed, 17 Jun 2020 04:00:00 GMT false118256 HS Honors Girls Track Seniors with Parade The high school held a special senior parade on May 16 for the girls track team. Forty cars filled with students and parents circled the high school track parking lot honking and cheering as the team’s nine seniors – team manager Lindsey Lam; team captain and sprinter Julia DiMaio; 1,500-meter race walker Arianna Araujo; triple, high and long-jumper Marissa Cummings; sprinters Stephane Honore and Raven Hull; and throwers Tassyana Blake, Morgan Keuler and Regan Mays – looked on with the posters their teammates had made for them. “Even though our season was canceled, these girls knew it was imperative that we all get together one last time to honor their senior teammates,” said coach James Petti. Deer Park’s girls track program was ranked among the top teams in the county this year, and the Falcons were preparing to defend their league championship title and try to win their first-ever Suffolk County Division 2 title. “We had the best team this program has ever seen,” Petti said. “When the quarantine halted the season, we didn’t know what to expect, so we all decided to keep training on our own. The girls took initiative and never gave up. Days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months. The more time that passed, the less hope we had of having a season and seeing our seniors perform one last time. With four potential All-County athletes and three All-League-caliber runners and throwers, these seniors wanted nothing more than to get back on that track and win. When the season was officially canceled, even though we were so heartbroken, the underclassmen understood we had to give our seniors a special send -off, and they did. We are proud of these amazing athletes as exceptional students. We wish them all the best in their post-high school endeavors and will miss them tremendously.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=118257 Wed, 17 Jun 2020 04:00:00 GMT false118257 HS Honors Girls Track Seniors with Parade The high school held a special senior parade on May 16 for the girls track team. Forty cars filled with students and parents circled the high school track parking lot honking and cheering as the team’s nine seniors – team manager Lindsey Lam; team captain and sprinter Julia DiMaio; 1,500-meter race walker Arianna Araujo; triple, high and long-jumper Marissa Cummings; sprinters Stephane Honore and Raven Hull; and throwers Tassyana Blake, Morgan Keuler and Regan Mays – looked on with the posters their teammates had made for them. “Even though our season was canceled, these girls knew it was imperative that we all get together one last time to honor their senior teammates,” said coach James Petti. Deer Park’s girls track program was ranked among the top teams in the county this year, and the Falcons were preparing to defend their league championship title and try to win their first-ever Suffolk County Division 2 title. “We had the best team this program has ever seen,” Petti said. “When the quarantine halted the season, we didn’t know what to expect, so we all decided to keep training on our own. The girls took initiative and never gave up. Days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months. The more time that passed, the less hope we had of having a season and seeing our seniors perform one last time. With four potential All-County athletes and three All-League-caliber runners and throwers, these seniors wanted nothing more than to get back on that track and win. When the season was officially canceled, even though we were so heartbroken, the underclassmen understood we had to give our seniors a special send -off, and they did. We are proud of these amazing athletes as exceptional students. We wish them all the best in their post-high school endeavors and will miss them tremendously.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=117954 Wed, 17 Jun 2020 04:00:00 GMT false117954 Budget Passes! Residents voted to support the Deer Park School District's 2020-2021 budget on June 16, by a vote of 2,397 to 734. The district thanks the community for participating in this important process. For the open Board of Education seat held by Vice President John Gouskos, who did not seek reelection, voters elected Anthony Henkel(1,188 votes) over Taneka Jones (875 votes) and Jessica Pierson (749 votes). Current trustees Al Centamore (2,577 votes) and Donna Gulli Grunseich (2,563 votes), both running unopposed, were reelected. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=117955 Tue, 16 Jun 2020 04:00:00 GMT false117955 Deer Park Schools Information Page https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=117956 Thu, 11 Jun 2020 12:00:00 GMT false117956 Happy Greetings Highlight JQA’s “Honk and Hello” Parade JQA held its joyful “Honk and Hello” car parade on June 4, giving students, teachers and the community a chance to exchange happy greetings and join in on celebrating school pride as teachers drove around the neighborhood. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=121623 Thu, 11 Jun 2020 04:00:00 GMT false121623 Happy Greetings Highlight JQA’s “Honk and Hello” Parade JQA held its joyful “Honk and Hello” car parade on June 4, giving students, teachers and the community a chance to exchange happy greetings and join in on celebrating school pride as teachers drove around the neighborhood. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=117958 Thu, 11 Jun 2020 04:00:00 GMT false117958 Happy Greetings Highlight JQA’s “Honk and Hello” Parade JQA held its joyful “Honk and Hello” car parade on June 4, giving students, teachers and the community a chance to exchange happy greetings and join in on celebrating school pride as teachers drove around the neighborhood. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=118260 Thu, 11 Jun 2020 04:00:00 GMT false118260 UPK RFP https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=118259 Thu, 11 Jun 2020 04:00:00 GMT false118259 UPK RFP https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=117957 Thu, 11 Jun 2020 04:00:00 GMT false117957 Frost FACS Students Honor Mother’s Day with Creativity Robert Frost’s family and consumer science students honored Mother’s Day by creating cards, making breakfast and sending a heartfelt message, artistic drawing or quote to their mothers or special persons. The middle schoolers followed a recipe, maintained kitchen safety and sanitation practices, and used culinary skills while preparing their delicious breakfasts. The FACS students then took educational virtual tours of New York City museums while sharing the experience with their mom or special person. “Spending time with family members builds a child’s self-esteem, strengthens family bonds, encourages good communication skills and develops positive behaviors, and museum tours engage, involve and connect students with art, science and history,” said teacher Cindy Adriaenssens. View the students’ creations here. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=121624 Tue, 09 Jun 2020 04:00:00 GMT false121624 Frost FACS Students Honor Mother’s Day with Creativity Robert Frost’s family and consumer science students honored Mother’s Day by creating cards, making breakfast and sending a heartfelt message, artistic drawing or quote to their mothers or special persons. The middle schoolers followed a recipe, maintained kitchen safety and sanitation practices, and used culinary skills while preparing their delicious breakfasts. The FACS students then took educational virtual tours of New York City museums while sharing the experience with their mom or special person. “Spending time with family members builds a child’s self-esteem, strengthens family bonds, encourages good communication skills and develops positive behaviors, and museum tours engage, involve and connect students with art, science and history,” said teacher Cindy Adriaenssens. View the students’ creations here. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=117959 Tue, 09 Jun 2020 04:00:00 GMT false117959 JFK Student-Musicians Synch Up for Virtual Performances JFK music teachers Louis Nicolosi and Gregg Romano recently synched up virtual practice performances on audio and video by several students of pieces originally intended for the school’s spring concerts. For Naoya Wada’s “Fanfare and Festive Hymn,” the performers were Joshua Beylin and (audio only) Melissa Cannet on clarinet, and Lucas Castro and Stephanie Ramlakan on trumpet. “Gettysburg Address,” consisting of the famous speech by Abraham Lincoln and music by Brian Balmages, featured three fifth graders: Aubrey Hyney and Joseph Reina on trombone, and Talon Silverstein on drums. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=121625 Fri, 05 Jun 2020 04:00:00 GMT false121625 JFK Student-Musicians Synch Up for Virtual Performances JFK music teachers Louis Nicolosi and Gregg Romano recently synched up virtual practice performances on audio and video by several students of pieces originally intended for the school’s spring concerts. For Naoya Wada’s “Fanfare and Festive Hymn,” the performers were Joshua Beylin and (audio only) Melissa Cannet on clarinet, and Lucas Castro and Stephanie Ramlakan on trumpet. “Gettysburg Address,” consisting of the famous speech by Abraham Lincoln and music by Brian Balmages, featured three fifth graders: Aubrey Hyney and Joseph Reina on trombone, and Talon Silverstein on drums. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=117961 Fri, 05 Jun 2020 04:00:00 GMT false117961 May Moore's Music Club Presents Virtual "Lion King" https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=121626 Tue, 02 Jun 2020 04:00:00 GMT false121626 May Moore's Music Club Presents Virtual "Lion King" https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=117962 Tue, 02 Jun 2020 04:00:00 GMT false117962 May Moore's Music Club Presents Virtual "Lion King" https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=118263 Tue, 02 Jun 2020 04:00:00 GMT false118263 JQA Named NYS Recognition School for Second Year in a Row For the second consecutive year, JQA was named a Recognition School for 2019-2020 by the New York State Education Department, one of only 582 New York schools honored with this designation showing high achievement and strong progress. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=121627 Mon, 01 Jun 2020 04:00:00 GMT false121627 JQA Named NYS Recognition School for Second Year in a Row For the second consecutive year, JQA was named a Recognition School for 2019-2020 by the New York State Education Department, one of only 582 New York schools honored with this designation showing high achievement and strong progress. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=118264 Mon, 01 Jun 2020 04:00:00 GMT false118264 JQA Named NYS Recognition School for Second Year in a Row For the second consecutive year, JQA was named a Recognition School for 2019-2020 by the New York State Education Department, one of only 582 New York schools honored with this designation showing high achievement and strong progress. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=117963 Mon, 01 Jun 2020 04:00:00 GMT false117963 INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THE ADJOURNED ANNUAL SCHOOL DISTRICT ELECTION AND BUDGET VOTE - JUNE 9, 2020 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=115139 Wed, 27 May 2020 04:00:00 GMT false115139 HS Trumpeter Plays at Town Memorial Day Ceremony High school trumpeter Louis Bianco performed “Taps” at the Town of Babylon’s May 25 Memorial Day ceremony at Babylon Town Hall Park in Lindenhurst. Led by Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer, it was attended by Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly and Town Council members DuWayne Gregory, Anthony Manetta, Antonio Martinez and Terence McSweeney. While the ceremony was smaller than in previous years, due to current social distancing requirements, all of the participants were able to honor the veterans who gave their lives defending the country. View the ceremony here: https://www.facebook.com/babylontown.ny/videos/302092304132708/ https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=115141 Tue, 26 May 2020 04:00:00 GMT false115141 Class of 2020 Car Parade on June 11 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=115140 Tue, 26 May 2020 04:00:00 GMT false115140 Meet Deer Park’s 2020 Valedictorian and Salutatorian The high school’s Class of 2020 valedictorian and salutatorian are Sameer Riaz and Zubaer Mohiuddin, respectively. Riaz, the president of the school’s French Honor Society and captain of the Academic Team, is a member of the National Honor Society, Chess Club, Economics Club, Social Issues Club and PEN Society. He earned the Janice E. Tinsley Butterfly Award at Ujima 2018 and scored in the top 10 in the county on the National French Exam for the past four years. He will attend Princeton University, majoring in civil and environmental engineering. Mohiuddin is vice president of the school’s Spanish Honor Society and a member of the National Honor Society, Math Honor Society, Science Honor Society, math team and Science Olympiad team. He also serves as a volunteer at Good Samaritan Hospital and the Red Cross Club. He will attend Cornell University, majoring in biological sciences. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=115143 Thu, 21 May 2020 04:00:00 GMT false115143 Deer Park Schools Information Page https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=115144 Mon, 18 May 2020 06:00:00 GMT false115144 JFK, JQA and May Moore Celebrated National Field Day! https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=115145 Mon, 18 May 2020 05:00:00 GMT false115145 JFK, JQA and May Moore Celebrated National Field Day! https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=117965 Mon, 18 May 2020 05:00:00 GMT false117965 JFK, JQA and May Moore Celebrated National Field Day! https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=118267 Mon, 18 May 2020 05:00:00 GMT false118267 Spring Athletes Recognized! https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=118268 Mon, 18 May 2020 04:00:00 GMT false118268 Spring Athletes Recognized! https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=117966 Mon, 18 May 2020 04:00:00 GMT false117966 Spring Athletes Recognized! https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=115146 Mon, 18 May 2020 04:00:00 GMT false115146 A Special Video from Frost's Student Council https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=115147 Wed, 13 May 2020 04:00:00 GMT false115147 A Special Video from Frost's Student Council https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=117967 Wed, 13 May 2020 04:00:00 GMT false117967 A Special Video from Frost's Student Council https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=118269 Wed, 13 May 2020 04:00:00 GMT false118269 Deer Park Opens Community Pantry The district’s food service company, Aramark, has been feeding all students in need since the school closures, working hard to make thousands of meals daily for the children. The district saw the importance of doing even more for the community, and working with local business, churches and nonprofits, it has now opened a food pantry out of the high school. Grocery bags will be given out every Wednesday from 7-10 a.m. to cars curbside at Exit 2 of the high school, off North 5th Street. Food donations will be accepted in person by appointment with Deer Park High School Assistant Principal Craig Evans. Two tables outside of Exit 2 will also be available for a “drop and go” on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7-10:30 a.m. Those donating are asked to leave a note. “It is times like this where I know Deer Park will work together to help our community,” Evans said. “I am so proud to be a part of this town. Thanks to the teachers, staff, administrators and community members who have already generously donated, and special thanks to Donna Elliott and the Board of Education for their donations, help and support throughout this process.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=118270 Tue, 12 May 2020 21:00:00 GMT false118270 Deer Park Opens Community Pantry The district’s food service company, Aramark, has been feeding all students in need since the school closures, working hard to make thousands of meals daily for the children. The district saw the importance of doing even more for the community, and working with local business, churches and nonprofits, it has now opened a food pantry out of the high school. Grocery bags will be given out every Wednesday from 7-10 a.m. to cars curbside at Exit 2 of the high school, off North 5th Street. Food donations will be accepted in person by appointment with Deer Park High School Assistant Principal Craig Evans. Two tables outside of Exit 2 will also be available for a “drop and go” on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7-10:30 a.m. Those donating are asked to leave a note. “It is times like this where I know Deer Park will work together to help our community,” Evans said. “I am so proud to be a part of this town. Thanks to the teachers, staff, administrators and community members who have already generously donated, and special thanks to Donna Elliott and the Board of Education for their donations, help and support throughout this process.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=117968 Tue, 12 May 2020 21:00:00 GMT false117968 Deer Park Opens Community Pantry The district’s food service company, Aramark, has been feeding all students in need since the school closures, working hard to make thousands of meals daily for the children. The district saw the importance of doing even more for the community, and working with local business, churches and nonprofits, it has now opened a food pantry out of the high school. Grocery bags will be given out every Wednesday from 7-10 a.m. to cars curbside at Exit 2 of the high school, off North 5th Street. Food donations will be accepted in person by appointment with Deer Park High School Assistant Principal Craig Evans. Two tables outside of Exit 2 will also be available for a “drop and go” on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7-10:30 a.m. Those donating are asked to leave a note. “It is times like this where I know Deer Park will work together to help our community,” Evans said. “I am so proud to be a part of this town. Thanks to the teachers, staff, administrators and community members who have already generously donated, and special thanks to Donna Elliott and the Board of Education for their donations, help and support throughout this process.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=115148 Tue, 12 May 2020 21:00:00 GMT false115148 Video Message to HS Athletes from Our Staff https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=115149 Tue, 12 May 2020 04:00:00 GMT false115149 Video Message to HS Athletes from Our Staff https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=117969 Tue, 12 May 2020 04:00:00 GMT false117969 Video Message to HS Athletes from Our Staff https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=118271 Tue, 12 May 2020 04:00:00 GMT false118271 Deer Park Again Named a Best Community for Music Education The district music program has again been named a Best Community for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation. Now in its 21st year, the annual designation recognized outstanding achievement in providing music access and education to all students. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=118272 Thu, 07 May 2020 04:00:00 GMT false118272 Deer Park Again Named a Best Community for Music Education The district music program has again been named a Best Community for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation. Now in its 21st year, the annual designation recognized outstanding achievement in providing music access and education to all students. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=117970 Thu, 07 May 2020 04:00:00 GMT false117970 Deer Park Again Named a Best Community for Music Education The district music program has again been named a Best Community for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation. Now in its 21st year, the annual designation recognized outstanding achievement in providing music access and education to all students. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=115150 Thu, 07 May 2020 04:00:00 GMT false115150 JFK's Virtual Chorus Concerts! In honor of the fact that today would have been JFK’s spring concerts, music teacher Kristen Lombardo created two virtual chorus concerts using video clips sent by parents of students performing their favorite songs. Click here for third-grade chorus concert: https://youtu.be/kUBs3zQLLuc Click here for fourth- and fifth-grade chorus concert: https://youtu.be/YULzZdnf9-g https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=115151 Wed, 06 May 2020 04:00:00 GMT false115151 JFK's Virtual Chorus Concerts! In honor of the fact that today would have been JFK’s spring concerts, music teacher Kristen Lombardo created two virtual chorus concerts using video clips sent by parents of students performing their favorite songs. Click here for third-grade chorus concert: https://youtu.be/kUBs3zQLLuc Click here for fourth- and fifth-grade chorus concert: https://youtu.be/YULzZdnf9-g https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=117971 Wed, 06 May 2020 04:00:00 GMT false117971 JFK's Virtual Chorus Concerts! In honor of the fact that today would have been JFK’s spring concerts, music teacher Kristen Lombardo created two virtual chorus concerts using video clips sent by parents of students performing their favorite songs. Click here for third-grade chorus concert: https://youtu.be/kUBs3zQLLuc Click here for fourth- and fifth-grade chorus concert: https://youtu.be/YULzZdnf9-g https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=118273 Wed, 06 May 2020 04:00:00 GMT false118273 “Flat” Project Keeps JFK Fourth Graders and Their Teacher Connected Kristen Lombardo, a fourth-grade teacher for JFK, recently mailed “Flat Mrs. Lombardo” – a ‘flat” version of herself – to all of her students along with a poem she created. Inspired by the book “Flat Stanley,” Lombardo asked the fourth graders to take the “Flat Mrs. Lombardo” around with them and send back photos. “I thought this was a great way to stay connected with my class in addition to our weekly Zoom meetings,” Lombardo said. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=118274 Tue, 05 May 2020 04:00:00 GMT false118274 “Flat” Project Keeps JFK Fourth Graders and Their Teacher Connected Kristen Lombardo, a fourth-grade teacher for JFK, recently mailed “Flat Mrs. Lombardo” – a ‘flat” version of herself – to all of her students along with a poem she created. Inspired by the book “Flat Stanley,” Lombardo asked the fourth graders to take the “Flat Mrs. Lombardo” around with them and send back photos. “I thought this was a great way to stay connected with my class in addition to our weekly Zoom meetings,” Lombardo said. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=117972 Tue, 05 May 2020 04:00:00 GMT false117972 “Flat” Project Keeps JFK Fourth Graders and Their Teacher Connected Kristen Lombardo, a fourth-grade teacher for JFK, recently mailed “Flat Mrs. Lombardo” – a ‘flat” version of herself – to all of her students along with a poem she created. Inspired by the book “Flat Stanley,” Lombardo asked the fourth graders to take the “Flat Mrs. Lombardo” around with them and send back photos. “I thought this was a great way to stay connected with my class in addition to our weekly Zoom meetings,” Lombardo said. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=115152 Tue, 05 May 2020 04:00:00 GMT false115152 Boys Basketball League Champs Complete Successful Season The high school’s boys basketball team finished the 2019-2020 season as League IV champions and reached the Suffolk County Class AA final four. It was the Falcons’ sixth league title in eight seasons and fifth appearance in the final four during that span. Many individual performances led to team success for Deer Park. Senior Malik Edmead was named All-League, All-Conference, All-County, All-Tournament team and League IV MVP by the Suffolk County Basketball Coaches Association. He also earned Second Team All-State designation and was voted team MVP by his teammates and First Team All-Long Island by “Newsday.” He will continue his basketball career on a full Division 1 scholarship at Merrimack College. Freshman Anthony Daley was named All-League and voted League IV Rookie of the Year by the SCBCA. He also broke the school record for three pointers in a season with 84. Eighth grader Preston Edmead was named All-League and All-Conference, senior Junius Johnson was named All-Tournament team, and junior Jalen Van Dorn was named Academic All-County. Daley, Preston Edmead, sophomore Kyle Jefferson, and juniors Matt Myrick and . Jalen Van Doren all earned Scholar-Athlete designation. Seniors Mark Cordero, Vially Fleuriot and Xavier Gupton Dove were voted winners of the school’s Coaches Award, Sportsmanship Award, and Spirit Award, respectively. Juniors Nahleaj Delbridge, Zohaib Haq, JaeQuan White and Kevin Yalcinkaya,; sophomore Chance Nelson; freshman Billy Murphy; and eighth grader Danny Murray also helped contribute to the Falcons’ championship. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=115153 Mon, 04 May 2020 04:00:00 GMT false115153 Boys Basketball League Champs Complete Successful Season The high school’s boys basketball team finished the 2019-2020 season as League IV champions and reached the Suffolk County Class AA final four. It was the Falcons’ sixth league title in eight seasons and fifth appearance in the final four during that span. Many individual performances led to team success for Deer Park. Senior Malik Edmead was named All-League, All-Conference, All-County, All-Tournament team and League IV MVP by the Suffolk County Basketball Coaches Association. He also earned Second Team All-State designation and was voted team MVP by his teammates and First Team All-Long Island by “Newsday.” He will continue his basketball career on a full Division 1 scholarship at Merrimack College. Freshman Anthony Daley was named All-League and voted League IV Rookie of the Year by the SCBCA. He also broke the school record for three pointers in a season with 84. Eighth grader Preston Edmead was named All-League and All-Conference, senior Junius Johnson was named All-Tournament team, and junior Jalen Van Dorn was named Academic All-County. Daley, Preston Edmead, sophomore Kyle Jefferson, and juniors Matt Myrick and . Jalen Van Doren all earned Scholar-Athlete designation. Seniors Mark Cordero, Vially Fleuriot and Xavier Gupton Dove were voted winners of the school’s Coaches Award, Sportsmanship Award, and Spirit Award, respectively. Juniors Nahleaj Delbridge, Zohaib Haq, JaeQuan White and Kevin Yalcinkaya,; sophomore Chance Nelson; freshman Billy Murphy; and eighth grader Danny Murray also helped contribute to the Falcons’ championship. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=117973 Mon, 04 May 2020 04:00:00 GMT false117973 Boys Basketball League Champs Complete Successful Season The high school’s boys basketball team finished the 2019-2020 season as League IV champions and reached the Suffolk County Class AA final four. It was the Falcons’ sixth league title in eight seasons and fifth appearance in the final four during that span. Many individual performances led to team success for Deer Park. Senior Malik Edmead was named All-League, All-Conference, All-County, All-Tournament team and League IV MVP by the Suffolk County Basketball Coaches Association. He also earned Second Team All-State designation and was voted team MVP by his teammates and First Team All-Long Island by “Newsday.” He will continue his basketball career on a full Division 1 scholarship at Merrimack College. Freshman Anthony Daley was named All-League and voted League IV Rookie of the Year by the SCBCA. He also broke the school record for three pointers in a season with 84. Eighth grader Preston Edmead was named All-League and All-Conference, senior Junius Johnson was named All-Tournament team, and junior Jalen Van Dorn was named Academic All-County. Daley, Preston Edmead, sophomore Kyle Jefferson, and juniors Matt Myrick and . Jalen Van Doren all earned Scholar-Athlete designation. Seniors Mark Cordero, Vially Fleuriot and Xavier Gupton Dove were voted winners of the school’s Coaches Award, Sportsmanship Award, and Spirit Award, respectively. Juniors Nahleaj Delbridge, Zohaib Haq, JaeQuan White and Kevin Yalcinkaya,; sophomore Chance Nelson; freshman Billy Murphy; and eighth grader Danny Murray also helped contribute to the Falcons’ championship. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=118275 Mon, 04 May 2020 04:00:00 GMT false118275 A Salute to the Class of 2020 Senior Athletes! Deer Park saluted the Class of 2020's senior athletes as the high school scoreboard displayeds “2020” in support! https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=118276 Sat, 02 May 2020 00:00:00 GMT false118276 A Salute to the Class of 2020 Senior Athletes! Deer Park saluted the Class of 2020's senior athletes as the high school scoreboard displayeds “2020” in support! https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=117974 Sat, 02 May 2020 00:00:00 GMT false117974 A Salute to the Class of 2020 Senior Athletes! Deer Park saluted the Class of 2020's senior athletes as the high school scoreboard displayeds “2020” in support! https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=115154 Sat, 02 May 2020 00:00:00 GMT false115154 JQA's Lefebvre Offers Supportive Surprise for Local Nurses Lori Lefebvre, a district parent and JQA teacher’s aide, was recently inspired to support local nurses via her friend Fran Cirola of Pampered Chef’s “Adopt a Nurse” program. After counting the nurses she knew in the Deer Park community, Lefebre ordered lunch tote bags filled with treats from Cirola and delivered them. “I left the packages on their doorsteps so they would be surprised when they got home,” Lefebvre said. “All of their responses to me were wonderful, they were so grateful. Fran is amazing with organizing this wonderful thing for the nurses and I was happy to be a part of it.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=115156 Thu, 30 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT false115156 JQA's Lefebvre Offers Supportive Surprise for Local Nurses Lori Lefebvre, a district parent and JQA teacher’s aide, was recently inspired to support local nurses via her friend Fran Cirola of Pampered Chef’s “Adopt a Nurse” program. After counting the nurses she knew in the Deer Park community, Lefebre ordered lunch tote bags filled with treats from Cirola and delivered them. “I left the packages on their doorsteps so they would be surprised when they got home,” Lefebvre said. “All of their responses to me were wonderful, they were so grateful. Fran is amazing with organizing this wonderful thing for the nurses and I was happy to be a part of it.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=117976 Thu, 30 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT false117976 JQA's Lefebvre Offers Supportive Surprise for Local Nurses Lori Lefebvre, a district parent and JQA teacher’s aide, was recently inspired to support local nurses via her friend Fran Cirola of Pampered Chef’s “Adopt a Nurse” program. After counting the nurses she knew in the Deer Park community, Lefebre ordered lunch tote bags filled with treats from Cirola and delivered them. “I left the packages on their doorsteps so they would be surprised when they got home,” Lefebvre said. “All of their responses to me were wonderful, they were so grateful. Fran is amazing with organizing this wonderful thing for the nurses and I was happy to be a part of it.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=118278 Thu, 30 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT false118278 Door Decorating for Class of 2020! Seniors are decorating their doors at home to commemorate the Class of 2020 and show pride in their accomplishments and college plans. Students and their families can send door photos by direct message to the following Instagram account: @dphsclassof2020 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=118277 Thu, 30 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT false118277 Door Decorating for Class of 2020! Seniors are decorating their doors at home to commemorate the Class of 2020 and show pride in their accomplishments and college plans. Students and their families can send door photos by direct message to the following Instagram account: @dphsclassof2020 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=117975 Thu, 30 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT false117975 Door Decorating for Class of 2020! Seniors are decorating their doors at home to commemorate the Class of 2020 and show pride in their accomplishments and college plans. Students and their families can send door photos by direct message to the following Instagram account: @dphsclassof2020 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=115155 Thu, 30 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT false115155 An Online Scavenger Hunt for JQA First Graders JQA first graders in Melissa Frischeisen and Tess Maloney’s class recently participated in an online scavenger hunt during one of their weekly Zoom meetings. Teachers took turns calling out items and the students and teachers all had one minute to try and find each item somewhere in their homes. After each round, students and teachers shared their findings. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=115157 Wed, 29 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT false115157 An Online Scavenger Hunt for JQA First Graders JQA first graders in Melissa Frischeisen and Tess Maloney’s class recently participated in an online scavenger hunt during one of their weekly Zoom meetings. Teachers took turns calling out items and the students and teachers all had one minute to try and find each item somewhere in their homes. After each round, students and teachers shared their findings. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=117977 Wed, 29 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT false117977 An Online Scavenger Hunt for JQA First Graders JQA first graders in Melissa Frischeisen and Tess Maloney’s class recently participated in an online scavenger hunt during one of their weekly Zoom meetings. Teachers took turns calling out items and the students and teachers all had one minute to try and find each item somewhere in their homes. After each round, students and teachers shared their findings. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=118279 Wed, 29 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT false118279 JFK and May Moore's Color Wheel Creations Teacher Briana Nussbaum recently gave her students at JFK and May Moore a Color Wheel Challenge, in which the students were asked to make color wheels from found objects at home. “I was happy to see such beautiful results,” Nussbaum said. “The students told me how much fun they had working on these with their families.” Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=118280 Mon, 27 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT false118280 JFK and May Moore's Color Wheel Creations Teacher Briana Nussbaum recently gave her students at JFK and May Moore a Color Wheel Challenge, in which the students were asked to make color wheels from found objects at home. “I was happy to see such beautiful results,” Nussbaum said. “The students told me how much fun they had working on these with their families.” Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=117978 Mon, 27 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT false117978 JFK and May Moore's Color Wheel Creations Teacher Briana Nussbaum recently gave her students at JFK and May Moore a Color Wheel Challenge, in which the students were asked to make color wheels from found objects at home. “I was happy to see such beautiful results,” Nussbaum said. “The students told me how much fun they had working on these with their families.” Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=115158 Mon, 27 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT false115158 JQA First Graders Share Earth Day Crafts Via Zoom To celebrate Earth Day, JQA first-grade teacher Erica Fulgenzi and her ENL co-teacher Marcella Biordi shared Earth Day crafts. Their students then took turns sharing their own Earth Day creations via Zoom, including drawings, posters, a 3D Earth, homemade garbage and recycling cans, and a homemade plant tray made of recycled egg cartons. After the first graders shared what they made and how they made it, they all sang an Earth Day song together. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=115159 Fri, 24 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT false115159 JQA First Graders Share Earth Day Crafts Via Zoom To celebrate Earth Day, JQA first-grade teacher Erica Fulgenzi and her ENL co-teacher Marcella Biordi shared Earth Day crafts. Their students then took turns sharing their own Earth Day creations via Zoom, including drawings, posters, a 3D Earth, homemade garbage and recycling cans, and a homemade plant tray made of recycled egg cartons. After the first graders shared what they made and how they made it, they all sang an Earth Day song together. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=117979 Fri, 24 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT false117979 Deonarine Chosen as Bank of America Student Leader High school student Jason Deonarine was recently selected for the 2020 Bank of America Student Leader program. The more than 300 high schoolers chosen as Student Leaders are awarded paid summer internships with local nonprofit organization and participate in a national leadership summit in Washington, D.C. that focuses on skill building and creating a more civically engaged society. More than 3,300 students have participated in this program since 2004. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=117980 Wed, 22 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT false117980 JFK’s Happy “Honk” Thrills Students JFK's teachers came out for a “Honk and a Hello” on March 30, greeting thrilled students via a parade of cars through the neighborhood. The event was organized by fourth-grade teacher Keri Schumacher. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=117981 Wed, 22 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT false117981 Deonarine Chosen as Bank of America Student Leader High school student Jason Deonarine was recently selected for the 2020 Bank of America Student Leader program. The more than 300 high schoolers chosen as Student Leaders are awarded paid summer internships with local nonprofit organization and participate in a national leadership summit in Washington, D.C. that focuses on skill building and creating a more civically engaged society. More than 3,300 students have participated in this program since 2004. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=115160 Wed, 22 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT false115160 JFK’s Happy “Honk” Thrills Students JFK's teachers came out for a “Honk and a Hello” on March 30, greeting thrilled students via a parade of cars through the neighborhood. The event was organized by fourth-grade teacher Keri Schumacher. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=115161 Wed, 22 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT false115161 Frost School Psychologist Named Hero by Town of Babylon Michelle Cangelosi, the school psychologist at Robert Frost, was named a Babylon Hero on April 10 by the Town of Babylon. She was honored for her work in moving her private practice to virtual appointments while continuing to accept new patients, as well as volunteering her time to field calls on the state’s Mental Health Hotline during the coronavirus pandemic. Cangelosi has worked in the district for the past decade, serving at JFK from 2010-2019 prior to transferring to Frost. She opened her private practice in Babylon Village, Captree Psychological Services, several years ago. “I am so grateful for this recognition by the Town of Babylon and grateful to have the importance of mental health highlighted,” Cangelosi said. “I grew up in North Babylon and still live in the same neighborhood, I work in Deer Park, and have my private practice in Babylon Village, so this area is home in more ways than one. It is an honor to help support my community in coping with the current situation we are in.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=115162 Mon, 20 Apr 2020 18:00:00 GMT false115162 Frost School Psychologist Named Hero by Town of Babylon Michelle Cangelosi, the school psychologist at Robert Frost, was named a Babylon Hero on April 10 by the Town of Babylon. She was honored for her work in moving her private practice to virtual appointments while continuing to accept new patients, as well as volunteering her time to field calls on the state’s Mental Health Hotline during the coronavirus pandemic. Cangelosi has worked in the district for the past decade, serving at JFK from 2010-2019 prior to transferring to Frost. She opened her private practice in Babylon Village, Captree Psychological Services, several years ago. “I am so grateful for this recognition by the Town of Babylon and grateful to have the importance of mental health highlighted,” Cangelosi said. “I grew up in North Babylon and still live in the same neighborhood, I work in Deer Park, and have my private practice in Babylon Village, so this area is home in more ways than one. It is an honor to help support my community in coping with the current situation we are in.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=117982 Mon, 20 Apr 2020 18:00:00 GMT false117982 Flexible Seating Implementation Enhances Student Engagement Bringing meaningful student choice and enhanced engagement, flexible seating implementation took root across Deer Park earlier this school year, in classrooms and other learning spaces at each of the district’s buildings. “Our teachers have found that when students have a choice of where to sit or what to sit on, they are more engaged in the lessons,” said JFK Principal Kelly Benson. “Flexible seating works great for students that have trouble sitting still as some of the options permit movement. It allows them to get their extra energy out and focus on the lesson being taught. Students love to have choice. They also know there are expectations when choosing a seat. Our students rise to those expectations in order to maintain the options of where to sit. When flexible seating is implemented well, it’s very effective.” “Flexible seating has had such a positive impact on my students,” said JFK teacher Kristen Lombardo. “Not only has it increased my students’ engagement and performance, it has also taught them how to be self-aware. It allows them to take ownership of their learning. They now know what type of seat helps them to do their best, and they are able to make that choice for themselves each and every day.” “Flexible seating is not for every teacher or classroom,” said JFK fourth grade teacher Keri Schumacher. “The process of introducing and managing it takes some time. For me, flexible seating helps make learning fun for my students. They are more engaged and more enthusiastic about learning. They have to make good choices of where to sit and with whom. It changes every day, which allows them to communicate with different friends. They get to go into partnerships or groups more quickly, which aids in collaboration, creativity, critical thinking and communication.” “The move toward flex seating at May Moore has happened organically because teachers see the benefit of allowing students to choose where they learn best,” said Principal Philip Paniccia. “Classrooms in the 21st century are dynamic spaces, and flexible seating can play a large role in meeting the needs of our diverse learners.” John Quincy Adams Primary School has implemented flexible seating in many classrooms – including a Donors Choose grant-funded installation for the students of teachers Kasey Kephart and Jackie Stein – as well as the building’s Creation Station. “Students love the ability to choose from a variety of seating options,” said JQA Principal Christopher Molinelli. “Flexible seating allows student choice, movement and comfort while encouraging collaboration and community within the class.” At the middle school, the library has been transformed with a flexible seating area, with plans to expand the project into a classroom next year to continue promoting an updated learning environment. “The idea behind designing a space with flexible seating stemmed from our Chromebook initiative,” said Principal Eliana Levey. “Each student has access to a device that is mobile, so we wanted to create a space where students could work collaboratively in different types of groupings. The hope is that student creativity will be sparked, and students can engage in more outside-the-box thinking if they are in a different seating experience. Students like the novelty of having somewhere different to do their work, which leads to increased focus.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=117983 Mon, 20 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT false117983 Flexible Seating Implementation Enhances Student Engagement Bringing meaningful student choice and enhanced engagement, flexible seating implementation took root across Deer Park earlier this school year, in classrooms and other learning spaces at each of the district’s buildings. “Our teachers have found that when students have a choice of where to sit or what to sit on, they are more engaged in the lessons,” said JFK Principal Kelly Benson. “Flexible seating works great for students that have trouble sitting still as some of the options permit movement. It allows them to get their extra energy out and focus on the lesson being taught. Students love to have choice. They also know there are expectations when choosing a seat. Our students rise to those expectations in order to maintain the options of where to sit. When flexible seating is implemented well, it’s very effective.” “Flexible seating has had such a positive impact on my students,” said JFK teacher Kristen Lombardo. “Not only has it increased my students’ engagement and performance, it has also taught them how to be self-aware. It allows them to take ownership of their learning. They now know what type of seat helps them to do their best, and they are able to make that choice for themselves each and every day.” “Flexible seating is not for every teacher or classroom,” said JFK fourth grade teacher Keri Schumacher. “The process of introducing and managing it takes some time. For me, flexible seating helps make learning fun for my students. They are more engaged and more enthusiastic about learning. They have to make good choices of where to sit and with whom. It changes every day, which allows them to communicate with different friends. They get to go into partnerships or groups more quickly, which aids in collaboration, creativity, critical thinking and communication.” “The move toward flex seating at May Moore has happened organically because teachers see the benefit of allowing students to choose where they learn best,” said Principal Philip Paniccia. “Classrooms in the 21st century are dynamic spaces, and flexible seating can play a large role in meeting the needs of our diverse learners.” John Quincy Adams Primary School has implemented flexible seating in many classrooms – including a Donors Choose grant-funded installation for the students of teachers Kasey Kephart and Jackie Stein – as well as the building’s Creation Station. “Students love the ability to choose from a variety of seating options,” said JQA Principal Christopher Molinelli. “Flexible seating allows student choice, movement and comfort while encouraging collaboration and community within the class.” At the middle school, the library has been transformed with a flexible seating area, with plans to expand the project into a classroom next year to continue promoting an updated learning environment. “The idea behind designing a space with flexible seating stemmed from our Chromebook initiative,” said Principal Eliana Levey. “Each student has access to a device that is mobile, so we wanted to create a space where students could work collaboratively in different types of groupings. The hope is that student creativity will be sparked, and students can engage in more outside-the-box thinking if they are in a different seating experience. Students like the novelty of having somewhere different to do their work, which leads to increased focus.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=115163 Mon, 20 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT false115163 Social-Emotional Initiative Takes Second Step at Frost The district’s social-emotional initiative, utilizing the research-based learning program Second Step and aligning with New York State mandates, was implemented in the three elementary buildings last October, and began being phased in at Robert Frost Middle School earlier in 2020. In the online-based middle school Second Step program, teachers in all four core subject area classes – math, social studies, English and science – teach one social-emotional lesson per month in a specific area. Over the course of the entire year, students receive 24 social-emotional learning lessons based on the five core competencies of self-management, self-awareness, responsible decision-making, relationship skills and social awareness. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=115164 Sun, 19 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT false115164 Social-Emotional Initiative Takes Second Step at Frost The district’s social-emotional initiative, utilizing the research-based learning program Second Step and aligning with New York State mandates, was implemented in the three elementary buildings last October, and began being phased in at Robert Frost Middle School earlier in 2020. In the online-based middle school Second Step program, teachers in all four core subject area classes – math, social studies, English and science – teach one social-emotional lesson per month in a specific area. Over the course of the entire year, students receive 24 social-emotional learning lessons based on the five core competencies of self-management, self-awareness, responsible decision-making, relationship skills and social awareness. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=117984 Sun, 19 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT false117984 JQA Second Graders Bring History to Life with Special “Museum” JQA second graders held court in the school’s cafeteria for three days in March, offering a “Living Museum” for visiting parents. Dressed as famous personalities from various fields, the students recited facts about their chosen historical and current figures to visiting parents and staff. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=115165 Mon, 13 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT false115165 A Happy Honk and Hello Brings Joy at May Moore Car Parade The “Sunshine Squad” of teachers and staff from May Moore came out for a honk and a hello on March 30. A fleet of vehicles decked out with inspirational signs taped to the windows drove around the neighborhood in a heartwarming car parade, waving to students in their yards, front doors and sidewalks. “We love and care about our students and their families,” said Principal Philip Paniccia. “Everyone at May Moore came together for this car parade because we know how stressful and difficult the current situation is for our community. This was just a chance for us to show our students that we’re thinking about them every day and can’t wait to see them at school again. I am so proud of our faculty and staff for arranging and participating in this, and I was so impressed by the community’s response as well. Just as much as we wanted to be there for our students, our students and the community came out to show the same support. It was an uplifting and rewarding day.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=115166 Wed, 08 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT false115166 HS Mock Trial Team Shows Growth A total of 22 high school students successfully participated on this year’s mock trial team, the most members the school has fielded to date. Guided by team adviser Joe Alo and attorney adviser and Suffolk County Judge John Kelly, the mock trial students competed in the United States v. Phoenix Jones case, with the prosecution team attempting to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Phoenix Jones was guilty of operating cryptocurrency on the dark web and organizing a conspiracy to trade illicit goods, and the defense team attempting to clear Phoenix Jones of all charges and convince the Judge to find her not guilty. “Our team members managed to accomplish the tasks of improving their public speaking and critical-thinking skills and forming cohesive arguments while having fun and making friends along the way,” said Alo. “I am so fortunate and grateful to see my students grow in many aspects they may not have thought possible in their academic careers. It takes a lot of courage to stand up in front of dozens of people and deliver courtroom jargon while remembering all of the little aspects of courtroom etiquette, all while having a full-time job of being a high school student. These young men and women have what it takes.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=115167 Mon, 06 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT false115167 May Moore Kindergartners Learn Car and Helmet Safety Lessons Nurses from Stony Brook Children’s Hospital visited May Moore in March for the annual Teddy Bear Clinic, educating kindergartners on proper car and bicycle helmet safety as well as how to prevent injuries. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=115168 Thu, 02 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT false115168 Deer Park Schools Information Page https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=121628 Wed, 01 Apr 2020 12:00:00 GMT false121628 May Moore Classes Innovate with Flipgrid Thanks to video discussion platform Flipgrid, classes at May Moore found an innovative new way to publish students’ writing pieces. Each student first created a video of themselves reading their How-To Books, then used Google Classroom to watch and listen to each video. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=111503 Tue, 03 Mar 2020 05:00:00 GMT false111503 A Dozen from Deer Park School Community Honored at Black History Month Celebration A dozen district staff members and students were recognized at a Black History Month Celebration, held Feb. 28 at the Community Presbyterian Church. JFK Associate Principal Shaun McLeod; teachers Lynne Connors, Brianne Hertzog, Amina Kennedy and Kevin Marner; social workers Kescha Correa, Francine Fair, Carol Miller-Douglas and Andrea Nelson-Williams; and high school students Kamani Clinkscales, Brandon Gilbert and Jonathan Gordon were all honored. The event, hosted by Rev. Da’Shun Burrell, celebrated black educators of the past, present and future and featured performances by the 3D Dance Studio and singers Jayreiss St. Bernard and Renee Williams as well as remarks from Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly. “Working so tirelessly, you have made us the better persons we are today by all of the love you have shared and all of the effort you have poured into us,” Burrell said in congratulating the honorees. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=111504 Mon, 02 Mar 2020 05:00:00 GMT false111504 JFK Fifth Graders Get Connected on Career Day JFK held its inaugural Career Day on Feb. 27, helping students make a connection between school and the workplace by speaking with visiting volunteers from varying fields including law, banking, the military, entrepreneurship and law enforcement. Students were divided among 21 tables in the gym, rotating to the next table at the sound of the bell. At each table, students had the opportunity to learn about what each guest’s career entails and ask them questions. This innovative initiative was a collaborative effort, organized by districtwide counselor Angeline Ramos, high school business teacher Jill Perry-Eising, JFK fifth-grade teacher Nina Ragone, JFK Principal Kelly Benson, JFK Associate Principals Marilin Gutierrez and Shaun McLeod, school psychologist Amanda Luciano and social worker Carol Miller-Douglas. “We all worked extremely hard to put this event together, but none of this would have been possible without the tremendous help from our volunteers and cooperation from all staff and faculty,” Ramos said. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=111505 Sun, 01 Mar 2020 05:00:00 GMT false111505 ENL Culture Night at JFK JFK recently held its annual ENL Culture Night, with ENL students in grades 3-5 joining to celebrate language, culture and diversity through games, crafts, music and food. The highlight of this special evening was a collaborative video in which all 84 of JFK’s ENL students recorded their answers to the question “What is diversity?” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=111506 Thu, 27 Feb 2020 05:00:00 GMT false111506 A Positively Purple P.S. I Love You Day in Deer Park A perfectly positive P.S. I Love You Day was celebrated in Deer Park on Feb. 14, with the color purple used to symbolize love, acceptance, anti-bullying and suicide prevention. Students and staff at the high school, Robert Frost and JFK were encouraged to wear purple to show their support, purple ribbon was wrapped around trees by the school and notes with positive messages were posted on student lockers. Founded by West Islip teenager Brooke DiPalma, the event is held annually on the second Friday of February. DiPalma visited Frost this year to meet with the middle school’s student council and talk about why she started P.S. I Love You Day 10 years ago to honor her father, whose tragic suicide inspired the movement. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=111507 Wed, 26 Feb 2020 01:00:00 GMT false111507 High School Earns Medals at First Science Olympiad Appearance Deer Park High School successfully participated in the Eastern Long Island Regional Science Olympiad for the first time, with seniors David Farahmandpour and Matt Rosati earning medals in the Experimental Design category. The event was held on Feb. 1 at Hauppauge High School. Science Olympiad is a team competition in which more than 7,800 middle school and high school teams from 50 states compete annually in 23 events pertaining to various scientific disciplines, including earth science, biology, chemistry, physics and engineering. Guided by club adviser Kevin Richards, Deer Park’s students had been preparing for it since last fall, and competed in the Astronomy, Boomilever, Chemistry Lab, Code Busters, Disease Detectives, Experimental Design, Forensics, Green Generation and Ping Pong Parachute events. “Our staff and students are already planning for next year’s competition,” said Alison Branca, the district’s curriculum associate for science and technology. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=111508 Tue, 25 Feb 2020 16:00:00 GMT false111508 Frost’s Falconettes Finish Successful Season at Championships The Falconettes kickline team from Frost recently finished a terrific season by competing in the Long Island Kickline Championships, earning third place in both the team and pom categories. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=111509 Tue, 25 Feb 2020 05:00:00 GMT false111509 “Centenarians” Center on 100 Days at Primary Schools “Centenarian” students at JQA and May Moore celebrated the 100th day of school in style on Feb. 14, playing games and participating in activities centered around the 100 days of school. “We all had the time of the century,” said JQA Principal Christopher Molinelli. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=111510 Mon, 24 Feb 2020 05:00:00 GMT false111510 High School’s Black Student Union Debuts First Extravaganza The Black Student Union at the high school presented the inaugural Black History Month Extravaganza on Feb. 27, with community members and district administrators in attendance. The event, held in the school’s auditorium, featured an exciting blend of song, dance and poetry in celebration of African American history and achievement. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=111511 Sun, 23 Feb 2020 05:00:00 GMT false111511 Superintendent Provides Valuable Valentine’s Lessons at JQA Reading Superintendent James Cummings visited second graders at JQA on Feb. 14 as a special Valentine’s Day guest reader. Tackling the book “Roses Are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink,” part of Diane deGroat’s Gilbert the Opossum series, the reading amused the students while providing valuable lessons on kindness and forgiveness. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=111512 Fri, 21 Feb 2020 05:00:00 GMT false111512 Focusing on African American Accomplishments at Frost For Black History Month, Robert Frost focused this year on the many contributions made by African Americans throughout the country’s history, including inventions, scientific innovations, entertainment, literature, politics and sports. Continuing an annual tradition, teacher Lynne Connors and a committee of volunteer students created an informative display case in the main lobby that depicts a history rich in struggle and achievement. During each day’s morning announcements, volunteer students are reading a list of “Do You Know?" facts to raise awareness of the accomplishments made by African Americans and the obstacles involved with achieving those accomplishments. Music that connects with the morning readings is played during afternoon announcements. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=111513 Thu, 20 Feb 2020 01:00:00 GMT false111513 Learning About Lincoln at JQA At JQA, teacher Ricardo Carter – dressed up as Abraham Lincoln – and his kindergarten class celebrated Presidents Day by learning about the nation’s notable past presidents. Carter and his students enjoyed learning about Lincoln’s famous qualities. The kindergartners then shared what they would do if they were president, mentioning such qualities as kindness, fairness and patience as well as being organized and keeping the peace. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=111514 Wed, 19 Feb 2020 05:00:00 GMT false111514 JQA ENL Students Discuss Penguin Ecology English language learners at JQA have been delving into nonfiction as part of a “Learning About the World” reading unit, including books about penguins. In order to deepen their learning about the birds, the ENL students and teacher Marcella Biordi used Google’s Augmented Reality to bring them to Antarctica and study penguin ecology. “The students were able to notice the environment and think about why and how the penguins might live there,” said Biordi. “At the end of the lesson, the students shared a fact that they learned and talked about why and how this fact was important. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=111515 Wed, 19 Feb 2020 05:00:00 GMT false111515 Dress for Success Introduces Young Students to Careers Deer Park’s Dress for Success, recently held on two separate days at John Quincy Adams and May Moore primary schools, introduced career exploration to the district’s youngest students while stressing the importance of working hard in order to achieve academic and career goals. The initiative was prepared by the district in compliance with the state’s Social Emotional Learning Benchmarks. A lesson plan, video and assignment were provided to the students to help connect educational achievement and a strong work ethic with career success. Kindergartners through second graders were encouraged to dress for the career that they want, and during lunch periods, students were able to pose with career props in a mini photoshoot. Districtwide counselor Angeline Ramos, who organized the Dress for Success initiative, created a puppet video for the students to view that showed the progression of two characters, Hard-Working Harry and Laid-Back Larry, throughout different stages of their life. Throughout each stage, Harry stressed the importance of studying, doing homework and working hard towards his goal of becoming a doctor. Larry did the complete opposite and pushed everything off. The video started off in elementary school and ended with Harry obtaining his career as an adult while Larry remained regretful that he didn’t work as hard. “My absolute favorite part of Dress for Success was when students told me that they wanted to be like Hard-Working Harry rather than Laid-back Larry,” said Ramos. “I was happy to see that students made the connection of working hard. I also loved seeing the creativity of everyone’s outfits. None of this could have been pulled off without the inspiration and creativity from parents and help from all staff and faculty.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=111516 Tue, 11 Feb 2020 05:00:00 GMT false111516 JFK Third-Graders Honor 104-Year-Old Vet with Valentines JFK third graders in teacher Ann Bullis’ class showed heart when they made special Valentine’s Day cards for 104-year-old veteran Bill White. While serving in the Marine Corps during World War II, White was awarded the Purple Heart. He has been creating scrapbooks of events in his life and the Valentine’s Day cards will become part of his collection. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=111517 Mon, 10 Feb 2020 05:00:00 GMT false111517 College Board Recognizes 45 Deer Park AP Scholars The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program recently recognized 45 Deer Park High School juniors and seniors as AP Scholars for 2019, an honor granted for college-level achievement in AP courses and exams. Named AP Scholars with Distinction – for receiving an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of those exams – were seniors Benjamin Amster, Zubaer Mohiuddin, Omar Rahim, Sameer Riaz, Matthew Rosati and Tasfia Shaikh. Named AP Scholars with Honor – for receiving an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP exams and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of those exams – were juniors Ushima Chowdhury, Jasleen Kaur and Huda Nawaz; and seniors Megan Curry, Matthew Farquharson, Alexander Glancy, Aidan Maggio, Vincent Oddo, Christian Ortiz, Alisha Suhail and Gavin Thomas. Named AP Scholars – for receiving scores of 3 or higher on 3 or more AP exams – were juniors Sameem Ahmadzai, Isabella Coon, Gianna Giffone, Matthew Heinen, James Hope, Kaitlyn Incandela, Jarif Kabir, Kamran Khan, Taylor Korsiak, Victoria Mung, Salar Saeed, Steven Shames and Brandon Yasin; and seniors Nisa Bayrak, Diana Damian, David Farahmandpour, Sabrina Felipe, Michael Greene, Maxwell Hofstetter, Joshua Rivera, Alyssa Robb, Emanuel Saladino, Kristin Schuster, Jack Serra, Trevor Sheehan, Anthony Vassallo, Jennifer Wern and Purnava Zakaria. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=111518 Wed, 05 Feb 2020 01:00:00 GMT false111518 Parents Visit May Moore’s Debut STEAM Lab Expo May Moore debuted its first STEAM Lab Expo on Jan. 28 and 29, giving visiting parents the opportunity to work with their children in various stations around the STEAM lab. The students also gave their parents a tour of the lab, which opened in January 2019, to demonstrate what they have been learning and working on during class time. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=111519 Tue, 04 Feb 2020 05:00:00 GMT false111519 Frost Seventh Graders Develop Board Games and Future Skills Seventh graders in Cindy Adriaenssens’ family and consumer science classes at Robert Frost recently created educational board games as a team-building activity. The students developed math games, social studies games, language games and mystery games, using decision-making, critical thinking and math skills as well as knowledge of strategies and problem solving. “The lesson was extremely educational and entertaining, and taught my students the top three transferable skills that employers want from their employees: communication, teamwork and thinking outside the box,” Adriaenssens said. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=111520 Tue, 04 Feb 2020 05:00:00 GMT false111520 A Creative Day in Clay at JFK Fifth graders at JFK enjoyed a Day in Clay in Briana Nussbaum’s art classroom throughout the week of Jan. 27. The activity was part of a Week in Clay introducing the students to ceramics concepts, using rollers and marking tools to create clay bowls and plates. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=111521 Sat, 01 Feb 2020 04:00:00 GMT false111521 Deer Park DECA Wins 29 Trophies at Regionals The high school sent 67 business-minded students to compete in the DECA Suffolk County Regional Competition on Jan. 8, facing off against over 1,200 students from 28 other schools. Guided by DECA adviser Gregory Menig, 29 of Deer Park’s students won trophies at the event, while another five earned honorable mention. Earning first place trophies were Jasleen Kaur in the Accounting Applications category, James Hope in Food Marketing, Saima Hoque in Business Finance, Omar Rahim in Human Resources Management and Esteysy Yanes-Amaya in Personal Financial Literacy. Winning second place were Enika Merekar in Principles of Business Management and Gavin Thomas in Restaurant and Food Service Management; while third place trophies went to Sameem Ahmadzai in Accounting Applications, Huda Nawaz in Principles of Finance, and the team of Isabella Coon and Logan Eisenberg in Financial Services Team. Also coming home with trophies were Michael Buffa in Food Marketing, Haley Celona in Hotel and Lodging Management, Ushima Chowdhury in Marketing Communications, Martin Chica in Automotive Services Marketing, Matt Farquharson in Quick Serve Restaurant Management, Michael Greene in Automotive Services Marketing, Max Hofstetter in Food Marketing, Hailey Lipiec in Principles of Marketing, Amanda Poggioli in Principles of Business Management, Alyssa Robb in Restaurant and Food Service Management, Nimra Salim in Personal Financial Literacy, Anesa Shahid in Quick Serve Restaurant Management, Khabiba Shahid in Personal Financial Literacy, Tasfia Shaikh in Retail Merchandising, Chaim Shames in Professional Selling (Marketing), Keryn Shames in Hospitality and Tourism Selling, Jessica Siford in Hotel and Lodging Management and Nicholas Stamatakis in Principles of Finance. These trophy winners will compete on Feb. 25-28 at the state competition in Rochester, in an effort to qualify for the national competition to be held at the end of April in Nashville, Tennessee. Deer Park students who earned honorable mention recognition at the DECA Regional Competition were Madison Cadena in the Principles of Hospitality and Tourism category, Regan Mays in Apparel and Accessories Marketing, Ryder Min in Principles of Marketing, Michael Zanello in Retail Merchandising and Dilan Zhindon in Principles of Business Management. “Congratulations to all of the students on a job well done,” Menig said. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=111522 Fri, 31 Jan 2020 16:00:00 GMT false111522 Important 2019-2020 School Calendar Change https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=111523 Fri, 31 Jan 2020 05:00:00 GMT false111523 JQA Math Scholars Raise $5K for St. Jude Children’s Hospital For the eighth consecutive year, JQA has participated in the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Math-A-Thon for nine years in a row, raising more than $55,00 for the charity during that time by solving problems in Math-A-Thon Funbooks. Sponsors made donations based on how many math problems or pages the students completed. This year’s total was $5,000. “The Math-A-Thon problems help the students become better at math, and we are proud and happy to help children and their families at St. Jude,” said math lab specialist Marianna Grieco, who coordinates the event each year. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=111524 Thu, 30 Jan 2020 05:00:00 GMT false111524 May Moore Ushers in Year of the Rat with Drums and Dragons Ushering in the Year of the Rat, first graders at May Moore enjoyed the annual Chinese New Year parade on Jan. 24, marching through the building with drums clanking as paper dragons thrilled the younger students lining the hallways. “The parade is always a blast,” said Principal Philip Paniccia. “The kids have a great time and enjoy a wonderful opportunity to celebrate culture.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=111525 Wed, 29 Jan 2020 09:00:00 GMT false111525 VIDEO: Making a Maze at May Moore’s STEAM Lab https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=111526 Wed, 22 Jan 2020 22:00:00 GMT false111526 JFK Fourth Graders Display Their “Dreams” for MLK Day In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, fourth graders in Keri Schumacher’s class at JFK made mobiles of their "dreams" after learning about Dr. King and his influence on history. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=111527 Wed, 22 Jan 2020 05:00:00 GMT false111527 May Moore Students Learn “Common Sense” Ways to Be Good Digital Citizens In an exciting new initiative for this school year, May Moore students in every grade are working with teacher Pamela Arcuri on digital literacy during library periods, using the Common Sense Education program. Recognizing digital literacy as a primary skill for learning and life success, the program empowers students to use technology to learn, create and participate while being reflective, responsible and ethical. “Up until now, we haven’t really had a curriculum in place to teach kids how to be a digital citizen,” said Arcuri. “We’ve talked about being a citizen in the real world with rights and responsibilities. So now we are extending that into the online world.” For kindergartners and first graders, the digital literacy focus is on balancing time spent online and sticking solely to safe digital spaces. The second-grade curriculum digs into greater detail on what kind of information is private and the concept of leaving a digital footprint. Launching over a decade ago as a collaboration with the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Project Zero researchers, Common Sense Education developed the first comprehensive digital citizenship curriculum and has continued to design updated programs to address the fact that today’s students lead connected, networked lives and engage with media from early childhood. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=111528 Wed, 22 Jan 2020 01:00:00 GMT false111528 May Moore Second Graders Take Virtual Trip to Antarctica for Penguin Study Second graders in Susan Steinman’s class at May Moore recently researching Adelie penguins. The students then Skyped with scientists studying penguins at McMurdo Station in Antarctica and observed the birds live in their natural habitat. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=111529 Wed, 15 Jan 2020 05:00:00 GMT false111529 Carrying “Coconuts” Teaches Engineering Principles at JFK Fourth graders in Debra Wasp and Marie Tortorici’s class at JFK recently learned engineering principles, designing carrying devices to hold 20 marble “coconuts” using a small number of materials. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=111530 Wed, 15 Jan 2020 05:00:00 GMT false111530 Frost Teacher’s WWI "Silent Hero" Research Published John Heeg, a social studies teacher at Robert Frost, researched the life and service of Sgt. Neil Evans Wheeler of Oswego, who died in combat in World War I, as part of National History Day’s Memorializing the Fallen program, sponsored by the World War I Centennial Commission and the Pritzker Military Foundation. Heeg, currently deployed in Kuwait, was one of only 17 teacher applicants nationwide who was accepted into the Memorializing the Fallen program, in which he was tasked with selecting and researching a “Silent Hero,” a WWI service member who never returned home. Last June, he spent 12 days in Europe, conducting research and visiting cemeteries, battle sites and monuments. “Since I was a hospital corpsman for the Marines, I selected Sgt. Wheeler, who was killed at the Battle of Belleau Wood,” Heeg said. “What caught my attention about this Marine is that he was killed on June 17, 1918. June 17 happens to be my birthday and my son’s. Sgt. Wheeler and I also enlisted in the military at the same age, 26.” Heeg’s eulogy and profile of Sgt. Wheeler was published at NHDSilentHeroes.org. A lesson plan inspired by the Silent Hero research was featured on the WWI page of National History Day’s website and in the upcoming publication “Great War, Flawed Peace, and the Lasting Legacy of World War I.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=111531 Thu, 09 Jan 2020 05:00:00 GMT false111531 Jiang and Omprakash Named Top Math Scholars High school freshman Jimmy Jiang and Robert Frost eighth grader Adithan Omprakash were among only 84 students named Long Island Young Scholars of Mathematics by the Institute of Creative Problem Solving for Gifted and Talented Students at SUNY Old Westbury. Their selection recognizes that they are in the top one-tenth of one percent of Long Island math students in their grade level. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=111532 Wed, 08 Jan 2020 22:00:00 GMT false111532 Sensational “Seussical” Makes Musical Magic for Frost’s Cabaret Club In December, Robert Frost’s Cabaret actors put on a sensational production of “Seussical,” a musical by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty based on the beloved stories of Dr. Seuss. Directed by Lauren Stein and Lori Sullivan, with colorful set design and costumes by Joyce Carmen, it was the students’ third show as the Robert Frost Cabaret and their first as an official club. The dedicated cast included Abigail Siegel as the Cat in the Hat; Xavier Edmond as Horton; Eve Valentine as JoJo; Stephanie Sheeler as Gertrude McFuzz; Cassidy Boltz as Mayzie La Bird; Julia Silva as Sour Kangaroo; Hayden Snyder as Young Kangaroo; Frankie Alfieri as Mr. Mayor; Kayleigh Pelicano as Mrs. Mayor; Bryana Aguilar, Dilon Jefferies, Jeremy Theroux and Sara Zirpola as the Wickersham Brothers; Caiden Boltz, Maddalena Galina, Arielle Salgado and Sophia Sheeler as the Bird Girls; Jeremy Theroux as Judge Yertle the Turtle; Elizabeth Howe as the Grinch; Lili Maxwell as Vlad Vladikoff; Alexis Borowski, Tamia Floyd, Aubrey Goetz, Veronica Moser, Ashleigh Rauch, Brooke Rivela and Katelyn Sanchez as the Who’s; and Baileigh Braithwaite, Aliyah Daniels Hannah Ferguson, Liliana Maxwell, Nathaly Rivera, Jaidyn Schabe and Jeremy Theroux as the Jungle Citizens. "At the start of every show, we are just a bunch of actors, and by the end, we are one big family that can make each other laugh and create a comfortable place to be ourselves,” said eighth grader Silva. “I had a really good time participating in our musical, which taught me that being different is awesome and that dreams come true if you put your mind to them. I made so many new friends and memories with our cast this year.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=111533 Wed, 08 Jan 2020 05:00:00 GMT false111533 Music Mastery Demonstrated at High School’s Winter Concerts Demonstrating their impressive skill and growing mastery of music technique, the high school’s student-musicians performed everything from classical pieces to holiday favorites during the school’s two annual winter concerts, held in the auditorium on Dec. 18 and 19. “It is amazing how far the students have come since the beginning of the year,” said Kathryn Attard, the orchestra director. “Their music was a challenge, but they definitely rose to the occasion. They had an amazing concert and I am very proud of all of them.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108386 Fri, 03 Jan 2020 05:00:00 GMT false108386 Frost’s Chamber Choir Brings Seasonal Spirit to Local Nursing Homes In the spirit of the season, the chamber choir from Robert Frost visited two nursing homes – Our Lady of Consolation Nursing & Rehabilitative Care Center in West Islip and Sunrise of Dix Hills – on Dec. 19 to perform holiday songs for the residents and guests of the facilities. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108379 Thu, 02 Jan 2020 05:00:00 GMT false108379 Clubs’ Collection for Vets Displays Deer Park’s Heartwarming Generosity During December, the high school’s Patriot and SADD clubs worked to collect toiletries and winter hats and gloves for homeless veterans, reaching out to both fellow students as well as the community. Before the holiday break, club members filled 23 gift bags, one for each resident of the Veterans Place in Yaphank, with enough items left over to save for future residents. “The response from the community was heartwarming and overwhelmingly generous,” said teacher Laurie Osbern, the Patriot Club’s adviser. “We can always count on Deer Park to come through whenever there is a need for support.” The Patriot Club had previously run a districtwide fundraiser in November for the GI Go Fund, an organization that assists veterans, active-duty personnel, family members and other members of the military community with employment, benefits and housing. Students and staff from each district school building wore patriotic clothing to show their support, while school, district office and transportation department employees raised $1,600 in donations. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108385 Wed, 01 Jan 2020 05:00:00 GMT false108385 A Special Musical Touring Tradition Continues Continuing a special tradition, the high school’s ensembles toured the district on Dec. 20, sharing holiday joy through music. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108384 Mon, 23 Dec 2019 05:00:00 GMT false108384 HS and Frost Musicians Perform at NYC’s Tuba Christmas Concert Led by band directors Jerry Cannarozzo and Maxx Vogelsberg, musicians from the high school and Robert Frost joined over 400 other tuba and euphonium players from across the nation in a Dec. 15 performance of traditional Christmas carols and other holiday favorites at the 46th annual Tuba Christmas concert at Manhattan’s Rockefeller Center. Participating students included high schoolers Anthony Aguilar, Louis Bianco, Paul Buehler, Logan Eisenberg, Brady Parks, Ilianna Pena, Manny Saladino, Joseph Soto and Matthew Soto, and middle schooler Summer Eisenberg. Chris Wilhjelm served as the conductor of this year’s event, which was created by tuba master Harvey Phillips to honor his late instructor William J. Bell. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108237 Fri, 20 Dec 2019 01:00:00 GMT false108237 Joyful Gingerbread Creations at JQA In a joyful annual tradition, kindergarten classes at JQA were visited by the students’ family members for a fun session of creating and decorating gingerbread houses. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108238 Wed, 18 Dec 2019 05:00:00 GMT false108238 A Seasonal Spanish Serenade at DPHS Honors Spanish students at the high school brought holiday cheer to the building on Dec. 18, visiting freshman classrooms to sing seasonal favorites like “Feliz Navidad.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108236 Wed, 18 Dec 2019 05:00:00 GMT false108236 HS Inducts 79 Students Into National Honor Society It was a moving moment on the rainy night of Dec. 9 as 79 meritorious high school students were inducted into the school’s National Honor Society in front of a proud audience of family and friends. Zubaer Mohiuddin, the Class of 2020 salutatorian, led the auditorium in the pledge of allegiance, followed by speeches by NHS adviser Seth Margolin, Principal Charles Cobb and ELA Curriculum Associate Justin Uliano. “I’ve known this group of kids since they were seventh graders at Robert Frost Middle School, and I am very proud of the young adults they have become,” said Margolin. “Thank you to their parents for all of their support and guidance over the years.” “I am proud of each one of you for being here today,” Cobb told the inductees. “Thank you for embracing and embodying the four pillars of NHS’s foundation. Your unwavering character, commitment to scholarship, dedication to service and development of leadership are all inspiring and critically important for who you are and who we are. In countless ways, you have impacted our climate and culture here at Deer Park High School. You are passionate, thoughtful, motivated and making it matter wherever you go. From the example you set by virtue of your character to the contributions you make to the learning environment due to your scholarship, to the lives you touch as part of your service, to the followers you guide due to your leadership, you are role models, change agents in the essence of what it means to be part of the Deer Park community. Congratulations and best of luck to you all in your future accomplishments.” Five current NHS members – President Regan Mays, Vice President Sabrina Felipe Secretary Alexa Skoubas, Treasurer Alisha Suhail and Tutoring Chair Matthew Rosati – spoke on the organization’s history and commitment to the pillars. Felipe and Skoubas presented the new inductees, whose pledge was administered by Mays. After the traditional candle lighting ceremony, old and new members alike retired to the school’s cafeteria to enjoy refreshments provided by the Parent Faculty Student Club. Music for the ceremony was provided by the school’s chamber orchestra, directed by Kathy Attard. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108235 Wed, 18 Dec 2019 05:00:00 GMT false108235 May Moore Kindergartners Get "Happy" at the Argyle May Moore kindergartners recently took a field trip to Babylon to see the Argyle Theatre’s production of Harry Connick Jr.’s “The Happy Elf,” enjoying the colorful song and dance numbers as they prepared for the holidays. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108233 Fri, 13 Dec 2019 05:00:00 GMT false108233 Dali in Deer Park as Third Graders Learn to Paint Gradients Third graders in Briana Nussbaum’s art class at JFK recently learned how to paint gradients using liquid watercolor, in a project inspired by Salvador Dali’s famous 1948 painting “The Elephants.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108234 Fri, 13 Dec 2019 05:00:00 GMT false108234 Cornelia and Galaor Earn Suffolk Zone Awards High school seniors Jillian Cornelia and Jordan Galaor were winners of this year’s Suffolk Zone Awards. The two were recognized at the annual Suffolk Zone Awards dinner, held at Villa Lombardi’s in Holbrook on Dec. 3, with Deer Park Athletic Director Dominick Fontana and physical education teachers Brian Tower and Mike Gennaro in attendance. Each year, the Suffolk Zone Chapter of the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance awards one male and one female student in each Suffolk high school, selected for excellent achievement in physical education, outstanding character and leadership in schoolwide activities. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107783 Wed, 11 Dec 2019 05:00:00 GMT false107783 Marching Falcons Perform at Fire Department Parade The Marching Falcons participated in the Deer Park Fire Department’s annual holiday parade on Dec. 7. The high school’s 125-piece marching band performed seasonal music as they marched from the school to the firehouse along with several community organizations and other local area fire departments. The parade concluded with the lighting of the fire department’s Christmas tree, hot chocolate and a visit from Santa. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108364 Mon, 09 Dec 2019 22:00:00 GMT false108364 High School Clubs Donate Time to Food Bank Members of the high school’s Red Cross Club and Community Service Club recently visited Island Harvest, a food bank in Hauppauge, to package food prior to the holiday season. These charity-minded students sorted and packaged over a thousand pounds of food for delivery to needy families across Long Island. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108365 Mon, 09 Dec 2019 05:00:00 GMT false108365 Deer Park Inducts 32 Into Math and Science Honor Societies Following last winter’s inaugural ceremony, the high school inducted 32 juniors and seniors to the National Math and Science Honor Societies on Nov. 25 in front of their proud families. Acceptance into either honor society requires an overall grade point average of 85 or higher, and a content-specific GPA in either math or science of 90 or higher. The school’s women’s choir performed the national anthem and pledge of allegiance at the event, held in the school’s auditorium. Speakers included Curriculum Associate for Science and Technology Alison Branca, Curriculum Associate for Mathematics and Business Christine Gill, Principal Charles Cobb, and advisers Sara DiCandia and Dylan Duprez; and Honor Society Presidents Angela D’Antonio and Sabrina Felipe. Welcomed to both the National Math Honor Society and National Science Honor Society were Sameem Ahmadzi, Jamie Antelo Rivero, Dita Chabra, Ushima Chowdhury, Isabella Coon, Samantha DeSantis, Logan Eisenberg, Kevin Garcia, Gianna Giffone, Ishika Joshi, Jasleen Kaur, Kamran Khan, Taylor Korsiak, Riess Lessey-George, Victoria Mung, Alia Naqvi, Huda Nawaz, Tamilore Oshikanlu, Robery Punger, Kimberly Robles, Salar Saeed, Diana Sanchez, Anesa Shahid, Alexa Skoubas, Amanda Vasile-Cozzo, Brandon Yasin and Jonathan Yasin. Also inducted into the National Math Honor Society was Jarif Kabir. Also inducted into the National Science Honor Society were Grace Canonica, Aramys Gutierrez, Kailer Morival and Bushra Mussarat. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108363 Thu, 05 Dec 2019 16:00:00 GMT false108363 Department of Health Services - Pertussis Advisory - 12/4/19 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108362 Thu, 05 Dec 2019 05:00:00 GMT false108362 Dark Falcons Finish a Season of Teamwork with May Moore Demo Now in its 11th year of existence, the high school’s Dark Falcons pumpkin chucking team finished its latest season with a demonstration for younger students at the district’s May Moore Primary School. The Dark Falcons have competed annually in different events from Pennsylvania to New Hampshire, testing the limits to see how far their machine can hurl a pumpkin using the catapult the students constructed. “This group of students worked hard all summer and on Saturdays to re-engineer this machine to what it is today,” said technology teacher Bruce Sander, the team’s coach. “We decided to repower this machine using 600 feet of latex tubing and the results have been amazing, doubling our throwing distance from last year and now reaching over 1,800 feet. The engineering design and the hands-on construction while working as a team is what the Dark Falcons are all about. The involvement of the parents, with their dedication and time spent traveling to events, is also a big factor in this team’s success. We look forward to competing again next year.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108361 Wed, 04 Dec 2019 05:00:00 GMT false108361 High School Students Show Appreciation for Vets Alongside parents and staff, students from the high school’s Patriot Club and Class of 2021 participated in a Thanksgiving dinner for veterans run by Sound of Heaven Church. Organizer Rachel Conliffe, a veteran herself, invited the students to help set up, decorate and share a meal with men and women who have served the nation. “Our students were glad to have the opportunity to sit down and talk with the veterans, and show appreciation for their service,” said teacher Laurie Osbern. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108360 Tue, 03 Dec 2019 13:00:00 GMT false108360 Three Senior Falcons Sign to Play in College Three high school seniors – Malik Edmead, Samantha Giroux and Alexa Skoubas – signed national letters to continue their athletic careers in college next fall. The three students were recognized in a Nov. 20 ceremony in the high school library, attended by proud friends and family members, Athletic Director Dominick Fontana, and Principal Charles Cobb. Edmead, a point guard for the Falcons, will play basketball for Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts. His major is undecided. During his Deer Park tenure, Edmead received All-County and All-Long Island honors, and was named his team’s MVP. “Merrimack was the best fit for me,” Edmead said. Giroux signed to play lacrosse for Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, Virginia, where she plans to major in physical therapy. A three-year team captain, she earned All-League and All-Division recognition in her freshman and sophomore years and was named Suffolk County Rookie of the Year while still in eighth grade. “Virginia Tech has great academics, a beautiful campus, a great lacrosse program with a great coaching staff, and big school spirit,” Giroux said of her choice. “It felt like a home away from home.” Skoubas will attend Iona College in New Rochelle, where she will study pre-med. Her high school lacrosse honors include All-Division, All-County Honorable Mention, Sportsmanship Award and team MVP. “When I was at Iona, the coaches and girls made me feel right at home,” Skoubas said. “Also, being only an hour away from home will allow my family to come and support me at all of my games.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108359 Wed, 27 Nov 2019 05:00:00 GMT false108359 May Moore Gives Thanks With Festive Feast Students in Tammy Cotrone’s class at May Moore hosted a festive Thanksgiving feast for their parents on Nov. 21, replete with songs, poetry recitations and delicious food. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108357 Tue, 26 Nov 2019 05:00:00 GMT false108357 Frost’s Junior Honor Society Demonstrates Seasonal Spirit of Service Demonstrating a generous spirit of community service, the National Junior Honor Society at Robert Frost held its annual Thanksgiving food drive this month. Guided by adviser Seth Margolin, the students collected food for those in need. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108358 Tue, 26 Nov 2019 05:00:00 GMT false108358 HS Honors 17 Outstanding Student Champs At the high school’s annual fall Breakfast for Champions, outstanding students were recognized in 17 different categories corresponding to school departments as well as principal’s and teacher’s awards. Proud parents and district administrators were in attendance at the Nov. 14 ceremony, held in the school library. The fall 2019 Breakfast for Champions honorees were Louis Bianco (health), Megan Bush (performing arts), Madison Cadena (physical education), Karen Cochran (social studies), Jack Delargy, (guidance), Jenna Fisk (art), Andrew Jacobsen (technology), Julianna LaSorsa, (athletics), Domenique Long-Shaw (family and consumer science), Taneika Malcolm (Teacher’s Award), Thania Marcajoux (math), Michael Quinones (business), Keidy Reyes Yanes (English as a new language), Matthew Rosati (world languages), Keryn Shames (science), Ariana Smith (Principal’s Award) and Ivenson Toussaint (English language arts). The event was accompanied by music from a Deer Park string ensemble including Fisk as well as Kayla Bennett, Natalie D’Alimonte, Morgan Laissle and Jonathan Petrizzo. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108355 Tue, 19 Nov 2019 22:00:00 GMT false108355 Cross-Country Runner Marquez Finishes Second in County High school sophomore cross-country runner Gianna Marquez finished second in the Suffolk County championships at the Section XI State Qualifier Meet, held Nov. 8 at Sunken Meadow State Park, earning Deer Park its first-ever berth in the state championship race. Coming into the county race ranked 11th overall and seventh in Class A, Marquez shocked the field of county competitors when she finished with a time of 19:46.64 on the dreaded “Cardiac Course” at Sunken Meadow. She ran a personal best by over 25 seconds, taking down perennial powerhouses. “I knew going into the race that Gianna had been at her best and was strong and mentally ready,” said Coach James Petti. “She’d been running somewhat conservative the entire season to avoid burnout. We unleashed her last week at the division race, where she placed in the top three. She felt she could have gone faster, so our plan for this race was to have her just go out with the front of the pack and don’t let them get too far ahead. It turned out that she led that pack and proved to be the stronger runner. This is exciting for Deer Park and our cross-country program.” Deer Park’s girls cross-country squad ran a school record average of 21:21 and placed eighth overall in the county, the team’s highest ever finish. Kylie Kuhn ran 21:04, Arianna Araujo ran 21:39, eighth grader Kaliyah Hull ran 21:51 and freshman Natalia Lee ran 22:29. At the New York State Public High School Athletic Association’s 2019 cross-country championships, held on Nov. 16 at Plattsburgh State University, Marquez finished 67th out of 107. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108356 Tue, 19 Nov 2019 22:00:00 GMT false108356 High School Trio Named All-County Musicians High school students Ciara Boltz, Alia Naqvi and Daisa Salgado were recently named All-County musicians by the New York State Council of Administrators of Music Education. At the 63rd annual NYSCAME All-County concert, held Nov. 15 at Huntington High School, Naqvi performed with the All-County Band, Boltz performed with the All-County Mixed Chorus and Salgado performed with the All-County Treble Chorus. “We are extremely proud of our students who represented Deer Park at this year’s NYSCAME festival,” said Bradley Murphy, the district’s administrator for fine and performing arts. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108354 Mon, 18 Nov 2019 22:00:00 GMT false108354 Fantastic Fall Athletes Honored at High School The exceptional efforts of the high school’s varsity athletes were honored on fall sports awards night, held in the high school’s auditorium on Nov. 7 and hosted by Athletic Director Dominick Fontana. Members of the boys cross-country, girls cross-country, football, boys golf, boys soccer, girls soccer, girls swimming and diving, girls tennis, and volleyball teams were recognized on stage and presented with certificates and plaques, including Most Valuable Player awards, Coaches Awards, Spirit Awards and Scholar-Athlete awards. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108353 Mon, 18 Nov 2019 05:00:00 GMT false108353 Freshmen Find Careers More than 300 freshmen recently participated in the high school’s annual Career Day event, designed to introduce them to possible jobs and set them on a career path. “The idea is that perhaps if a student saw an accountant whose career the student found interesting, then perhaps that student would take elective courses throughout high school in that area such as our accounting class, investments class and personal finance class,” said business department teacher Jill Perry-Eising, who coordinates the event. “Hopefully by the time that student was a senior, they would know what they want to major in since they’ve been on a career path throughout high school.” The morning began with a keynote presentation by a panel of speakers, including five executives from Broadridge Financial Solutions in Deer Park – Vice Presidents Christine Allers and Stacy DeNoyior, Quality Assurance Director Michelle Minelli, project manager Christine Dougherty and business analyst Holly Eringis – and Richard Loeb, an apprenticeship administrator from Local One Elevator Constructors Union. The panel presented a job interview workshop and called up several student volunteers from the audience to participate in a mock interview. Using wifi access, the entire freshman class signed into the Mentimeter website, answering poll questions about the interview process and which volunteer candidate they would hire. As the audience voted, their responses were shown in real time on the screen on the stage. “I was told by many that because the presentation was so interactive, this was our best keynote yet,” Perry-Eising said. “The students loved being able to participate via their phones and have their responses broadcasted in real time.” The freshmen then rotated through mini career presentations by 55 volunteer guests, with each student meeting approximately 10 different professionals including lawyers, financial and banking experts, marketing experts, police officers, firefighters, physician’s assistants, physical therapists, nurses, dental hygienists, deejays, geologists, forensic scientists, psychologists and speech pathologists. Career Day came to a close with a presentation by Jay Murphy, the district’s new administrator for instructional technology, regarding the effects that social media can have on someone’s employment. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108350 Mon, 11 Nov 2019 22:00:00 GMT false108350 Spelling with Shaving Cream at JQA Students in Laura Oddo and Vanessa Pizzo’s class at JQA recently had some creative fun by using shaving cream to write out words. Separated into four teams, the students learned about CVC words – consonant, vowel, consonant – and each team was given different words to spell out using their fingers. “These hands on activities are incredibly memorable for our diverse group of learners,” Pizzo said. “There was a lot of laughter and chatter as the students spelled out their words on the shaving cream boards.” “It’s important that our students have fun while learning,” Oddo said. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108351 Mon, 11 Nov 2019 05:00:00 GMT false108351 May Moore Kindergartners Continue Special Vets Day Tradition Continuing an annual patriotic tradition for Veterans Day, teacher Tammy Cotrone and her kindergarten class at May Moore created a special tribute to local veterans and delivered it to them at Town Hall. Students’ military family photos are also displayed outside their classroom. “I come from a strong military family, so this holiday is close to my heart,” Cotrone said. “The veterans look forward to my visit each year, and the children learn what a veteran is and how to honor and thank them for their sacrifice.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108352 Mon, 11 Nov 2019 05:00:00 GMT false108352 Girls Cross-Country Team Wins Babylon Bowl The high school’s girls cross-country team won its first Babylon Bowl since 2006 on Senior Day. The Falcons took down powerhouse West Babylon by a slim margin and are now currently ranked 24th in New York State, their highest ranking ever. Deer Park was led by Gianna Marquez, who finished third with a personal best 19:07 on the 5K course. Natalia Lee bested her previous time with19:47, finishing fifth overall. The scoring was rounded out by Kylie Kuhn at 20:23, Arianna Araujo at 20:47 and Robert Frost Middle School eighth grader Kaliyah Hull at 20:47.5. For Senior Day, the team said goodbye to Araujo and captain Amanda Poggioli. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108349 Mon, 04 Nov 2019 05:00:00 GMT false108349 Halloween Fun at JFK! Students, teachers, administrators and Board of Education trustees joined in on the costumed fun at the JFK Halloween parade on Oct. 31. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108348 Thu, 31 Oct 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108348 A Pumpkin for Every Student At JQA, the pumpkin patch was ready to harvest on Oct. 24, and all of the students were glad to help. “It was a wonderful way to celebrate fall,” said Principal Chris Molinelli. “My thanks to our PFC for organizing this great tradition of donating a pumpkin for every student.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108347 Wed, 30 Oct 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108347 Boys Cross-Country Team Flies High at Babylon 5K The high school’s boys cross-country team recently won the Town of Babylon 5K championship race at Belmont State Park. It was the first time the Falcons had won this trophy since 2005. Leading Deer Park’s standout performances was senior and team captain Anthony Vassallo, who was overall runner up in the event, taking second place with an impressive time of 17:03. Aidan Neilson finished in fourth place overall, Dan Catano in sixth, Daniel Thomas in eighth and Manny Valenzuela in 10th. In total, eight Deer Park runners medaled. “It was an impressive race overall and served as a big boost heading into the division and county championship meets,” said coach Thomas Brouillard. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107827 Thu, 24 Oct 2019 18:00:00 GMT false107827 Quality Pumpkin Time at May Moore Students in prekindergarten classes at May Moore spent quality time with their “special someones” in the cafeteria on Oct. 23 while decorating fall-themed crafts at the school’s annual pumpkin workshop. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107828 Thu, 24 Oct 2019 04:00:00 GMT false107828 HS Honors Top 10 of Class of 2020 The high school’s top 10 ranked seniors of the Class of 2020 were announced on Oct. 18 at the school’s traditional breakfast ceremony held in the library, with proud parents, families and administrators on hand. Sameer Riaz, the upcoming valedictorian, was ranked first, with future salutatorian Zubaer Mohiuddin ranking second. Rounding out the top 10 were Tasfia Shaikh (ranked third), Matthew Rosati (fourth), Alisha Suhail (fifth), Alexander Glancy (sixth), Sabrina Felipe (seventh), Angela D’Antonio (eighth), Gavin Thomas (ninth) and Jessica Siford (10th). “Use this as a motivating factor as you go forward,” Principal Charles Cobb told the students after praising their dedication and perseverance. “Continue to push the envelope in whatever you do – academically, socially and professionally – throughout the remainder of your Deer Park High School career and for whatever you are going to do next year and the years beyond that as well, whether it’s college, a career, the military. Whatever you choose to do, put in that extra effort as you’ve done here, and you’ll continue to reap the rewards and benefits for it.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107826 Fri, 18 Oct 2019 04:00:00 GMT false107826 Finding Family "Treasure" at JQA Kindergartners in Annette Armenti and Susan Ricciardelli’s class at JQA recently created “family treasure” pages to showcase their families and how special they are. Each page featured a family photograph inside a treasure chest, alongside information about the family’s heritage and favorite foods and celebrations. The students’ pages were then featured on a bulletin board outside the classroom. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107825 Wed, 16 Oct 2019 04:00:00 GMT false107825 Boys Golfers Are League Champs The high school’s boys varsity golf team, coached by Alexandros Mesimeris, went 10-0 for the season, earning them the title of League IV champions. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107824 Thu, 10 Oct 2019 04:00:00 GMT false107824 PFSC Enjoys Coffee with Cobb Merging caffeine and communication, representatives from the high school’s Parent Faculty Student Club met for a productive discussion with Principal Charles Cobb on the morning of Oct. 2. Dubbed Coffee with the Principal, it served as an innovative twist on the standard PFSC meetings. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107822 Tue, 08 Oct 2019 21:00:00 GMT false107822 A New Vision for Deer Park Schools Inaugurating a positive new era for the Deer Park School District, Superintendent James Cummings debuted an updated mission statement for Deer Park during his address on Superintendent’s Conference Day. Cummings redesigned the statement alongside other administrators in a carefully considered process of thinking about the district’s purpose, writing down goals for this new vision and stating core beliefs that the district is committed to such as inclusivity, diversity and responsibility. “From here on out, other than state mandates, the decisions that we make as a district will have this mission statement in mind,” Cummings said. “How do we make the school a better environment for students? How do we help them become more successful in the future and teach them to be more collaborative and get along? Our students come from 43 different countries from five of the seven continents, and Deer Park has a unique opportunity to prepare students at an early age for a global world and how to interact with people from different cultures, backgrounds and beliefs.” To view the mission statement, visit the "Central Administration - Mission and Vision" page under the District tab on the district website. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108311 Tue, 08 Oct 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108311 Falcons Fan Zone - The Week's Top Athletics News Item Click here to read more. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108005 Tue, 08 Oct 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108005 Fall Newsletter Now Available https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107823 Tue, 08 Oct 2019 04:00:00 GMT false107823 High Schoolers Explore College and Career Ideas With Full Sail Representatives from Full Sail University visited the high school on Sept. 17, working with selected art, business and technology classes. Students participated in interactive presentations that provided information about possible careers as well as specific programs at the university, which offers campus and online degree programs that are designed for the worlds of entertainment, media, arts, and technology. Throughout the day, students designed games, invented products for a target audience, analyzed research to select a city for a new sports franchise and worked with stop motion animation to create a short movie. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108312 Wed, 02 Oct 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108312 Deer Park Debuts Day for Freshmen Studying Spanish The high school’s world languages department debuted a new event on Sept. 27, offering freshman students studying Spanish a chance to visit booths at the auditorium to learn more about extracurricular activities from Spanish Honor Society juniors and seniors while practicing their Spanish language skills. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108310 Mon, 30 Sep 2019 18:00:00 GMT false108310 High School’s Red Cross Club Honored as "Outstanding" Past and present Deer Park High School students were honored during the annual Red Cross Volunteer Recognition Event on Sept. 25, held at Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury. Dana Ali, Sabrina Felipe, Jasleen Kaur, Regan Mays and Yasmeen Sayedda-Hensley accepted the award for “The Outstanding High School Red Cross Club Winner of Long Island”. During the ceremony, Red Cross representative Travis Tam discussed volunteer activities such as collecting money for hurricane relief, distributing food and care packages to Long Island’s families in need, and fundraising to vaccinate children around the world. “The dedication and hard work the Deer Park Red Cross Club exhibited was truly inspirational,” Tam said. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108309 Fri, 27 Sep 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108309 JQA Earns State Recognition for Educational Excellence John Quincy Adams Primary School was recently named by the New York State Education Department as a Recognition School, which rewards educational excellence in student performance. JQA Principal Christopher Molinelli was presented with a certificate at the district’s Sept. 24 Board of Education meeting. “We are honored to have received this recognition from the state of New York,” Molinelli said. “This award is a culmination of the hard work and teamwork of our awesome staff and wonderful parents.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108308 Thu, 26 Sep 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108308 Homecoming Displays Deep Sense of Pride The Deer Park community displayed a deep sense of pride at the district’s Sept. 21 homecoming celebration, beginning with a colorful parade primed by the rousing sounds of the high school’s marching band. Serving as grand marshal was former longtime Board of Education trustee Keith Rooney. Once inside Al Centamore Football Field, Class of 2020 President Emily DeStefano led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance, the women’s choir sang, and Board of Education President Donna Elliott paid tribute to Rooney and his many years of dedicated service. “One of the things we are working on over the next couple of years is bringing a sense of pride back to Deer Park,” said Superintendent James Cummings in his address. “We have a great community and together we’ll make sure everybody knows how great Deer Park is.” Prior to the beginning of the varsity football game, a Falcons loss to Smithtown East, Deer Park’s kickline and cheerleading teams provided exciting performances to pump up the crowd. Michael Greene was named homecoming king and Julia DiMaio was named homecoming queen. Rounding out the homecoming court were Samantha Giroux, Alex Glancy, Maxwell Hofstetter, Matthew Jacob, Paulina LoGrande and Alexa Skoubas https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108307 Tue, 24 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMT false108307 Board of Education Committee Meeting Flyer https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108303 Mon, 23 Sep 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108303 Powerful Pep Rally Moves Outdoors For this year’s powerful pep rally on Sept. 20, the high school moved the exciting event from the gym, where it had been held in previous years, out to the high school’s football field. Students wearing maroon and white filled the bleachers as this year’s varsity and JV athletic teams – including the first-place varsity football Falcons – as well as the homecoming court were announced, while enjoying performances by the cheerleaders and kickline team. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108306 Fri, 20 Sep 2019 18:00:00 GMT false108306 Deer Park’s Young Students Honor Patriot Day with Flag Plantings As part of Patriot Day’s remembrance of those lost on 9/11, students at JFK, JQA and May Moore planted American flags in the front of each building. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108305 Fri, 13 Sep 2019 21:00:00 GMT false108305 Preparing for Dot Day at JFK Students in Briana Nussbaum’s art classes at JFK prepared for International Dot Day – celebrated on Sept. 15 – by designing their own dots inspired by the Peter H. Reynolds book “The Dot.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108304 Fri, 13 Sep 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108304 A New School Year Means New Educational Adventures Students returned to the district on Sept. 4 to begin the new school year and take the next step in their educational adventure. “It was so exciting to welcome our students back for the new school year,” said Robert Frost Principal Eliana Levey. “Students and staff were eager to get back to Robert Frost, and we couldn't have been happier with how the first day of school went.” “There’s really nothing quite like seeing the smiling faces, excitement and intrigue of primary school-age students,” said Philip Paniccia, the new principal of May Moore. “It’s already been so much fun getting to know these young learners.” “The first day of school is always one of wonder and excitement, and this year did not disappoint,” said JQA Principal Christopher Molinelli. “We had a wonderful day filled with awesome activities and lots of fun. JQA is off to a great start to the 2019-2020 school year.” “Our first day went incredibly smoothly thanks to all the faculty, staff, PFC, parents and students,” said Kelly Benson, JFK’s new principal. “Everyone is ready and excited to start the new year and we are looking forward to the adventures in store for us.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108302 Tue, 10 Sep 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108302 JFK’s New Third Graders Stop in for Scavenger Hunt Joined by new Principal Kelly Benson, incoming third graders at JFK enjoyed a fun scavenger hunt on Aug. 29. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108301 Tue, 03 Sep 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108301 District/Central Administration - Mission and Vision https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108300 Tue, 03 Sep 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108300 Full Calendar Now Available https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108298 Thu, 29 Aug 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108298 A Carnival and Kindness Close Out Summer School A captivating carnival and acts of kindness initiative closed out the last two days of Deer Park’s summer school program on Aug. 15 and 16. The carnival included fun-filled activities, using fine and gross motor skills, including face painting, beading, coloring, ring and bean bag tosses, potato sack races, a bubbles station, hula hooping and bowling. On the final day, students watched a video of themselves documenting their time in the six-week program and enjoyed ice cream. They also received certificates and bracelets for exemplary behavior in the district’s new acts of kindness initiative. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108299 Thu, 29 Aug 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108299 John Daniel Salon Shows Support for SEPFC The John Daniel Salon in Deer Park recently held a spa basket fundraiser for the district’s Special Education Parent Faculty Club, earning $450 to support the SEPFC’s many initiatives. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108297 Mon, 26 Aug 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108297 Justin Uliano Named New ELA Curriculum Associate The district has hired Justin Uliano as the new curriculum associate for ELA, reading and library in grades 6-12, replacing Michelle Kwon. He comes to Deer Park from the Amityville School District, where he served as ELA department chairperson for the last year. He previously worked for three years as English, ELA and library department chair for Sewanhaka High School, and for 16 years as an English teacher in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District. Uliano, who resides in Sunnyside, Queens, earned a double bachelor’s degree in English and anthropology from Stony Brook University, a master’s of science in education degree from Queens College, school building and district leader certificates from the College of Saint Rose, and an advanced certificate in teaching literacy from birth to grade 6 from Mercy College. “I am really pleased to be able to make a home in such a terrific school community as Deer Park, and I look forward to supporting this talented teaching staff as we all continue to grow and adapt to the ever-changing needs of our kids and our schools,” Uliano said. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108296 Thu, 22 Aug 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108296 August 20 BOE Regular Work/Open Meeting @ DO 8:00 pm https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108295 Tue, 20 Aug 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108295 Investment in Knowledge Pays Off as DP Takes Third in Stock Market Game Prior to their recent graduation, high school seniors Deana DiPreta, Tanzina Haque and Sana Nadeem attended a special luncheon ceremony at Hofstra University to recognize their third-place finish out of nearly 1,000 teams participating in the spring 2019 Stock Market Game. “The Lady Falcons demonstrated a shrewd knowledge of investing,” said teacher Matthew Murphy. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108294 Sat, 17 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMT false108294 Students Get Creative with Portraits at Paint Night The SEPFC recently sponsored a Paint Night for district students, held in the high school cafeteria. Participating students had the opportunity to create beautiful portraits on canvases, showcasing their creative skills and abilities. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108293 Fri, 16 Aug 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108293 Summer Schoolers Love the Luau Students in Deer Park’s summer school program, facilitated by district teachers, administrators and student volunteers, enjoyed their seventh annual Luau event in July, held in the JFK gym. At the Luau, teachers plan out educational activities such as building volcanoes and circuits, creating fun books, and working on math and writing activities, complemented by games like fishing and a sweet treat of Italian ices. “Our students come off the bus on the first day of summer school all excited about the Luau and counting down the days to this exciting event,” said teacher Phyllis Senia, who organizes the program. “Mrs. Senia creates an environment to learn in a fun way and is truly dedicated to these students,” said volunteer Debbie Leon, who has worked with the program since its inception. “It has been my honor and pleasure year after year to watch these children’s experience a summer education, maintaining and enhancing their skills acquired during the school year through fun with education and inclusion in the community.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108292 Mon, 12 Aug 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108292 Frost Band Takes First at Music in the Parks The Robert Frost Middle School Band recently attended the Music in the Parks festival at Dorney Park, earning the designation of first place with a superior rating. The ensemble, led by Director Michael Livorno, also received a trophy for best middle school band. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108291 Thu, 08 Aug 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108291 Alcalde Hired as Associate Principal for JQA and May Moore Tammy Alcalde has been named the new associate principal for John Quincy Adams and May Moore Primary Schools. Alcalde previously worked for the past 15 years in the Longwood Central School District in Middle Island as a general education teacher in kindergarten and first grade as well as an instructional support teacher. A Middle Island resident, she earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Dowling College, her master’s degree in library and information science from St. John’s University and an advanced certificate in school building/district leadership from St. John’s University. “I am very excited to become a part of the John Quincy Adams and May Moore school communities,” Alcalde said. “As an associate principal, it is my goal to support our earliest learners in their educational journey by providing them with a safe, fun and nurturing learning environment. Our primary students deserve to be given the strongest foundation possible and I look forward to working with the students, staff and community of Deer Park to provide them with all the best opportunities.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108290 Mon, 05 Aug 2019 21:00:00 GMT false108290 JFK Students Take Charge of School Store Heather Buksa’s life skills class was put in charge of running the school store at JFK this past school year. Aided by members of JFK’s Student Government Club, Buksa’s students decorated and ordered items for the store while working on their functional math skills and practicing role playing in the classroom. The students earned “Buksa Bucks” for their efforts, which they could save to purchase items at the “Buksa Boutique” in the classroom. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108289 Mon, 05 Aug 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108289 Message from Superintendent of Schools regarding the George Washington School Property After five years of waiting, the district has finally closed on the sale of theold George Washington School property with developer Engel Burman. The deal was completed onThursday, July 25, 2019for $5.475 million, which will be placed in a special reserve. The land will be used to build 200 single-family senior apartments and one single-family home. In addition, Engel Burman will donate a building to the district, which will be used for meetings, staff development and community use. We are pleased that the property will ultimately be revitalized and provide a useful purpose within our community. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108287 Sat, 27 Jul 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108287 Message from Superintendent of Schools regarding the George Washington School Property After five years of waiting, the district has finally closed on the sale of theold George Washington School property with developer Engel Burman. The deal was completed onThursday, July 25, 2019for $5.475 million, which will be placed in a special reserve. The land will be used to build 200 single-family senior apartments and one single-family home. In addition, Engel Burman will donate a building to the district, which will be used for meetings, staff development and community use. We are pleased that the property will ultimately be revitalized and provide a useful purpose within our community. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108288 Sat, 27 Jul 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108288 High School Musicians Perform at Rock Hall The high school’s jazz ensemble and pops orchestra were recently selected to play at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio as part of the Hall’s Rock Star Program. The student-musicians, accompanied by band director Jerry Cannarozzo and orchestra director Kathy Attard, toured the Hall in the morning and performed in the afternoon. “Both of our groups were well received and we were invited back to perform in the future,” said Cannarozzo. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108232 Fri, 19 Jul 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108232 Jay Murphy Hired as New Head of Instructional Tech The district has hired Jay Murphy as its new district administrator for instructional technology, replacing Chris Kauter. Murphy had served as the integration specialist for educational technology in the North Babylon School District for the past two years. He also was the coordinator of the North Babylon Alternative High School and previously taught social studies for 17 years at North Babylon High School. The Commack resident earned his bachelor’s degree in history and political science as well as his masters’ degree in social studies education from SUNY Albany. He obtained his advanced certificate in educational leadership and administration from Long Island University. “I look forward to collaborating with the Deer Park community to thoughtfully integrate technology into every classroom while cultivating safe learning spaces, where instruction can be differentiated to meet the needs of every student,” Murphy said. “My goal is to seamlessly connect students and staff with valuable digital resources to ensure that every child can achieve their full potential.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108231 Mon, 15 Jul 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108231 Summer Newsletter Now Available https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108230 Thu, 11 Jul 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108230 Elliott Elected as New Board of Ed President At the Board of Education’s annual reorganization meeting on July 9, Donna Marie Elliott was elected as the new president. She had previously served as the board’s longtime vice president. John Gouskos, the former president, was elected as vice president. Both were sworn into office along with trustee Kristine Rosales, new trustee Jerry D. Jean-Pierre and new Superintendent James Cummings. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108229 Wed, 10 Jul 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108229 May Moore Students Compete in Communication Contest Students at May Moore recently participated in a communication contest run by the school’s speech teachers. Students were asked to draw and write about their favorite ways to communicate. One winner was chosen from each class, with each receiving a special certificate and sharing in an ice cream party celebration. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108228 Wed, 10 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMT false108228 Frost’s Carone Recognized by NBC Learn as Inspiring Teacher Andrea Carone, who teaches seventh and eighth grade science at Robert Frost, was one of just five teachers recently recognized by NBC Learn as educators whose dedication to their students and their communities is truly inspiring. “I am honored to be recognized,” said Carone, who has taught for more than two decades. “The way that I can go above and beyond in and out of the classroom here at Deer Park is because all of the administrators, teachers and staff go above and beyond for me, to make my job more effective.” “Ms. Carone’s lessons are not confined to her classroom,” said school psychologist Iris Marchon, who nominated Carone for the recognition. “She’s a model for her entire community of what it means to truly support and uplift one another. She gives her own time and money to support students, staff and families in need, including those impacted by death, fire, displacement or illness. For her middle schoolers, she’s a deeply kind, caring and innovative teacher. For all of us, Ms. Carone is an example of how to lead a life filled with love, joy and generosity, changing the world wherever she goes.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108227 Tue, 09 Jul 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108227 Deer Park’s 2019 Graduates Celebrate Memorable Milestone Melding remembrance of proud milestones and reflection on future choices and journeys, the Deer Park High School Class of 2019 celebrated the school’s 56th commencement on June 28. As in years past, the Roisin Dubh Pipe Band led the seniors into the stadium, while an ensemble consisting of the ninth grade and symphonic bands, directed by Jerry Cannarozzo, played “Pomp and Circumstance.” Valedictorian and Student Council President Katherine Cho led the Pledge of Allegiance, Alexandria Costanza sang the national anthem, a choral group of 27 students sang the school’s alma mater, and alumna and Class of 2009 valedictorian Ekta Patel greeted the seniors. “When we first entered high school, we were told it was going to be the best but quickest four years of our lives, and it was,” Senior Class President Ryan Hegney said in his address. “But it was the most important. It felt like yesterday that we were waving to our parents at our bus stops, and now we realize how suddenly all these years of school have flown by.” Salutatorian Eiman Nawaz urged her classmates to be openminded and empathize with others. “There will always be a chance to meet someone who could be your next friend, mentor or love,” Nawaz said. “A lot can be changed if you just listen to other people. It’s a work in progress and it’s going to take a lot of time to achieve that, but we’re not trying to win a prize, it’s just bettering ourselves. The simplest way to do that is just grow, listen to other people and have your voice be heard. There’s 7.53 billion people in this world. If even a couple of us did that, it would make a difference.” In her speech as valedictorian, Cho said, “We are at an age where we can make our own choices. We are old enough to have opinions and the passion to take matters into our own hands. It’s not important to be right, it’s only important to be true to yourself and your moral compass. However, we are young enough that if we make mistakes, so be it. We have the time to turn and try again. After all, that’s the beauty of our generation. While others are stumbling in the dark, we are the ones to illuminate the candle and point them towards the light. What you choose to do with this power to lead, where you to choose to lead to, and how you choose to lead defines you and is what you are ultimately accountable for.” “I’m already looking forward to the day we all cross paths again,” Cho said in closing. “Until then, please stay happy and healthy. Everyone has worked hard in their own way, and our reward is this singular moment.” In a final graduation speech as superintendent of schools, Eva Demyen said to the seniors, “It is an important milestone in our lives, leaving Deer Park Schools – you as graduates and me as a retiring superintendent. This is just like ‘Avengers: Endgame,’ the end of a fabulous journey, but what a myriad of possibilities to come in the future.” Demyen went on to quote several lines from the Marvel superhero film that reflected pertinent values and insights, before telling the graduates, “I wish you all the happiness, love and success that is possibly possible.” The seniors also heard from alumnus Paul Becker, a retired naval rear admiral and member of the Class of 1979. “While there’s 40 years between my class and yours, please know that when I wore the cloth of my country – either afloat in the Pacific or in the deserts of the Middle East – it was alongside teenagers right out of high schools like this,” Becker said to the seniors. “That’s why I have some relevant advice as you begin your adult journey. Up to this point of your lives, most of you have measured success by being able to fit in, but from here on out, you’ll start measuring success by being able to stand out.” Demonstrating a shared sense of pride, Principal Charles Cobb shared a long list of remarkable student achievements, accomplishments and charitable works before presenting the administration and Board of Education with the graduating class of 2019. Once diplomas were conferred, the new graduates turned their tassels, tossed their caps, and walked out of the football field to the traditional strains of Elmer Bernstein’s “The Great Escape.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108224 Wed, 03 Jul 2019 03:00:00 GMT false108224 Frost Eighth Graders Move Up to New Challenges For the 306 eighth graders of Robert Frost, the June 24 moving up event was a chance to reflect on the conclusion of one educational step, to receive awards and certificates, and to get ready for the new challenge of high school. National Junior Honor Society Vice President Emily Franciscovich led the Pledge of Allegiance to start the ceremony, followed by addresses from Principal Eliana Levey, Student Council President Kayley Eising and Deer Park High School Charles Cobb. “As we sit here today, many of us are anxious to finally be on summer break, while others of us have mixed feelings about moving up to high school,” Eising said in her speech. “Our days as middle schoolers are coming to an end, and we will finally be in high school. I feel confident in saying we are all prepared for whatever obstacles we will face in high school. We will be facing new experiences and challenges. We will inevitably be faced with peer pressure at some point, but in these moments, we must remember to be ourselves and not followers.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108225 Tue, 02 Jul 2019 21:00:00 GMT false108225 JFK Fifth Graders Have “High Hopes” for Middle School In preparation for attending Robert Frost in the fall, the 335 fifth graders of JFK celebrated with a moving up ceremony on June 21. The ceremony marked a farewell to retiring principal Susan Bonner, a longtime fixture and acclaimed leader of the school. The event kicked off with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Alexis Borowski and Addison Costanza, followed by the entire class performing the National Anthem, directed by Kristen Lombardo. Touching on happy memories, speeches followed by Bonner, fifth-grade Student Government President Pasquale DeGregorio, fifth-grade Student Government Vice President Adison Patrick and Robert Frost Principal Eliana Levey. The new graduates sang “High Hopes” to symbolize their excitement at the new challenge of sixth grade. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108226 Tue, 02 Jul 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108226 Seniors Pay Visits to Their Primary Schools Continuing last year’s new tradition, seniors visited their respective primary school buildings on June 24 for the second annual senior walk. The members of the Class of 2019 paraded down the halls, discussed their college and career plans, and enjoyed an interactive talk with second graders. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108222 Wed, 26 Jun 2019 21:00:00 GMT false108222 Deer Park’s Second Graders Move Up to JFK Deer Park’s youngest graduates – 132 second graders from JQA and 119 from May Moore – celebrated their ascension to JFK in a proud pair of sunny moving up ceremonies. JQA’s event on June 13 featured the students singing “Well, It’s Been Fun,” “A Million Dreams” and “Best Day of My Life.” May Moore’s moving up a day later included a rendition of the school song as well as “America” and a medley of tunes from “The Greatest Showman.” The May Moore ceremony marked an emotional farewell to Principal Alicia Konecny, who was also moving up to be the district’s new its assistant superintendent for pupil personnel services. Both ceremonies paid tribute to retiring Superintendent Eva Demyen and featured a welcome address from the next principal of JFK, Kelly Benson. “The moving up ceremony is one of my favorite events of the year, met with plenty of emotions,” said JQA Principal Christopher Molinelli. “Watching these young boys and girls grow and blossom over the past three or four years is quite amazing. Everyone couldn’t be prouder of our graduates and we will miss them all. We’re looking forward to hearing about all of the great things they will do in their future.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108221 Wed, 26 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMT false108221 Deer Park Honors Superintendent Demyen and Student Accomplishments At Deer Park’s June 18 Board of Education meeting, the district honored numerous impressive student achievements and said farewell to longtime Superintendent Eva Demyen, who is retiring. The evening began with a performance of a song by Robert Frost students from Rachel Burkel and Stephanie O’Connell’s classes and the Friends of Frost Social Club, which was dedicated to Demyen, along with the screening of a film on Frost’s BandAid Project and the presentation of a certificate to Frost student Stephanie Sheeler. Next up was recognition of JFK’s Math Olympiad winners by adviser Lisa Baker. The 21 students honored were Danny Alvarado-Valle, Vincent Cacciola, Arianna Chowdhury, Emily Dong, Katherine Flores, Adam Hassanin, Adan Herrera, Ethan Nelson, Cristian Miller, Gianna Montes, Nobin Nath, Dave Osorio Lara, Mollie Pellicano, Frankie Pisano, Jaidyn Schabe, Jayna Singh, Allessandra Tejero, Arib Uddin, Hailey Weisse, Eshan Zaman and Ali Zorakhsh. Ashley Rosenberg, the district administrator for ENL and world languages, then presented the winners of the 2019 Grand Concours National French Contest, an annual competition sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of French. Middle school honorees included bronze medalist Anabelle Thelisma and honorable mention winners Emily Kleiber, Alexis Lazarte, Eadie Liu, Adithan Omprakash, Ayesha Shaukat and Anthony Vasquez; while high school honorees were gold medalist Saima Hoque, silver medalists Victoria Egan and Bartlett Polster, bronze medalists Kristin D’Souza, Sameer Riaz, Naomi Sauveur and Diondra Talleyrand, and honorable mention winners Rebecca Fox and Esteysy Yanes Amaya. Business-minded high schoolers participating in the DECA club were then presented with certificates by adviser Gregory Menig. Closing out the evening and the moving tribute to Demyen’s remarkable career, Town of Babylon Supervisor Rich Schaffer presented her with a proclamation presentation. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108219 Tue, 25 Jun 2019 18:00:00 GMT false108219 JFK’s Falcon Friends Club Unveils Buddy Bench The Falcon Friends Club at JFK hosted a buddy bench dedication ceremony on June 19, joined by administration, staff, parents, Board of Education members and representatives of club sponsor Realty Direct NY. Falcon Friends, a new club at JFK, was guided by two co-advisers, art teacher Briana Nussbaum and special education teacher Joseph Verdicchio. The organization’s goal is to bring students of differing abilities together to build friendships and appreciate each other’s differences. Over the course of the year, students were able to collaborate, problem solve and build meaningful friendships. Members of Falcon Friends worked hard on designing and painting the bench during club time. During the ceremony, fourth grader Glenn Calautti and fifth grader Mackenzie Rubinstein unveiled the bench. Following the reveal, fourth graders Nadia Elsergany and Gina Garcia spoke about the purpose of the bench and how it will help students to make new friends at JFK. “The Falcon Friends Club built friendships and relationships as we worked toward a common goal of constructing our buddy bench,” Verdicchio said. “I am honored to see the teamwork and effort that was shown throughout the project.” “It was such a privilege to work with these students,” said Nussbaum. “Their empathy and compassion towards one another is so admirable. I am proud of their hard work.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108220 Tue, 25 Jun 2019 15:00:00 GMT false108220 Garret Noblett Hired as High School Associate Principal The district hired Garret Noblett as an associate principal for Deer Park High School. Noblett had recently worked as a special education teacher at Walt Whitman High School in Huntington Station for the past seven years. He was also the alternative high school principal at Whitman for the past two years, as well as a principal for the Western Suffolk BOCES Regional Summer School for the past three years. Noblett’s prior positions also include a social studies/special education teacher at Deer Park High School, Robert Frost Middle School and Abraham Lincoln Alternative High School from 2007-2012, and a social studies teacher at Rocky Point High School during 2006-2007. The Kings Park resident earned his bachelor’s degree in history and sociology from Stony Brook University, his master’s degree in secondary social studies education and middle school extension certificate from Hofstra University, an advanced certificate in special education from Dowling College, and school building/school district educational leadership certificates from Stony Brook University. “As a graduate of Deer Park High School, I am very excited to come home to my alma mater and serve the community that has given me so much joy in my life,” Noblett said. “My goal as an associate principal is to foster a safe and successful learning environment for both students and staff while working towards district educational standards and goals.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108218 Tue, 25 Jun 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108218 Seniors Millien and Petit Win $1,000 Omega Psi Phi Scholarships High school seniors Warren Millien and Steve Petit were awarded $1,000 scholarships by the Chi Rho Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity at the organization’s 10th annual Pride of Fatherhood Breakfast, held at the Radisson Hotel in Hauppauge on June 15. Millien and Petit earned their awards via an essay contest in which they discussed their community service and future plans. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108217 Tue, 18 Jun 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108217 A Special Evening for Seniors The high school recognized the achievements of its best and brightest on June 6, handing out numerous scholarships, department awards and schoolwide awards at the annual Senior Awards night as proud families looked on. Student Council President Katherine Cho began the ceremony with the Pledge of Allegiance, before Jada Smith led the attendees in singing “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The school’s jazz ensemble, directed by Jerry Cannarozzo, provided tasteful music before and during the event, including Steely Dan’s “Peg” and John LaBarbera’s “Tiger of San Pedro.” “This is truly one of the special evenings for us here at the high school,” said Principal Charles Cobb. “Our students here are being recognized for their vast accomplishments, not only this year, but through their many years in the Deer Park school system.” “Each and every one of us in this auditorium has been incredibly impressed by each and every one of you on the stage tonight, and I know all of us cannot wait to see what you do next,” said Associate Principal Sean O’Brien. “Please take this evening as an opportunity to celebrate the miles you put behind you as you prepare for the miles that lie ahead.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108214 Tue, 18 Jun 2019 02:00:00 GMT false108214 Jack Bixhorn Named Associate Principal of Frost The district has named Jack Bixhorn as an associate principal for Robert Frost, replacing Philip Paniccia, the incoming principal of May Moore. Bixhorn’s nine years of classroom experience most recently included working as a sixth grade math and science teacher and elementary math specialist in the East Rockaway School District. He previously taught algebra and grades 6-8 special education at the Dr. Richard Izquierdo Health and Science Charter School in the Bronx. A resident of Long Beach, he earned his bachelor’s degree in health science from the University of Delaware and a dual master’s degree in elementary education and special education as well as a middle school math extension certificate from St. John’s University. He recently completed a postgraduate program in school building and districtl through the College of Saint Rose. “I am excited to join the Deer Park school community,” said Bixhorn. “My goal as the associate principal of Robert Frost is to cultivate a safe, caring and supportive learning environment that promotes success for all students.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108216 Mon, 17 Jun 2019 21:00:00 GMT false108216 Reinforcing Math Knowledge at JQA At JQA, the annual Math Fair on May 22 found students participating in a variety of different learning centers ranging from basic skills to mathematics in daily life. Based on the school’s math curriculum, these activities help to reinforce what was learned throughout the year. “Our goal is to foster positive learning experiences in order for the students to develop a love of math,” said JQA math lab specialist Marianna Grieco. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108215 Mon, 17 Jun 2019 06:00:00 GMT false108215 ShopRite Dietitian Gives Students Nutrition Advice Joelle Porush, a retail registered dietitian at the local ShopRite, recently visited with Deer Park secondary students – including seventh grade family and consumer science classes, life skills students and high school food and nutrition classes – to discuss the importance of eating healthy, how nutrition effects our bodies, how to examine the different nutrients listed on a nutrition facts label, and how to create a simple, healthy five-ingredient meal. “We had a great time, and the students showed a lot of interest in nutrition,” said Porush. “Joelle provided our students the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of nutrition through hands-on experiences,” said teacher Gabriella Gilmartin. “She is a fantastic resource for the Deer Park community.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108213 Mon, 17 Jun 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108213 Frost Track Athletes Bring Home the Medals at Elks Invitational Robert Frost track athletes recently brought home three gold, one silver and two bronze medals at the Elks Invitational track meet. These outstanding students included Evan Attrino, winner of the gold medal in the 1,500-meter race; Ebony Coleman, winner of the gold medal in the 100-meter and 55-meter races; Lutherson Chauvette, winner of the silver medal in the 400-meter race; Santos Barahona, winner of the bronze medal in shot put; and Natalia Lee, winner of the bronze medal in the 400-meter race. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108212 Tue, 11 Jun 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108212 Spring Athletes Recognized at HS The high school honored exceptional athletic efforts by varsity teams on spring sports awards night, held on May 30 at the high school’s auditorium. Members of the baseball, girls golf, kickline, boys lacrosse, girls lacrosse, softball, boys tennis, boys spring track and girls spring track, teams were lauded, receiving certificates and plaques including Most Valuable Player awards, Coaches Awards, Spirit Awards and Scholar-Athlete awards. “Without our coaches and athletes putting in the commitment and hard work that they do, we wouldn’t have a fighting chance at being successful,” said Athletic Director Dominick Fontana. “We thank them for all the sacrifices they made.” Fontana also expressed gratitude to the Board of Education, administration and parents for their continued support as well as the Booster Club for sponsoring both the event and scholarships. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108209 Tue, 11 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMT false108209 May Moore’s New Principal is Philip Paniccia The district has named Philip Paniccia as the new principal of May Moore Primary School, replacing Alicia Konecny, the incoming assistant superintendent for pupil personnel services. Paniccia had served since 2016 as an associate principal at the district’s Robert Frost Middle School. He previously worked as a teacher for 10 years in the Sayville School District and as principal of Sayville Summer School, following a 15-year career in financial service. A Setauket resident and graduate of Sachem High School, Paniccia earned his bachelor’s degree in child study, master’s degree in liberal studies and advance graduate degree in educational leadership from St. Joseph’s College in Patchogue and Stony Brook University. “I couldn’t be more excited to become the new principal of May Moore and to continue serving the Deer Park community,” said Paniccia. “I look forward to working collaboratively with the entire school community to emphasize a safe, warm, whole child learning environment in which every student is recognized as a unique learner who can excel and succeed. While preserving May Moore’s tradition of excellence, we will continue to work with Deer Park’s youngest learners to build the 21st century and social-emotional skills needed to thrive as leaders and productive citizens of tomorrow.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108211 Mon, 10 Jun 2019 12:00:00 GMT false108211 Meet Deer Park’s 2019 Valedictorian and Salutatorian The high school’s Class of 2019 valedictorian and salutatorian are Katherine Cho and Eiman Nawaz, respectively. Cho, who earned a 105.86 weighted GPA, is a member of the school’s National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Newspaper Club, student council and varsity tennis team. She will attend Princeton University, majoring in biology. Nawaz, who finished with a weighted GPA of 105.26, is a member of the school’s National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Red Cross Club and DECA. She will attend Stony Brook University, majoring in biochemistry. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108210 Mon, 10 Jun 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108210 A Night of Personnel Recognition for Deer Park’s School Community Deer Park’s May 28 Board of Education meeting was dedicated to recognizing and rewarding personnel, including newly retired, tenured and appointed administrators, teachers and staff. Also honored were those reaching milestones in years of service. Superintendent Eva Demyen began the evening with recognition for school physician Anthony Donatelli, who was recently inducted into the Wrestling Hall of Fame, and JFK cafeteria aide Shalay Rutherford, who saved a student from choking by using the Heimlich maneuver. Those retiring included both Demyen herself, who was lauded by incoming Superintendent James Cummings, and JFK Principal Susan Bonner. Other new retirees congratulated included teachers John Abeltin, Francis Amendola, Paula Behrens, Cheryl Bica, Debra Bradbury, Aida Buckley, Eve Deitch, Cindy Jewell, Patricia Kurman, Jean Ludlow, Iris Marchon and Joanne Pendzinski; and non-instructional employees Rosalyn Baskin, Ann Castagna, Patricia Collins, Mary Galea, Richard Miller, Pearl Rogers and Philip Russo. “They’ve honed the skills of thousands of students,” said Demyen. “I couldn’t be prouder to be retiring at the same time as such a fine group of people.” Recognized for their years of service were Robert Frost teaching assistant Phyllis Otto for 35 years; Jack Lovascio and Laurie Schwartz for 30 years; and Laurie Blank, Ann Bullis, Gary Fricke, Steven Jaklitsch, Deana LaPlaca, Krista Militello, Joseph Orecchio and Rosanna Shooshtary for 25 years. “It takes a lot to devote so much time and energy to one place and one job and I commend them highly for that,” said Demyen. Congratulated for receiving tenure were ESL teachers Joseph Buscarino and Lisa Kiernan and guidance counselor Rachel Glaubach of Deer Park High School; art teacher Michelle Sarco of Robert Frost; ESL teacher Kimberly Essig and elementary teacher Luisa Moynihan of JFK; and special education teacher Alannah Boccard and teaching assistants Erebuni Babakhanian-Gonzalez, Danielle Calandra and Jennifer Paduano of May Moore. “It’s no easy task getting to this point, so I want to congratulate every single one of you receiving tenure,” Demyen told the proud educators. New appointments included Jay Murphy as district administrator of technology, Philip Paniccia as principal of May Moore and Jack Bixhorn as associate principal of Robert Frost. The night ended with a welcome to incoming Board of Education trustee Jerry D. Jean-Pierre. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108208 Fri, 07 Jun 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108208 Planting Peace at Robert Frost Calling themselves the “Peacekeepers,” members of the World of Difference Club at Robert Frost volunteered to plan and plant a courtyard peace garden. The club worked with two other groups, the Site-Based Team and Friends of Frost, to create this special space. The garden was sponsored by the Horodnicki family in memory of their son Ryan. “The Peace Garden is a symbol of the diversity among our school community,” said speech-language pathologist and club adviser Stephanie O’Connell. “At Robert Frost, we cultivate an environment of acceptance and celebration of all people. No matter your race, religion, nationality, intellectual ability or identity, you are welcome here.” Following the garden’s creation on May 21, Frost’s World of Difference Club received recognition for its second year of achieving the Anti-Defamation League’s “No Place for Hate” school designation. Participating schools conduct activities and events that maintain an inclusive and respectful climate. Eighth grade student ambassadors from the club traveled to New York University on May 23 to receive a banner and certificate for this honor. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108206 Thu, 06 Jun 2019 18:00:00 GMT false108206 HS Business Students Find a “Spark!” The high school's business students competed in Northwell Health System’s Spark! Challenge this spring, held at the Crest Hollow Country Club. Earlier in the year, the students spent a day shadowing accountants in Northwell’s corporate finance office to learn about accounting careers. They were then challenged with creating a poster to advertise a career in accounting while tying the poster’s message in to Northwell’s “CARE” mission, which stands for connectedness, awareness, respect, and empathy. The students had to create a presentation that highlighted what they learned during their job-shadowing experience at Northwell, which also had to relate to the poster that they had created about the CARE mission. Finally, the Deer Park students made a presentation to Northwell executives, including the CEO and CFO, under the watchful eye of the finance department’s management team. “This was an outstanding experience for our students to be able to work with industry professionals and present to high-level executives,” said business teacher Jill Perry-Eising. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108207 Thu, 06 Jun 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108207 Year of Accomplishment Showcased at HS Spring Concerts Marvelous music was in the air on May 22 and 23 as the high school hosted its annual spring concert series, showcasing a year’s worth of hard work and accomplishment for the school’s student-musicians. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108204 Wed, 05 Jun 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108204 JQA’s Seventh Year of Pennies for Patients Proves the Best In its seventh year of holding the Pennies for Patients event for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, JQA raised $2833.32 to benefit the charity, $800 more than the school’s previous yearly total. “We are so excited to partner with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society each year to help those affected by these diseases,” said Principal Christopher Molinelli. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108205 Wed, 05 Jun 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108205 May Moore Enjoys Vibrant Visit from Ugandan Singers A classroom at May Moore was the recent scene of a special visit from three members of the Amani Childrens Choir from Kampala, Uganda – ninth grader Angel May Nakafero, sixth grader Hussinah Nanteza and fourth-grader Denise Umotoniwase – accompanied by chaperone Stella Asio. After a slide presentation and video, the visitors took questions from the class, discussing such topics as favorite places in the U.S. that they have visited and what languages they speak. To conclude the presentation, the Ugandan students – who were hosted by Debbie Sellers, the grandmother of one of the students in the class – treated the May Moore students to vibrant performances of traditional dances and songs. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108199 Wed, 29 May 2019 00:00:00 GMT false108199 Frost’s French Dinner Proves an Important Night for Language Students In celebration of French culture and language, Robert Frost hosted its 19th annual French Dinner on May 2. This year’s theme, chosen by the students themselves, was “Beauty and the Beast.” The dinner was planned by Frost’s middle school students and their teachers, Susan Bollag and Kimberly Gallipoli. French students from Deer Park High School also attended to help set up the event. In addition to serving delicious French cuisine, students performed music, played games and asked French trivia questions. “This event become such an important night in our French students’ culture,” said Ashley Rosenberg, Deer Park’s district administrator for ENL and world languages. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108200 Tue, 28 May 2019 21:00:00 GMT false108200 JQA Teacher DeAcetis Named "Bright Light" for Mentoring Work Ashley DeAcetis, a second grade teacher at John Quincy Adams, was recently honored by Suffolk ASSET with the Bright Light Award for her work as an Edtech mentor. She was recognized at the annual ASSET luncheon at Timber Point Country Club in Great River. DeAcetis is in her second year in the district. She previously spent three years teaching in Malaysia at the International School of Kuala Lumpur and four years teaching at the American School of Guatemala. Deer Park initiated its Edtech mentorship program this year, with teachers chosen from each building to help guide and initiate new ways to integrate technology thoughtfully into the curriculum. DeAcetis was the first selected from JQA. “I was excited about the opportunity to be more involved in my building and to spend time helping teachers with whatever they needed,” she said. “Working with colleagues that were not afraid to try something new and a supportive administration really helped the mentorship take flight.” In December, working with the nonprofit organization Code.org, DeAcetis proposed a challenge to the faculty, asking every classroom to participate in the international Hour of Code. “Without any formal training, our faculty took on this challenge and with almost 100% participation from all classrooms, unlocked the world of coding for their students,” DeAcetis said. “I was truly amazed to see teachers and students learning side-by-side and challenging themselves as they problem-solved using this new type of technology, many for the first time. Productive struggle, critical thinking, and collaboration just happened naturally as students attempted different levels of challenges. I provided coding options to meet the needs for our young learners, making sure that reading directions would not be an obstacle. Technology is ever changing, and our students at JQA, all under the age of 8, may be heading into career paths that we cannot yet imagine. When we take time to create learning experiences for our students, that’s when they make connections and truly develop the 21 century learning skills they are needed to be successful.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108201 Tue, 28 May 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108201 JQA’s Math-A-Thon Raises Over $2.5K for Children’s Hospital For the eighth consecutive year, John Quincy Adams participated in the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Math-A-Thon, raising more than $2,500 through solving problems in Math-A-Thon Funbooks. Over the past seven years, JQA has donated more than $50,000 to the hospital. “We are proud and happy to help children and their families at St. Jude,” said math lab specialist Marianna Grieco, the event’s coordinator. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108202 Tue, 28 May 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108202 Deer Park Summer Camps 2019 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108198 Thu, 23 May 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108198 Scenes from the STE@M Expo The district’s annual STE@M Expo, held at the high school on the night of May 21, featured an exciting exhibition of student-created works and events from Deer Park’s science, technology, engineering, arts and math programs. Families visiting to vote on the budget enjoyed a variety of displays from live string music and theater to science fair projects, dragster races and art displays. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108197 Wed, 22 May 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108197 Budget Passes, Jean-Pierre Elected as Trustee Residents voted to support the Deer Park School District's2019-2020 budget on May 21, by a vote of 963 to 305. The district thanks the community for participating in this important process. Two Board of Education incumbents, President John Gouskos (945 votes) and trustee Kristine Rosales (935 votes), both running unopposed, were reelected. In the race for the open seat currently held by Keith Rooney, who did not seek reelection, the winner was Jerry D. Jean-Pierre (684 votes) over Anthony Henkel (517 votes). https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108196 Tue, 21 May 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108196 Baseball Field Dedicated to Carmine Argenziano The high school unveiled Carmine Argenziano Baseball Field, dedicated in honor of the former coach, in a May 14 ceremony dominated by moving speeches from family and colleagues such as Board of Education trustee Al Centamore. Argenziano had a storied three-decade career in Deer Park highlighted by a dozen league championships. His teams included the 1980 Suffolk County and Long Island champions; the 1997 county and Long Island champions and New York State runners up; and the 2004 county and Long Island champions and New York State semifinalists. “It’s a great honor for my father that the field was dedicated after 30 years of coaching baseball,” said Ryan Argenziano, Carmine’s son and the Falcons’ current baseball coach. “He really put his heart and soul into this baseball program. He would give all the credit to his former players and the Deer Park community, because he always felt that without them, there’d be no program.” View the ceremony and speeches here. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107740 Tue, 21 May 2019 00:00:00 GMT false107740 Marilin Gutierrez Named JFK Associate Principal The district has named Marilin Gutierrez as an associate principal for JFK, replacing Kelly Benson, the incoming principal. Her appointment is effective July 1. Gutierrez previously served for 11 years as an elementary classroom teacher, in the Copiague School District for nine years and Brentwood School District for two years. A resident of Amityville, she earned her bachelor’s degree in education from St. Joseph’s College, her master’s degree in education at St. John’s University, and her school building and school district leadership certificates from Stony Brook University. “My goal is to ensure that all children are treated fairly and provide them with a safe and nurturing learning environment to help them grow academically, socially and emotionally,” said Gutierrez. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108194 Mon, 20 May 2019 06:00:00 GMT false108194 JFK Students Experience Traveling to the Mall Heather Buksa’s students at JFK recently learned about different ways of traveling in the community. As a class, they looked up the bus schedule and went over a social story before taking the public bus to the Westfield South Shore mall in Bay Shore. At the mall, the students went on a scavenger hunt, looking for stores to buy specific items. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108195 Mon, 20 May 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108195 Female Students Learn About Leadership at Workshop The high school’s business department, led by teacher Jill Perry-Eising, hosted a Women’s Leadership Workshop in the library on April 18 for 30 female juniors and seniors. Guesting at the breakfast event was Stacy DeNoyior, a senior vice president of sales at Broadridge Financial Solutions, and members of her team, who engaged in group discussions with the students. “Overall today we had a great time, and we learned so much from such inspiring, powerful women who are very confident and self-assured in what they do,” said junior Diana Sanchez. “It was great to see that and learn about their experiences in their careers.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108193 Mon, 20 May 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108193 Frost Holds Weeklong Celebration of Languages and Cultures The Cultural Diversity Committee at Robert Frost recently planned a weeklong celebration of cultural diversity to coincide with World Languages and Cultural Awareness Month, including a cultural diversity poster contest; cafeteria menus translated into Chinese, French, Malayalam, Spanish and Turkish by several of the school’s bilingual students; and daily morning announcements which included information on several cultures and languages represented in the school and the Deer Park community. These announcements – which featured languages such as Bengali, Chinese, Haitian Creole, Spanish, Turkish and Urdu – included cultural and geographical facts as well as language mini-lessons, and ended with a song representing each culture. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107739 Thu, 16 May 2019 04:00:00 GMT false107739 JFK Students Enjoy Innovative Evening at Camp Read Away JFK students recently enjoyed an innovative evening of reading in the school’s gym, designated for the night as Camp Read Away. The event gave them a chance to listen to stories read by teachers and administrators in a camp-like atmosphere, including tents. Rotating to different stations, the students also enjoyed astronomy in a star lab and worked on arts and crafts. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107738 Wed, 15 May 2019 04:00:00 GMT false107738 Thousands Flock to Falcons Co-Ed Invitational Track Event The high school boys and girls track programs hosted the sixth annual Deer Park Falcons Co-Ed Invitational on a sunny April 23. A total of 33 teams – including one from as far away as New Jersey – attended the event, with thousands of visitors flocking to the school’s track complex. Nine meet records fell alongside numerous outstanding performances. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107737 Tue, 14 May 2019 04:00:00 GMT false107737 DPHS Celebrates 14 Senior Athlete Signings The high school recognized 14 senior athletes who signed national letters of intent to continue their outstanding sports careers in college this fall: Giselle Aparicio (track; Queens College), Isabella Aparicio (track; Adelphi University), Anthony Bendici (football; Wilkes University), Katherine Buquicchio (soccer; SUNY New Paltz), Alexarae Clark (track; Southern New Hampshire University), Heather Dillon (cross-country; SUNY Old Westbury), Anthony Fasano (football; Utica College); Jacqueline Gentile (lacrosse; Manhattanville College), Juliana Knice (basketball; St. Joseph’s College), Joseph Leon (soccer; Molloy College); Warren Millien (track; Adelphi University), Kristina Pali (tennis; SUNY Cortland); Michaela Rapisarda (soccer; St. Thomas Aquinas College) and Bella Vene (soccer; Buffalo State University). Joined in the May 2 celebration by visiting friends and family members, the students were congratulated in the auditorium by Principal Charles Cobb and Athletic Director Dominick Fontana. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108283 Mon, 13 May 2019 15:00:00 GMT false108283 Falcons Win First Girls Track and Field League Championship in 26 Years The high school’s girls track and field athletes are league champions for the first time in 26 years. Led by captains Giselle Aparicio, Isabella Aparicio, Lexi Clark, Heather Dillon and Sara Felipe, the Falcons team finished the regular season undefeated at 6-0. The student-athletes overcame an entire season of adversity and had to pull together when the school’s top performers were injured early on. Without the team’s throwing corps, the Falcons would have been in dire straits. Led by Tassyana Blake, Morgan Keuler and Temi Oshikanlu in shot put and Felipe in discus, Deer Park completely shut down every opponent throughout the season, providing the rest of the team with breathing room to gain points and ultimately win each meet convincingly. Battling pain throughout the season, Marissa Cummings still managed to win the triple jump, long jump and high jump in meet after meet. Winning the championship was no easy feat, as the Falcons competed in one of the most challenging leagues, filled with state-qualifying competitors on every team they faced. However, their depth and persistence proved the difference. Among the many top Falcons throughout the season was Tionny King, whose performances in the 100-meter hurdles, 400-meter hurdles and long jump helped the team tremendously until she was sidelined for the remainder of the season with an injury with two league meets left. Freshman and winter track MVP Gianna Marquez, who was coming off a two-month injury, stepped in for King and excelled. At the Falcons last event on May 3, which coincided with Senior Day, Deer Park defeated Eastport South Manor for the outright championship. “These girls never let their teammates forget how much was at stake and motivated them throughout until the end,” said coach Jim Petti. “They battled every meet like it was a championship and understood the importance of what it took to become champions. What began as a dream, became a reality for the Falcons. Congratulations, girls!” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108282 Wed, 08 May 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108282 Frost Teacher John Heeg Chosen for WWI Research Program in Europe John Heeg, a social studies teacher at Robert Frost, was chosen to participate in National History Day’s Memorializing the Fallen program, sponsored by the World War I Centennial Commission and the Pritzker Military Foundation. Heeg was one of just 18 teachers accepted out of 334 who applied. This summer, he and the other participants will travel to Europe to study World War I; each will research a service member who never returned home. Heeg has been teaching for 20 years, the last 16 in Deer Park. He also serves as an educational technology mentor for the district, mentors other teachers and coaches track. Several years ago, Heeg had participated in a teacher fellowship with the National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, which involved visiting the museum itself and producing a lesson plan, then returning home and publishing it. When the museum heard about the Memorializing the Fallen teacher professional development program, it encouraged Heeg to apply. The 18-month study will include attending webinars and participating in online meetings. In June, the group will spend 12 days in Europe, making stops at Somme American Cemetery, St. Mihiel American Cemetery, Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, Oise-Aisne American Cemetery, Suresnes American Cemetery, Aisne-Marne American Cemetery, and battle sites and monuments at Belleau Wood, Verdun, and Meuse Argonne. On the trip’s last day, the, teachers will attend the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Versailles at the Palace of Versailles. “It’s great to be a part of this,” said Heeg. “I will learn a lot and bring a lot back into the classroom.” Heeg’s mission overseas will be to research the story of a Silent Hero, an American service member who died in World War I and is still buried in Europe, conduct in-depth research on the person, prepare a profile and eulogy for them, and find ways to incorporate this into a lesson plan. In trying to select a fallen veteran to research, Heeg focused on Marines from New York, being that Heeg himself was a Marines hospital corpsman for eight years in a prior career. He chose Sergeant Neil Evans Wheeler of Oswego, who died in combat during the Battle of Belleau Wood on June 17, 1918. Heeg is currently researching Sgt. Wheeler’s life and looking for help telling this hero’s story prior to delivering a eulogy at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery in June. Anyone with information about Sgt. Wheeler’s can contact Heeg at heeg.j@deerparkschools.org. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108280 Tue, 07 May 2019 18:00:00 GMT false108280 April’s ‘Addams Family’ Musical Brought Frightful Fun to Deer Park An April musical production of the “The Addams Family,” directed and choreographed by Kristen Wallace, brought frightful fun to the stage at the high school. The 2010 creepy comedy – based on Charles Addams’ original cartoon characters – was written by Andrew Lippa, Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice. Deer Park’s delightful cast included Allie Costanza as Morticia, Louis Bianco as Gomez, Makenzie Caldone as Wednesday, Oliver Curry as Fester, Megan Bush as Pugsley, Maddie Steddick as Grandma, Ray Ugalde as Lurch, CJ Sparacino as Lucas Beineke, Michelle Trombatori as Alice Beineke, Evan Hytner as Mal Beineke, and Desmond Mesimeris and Timothy Wallace as Cousin Itt. The musical was also brought to life through the efforts of numerous teachers and students. Catherine Lubrano served as musical director, Scott Abrams as pit orchestra director, Alex Mesimeris as set designed and director, Catherine Thompson as sound director, Alison Lacoff as costume designer and Karen Cochran as student director. “It is such an honor to work with such amazingly talented actors, dancers, musicians, artists and crew members,” said Wallace. “I am grateful for the support and energy of the other directors, faculty musicians and parents. Everyone worked tirelessly to make ‘The Addams Family’ the success it was. I couldn’t be more proud.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108281 Tue, 07 May 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108281 JFK Again Honored for Boosting Student Achievement For the third consecutive year, JFK was identified by the Better Outcomes Research organization as a school that has boosted the achievement of economically disadvantaged students. This recognition was assessed via the “Beating the Odds and Building Opportunities” study of New York State demographic data and ELA assessments. JFK was recognized by the school district at the April 30 Board of Education meeting, with Superintendent Eva J. Demyen presenting a certificate to Principal Susan Bonner. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108279 Mon, 06 May 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108279 Student Achievements Honored at Board Meeting The district honored numerous excellent student achievements at the Board of Education’s April 30 business meeting, including the top 10 graduates from the high school’s Class of 2019, many of whom attended the ceremony. Seniors recognized and presented with certificates included upcoming valedictorian Katherine Cho, upcoming salutatorian Eiman Nawaz, third-ranked Hallie Feldman, fourth-ranked Anna Ragone, fifth-ranked Emma DeStefano, sixth-ranked Julie DeBiase, seventh-ranked Mohammed Raiyan, eighth-ranked Matthew Berhalter, ninth-ranked Yasmeen Syedda-Hensley and 10th-ranked Roha Arshad. Also recognized were JFK student Kaylee Nguyen, winner of the New York State Assembly’s Women’s History Art Contest; Frost students Michelle D. Antonio and Sophia Zorakhsh, who placed in the Long Island Science and Engineering Fair; and high school star athletes Jahi Tucker, who placed first in the nation in the 2018 national boxing championship, and Malik Edmead, who scored his 1,000th basketball point. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108276 Fri, 03 May 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108276 Artist Ron Becker Creates "May's Cafe" Mural with Students at May Moore https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108277 Fri, 03 May 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108277 Frost Students Win Second and Third at LISEF Frost students Michelle Antonio and Sophia Zorakhsh recently competed in the LISEF –SSP Broadcom MASTERS Fair, sponsored by the Long Island Science and Engineering Fair, Society for Science & the Public, and Broadcom. At the LISEF event, held in March at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury, Antonio finished in second place for her “The Dirtiest Surface in a School” project, while Zorahksh won third for her “Dissolving Rates of Ibuprofen in Different pH” project. “I felt proud because people work hard for what they do,” said Antonio. Both students were recognized at the Board of Education’s April 30 business meeting. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108278 Fri, 03 May 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108278 JFK’s Nguyen Named Finalist in Women’s History Art Contest Kaylee Nguyen, a fifth-grader at JFK, was recently named a finalist in the annual Women’s History Art Contest sponsored by the New York State Assembly. Nguyen was honored at the fifth annual Women of Distinction Award Ceremony and presented with a certificate of merit, prizes and an enlarged poster of her contest entry. For the contest, Nguyen chose to draw Judith Heumann, an American disability rights activist. “We are so proud of Kaylee’s hard work,” said art teacher Briana Nussbaum. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108274 Wed, 01 May 2019 21:00:00 GMT false108274 High School Holds Extra-Special Sports Night As a way of paying it forward, the high school’s students and staff joined together on April 15 for a special night of competition, camaraderie and charity. The Sports Night event featured sign-ups to form teams in such fun events as cage ball, scooter relay race, tug of war, three-legged race, crab soccer, wheelbarrow race, dodgeball and a choreographed coed dance routine. Proceeds from Sports Night were donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Suffolk County, and the school welcomed special guest Mira Hobson, an 8-year-old from Miller Place with a heart ailment. Hobson’s wish to be a runway model was recently granted by Make-A-Wish, who sent her to Fashion Week in Los Angeles. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108273 Tue, 30 Apr 2019 21:00:00 GMT false108273 Turning Trash Into Treasure at JQA JQA celebrated Earth Day by turning trash into treasure. First graders in Melissa Frischeisen’s class worked together to make a collage using things that would usually be thrown away. For a week, the class saved disposable items such as food wrappers and scrap paper to use for the project. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108272 Tue, 30 Apr 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108272 A Whole New ‘Aladdin’ Wows May Moore Directed by music teacher Kristen Lombardo, Music Club members at May Moore put on a fantastic production of “Aladdin.” Performing familiar tunes such as “Friend Like Me,” “Prince Ali” and “A Whole New World,” the second graders showed off their acting abilities and terrific costumes during shows on April 11 and 12 for both fellow students and proud parents. The main cast included Christopher Carl as Aladdin, Precious Mansibang as Jasmine, Matthew Schabe as Jafar, Brandon Jones as Sultan, Sarah Kulmatycski as Iago, Matthew Jano as Tiger God, Stanley Horner as Genie and Steven LaSpina as Avis the Flying Carpet. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108275 Fri, 26 Apr 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108275 Lots of Love for Living Museum at JQA Each year, second graders at JQA transform the cafeteria into a Living Museum, dressing and speaking as various well-known persons from fields such as athletics, entertainment, politics and history. This year’s event, held on April 2-4, proved exciting for both the students and visiting parents alike. “This is always one of my favorite activities throughout the year and I am always amazed at all of the research and hard work that the students and second grade staff put into making it a success,” said Principal Christopher Molinelli. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107872 Tue, 23 Apr 2019 04:00:00 GMT false107872 JFK’s Fun Club Tours Panera Students in JFK’s Fun Club social skills program recently toured a local Panera Bread, accompanied by special education teacher Marie Tortorici. During the visit, the children had the opportunity to make their own bread and decorate cookies. The Fun Club regularly visits Deer Park businesses to provide the students with a chance to practice social skills in real-life scenarios. “This experience at Panera was so beneficial for our students,” said Tortorici. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107871 Wed, 17 Apr 2019 04:00:00 GMT false107871 DPHS Recognizes 17 Spring Champions The high school celebrated 17 remarkable students at the annual spring Breakfast for Champions in the library on April 4. Recognized in front of their proud families for their exceptional qualities and achievements, the school champions are chosen every fall and spring by each department in the school, alongside principal’s and teacher’s champions. Principal Charles Cobb congratulated the students and his staff to conclude the ceremony. Breakfast for Champions honorees for spring 2019 were Rafid Ahnaf (family and consumer science), Huda Ameen (guidance), Logan Fontana (technology), Adriana Harrilal (English language arts), Jasleen Kaur (business), Julianna Knice (athletics), Kylie Kuhn (physical education), Ryan Leon (Teacher’s Award), Dylan Monserrat (health), Michael Nacchia (art), Thanh Binh Phan (English as a new language), Jordan Rios (Principal’s Award), Scott Rodgers (world languages), Kelly Schwarz (performing arts), Jada Smith (science), Lloydine St. Martin (social studies) and Diondra Talleyrand (math). https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107869 Wed, 17 Apr 2019 00:00:00 GMT false107869 Deer Park Earns Five SCOPE Awards Five district employees earned SCOPE Awards for Excellence this year, and were recognized at the annual SCOPE awards dinner, held on March 18. Dr. Eliana Levey, the principal of Robert Frost Middle School, won in the Administrator Service category. The other winners were DC Raymond Downey Charity/Scholarship Fund founder Rosalie Downey (Community Service), Deer Park High School special education teacher Laurie Osbern (Teacher Service) and districtwide Food Service Director Barbara Stabile (Support Staff Service). https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107870 Tue, 16 Apr 2019 04:00:00 GMT false107870 JFK Rewards Hardworking Young Scientists Reflecting the hard work and creativity of their projects, winners in this year’s JFK school science fair were third-graders Ava Ortlieb (first place), Emily Luna (second place) and Melanie Holdcroft (third place); fourth-graders Kaylee Puterbaugh (first), Emma Corley (second) and Connor McGuiness (third place); and fifth-graders Adella Lathrop (first), Taylor Gabel (second) and Aubrey Pottinger (third). “These amazing scientists took the time to ask a big question, formulate a hypothesis, perform an experiment, gather the data and develop a conclusion,” said science lab coordinator Joyce Carmen. JFK’s grade-level first- and second-place winners will move on to compete in the Brookhaven National Laboratory Elementary School Science Fair on May 4. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107868 Mon, 15 Apr 2019 04:00:00 GMT false107868 Students Seek Choices at Rewarding College & Career Fair The high school held its 14th annual College & Career Fair on March 25, providing essential guidance for student seeking choices for their futures. For the first time, the attendance list included local trade unions in addition to approximately 100 different colleges, organizations and military branches. Members of the school’s National Honor Society assisted in running the event, which also featured a talk by consultant Andrew Herman on college admission for student-athletes. “Every year, our goal is to continue to build on our past success and include organizations that meet the needs and interests of our students,” said college and career counselor Jessica Negron. “It is so rewarding to see our event come together for students and their families as they explore opportunities for life after high school.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107867 Sat, 13 Apr 2019 00:00:00 GMT false107867 Four from Deer Park Chosen for Colors Exhibit Four Deer Park students – May Moore second graders Carmine Baio and Nayla Isaac and JFK fifth graders Addison Costanza and Gavyn DeFour – were selected to have their artwork showcased at the 21st annual Colors of Long Island student art exhibit, held in March at the Long Island Museum in Stony Brook. The May Moore pieces were inspired by the artist Vincent van Gogh, while the JFK artworks were inspired by mandalas representing the universe. The students attended the show with their families, accompanied by art teachers Briana Nussbaum and Michelle Sarco. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107866 Thu, 11 Apr 2019 04:00:00 GMT false107866 Deer Park’s Stellar Music Program Earns Another NAMM Award The district’s music program earned recognition again as one of the NAMM Foundation’s Best Communities for Music Education. The annual designation, now in its 20th year, rewards exceptional achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. “Deer Park is very proud to be honored as one of the best communities for music education by NAMM for 2019,” said Bradley Murphy, the district’s curriculum associate for fine and performing arts. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107865 Wed, 10 Apr 2019 04:00:00 GMT false107865 Beef Patty Recall Food service provider AdvancePierre Foods, Inc. has issued a recall for more than 20,000 pounds of ready-to-eat frozen beef patties over possible plastic contamination. The products, which were produced on Nov. 30, 2018, were shipped to food service locations across the country, including some schools. According to Aramark, we do not receive this product from our distributor. We will continue to monitor the situation as more updates become available. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107864 Fri, 05 Apr 2019 04:00:00 GMT false107864 DPHS Inducts 73 New World Language Achievers Diligence was rewarded at the high school’s World Language Honor Society induction ceremony on March 28, welcoming 73 new members. A total of 111 of the school’s students are enrolled in the school’s French, Italian and Spanish honor societies for 2018-2019. Inductees are required to earn an average of 92 or higher in their world language classes, demonstrate an overall GPA of 85 or above, receive outstanding recommendations from school staff, and act as peer leaders. “In addition to maintaining exceptional grades in their world language courses, these students are dedicated to helping Deer Park’s multilingual and multicultural community,” said Ashley Rosenberg, the district administrator for ENL and world languages. “They have worked diligently to earn this tremendous achievement.” “When I was a high school principal, this was always one of my favorite nights,” said James Cummings, the district’s assistant superintendent for pupil personnel services and the incoming superintendent of schools. “It is an opportunity to congratulate a group of students who I always felt held a special place in my heart and in the high school. So many students are looking for the easy way out, doing the minimum amount they can do, but the kids we honored did a couple of things. They kept going with a foreign language when a lot of students stopped. Not only did they keep going, they excelled at it. Communication is crucial, and as our world shrinks, being comfortable communicating with other cultures and human beings who might not have the same background or history is the most important skill we can teach our kids today.” The packed audience of proud families was entertained by music from band director Jerry Cannarozzo and the school’s jazz ensemble, a perfect touch to complete an evening of candle lighting and congratulations. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107863 Thu, 04 Apr 2019 04:00:00 GMT false107863 Red Cross Club Helps Out Meals on Wheels Five dedicated members of the high school’s Red Cross Club assisted the Suffolk County Meals on Wheels program in Amityville on March 14. Red Cross Club President Yasmeen Sayedda-Hensley and fellow students Dana Ali, Diana Damian, Jasleen Kaur and Gabriella Sroka packaged meals in insulated bags and handed them to drivers for delivery to needy individuals throughout the Town of Babylon. The majority of recipients were elderly persons who could not cook or provide for themselves. “It was a great opportunity to help out members of our community,” said Sayedda-Hensley. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107861 Wed, 03 Apr 2019 04:00:00 GMT false107861 Spring Newsletter Now Available https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107862 Wed, 03 Apr 2019 04:00:00 GMT false107862 A Swashbuckling Success for Frost’s ‘Three Musketeers’ Swashbuckling student-actors at Robert Frost put on an entertaining spectacle, presenting Richard Gremel’s play “The Thrilling Tale of the Three Musketeers” on March 15 and 16. The titular three swordsmen were brought to life by Steven Discenza as Artie, Marcus Fasano as Porthos and Sebastian Lopez as Aramis. Directed by Michael Moriarty with invaluable assistance from set designer Maria Giglio and Sound and lighting director Scott Surdi, the farcical production also starred Maddy Bernstein as Constance, Drea Hendrickson as Queen Anne, Luke Valencia as Prince Frederick, Ayush Manchanda as the Duke, Carson Warkenthein as Bernard, Dimitra Pavlatos as Claudette, Brianne Vasconcellos as the Page and Gianna Sanchez as the Guard. “I had the perfect cast for this show,” said Moriarty. “We put on a rather difficult piece, but the kids turned out an incredible performance. When you consistently hear an audience laughing throughout the show, it’s vindication for the cast and crew that they’re doing something pretty special.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108192 Tue, 02 Apr 2019 15:00:00 GMT false108192 Deer Park Comes Together to Support Down Syndrome Awareness May Moore celebrated Down Syndrome Awareness Day on March 21 with a special guest of honor, Adrian Bruno, a May Moore first-grader with Down Syndrome. Staff and students showed their support by wearing blue and yellow, the official Down Syndrome colors, while elementary teachers and district administrators donned Down Syndrome awareness socks purchased from John’s Crazy Socks in Melville, a business owned by a young man with Down Syndrome. More than 100 pairs of socks were sold, with donations going to the Association of Children with Down Syndrome, National Down Syndrome Society and Special Olympics. Teacher Alannah Boccard and speech therapist Doreen Bellantoni had previously visited each class at May Moore to speak to the students about acceptance and friendship. During their presentation, the two educators talked about people’s differences and similarities, read the Todd Parr book “It’s Okay to Be Different,” and explained to the students what it means to have Down Syndrome and how to be inclusive to people with differing needs. The students then brainstormed ways to show random acts of kindness, which were written up and displayed in the main lobby hallway for all to read. “This day meant a lot to Adrian and his family,” said Boccard. “It was so nice to have the whole school and district come together to show their love and support.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108191 Mon, 01 Apr 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108191 James Cummings Announced as New Superintendent James Cummings has been named the new superintendent of schools for the district, replacing the retiring Eva J. Demyen. His hiring was announced at the Board of Education’s March 26 business meeting, to the applause of colleagues, family and community members. Cummings had served as Deer Park’s assistant superintendent for pupil personnel services since 2016. He began his Deer Park career in 1997 as a business teacher at the high school, after four years in corporate sales for Cigna and MCI/Worldcom. He previously served as Deer Park High School principal, Robert Frost principal and associate principal, and the high school’s varsity track, winter track and cross-country coach. The Sayville resident earned his bachelor’s degree in business management from SUNY Cortland and master’s degrees in secondary education and administration from Dowling College. “I am both proud and humbled to be appointed as the next superintendent of Deer Park Schools,” Cummings said. “Having been in this district for over 20 years, as a coach, teacher, assistant principal, principal and assistant superintendent, I have seen the amazing students of Deer Park accomplish so much. As the superintendent, I promise that I will uphold the great traditions of Deer Park Schools. Equally as important, I will work tirelessly along with our wonderful staff, to ensure that our district stays on the forefront of current educational trends, and that our students are prepared for the ever-changing world that they will be thrust into upon leaving us. I love this community and look forward to serving it in my new capacity.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108189 Fri, 29 Mar 2019 15:00:00 GMT false108189 Konecny Named Assistant Superintendent The district named Alicia Konecny as its assistant superintendent for pupil personnel services, replacing James Cummings, the district’s new superintendent of schools. The promotion was announced at the Board of Education’s March 26 meeting. Konecny, a resident of Deer Park and graduate of Deer Park High School, had served as principal of May Moore since 2004. She previously worked as an assistant principal at both May Moore and JQA, assistant principal at JFK, and an administrative intern at JFK. She began her Deer Park career at JFK, teaching third grade and then fifth grade. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Delaware, a master’s degree in education from Dowling College and her advanced certificate in school district administration from Stony Brook University. “I am thrilled to continue my career in Deer Park in this new role,” Konecny said. “It has long been my passion and our collective mission to provide each and every student with exemplary programs of study within a safe, healthy and nurturing environment. I am looking forward to providing instructional leadership that ensures that every student is learning and achieving at a level that maximizes his or her learning potential. I am eager to coordinate the development and improvement of pupil support services and the advancement of support services for students while also being an advocate for creative and innovative programs for students with disabilities.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108190 Fri, 29 Mar 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108190 Exploring Languages at May Moore On World Language Exploration Day, students at May Moore were visited by high school seniors for fun, colorful lessons in French, Italian and Spanish. The annual event, held on March 19, is part of World Languages and Cultural Awareness Month. It gives the younger students a first look at languages other than English and provides the high schoolers with a chance to get creative in learning to educate others. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108188 Tue, 26 Mar 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108188 May Moore Kindergartners Treat Their Teddy Bears Kindergartners at May Moore enjoyed an educational Teddy Bear Clinic on March 5, an injury prevention program sponsored by the Trauma Center at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. Nurses from Stony Brook visited the school to discuss car and helmet safety with the students. At the program’s end, the children donned surgical masks to tend to their injured stuffed animal pals. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108187 Mon, 25 Mar 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108187 Aiding in Acceptance With Frost’s Award-Winning BandAid Project Robert Frost held its fourth annual BandAid Project on March 15. Developed by Frost speech-language pathologist Stephanie O’Connell to coincide with April as National Autism Awareness Month, the daylong event – which won the Suffolk County Human Rights Commission’s Inter-Faith Anti-Bias Task Force Award last year – works to increase acceptance of people with autism and developmental disabilities rather than just awareness and provides students with a firsthand experience of the daily struggles of people with disabilities. Participating students wear a Band-aid across their mouth for the entire day, and must use pen and paper, gestures and even body language to communicate with their teachers and peers while taking part in all required activities of the school day. At BandAid’s conclusion, the students gather to play a game or complete an activity reflecting on the difficulties they had without the ability to communicate like others. "Doing the BandAid Project for three straight years was a really good experience, and I looked forward to it every year,” said eighth-grader David Perez. “It’s basically the same as every other day, but once you put the Band-aid on, everything changes for you. When I tried to speak, I felt totally different. I really wanted to rip it off and speak as much as I want, but I knew I couldn’t, because I dedicated myself to finishing the project. It gave me a new point of view on what people with disabilities have to deal with in daily life.” “This year, at some point during the day, I wanted to cry,” said eighth-grader Karly Haskins, another previous BandAid participant. “It was really hard. I wanted to talk to so many of my friends and tell them what was on my mind. It was definitely a struggle.” “I was impressed with our students’ ability to reflect on this activity,” said O’Connell. “I asked them to give me one word that described how it felt to be speechless for the day. Students reported the following feelings: trapped, stuck, sad, embarrassed, annoyed, frustrated, mad, and furious. I acknowledged their feelings and then challenged them to think about what it must be like to feel that way all the time, as it is for someone with a disability. They got it!” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108186 Fri, 22 Mar 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108186 Memory Project Video Please take a moment and watch this powerful video showcasing Deer Park High School art students' participation in the Memory Project to benefit Rohingya children. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108185 Thu, 21 Mar 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108185 Learning Through Magic at JQA Las Vegas illusionist Christian Augustin brought his new interactive show “The Magic of Learning” to JQA on March 5, linking to the school’s STEAM themes. Incorporating math and physics as well as interesting stories from history, Augustine presented such magical effects as “The Impossible Puzzle,” “Intelligent Electricity” and “The Power of Nine” to entertain and educate students from pre-K through second grade. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108184 Wed, 20 Mar 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108184 Kelly Benson Named New Principal of JFK Kelly Benson has been named the new principal of JFK, replacing Susan Bonner, who will retire at the end of this school year. For the past three years, Benson has served as an associate principal at JFK. She previously worked as an elementary school teacher in the Sachem School District and as a New York City police officer. The Wading River resident earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Iona College, her master’s degree in elementary education from Dowling College, and her post-master’s advanced certificate in educational leadership from Stony Brook University. “I am very excited to accept the position of JFK principal,” said Benson. “Over the past three years as associate principal, I have built many meaningful relationships with the students, faculty, parents and the Deer Park community. I look forward to continuing to build these relationships in my new capacity. Together we will empower students to develop the skills they need to be able to thrive in society. We will work together to help every child reach their fullest potential and become global citizens. I am committed to provide a safe environment for all students to thrive and grow.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108182 Fri, 15 Mar 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108182 Deer Park DECA Brings Home Four State Trophies A group of 28 business students from the high school’s DECA club recently competed at DECA’s New York State Career Development Conference in Rochester, with two pairs of Deer Park students earning trophies. Jasleen Kaur and Amar Qasir came in second place in the Financial Services team event, while Eiman Nawaz and Yasmeen Syedda-Hensley won fifth place in Travel & Tourism. These four trophy winners qualified to compete against more than 18,000 high school students from across the country and around the world at the International Career Development Conference in Orlando, Florida at the end of April. Additional Deer Park standouts in the business battle against more than 2,000 high school students from across the state included top 10 scorers Isabella Coon and Logan Eisenberg for Financial Services, James Hope for Food Marketing, Saima Hoque for Principles of Finance, Omar Rahim for Human Resources, Alyssa Robb for Restaurant & Food Service Management, Tasfia Shaikh for Retail Merchandising, Chaim Shames for Business Finance, Keryn Shames for Financial Consulting, and Esteysy Yanes-Amaya for Personal Financial Literacy. “Congratulations to all of the students on a job well done,” said DECA adviser Gregory Menig. Additionally, Qasir was inducted into the New York DECA Honor Society for his outstanding grades and business studies. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108183 Thu, 14 Mar 2019 21:00:00 GMT false108183 Determined Depre Climbs to the Top for MS In an effort to make a difference for the fight against multiple sclerosis, Deer Park High School student Robert Depre ascended the Empire State Building on March 3 as part of the "MS Climb to the Top NYC” initiative. The 15-year-old, together with his sisters Jennifer and Stephanie, who joined him for the 28-minute climb, raised $1,365 for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. “I participated because I wanted to help people suffering from MS,” said Depre. “It was an awesome experience and I’d definitely participate again next year.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108181 Thu, 14 Mar 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108181 A Night to Honor Deer Park’s Winter Athletes The high school recognized outstanding athletic efforts by varsity teams on winter sports awards night, held on Feb. 28 at the high school’s auditorium. Members of the bowling, boys basketball, girls basketball, boys winter track, girls winter track, swimming and diving, and wrestling teams were honored with certificates and plaques, including Most Valuable Player awards, Coaches Awards, Spirit Awards and Scholar-Athlete awards. “I want to show appreciation for the hard work and dedication that our coaches and athletes show regularly,” said Athletic Director Dominick Fontana. “For the coaches, it’s getting through a whole season and making it the best possible experience for our athletes, and for our athletes, it’s putting everything else aside to make athletics a high priority in their lives. I would also like to thank the Booster Club’s fundraising efforts.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108180 Wed, 13 Mar 2019 21:00:00 GMT false108180 Frost Focuses on Music for Black History Month For this year’s Black History Month celebration at Robert Frost, which encompassed February and extended into early March, teachers Lynne Connors and Sara Watkin-Fox focused for the first time on the crucial role of music in the African-American experience. “What makes our Black History month celebration so unique is the fact that it is a hands-on experience for the students,” said Watkin-Fox. “Each year, we focus on a different theme and the students partner with us to create a celebration that extends throughout the school. Whether it is setting up a historical display case with Mrs. Connors or researching the various musicians, styles and incredible contributions of African-Americans to the world of music with me or working with both of us to raise awareness throughout the school, this is a student-centered project that brings our entire school community together.” Connors and Watkin-Fox came up with a list of musical genres to cover along with a timeline to cover the topics. Connors then ordered the topics in a calendar, and Watkin-Fox’s classes researched which musicians and songs to use. Each week during Black History Month, student-selected musical choices that span both history and musical styles were played on the school’s PA system, resulting in students dancing and singing in the halls. Students also utilized Frost’s newly acquired Chromebooks to increase their understanding of the subject, conducting technology and sharpening research skills to listen to and learn about African-Americans' significant contribution to music throughout history. “The lesson traced the evolution of the African-American contribution to the world of music, starting with African drumming and moving on to a writing prompt on blues, studying how it originated in the time of slavery on the Mississippi Delta,” said Watkin-Fox. “We used technology for the jazz station – an independent study on Louis Armstrong and the history of jazz in this country. Our last station involved creating promotional posters for the Motown recording studio, the first that did not discriminate against African-American musicians. Our students learned about the good as well as the bad, about the racism that many of the musicians had to deal with and the difficulties in getting their music recorded. “Frost is proud to have showcased several extremely influential African-American musicians including Louis Armstrong, Berry Gordy and Chuck Berry,” said Bradley Murphy, Deer Park’s curriculum associate for fine and performing arts. “Through experiences like this, our students are able to experience the masterpieces these amazing musicians produced many years ago.” “I learned about different types of music like jazz and the blues,” said seventh-grader Angeline Burnett. “I feel like we should give credit to the African-Americans because they built our structure of music.” “It was good because we learned about black history and how African-Americans made music throughout the years and through many hardships,” said seventh-grader Jayden Philippe. Based on student research, Connors created a showcase in Frost’s main lobby, displaying the people’s movement from Africa through slavery and migration patterns, and their music progressing from blues through jazz and into rock, hip hop and rap, as well as different cities in the U.S. where these music genres were birthed. The showcase also featured a poem by student Alexa Cornelia. “I came up with the poem because I didn’t know black history before, so I made a poem from my heart,” said Cornelia. “People don’t get respected. I made the poem to tell them that they do matter, and not to let anyone change who they are.” Finally, Connors visited English as a new language classes to discuss her own personal narrative and instill pride. “As a survivor of segregated schools on Long Island, I can relate to the ENL students’ feelings of being an outsider looking in,” she said. “I started with my family, to show that African-Americans could be prosperous. This is their heritage, and for some it’s their introduction to something they don’t know about.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108179 Tue, 12 Mar 2019 00:00:00 GMT false108179 Red Cross Club Thanks Local Firefighters Honoring local volunteer heroes, members of the high school's Red Cross Club recently made and delivered 102 thank-you cards to for members of the Deer Park Fire Department. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108178 Mon, 11 Mar 2019 04:00:00 GMT false108178 A Last Sweet Mad Hatter’s Tea at May Moore A lovely Valentine’s Day tradition came to an end at May Moore as retiring teacher Cheryl Bica and her class held her last Mad Hatter’s Tea. Every year, Bica creates a hat for each student using old newspapers and sends it home for the children and their families to creatively decorate. On Feb. 14, the hat-bedecked students perform love songs and personal Valentine greetings, followed by a feast of sweets and drinks. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108176 Fri, 08 Mar 2019 10:00:00 GMT false108176 JQA Families Entertained by Seuss Storyteller for READ During the annual recent Read, Enjoy and Discover program at JQA, storyteller LuAnn Adams entertained students and families with “Tales from Dr. Seuss.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108177 Fri, 08 Mar 2019 05:00:00 GMT false108177 Legislator Berland Brings Love of READing to JQA As part of the school’s 16th annual Read Enjoy and Discover program, JQA was recently visited by Suffolk County Legislator Susan Berland, who read two of her favorites, Faith McNulty’s “Arty the Smarty” and Tamara Kitt’s “The Boy Who Fooled the Giant,” to the excited students. READ is a collaborative effort among parents, students and staff to build a reading partnership between home and school and to help foster the love of reading at home. READ programs encourage parents to read with their children every day over a two-week period during the month of February. The JQA students read more than 11,000 books, meeting the school’s goal of 10,000. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108175 Mon, 04 Mar 2019 05:00:00 GMT false108175 High School Clubs Promote Positivity on P.S. I Love You Day In a joint effort for P.S. I Love You Day between two high school groups, the Student Council Club, led by counselors Rachel Glaubach and Jessica Negron, and the Community Service Club, led by Christine DiProperzio, decorated the showcase in the main lobby, displaying posters and pictures made by students. P.S. I Love You Day, held on Feb. 8, promotes positive messages of love, acceptance and community and to take a standagainst bullying. Club members also put individual quotes on classroom doors, all student lockers and all staff members' office doors, and also wrote some quotes on bathroom mirrors so that as students looked at themselves, they would be reminded how wonderful each of them truly are. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108035 Fri, 01 Mar 2019 16:00:00 GMT false108035 Message from Board Trustee Keith Rooney I wanted to drop a note and thank you all for your support. After volunteering and serving on the Board of Education as vice president and trustee for the last 12 years, I will not be seeking reelection in May 2019. Serving Deer Park has been an honor and something I will always cherish. As a member of Deer Park High School’s graduating Class of 1985, I always took pride serving this great community. I have been a resident of Deer Park for all of my life, and my wife and I have raised our three children in Deer Park’s schools. My current role at National Grid requires me to travel almost weekly, making this role harder to sustain. I’ve been on a lot of teams during my life and couldn’t be prouder to have worked with Deer Park’s school board, superintendent, staff, administration and dedicated employees. Together we have developed a great future for all our students. Serving on the special education and energy committees has also been one of my most rewarding life experiences. I’m excited about the future of this district and will always be proud of all we accomplished together. Thank you all for your friendship, support and dedication to our great employees and students! Falcon for life! Keith Rooney Board of Education Trustee https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108033 Wed, 27 Feb 2019 05:00:00 GMT false108033 Sophomores Meet the Challenge of AP Capstone The 2018-2019 school year featured the debut of a rigorous, challenging new program for the high school’s students. A total of 31 sophomores are enrolled in AP Seminar, taught by ENL/ELA teacher Joe Buscarino. The course is part of the College Board’s vaunted AP Capstone program, which serves as excellent project-based learning, helping students prepare for a college environment where they will be working not just by themselves, but with a group or team trying to solve a problem. “As a district, we are always looking to expose our students to opportunities to get college ready,” said Jeanne Kozlowsky, district administrator for secondary curriculum and instruction. “When AP Capstone became available, we came together as an administrative team to look at it and thought it would be a wonderful option for our high school students. We are developing a college-level course for high schoolers that will prepare them in research and methods of identifying proper sources and arguing based on different economic, political or cultural interpretive lenses.” “It’s really a great chance for those students who want to challenge themselves, to surpass what they think their limits might be and push the envelope a bit,” said Michelle Kwon, the district’s curriculum associate for ELA, reading and library. “It’s also important that as a district, we support the fact that on college applications, AP Capstone is now a check-off box, so we wanted to give our students the ability to list it.” Deer Park made the decision to offer Seminar to 10th graders on the honors track, through the English department, as the first section of the AP Capstone program. In the fall of 2019, the school will offer the second Capstone segment, AP Research, to juniors and seniors through the science department. “I’m glad we decided to offer Seminar to sophomores, because it enables them to use those research skills throughout all content areas and gives them time in high school to practice those skills before college,” Kwon said. Buscarino’s Seminar curriculum analyzes and interprets nonfiction and fiction sources; utilizing T.S. Eliot's "Notes Toward the Definition of Culture", the class explores different cultural views of the individual, the group or class, and then the larger society as a whole. The literature corresponds to this organization and reviews different interpretive lenses to expound and elicit knowledge from the students. In order to develop the course, Buscarino and Kwon attended a mandatory seminar in Maryland last summer, undergoing extensive training for five days. “They really gave us the tools to create this course, which isn’t typically set in stone – the teacher develops what they need as far as curriculum goes,” Buscarino said. “They gave us 75 or 76 different skills that need to be taught during the course, and however you get to those skills is up to you.” “It’s not a traditional classroom setting with a teacher up at the board,” Kozlowsky explained. “The students decide what issues that they are passionate about and really want to learn more about. Every time you pass by Mr. Buscarino’s classroom, you see his students working collaboratively, and assessing some challenging topics and real-world issues.” “The students are very proud that they’re in the class,” Kwon said. “They always say that their brain hurts when they come out of class, but in a good way. It’s an environment that’s supportive but challenging at the same time. There’s a formula to the course, but because of student choice, there’s also a lot of flexibility. In this class, the skills are a priority, so how the students want to use and apply and manipulate those skills is based on student interest. It’s an interesting challenge even for the teacher, because there are moments when they can only give so much support, and it’s up to the students to support and critique each other.” Buscarino has proven up to the challenge, and continues to hone his vision for the course by collaborating and sharing ideas with a network of other Capstone teachers from around Long Island, as well as with teachers and administrators from all over the country and world. One major difference between AP Seminar and typical AP courses is that Seminar does not feature just one final exam. Parts of the exam are completed throughout the school year, including a group assignment and presentation, an individual research and essay, and an individual presentation with oral defense. The final portion is just a percentage, affirming the course’s representation of the idea of process and multiple ways of assessing students. “It’s challenging in that you really have to get the students prepared much earlier than in a traditional AP class, but it really is more than just taking a test,” Kwon said. “It is a truer test of mastery of skill.” “If I had to rename this course, I’d call it Research 101, just because it’s really taking a look at finding your own sources and then developing or synthesizing ideas based on those sources,” Buscarino said. “It’s critical thinking.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108034 Wed, 27 Feb 2019 05:00:00 GMT false108034 Frost’s Fourth P.S. I Love You Day Shows Students That They Matter Purple shirts were sighted everywhere on Feb. 8 as P.S. I Love You Day was celebrated at Robert Frost for the fourth year in a row. The shirts served as reminders to stand against bullying and prevent suicide. P.S. I Love You Day was started in 2010 by West Islip teenager Brooke DiPalma, following the tragic suicides of her father and a senior at her school. The event, held each year on the second Friday of February, promotes positive messages of love, acceptance and community, symbolized by the color purple. Guided by teachers Dani Iadevaia and Denise Tassey, the school’s student council posted notes with inspirational messages on every student's locker, made candygrams, and wrapped purple ribbon around the trees in front of the school. “We participate in P.S. I Love You Day because the world we live in right now focuses so much on the negative things that happen around us,” said Tassey. “Unfortunately, our students know about suicide and have lost someone they love to it. We have students who think their lives don’t matter when they do matter. Every single one of us on this earth matters, and our student council wanted to make sure of that. We also challenged students every day that week to do something nice for someone, whether it was a smile at someone they didn’t know, to sit with someone they don’t know, or just help out someone who looks like they could use help. So many people were wearing purple that day, and it was just so amazing to see that we can make a difference and help people – even if it’s just a few – know that they are loved.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108031 Tue, 26 Feb 2019 19:00:00 GMT false108031 High School Holds Lifesaving Blood Drive Donating their time and their blood to help those in need, altruistic Deer Park High School students visited the school gym on Feb. 14 to participate in the annual blood drive. “I’m here to save a life,” said junior Hannah Harrilal. “It’s for a good cause.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108032 Tue, 26 Feb 2019 13:00:00 GMT false108032 Learning to Keep Smiles Healthy at JFK Third-graders in Heather Buksa’s and Jennifer Zylberberg’s classes at JFK recently learned about the importance of taking care of their teeth. A dental hygienist from West Islip’s Vitagliano Orthodontics visited the school, giving the students a chance to ask questions and practice caring for their teeth with hands-on activities. The students were also excited to receive “bunny ears” supplies to help achieve healthy smiles. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108030 Tue, 26 Feb 2019 05:00:00 GMT false108030 High School Holds First Math and Science Honor Societies Induction The high school celebrated a new tradition on Feb. 4 with the school’s first National Math and Science Honor Societies induction ceremony, held in the school’s auditorium. To qualify for acceptance into either honor society, students needed to have an overall grade point average of 85 or higher, and a content-specific GPA in either math or science of 90 or higher. A total of 29 exceptional juniors and seniors were the first to be welcomed to the National Math Honor Society, which was formed in 1957: Aliseena Aiwazali, Nova Alim, Huda Ameen, Audrey Barke, Ayden Caldea, Haley Celona, Saiansh Chaddha, Angela D’Antonio, Sabrina Felipe, Dana Laissle, Lindsey Lam, Julianna Lasorsa, Regan Mays, Zubaer Mohiudden, Joshua Murphy, Joseph Ogden, Amanda Poggioli, Michael Quinones, Omar Rahim, Alyssa Robb, Matthew Rosati, Nimra Salim, Khabiba Shahid, Tasfia Shaikh, Jessica Siford, Madison Steddick, Alisha Suhail, Gavin Thomas and Purnava Zakaria. Joining the National Science Honor Society, formed in 2000, were 33 juniors and seniors: Aiwazali, Alim, Dana Ali, Ameen, Barke, Deirdre Burke, Caldea, Betul Camlica, Chaddha, Azim Chowdhury, Jillian Cornelia, D’Antonio, Felipe, Ahmed Iqbal, Lam, Lasorsa, Mays, Mohiudden, Murphy, Ogden, Poggioli, Quinones, Rahim, Joshua Rivera, Rosati, Salim, Shahid, Shaikh, Siford, Steddick, Suhail, Thomas and Zakaria. Following a performance of the national anthem by the school’s women’s choir, speakers at the event included Curriculum Associate for Science and Technology Alison Branca, Curriculum Associate for Mathematics and Business Christine Gill, Principal Charles Cobb, and advisers Sara DiCandia and Dylan Duprez. “There aren’t many times in your life when you’ll do something that you are the first at,” Cobb told the students. “Tonight is definitely one of those nights, being that you are the inaugural class for the Math and Science Honor Societies. This is an accomplishment that you can take with you as you go beyond Deer Park High School into a college program or career field.” “All of these students have challenged themselves with the most rigorous schedules and upheld the greatest honor inside and outside of the classroom,” said Gill. “We are thrilled to officially be adding Deer Park students to these prestigious honor societies.” “On behalf of myself and Mrs. Gill, let us be the first of many to congratulate you on this accomplishment,” said Branca. “We also would like to extend our congratulations to the parents and families of these remarkable young people. Your unconditional love, guidance, support and encouragement throughout the years is a big reason why your sons and daughters are here tonight.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108029 Tue, 26 Feb 2019 01:00:00 GMT false108029 High School Actors Display Comedic Talent in ‘Noises Off’ High school theater students displayed their comedic talents and acting depth in their recent performance of the 1982 Michael Frayn play “Noises Off,” directed by Kristen Wallace with set direction from Alex Mesimeris. The hilarious production concerns a group of actors preparing for their touring performance of a farce comedy called “Nothing On!” Most of the student actors played two roles: – the actor and the character the actor is playing in the play-within-a-play. The cast featured Jennifer Wern as Ms. Dotty Otley and Mrs. Clackett, Oliver Curry as Lloyd Dallas and Director of ‘Nothing On!’, Louis Bianco as Mr. Garry Lejeune and Roger Tramplemain, Madi Steddick as Ms. Brooke Ashton and Vicki, Makenzie Caldone as Poppy and Assistant Stage Manager, Evan Hytner as Mr. Frederick Fellowes and Philip Brent, Allie Costanza as Ms. Belinda Blair and Flavia Brent, Ciara Boltz and Isabella Serrano as Tammy Allgood and Stage Manager, and Alex Kellarakos as Mr. Selsdon Mowbray and Burglar. Francesca Bala, Karen Cochran and Samantha Petrizzo served as student directors. “Because it is an extremely difficult undertaking for all who are involved, ‘Noises Off’ is rarely performed on a high school stage,” said Wallace. “I am extremely impressed with our students. The show pushed all of our artists to stretch their creative boundaries. In this ‘play within-a-play, about a play,’ the actors needed to study, develop and create two characters, two personalities, and for some, two accents or voices. In addition, they needed to incorporate a great deal of physical comedy. As always, it was an extremely humbling experience to work with such amazingly talented actors, artists, directors and crew members who work tirelessly for our performing arts department.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108028 Wed, 20 Feb 2019 05:00:00 GMT false108028 Sophomore Boxer Jahi Tucker Ranked First in the Nation High school sophomore Jahi Tucker recently was ranked first in the nation in boxing in the 138-pound weight class after winning the 2018 USA National Boxing Championship in Salt Lake City, Utah. Tucker, who trains at the Brentwood Recreation Center, has been boxing since age 7. A member of the Junior National Team, he will attend camp at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs in March and will compete overseas for Team USA. “We are very excited for him and wish him the best,” said his global history teacher, Laurie Osbern. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108026 Tue, 19 Feb 2019 05:00:00 GMT false108026 Valentine Zipline Delivery at JFK While working on STEM activities prior to Valentine’s Day, fourth-graders at JFK used the engineering process to plan, design and build ziplines out of different materials to “deliver” Valentines. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108027 Tue, 19 Feb 2019 05:00:00 GMT false108027 Frost Eighth-Grade Orchestra Attends Lincoln Center Rehearsal The Robert Frost eighth-grade orchestra enjoyed a day out at Lincoln Center on Feb. 8, observing a professional ensemble rehearse for an upcoming performance. The students listened attentively to a piano with string quintet work on a Mozart piano concerto. At the conclusion of the rehearsal, students questioned the professional musicians about practicing and technique, then toured Lincoln Center’s plaza. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108025 Wed, 13 Feb 2019 05:00:00 GMT false108025 Chinese New Year Celebration Marches On at May Moore Students at May Moore continued a beloved annual tradition by marching loudly through the halls to celebrate Chinese New Year. The Feb. 5 parade was punctuated by percussion and enlivened by colorful paper dragons. The festivities concluded with a luncheon of Chinese food. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108023 Tue, 12 Feb 2019 05:00:00 GMT false108023 JFK Kicks Off Black History Month with Cultural Assembly Black History Month came to JFK with an array of educational activities designed to spark awareness. The school kicked off the monthlong celebration with an interactive music and dance assembly from the multicultural Phyllis Rose Dance Company, exploring the roots of African and African-American culture. “JFK is doing some great things to celebrate Black History Month,” said Associate Principal Kelly Benson. “Our students are learning about different African Americans who have impacted our history, and we are spreading Dr. Martin Luther King’s message by spreading kindness around the building, with students are being recognized for small acts of kindness that they do throughout the day.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108024 Tue, 12 Feb 2019 05:00:00 GMT false108024 Hoops Star Edmead Scores 1,000th Career Point On Jan. 25, high school basketball player Malik Edmead hit a three-pointer from the top of the key in an 87-48 victory over West Islip to score his 1,000th career point. At the next ball, the voice of the Falcons, Alex Mesimeris, announced the milestone, leading to a standing ovation from the crowd for Edmead and his teammates. Edmead, an 11th-grader, is a three-year varsity player, won league championships in 2017 and 2018, and advanced to the county finals in 2018. He was an All-League, All-Conference, All-County, All-Long Island Second Team and All-State Sixth Team selection in his sophomore year. He already has two full Division 1 scholarship offers in only his junior year. On that same night as Edmead’s accomplishment, the boys basketball team – in conjunction with a raffle run by the school’s cheerleaders – held its 14th annual Ryan Bryan Night, raising more than $600 to benefit the scholarships of beloved alumni Ryan Horodnicki and Bryan Manigault. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108022 Mon, 11 Feb 2019 05:00:00 GMT false108022 May Moore’s Math and Science Carnival Spurs Thinking Skills May Moore and the school’s Parent Faculty Club hosted the school’s annual Math and Science Carnival on Jan. 28. For this year’s event, students visited five different stations: Radical Reactions, I-Math, Marshmallow Geometry, Bouncing Buoyancy and Patterns. The festivities concluded on Feb. 1 with a fun assembly program by scientist Hector Von Vector. “Our students engaged in applying higher order thinking skills throughout the Carnival,” said Principal Alicia Konecny. “They utilized skills such as estimating, making predictions and recording their findings. They also received prizes for completing each station. Many thanks to our wonderful math lab teachers and the many parent volunteers who made this academic opportunity a reality.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108021 Wed, 06 Feb 2019 16:00:00 GMT false108021 Character Building at JQA Ends With Fun Glow Run During a two-week Mindspark Mystery Lab program, JQA students experienced a themed program combining STEAM skills – involving science, technology, engineering, arts and math – with character building, culminating in a Boosterthon Glow Run on Jan. 18. Donations raised during this event will fund an upgrade for JQA’s playground via the school’s Parent Faculty Club. “The students had a great time learning all about these character traits and participating in the glow run,” said Associate Principal Heather Levine. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108020 Wed, 06 Feb 2019 05:00:00 GMT false108020 Winter Newsletter Now Available https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108019 Fri, 01 Feb 2019 05:00:00 GMT false108019 May Moore Parent Honored for Aiming Higher Donation The district recognized community member and parent Rashika Hettiarachchi at the Jan. 22 board of education meeting for her $800 donation to teacher Christine Garcett’s Aiming Higher enrichment program at May Moore Primary School.Hettiarachchi received a certificate of appreciation from Garcett and May Moore Principal Alicia Konecny. The Aiming Higher program, which Hettiarachchi’s son Nicholas attends, meets for weekly sessions in the school library, learning basic coding and participating in fiction and nonfiction book discussions while also working on higher order comprehension skills. The donated funds will be used to purchase materials that require students to think critically, problem solve and collaborate with peers. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108018 Thu, 31 Jan 2019 05:00:00 GMT false108018 AP Art Students Get Inspired at Advanced Visions High school seniors and AP art students Samantha Coccaro and James Valencia were recently selected for LIU Post’s prestigious exhibit “Advanced Visions 15: High School Artists of Excellence.” Their artwork was displayed in early January at the Student Art League gallery in the B. Davis Schwartz Memorial Library at Post, culminating in a Jan. 9 awards ceremony and reception. “Overall, the gallery was a great experience,” said Coccaro. “It was nice to walk around and see all of this amazing artwork and to be surrounded by such amazing artists. I had the pleasure of speaking with a few people about the work and received helpful suggestions for some things I should try.” “I loved going to the LIU art show because I got to see all the different art,” said Valencia. “Some of the pieces really inspired me to try new things with my art in the future. I was also glad that a few professors critiqued my art piece and helped me figure out what I can improve on.” “This was a wonderful opportunity for these young artists to display their work beyond a school setting,” said Derek Mainhart, their AP art teacher. “I'm so proud of Samantha and James, both for their artistic accomplishments and their initiative in getting their wonderful artwork before an audience.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108017 Wed, 30 Jan 2019 13:00:00 GMT false108017 Chromebooks Rolled Out at Frost and JFK A Deer Park initiative recently provided fifth-graders at JFK and sixth- and seventh-graders at Frost with Chromebooks – for use both in school and out – following the completion of a major technology infrastructure upgrade achieved as part of the state’s Smart School project. On Jan. 18, the Chromebooks were rolled out at Frost, following a rollout earlier that week at JFK. “We couldn’t be more excited for the students in grades five, six and seven,” said Christopher Kauter, the district’s instructional technology administrator. “We are looking forward to the blended learning instruction that the teachers will be performing.” On the heels of the tech upgrade, the district had also embarked on a comprehensive shift to the blended learning model, in which the most valuable learning strategies are first identified, and then instructional technology devices and resources are used as tools to make the strategies more efficient and increase the learning experience for students. This blended environment will promote improved performance and rigorous academic standards. The assessment of these learning strategies is based on work by researcher and educator John Hattie, who took numerous surveys and research from hundreds of school districts around the world and quantified a value-added number for each strategy. Among the most successful strategies the district is focusing on – many which Deer Park teachers have been using for years – are self-assessment, reciprocal teaching, concept mapping, problem-solving teaching, vocabulary strategies, direct instruction, interactive video, spaced vs. mass practice, peer tutoring, questioning and worked examples. Tech software and programs on hand include Castle Learning, CodeMonkey, EDpuzzle, Explain Everything, G Suite, Pear Deck, Poll Everywhere, Soundtrap and WeVideo. “Blended learning is not just digital learning or traditional learning, but a blend of the two,” Kauter said. “What we want to do is take these learning strategies that the research shows are successful and work in a traditional classroom environment and merge them together with the Chromebooks and instructional software we have.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108015 Tue, 29 Jan 2019 05:00:00 GMT false108015 Winter Crafts Created at JFK’s ENL Culture Night JFK had its largest turnout ever for 2019’s ENL Culture Night. Following a "Winter Wonderland” theme, students in attendance made winter-themed crafts with their families, created “snow” out of baking soda and shaving cream, and posed in a larger-than-life snow globe photo booth. The students also debuted their winter-themed video at the event; with the help of their ENL teachers, the children filmed themselves answering questions about winter in their native countries. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108016 Tue, 29 Jan 2019 05:00:00 GMT false108016 Math Students ‘Break Out’ by Solving Problems Using the exciting Breakout EDU kit, Deer Park math teachers have brought new excitement to their classrooms, instilling critical thinking, teamwork and problem-solving skills. At Robert Frost Middle School, Lauren Kalinowski used Breakout EDU to enhance a seventh-grade math lesson on solving two-step equations, infused with an Ancient Egyptian theme. Students were placed into groups and given a scenario where they were trapped in an pharaoh’s tomb. Each group was given large and small Breakout boxes. Students had to solve equations to “escape,” cracking the codes for a four-digit lock, five-letter lock and a five-arrow lock, as well as finding a hidden key to open one of the locks. At Deer Park High School, teacher Sara DiCandia’s geometry students enthusiastically embraced Breakout EDU, solving puzzles and riddles for a holiday-themed activity. “Breakout EDU is a great tool to help engage students and enhance critical thinking skills, collaboration and communication skills,” said DiCandia. “This learning experience can be modified for students in all grade levels as well as in all subject areas. I really enjoyed using it in my geometry class because I was able to observe how students worked together as a group to solve each of the problems that helped them unlock a box and get closer to “breaking out.” After reflecting on the activity as a class, and hearing students’ feedback afterwards, I can tell that students really enjoyed this activity. It is important to change things up and create engaging learning opportunities for students whenever possible, and Breakout EDU is the perfect tool to do so.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108014 Wed, 23 Jan 2019 05:00:00 GMT false108014 STEAM Lab Grand Opening Brings Innovation to May Moore May Moore celebrated the grand opening of its new STEAM lab on Jan. 14, which will focus on science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics lessons. The initiative started in September, when a committee began to work to create a learning space for the students that requires them to think critically and creatively, collaborate and communicate, integrate technology and become global citizens. “We are thrilled to bring 21st-century learning skills to the primary level,” Assistant Principal Heather Levine said. “We had our STEAM lab committee visit other STEAM labs and makerspaces across Long Island. We took the best of what we saw and attempted to replicate amazing teaching practices here in our lab.” “Starting this afternoon, each and every class will visit the STEAM lab weekly to create, innovate and problem-solve for the future,” Principal Alicia Konecny told the assembled students and staff. Second-grader Nate Fahl served as student spokesman, describing the lab and the STEAM concept. Guided by music teacher Kristen Lombardo, a group of May Moore students then sang a special STEAM-themed song, followed by a ribbon cutting, which was administered by three students. Once the lab was deemed open for business, selected students from each grade and classroom in the building swarmed the five stations – a light table, an art area, a Lego wall, a tech station with an Osmo game system and Code & Go Robot Mouse, and a magnetics and Keva planks section – to demonstrate various STEAM activities. The event also featured a colorful robot cake and the conclusion of the “Most Magnificent Thing” challenge for Deer Park’s administrators, who had been tasked to brainstorm and create their own working object using materials provided in a paper bag, with the winner being Assistant Superintendent for Business and Operations Marguerite Jimenez. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108012 Wed, 23 Jan 2019 01:00:00 GMT false108012 HS Track Athletes Shine at Weekend Meets Nine of the high school’s boys track athletes competed at the Yale Bowl Classic Invitational, held Jan. 12-13 at Yale University, with the 4x800-meter relay team – consisting of Ryan Brooks, Nick Maniscalco, Warren Millien and Tyler Neilson – taking second place. Tyler Neilson’s outstanding performance in the 3,000-meter race landed him fourth all-time in that event in the school’s record book. The team continued to shine at the Freshman/Sophomore Championships, held Jan. 13 at Suffolk County Community College’s Brentwood campus. Freshman Jon Alicea was the runner-up in the long jump for all freshmen, Aidan Neilson took third for all freshmen in the 1,600-meter race, and Maniscalco took third for all sophomores in the 600-meter. “The coaching staff was extremely proud and pleased with how our boys performed,” said coach Thomas Brouillard. “It’s always a good weekend when our runners bring home several medals, but more importantly, represent Deer Park with professionalism. The meet at Yale is a prestigious one and the Frosh/Soph Championship is extremely important, which makes these performances all the greater.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108013 Tue, 22 Jan 2019 05:00:00 GMT false108013 Falcon Fuel Takes Off at High School Students in Gabriella Gilmartin’s life skills class at the high school recently opened a Falcon Fuel coffee business on Fridays, providing them with the opportunity to develop meaningful social relationships throughout the school community. “This project teaches students about entrepreneurship, serving others, functional academics, hygiene, food safety and building communication skills through work experiences,” said Gilmartin. “It’s really an exciting venture. The students are driven to build their business and meet new people in our building. I am truly in awe of the skills they’ve developed in such a short amount of time, and both students and teachers look forward to their Friday morning coffee.” The Falcon Fuel coffee service is mirrored by a similar initiative at Robert Frost, the equally successful Friday coffee service known as Burkel’s Brew Club. “As a district, we are beyond proud of what the students and staff of these two programs have accomplished, and their invaluable contributions to our school community,” said David DePrima, the district’s administrator of secondary special education. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108011 Fri, 18 Jan 2019 22:00:00 GMT false108011 National Honor Society Offers Opportunities for 64 New Members The high school inducted 64 new members into the National Honor Society during a Dec. 10 ceremony in the school’s auditorium, led by NHS President Amar Qasir. Other speakers included NHS adviser Seth Margolin, Principal Charles Cobb and high school guidance counselor Bianca Benevides. The inductees were also congratulated by Babylon Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer and Suffolk County legislators Susan Berland, Tom Donnelly and Steven Flotteron. After the oath of membership was administered, the organization’s current members joined with the new inductees for a traditional candle lighting ceremony. “The National Honor Society has really helped me make so many new friends as well as giving me the chance to help the school and the community,” said senior Julianna Gentile, the Society’s vice president. “I’m really excited about joining the National Honor Society and getting to tutor and do some community service,” said senior Domenico Recine. “It offers a lot of opportunities.” “I am proud to see that we have an influx of new members with so many prior accomplishments,” said Qasir. “I am optimistic about what the future holds, and I know they will accomplish a lot more as time goes on.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108009 Wed, 16 Jan 2019 05:00:00 GMT false108009 Rios and Tianga Sign On for College Athletics Seniors Jordan Rios and Nicolette Tianga recently signed national letters of intent to continue their athletic careers in college this fall. Rios will play baseball for Concordia College, where he plans to study accounting. The outfielder was named the team MVP and earned All-County honors. Tianga, a 2017 world champion with the All Star Cheerleading club, will attend Quinnipiac as a member of the Division I college’s acrobatics and tumbling team. She is currently undecided regarding a major. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108010 Wed, 16 Jan 2019 05:00:00 GMT false108010 Wrestler Scaffidi Earns First Tournament Title High school wrestler TJ Scaffidi, at 182 pounds, went 3-0, all by pin, at the Lindenhurst Invitational Tournament on Jan. 5, winning his first ever tournament title. Scaffidi also won two matches in Deer Park’s dual meets against Comsewogue and Huntington in January, both by pin. His pin against Huntington helped the Falcons come from behind and earn a 45-37 victory, their first against Huntington since the 1960s. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108008 Fri, 11 Jan 2019 05:00:00 GMT false108008 Creating Calmness with JFK’s Yoga Club https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108006 Tue, 08 Jan 2019 05:00:00 GMT false108006 Deer Park’s DECA Students Come Home With 30 Trophies A total of 65 dedicated high school students participated in DECA’s Suffolk County Regional Competition on Jan. 3, competing against more than 1,200 students from 28 other schools. Thirty of Deer Park’s students won trophies at the event, while another seven earned honorable mention. Eiman Nawaz and Yasmeen Syedda-Hensley came in second place in the Travel and Tourism Team category, Jasleen Kaur and Amar Qasir finished in third in the Financial Services Team category, and Esteysy Yanes-Amaya won third for Personal Financial Literacy. Also coming home with trophies were Sameem Ahmadzai in the Principles of Finance category, Michael Buffa for Food Marketing, Saiansh Chaddha for Principles of Marketing, Keryn Chames for Financial Consulting, Zachary Cresciullo for Hotel & Lodging Management, Saima Haque for Principles of Finance, James Hope for Food Marketing, Ahmed Iqbal for Automotive Services Marketing, Regan Mays for Marketing Communications, Victoria Mung for Principles of Business Management, Bushra Mussarat for Restaurant and Food Service Management, Omar Rahim for Human Resources Management, Mohammed Raiyan for Business Finance, Alyssa Robb for Restaurant and Food Service Management, Nimra Salim for Personal Financial Literacy, Khabiba Shahid for Personal Financial Literacy, Chaim Shames for Business Finance, Jessica Siford for Hotel & Lodging Management, Alexa Skoubas for Food Marketing, Gavin Thomas for Restaurant and Food Service Management, Tahir Tuzun for Accounting Applications, Isabella Coon and Logan Eisenberg for Financial Services Team, and Matt Farquharson and Michael Greene for Hospitality Services Team. The trophy winners will have to opportunity to compete at the state competition in Rochester in March, attempting to qualify for the national competition to be held in Orlando, Florida at the end of April. Earning honorable mention recognition at the DECA Regional Competition were Alexis Bell in the Human Resources Management category, Makenzie Caldone for Quick Serve Restaurant Management, Tasfia Shaikh for Retail Merchandising, Aaron Colon and Michael Lombardo for Business Law & Ethics Team, and Michael Pearlstein and Michael Quinones for Entrepreneurship Team. “Congratulations to all of the students on a job well done,” said DECA adviser Gregory Menig. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108007 Tue, 08 Jan 2019 05:00:00 GMT false108007 High School Presents Pair of Impressive Winter Concerts Families and friends packed the high school auditorium to savor a pair of well-received winter concerts on December 19 and 20, showcasing the school’s depth of student musical talent and a wide-ranging selection of seasonal pieces. Highlights of the first night included Handel’s “Entrance of the Queen of Sheba,” performed by the orchestra and directed by Kathryn Attard; and a jaunty selection of holiday favorites performed by the symphonic band, directed by Jerry Cannarozzo. The second night featured the chamber orchestra, directed by Attard; the chorus, directed by Catherine Lubrano; and the wind ensemble, directed by Cannarozzo. The chamber orchestra, chorus and selected wind ensemble players joined together for an impressive rendition of Handel’s “Hallelujah”. “Our band students worked extremely hard to prepare for the winter concert this year, and I am very proud of their awesome performances,” said Cannarozzo. For many of the students in 12th grade, the concerts held special meaning, with their high school music careers coming full circle. “Being seniors, we played our very first concerts with Mrs. Attard back in fourth grade,” said violinist Danielle Petrizzo. “Now we are lucky to end our senior year playing with Mrs. Attard again, just as we started out.” For all of the musicians, it was a chance to demonstrate the value of their diligent practice, with all looking ahead to the promise of future performances at the end of the school year. “We will start working on our spring concert program in January, and I have very high expectations for another great concert in May,” said Cannarozzo. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107654 Thu, 03 Jan 2019 19:00:00 GMT false107654 Frost’s Young Actors Shine in ‘Little Mermaid’ Young actors at Robert Frost had a chance to challenge their dramatic and singing skills with the school’s December performance of Disney’s classic “The Little Mermaid,” directed by teachers Lauren Stein and Lori Sullivan. The second production of the Robert Frost Cabaret series, it starred Xavier Edmond as Prince Eric; Dimitra Pavlatos as Ariel; Amanda Vasquez as Ursula, Stephanie Sheeler as Scuttle; Carson Warkenthien as Sebastian; Frankie Alfieri as Flounder; Drea Hendrickson as King Triton; Abigail Siegel as Flotsam, Pilot and Gull; Bryana Aguilar as Jetsam; Marina Williams as Petsam and Chef Louis; Elizabeth Howe as Grimsby; Julia Silva as Aquata; Kayleigh Pellicano as Andrina; Cassidy Boltz as Arista; Marina Williams as Atina; Arielle Salgado as Adella; and Theresa Tiernan as Allana. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to have musical theater alive at Robert Frost,” said Dr. Eliana Levey, the school’s principal. “Ms. Stein and Mrs. Sullivan worked themselves to the bone to prepare our students for this magnificent production. I am so proud of both them and our students for an outstanding and beautiful show.” “The show was such an amazing experience,” said seventh-grader Siegel. “I made new friends and it helped me with my confidence. I learned more about singing and stage presence from Ms. Stein and Mrs. Sullivan. I can’t wait to see what is in store for next year.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107653 Wed, 02 Jan 2019 05:00:00 GMT false107653 Deer Park Savors the Sweet Season with Gingerbread Traditions Across the district, students, families and teachers savored the season with enduring gingerbread traditions. In Paula Behrens’ family and consumer science class at Robert Frost, eighth-graders continue an annual tradition of exploring gingerbread making from scratch, learning dough manufacturing and piping. The students baked their own gingerbread pieces, cut their own bases, and figured out how many batches of dough to make for the class, then finished with piping and decorating. “I had never made gingerbread from scratch before, so I really enjoyed it,” said Mya Perkins. “I also learned which icing to use.” At both JQA and May Moore, kindergartners were visited by family members for a festive morning of decorating gingerbread houses. “It’s great to have all the families together, working with their young ones to enjoy the season,” said JQA teacher Joe Bottino. “This is an all-time favorite holiday activity and has become one of the most anticipated holiday traditions in my classroom,” said May Moore teacher Tammy Cotrone. “The students and their families love building and decorating gingerbread houses. For us adults, it gives us a little bit of our childlike wonder back. Just because we’re grown up doesn’t mean we don’t still enjoy the ‘sweet’ things in life.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107651 Fri, 28 Dec 2018 05:00:00 GMT false107651 Trying Tasty Treats at JFK's Cookie Swap For JFK’s annual cookie swap, teachers baked eight dozen of one kind of cookie to bring in. In return, each teacher left with eight dozen different cookies to take home. “It’s a great tradition we have at JFK,” said teacher Rosanne Alfieri. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107652 Fri, 28 Dec 2018 05:00:00 GMT false107652 Fun, Festive May Moore Sing-along Proves Charming May Moore kicked off the winter break in style, holding its festive annual holiday sing-along. Staff and visiting family members got into the spirit of the season along with the students, dressing in festive apparel. Graced by the jovial presence of Santa and Mrs. Claus, the young students sang and danced to songs like “Snowman Jump,” “I Want to Be an Elf” and “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town”; one youngster even provided his own revised lyrics for “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” charming all in attendance. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107649 Thu, 27 Dec 2018 05:00:00 GMT false107649 Busy Brass Ensemble Brings Holiday Sounds to Primary Schools The busy brass ensemble from the high school, led by director Jerry Cannarozzo, traveled through the district on a rainy Dec. 21, bringing joyous holiday sounds to the halls of JQA and May Moore. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107650 Wed, 26 Dec 2018 05:00:00 GMT false107650 Frost’s World of Difference Club Asks School to ‘Face Yourself’ In celebration of the upcoming new year, the new World of Difference club at Robert Frost hosted a “Face Yourself” challenge in December. Recognizing that everyone has room for improvement, the students asked fellow students and school staff to consider a change they would like to make for themselves in 2019. The club posed a contemplative, constructive question, asking, “What changes do you want to make this year that will bring joy and happiness to yourself and the world around you?” The student-led A World of Difference club, guided by adviser Stephanie O’Connell, celebrates diversity and inclusion of all people, and recently achieved the Anti-Defamation League’s “No Place for Hate” school designation. In order to participate in the ADL’s initiative, schools must run several activities that provide staff development and student training related to bullying, harassment and discrimination. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108271 Fri, 21 Dec 2018 05:00:00 GMT false108271 High School Clubs Show Community Spirit with Coat Drive Showing a strong sense of community spirit and holiday generosity, students in the high school's Community Service Club and Red Cross Club donated more than 100 coats and winter accessories to the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless. The coats will be provided to homeless men, women, children and veterans. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108270 Thu, 20 Dec 2018 05:00:00 GMT false108270 High School Artists Demonstrate Compassion and Talent Demonstrating both remarkable artistic talent and equally remarkable compassion, six students in the high school’s AP studio art class – joined by art teacher Derek Mainhart – recently participated in the Memory Project, designed to bring awareness to the plight of Rohingya children of Myanmar. Since 2016, the ongoing crisis in Myanmar’s Rakhine State has centered on conflict between the majority Rakhine community and the ethnic minority Rohingya people, culminating in military crackdowns and the flight of close to a million Rohingya to a refugee settlement in neighboring Bangladesh. The Rohingya have been called the “most unwanted” group of people on Earth, and the Memory Project seeks to show the children that they are not “unwanted.” Once they had signed on to the project, Mainhart and students Samantha Coccaro, Diana Damian, Joshua Murphy, James Rella, James Valencia and Josilyn VanWart were matched with seven Rohingya children from Rakhine State, and sent color prints of photos of the children. The Deer Park artists used the photos as references in creating realistic portraits of each Rohingya child in various 2D art media, working hard to capture the essence and dimensions of each face. The portraits will be sent to the Memory Project in January, providing a heartwarming gift of artistic empathy to the Rohingya children, who have rarely seen photographs of themselves, much less a work of art representing them. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108268 Mon, 17 Dec 2018 05:00:00 GMT false108268 St. Martin Shows Business Skills with Emerging Leaders Competition Victory High school student Lloydine St. Martin recently earned first place at the 16th annual Emerging Leaders Business Competition, presented by the Huntington Chamber of Commerce at St. Joseph’s College in Patchogue. St. Martin’s impressive victory in the Job Interview category came via her health care skills program at Wilson Tech. The Emerging Leaders competition provides a challenge for talented high schoolers to think beyond the scope of the classroom as well as the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and capabilities in a business environment. St. Martin and hundreds of other participants used their business skills to tackle current issues and assigned tasks in various categories such as Entertainment Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Graphic Design, Hospitality Services, Human Resources, Job Interviews, Not-for-Profit Fundraising, Public Relations, Retail Marketing, Sports Management, and Travel and Tourism. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108269 Mon, 17 Dec 2018 05:00:00 GMT false108269 Information Update on Romaine Lettuce https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108267 Fri, 14 Dec 2018 05:00:00 GMT false108267 Deer Park Musicians Take Up Tubas for NYC Christmas Concert Students from the high school and Robert Frost participated in the 45th annual Tuba Christmas on Dec. 9, joining hundreds of other tuba and euphonium players from around the country in performing Christmas carols beneath the famous Rockefeller Center tree in New York City. High school students Anthony Aguilar, Louis Bianca, Logan Eisenberg, Julianna Hannan, Ilianna Pena and Zach Villa; middle schooler Summer Eisenberg; and alumnus Anthony D’Arrigo were accompanied by high school band director Jerry Cannarozzo for the festive concert. View video footage here. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108266 Wed, 12 Dec 2018 22:00:00 GMT false108266 Wonderful Winter Concert at JFK https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108263 Wed, 12 Dec 2018 19:00:00 GMT false108263 Brooks and Rapisarda Are Suffolk Zone Winners Ryan Brooks and Michaela Rapisarda, both seniors at the high school, won this year’s Suffolk Zone Awards. The two were recognized at the 2018-2019 Suffolk Zone Awards dinner, held Nov. 28 at Villa Lombardi’s in Holbrook. The annual award is given to one male and one female student in each Suffolk high school, chosen for being a role model and exhibiting outstanding character, while showing achievement and leadership in physical education and being scholastically sound. “Michaela and Ryan were exceptional representatives of Deer Park High School,” said Dominick Fontana, Deer Park’s district administrator for athletics, physical education, health and recreation. “Our physical education department is proud of their accomplishments and wishes them luck in the future.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108264 Wed, 12 Dec 2018 16:00:00 GMT false108264 JFK Fourth-Graders Share Cultural Foods at Feast Lauren King’s fourth-grade class at JFK enjoyed their Thanksgiving early this year with a special cross-cultural feast. The students and their families celebrated by sharing foods from their various cultures with their classmates, feasting on empanadas, macarona bechamel, tres leches and lasagna alongside traditional American favorites like turkey, gravy and mashed potatoes. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108265 Wed, 12 Dec 2018 05:00:00 GMT false108265 ‘Safety Sally’ Teaches JQA Students About Bus Safety On a recent snowy day, a “Safety Sally” school bus from Eastern Suffolk BOCES parked in front of JQA, ready for students to enter and learn about bus safety. The children had a chance to speak with bus drivers about ways they can be safe. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108262 Wed, 05 Dec 2018 05:00:00 GMT false108262 Four Elected to JFK’s Student Government The student government at JFK held its annual election for class officers on Nov. 7. After 10 nominees read prepared remarks to the entire school, explaining why they deserved to be elected, each class visited the school’s computer lab to vote for the four students they wished to have represent them as student government officers. Pasquale DeGregorio was elected president, Adison Patrick was chosen as vice president, Alexis Borowski was named treasurer and Addison Costanza was selected as secretary. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108261 Tue, 04 Dec 2018 05:00:00 GMT false108261 Dark Falcons Fly into Second Place at New Hampshire Pumpkin Chucking Competition The Dark Falcons high school pumpkin chucking team won second place in the youth division at the Extreme Chunkin competition held this autumn in New Hampshire, tossing the orange gourds with their own trebuchet designed using skilled knowledge of physics. Accompanied by their families, three members of the team made the long trip to participate in the event. “Four of my former student team members from five years ago also came with us on the trip,” said Deer Park technology teacher and Dark Falcons coach Bruce Sander. “They were my students and members of the first team of seventh-graders when we built our original trebuchet.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108260 Thu, 29 Nov 2018 05:00:00 GMT false108260 Help with Hurricanes from the Red Cross Club The high school’s Red Cross Club recently raised $1,302 for hurricane relief, aided by a willing and active student body ready to provide funds for fellow citizens. “It was the goal of our club to provide aid to the areas impacted by the devastation caused by the hurricanes that hit our country this summer and fall,” said Yasmeen Syedda-Hensley, the club’s chief officer. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108258 Mon, 26 Nov 2018 05:00:00 GMT false108258 High School Chemists Calculate Calories Regents chemistry students at the high school concluded their matter and energy unit by completing a lab activity titled “Calculating the Energy Content of a Cheeto,” in which they burned a certain mass of Cheetos snacks and used a seltzer can filled with water to absorb all of the released heat energy. Students were then able to calculate the amount of heat energy released in terms of calories and compare their results to the nutrition facts on the packaging. “Through the completion of this activity, students were able to put themselves into the role of a food chemist and learn how the amount of calories in all of their favorite foods are determined in the lab,” said teacher in Stephanie Giatas. “We are creating more meaningful experiences for our students each time we show them how science is conducted in a laboratory and how it usable in their lives,” said Alison Branca, Deer Park’s curriculum associate for science and technology. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108259 Mon, 26 Nov 2018 05:00:00 GMT false108259 Seventeen Superlative Champions Chosen Seventeen superlative high school students were recognized on Nov. 8 in front of their proud families at the annual fall Breakfast for Champions. Honored for their outstanding qualities and achievements, champions are chosen every fall and spring by each department in the school, alongside principal’s and teacher’s champions. The ceremony was held in the library, accompanied by music from the school string ensemble. Breakfast for Champions honorees for fall 2018 were Jayda Barnes (Teacher’s Award), Steven DeKanchuk (technology), Bianca Delgado (guidance), Logan Eisenberg (science), Melissa Espinoza Cruz (English as a new language), Jordan Galaor (Principal’s Award), Sophie Giles (health), Giavanna Lattanzi (math), Algery Maldonado (social studies), Madison Mattera (physical education), Jase McDermott (athletics), Diana Sanchez (family and consumer science), Trevor Sheehan (art), Cassandra Tirotta (English language arts), Giavanna Vangeli (business), Zachary Vila (performing arts) and Pritheva Zakaria (world languages). “We were honored to have the opportunity to recognize these students of exceptional character and perseverance,” said Associate Principal Kristen Anisis. “We are proud of each one of these individuals and their positive contributions to our school and the greater community.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108257 Tue, 20 Nov 2018 22:00:00 GMT false108257 May Moore Kindergartners Give a ‘Hand’ to Vets Kindergartners in Tammy Cotrone’s class at May Moore recognized Veterans Day by creating a special poster, a heart made of red and blue paper hands that said, “We wanted to give you a ‘hand’ for serving our country.” Cotrone gifted the poster to local veterans to show her and her student’s appreciation for those who served. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108256 Fri, 16 Nov 2018 05:00:00 GMT false108256 A Dozen from Deer Park Named AP Scholars A dozen seniors were recently named AP Scholars for 2018. The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program gives out several levels of AP Scholar awards to recognize college-level achievement by high school students, demonstrated via AP courses and exams. Nailah Edmead, Hallie Feldman, Anna Ragone and Tristan Tirado earned AP Scholar with Honors, while Roha Arshad, Matthew Berhalter, Katherine Cho, Mohammed Farrukh, Eiman Nawaz, Amar Qasir, Mohammed Raiyan and Yasmeen Syedda-Hensley earned AP Scholar with Distinction. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108255 Tue, 13 Nov 2018 05:00:00 GMT false108255 Frost Debuts Burkel’s Brew Club Burkel’s Brew Club recently opened for business on Fridays at Robert Frost, offering coffee and smiles. Students in Rachel Burkel’s class collaborated with teachers in both technology and art classes on the design of the cup holders and design of the logo for the aprons. Every week the students work on a variety of functional skills including stuffing mailboxes with order forms, organizing forms by team period, socializing appropriately with adults, using the cash register, making change and taking inventory. “The first week was a big success and the children are looking forward to serving more coffee throughout the year,” said Burkel. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108254 Wed, 07 Nov 2018 05:00:00 GMT false108254 JFK Displays Teamwork During Red Ribbon Week JFK acknowledged Red Ribbon Week in October with several activities to make students aware of the important of being drug-free, from decorating scarecrows in front of the school to “scare” away drugs, to wearing sports jerseys to symbolize sticking together as a team. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108253 Tue, 06 Nov 2018 05:00:00 GMT false108253 May Moore Second-Graders Find Out What’s in a Name Second-graders in Danielle Finocchiaro’s ENL class at May Moore recently discussed the importance of names. The students listened to Juana Martinez-Neal’s “Alma and How She Got Her Name,” then went home to interview their parents about the stories behind their own names. They asked questions about who picked out their names, how the names were decided on, if there were stories behind the names, and if their names had any personal or cultural meaning to their families. The second-graders then shared the answers with the class. “It is so important for children to learn about their names and appreciate their uniqueness,” said Finocchiaro. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108252 Fri, 02 Nov 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108252 Deer Park Students Show Why They Write Deer Park’s English language arts department celebrated the National Day on Writing on Oct. 19 by asking students at the high school and Robert Frost to reflect on why they write. The National Day on Writing, an initiative of the National Council of Teachers of English, uses the theme and hashtag of #WhyIWrite to garner attention for the idea of writing as critical to literacy. Students in each ELA class at both Deer Park schools were able to create their own hashtags or comment on what motivates them to write, using yellow chart paper as well as chalk. “This activity provided our students a moment to think and to reflect on why they write, which is something they do every day,” said Michelle Kwon, the district’s curriculum associate for ELA, reading and library. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108004 Tue, 30 Oct 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108004 Three Seniors Named National Merit Commended Students High school seniors Matthew Berhalter, Katherine Cho and Tristan Tirado were recently named Commended Students by the 2019 National Merit Scholarship Program, recognizing their exceptional test results in the 2017 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Both students finished among the top 50,000 scorers out of more than 1.6 million students nationwide participating in the annual competition. “We are very proud of Katherine, Matthew and Tristan, and their achievement resulting from diligent hard work and academic prowess,” said Principal Charles Cobb. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108003 Mon, 29 Oct 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108003 Deer Park Community Parades with Pride at Homecoming Gray skies could not deter a proud Deer Park community from showing its pride with a terrific parade, marching with gusto on Oct. 20 from JFK to Al Centamore Football Field. Leading the revelers was Superintendent of Schools Eva Demyen, the parade’s grand marshal. Demyen, who has led the district since 2009, will be retiring after this school year. A highlight of the parade was a fantastic float foursome based on the theme of superheroes. The sophomore class took first place with their Batman float, the juniors came in second with a Spider-Man effort, the freshmen took third with a Hulk creation, and the seniors’ Superman float finished fourth. The sophomores also won the Spirit Week competition and a class fundraiser competition, earning them the chance to hit Principal Charles Cobb in the face with a pie at the homecoming kickoff party. Student Council President Katherine Cho, the high school’s upcoming valedictorian, led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Guest speakers included Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly, a graduate of Deer Park’s Class of 1984, and retired Babylon Town Clerk Carol Quirk. After demanding some “real Falcon cheering” from the crowd, Quirk recognized Demyen and presented the superintendent with a certificate of appreciation. “I’m truly honored to have been appointed as grand marshal, but I am more honored to have served this awesome community,” said Demyen. “I love this place so much. Where else can you find such an outpouring of people who are so zestful for life and committed to the children of this district? Thank you for your support.” Performers for the afternoon included the high school’s marching band and women’s choir, the high school and middle school kickline teams, and a talented array of cheerleading squads including the high school’s varsity and junior varsity as well as younger Robert Frost Middle School, competition and PAL teams. Before the start of the varsity football game, Sammy Ahmed was named homecoming king and Gianna Minerva as homecoming queen. The homecoming court was rounded out by Ryan Hegney, Charlie Jacob, Joe Leon, Alyssa Shindel, Isabella Vene and DeAnna Vento. In the football contest, a valiant effort by the football Falcons fell short, with the team falling to Newfield, 49-38. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108002 Thu, 25 Oct 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108002 HS Gets Pumped with Spirited Pep Rally The high school gym was rocking on Oct. 19 as athletes and fellow students got ready for homecoming with a spirited pep rally, led by the varsity and JV cheerleaders, the kickline squad and the high school pep band, the latter directed by Jerry Cannarozzo. The school’s sports teams for 2018-2019 – including girls swimming, varsity and JV boys golf, boys and girls cross-country, varsity and JV girls tennis, varsity and JV girls volleyball, varsity and JV boys and girls soccer, and varsity and JV football – were introduced, and Principal Charles Cobb announced the homecoming court of Sammy Ahmed, Ryan Hegney, Charlie Jacob, Joe Leon, Gianna Minerva, Alyssa Shindel, Isabella Vene and DeAnna Vento. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108001 Mon, 22 Oct 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108001 Sixth-Grade Scientists at Frost Experiment with Pennies Sixth-grade scientists in Carey Okurowski’s class at Robert Frost recently designed a controlled experiment to find out which side of a penny could hold more drops of water before it spilled over the edge. After designing the experiment, the students had to follow their plan to test their hypothesis. They counted drops of water as they were placed on their penny and recorded their data in a data table. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108000 Mon, 22 Oct 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108000 Homecoming! Homecoming 2018 was a day for the Deer Park community to join together for fun and pride. Look for full coverage next week! https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107999 Sun, 21 Oct 2018 04:00:00 GMT false107999 Fall Newsletter Now Available https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107998 Fri, 19 Oct 2018 04:00:00 GMT false107998 Fun with Fire Safety at JQA As part of an annual program coinciding with national Fire Prevention Month, students at JQA were taught fire safety by Deer Park Fire Department Assistant Chief Phil Scarfi. The students also enjoyed a display of one of the department’s fire trucks. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107997 Tue, 16 Oct 2018 04:00:00 GMT false107997 Dedicated Deer Park Seniors Named to Top 10 The top 10 ranked seniors from Deer Park High School’s class of 2019 were announced on Oct. 12. These outstanding students were honored with a breakfast ceremony held in the school’s library, attended by their proud parents as well as school administrators. Ranked first as the upcoming valedictorian was Katherine Cho, while Eiman Nawaz was ranked second, earning salutatorian honors. Rounding out the top 10 academic finishers were Hallie Feldman (ranked third), Anna Ragone (fourth), Emma DeStefano (fifth), Julie DeBiase (sixth), Mohammed Raiyan (seventh), Matthew Berhalter (eighth), Yasmeen Syedda-Hensley (ninth) and Roha Arshad (10th). “We are very proud of these 10 young men and women, who have displayed remarkable dedication to their studies,” said Principal Charles Cobb. “They will surely go on to accomplish great things.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107995 Mon, 15 Oct 2018 04:00:00 GMT false107995 Transition and Resource Fair on Nov. 7 The district will hold a Transition and Resource Fair on Nov. 7 in conjunction with the Babylon, North Babylon and West Babylon school districts. The event, hosted by Deer Park’s special education department and special education parent faculty club, will take place in the Deer Park High School cafeteria from 6:30-9 p.m. The fair will be open to students, parents, guardians, teachers and counselors, and will feature representatives for recreational activities, local colleges, vocational programs, the department of labor and others. A special presentation by attorney Regina Brandow will be held from 7:30-8:30 in the high school chorus room. Refreshments will be served. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107996 Mon, 15 Oct 2018 04:00:00 GMT false107996 Senior Tristan Tirado Honored as Future Medical Leader Tristan Tirado, a senior at the high school, was recently honored with an award of excellence by the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists’ Medical Advisory Board, recognizing his participation in the Academy’s annual Congress of Future Medical Leaders this past June. Tirado was selected for attendance at this prestigious program based on his academic achievement, strong leadership skills and his desire to pursue a career in the medical field. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107821 Fri, 12 Oct 2018 04:00:00 GMT false107821 JFK Students 'Sign' Up to Eradicate Bullying Staff and students at JFK kicked off Bullying Prevention Month in October by wearing blue, standing strong to eradicate bullying. Fifth-graders made signs to remind themselves and others that their class and the school are bully-free zones. Each week during the month, students will be presented with a challenge of showing kindness to a friend, a family member or even someone that they do not know. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107820 Tue, 09 Oct 2018 04:00:00 GMT false107820 Superintendent’s Conference Day Examines Active Shooters and Sexual Harassment At this September’s Superintendent’s Conference Day assembly for staff, the district focused on two important issues that are both timely and impact safety in the schools. Detective Clifford Lent of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Homeland Security and Criminal Intelligence Bureau began the event by sharing data and statistics on active shooter incidents. He relayed a collection of best practices from schools and law enforcement agencies from across the country, including studies conducted by the FBI and NYPD that looked at over 220 active shooter incidents in the United States from 2000 to 2016. Lent explained what an active shooter is and what the numerous variables are, such as the attacker’s proximity and choice of weapons. He advised educators on how to react quicker than they normally would; to know what the communication plans are in the workplace and how to initiate emergency protocols; where to run to exit the facility or take shelter; and to be aware of the effects of shock and how to overcome them. Next up was a presentation on sexual harassment in the public-school setting by attorney Joseph Lilly of the firm Frazer & Feldman, Garden City, New York. Sexual harassment can involve adults and/or children. Lilly made the attendees aware of how federal and state laws have addressed this issue over the decades in schools, including Title IX, DASA and New York State labor law; and explained how the law defines sexual harassment. Attendees at the assembly were given specific examples and also made aware of behaviors to avoid. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107819 Thu, 04 Oct 2018 04:00:00 GMT false107819 JFK Glow Run Helps Build Good Character For the second consecutive year, JFK's PFC partnered with Boosterthon to kick off the school year with a character education fundraising program that concluded with a fun run. Students gathered each day for a team meeting, learned about a different character education trait and gathered pledges for their glow in the dark run through the school’s small gym. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107818 Fri, 28 Sep 2018 04:00:00 GMT false107818 Like the District's Facebook Page! Click here to visit and like the district's Facebook page! https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107817 Fri, 28 Sep 2018 04:00:00 GMT false107817 Gill Hired as Math and Business Curriculum Associate The district has hired Christine Gill as the new curriculum associate for mathematics and business. Gill was previously employed as a high school math teacher and math curriculum liaison in the Southampton School District, and prior to that as a high school math teacher in the New York City Department of Education in Brooklyn. She earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics and master’s degree in secondary education from the University of Scranton, and school building and district leadership certificates from the College of Saint Rose. “I am absolutely thrilled to be in the position of curriculum associate for math and business,” said the Massapequa resident. “The students and staff of Deer Park display a great passion for education and I am elated to be part of such a wonderful community. My goal is to enhance the already present success of the district through a rigorous program for mathematics and business that requires critical thinking for a deep understanding.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107816 Wed, 19 Sep 2018 04:00:00 GMT false107816 Branca Named Curriculum Associate for Science and Technology Alison Branca has been named the curriculum associate for science and technology for the district. Since 2008, Branca had taught a variety of classes at Deer Park High School including AP environmental science, Regents and inclusion earth science as well as an assortment of science electives. She also mentored new teachers and served as a lead teacher. The Smithtown resident earned a bachelor’s degree in geology and master’s degree from SUNY Plattsburgh, a degree in special education from Brooklyn College, and certificates in educational leadership from the College of Saint Rose. “I am very excited about the opportunity to work with my colleagues in a different capacity,” said Branca. “Moving forward, my goal is to provide comprehensive learning experiences for the students of Deer Park and collaborative opportunities for our teachers as we implement new science and technology learning standards.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107859 Fri, 14 Sep 2018 04:00:00 GMT false107859 Knapp Spending Sophomore Year of Soccer in Spain Deer Park High School sophomore Brandon Knapp was recently signed out to study abroad in Spain and play in a highly competitive soccer league for the Escuela de Futbol Huesca Academy’s team. Prior to this calendar school year, Knapp played school soccer for Deer Park and travel league soccer for Northport. Two summers ago, he attended a soccer camp in Northport that featured five coaches from professional teams and academies in Spain, and was asked to visit Huesca to see academy life there and gain an understanding of the Spanish game. Upon completion of his visit, Knapp was invited to join the academy in the beginning of his sophomore year. He arrived in Spain on Aug. 14 for the beginning of preseason training, which included Spanish tutoring, practices, core exercises and weekend games. His academic school year at Huesca Academy began Sept. 13. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107860 Fri, 14 Sep 2018 04:00:00 GMT false107860 DPHS Career Day Speakers Needed The Deer Park High School is in need of speakers for our annual Career Day, which will be held on Wednesday, October 10, 2018. Registration starts at 8:00 a.m., and the event ends at 10:20 a.m. The day is set up to run like a speed dating event. Our speakers sit down at tables with small groups of students to discuss their careers for 10 minutes at a time. When a bell rings, the students get up and rotate to the next table to meet the next speaker--and so on. Our goal is to expose our freshmen to as many careers as possible as they start high school so that they can get themselves onto a career pathway. If you are interested in being a speaker, please contact Jill Perry-Eising at: perryeising.j@deerparkschools.org. Thank you. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108346 Fri, 14 Sep 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108346 Health Tips From Cohen Children's Medical Center https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108345 Mon, 10 Sep 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108345 Deer Park Gets Back to Learning on Energetic First Day Students across the district streamed into the schools on Sept. 5, ready to start their first day back with excitement. “Every first day of the new school year brings many new faces, much excitement and a lot of energy to our our school,” said JFK Principal Susan Bonner. “This year we welcomed 893 smiling faces who were ready to learn from a teaching staff that was ready to teach.” “We had an amazing start to the school year,” said Robert Frost Principal Eliana Levey. “It was so great to see all the bright faces eager to get back to learning.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108343 Sat, 08 Sep 2018 00:00:00 GMT false108343 High School Boasts Trophy Case Thanks to 2018 Grad Mike Joyce, a 2018 graduate of the high school, recently built a trophy case for the high school band room for his Eagle Scout project. Joyce, along with his scoutmaster and father Michael Joyce, and several scouts from Boy Scout Troop 157, delivered and installed the trophy case this summer. “I want to thank Mike for his project, which will benefit the high school’s music department for years to come,” said high school band director Jerry Cannarozzo. “We finally have a showcase in the band room to display our many trophies and awards.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108344 Fri, 07 Sep 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108344 Frost’s Girls That Give Back Paint Shed for Mosaic Farms The dedicated young volunteers known as the Girls that Give Back, a group of 16 Robert Frost students led by parent Rosemarie Franciscovich, recently took on a special community service project for Mosaic Farms in Brentwood, painting the organization’s logo on their shed. Guided by Maria Giglio, an art teacher at Frost who also volunteered, the students spent three hours for three nights working on the shed. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108342 Fri, 07 Sep 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108342 Safety Update 2018 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108341 Thu, 06 Sep 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108341 James Henry Named Associate Principal at Frost James Henry has been named an associate principal for Robert Frost, replacing Gary Ramonetti. Henry previously served for the past two years as the district’s curriculum associate for math and business in grades 6-12. Before that, he taught math at Deer Park High School for a dozen years, including algebra pre-calculus and pre-AP calculus, and served as a mentor to new teachers, lead teacher for Algebra Common Core and a member of the model classroom, as well as director of the high school’s winter play and musical, and as a class and National Honor Society adviser. A Hauppauge resident, Henry earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from St. Josephs College in Patchogue, his master’s degree in arts and liberal sciences at Stony Brook University, and his school building and school district leadership certificates from the College of Saint Rose. “I am really excited to take on this position after being a curriculum associate for two years,” said Henry. “I look forward to working with Dr. Levey, Mr. Paniccia, and the amazing staff and students at Robert Frost Middle School.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108340 Tue, 04 Sep 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108340 Frost’s ‘World of Difference’ Club Earns Gold Star Robert Frost debuted a new “A World of Difference” club this past school year. The group of staff and students met throughout the year to discuss ways to help Frost achieve the Anti-Defamation League’s “No Place for Hate” school designation. The club participated in four different activities to help other students treat each other with respect, earning the school a “No Place for Hate” gold star designation from the ADL. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108338 Mon, 27 Aug 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108338 Water Safety a Priority for May Moore Aquatics Director Jeanne-Marie Kavanagh paid a visit to May Moore, joining physical education classes to discuss water safety, drowning prevention, the use of life jackets and preservers, and home and beach supervision guidelines. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108339 Mon, 27 Aug 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108339 Four Deer Park Students Win Covanta Recycling Poster Contest Deer Park students showed their environmental and artistic skills in the 12th annual Covanta recycling poster contest, showcasing the theme of “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.” Student winners included JFK’s Isabella LaPuerta, who won second place in the contest; JFK’s Gloria Minn, who finished third; May Moore Primary School’s Erin Wong, who won fourth place; and JFK’s Adriana Herbster, who won sixth. Each student was awarded a trophy for their artwork, a Town of Babylon certificate and a recycling-related gift. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108337 Mon, 20 Aug 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108337 An Exciting Transition for Deer Park’s Incoming Sixth-Graders While attending an orientation at Robert Frost, fifth-graders met with administrators and guidance counselors, who described a typical sixth-grade schedule and described how the incoming sixth-graders can successfully make the most of their middle school experience. The students also went on a tour of the building led by National Junior Honor Society members. “This is always an exciting time of year where we look forward to meeting our newest group of students and helping ease the transition to their new school,” said guidance counselor Lisa McQuilkin. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108330 Sun, 19 Aug 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108330 August 21 - Work Session/Open Board of Education Meeting The Work Session/Open Board of Education Meeting will be on August 21 at 7:30 p.m. in District Office. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108336 Fri, 17 Aug 2018 13:00:00 GMT false108336 August is National Immunization Month https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108335 Thu, 16 Aug 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108335 Bowled Over in High School Nutrition Class Students in food and nutrition classes at the high school prepared acai bowls after completing a unit on super foods. “The bowls were yummy, delicious and nutritious,” said family and consumer science teacher Patricia Skjoldahl. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108334 Tue, 14 Aug 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108334 2018-2019 Calendar Now Available https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108333 Tue, 14 Aug 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108333 May Moore Students Observe Ladybug Life Cycle First- and second-graders at May Moore had the opportunity to observe the life cycle of ladybugs in Danielle Finocchiaro’s ENL classroom. The students studied the different stages of the insect’s life cycle prior to the arrival of the ladybug larvae. Each day, the excited students made observations and recorded them in their journals, just like scientists. When the larvae finally changed into adult ladybugs, the students were able to hold them and release the ladybugs into the school’s garden. “The ladybugs are going to make the garden very happy because they’re going to eat all the aphids,” said first-grader Natalia Blanco Canales. “This was a wonderful opportunity for our English language learners to ask questions, research the answers and participate in a hands-on learning experience,” said Finocchiaro. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108332 Mon, 30 Jul 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108332 Frost’s Band-Aid Video Earns County Award Robert Frost again participated in the Band-Aid Project this year, a nationwide movement that promotes awareness and acceptance of people with autism and developmental disabilities. The school earned an award for a video created for the initiative. More than 225 Frost students pledged to be speechless by wearing a band-aid on their mouths for an entire school day, only using others means of communication such as dry erase boards, paper and pencil, and gesturing with their teachers and peers during classes. “The goal of the project was to teach students what it is like to have a disability,” said speech teacher Stephanie O'Connell. “Once the students have this insight, it is my hope that they will be more compassionate and understanding of their peers who might be different from them. Fostering friendships between students of all abilities is the ultimate goal.” A Band-Aid Project video was also made highlighting five Frost students who have a brother or sister with special needs. The video was honored by being selected for an award by the Suffolk County Human Rights Commission’s Interfaith Anti-Bias Task Force. View the Robert Frost Band-Aid Project video here. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108331 Tue, 24 Jul 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108331 JFK’s Bachez Awarded for Pool Safety Poster Angel Bachez, a third-grader at JFK, recently received an award from Legislator Tom Donnelly for his outstanding work in the Suffolk County “Be Pool Smart” poster contest. Participants were asked to design a poster representing pool safety. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108329 Thu, 19 Jul 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108329 JFK Students Help Beautify Babylon with Plantings Civic-minded John F. Kennedy Intermediate School students Alexis Borowski, Angela Gallina, Madeleina Gallina, Victoria Pollisic and Brooke Rivela helped out their classmates, Town of Babylon Junior Beautification Ambassadors Arianna Luppy and Giovanna Luppy, in planting at the Deer Park Commerce Association’s “Adopt-a-Spot” on Deer Park Avenue. Babylon’s Beautification Program was designed to help educate the community about the importance of keeping the town clean and beautiful. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108328 Tue, 17 Jul 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108328 Deer Park Alumnus Carrel Joseph Plays Basketball for Haiti High school Class of 2013 graduate Carrel Joseph recently played basketball in the FIBA Under 21 Caribbean Prequalifying Tournament for the Haitian National Team. Joseph and his family moved to Deer Park in 2010 after they survived a devastating earthquake. He played two years of varsity basketball for the Falcons, winning league championships in 2012 and 2013, and advancing to the county finals in 2013. He then played four years of basketball at SUNY Cortland, where he scored 728 career points and earned 436 career rebounds while overcoming an ACL tear in his right knee during his junior year. His team played in the NCAA tournament during his sophomore year, when he scored 24 points in the SUNYAC championship game and was named MVP. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108327 Thu, 12 Jul 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108327 Gouskos and Elliott Reelected at Reorganization Meeting At the Board of Education's annual reorganization meeting on July 10, John Gouskos and Donna Marie Elliott were reelected to their positions as president and vice president, respectively, and sworn in to office. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108326 Wed, 11 Jul 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108326 Working with Clay at JFK Fifth-graders at JFK completed an impressive unit of study in clay this year during classes with art teacher Sara Meyerback. The students created their own designs and developed glazed bowls and plates, which were then fired in the school’s kiln. “Working with the fifth-grade classes and watching them create using clay was such a wonderful experience,” said Meyerback. “There has been a history of doing this project with fifth grade in past years, so I wanted to keep up with tradition. Not many elementary schools have a kiln or are able to use such an advanced and unique medium like clay. I felt so lucky to have this memory as my very first experience teaching my students how to work with clay. I am so proud of my students and their beautiful glazed pottery. Most importantly they had fun.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108324 Tue, 10 Jul 2018 15:00:00 GMT false108324 Deer Park Wins Big at Music in the Parks All of the high school’s performing groups took first place in their respective categories at this year’s Music in the Parks festival competitions held in June at Hersheypark in Pennsylvania, and the school’s wind ensemble received the Best Overall Concert Band award. The chamber orchestra, guitar ensemble and wind ensemble all earned ratings of Superior, and the women’s choir earned a rating of Excellent. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108325 Tue, 10 Jul 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108325 Developing a Love of Math at JQA JQA students enjoyed a recent math fair, with students participating in different learning center activities ranging from basic skills to mathematics in daily life. “These activities reinforced what was learned throughout the year,” said teacher Marianna Grieco. “Our goal is to foster positive learning experiences in order for the students to develop a love of math.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108323 Mon, 09 Jul 2018 18:00:00 GMT false108323 Summer Newsletter Now Available https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108322 Mon, 09 Jul 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108322 Recognizing Impressive Student Accomplishments Splendid accomplishments by the district’s students were recognized at Deer Park’s June 18 Board of Education meeting, with Suffolk County legislators Susan A. Berland, Steven J. Flotteron and Tom Donnelly in attendance. After Ron Becker was honored on his retirement from the Deer Park Arts Council, high school student Tianna Greene was recognized for being the winner of Suffolk County’s “The Truth About Stimulant Drinks” PSA video contest. Adviser Gregory Menig honored this year’s DECA student winners. The winners of the 2018 Grand Concours National French Contest were resented by Ashley Rosenberg, the district administrator for ENL and world languages. Recognized for their achievement in this annual competition sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of French were high school students Matt Berhalter, Usihma Chowdhury, Roose Desir, Nilufer Dilmen, Rebecca Fox, Kevin Garcia, Richardson Greffin, Anniee Jeanite, Emily Kleiber, Gregory Lazarte, James Raymond, Sameer Riaz, Matthew Rosati, Salar Saeed, Catarina Silva, Yasmeen Syedda-Hensley and Esteysy Yanes Amaya, and Robert Frost students Kristin D’Souza, Victoria Egan, Arianne Hernandez, Saima Hoque, Sonam Kataria, Bartlett Polster, Naomi Sauveur, Adam Stevens, Doindra Talleyrand, Liah Vidal, Arunan Xavier and Michelle Xuan. “This year, with the encouragement of our outstanding French teachers, Deer Park had 75 middle and high school students participate,” said Rosenberg. “I’m so pleased that of these participants, 29 were nationally recognized for their performance on the exam. It's such an impressive accomplishment, and these students should be immensely proud.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108321 Thu, 05 Jul 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108321 Frost Eighth-Graders End Middle School on a High Note June 20 was a night of welcomes and farewells, and of awards and certificates, for eight-graders at Robert Frost. Kicking off the moving up ceremony, National Junior Honor Society President Michelle Xuan led the pledge, while Student Council President Sofia Arrascue addressed her classmates, saying, “We now have to think of our future, and try to get as close to our dreams as possible.” “This evening is an important commemoration of the past three years of your children’s educational and emotional journey,” Principal Eliana Levey told the proud assembled parents. “The middle school years can potentially be the most challenging school years for many students. At fifth-grade orientation three years, I told you that middle school was like a rollercoaster, with many ups and downs, but I promised you that we would end on a high note, and here we are today.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108319 Mon, 02 Jul 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108319 Memorable Moving Up Marks Transition for JFK Fifth-Graders JFK marked the transition to middle school with a memorable moving up ceremony on June 21, giving the school’s outgoing fifth-grade students a chance to share their memories as well as their excitement for the future. Jessica Jones sang the National Anthem to begin the ceremony. The students heard from Principal Susan Bonner and fifth-grade Student Government President Erika Sy, as well as Robert Frost Middle School Associate Principal Philip Paniccia, who welcomed the students to sixth grade. Awards and certificates were presented, and the fifth-graders happily sang along to a “Moving Up Medley” mixed by Aba Farghaly. Fifth-grade Student Government Vice President Aiden Arifi gave a happy closing address, telling his classmates, “Have a great summer!” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108320 Mon, 02 Jul 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108320 The World Is Waiting for Deer Park’s 2018 Grads It was a grand farewell to Falcons leaving the nest as the high school’s Class of 2018 celebrated the school’s 55th commencement on June 22. In keeping with tradition, the Roisin Dubh Pipe Band led the graduating seniors into the stadium. Providing the remainder of the music were the school’s symphonic and ninth-grade bands, directed by Jerry Cannarozzo. Following a welcoming speech from Senior Class President Alan Korsiak, salutatorian Megan Zhang, a gifted flutist, used the silent moments of musicianship as metaphor to reflect on the moment the seniors found themselves in. “Beyond the horizon, the world is waiting,” she told her classmates. Noting that her fellow seniors may not have known her well because she was often buried in her books studying at home, valedictorian Saraf Faruk said, “It’s amazing to think that we have come all this way, through 12-plus years of school together, and are finally graduating. We made friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. It’s both frightening and exciting to think that from this moment on, our lives will have changed. Everything we have learned is preparation for our adult lives.” Eschewing a traditional speech, Superintendent Eva Demyen instead uniquely chose to test the grads with a series of inspirational quotes on courage ranging from Winston Churchill to “Harry Potter” wizard Albus Dumbledore and Atticus Finch from “To Kill a Mockingbird,” handing out gift cooler bags to those students who correctly identified the quotes’ sources. Principal Charles Cobb paid heartfelt tribute to the late Donte McClurkin, whose family was on hand to receive his diploma, and reflected on the students’ many accomplishments throughout the year including academics, athletics, music and art, volunteerism and college acceptances. “Be kind,” Cobb urged the new grads, before their tassels were turned, caps tossed and they had walked out as alumni. “Be kind to yourself, your friends, your families, to those you do not yet know, and to those who may be different than you. By treating each other with kindness, you will the opportunity every day to change the world.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108317 Thu, 28 Jun 2018 12:00:00 GMT false108317 Inspiring New Walk Tradition Unites Seniors and Primary Schoolers Beginning a memorable new tradition, high school seniors traveled to their respective primary school buildings for a senior walk on June 18. The graduates paraded through JQA and May Moore as the younger students lined the hallways, followed by a question-and-answer period where outgoing second-graders had the chance to talk to and gain inspiration from the seniors. “These seniors spent 13 years in school, and they put a lot of hard work in and had a lot of fun,” said JQA Principal Christopher Molinelli. “We are really proud of them.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108318 Thu, 28 Jun 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108318 A ‘Classic’ Moving Up for May Moore’s Second-Graders At May Moore, the annual moving up ceremony for second-graders on June 7 marked the transition from primary to intermediate school, from one stage of education to another. Smiles and memories abounded, and after each graduating class and child had been recognized, and all the songs – from Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors” to the school’s theme tune – had been sung, these proud Falcons marched down the aisles to the uplifting sound of “Wings” by Little Mix. Reflecting on the ceremony, Konecny said, “This year, our schoolwide theme was’ Start Your Engines! May Moore was the first pit-stop on our students’ educational journey, and we hope when they think back in reverse they will remember us as classic.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108315 Mon, 18 Jun 2018 15:00:00 GMT false108315 Pride Fills Hearts at JQA’s Second-Grade Moving Up It was apt that the first song to be sung at the second-grade moving up ceremony at JQA was “To Make You Proud,” for the assembled parents, friends, teachers, and school and district administrators had nothing but pride in their hearts as they celebrated an educational milestone with the children. Quoting Linda Kranz, Principal Chris Molinelli told his students, “There's only one you in this great big world – make it a better place,” before they marched out of JQA’s doors on June 12 and into a bright future at JFK. “Saying goodbye to a great group of students like this year’s second-graders is always met with a range of emotions,” said Molinelli. “We will certainly miss every student and wish them the best of luck in their future. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108316 Mon, 18 Jun 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108316 Deer Park Students Get a Valuable Look at Successful Sock Store Life skills classes at JFK and Robert Frost recently visited John’s Crazy Socks in Melville. The online sock store, run by father and son Mark and John Cronin, donates a percentage of sales to charities that help those with disabilities. John, who has Down syndrome, founded the company to make people smile by spreading happiness through socks. The Deer Park students had the opportunity to meet the Cronins and ask them questions. Students also enjoyed a tour of the John’s Crazy Socks warehouse and joined in to help sort and count personalized thank you cards for outgoing orders. “Our students learned a very valuable lesson that people of all abilities are capable of being successful,” said JFK special education teacher Heather Buksa. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108314 Fri, 15 Jun 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108314 HS Baseball Standouts Sign for College In a June 7 ceremony in the school library, high school seniors and standout athletes Robert Belotti and Thomas Nacchia signed national letters of intent to play baseball in college this fall. Belotti, a pitcher, will attend SUNY Farmingdale. He is currently undecided on a major. “They have a great baseball team and great educational system,” said Belotti on his selection of Farmingdale. Nacchia, who plays outfield, will attend SUNY Maritime College in the Bronx, majoring in international transportation and trade. “The school has great job placement after graduation,” said Nacchia of his choice. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108313 Wed, 13 Jun 2018 18:00:00 GMT false108313 A Night of Scholarships for Deer Park’s Achieving Seniors In front of a large audience of proud parents and family members, the high-achieving seniors of Deer Park High School accepted thousands of dollars worth of scholarships, department awards and schoolwide awards at the annual Senior Awards ceremony on June 7. To kick off the event, held in the high school auditorium, Student Council President Saraya Jourdain led her fellow students and the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by “The Star-Spangled Banner,” sung by Briseis del Cid. Director Jerry Cannarozzo and the jazz ensemble entertained the audience with a rendition of Jerome Kern’s “The Way You Look Tonight.” Members of the Horodnicki family presented several scholarship awards to Deer Park High School seniors in memory of Class of 2005 student Ryan T. Horodnicki; Marine Corps Sgt. Silent Walker presented the United States Marine Corps Scholarship Awards, recognizing students for citizenship and leadership in scholastics, athletics and music; Michael Reed, the husband of former Deer Park administrative assistant Rochelle Reed, presented the Rochelle Reed Memorial Scholarship to seniors who will pursue studies in music or theatrical arts; and Suffolk County Legislator Susan Berland presented a proclamation and county pin to student Taniyamol Tomy for winning the Overcoming Educational Obstacles award. Among the new awards were the Scott Schwartz, DDS Scholarship Award, given by orthodontist Scott Schwartz to a senior planning to pursue a medical or dental career. “We are so proud of our students and all their achievements,” said Associate Principal Kristen Anisis. “We are exceptionally lucky to have such generous community members, politicians, military personnel and school officials who were able to recognize all of their hard work over the years.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108165 Tue, 12 Jun 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108165 Character Education Culminates in May Moore Glow Run Students at May Moore articipated in their first Boosterthon Glow Run on May 18. Leading up to the event, they learned about character education and the five character traits of focus, self-awareness, respect, trustworthiness and creativity. At the conclusion of the Glow Run, educators including Principal Alicia Konecny and physical education teacher Craig Mangio were dunked in a dunk tank. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108166 Tue, 12 Jun 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108166 Frost’s Top 10 Mathematicians Compete at Tournament by the Sea In their last tournament of the year, 10 top members of the Robert Frost math team competed at the Tournament by the Sea on May 18, held at Long Beach Middle School. “Our students had the opportunity to grow mathematically and socially,” said team adviser Cynthia Jewell. “The problems were clever, engaging and challenging, and the atmosphere was exciting for students and teachers alike.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108164 Mon, 11 Jun 2018 15:00:00 GMT false108164 Boys Basketball Camp Starts July 30 The Deer Park boys basketball program will run its 18th annual summer camp for all boys in grades 4-8 (as of September 2018). It will be held Monday, July 30 to Friday, August 3 at Deer Park High School, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Camp flier/registration form is attached below. Please contact John McCaffrey with any questions at mccaffrey.j@deerparkschools.org. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108163 Mon, 11 Jun 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108163 HS Social Worker Barbara Charity Named a Teacher of Excellence In recognition of her outstanding work as an educator, Deer Park High School social worker Barbara Charity was recently presented with the Teacher of Excellence Award by State Sen. Phil Boyle. Charity, who is retiring this year, was honored at the third annual Teacher of Excellence Awards ceremony, hosted by Sen. Boyle on April 26 at the North Babylon Fire Department. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108161 Fri, 08 Jun 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108161 Deer Park Lacrosse to hold Second Annual Summer Camp The Deer Park lacrosse program is hosting its second annual summer camp on July 16-20 for any boys in kindergarten through eighth grade (as of September 2018) who are interested in learning the basics of lacrosse and improving individual skills. Registrants will be coached for the week by the Deer Park High School varsity lacrosse coaching staff as well as other coaches with NCAA experience. For more information on the summer camp please view the attached document or contact Cody Ciolino at ciolino.c@deerparkschools.org. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108162 Fri, 08 Jun 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108162 Robert Frost’s Band Brings Home Two Trophies from Dorney Park The seventh- and eighth-grade band from Robert Frost performed at the Music in the Parks music competition at Dorney Park on June 2, winning first place with a superior rating. The band, led by director Michael Livorno, also received a trophy for Best Middle School/Junior High School Band. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108160 Thu, 07 Jun 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108160 District Recognizes Retiring, Tenured and Long-Serving Employees At the May 22 Board of Education meeting, the district recognized retiring and newly tenured administrators, teachers and staff and rewarded valued personnel for their many years of service. Congratulated for receiving tenure were Curriculum Associate for Fine and Performing Arts Bradley Murphy; District Data Coordinator Wendy Kraus; Deer Park High School teaching assistant Sandra DiThomas; Robert Frost Middle School ESL teacher Michelle Champlin, math teacher Lauren Stein and special education teacher Lori Sullivan; John F. Kennedy Intermediate School teaching assistants Michelle Alo and Linda MacDonald; John Quincy Adams School speech teacher Patricia Baldwin and ESL teacher Vanessa Pizzo; and May Moore Primary School ESL teacher Danielle Finocchiaro. Recognized for their years of service were Gary Duprez and Lawrence Tronolone for 35 years; Ann Marie Abeltin, John Bennett, Peter Colletti, Lisa Feingold-Smith, John Giffone, Donna Novack and Lorraine Sears for 30 years; Dawn Mauceri-Guzzardi for 26 years; and Pamela Attonito, Ann Castagna, Clara DeDona, Michael Gennaro, Alicia Konecny, Brian Kruger, Richard Miller, Louis Nicolosi, Linda Stow and Debbie Smith for 25 years. Twelve retiring staff members –teachers Pamela Attonito, Maria Adams, Barbara Charity, Gary Duprez, David Kessler, Marie Marck, JoAnn Romann, Debbie Smith and Victoria Wilson – and non-instructional employees Jay Denen, Olivia Vogler and John Zimmerman – were all honored for their contributions to the district. “One of the hallmarks of our staff is their commitment and dedication to this district, which is evident in the years that they have spent here,” said Superintendent Eva Demyen. “I truly cannot thank each and every one of our retirees for all they have done for their colleagues, this community, and most importantly, the children.” Addressing his retiring colleagues, Deer Park Teachers’ Association President Bruce Sander told them, “Your dedication and love for the children will be missed. We wish you all the best.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108158 Tue, 05 Jun 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108158 TangerKids Grant Presented to May Moore At the May 22 Board of Education meeting, Tanger Outlets General Manager Nancy Larson presented a $75,000 grant check to May Moore teachers Alannah Boccard and Susan Mirman. The funding, part of the TangerKIDS grants program, will support literacy in the school’s autism program. “It is a pleasure and an honor to give money to worthy causes, and the school systems are clearly our worthiest cause,” said Larson, who noted that this was Tanger’s 10th anniversary in Deer Park. “We are so proud of Mrs. Boccard and Mrs. Mirman,” said Principal Alicia Konecny. “This grant focuses on concepts of print, repetitive language and using picture clues to tell the context of a story. Big books are beneficial in our autism program because they provide a large visual for small group guided reading. Thank you to Tanger for giving back to their local community.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108159 Tue, 05 Jun 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108159 Universal Prekindergarten Request for Proposals The Deer Park School District seeks a Prekindergarten collaborating agency to assist the District in its mission to provide every 4 year old student living within the boundaries of the Deer Park School District with a universal opportunity to high-quality prekindergarten programs that prepare them for future school success by developing strong foundational skills in early literacy and numeracy. If your existing prekindergarten program, located within the Deer Park School District, meets the following eligibility requirements and you would like to be considered as a potential collaborating agency with the Deer Park School District, please submit, in triplicate copy, a completed proposal to Dr. Danielle Sheridan, District Administrator for Elementary Curriculum & Instruction, Deer Park School District, 1881 Deer Park Avenue, Deer Park, NY 11729. Proposals must be postmarked on or before June 22, 2018. Minimum eligibility requirements include that the collaborating agency: 1. Have a 5 day per week, 180 day, 2.5 hour program for 4 year olds 2. Have an N-6 certified teacher and teaching assistant per class 3. Classes include no less than 16 children and no more than 18 4. Be NAEYC accredited 5. Be voluntarily accredited by New York State Education Department as a preschool 6. All buildings, premises, equipment and furnishings must comply with applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and meet all local fire, safety and building codes and all state and local licensing agency codes Your proposal must include: 1. A description of the services to be provided by the eligible agency 2. A detailed narrative which describes how the eligible agency proposed to meet the goals and objectives of the universal prekindergarten program 3. A description of the eligible agency’s staff qualifications, staffing patterns, turn-over rate, resumes, child-staff ratio and administrative structure 4. A budget of proposed expenditures for services rendered 5. A description of the facility with documentation that all applicable health and safety codes, licensure and registration requirements are met 6. Proof of fiscal solvency 7. Current program design and experience providing developmentally appropriate programs 8. Current professional development program and staff evaluation process https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108157 Tue, 05 Jun 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108157 Musical Growth Showcased at Frost’s Spring Concert Showcasing a year’s worth of confident, constant improvement, student-musicians at Robert Frost displayed their performance skills at a spring concert on May 16. Performing ensembles included the jazz band and seventh- and eighth-grade band, directed by Michael Livorno; the seventh- and eighth-grade chorus, directed by Youngsun Koh-Lee; and the seventh- and eighth-grade orchestra, directed by Maria Wingert. Some highlights included a rendition of the Miles Davis classic “Freddie Freeloader” by the jazz band, Bela Bartok’s “Echoes of Bartok” by the orchestra, and Swahili song “Dansi Na Kuimba” by the chorus. “I am amazed at the progress and growth that my students make throughout the year,” said Livorno. “The spring concert is the culmination of all their hard work.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108156 Mon, 04 Jun 2018 15:00:00 GMT false108156 Meet the 2018 Valedictorian and Salutatorian The high school’s Class of 2018 valedictorian and salutatorian are Saraf Faruk and Megan Zhang, respectively. Faruk, an AP Scholar with Distinction, New York State Scholar-Athlete and vice-president of Deer Park’s National Honor Society, is also a member of the Spanish Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society and Gold Honor Roll. In her spare time, she volunteers at Good Samaritan Hospital. Faruk will attend Stony Brook University this fall, majoring in biology. Zhang, an AP Scholar with Distinction, is also a member of the National Honor Society and serves as president of the Spanish Honor Society. An All- Eastern and All-State band musician, she served as section leader in the Nassau/Suffolk Wind Symphony, Long Island Youth Orchestra and New York State Summer School of the Arts 2017 orchestra studies program. Zhang will attend Brown University this fall, majoring in music and international relations. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108155 Mon, 04 Jun 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108155 VIEW VIDEO: Track Team at Penn Relays Click here. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108154 Fri, 01 Jun 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108154 Pride in Progress at JFK’s Spring Concerts Building on a long year of practice, the young musicians of JFK showcased their hard-won skills in a series of spring concerts in May. The performances – two consecutive evening concerts and a daytime performance in front of their fellow students – featured the cadet and advanced bands, the orchestra and chamber orchestra, and the third-, fourth- and fifth grade choruses. “The students made so much progress since our winter concerts and their enthusiasm made every performance so special,” said orchestra director Kathryn Attard. “We are very proud of all the JFK performing groups.” “All of the groups performed skillfully beyond their level of experience,” said band director Louis Nicolosi. “My own students were very excited to perform in concert and display the outstanding progress they made over the course of the year. I couldn't be any happier with their performance.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108250 Wed, 30 May 2018 18:00:00 GMT false108250 JFK Fun Club Cheers on Frost Softball Squad to a Win Led by teacher Marie Tortorici, the JFK Fun Club ecently came down to Robert Frost to cheer on Frost’s girls softball team. Making sure not to disappoint their fans from JFK, the team won a great game against Bay Shore that afternoon. “It is always nice to have support at our games, but the kids from the Fun Club holding their signs makes it that much better,” said coach Keri Schumacher. The goal of the Fun Club skills program is to increase opportunity for children to be socially successful in school and at places in the Deer Park community. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108251 Wed, 30 May 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108251 Red Noses at May Moore, Courtesy of the Bus Driver Each year, bus driver Juan Rodriguez buys red noses for his students at May Moore in time for their participation in Red Nose Day, when students dress up in clown noses to raise funds to help child poverty. “Mr Rodriguez is awesome,” said May Moore Principal Alicia Konecny. “He said that he does it because it’s a great cause and the kids love it.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108249 Tue, 29 May 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108249 Deer Park Celebrates Poetry Month with Fabulous Festival On April 27, Deer Park held its fourth annual International Poetry Festival, a multicultural celebration of National Poetry Month. Performing poets came from all five of Deer Park’s schools, originate from countries all over the globe and speak a multitude of languages. Students recited poetry in multiple languages, sang songs demonstrating poetic rhythm and performed dances representing various cultures. “We hold this festival each year, as we have such a wonderfully diverse group of students in our programs,” said Ashley Rosenberg, district administrator for ENL and world languages. “Deer Park celebrates Poetry Month by integrating poetry instruction into curriculum districtwide. Our department places a particular emphasis on poetry because we strive for our students to practice language and deepen their understanding of culture through poetry, song and dance.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108248 Thu, 24 May 2018 00:00:00 GMT false108248 Frost’s Top Students Go for ‘Gold’ Students at Robert Frost who maintain an average of 95 or above earn gold cards, and on May 11, the gold card winners for the third quarter were invited to an assembly where they had the chance to spin the “Golden Wheel.” The students cheered each other on as nine were randomly selected to spin the wheel for various prizes. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108247 Wed, 23 May 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108247 May Moore Delights with Skillful ‘Cinderella’ After many months of practicing after school, second-graders in the May Moore music club took the stage to show off their acting and singing skills in a production of “Cinderella.” Under the direction of music teacher Kristen Lombardo, the students presented a daytime show for delighted fellow students on April 26 in the gymnasium, and a second sold-out evening performance the following night for their families. “All the students’ hard work certainly paid off,” said Assistant Principal Heather Levine, noting that they began rehearsing in October, with only one session per week until the big day came. “I am truly blessed to get to work with these wonderful children,” said Lombardo. “Each and every one is unbelievably talented and enthusiastic. You would never believe that they are only 7-8 year olds. I am so incredibly proud of their performance.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108245 Tue, 22 May 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108245 JFK’s Luppy Sisters Appointed Babylon Junior Beautification Ambassadors Sisters Arianna Luppy and Giovanna Luppy, both students at JFK, were recently selected by Town of Babylon Supervisor Rich Schaffer to be appointed as Junior Beautification Ambassadors for their leadership skills and dedication to the betterment of the community. Arianna and Giovanna attended an induction ceremony on May 14 at the Argyle Theatre in Babylon Village, where they were presented with certificates of appreciation. The Beautification Program was designed to help educate the community about the importance of keeping Babylon clean and beautiful. The appointed Junior Beautification Ambassadors assist with program initiatives while gaining an understanding of issues impacting the town’s neighborhoods, sharing acquired knowledge with their peers and helping to organize interactive volunteer events. “We honor Giovanna and Arianna for their volunteerism and stewardship, which has greatly contributed to the success of the Town of Babylon Beautification Program,” said Schaffer. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108246 Tue, 22 May 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108246 NAMM Honor Proves Deer Park Music Program Is a Soaring Success The NAMM Foundation has again recognized the Deer Park School District’s music program, awarding it the prestigious 2018 Best Communities for Music Education designation. The annual award, now in its 19th year, honors outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. “We are extremely proud to be designated as one of the best communities for music education by NAMM for 2018,” said Bradley Murphy, the district’s curriculum associate for fine and performing arts. “Our board of education, teachers, staff, administrators, parents, and students foster an incredible atmosphere and culture to let the arts soar in Deer Park.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108244 Thu, 17 May 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108244 Secondary Students Celebrate French Culture French teachers Kimberly Lecamus and Susan Bollag hosted the 18th annual French Dinner at Robert Frost on April 20. Each year, the event brings together French students from both the middle school and high school to celebrate French language and culture. This edition had a world’s fair theme honoring the Exposition Universelle of 1889, held in Paris, France, and students worked hard to prepare French trivia, music and food as well as games from Francophone countries. “It was a wonderful night, allowing our community of French students to come together and celebrate and authentic appreciation of language and culture,” said Ashley Rosenberg, Deer Park’s district administrator for ENL and world languages. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108243 Wed, 16 May 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108243 Fantastic Frost Five Compete at MoMathlon A team of five students from Robert Frost – Jimmy Jiang, Dylan Nguyen, Roger Martin, Ryder Min and Adithan Omprakash – successfully competed in the 2018 Suffolk County MoMathlon, guided by math team adviser Cindy Jewell. Jiang finished tied for fourth place in the seventh-grade and below division at the event, presented by the National Museum of Mathematics and held on April 18 at Brookhaven National Laboratory. According to Jewell, Frost students have been attending the MoMathlon for more than a decade. The tournament provides an enriching day of challenge and camaraderie for middle school students as they solve fun and inspiring math problems and experience the excitement of learning as a team. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108242 Tue, 15 May 2018 12:00:00 GMT false108242 HS Inducts 63 to World Language Honor Society A total of 63 new members were welcomed at the high school’s World Languages Honor Society induction ceremony on April 19. They joined the 108 students already enrolled in the school’s French, Italian and Spanish honor societies for the 2017-2018 school year. To merit membership, inductees must have an average of 92 or higher in their world language classes, demonstrate an overall GPA of 85 or above, receive outstanding recommendations from their teachers and guidance counselor, and have acted as leaders and role models for their peers. “All of our language honor society members are dedicated to helping Deer Park’s multilingual and multicultural community,” said Ashley Rosenberg, the district administrator for ENL and world languages, who hosted the ceremony along with Italian Honor Society adviser Josephine Conway and French and Spanish Honor Society adviser Dina Peragine. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108241 Tue, 15 May 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108241 Budget Passes! Residents in the Deer Park School District voted to support the 2018-2019 budget on May 15, by a vote of 816 to 242. The district thanks the community for participating in this important vote. Incumbents Donna Marie Elliott (775 votes) and Robert Marino (694), both running unopposed, were reelected as trustees. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107563 Tue, 15 May 2018 04:00:00 GMT false107563 Red Cross Club Puts in the Hard Work This year, the high school’s Red Cross Club has extensively worked in conjunction with one of Long Island’s largest hunger relief organizations, Island Harvest. During one recent month alone, the hardworking group of almost 100 students – led by co-presidents Anthony Machuca and Yasmeen Syedda-Hensley and executive board members Dana Ali, Gabby Sroka and Danielle Tirado – helped to unload, package and box more than 1,460 pounds of food for hungry Long Islanders, which will be distributed to veterans and the elderly. “It’s great to see a group of kids putting in the work after school to help their community,” said club adviser Victor LoMonaco. “It's truly humbling, and I’m very proud of all they have accomplished this year.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108240 Fri, 11 May 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108240 A Fashionable Seven Out of Seven Seniors Accepted to FIT A remarkable seven out of seven high school fashion students who applied to the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City were accepted for the fall 2018 semester. The seven seniors – Mithzael Jean Baptiste, Emily Colquhoun, Maria Cruz, Kristilyn Daly, Jennifer Huynh, Lai-Qwon Jackson-Todd and Breanna Tedeschi – were among approximately 5,000 applicants applying to FIT this year internationally, with only a 40 percent acceptance rate. Additionally, three of the seven are specifically focusing on fashion designing. Only 252 fashion design slots at FIT are available each September. Applicants range from high school students to domestic and international college graduates, as well as seasoned fashion industry artisans. “This is a tremendous accomplishment,” said Deer Park fashion teacher and FIT alumna Toniann Mannino. “The Fashion Institute of Technology is very competitive. Having seven students apply and all seven students accepted is amazing. As for the three fashion design students, FIT only offers 252 slots per year to the entire world, and three of the 252 are coming from Deer Park, so I am very proud of them. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108239 Thu, 10 May 2018 04:00:00 GMT false108239 May Moore’s Magnificent Mural Celebrates Autism Awareness As a highlight of its celebration of Autism Awareness Month, May Moore installed a special autism mural on April 11, led by teachers Alannah Boccard, Susan Mirman and Michelle Sarco. Volunteers had helped to work on the mural with paint donated by Sherwin-Williams. “The three of us, spearheaded by Mrs. Boccard, were looking to continue the acknowledgement of Autism Awareness Month and overall diversity at May Moore while helping to beautify the school,” said Mirman. To create the mural, all of May Moore’s teachers were asked to read a book and discuss diversity and tolerance with their students. Then, each student created a puzzle piece reflecting what he or she took away from the lesson; these pieces formed the border of the mural. Additionally, one student from each class was chosen whose puzzle piece or input in the lesson effectively embodied an understanding of the ideas of diversity and tolerance. These students – Roman Amini, Austen Arroyo, Noah Barclift, Sophia Castaldo, Brianna Chillogalli, Kaitlyn Cortes, Olivia Diorio, Dania Fodel, Lorenzo Grotta, Christina Jackson, Jayden Jasmin, Devie Kelsey, Precious Mansibang, Nora Metzger, Anamika Nath, Ragib Noor, Gabriella Pagan, TJ Spinelli, Chris Stolz and Onur Tuzun – were honored at the installation ceremony, where they were presented with certificates and invited to personally add their piece to the puzzle. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107959 Wed, 09 May 2018 04:00:00 GMT false107959 Students Learn Responsibility During Dog Ability Visit Life skills classes at JFK and Frost, guided by teacher Rachel Burkel, recently visited the Dog Ability Center in Syosset, where the students learned about the responsibilities of taking care of a dog. The Dog Ability Center uses certified activity therapy dogs that encourage and entertain community members of all abilities. The students were able to ask the owners about their dogs while observing tricks and grooming activities. “The students loved learning how to take care of the dogs by brushing them, teaching them tricks and assisting with activities,” said teacher Heather Ciurleo. “Some of the students were very fearful when we first arrived, but by the end of the trip, they all had the biggest smiles on their faces. The volunteers at Dog Ability Center were able to make the children feel comfortable while teaching them how to appropriately interact with the dogs.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107958 Tue, 08 May 2018 04:00:00 GMT false107958 Nine Seniors Recognized for College Signings In a May 2 ceremony in the library, joined by family and coaches, nine high school seniors – Kenny Cooper, Daniella Cornelia, Kasey Dorney, Lynne Gbadamosi, Kaylee Houlihan, Evan Mallon, Alexandria Maniscalco, Josh Pismeny and Charles Rainone – were recognized for signing national letters of intent to continue their athletic careers in college this fall. Cooper, a 2017 league champion in wrestling, will attend LIU Post in Brookville, where he plans to major in physical education and health education. During his Falcons career, he was named All-League three times and All-County twice. “I love the environment at Post,” said Cooper. “I like the coach, I know the wrestlers that are currently on the team, and I wanted to stay close to home.” Cornelia, a diver, will attend the State University of New York College at Geneseo, where she plans to major in childhood education. As a member of the Falcons diving team, she earned All-Long Island honors once, All-County twice and All-League three times. Describing her reasons for selecting SUNY Geneseo, Cornelia listed “good vibes, a great education program and a nice campus.” Dorney will play lacrosse for Wagner College in Staten Island, majoring in nursing. A lacrosse midfielder, she earned All-County status in soccer and All-County Honorable Mention in lacrosse during her Falcons career. “I loved the coaches and the atmosphere,” said Dorney of her choice of Wagner. Gbadamosi, a track and field athlete, will attend the State University of New York at Albany, where she will major in public health. While at Deer Park, Gbadamosi was a three-time league champion as well as a division and large school champion, earned All-County honors three times and All-League six times, and was a member of the 2018 winter track state team. “Albany seemed like a perfect fit,” said Gbadamosi. “I loved the coaches and team, and it felt like home. I can’t wait to be a Great Dane.” Houlahan, a soccer player, will attend Connecticut College in New London, where she will major in biology. During her time at Deer Park, she was named All-League, All-Conference and MVP. “Conn has good soccer and academic programs, and it’s close to home,” said Houlahan of her selection of the Camels. Mallon, an All-League baseball player, will attend Cochise College in Arizona, where he plans to major in business management. “I chose this school for the academics and the outstanding baseball program, to continue my baseball career and move on to a four-year school,” said Mallon. “It is a great fit for me and my family.” Maniscalco, the captain of Deer Park’s track and field team, will attend the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania and major in forensic chemistry. A New York State Scholar-Athlete and member of the Suffolk County All-Academic team, Maniscalso said of her choice, “They have an outstanding science program, and the team track will challenge my abilities.” Pismeny, a four-year captain of the Falcons basketball team, will attend the College of Mount Saint Vincent in the Bronx. During his Deer Park career, he earned All-League honors three times and All-Conference once, was named Academic All-County, and won the Unsung Hero Award. “Mount Saint Vincent is the best fit for me,” said Pismeny. “It gives me the ability to be a part of a winning program and play right away.” Rainone, an All-League baseball player, will attend St. Joseph’s College and major in business and finance. “It’s a good Catholic school and baseball program, and has my major, so I can continue my baseball career,” said Rainone of his choice. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107957 Mon, 07 May 2018 21:00:00 GMT false107957 Workshop Focuses on Career Paths in Healthcare Guided by business teacher Jill Perry-Eising, the high school hosted an April 27 mini Career Day focused on healthcare. The event, held in the school’s library, was the result of past recommendations by the district’s school/industry advisory board, which suggested that in addition to the school’s fall Career Day for freshmen, Deer Park should hold smaller, industry specific Career Days for juniors and seniors. Student surveys indicated strong interest in healthcare careers. “We chose to target juniors before they go on college visits this summer and apply to healthcare programs next fall, as well as seniors before they head off to college,” said Perry-Eising. “Meeting with professionals in the healthcare industry at this point in their high school tenure may help these students choose colleges and majors.” During the event, a panel discussion was held with five healthcare professionals: Joanne Banaciski, a registered nurse at New York Presbyterian Hospital; Thomas Gallo, a physician’s assistant and healthcare attorney at Kern Augustine Conroy & Schoppmann; Brian Meltzer, the executive director of clinical development at Adare Pharmaceuticals; Scott Reynolds, an athletic trainer and physical therapist; and Deer Park resident Carlene Williams, a registered nurse at Huntington Hospital and St. Joseph’s College professor. These visitors spoke about their career paths in the industry before taking questions from the students. The workshop concluded with the healthcare professionals circulating around to the students’ tables to foster one-on-one conversations. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107956 Mon, 07 May 2018 15:00:00 GMT false107956 Touch-A-Truck Touches Down at May Moore May Moore hosted its first Touch-A-Truck family fun event on April 20, right in the school’s backyard. Students and visiting parents had the chance to view and explore a variety of vehicles – including giant trucks; classic cars; emergency, construction, transportation, postal, electric and other one-of-a-kind vehicles; and even boats – and sit in the driver’s seats and honk the horns. A train was also available for students to ride during the day, and the high school’s Falcon mascot made a colorful appearance. Organized by May Moore’s Touch-A-Truck Committee, the hands-on event was designed to coordinate with the schoolwide “Start Your Engines” theme and STEAM curriculum, and to provide students with a chance to utilize cognitive thinking skills while exploring the more than 30 types of vehicles. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107955 Tue, 01 May 2018 04:00:00 GMT false107955 Frost’s ‘Flour Babies’ Enhance Students' Social Skills Students at Robert Frost recently participated in a “flour baby” project, designed to enhance social and decision-making skills while bringing awareness to teenage pregnancy and the difficulties that accompany it. For the project, students carried around a five-pound bag of flour or sugar, after giving the “baby” a face, gender and name. They were partnered with another student of the same or opposite sex, sharing the responsibilities of caring for the child throughout the day. Each class was given a set of twins and a child with special needs such as cystic fibrosis or diabetes. Those with special needs “flour babies” were required to set alarms on their phones to simulate administering medication. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107954 Mon, 30 Apr 2018 04:00:00 GMT false107954 Future Scientists Showcase Projects at JFK With projects ranging from erosion and static energy to displays of electronic brains, young scientists at Deer Park’s John F. Kennedy Intermediate School showcased their research at the annual school science fair. This year’s winners included third-graders Sidney Dumaresq (first place), Joseph Reina (second place) and Malak Oztimurlenk (third place); fourth-graders Nicola Cespe (first), Valentina Plaza (second) and Taylor Gabel (third place); and fifth-graders Colin Taylor (first), Sabrina Chawdhury (second) and Za’Riah Mowatt (third). The first- and second-place winners for each grade will move on to participate alongside students from other Suffolk County schools in the Brookhaven National Laboratory Elementary School Science Fair on May 5. “Our winners displayed projects that were creative and informative, the result of extensive planning, experimentation and understanding, and I am very proud of their achievement,” said science lab coordinator Joyce Carmen. “Keep up the great work, future scientists!” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107953 Thu, 26 Apr 2018 15:00:00 GMT false107953 JQA’s Math-A-Thon Raises More than $8k for Children’s Hospital Yet again attaining a spot among the top 100 fundraising schools in the nation, JQA and its math-minded students participated in the school’s seventh annual Math-A-Thon program to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, raising more than $8,478 this year through the completion of Math-A-Thon Funbooks. JQA has raised more than $50,000 for this cause during the past seven years, aided by generous sponsors, who make donations based on how many problems or pages the students complete. “The Math-A-Thon problems help the students become better at math,” said math lab specialist Marianna Grieco, the coordinator of the event. “We are proud and happy to help children and their families at St. Jude.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107952 Tue, 24 Apr 2018 23:00:00 GMT false107952 Fifth-Grader Breaks a Slimy Guinness World Record Ciela Villa, a fifth-grader at JFK, was recently acknowledged by Guinness World Records for breaking the record for the longest distance in stretching home-made slime in 30 seconds. Villa completed the slimy science feat during class with teacher Mike Capobianco. Click here to view video. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107951 Tue, 24 Apr 2018 04:00:00 GMT false107951 JQA Rallies for Reading with Hip Pickles JQA students recently participated in a reading pep rally with acclaimed drum band Hip Pickles. The energetic, interactive assembly included drumming, singing and humor, all with the aim of helping inspire children to read. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107949 Thu, 19 Apr 2018 04:00:00 GMT false107949 Artistic May Moore Second-Graders Showcased at ‘Colors’ Artworks by two second-graders from May Moore – Camila Melgar Ayala and Mohammad Rauf – were chosen for display in the 20th annual Colors of Long Island student art exhibit, held at the Long Island Museum in Stony Brook. Rauf attended the show, accompanied by teachers Briana Nussbaum and Michelle Sarco. Sponsored by Astoria Bank, Colors of Long Island provides K-12 students the opportunity to showcase their artistic talents in a professional museum setting. Rauf’s pumpkin piece and Melgar Ayala’s acorn painting, both watercolors, were inspired by the colorful patterns of artist Romero Britto. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107950 Thu, 19 Apr 2018 04:00:00 GMT false107950 2018 Budget Newsletter Now Available https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107948 Wed, 18 Apr 2018 04:00:00 GMT false107948 Basketball Falcons Honored for Big Season Finishing their season with an outstanding 20-3 record, the high school’s varsity boys basketball team won the League IV championship – their fifth league title in seven years. Led by coach John McCaffrey, the Falcons advanced to the Suffolk Class AA county championship game for the third time in six years. Six members of the team were honored at the Suffolk Boys Basketball Coaches Association banquet, held on April 11. Sophomore Malik Edmead was named All-County and selected to the Newsday All-Long Island second team as well as the All-Tournament team. Freshman D’Andre Edwards was named All-League and League IV Rookie of the Year. Senior Josh Pismeny was selected All-Conference, senior Marquis Major was selected SCBCA All-County Academic team, and seniors Keshaun Jones and De’Shawn Todman were named All-League. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107947 Tue, 17 Apr 2018 15:00:00 GMT false107947 A Musical Success for ‘How to Succeed’ The high school’s dedicated student-actors found success with the recent production of “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.” Originally performed in 1961, the popular Broadway musical comedy was revived on Broadway in 2014 for its 50th anniversary. Featuring music and lyrics by Frank Loesser, this satire of big business was based on Shepherd Mead’s 1952 book of the same name. The Deer Park production, directed by Kristen Wallace, starred Nolan Maggio as J. Pierrepont Finch, Madi Steddick as Rosemary Pilkington and Anthony Machuca as J.B. Biggley. Catherine Lubrano served as musical director, Scott Abrams as pit director, Alex Mesimeris as set director and Tori DiTomasso as student director. “It was such an honor to work with such amazingly talented actors, dancers, musicians, artists and crew members,” said Wallace. “I am grateful for the support and energy of the other directors, faculty musicians and parents. Everyone worked tirelessly to make ‘How to Succeed’ the success it was.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107946 Tue, 17 Apr 2018 04:00:00 GMT false107946 A Countywide Approach to School Safety https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107945 Tue, 17 Apr 2018 04:00:00 GMT false107945 JFK and Robert Frost ‘Beat the Odds’ Again For the second consecutive year, two of Deer Park’s schools – Robert Frost and JFK – were recognized by the Better Outcomes organization for their outstanding work in boosting the achievement of economically disadvantaged students via the “Beating the Odds and Building Opportunities” study of New York State demographic data and ELA assessments. Out of 1,128 New York State public schools that had 40 percent or more economically disadvantaged students, Frost and JFK had 25 percent or more score 3 or 4 in 2016 ELA and 65 percent scoring 2, 3 or more. The district honored both schools at the March 27 Board of Education meeting, presenting certificates to the principals of both schools, Susan Bonner of JFK and Dr. Eliana Levey of Frost. “My congratulations to both principals for achieving this, it’s quite a feat,” said Superintendent of Schools Eva Demyen. “My thanks to the teachers, also.” “We are humbled to be honored and recognized for the hard work our students and teachers put in every day toward success,” said Levey. “At JFK, we have increased our Academic Intervention Services in reading and mathematics, where necessary, to service more students,” said Bonner. “Teachers in the building have also increased extra help time and some of our AIS teachers now push into classrooms, which also provides opportunities to reach and support a larger amounts of students. Classroom teachers have large leveled libraries in their classrooms to support the diverse reading needs of students. These libraries allow for students to be reading on their level and in a topic of their choice.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107944 Thu, 12 Apr 2018 04:00:00 GMT false107944 SCPD E-Cigarettes and Vaping Presentation https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107943 Tue, 10 Apr 2018 04:00:00 GMT false107943 Falconettes Are Proud Kickline Champions The high school’s Falconettes kickline team recently participated in the annual Contest of Champions national competition, held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida and came home champions, earning first place in the military category. The team also placed second in the kick category. They were honored at the April 24 Board of Education meeting. “We are very proud of all that the girls have accomplished this season,” said coach Ariel Miano. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107941 Mon, 09 Apr 2018 04:00:00 GMT false107941 Regents Roundtable at Robert Frost and High School Eighth-grade social studies teachers from Robert Frost recently met with their ninth-grade counterparts at the high school to discuss the new format of the global history Regents examination. The teachers were also invited to Karen Haar and Vanessa Whitney’s global history class to help students draft their essays. “All of our teachers have been hard at work creating new resources and collaborating to best prepare students,” said Heather Stewart, the district’s curriculum associate for social studies and family and consumer science. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107942 Mon, 09 Apr 2018 04:00:00 GMT false107942 Robert Frost Student-Actors Play Detective in ‘Gumshoe High’ Young actors at Robert Frost had a chance to play detective with the school’s recent production of “Gumshoe High.” Written by Flip Kobler and Cindy Marcus, the film noir-style play sets its mystery inside a high school. “We did a mystery this year, which is something I wouldn’t have chosen in the past, but there was something about ‘Gumshoe High’ that I found to be special,” said Director Michael Moriarty. “The actors and crew didn’t disappoint in bringing the play to life.” The large, talented cast included Justin Berman as Drexton Cage, Alexa Wesnofske as Betty Ann, Karly Haskins as Chapter, Michelle Xuan as Glossary, Elisya Clermont as Index, Drea Hendrickson as Carmen Hardstone/Peniscola Jones, Steven Discenza as Fred Backwards, Zaara Azizi as Sheila, Antonio Meyers as Trident, Paul-Destin Cyril Blanc as Scatters, Nala Francis as Snake, Joel Nash as Buster/Smilin Bob, Marina Williams as Sal, Theresa Tiernan as Giggles Fontaine, Madalynn Bernstein as Victoria/Patience. Anthony Aguilar as Reginald Wellington III, Brianne Vasconcellos as Electra, Dimitra Pavlatos as Cloris, Marcus Fasano as Abner Johnson, Muskan Kaur as Sylvia, Carson Warkenthien as Royalty Hal, Gianna Sanchez as Maxine/Georgia, Mia Malcoln as Meryl, Sebastian Linares Lopez as Sincere Thatcher/Olivier, and Aruba Nadeem as Parker Roberts. “This season was tough, due to the flu and the weather, but once again, the students of Robert Frost stepped up and gave a great performance,” said Moriarty. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107815 Mon, 02 Apr 2018 04:00:00 GMT false107815 May Moore’s Mustaches Make for Diligent Readers Bringing a novel note to promoting a love of literacy, May Moore’s annual READ program concluded with the students wearing faux mustaches to school to remind everyone of the importance of reading. Joining in on the “Mustache you to READ” fun were head custodian Michael Sheehan, whose mustache is real, and Principal Alicia Konecny. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107814 Thu, 29 Mar 2018 04:00:00 GMT false107814 Four DECA Students Earn State Trophies A total of 28 Deer Park High School business students competed in DECA’s New York State Career Development Conference, held on March 6 in Rochester, and seniors William Buckley and Sean Sanchez and freshmen Jasleen Kaur and Chaim Shames earned trophies at the event. These four students, along with honorable mention winners Nimra Salim and Esteysy Yanes-Amaya, with move on to the International Career Development Conference, to be held in Atlanta from April 21-24. Kaur and Shames are the first freshmen to ever qualify for the international competition. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107813 Tue, 27 Mar 2018 04:00:00 GMT false107813 May Moore Students Jump for Healthier Lifestyle Jump Rope for Heart – a national education and fundraising event sponsored by the American Heart Association – recently came to Deer Park’s May Moore Primary School to promote physical activity and healthier lifestyle and eating habits. During a week of physical education classes with teacher Craig Mangio, students learned about the importance of maintaining a heart-healthy exercise routine and participated in aerobic activities like jumping rope. Funds raised will support potential lifesaving research on heart and blood vessel disease and stroke. “At May Moore, we are joining in the fight against our nation’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers: cardiovascular diseases and stroke,” said Associate Principal Heather Levine. “Our physical education teachers designed this week to help our children learn about the importance of heart-healthy exercise.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107811 Wed, 21 Mar 2018 04:00:00 GMT false107811 Frost’s Gold-Card Middle Schoolers Spin the Wheel Each quarter at Robert Frost, one gold card student for each team, per grade, is randomly selected to spin a special wheel, giving them an opportunity to win prizes such as gift cards or lunch with their favorite teachers. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107812 Wed, 21 Mar 2018 04:00:00 GMT false107812 Deer Park Sends 23 Student-Artists to SCALA Show A total of 23 student-artists from Robert Frost and May Moore were recently chosen for the 2018 Suffolk County Art Leaders Association Children’s Show, which is held annually in cooperation with the Babylon Citizens Council of the Arts. The students and their families attended the show’s reception, enjoying the chance to view their artwork on display. Deer Park’s SCALA/BACCA Children’s Show participants were Noah Barclift, Jayda Barnes, Antonio Colon, Dania Fadel, Sophia Fasano, Taylor Gaskin-Grawford, Jade Griffin, Jose Iglesias, Tasfiya Haque, Alexia Haynes, Ermilia Honore, Ronnie Horner, Cyrus Hossain, Kathy Lin, Layla King, Kylie McGarty, Marissa Mongelli, Sarah Naqui, Anthony Peschke, Sarai Ponce, Mikaela Ponte, William Rivera and Sophia Zorakhsh. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107810 Tue, 20 Mar 2018 04:00:00 GMT false107810 2018-19 School Calendar Update - Revised March 15 The 2018-2019 school holiday calendar was re-approved on March 15. Spring recess in April was changed to Good Friday off, and off through the following week. This change has been made to align with the BOCES calendar. Also, the Friday before Memorial Day is eliminated. Revised Calendar https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107633 Fri, 16 Mar 2018 04:00:00 GMT false107633 Authors in Attendance at JFK More than 23 local Long Island authors were in attendance at an author evening last month, hosted by JFK in the school’s large gym. As students roamed around the gym collecting autographs and purchasing books, the authors spoke to them about topics such as obtaining story ideas, putting ideas down on paper, the research that goes into creating a book and publication. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107808 Fri, 16 Mar 2018 04:00:00 GMT false107808 JQA Students Share Writing with Families At a recent writing celebration day in Marcella Biordi and Phyllis Senia’s co-teaching class at JQA, students proudly read their informational pieces in front of an invited audience of family members. Some of the pieces were written in other languages and translated into English, with students reading in both languages. “It was so wonderful to see the students light up as they shared the writing they worked so hard on,” said Biordi. “We really enjoy inviting the parents to attend celebrations that showcase the students’ work in the classroom,” said Senia. “Everyone had an amazing time.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107809 Fri, 16 Mar 2018 04:00:00 GMT false107809 Thoughtful Students Promote Positivity with P.S. I Love You For the second consecutive year, thoughtful students at the high school and Robert Frost celebrated P.S. I Love You Day by wearing purple to represent a stand against bullying and support for ending depression and preventing suicide. P.S. I Love You Day was started in 2010 by West Islip teenager Brooke DiPalma, following the tragic suicides of her father and a senior at her school. The event, held each year on the second Friday of February, promotes positive messages of love, acceptance and community, symbolized by the color purple. At the high school, the Community Service Club and student council hung notes with positive messages and sayings on every student's locker, every teacher’s door and all of the supporting staff members’ desks. “The students’ efforts let everyone know how much they are appreciated and how much they matter at Deer Park High School,” said ELA teacher Christine DiProperzio, who serves as adviser for the Community Service Club and student council. “With all of the negativity on social media and on the news, we wanted to make sure that everyone in our building knew how much they mattered to our school and our community. We were pleasantly surprised that the signs stayed up for a few days, and even more surprised when we saw some of the kids saved their signs and hung them inside their lockers.” Over at Robert Frost, the school’s student council shared the message of P.S. I Love You Day, guided by teachers Dani Iadevaia and Denise Tassey. “This is an amazing cause,” said Associate Principal Philip Paniccia. “We asked everyone to wear purple to show support. We hoped that on that day, students and staff would be able to walk around the school and see a sea of purple, and hear nothing but positive messages that make them feel special and loved and remind them that they are never alone.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107807 Thu, 15 Mar 2018 04:00:00 GMT false107807 Winter Newsletter Now Available https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107806 Tue, 13 Mar 2018 04:00:00 GMT false107806 JFK Measures with Math for Chinese New Year At JFK, classroom teacher Christine MacQuarrie, AIS math provider Rosanne Alfieri and teaching assistant Randi Cortina teamed up last month to host a Chinese New Year celebration. The trio of educators incorporated cultural awareness as well as math lessons, enabling students to help prepare egg drop soup, lo mein and fried rice to celebrate the holiday. The children read recipes and learned how to use measurement skills such as calculating cups, teaspoons, pounds, ounces and temperature. “It was a great afternoon with delicious food and learning about math and culture,” said Alfieri. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107805 Fri, 09 Mar 2018 05:00:00 GMT false107805 Two AP Art Students Exhibit at ‘Advanced Visions’ Vincenza Grippe and Julianne Scrogham, both AP art studio students at the high school, were recently chosen for the LIU Post “Advanced Visions 14: High School Artists of Excellence” exhibit. This prestigious annual exhibit highlights the work of talented high school art students across Long Island, and pieces by Grippe and Scrogham were displayed at Post’s Student Art League gallery in the B. Davis Schwartz Memorial Library. “My experience at Advanced Visions was amazing,” said Grippe. “I showcased my work in front of many people, including college professors. I am grateful for this opportunity and would do it again.” “Being able to have my work shown at LIU Post was a huge learning experience for me,” said Scrogham. “I had the opportunity to see artwork by other artists my age, as well as receive feedback on my own work, which I am very grateful for.” Derek Mainhart, the students’ AP art studio teacher, said, “I am so proud of Vincenza and Julianne’s accomplishments, and am gratified that they took advantage of this wonderful opportunity to display their artwork to the public.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107648 Tue, 06 Mar 2018 19:00:00 GMT false107648 JFK Staff Go ‘Red’ to Support Women Staff at JFK recently wore red to honor Go Red for Women Day. Each year, JFK gives back by supporting this campaign through the American Heart Association. “It is a great day for us to join together,” said fourth-grade teacher Keri Schumacher. “We all donate to the cause, wear red and take a great picture!” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107647 Tue, 06 Mar 2018 05:00:00 GMT false107647 February 26 - March 4 is Eating Disorders Awareness Week https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107646 Wed, 28 Feb 2018 05:00:00 GMT false107646 JQA Students Energized by Fabulous African Folktales In honor of Black History Month, JQA students met characters like Anansi in stories from the folktale traditions from across Africa while participating in a Feb. 16 assembly with the Bright Star Touring Company. African music helped to set the stage for the energetic stories, which included origin fables and trickster tales. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107643 Tue, 27 Feb 2018 01:00:00 GMT false107643 Dragons Roam the Halls of May Moore Continuing a timeless tradition, first-grade students at May Moore celebrated Chinese New Year by learning all about Lunar New Year traditions, creating mystical paper dragons and then marching through the school’s hallways in a Feb. 16 parade, joined by the school’s kindergartners. The first-graders then enjoyed delicious Chinese food with their parents and classmates. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107644 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 13:00:00 GMT false107644 Author Santorelli Offers Tips for Young Creative Writers Author Dina Santorelli, known for her suspenseful “Baby Grand” trilogy, recently spoke with creative writing classes at the high school. During the visit, held at the school’s auditorium, Santorelli told the students about her writing process and how she started self-publishing. She also provided tips and websites that can help young authors get started, and discussed how to self-promote on social media. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107645 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 05:00:00 GMT false107645 Robert Frost Seventh-Graders Experience ‘Elf’ Taking a theatrical trip to New York City, seventh-graders at Robert Frost recently saw the musical comedy “Elf” at Madison Square Garden, experiencing the talents of a real orchestra while enjoying the show’s message of discovering the joy of friends, family and a positive attitude. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107642 Wed, 21 Feb 2018 05:00:00 GMT false107642 Town of Babylon Honors Hickam’s Heroism The Town of Babylon recently presented district bus driver Larry Hickam with the Heroism Award in a special ceremony at the district’s transportation office. Hickam, a Deer Park resident and Vietnam veteran, had saved a disabled man’s life, helping to rescue the man from a wheelchair stuck at a railroad crossing, earning Hickam high commendation and the town’s top honor. Along with Superintendent of Schools Eva Demyen, in attendance at the Feb. 6 ceremony were Town of Babylon Supervisor Rich Schaffer, Deputy Supervisor Tony Martinez, Town Councilman Anthony Manetta, Town Councilman Terry McSweeney, Town Clerk Gerry Compitello and Assistant School Transportation Supervisor Pat Shea. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107640 Tue, 20 Feb 2018 22:00:00 GMT false107640 Centenarian Celebration at May Moore Students at May Moore celebrated the 100th day of school on Feb. 13 by coming to school costumed as 100-year-old centenarians. The children brought in 100 items they had collected, did 100 jumping jacks and counted 100 steps. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107641 Tue, 20 Feb 2018 05:00:00 GMT false107641 Determined Senior Jacques Vincent Finds Path to Health Jacques Vincent, an inspirational senior athlete at the high school, has proven that determination can effect positive change. Vincent, the boys varsity track team’s sole shot putter, entered high school weighing 430 pounds and suffering from diabetes, and today, he stands at what he calls a “peaceful” weight of 229. His weight gain began back in 2008 at age 8, after a car accident left his mother with a paralyzed arm. “In the wake of this incident, my coping method was to eat,” Vincent said. By age 14, he weighed 431.4 pounds and was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, a disease shared by several older family members. “I was shocked to my core,” he said. “2015 was the darkest year of my life. I couldn’t lose weight and my self-esteem was at an all-time low. I had a moment of weakness, which also was my waking moment as well. I was all alone at home, looking in the mirror, screaming at myself, 'Why are you so fat, so slow, so ugly?' But then something in me just changed.” For the next two years, Vincent trained hard at the gym and participated in school including football, lacrosse, wrestling, golf and most recently, track. “Track was a sport I thought I could never do because I was too big,” he said, but after two years of working out, eating right and drinking “tons of water,” Vincent lost more than 200 pounds and was able to succeed at his athletic dreams. “I hope, my story can help kids lose weight and get healthy, but most importantly be happy and enjoy life,” he said. “Jacques is a gentleman and a scholar,” said assistant track coach Mario Fiore. “His achievement is an outcome of his hard work, proper diet and mental toughness.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107639 Thu, 15 Feb 2018 05:00:00 GMT false107639 May Moore Math and Science Carnival Explores Exciting STEM Activities With the help of math lab teacher Sue Mehr and parent volunteers, students at May Moore recently explored science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics hands-on activities at the school’s annual Math and Science Carnival, including coding, magnetism, chemical reactions, estimation and the concept of buoyancy. To conclude the Carnival, May Moore’s Parent Faculty Club treated the students to an exciting Mad Science assembly that taught them all about sound waves. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107638 Tue, 13 Feb 2018 05:00:00 GMT false107638 High School Actors Get a Creative ‘Clue’ The high school took a creative tack for this year’s winter play, “Clue,” which started out as a murder mystery board game in 1949, and was later made into a movie in 1985. Guided by director Kristen Wallace, the school’s dramatic arts students adapted the movie for the stage, including a multimedia element in which the students filmed sections of the story at the Scully Mansion at Seatuck and then integrated these prerecorded segments into the live performance. The cast included Nolan Maggio as Wadsworth, Tori DiTomasso as Mrs. Peacock, Michael Colombo as Colonel Mustard, Saraphina Morano as Mrs. White, Evan Hytner as Professor Plum, Madi Steddick as Miss Scarlet, Aashish Joshi as Mr. Green and Alexa Bellotti as Yvette. The production also included mug shots of each character on display in the lobby, and participation cards for the audience to help them solve the murders. The Deer Park Arts Council provided a step and repeat banner in the lobby, giving the evening the feel of a red carpet cinema event. "Adapting a movie transcript for the stage was a difficult task,” said Wallace. “The students were so enthusiastic about developing such rich and iconic characters, and the cast and crew worked tirelessly to bring this show to life. I am so proud.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107637 Tue, 06 Feb 2018 05:00:00 GMT false107637 JFK Students Enjoy Night of Culture and Tradition On the annual ENL Culture Night, English as a new language students at JFK came to the school with their families on the evening of Jan. 18 to celebrate holidays and cultures from around the world. As each student arrived at the event, which was organized by ENL teachers Jordana Bogart, Rebecca Corbin and Kimberly Essig, they received a special “passport.” During the night, the students and their families visited five stations representing different holidays celebrated around the world: Christmas, Diwali, Hanukkah, Ramadan and Tet. At each station, students completed a craft; after each station was completed, they received a stamp in their passports. The families enjoyed music and refreshments in between stations. “Culture Night is such a significant night for our ENL students and their families,” said District Administrator of ENL and World Languages Ashley Rosenberg. “Students are able to come together in an environment which highlights diversity, language and culture. It’s a night that reinforces a passion for learning about and celebrating others’ cultures and traditions.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107635 Tue, 30 Jan 2018 05:00:00 GMT false107635 JQA Continues Successful Math-A-Thon for St. Jude’s Kicking off the school’s seventh consecutive Math-A-Thon fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, math-minded students at JQA attended a presentation by math lab specialist and Math-A-Thon organizer Marianna Grieco in the school cafeteria on Jan. 9. The students will work to complete Math-A-Thon Funbooks by solving math problems, and sponsors can either make donations based on how many problems and pages the students complete, or of any amount they choose. Over the past six years, Grieco’s students have improved their math skills while raising more than $41,320 for St. Jude’s work to eradicate childhood cancer, including close to $9,000 last year alone. “The Math-A-Thon problems help the students become better at math while raising donations to benefit St. Jude Children’s Hospital,” said Grieco. “We are proud and happy to help children and their families at St. Jude.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107636 Tue, 30 Jan 2018 05:00:00 GMT false107636 Frost FACS Students Show Compassion with Cookies Seventh-graders in family and consumer science classes at Robert Frost recently showed their compassion by making 25 dozen cookies for The Mercy INN soup kitchen in Wyandanch, using their baking techniques and culinary abilities to provide community service. “Our students have been taught the importance of caring, sharing,and being empathetic to others to have a positive impact on their community,” said Cindy Adriaenssens, who guided the activity with fellow FACS teacher Paula Behrens. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107634 Fri, 26 Jan 2018 05:00:00 GMT false107634 ENL Educators Present to TESOL Conference A team of six Deer Park English as a new language teachers and District Administrator of ENL and World Languages Ashley Rosenberg were recently selected by the New York State Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages to present at the organization’s annual conference. For the presentation, titled, “Creating Culturally Relevant and Globally Empathetic Lessons, K-12,” Rosenberg and teachers Marcella Biordi, Megan Boccard, Michelle Champlin, Kimberly Essig, Danielle Finocchiaro and Vanessa Pizzo compiled ideas and lessons they create to meet the needs of Deer Park'’ diverse English Language Learners. The seven educators were also given the opportunity to network with various ENL teachers and administrators from across the state. “In addition to presenting information, we also had the opportunity to learn,” said Rosenberg. “Overall, presenting at the conference was a great opportunity and our team did wonderfully. I truly commend the teachers who took time out of their weekends to communicate their excellent ideas and lessons, which will benefit ELLs statewide.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107632 Mon, 22 Jan 2018 05:00:00 GMT false107632 Business Students Earn 21 Trophies at DECA Competition At DECA’s Suffolk County Regional Competition, held on Jan. 3 at Suffolk County Community College, 55 Deer Park High School students competed against more than 1,400 participants from 26 other Suffolk schools, with 21 students honored with trophies and another seven earning honorable mention. Trophy winners included Hallie Feldman in the Apparel & Accessories Marketing event, Vicken Khazar in Entrepreneurship, William Buckley and Sean Sanchez in Financial Services Team, Khaja Ibrahim and Tyler Tesoriero in Hospitality Services Team, Jessica Siford in Hotel & Lodging Management, Omar Rahim and Amar Qasir in Human Resources Management, Navan Hassan in Marketing Communications, Khabiba Shahid and Esteysy Yanes-Amaya in Personal Financial Literacy, Jasleen Kaur and Keryn Shames in Principles of Business Management, Mohammed Raiyan and Chaim Shames in Principles of Finance, Deirdre Burke in Principles of Hospitality, Alisha Suhail in Quick Serve Restaurant Management, Alyssa Robb in Restaurant & Food Service Management, and Eiman Nawaz and Yasmeen Syedda-Hensley in Travel & Tourism Team. These students will have to opportunity to compete at the state competition in Rochester in March, in an attempt to qualify for the national competition in Atlanta, Georgia. Honorable mentions were given to Hadi Alaouieh in Accounting Applications, Gabby Kemmerer and Julianna Knice in Buying & Merchandising Team, Michael Golann in Human Resources Management, Michael Buffa in Sports & Entertainment Marketing, and Max Hofstetter and Brennan Miller in Sports & Entertainment Marketing Team. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107630 Wed, 17 Jan 2018 05:00:00 GMT false107630 Young Scientists at JQA Share Findings and Excitement As part of an in-depth Teacher’s College science unit, students in Laura Oddo and Vanessa Pizzo’s co-teaching class at JQA worked as active scientists, looking closely at items from nature such as shells, rocks, fossils and plants. The students observed, labeled and listed the objects, just as a real scientist would. “I loved this unit because it incorporated science, reading and writing,” said Oddo. “The kids were excited to use the magnifying glasses to look closely and describe the features they see.” Said Pizzo, “I enjoyed watching the students use new vocabulary to share their excitement and findings as well as helping one another and comparing their discoveries.”' https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107631 Wed, 17 Jan 2018 05:00:00 GMT false107631 Frost’s Cheery Chamber Choir Sings for Seniors Bringing holiday cheer through song, the chamber choir from Robert Frost and director Youngsun Koh-Lee visited two local nursing homes – Our Lady of Consolation in West Islip and Sunrise Senior Living in Dix Hills – on Dec. 21 to sing for residents. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107735 Tue, 09 Jan 2018 16:00:00 GMT false107735 May Moore Second-Grader Wins Veterans Art Contest May Moore second-grader Erin Wong was recently honored by the Melville law firm Genser Dubow Genser & Cona for winning the firm’s veterans-themed These Colors Don’t Run art contest. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107736 Tue, 09 Jan 2018 05:00:00 GMT false107736 High School Welcomes 61 New National Honor Society Members A total of 61 high school students were inducted into the National Honor Society in a Dec. 11 ceremony at the school’s auditorium. The evening began with words from National Honor Society adviser Seth Margolin, Principal Charles Cobb and the guest speaker, Deer Park ELA Curriculum Associate Michelle Kwon. In addition, new Suffolk County Legislators Susan Berland and Tom Donnelly introduced themselves and provided words of wisdom just before the inductees took their oath of membership, administered by NHS President Bianca Punger. In the event’s highlight, current members in attendance joined in unity with the new inductees for the traditional candle lighting ceremony. “We congratulate and welcome these new members, who bring new energy in support of our continuing work as leaders in the Deer Park community,” said Margolin. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107734 Mon, 08 Jan 2018 05:00:00 GMT false107734 Girl Scout Depre Donates Buddy Benches to JQA As part of her Girl Scout Gold Award project, high school student Lauren Depre made a pair of buddy benches for the district’s John Quincy Adams Primary School, for the use of any student in need of a buddy during recess time. JQA’s sudents have been instructed to keep an eye out for any student sitting on one of the benches who they can be a good friend to and include in their play. “These benches will serve as a tool to help bring our students closer together and to ensure that each student feels included and loved,” said Principal Christopher Molinelli. “On behalf of the entire JQA staff, I would like to thank Lauren for her hard work and donation.” Depre was honored for her leadership and generosity by Superintendent Eva Demyen at a December Board of Education business meeting. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107733 Wed, 03 Jan 2018 05:00:00 GMT false107733 JFK Student-Musicians Display Dedication at Winter Concerts Band, chorus and orchestra students at JFK displayed their growing musical skills at a pair of stellar winter concerts, held on Dec. 14 in the school’s auditorium in front of a large crowd of family and friends. “We are so proud to work with such wonderful young musicians,” said chorus director Kristen Lombardo. “Our students show such dedication for their instruments and musical ensembles. They are a pleasure to work with, and we look forward to the spring season.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107732 Tue, 02 Jan 2018 05:00:00 GMT false107732 Phenomenal Nights of Music at Robert Frost Music students at Robert Frost showcased their talents and brought holiday cheer at the school’s annual winter concerts, held on Dec. 6 and 7. The sixth-grade band, directed by Eric Gotteman, opened the first night with Michael Sweeney’s “Royal Tower,” and combined with the sixth-grade chorus, directed by Youngsun Koh-Lee, for a heartwarming rendition of “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” The sixth-grade, led by Maria Wingert, entertained with “The Dreidel” and Mark Williams’ “Fancy Fiddles.” On the second night of memorable music, highlights included an excerpt from the “Nutcracker Suite” performed by the eighth-grade orchestra, conducted by Wingert. The seventh- and eighth-grade band, led by Michael Livorno, pleased the audience with tunes like Robert Sheldon’s “Sugar Creek Orchestra,” and Koh-Lee’s seventh- and eighth-grade chorus brought smiles with material that ranged from Vivaldi to “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.” “This was a phenomenal concert, and Deer Park is proud to work with such incredible musicians,” said Bradley Murphy, the district's curriculum associate for fine and performing arts. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107731 Wed, 20 Dec 2017 05:00:00 GMT false107731 Marching Falcons Honored by Fire Department During a Dec. 12 Board of Education meeting at the high school, the Deer Park Fire Department presented a “Best Band” trophy to the Deer Park Marching Falcons for the ensemble’s performance at the department’s annual holiday parade. Accepting the trophy were band members Ginele Tanis, Kailey Tenn and Marissa Woods, band director Jerry Cannarozzo, and curriculum associate for fine and performing arts Bradley Murphy. “The Marching Falcons were honored to receive this trophy for being the best band at the annual holiday parade, and we look forward to participating in this wonderful community event next year,” said Cannarozzo. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107728 Mon, 18 Dec 2017 05:00:00 GMT false107728 Gingerbread at May Moore, a Heartwarming Holiday Tradition Continuing a heartwarming annual tradition, Tammy Cotrone’s kindergarten class at May Moore was recently visited by her students’ families for a happy morning of decorating gingerbread houses. “This is an all-time favorite holiday activity and has become one of the most anticipated holiday traditions in my classroom,” said Cotrone. “The children love building and decorating gingerbread houses with their classmates and families.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107729 Mon, 18 Dec 2017 05:00:00 GMT false107729 Patriotic Penpals at JQA First-graders in Linda Stow’s classroom at Deer Park’s John Quincy Adams Primary School wrote letters earlier this month to U.S. Army troops serving overseas, sending them along with a bucket of candy. The patriotic youngsters received photos and letters in return from the service members. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107730 Mon, 18 Dec 2017 05:00:00 GMT false107730 JQA Learners Benefit from Literacy Centers By fundraising through Donors Choose, teacher Jackie Stein was recently able to purchase a variety of literacy centers to help her students at JQA learn their sight words. “With the broad range of learners in my classroom, literacy centers is one way I can reach all students,” said Stein. “My students love the engaging games and interacting with each ot https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107727 Wed, 13 Dec 2017 05:00:00 GMT false107727 Undefeated Girls Tennis Team Honored The high school’s girls varsity tennis team placed first in their division this fall, finishing the season undefeated and earning recognition at the Suffolk County Junior Tennis League Awards dinner. The team’s coach, Caryn Kaplan, was awarded Coach of the Year. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107725 Tue, 12 Dec 2017 05:00:00 GMT false107725 Robert Frost's 50th Anniversary Honored The Nov. 28 Board of Education meeting was held for one night at Robert Frost Middle School’s cafeteria, as a special tribute honoring the school’s 50th anniversary. Frost was founded on Nov. 10, 1967 as Deer Park Junior High School, and at the time, a time capsule was buried in the foundation. Eliana Levey, the current principal, told the audience that the metal box contained facts about the school, and that a new capsule was being created for 2017 with student help, featuring current objects of children’s culture including emojis and spinners. A commemorative video (click here to view) was shown, depicting the history of the school and bringing the audience back in time. “The entire Robert Frost community came together to celebrate this momentous anniversary,” said Levey. “We chose to highlight the work of our students, the teachers and administrators who came before us, and the legacy we would like to leave that shows our contribution to the excellence of our great school. It was a very emotional evening.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107726 Tue, 12 Dec 2017 05:00:00 GMT false107726 Eighteen HS Students Honored for Exceptional Character Eighteen notable students at the high school were recognized by their teachers and school administrators on Nov. 9 at the annual fall Breakfast for Champions. Each fall and spring, student champions are chosen by each of the school’s departments, alongside principal’s and teacher’s champions, and are lauded by the educators and presented with plaques in front of their attending families. Deer Park’s string ensemble provided the music for the event, held in the school library. The fall 2017 Breakfast for Champions honorees were Alexa Arbore (art), Kiera Blake (family and consumer science), Michael Catanzaro (performing arts), Melissa Fisk (technology), Lynne Gbadamosi (Principal’s Award), Brianna Huffstead (science), Mohamed Khan (health), Anthony Machuca (world languages), Daniela Paz Rodriguez (English as a new language), Vito Piazza (Teacher’s Award), Tarque Rahman (business), Ashley Ronquillo (guidance), Brayan Sanchez (math), Tabbatha Sanchez (English language arts), Alexa Skoubas (physical education), Yonis Velasquez Garcia (social studies) and James Wahl (athletics). “These students have continually demonstrated exceptional character and conduct,” said Associate Principal Kristen Anisis. “They have overcome obstacles, shown outstanding effort in their classes, and have made significant contributions to our school.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107724 Thu, 07 Dec 2017 05:00:00 GMT false107724 Deer Park’s Dorney to Play Lax for Wagner High school senior athlete Kasey Dorney signed a national letter of intent on Nov. 28 to play lacrosse for Wagner College in Staten Island, where she will major in nursing. A lacrosse midfielder, Dorney earned All-County status in soccer and All-County Honorable Mention in lacrosse during her Deer Park sports career. “I loved the coaches and the atmosphere,” said Dorney of her choice of Wagner. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107723 Mon, 04 Dec 2017 05:00:00 GMT false107723 Robert Frost Students Take on Bullying During Red Ribbon Week Each day during Red Ribbon Week, red-clad students at Robert Frost heard Project Wisdom announcements related to the Red Ribbon initiative on bullying and substance abuse, and at lunchtime, were given the opportunity to sign a banner pledging to keep the school a bully-free zone. Additionally, Frost’s student council wrapped trees in front of the school with red ribbons. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107722 Fri, 01 Dec 2017 05:00:00 GMT false107722 First Annual Community Giving Tree Event https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107721 Wed, 29 Nov 2017 05:00:00 GMT false107721 PEAK Performers from JFK Explore Music Workshops Nine young musicians – Olivia Corrado, Milan Daniels, Dillon Jefferies, Kaylee Nguyen, Sophia Paduano, Olivia Russo, Jaidyn Schabe, Eve Valentine and Canaan Williams – from JFK were chosen to participate in the ninth annual Suffolk County Music Educators Association’s PEAK Festival, held at Northport High School. PEAK (which stands for Parents, Educators and Kids), celebrates elementary classroom music and provides a unique experience where parents, educators and students can participate together. Talented fourth-grade students learn and experience music in addition to performing it, attending morning workshops in areas of music that may be new or different, including musical theater, recorder, chorus, world drumming, folk dance and even ukulele. “It was an amazing day filled with hands-on activities, ending with a performance for all families to enjoy,” said teacher Kristen Lombardo. “Congratulations to our students, and thank you to all of their parents for their support and enthusiasm.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107720 Tue, 28 Nov 2017 16:00:00 GMT false107720 JFK Fourth-Graders Dress Up for Book Character Day Keri Schumacher and Beth Ann Vahle’s fourth-grade classes at JFK ended a recent reading unit by holding a Book Character Day, where the students dressed up as their favorite characters from books such as “Pinkalicious” by Victoria Kann, “Slap Shots” by Gordan Korman, “The Kid Who Ran for President” by Dan Gutman. Schumacher and Vahle even got into the act, with the two teachers posing as the colorful Camilla Cream from David Shannon’s “A Bad Case of Stripes.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107718 Mon, 27 Nov 2017 05:00:00 GMT false107718 Thanksgiving Comes Early for FACS Students High school family and consumer science teacher Patricia Skjoldahl’s culinary arts students enjoyed an early Thanksgiving this year, prepping a full traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all the fixings. This holiday cooking curriculum was highlighted by a visit from Associate Principal Craig Evans who provided a demonstration on carving a turkey, including preparation, safety, presentation and skills. Afterwards, the students sat for their very own Deer Park FACS feast. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107719 Mon, 27 Nov 2017 05:00:00 GMT false107719 Sixteen Studious AP Scholars Recognized Sixteen studious seniors were named AP Scholars with Distinction and AP Scholars with Honor for 2017 by the College Board’s Advanced Placement Program, which offers several levels of AP Scholar awards to honor high school students who demonstrate college-level achievement via AP courses and exams. Winners from Deer Park’s Class of 2017 included eight AP Scholars with Distinction (Saraf Faruk, Navan Hassan, Fabiha Khan, Lauren Leon, Bianca Punger, Catherine Taipe, Danielle Tirado and Megan Zhang), and eight AP Scholars with Honor (William Buckley, Isabella Colacioppo, Tori DiTomaso, Wasif Islam, Vicken Khazar, Alan Korsiak, Jamie Oddo, Kailey Tenn). https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107716 Wed, 22 Nov 2017 22:00:00 GMT false107716 Conga-Lining to Celebrate Culture at Robert Frost More than 100 students from Robert Frost attended the annual Heritage and Culture Night on Nov. 3, organized by Frost’s world language teachers Keri Cook, Kimberly Lecamus, Jack Lovascio, Fran Pullman and Meredith Telese. During the celebration, students tasted a variety of multicultural food and danced to Spanish, Italian, French and Irish music, forming a massive conga line. “It was a wonderful night and genuinely encouraged an appreciation and tolerance for the multitude of diverse cultures within Deer Park’s community,” said Ashley Rosenberg, district administrator of ENL and world languages. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107717 Wed, 22 Nov 2017 05:00:00 GMT false107717 Six Second-Graders Serenade Board of Ed In honor of School Board Recognition Week in October, students and staff from each of the district’s buildings presented gifts of appreciation to each board member, recognizing the time and commitment they make to the school community. One of the schools, May Moore, “adopted” trustee Donna Gulli Grunseich, whose children attended May Moore. Six May Moore second-graders –Sharon Offiah, George Montes, Kaitlyn Mosquera, Mohammed Rauf, Karina Salgado and Alexa Thiesen – presented Gulli Grunseich with flowers, a card created by the school’s art teachers that was signed by all of the May Moore students, and a specially made blanket in Deer Park’s colors of maroon and grey, portraying the school’s students. In closing, under the direction of music teacher Kristen Lombardo, the sextet of students serenaded the board with “Thank You Board, Thank You,” including kazoo solos. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107714 Fri, 17 Nov 2017 05:00:00 GMT false107714 Freshmen Focus on Careers at Deer Park’s Day of Discussion The high school’s freshmen recently got a head start on career ideas as they participated in the school’s annual Career Day, meeting and talking about jobs and entrepreneurship with dozens of presenters from a variety of different careers including banking, health care, law enforcement, nursing, law, psychology, fiction writing, marketing and social work. These professionals included Deer Park alumni, members of the Deer Park Chamber of Commerce, local business owners and parents of current students. Rob Pannell, a much-awarded legendary lacrosse player for Cornell University and the New York Lizards, kicked the event off with a well-received keynote speech. “Career Day 2017 was a great success,” said business teacher Jill Perry-Eising. “It is a large event to coordinate, and we couldn’t have run the event without the enthusiastic cooperation our local business community.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107715 Fri, 17 Nov 2017 05:00:00 GMT false107715 May Moore Starts Up Engines at Annual Safety Program Students from May Moore recently learned all about fire safety with Deer Park Fire Department Assistant Chief Phil Scarfi and his team. Held annually in the district’s elementary schools as part of national Fire Prevention Month, Scarfi’s annual safety program also features an outdoor visit to one of the department’s fire trucks. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107713 Mon, 13 Nov 2017 05:00:00 GMT false107713 Perseverance Pays Off for Top 10 Seniors The high school recently announced the top 10 ranked seniors at a ceremony held in the library, with proud parents in attendance. Saraf Faruk was ranked first and named Class of 2018 valedictorian, with Megan Zhang ranking second as salutatorian. Rounding out Deer Park’s list were Catherine Taipe (ranked third), Tamara Beauchamp (fourth), Alan Korsiak (fifth), Isabella Colacioppo (sixth), Danielle Tirado (seventh), William Buckley (eighth), Lauren Leon (ninth) and Sean Sanchez (10th). “A student who is recognized in the top 10 at Deer Park High School has shown tremendous dedication and perseverance in their academic pursuits,” said Principal Charles Cobb. “This accomplishment is just the beginning for these extremely talented students, and I am proud to honor them.”' https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107712 Fri, 10 Nov 2017 05:00:00 GMT false107712 Six Musicians Named to All-County Ensembles Six outstanding high school student-musicians were chosen for All-County honors this year, and will participate in the annual New York State Council of Administrators of Music Education All-County concert on Nov. 17, held at Hauppauge High School. Students were selected for the band, chorus and orchestra ensembles by NYSCAME from a pool of the finest young musicians in Suffolk County, based on NYSSMA solo evaluations. Junior Katherine Cho (clarinet) will perform with the All-County Band; junior Sara Felipe (soprano) and senior Nolan Maggio (tenor) will perform with the All-County Chorus; and junior Alexandra Doogan (double bass) and seniors Ginele Tanis (bassoon) and Megan Zhang (flute) will perform with the All-County Orchestra. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107711 Wed, 08 Nov 2017 18:00:00 GMT false107711 Pumpkins Abound at JQA Learning Stations After an exciting morning of picking pumpkins from the patch at JQA, the fun continued for kindergartners in Laura Oddo and Vanessa Pizzo’s class as they moved to a series of different learning stations themed around pumpkins. Oddo, who teaches kindergarten, and Pizzo, an ENL teacher, are teamed in a co-teaching classroom featuring math, science and art stations. “The students truly enjoy moving to different stations and working on different activities,” said Oddo. “They love the hands-on approach in each station, and the small groups create a great learning space,” said Pizzo. In the science station, the students experimented with different fruits and vegetables and made predictions to whether they would sink or float. In the math station, students measured their pumpkins. In the art station, students created faces to make their pumpkins into jack-o’-lanterns. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107710 Wed, 08 Nov 2017 05:00:00 GMT false107710 Developing Deer Park’s Digital Innovators Ten Deer Park teachers –the high school’s Katelyn O’Brien; John Heeg, Matthew Oleaga, Jon Steigerwald and Scott Surdi from Robert Frost; Michael Capobianco, Thomas Fitzmaurice and Lori Palopali of JFK; and Dana Grafstein and Sue Steinman from May Moore – were recently chosen to participate in the district’s new Digital Innovator Program. The goal of the program is to align classroom instruction with technology, rather than vice versa. “In the past, teachers would often ask how to use a piece of tech in the classroom, rather than focusing on what the instructional goal or outcome is, and then using the technology to get there,” explained Christopher Kauter, the district’s administrator of instructional technology, who developed the program. “It’s been a lot of reflection and sharing.” The Digital Innovator Program uses the SAMR Model of ongoing monthly collegial workgroup sessions to allow sharing multilayered ideas for technology use with peers and administrators, focusing on areas such as digital classrooms and storytelling, maker education, coding and curriculum development, and establishing learning spaces. The teachers also develop an action plan and pilot programs and software. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107993 Tue, 31 Oct 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107993 Homecoming Highlights a Strong Community The Deer Park community came out in force for the homecoming parade on Oct. 21, filling the streets from John F. Kennedy Intermediate School to the high school with a sea of proud maroon and white. Leading the way was grand marshal Tony Martinez, a managing partner of Texas Roadhouse. After arriving at Al Centamore Football Field, the crowd was addressed by Martinez, principal Charles Cobb and Superintendent Eva J. Demyen. Also serving as a guest speaker was Babylon Town Clerk Carol Quirk, whose three sons are Deer Park alumni. “The kids walking on this field are the most important people,” said Quirk. “I’m proud to be here representing the town, and homecoming shows that Deer Park is strong, not only today but tomorrow.” The speakers soon ceded center stage to an array of exciting performances by the marching band, the step team, the high school and middle school kickline teams, and cheerleaders from the high school, middle school and PAL. In the pre-game finale, Alan Korsiak and Kaylee Houlahan were crowned as homecoming king and queen, congratulated by the remaining members of the homecoming court: Daniela Cornelia, Kasey Dorney, Tara Hentze, Evan Mallon, Anthony Pascal and Josh Pismeny. The varsity football Falcons came out strong in the homecoming game against Smithtown East, driving to a 14-0 lead after two quarters and holding on for a decisive 26-14 victory over the Bulls. Falcons quarterback Derrick Toledo passed for 124 yards and three touchdowns, Vincent Tavella rushed for 136 yards and a touchdown, and receiver Rayshion Bienaise caught four receptions for 120 yards and two touchdowns. At halftime, the freshman class was chosen as the winner of the float competition for their excitingly aquatic “Nemo”-themed construction. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107994 Wed, 25 Oct 2017 12:00:00 GMT false107994 Frost Preps for Homecoming with Exciting Pep Rally Students at Robert Frost prepared to support homecoming on Oct. 20, showing their school spirit with a pep rally, replete with performances by the school’s cheerleaders and kickline. The rally also served to recognize the fall sports teams, including the introduction of the Frost football squad, who demonstrated several plays. “Our students were so excited to support the high school during homecoming by holding a pep rally,” said Principal Eliana Levey. “We came together as a school community to cheer on the Falcons.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107992 Wed, 25 Oct 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107992 "Thank You" From Deer Park, Texas School District https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107991 Fri, 20 Oct 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107991 Fall Newsletter Now Available https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107989 Thu, 19 Oct 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107989 Zhang Named to All-State Wind Ensemble High School flutist Megan Zhang, a senior, was recently chosen by the New York State School Music Association to participate in the annual All-State Music Conference in Rochester, NY in December. Zhang will perform as a member of the 2017 All-State Wind Ensemble, with Dr. Ricky Fleming from Buffalo State College as conductor. “The Deer Park music department is delighted to be represented by Megan,” said Bradley Murphy, the district's curriculum associate for fine and performing arts. “She is one of the top high school musicians in New York State.” Additionally, senior and choral student Nolan Maggio (tenor), an alternate selection, was accepted into All-State as well. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107990 Thu, 19 Oct 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107990 Two Honored for Potential in Science and Medicine High School senior James Raymond and junior Domenico Recine were recently presented with awards of excellence for their outstanding participation in science conferences held this summer in Boston. Raymond attended the Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders, while Recine attended the Congress of Future Medical Leaders. Admission to these honors-only academy programs was based on the students’ high grade point averages, demonstrated leadership potential and their declared aspirations to pursue careers as physicians, scientists or technologists. “It was a great opportunity,” said Raymond. “I learned a lot.” “I’m really happy I went to the event and hope it helps me in the future to become a doctor,” said Recine. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107988 Mon, 16 Oct 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107988 Flu Notification https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107987 Fri, 13 Oct 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107987 A New ‘Point of View’ at Robert Frost Sixth- and seventh-graders at Robert Frost Mrecently experienced Camfel Productions “Point of View,” a new 40-minute multi-media production designed to look beyond the world’s violence, racism, intolerance, harassment and hate, giving students a new perspective on the differences that separate them from their peers, their parents and others around them. According to Associate Principal Gary Ramonetti, the assembly helped the students gain a new sense of their own innate worth, while appreciating the diversity of race, language and culture that make up the community in which they live. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107986 Thu, 12 Oct 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107986 ‘Social’-izing Safety Presentation on Superintendent’s Conference Day The district’s annual Superintendent’s Conference Day in September was highlighted by a safety presentation on social media and electronic communications by attorney Joseph Lilly of the firm Frazer & Feldman, Garden City, New York. After providing some background on the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and how education records include all information relating to a student, including printed and computer records such as teacher’s emails, Lilly went over the district’s computer usage, social media and internet policies, both during and outside work hours. He then delved into the basics of free speech in relation to teachers, using numerous well-known case law examples such as Monroe v. Central Bucks School District. “It’s a serious subject,” Lilly told the district’s educators, noting their special position in society. “What you say on the internet can have lasting and serious repercussions. As a teacher who interacts with the public, because of that special position you hold, even when you express things on the internet that for another person might be protected by the Constitution, if your speech is disruptive to the operation of the school and its ability to provide an important service to the public, the courts say that the school district’s interest in providing that service is going to outweigh the teacher’s interest of expression.” Lilly then suggested some best practices for district employee use of the internet and websites, and urged them to exercise a level of care in using social media, such as not commenting on or befriending students. “These guidelines I’m giving you are to help you avoid anyone ever questioning your integrity or professionalism,” he said. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107985 Tue, 10 Oct 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107985 Two Seniors Commended by National Merit Scholarship Program High school seniors Fabiha Khan and Lauren Leon were recently named Commended Students by the 2018 National Merit Scholarship Program. Khan and Leon were recognized for their outstanding test results in the 2016 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, where they finished among the top 5 percent out of more than 1.4 million students nationwide participating in the competition. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107984 Wed, 04 Oct 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107984 District Decides on DePrima as New Secondary Special Education Administrator Deer Park has named David DePrima as district administrator of secondary special education, replacing Brian Norton. DePrima, an alumnus from Deer Park High School’s Class of 1999, had previously worked as a special education social studies teacher for the district since September 2003. A Babylon resident, he earned his associate’s degree from Nassau Community College, his bachelor’s degree in history from Hofstra University, a master’s degree in special education at Dowling College, and his educational leadership certificate from Stony Brook University. “It is my focus to provide leadership to ensure that the students with special needs in Deer Park are appropriately educated and supported,” DePrima said. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107982 Fri, 29 Sep 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107982 Kozlowsky Named Secondary Administrator Former high school associate principal Jeanne Kozlowsky has been named the new district administrator for secondary curriculum and instruction, replacing Christine Criscione. Before serving as associate principal at the high school for seven years, Kozlowsky worked as a math teacher at the school for six years prior. An East Setauket resident, she obtained her bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from North Carolina State University, her master’s degree in adolescence education mathematics at Long Island University and her graduate certificate in educational leadership from Stony Brook University. “I have had the pleasure of working within the Deer Park School District for the last 13 years,” said Kozlowsky. “Collaborating with our parents and community members to ensure students’ success continues to be the goal of our educational team. I look forward to working with all the dedicated teachers, administrators and staff who are committed to delivering instruction that prepares students for the next phase of their education and future.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107981 Thu, 21 Sep 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107981 Deer Park’s Day of Remembrance With small but symbolic American flags in their hands, the young students at John F. Kennedy, John Quincy Adams and May Moore honored Patriot Day by planting the flags in front of each school in honor of all those lost on 9/11. The schools also read poems, played the national anthem and offered a moment of silence. “Although our students were born long after the tragic events of September 11, 2001 happened, we honor Patriot Day as a day of remembrance by planting flags and wearing red, white and blue,” said May Moore Principal Alicia Konecny. “We teach our students that 9/11 changed our world. But with each story of sorrow and pain comes one of hope and courage. As we move forward, all of us have an opportunity to become better people and to learn valuable lessons about heroism, love and compassion.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107979 Tue, 19 Sep 2017 18:00:00 GMT false107979 The District Welcomes Three New Associate Principals The district has welcomed three new associate principals to the administrative team. Kristen Anisis and Sean O’Brien will work at Deer Park High School, and Heather Levine will serve at John Quincy Adams and May Moore primary schools. Anisis previously worked as an English teacher at Freeport High School. The Long Beach resident earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Stony Brook University, a master’s degree in literacy at Queens College and a post-master’s certificate in educational leadership from Stony Brook. “I am honored to join the administrative team at Deer Park Schools,” said Anisis. “I am excited to serve this wonderful community and will tirelessly work to reach our collective goal of student success.” O’Brien most recently worked for three years as a school counselor at Elmont Memorial High School, and previously served as a guidance counselor at Roosevelt High School. A resident of Saint James, he earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology fron Stony Brook University, and his master’s degree in school counseling from Long Island University. “ I look forward to working together with the amazing faculty and families of Deer Park High School as we prepare our students for the future,” he said. Prior to joining the Deer Park administrative team, Levine worked for the Connetquot Central School District as a special education administrator. She has been in the field of education for over 14 years, and previously worked as special education teacher, chairperson and supervisor, as well as an instructional coach for the New York City Department of Education. Levine earned her bachelor of science in human development and sociology from Binghamton University, her master’s degree in special education and general education from St. John’s University, and a gifted and talented advanced course of study from Touro College. She later obtained an advanced certificate in school building and school district leadership from the College of Saint Rose, and participated in the Teachers as Leaders program through Columbia Teacher’s College. “Education is my passion,” said Levine, who resides in Levittown. “I am deeply committed to collaboration and support for all our students and believe in staying current with newest research-based trends in education. The early childhood years are critical times for students. What happens during these years will have a lasting impression on their growth and development, and we are the foundation that gives each student the opportunity to become a lifelong learner.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107980 Tue, 19 Sep 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107980 Italian Honor Society Raises Funds for Earthquake Victims The high school’s Italian Honor Society co-hosted a benefit dinner with the Brumidi Lodge Sons of Italy to raise money to help recovery efforts for victims of several recent earthquakes in central Italy. Nearly 300 people were killed and hundreds displaced during these disasters, and numerous buildings were damaged, including homes, churches, businesses and hospitals. The students worked on different fundraisers to raise money for this cause. At the benefit dinner, Italian Honor Society Secretary Peter Farquharson and adviser Josephine Conway presented a $500 donation check to Brumidi Lodge President Daniel Calisi to add to the proceeds of the relief fund. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107978 Thu, 14 Sep 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107978 The Start of a Great Year Students from across the district got a great start on the year on Sept. 5 as the schools opened for the first day of learning. “We were so thrilled to see such happy and excited students on day one of school,” said Robert Frost Middle School Principal Eliana Levey. “We’re looking forward to a phenomenal year.” “Students arrived on the first day of school ready to learn,” said John F. Kennedy Intermediate School Principal Susan Bonner. “They were eager to enter the building and get started with the new school year. We are looking forward to many great times, adventures and learning experiences this year.” “We are so happy to have the halls and classrooms filled with students again and are eager to begin another year full of engaging activities,” said John Quincy Adams Primary School Principal Christopher Molinelli. “It was exciting to welcome our new pre-K and kindergarten students as well as our returning first- and second-graders,” said May Moore Primary School Principal Alicia M. Konecny. “Our teachers and support staff are eager to challenge our students to learn and accomplish great things – this is where we continue to develop the skills that build a strong foundation for learning.” “I loved the first day of school because I have new teachers and I enjoyed writing and labeling our new supplies,” said May Moore first-grader Francesca Lathrop. “I think it’s going to be a great year.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107977 Tue, 12 Sep 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107977 Setting an Enthusiastic Tone at Frost Sixth-Grade Orientation Aided by guidance counselors and older students ready to lend a hand and word of advice, incoming sixth-graders at Deer Park’s Robert Frost Middle School attending orientation day on Aug. 24 familiarized themselves with their new school and the activities they can look forward to this year. “It’s always great to see the excited faces and enthusiasm of our new students,” said Associate Principal Gary Ramonetti. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107976 Fri, 08 Sep 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107976 Freshmen Get Familiar with Opportunities at Orientation Welcoming the future Class of 2021, the high school held its freshman orientation on Aug. 30, providing the new ninth-graders a chance to familiarize themselves with teachers, guidance counselors and administrators. After an address by Senior Class President Alan Korsiak, upperclassmen gave the younger students tours of the building and spoke to them about what a typical day at the high school is like. “This was a perfect opportunity for our incoming freshmen to start to experience the many wonderful activities that Deer Park High School offers our students,” said Principal Charles Cobb. “It’s a great event that signified the end of summer break and let us look forward to the upcoming school year.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107974 Thu, 07 Sep 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107974 Frost Sixth-Grader Wins Suffolk’s Got Talent Maria Labate, a sixth-grader at Robert Frost, recently won first place in the Suffolk’s Got Talent competition. Labate, age 11, had competed earlier in the district’s Deer Park’s Got Talent event, and will move on to America’s Got Talent. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107975 Thu, 07 Sep 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107975 2017-2018 BOE Committee Meeting Flyer https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107971 Wed, 30 Aug 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107971 HS Clubs Host Patriotic Picnic for Suffolk Vets Members of the high school’s Patriot and SADD clubs hosted a picnic this summer at The Veterans Place in Yaphank, a shelter that provides housing and support for homeless veterans of Suffolk County. Club members hung red white and blue decorations and a banner painted by art students. Food was donated by Texas Roadhouse of Deer Park, and dessert was baked by students from FACS teacher Patricia Skjoldahl’s class. The high schoolers socialized with the veterans and shared their appreciation for the latter’s service to the nation. The Patriot Club also made a $150 donation to the shelter and raffled off prizes donated by retired Deer Park teacher Janet Werner. “This trip was one of the year's highlights for our students,” said Patriot Club adviser Laurie Osbern. “Both the students and the veterans really enjoyed spending the afternoon together.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107972 Wed, 30 Aug 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107972 ‘Egg’-celent Environmental Club Hatches Some Quail “Ranger Eric” Powers of the Your Connection to Nature program recently assisted the high school Environmental Club and adviser Francis Amendola with a special project, hatching a batch of baby quail from eggs. Powers, Amendola and incoming seniors Isabella Colacioppo, Alan Kursiak, Angela Noh, Riya Sharma, Maheen Skakeel and Catherine Taipe also visited May Moore for a presentation on the quail egg project. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107970 Mon, 28 Aug 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107970 Wasif Islam Accepted into National Grid’s Engineering Pipeline Program High School student Wasif Islam, who will start his senior year in September, was recently accepted into the prestigious Engineering Pipeline Program sponsored by National Grid. The Pipeline is a six-year developmental journey for high school students to translate their interest in science, technology, engineering or mathematics into a future career in engineering. Each year, 45 juniors are selected who demonstrate a strong interest in science and math, and also have a minimum cumulative GPA of 87. While in the program, they are given the opportunity to participate in ongoing educational, job shadowing and mentoring activities, as well as competing for a select number of paid internships at National Grid. Accepted students must pursue an engineering degree, maintain a 3.0 GPA in college and participate in ongoing Pipeline activities; after graduation from college, they will be considered for future employment with National Grid. An honors student taking multiple AP classes, Islam also serves as the captain of Deer Park’s Dark Falcons catapult team and is a member of the school’s National Honor Society and basketball team. He hopes to attend Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, majoring in aerospace engineering. “Wasif is one of our most promising students, who takes on challenges and achieves his goals by his intelligent persistence and drive to succeed,” said technology teacher Bruce Sander, who, along with physics teacher Ted Smirlis and Board of Education trustee Keith Rooney, recommended Islam for the program. “He has been a core member of my Dark Falcons team, and can always be counted on to be there to help and offer his opinions regarding the design and engineering of the school’s catapult. He is one of the top students in my architecture and civil engineering class. His parents should be very proud of the child they have raised, who is kind to all others, a mentor to fellow students, respectful and sharply focused on his goals.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107969 Fri, 18 Aug 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107969 JFK Fifth-Graders Take Up Crayon Campaign Fifth-graders at JFK wrote to the Crayola company to try and reverse the retirement of the yellow crayon color known as dandelion this past spring. While their efforts to bring back dandelion did not succeed, Crayola representative Deborah Lintvedt thanked the students for their arguments and suggestions, and sent them a special package of crayons to recognize their effort. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107968 Mon, 14 Aug 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107968 JFK Student Winners Show Right Stuff on Recycling Ecology-minded artists from JFK participated in two recent poster contests promoting recycling, earning accolades for their work. In the New York State Senate’s Earth Day Poster Contest, organized by State Sen. Phil Boyle, JFK fifth-grader Haley Reyes was named the first place winner. Her poster, reflecting the theme of “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle,” was hung in Boyle’s offices. In the annual Covanta recycling poster contest, winners from JFK were third-graders Kaylee Nguyen (who won first place in grades 1-3) and Jaidyn Schabe (third place for grades 1-3), fourth-graders Isabella LaPuerta (third place in grades 4-6) and Gloria Min (first place in grades 4-6), and fifth-grader Juliana Meo (second place in grades 4-6). They were recognized by Covanta representative Mark O’Brien, Babylon Town Councilman Tony Martinez and Babylon Town Commissioner of Environmental Control Vicki Russell at a ceremony at the Covanta facilities in West Babylon. Having two first-place winners also earned JFK a $1,000 gift card to Barnes & Noble. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108383 Tue, 08 Aug 2017 04:00:00 GMT false108383 2017-18 District Calendar Now Available Click here to view the calendar https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108382 Thu, 03 Aug 2017 04:00:00 GMT false108382 Deer Park DECA Students Recognized for Business Skills At a recent Board of Education meeting, Deer Park honored 44 high school students participating in the DECA club for their business achievements, including strong showings at DECA’s Suffolk County Regional Competition, the State Career Conference in Rochester and the International Career Development Conference in Anaheim, California. Each was presented with a certificate by business teacher and DECA adviser Gregory Menig. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108381 Mon, 31 Jul 2017 04:00:00 GMT false108381 Fabulous French Students Recognized Fifteen Deer Park high school and middle school students were named winners in the 2017 edition of the Grand Concours National French Contest. Recognized were high school students Dana Berhalter, Rebecca Fox, James Raymond, Sameer Riaz and Catherine Taipe, and Robert Frost students Stanley Desir, Saima Hoque, Annie Jeanite, Deborah Oke, Kelissa Rendell, Katrina Rivera, Salar Saeed, Catarina Silva, Adam Stevens and Esteysey Yanes Amaya. Le Grand Concours is an annual competition sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of French. French students in grades 1-12, in all 50 states and abroad, take a written test and compete against students with similar educational background for prizes. Accompanied by French teacher Kimberly Lecamus, the students attended the Le Grand Concours awards ceremony. They were also honored by Deer Park’s Board of Education at a June business meeting, and presented with certificates by Ashley Rosenberg, the district’s curriculum associate for world languages. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108380 Wed, 26 Jul 2017 04:00:00 GMT false108380 JFK Math Olympiad Winners Honored Fifteen math-minded students from JFK were recently named Math Olympiad winners and honored at a Board of Education meeting for their achievement. Joined by teacher Lisa Baker, the students – Nick Aparicio, Matthew Flores, Jade Griffin, Damon Ierulli, Joann Jobson, Philip Kellarakos, Gloria Min, Dylan Nguyen, James Nguyen, Adithan Omprakash, Oviya Omprakash, Valentina Rebecca, Prisha Tanna, Jason Turner and Reza Zorakhsh – received certificates and congratulations from Superintendent Eva Demyen and the Board. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107915 Mon, 24 Jul 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107915 JFK Fun Club Brings Good Luck for Frost Softball Team Uniting two Deer Park schools, the JFK Fun Club, organized by teacher Marie Tortorici, recently attended a Frost softball game to show their support for the team and coach Keri Schumacher. “Their presence brought the Falcons some good luck to get the win that day,” said Schumacher. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107914 Fri, 21 Jul 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107914 Giroux Selected for National Lax Classic High school lacrosse player Samantha Giroux, who will start her sophomore year in September, was recently named as a 2017 Brine National High School Lacrosse All-American. Giroux was selected to represent New York State at the National Lacrosse Classic, to be held July 18-21 at the River City Sportsplex in Richmond, Virginia. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107912 Mon, 17 Jul 2017 09:00:00 GMT false107912 JFK Receives Tanger Grant for Innovation Lab At a recent Board of Education meeting, Tanger Outlets General Manager Nancy Larson presented a grant check for $2,000 to JFK Principal Susan Bonner. The funding, part of the TangerKIDS grants program, will support the school’s upcoming STEM Innovation Lab project. “Our school strives to meet the challenge of the 21st century STEM curriculum,” said Bonner. “We believe that all JFK students are capable of solving problems through hands-on activities that embrace deep thinking and problem solving strategies. Through the implementation of the Innovation Lab, it is our hope to foster these skills in our students. We plan to create and organize a classroom in the school in which teachers can bring their classes to experience the Innovation Lab. The room will be transformed into a learning environment with critical thinking stations, computers for coding and a green screen filming area.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107913 Mon, 17 Jul 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107913 Summer Newsletter Now Available https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107911 Thu, 13 Jul 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107911 Board President and VP Reelected at Reorganization Meeting The Board of Education's structure remained the same at the annual reorganization meeting, held at the administration office on July 11. John Gouskos and Donna Marie Elliott were both reelected to their positions as president and vice president, respectively, and sworn in to office. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107457 Thu, 13 Jul 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107457 Disney Diversion for Deer Park Jazz Musicians The Deer Park High School Jazz Ensemble and its director, Jerry Cannarozzo, recently traveled to Orlando, Florida for a well-received performance at Disney World. Following the performance, the 23 students – Anthony D’Arrigo, Nick Alo, Dave Batkiewicz, Jack Brennan, Ryan Brown, Mike Catanzaro, Mike Charumaneeroj, Alexandria Costanza, John Clancy, Briseis Del Cid, Joe Etersque, Peter Farquharsen, Nick Gentile, Samantha Miller, Joshua Murphy, Tyler Nielson, Amar Qasir, Emanuel Saladino, Frank Sluter, Ginele Tanis, Bradley Taylor, Kailey Tenn and Marissa Woods – were able to visit all the attraction’s parks. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107909 Tue, 11 Jul 2017 17:00:00 GMT false107909 Frost FACS Students Bake Fairytale Cupcakes to Celebrate Play After seeing the hard work and dedication displayed by the cast and crew of “Once Upon a High School,” this year’s seventh-grade play at Robert Frost, the school’s seventh-graders made themed “fairy tale” cupcakes as a special treat for their classmates to celebrate opening night and as a way to recognize the extraordinary effort involved in making the production a success. Working under the direction of Frost FACS teachers Cindy Adriaenssens and Paula Behrens, the students baked cupcakes, made buttercream frosting and decorated the treats using piping, displaying their creativity and skillful technique. “This student-to-student community service was an essential way for our students to show empathy and appreciation by devising a way to give back to their peers,” said Behrens. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107910 Tue, 11 Jul 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107910 Middle Schoolers Celebrate Memories and Successes Under the deluge of a sudden rainshower, the excited eighth-graders of Robert Frost filed into the school gymnasium on June 21 for their moving up ceremony. By the time they emerged more than an hour later, certificates in hand, as proud incoming high schoolers, the bright sun had reemerged and they were ready to celebrate with their families. The event began with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by National Junior Honor Society President Kathleen Pitt, followed by a greeting from Principal Eliana Levey. “Today is the day we look back and celebrate our successes and our self-discipline that helped us achieve these past three years,” said Student Council President Logan Eisenberg, addressing his fellow eighth-graders. “The middle school chapter of your lives has come to an end. It’s time to start fresh at high school. So thank you, middle school, for all the laughs, the smiles and all the memories we will never forget.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107908 Wed, 05 Jul 2017 18:00:00 GMT false107908 JFK Fifth-Graders Look Ahead to Middle School For fifth-graders at JFK, the morning for moving up arrived on June 20, closing one chapter in their schooling and looking ahead to middle school. “The moving up ceremony is always a bittersweet day for both the teaching and administrative staff,” said Principal Susan Bonner. “We look at how far the children have grown academically over the three years they have been with us and hope we have made an impact on their lives. We send them off to the middle school where they will continue to become well prepared to be productive citizens of our Deer Park community.” The event began with a rendition of the national anthem by Julia Kotliar and Angelique Jean-Pierre, followed by welcoming speeches by Bonner and fifth-grade Student Government President Julia Holland. Prior to the students’ receiving their moving up certificates, several fifth-graders were presented with awards. Andrew Ellner won the New York State Comptrollers Achievement Award, presented to a student who demonstrated leadership potential and a commitment to public service, while Tatiana Arezzo and Jackson Lamanna were the winners of the Amanda Malloy Memorial Award, created to honor students who lead and value a healthy lifestyle. The D.C. Raymond Downey Scholarship Charity Fund was created as a tribute to Chief Downey’s legacy. Jessica Miranda and Alec Tchinnis were honored on behalf of the Downey family, Thomas Sweeny from the country executive’s office presented the County Executive Public Service Award, which recognizes a student who has successfully combined academic success with a commitment to the community. Branden Raines was this year’s recipient. The Kathy Miller Award is given in memory of Robert Frost Middle School special education teacher Kathleen Miller to students who are children of SEPFC members. According to Bonner, the recipients of this award – Anaya Cruz, Anthony L. Gotay, Preston Punger and Alec Tchinnis – are conscientious, motivated and respectful to their peers and staff, having faced obstacles and worked hard to overcome them in order to succeed. “All of these young people are the definition of hard work, dignity and perseverance,” Bonner said. A joyous version of Randy Newman’s “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” was sung by the entire class. Rihanna Sayed, the fifth-grade Student Government vice president, then delivered farewell remarks, and the students joined their families to celebrate this momentous next step in their educations. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107907 Wed, 05 Jul 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107907 Rosenberg Named World Languages and ENL Administrator Ashley Rosenberg has been named the new district administrator of world languages and ENL, as of July 1. Rosenberg taught ENL at May Moore for the last four years. She previously served as a first-grade classroom teacher of primarily English Language Learners for the New York City Department of Education in Brooklyn. A resident of Melville, Rosenberg earned her bachelor’s degree from Stony Brook University, and her master’s degree in literacy and cognition at St. Joseph’s College. She is currently enrolled in a doctoral program in interdisciplinary studies at LIU Post, working on a dissertation on refugee and immigrant students and SIFE, which stands for students with interrupted formal education. “I look forward to collaborating with teachers, administrators and families within the community to maintain and expand upon the strong reputation our world language and ENL departments have,” she said. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107906 Fri, 30 Jun 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107906 A Proud Milestone for Deer Park’s Class of 2017 The high school held its 54th commencement ceremony on June 23, with more than 300 students beaming with pride as they received their diplomas in front of faculty and their families. The ceremony began with a moving performance of the national anthem by senior Olivia Grizzle. Salutatorian Alima Hossain and valedictorian Omaier Mohiuddin told their fellow classmates to embrace change and to look forward to their new journey. “Today marks a milestone in all of our lives,” Hossain said. “This is a wonderful transition into adult life.” "Change is hard, but it’s also good," Mohiuddin said. "This place shaped us into amazing human beings and the world is waiting for our arrival.” Guest speaker Nicholas Assenza told the students that life is full of surprises. “Life is about figuring out who you are and what makes you happy,” he said. “Failure is inevitable, but you can’t let it hold you back. Live with humility and never stop the pursuit of learning about everything that is important to you.” Before the diplomas were conferred, Principal Charles Cobb expressed his admiration for the Class of 2017. “I could not be more proud of all that this class has accomplished,” said Cobb. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107905 Mon, 26 Jun 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107905 Poetry, Posters and Patriotism: JFK Celebrates Flag Day JFK held a wide-ranging Flag Day celebration this year, coordinated by fifth-grade teacher Audrey Schulter. She was assisted by band teacher Lou Nicolosi, who assembled a special Flag Day Band to provide the accompanying music for the ceremony. Serving as honored guests this year were Col. Stephen Labate , a U.S. Army Reserve officer and father of fifth-grader twins Maria Labate and Michael Labate Jr., and Sgt. Charles Bianculli, an Army veteran who was presented with a hand-print American flag by JFK’s Let’s Make a Difference Club. Local Girl Scouts from Troop 801 presented a flag-folding demonstration, while Eagle Scout Michael Charumaneeroj spoke to the students about patriotism. Schulter had earlier run a schoolwide poetry contest, asking students to write a poem about what the flag means to them. One winner from each grade level was selected and read their poem at the Flag Day ceremony. Fifth-grade students from each classroom also created posters to reflect Ruth Apperson Rous’ patriotic poem “I Am The Flag.” As the students came up to present their posters, they each read a stanza from the poem to the audience. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107904 Fri, 23 Jun 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107904 Sky's the Limit for JQA Second-Graders at Moving Up Proud families cheered on the second-graders of JQA as they celebrated moving up on June 13. Each student was recognized, awards were given out, and songs – including “Memories,” “Well It’s Been Fun” and “Ready to Go” – were sung with joy and excitement at a new challenge next fall at JFK. “I am sure all who attended the moving up ceremony will not soon forget the sun and heat of that day, but I hope all of our graduating students will also take away the beautiful memories they have created through their years at JQA,” said Principal Christopher Molinelli. Referencing the school’s motto, “Where Falcons Learn to Fly,” Molinelli told his now former charges, “We have taught you much over the past few years. We have handed out band-aids and hugs, shared smiles and tears, and now we have reached the point when you are ready to fly. You may be off to JFK next year, but never forget that the sky is the limit for you all. You will all be sorely missed next year.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107902 Mon, 19 Jun 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107902 Using Comedy to Alleviate Poverty at JFK’s Red Nose Day Through a partnership with a local Walgreens, JFK held its own Red Nose Day event on June 1, with students dressing up in clown noses and raising a total of $575 to help alleviate child poverty in 50 states and more than 25 countries. “Walgreen store manager Mike Cusmano was a great support, and praised us for being well organized and energized over the fundraiser,” said Principal Susan Bonner. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107903 Mon, 19 Jun 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107903 A Special Evening of Awards for Deer Park Seniors The high school held its annual Senior Awards ceremony on June 8, filling the school’s auditorium with proud families eager to see high-achieving members of the Class of 2017 receiving department awards, schoolwide awards and scholarships. After class treasurer Joseph Etersque led the Pledge of Allegiance, and fellow senior Jacie Matera sang the National Anthem, Principal Charles Cobb spoke to the graduating students and the presentation of awards began. Deer Park’s jazz ensemble, under the direction of Jerry Cannarozzo, provided a soothing backdrop of Chick Corea’s “Spain” during intermission. “This event gives us an opportunity to recognize our students and all of their vast accomplishments, and showcases the many skills and talents of our outstanding student body,” said Cobb. “It is a special evening that all students and their families will remember fondly.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107900 Thu, 15 Jun 2017 17:00:00 GMT false107900 Frost and JFK Recognized for ‘Beating the Odds’ Two Deer Park schools – Robert Frost and JFK – were recognized for their exemplary work in boosting the achievement of economically disadvantaged students. The Better Outcomes organization presented certificates to the two principals, Dr. Eliana Levey of Robert Frost and Susan Bonner of JFK, as part of the “Beating the Odds and Building Opportunities” study, based on New York State demographic data and ELA assessments. The study’s results were shared by Better Outcomes Executive Director Manya C. Bouteneff at a SUNY New Paltz conference on June 8. “Robert Frost Middle School is incredibly honored to be recognized for the hard work our teachers and students put in everyday toward success,” said Levey. “Our school community is dedicated to excellence and committed to providing a quality education to all of our students, regardless of any disadvantages and challenges they are faced with. It’s wonderful to receive accolades for our efforts.” “I can't say that we even knew we'd be getting such an award, so it is an honored surprise,” said Levey, who cited numerous programs that assist Frost students in need, including the school’s free or reduced cost breakfasts and lunches , extra help, and holiday food drives. “One of the biggest things is that there’s a lot of open communication between families, administration and teachers,” Levey said. “We often hear from families that are in need, and as a building, we pull together to give support. As long as we have students who can come to school socially and emotionally ready to learn by leaving family problems behind them, we hope to be able to make a difference.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107901 Thu, 15 Jun 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107901 Deer Park Trio Earn Medals at Special Olympics Returning for the second consecutive year, Deer Park was represented by three students – Robert Frost Middle School eighth-grader Damian Capone, high school freshman Kerthana Omprakash and senior Emanual LaPorte – at the 2017 Special Olympics Long Island Spring Games North, held on May 20 at Bethpage High School. All three won medals for their determination and hard work. “We are very proud of our students who worked so hard and trained many hours for their specific Olympic events,” said teacher Joyce Carmen. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107899 Wed, 14 Jun 2017 15:00:00 GMT false107899 UPK-RFP https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107898 Wed, 14 Jun 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107898 May Moore Second-Graders Celebrate a Bright Future Second-graders at May Moore celebrated in the sunshine at a June 8 moving up ceremony, singing popular songs like “Hero” as well as the school’s theme song. It was the next step in a new educational challenge as prepare to attend John F. Kennedy Intermediate this fall. “On September 5, you will be a third grader and enter JFK,” Principal Alicia Konecny told the youngsters. “It will be a new experience for you. But, we know you are prepared and ready to fly. Be the kind of superhero who gives back to your community. Work hard, treat people the way you like to be treated and make us proud. You are all exceptional students with a bright future, and we will miss you. Thanks for making this a great year and good luck in all that you do.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107897 Tue, 13 Jun 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107897 JQA’s Math Fair Provides Passport to Learning Students at JQA eagerly participated in the annual schoolwide Math Fair on June 5, engaging in fun and educational activities based on the state’s learning standards. Guided by math lab specialist Marianna Grieco, every student was given a “passport to learning” as they visited various activity centers, and also also received take-home activity packets to reinforce what they learned at the Math Fair. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107896 Fri, 09 Jun 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107896 Guitars Join Orchestra, Choir and Band to Deliver Memorable Spring Concert Superb sounds were in the air at the high school’s annual spring concert on May 24, as student-musicians gathered to showcase a year’s worth of hard work and practice in front of proud family and friends. Among the highlights was an impressive and novel appearance by the school’s massive 75-member guitar ensemble, directed by Scott Abrams. “The guitar ensemble program provides our students with a tremendous opportunity to get back into a performing ensemble when they may not have been part of one in the past,” said Abrams. “Having a guitar ensemble program is rather unique on Long Island, and it is a program that I am extremely proud of.” Other performing groups included the school’s symphonic orchestra, directed by Kathryn Attard; the women’s choir, directed by Catherine Lubrano; and the symphonic band, directed by Jerry Cannarozzo, which closed the evening with selections from the soundtrack to “The Lion King.” Compositions by alternative rock band Coldplay were also showcased, with the guitar ensemble performing “Viva la Vida” and the symphonic orchestra delivering a rendition of “Clocks.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107893 Wed, 07 Jun 2017 21:00:00 GMT false107893 Frost Seventh-Graders Win Sons of Italy Scholarships Three seventh-graders from Robert Frost won scholarships in an essay contest held by the Order Sons of Italy in America’s Suffolk County Commission for Social Justice. Cristina Cairo won first place, Justin Diaz came in second and Nico Bruni placed third. The students and their families attended the Order Sons of Italy in America’s annual scholarship award ceremony at the Constantino Brumidi Lodge in Deer Park on May 16, where they were recognized for their accomplishments by the organization’s chairman, Charlie Lucie. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107892 Wed, 07 Jun 2017 20:00:00 GMT false107892 NYS Pedestrian Safety Action Plan (PSAP) https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107894 Wed, 07 Jun 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107894 Frost FACS Teacher Adriaenssens Named Teacher of the Year Cindy Adriaenssens, a family and consumer science teacher at Robert Frost, was recently named Teacher of the Year by the Long Island Family and Consumer Science Professionals organization. LIFACS is a subchapter of the New York State Association of Family and Consumer Science Educators, and was specifically designed to further the goals of family and consumer science education in New York. Adriaenssens has taught in the Deer Park School District since 1997. She has planned and participated in numerous community events throughout her career, encouraging her students in service projects, and serves as adviser for Frost’s Fashion Club. “Ms. Adriaenssens has a unique role in nurturing building culture,” said Heather Stewart, the district’s curriculum associate for secondary FACS and social studies. “She is willing to go beyond her professional duties in order to assist students and faculty.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107895 Wed, 07 Jun 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107895 Military Moms Convene for Tea and Support The high school held its fourth annual Military Moms Tea on May 12, providing military moms with a chance to network and meet with the mothers of seniors who are planning on joining the military upon graduation. “They share their experiences and provide insight and support to the new moms,” said teacher Laurie Osbern. The event was originally created by retired teacher Janet Werner as a way of bringing together and celebrating the mothers of Deer Park graduates who have served or are serving in the military. Werner was in attendance, along with students, staff, district and building administrators, and 11 military mothers. George Tirado, a Deer Park alumnus currently serving in the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division in Afghanistan, was a special guest via video chat. Life skills students in Patricia Skjoldahl’s class decorated the room prior to the event, and served refreshments as the participants took turns speaking about their children in the military. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107891 Mon, 05 Jun 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107891 Too Good for Drugs Program Helps JFK Students Make Good Choices JFK introduced the Too Good for Drugs prevention program this year, designed to reduce risk factors and enhance protective factors related to alcohol, tobacco and other drug use. The program, provided through a Hope for Youth substance abuse grant, developed the social and emotional skills that students need for making healthy choices, building positive friendships, communicating effectively and resisting peer pressure. The program ran over a 10-week period, with an instructor presenting a weekly 40-minute lesson to JFK’s fourth- and fifth-grade classes. The students learned how to surround themselves with positive influences and make good choices when negative ones are presented to them. “Our students really enjoyed roleplaying and discussing some of the pressures of being a kid today,” said Associate Principal Kelly Benson, who initiated the program at JFK. “Too Good for Drugs really gave them the tools they need for making good choices throughout their daily life.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107890 Wed, 31 May 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107890 District Honors Retiring, Tenured and Long-Serving Employees At the May 23 Board of Education meeting, the district honored retiring and newly tenured administrators, teachers and staff, as well as bestowing years of service awards on those who have served for 25 and 30 years. Congratulated for receiving tenure were JFK special education teacher Heather Ciurleo, Robert Frost Middle School world language teacher Kimberly Lecamus, high school math teachers Anne McCormack and Ariel Miano, JFK teaching assistants Henry Natal and Kathleen Ohanian, high school teaching assistants Michael Scardigno and Christopher Schulman, and May Moore Elementary School teaching assistant Geraldine Skelton. Recognized for their years of service were Lucy Benivegna, Nancy Liston, Jean Ludlow and Beth Rose for 30 years, and Jerry Cannarozzo, Francine Fair, Esther Fullam, Mary Galea, Jill Perry-Eising, Lisa Stallone and Denise Vadala for 25 years. Fourteen retiring staff members – Curriculum Associate for World Language and ENL Gina Palasciano, teachers Laura Gioa and Rita Murphy, and non-instructional employees Thomas Anatra, Kathleen Cicchetti, Marlene Downing, Sue Ermish, Laura Franco, Thomas Helmstadt, Lewis Hutcherson, Joe Owens, Jerri Sokal, Nancy Valente and Paul Vultaggio – were all honored for their contributions to the district. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107888 Tue, 30 May 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107888 Cultural Awareness Is Deer Park’s Pride and Joy In a district comprised of so many diverse people, cultural awareness throughout Deer Park is more vital and important than ever, enriching the school community and curriculum and creating an environment of cultural exploration, acceptance, appreciation and tolerance. JFK promotes acceptance through the daily morning Words of Wisdom, readings over the PA system that focus on promoting kindness, empathy and acceptance of different cultures. The school’s third-grade social studies curriculum focuses on cultures around the world, enriched by classroom visits from family speakers who deliver firsthand information on their cultures. “Cultural awareness is very important because people should be aware of how their community works and that people should respect other people’s beliefs,” said JFK fifth-grader Anthony Alvino. “The definition of culture is the ideas, customs and way of life of a group of people. I think the key to having everyone get along is understanding and accepting that we are all different in many ways.” The ENL programs are a core source, with staff members working alongside classroom teachers and other faculty to ensure that cultural awareness and tolerance are themes that unite the schools’ diverse student populations. Earlier this year, ENL students performed on Family Fun Night as a celebration of love and unity. “We played fun games with other people, like pin the tail on the donkey,” said JQA second-grader Jhoslannd Maldonado. “We got to dance and played hot potato. We came together with our families and won prizes.” At the recent districtwide International Poetry Festival, ENL and world language students of all ages, some wearing traditional attire, recited original poems in their native languages and sang songs using sign language, cultural props and their individual countries’ flags. On World Language Exploration Day at both primary schools, seniors from the high school studying Spanish, Italian and French visited classrooms to teach language lessons to the younger students. “Within our ENL classrooms, we began the year discussing our native countries and languages,” said ENL teacher Vanessa Pizzo. “We made passports and suitcases displayed in the hallways, recognizing the different countries and languages spoken.” “We talked about how we celebrate holidays in our homes,” said JQA second-grader Bayron Bulux-Hernandez. “My dad wears a tuxedo and my mom wears a Guatemalan dress. I liked to talk about it with my friends and teachers.” “On Chinese New Year we walked around the halls with a big dragon,” said JQA second-grader Chloe Ren. “I felt happy and proud.” “On Cinco de Mayo, we celebrated in our ENL classroom through games and traditional songs, dance, food, and crafts,” said Pizzo. “The students enjoyed learning about this cultural holiday and it excited my two students that are from Mexico.” “We celebrate different holidays together, like Cinco de Mayo,” said JQA second-grader Moises Moreno Elvir. “I taught everybody how to dance and we got to eat salsa and chips.” According to ENL teacher Ashley Rosenberg, co-teaching partnerships, consisting of a classroom teacher and an ENL teacher, have been instrumental in facilitating cultural awareness. “Creating safe, multicultural environments for our ENL students is one of our primary goals,” said Rosenberg, who co-teaches with first grade teacher Tiffany DeMarchis. “Within our classroom, students are encouraged to share their backgrounds and use their native languages in order to better understand content. We also strive to use a diverse body of multicultural texts, so that information is accessible to all students. I can speak for all the ENL co-teaching partnerships when I say that all our students have become more tolerant global citizens.” Sue Steinman, a second-grade teacher who co-teaches alongside ENL teacher Danielle Finocchiaro, says goodbye to her students in a myriad of languages each day. “Such a simple act renders students cognizant of languages and cultures other than their own,” said Rosenberg. “Our co-teaching model has become so effective on students, both academically and culturally, that kindergarten teacher Lori Farrell and ENL teacher Megan Boccard have designed a double-period literacy block which promotes both language and culture.” ENL students were recently preparing for the NYSESLAT. In order to better engage students and promote cultural awareness, Rosenberg and Finocchiaro taught a guided reading lesson on Cinco de Mayo celebrations and traditions. Students were practicing literacy and language skills, while also learning about world cultures and having fun. After reading and answering comprehension questions, students had the opportunity to participate in a Mexican hat dance, a tradition they had just read about. “I feel like I know a lot about Mexico now,” said May Moore first-grader Ragib Noor. Continuing the theme of uniting cultures, the ENL Parent Liaison Committee, a group of ENL educators and ENL parents and family members, come together outside of school to discuss awareness, concerns, goals, scholarships and cultural community within the district. Several parents have signed up to be an outreach person to call when a new family enters the district and has limited English-speaking ability. “Our culture is our pride and joy,” said JFK fifth-grader, Julia Holland. “It’s a beautiful thing to express and be proud of, and makes us a nation united. We all come together and work together in a good way, no matter where we are from.” “Cultural awareness is like being excited and happy that we get to learn about different parts of the world, like different cultures and what they do,” said JFK student Rianna Sayed. “People show their spirit about their cultures and they are not scared of what anybody else thinks.” “Cultural awareness is exploring different cultures, and it is very cool,” said another JFK student, Frank Viola. “It means that everybody is accepted no matter what culture they are from.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107889 Tue, 30 May 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107889 Spring 2017 Newsletter Now Available https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107887 Fri, 26 May 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107887 Dynamic Drip Painter Brings Excitement to STEAM Expo Deer Park’s districtwide STEAM Expo, an annual event at the high school held on budget vote night, showcases student achievement in art, music, science and technology. During this year’s Expo on May 16, an expanding crowd of visiting voters, families and community members were electrified by an exciting live demonstration of celebrity portrait “drip painting” by sophomore artist Vincenza Grippe. After taking Rita Murphy’s mural painting class in her freshman year, Grippe was ready to take her work to the next level. “On the first day of school in September, Vincenza came to my drawing and painting class and stated that she loved art,and wanted to work on her art skills as much as possible,” said teacher Joseph Mucci. Before long, she had been recommended to paint an outer space mural at STAT Health’s childrens unit. Then came the genesis of her unique technique. “One day in my drawing and painting class, Vincenza came to me and said she wanted to try a new style of portrait painting that involved drip and splatter techniques,” said Mucci. “We stretched some canvases, and she started painting away. She had some black paint and a few old palette knives. She started basic and small, but the outcome was remarkable. In a few quick weeks, she was painting masterful drip portraits featuring iconic personalities like, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, Marilyn Monroe, Biggy Smalls, Frida Kahlo and John Lennon.” Grippe has recently done other live drip painting demonstrations at events like the Staten Island Art Festival, and has sold several paintings and received numerous commissions. She is currently painting a mural for local paintball facility NYZ Apocalypse. Next year, she plans to enroll in Deer Park’s Advanced Placement portfolio art course. “Vincenza is one of the best art students I have ever had in almost 17 years of teaching,” said Mucci. “Her talent and work ethic is professional and unmatched. She is mature beyond her years and has a kind heart. She has come a long way in such short time, and her optimism, smile and overall character only add to her unbelievable ability. I truly believe that Vincenza is at the beginning of her creative career as a professional artist.” Other STEAM Expo highlights included lively and elegant music by the Robert Frost Middle School Chamber Choir and Chamber Orchestra; dramatic performances by high school actors excerpting works like “Romeo and Juliet,” “Barefoot in the Park” and “Cinderella”; and a “Evening at the Improv” performance by Robert Frost eighth-grade theater arts students. Middle school science fair projects were on display in the cafeteria, and technology demonstrations throughout the building included seventh-grade dragster races, AP chemistry projects, and displays of 3D printing, CAD, metals, robotics, home improvement, woodworking, animation and architecture. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107886 Tue, 23 May 2017 12:00:00 GMT false107886 JFK Staff and Students Recognized for Altruistic "Heart" Via such initiatives as Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart, physical education teachers at Deer Park’s John F. Kennedy Intermediate School have raised more than $165,000 for the American Heart Association over the past dozen years, including $12,716 this year alone. This fundraising each year earns vouchers for JFK to purchase useful physical education equipment. Recognizing the school’s altruism, AHA representative Eve Pyser visited the school during the opening ceremony of JFK’s annual Field Day, presenting awards to teachers and top fundraisers. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107884 Mon, 22 May 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107884 Rita Murphy Honored as a Teacher of Excellence High school art teacher Rita Murphy was honored at the second annual Teacher of Excellence Awards ceremony, hosted by State Sen. Phil Boyle at the Bay Shore Fire Department on May 4. “We celebrated the achievements of 16 outstanding educators and school professionals who have dedicated their lives to teaching and helping their students learn, thrive, and reach their fullest potential,” said Boyle. “Our school communities are so very fortunate to have such passionate educators.” Murphy, who is retiring this year, began her teaching career in 1990 as a substitute art teacher for both the Comsewogue and Longwood School Districts, before being employed full time with Smithtown High School West. She began teaching in Deer Park in September 1991. “I have been teaching for just under 28 years, and I have loved having the privilege and honor of teaching,” she said. “My philosophy has always been that art is ‘play with a purpose.’ I am fortunate to have lived my philosophy, and so I tell students daily: when choosing a career, choose what you love. If you choose what you love, you will always be successful because of your passion. As I retire this year, I look back on an incredibly and wonderfully fulfilled life.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107885 Mon, 22 May 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107885 JFK Third-Graders Test Postal Packing Skills in Egg Challenge Students in Ann Bullis’ third-grade class at JFK wondered if an uncooked egg could be shipped through the mail. Testing their packaging skills in this “egg challenge,” they mailed their uncooked eggs to the school, hoping that the eggs would go through the post office and arrive at the JFK building unscathed. The third-graders then opened the packages and categorized the types of materials that they had utilized to protect their eggs. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107883 Wed, 17 May 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107883 Meet the 2017 Valedictorian and Salutatorian The high school’s Class of 2017 valedictorian and salutatorian are Omaier Mohiuddinand Alima Hossain, respectively. An AP Scholar with Distinction, Mohiuddin is a member of the school’s National Honor Society, Math Team, Red Cross Club, Art Club and International Culture Club, and serves as president of the Spanish Honor Society. He will attend Stony Brook University this fall, majoring in engineering. Hossain is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Science Olympiad team, Math Team, SADD Club, Red Cross Club and International Culture Club. She also will attend Stony Brook University, majoring in biology. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107881 Tue, 16 May 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107881 HS Student Journalists Attend Mock Press Conference High School newspaper staff members Katherine Cho, Rebecca Fox, Kaitlyn Hart, Fabiha Khan, Catherine Taipe and Alejandro Villa Vasquez attended an April 27 mock press conference with New York State Assemblymen Chad A. Lupinacci and Andrew Raia. Accompanied by newspaper advisers Christine Murphy and Luciana Restivo, the students were able to ask questions about current issues such as LGBT rights, the heroin epidemic, gang violence on Long Island and changes in education. “We are so proud of the professionalism our students exhibited during this event as they gained knowledge of the journalistic process,” said Murphy. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107882 Tue, 16 May 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107882 AP Students Explore Biotechnology at Stony Brook High school students in Melissa Green’s AP biology classes recently visited Stony Brook University to conduct two biotechnology labs: a bacterial transformation lab, in which they incorporated a gene from a bioluminescent jellyfish into bacteria, causing the bacteria to express that trait and glow green; and a DNA restriction analysis lab, exposing enzymes to various environmental conditions and seeing the effects on DNA. “This was a great opportunity for our seniors to experience applications in the field of biotechnology,” said Green. “My students were excited to explore new lab techniques using state of the art equipment.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107880 Mon, 15 May 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107880 Sharing Cultural Pride at the International Poetry Fest At the districtwide International Poetry Festival on April 27, students of all ages from the ENL and world language programs recited original poems in their native languages and sang songs like “It’s a Small World” and “Love Train” using sign language, cultural props and their individual countries’ flags. Some students even came dressed in their countries’ traditional attire. “It is so important that our students feel proud of their heritage and are given the opportunity to share their culture and thoughts with their peers,” said ENL teacher Marcella Biordi. “The Poetry Festival was the perfect place to bring poetry and song together," said ENL teacher Vanessa Pizzo. View a video excerpt here. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107879 Wed, 10 May 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107879 JFK’s Scientists of the Future The annual school science fair at JFK resulted in nine winners who wowed educators with their creative, well-researched projects. For the third grade, Nicola Cespe finished in first, John Holland in second and Caiden Boltz in third. Fourth-grade winners were Aiden Magali in first, Efti Chowdhury in second and Julia Castro in third. The top fifth-graders were Mia Skoubas in first, Julia Holland in second and Ava Giutierrez in third. The winners went on to participate alongside students from other Suffolk County schools in the Brookhaven National Laboratory Elementary School Science Fair on May 6. “I am so proud of our students who received recognition for a job well done,” said science lab coordinator Joyce Carmen. “Their curiosity in asking big questions, and their research finding conclusions for their topics took dedication and hard work. Our scientists of the future created projects that were informative and their displays were wonderful.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107782 Mon, 08 May 2017 18:00:00 GMT false107782 Deer Park Again Named a Best Community for Music Education The district has again been given the Best Communities for Music Education designation, awarded by the NAMM Foundation in honor of the district’s outstanding music program. Deer Park was one of only 4 percent of districts nationwide to be recognized with this prestigious annual award, now in its 18th year, recognizing outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. “This designation is a clear indicator of the hard work put forth everyday by all members of Deer Park's music program,” said Bradley Murphy, the district’s curriculum associate for fine and performing arts. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107780 Mon, 08 May 2017 08:00:00 GMT false107780 Fabulous Fine and Performing Artists Honored The district honored the achievements of its artistic achievers at the April 25 Board of Education meeting, with a awards ceremony led by Bradley Murphy, curriculum associate for fine and performing arts. Recognized were musicians from the All-County, All-State and All-Eastern ensembles; participants in the Long Island String Festival; artists chosen for the Long Island’s Best: Young Artists at the Heckscher Museum, SCALA Children’s Show, and Colors of Long Island student art exhibits; and students participating in the New York State Theatre Education Association Student Conference. “It’s quite an honor for students to be awarded recognition for special activities in the area of fine arts,” said Murphy. “Each of these students possesses exceptional talent and we are proud to have them represent Deer Park.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107781 Mon, 08 May 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107781 17 Special Students Honored at Spring Breakfast for Champions Honored for their outstanding conduct, character and compassion, in the classroom and in the community, 17 special students from the high school were recognized by teachers and administrators at the spring Breakfast for Champions ceremony, held April 20 in the school library. Student champions are selected in fall and spring by each of the school’s departments, along with additional champions chosen by the principal and a teacher. Joined by their families, they received plaques after being lauded by their sponsors. Music for the event was provided by the school’s string ensemble. Breakfast for Champions honorees for spring 2017 were Lydia Chang (guidance), Andres Colon (Principal’s Award), Adrianna Donnelly (Teacher’s Award), Jenna Fisk (art), Vincenza Grippe (health), Cody Guiteau (science), Anthony Henkel (English language arts), Shane Hewlette (social studies), Zeynep Hulagu (English as a new language), Darien Jenkins (athletics), James LeFevre (math), Gabriel Ortega Amaya (world languages), Jessica Phillips-Harris (technology), Michaela Rapisarda (physical education), Alyssa Shindel (business), Ginele Tanis (performing arts) and Trinity Wade (family and consumer science). https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107779 Wed, 03 May 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107779 Frost Student Wins Sew to Serve with Compassion Robert Frost student Gianna Delvecchio recently won the LIFACS Challenge Sew to Serve competition. She and fellow members of the Robert Frost Fashion Club made fleece dogs for sick children. The LIFACS Challenge competition promotes service learning and supports students in volunteering within their communities. “Gianna showed immense leadership qualities and compassion by donating the fleece dogs to Good Samaritan Hospital,” said club adviser Cindy Adriaenssens. “My Fashion Club students find it satisfying and rewarding to help others.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107778 Tue, 02 May 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107778 May Moore Second-Graders’ "Little Mermaid" Transports with Talent Delighting their families and instilling confidence in their own dramatic talents, second-graders in the May Moore Music Club presented a Broadway-style production of “The Little Mermaid” for two daytime and two evening performances in April. The young actors began working on the show back in the beginning of October, under the direction of Kristen Lombardo, and practiced and rehearsed their lines over the course of several months with the help of parents and grandparents. “Kudos to the cast and crew,” said Principal Alicia Konecny. “The costumes, lighting and set were amazing, and the show was out of this world. The audience was truly transported under the sea.” “They only rehearsed with me once a week for an hour after school, but their enthusiasm and constant energy pushed us along each week,” said Lombardo. “They amazed me, being only 7 and 8 years old. I truly believe that if you raise the bar, and have faith in your students, there is nothing they can’t do. I am incredibly proud of these kids. Their talents have only skimmed the surface of what they can achieve.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107777 Mon, 01 May 2017 14:00:00 GMT false107777 Frost Students Develop Acceptance Through Education More than 200 students from Robert Frost participated in the Band-Aid Project on April 6 as part of the school’s celebration of Autism and Disability Acceptance Month. The Band-Aid Project, a movement to increase not just awareness but acceptance of people with autism and developmental disabilities, provides students with first-hand experience of the daily struggles of people with disabilities. This lesson and insight is the first step towards acceptance. Clad in blue, each participating student applied a band-aid across their mouth to render them unable to speak, and communicated during classes only via non-electronic means. At the conclusion of the day, the students designed mock Instagram posts reflecting their experiences, results which were both informative and inspired. “My experience today was eye-opening,” said student Jonathan DeJesus. “It really makes you realize that once you can’t talk, you face a whole new set of challenges. With the loss of communication, I felt a gain in respect for everyone who has autism and their day-to-day challenges.” “The development of acceptance begins with education,” said speech teacher Stephanie O’Connell. “On that day, these students had a glimpse of what having a disability is like. Carrying the message of love and acceptance for all people in our community is the mission of this project, and I know we achieved that. I am proud of our students and to be a part of the Robert Frost community.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107776 Mon, 01 May 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107776 2017 Budget Newsletter - Revised Please note the attached 2017 budget newsletter with corrected Points of Pride. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107775 Fri, 28 Apr 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107775 Fox and Jenkins Sign Letters of Intent In a celebratory ceremony at the school’s library, attended by family and teammates, seniors Tori Fox and Darien Jenkins signed national letters of intent on April 19. Fox, a softball player, will attend the New York Institute of Technology, where she plans to major in health science. A member of the varsity for five years, she serves as team captain and has earned three All-League and two All-Division honors. A veteran of three Class AA playoff runs, she has guided Deer Park’s 10-1 softball team to its current first-place standing and recently reached the prestigious 100-hit mark. Jenkins, who plays basketball, will attend LIU Post this fall, majoring in business. During his Deer Park hoops tenure, he won two League IV championships, and was named All-County twice, All-Conference three times and All-League three times. For the 2016-2017 season, he was voted MVP by his teammates and finished his career with 942 points. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107772 Tue, 25 Apr 2017 15:00:00 GMT false107772 A Day to Explore and Showcase Languages For World Language Exploration Day at May Moore, seniors from the high school studying Spanish, Italian and French visited kindergarten, first-grade and second-grade classrooms to teach language lessons to the younger students. The annual project, held this year on March 29, is planned to coincide with March as World Languages and Cultural Awareness Month. “The high school seniors get the opportunity to create engaging lessons for the primary kids, allowing them to think critically about how languages are both learned and taught,” said teacher Ashley Rosenberg. “Equally as important, the elementary kids gain an awareness of languages other than English. The program ties in nicely with our district’s ENL program, as ENL students at the elementary level are able to showcase their language skills. The entire process creates an environment of cultural exploration, acceptance, appreciation and tolerance.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107773 Tue, 25 Apr 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107773 HS Patriot Club Provides Cookies and Dodgeballs for Deployed Alumni The high school’s Patriot Club recently packed and mailed eight care packages to three former Deer Park students and current U.S. servicemembers: Justin Gallo and George Tirado in Afghanistan, and Jonathan Trautwig in Iraq. The packages included five cases of Girl Scout cookies sold by Frost student Kaitlyn Incandela, who asked her customers to donate for the Patriot Club on behalf of the former students who are currently deployed overseas. According to Patriot Club adviser Laurie Osbern, at the request of Tirado, the club also used some of its monetary donations to purchase dodgeballs for morale-building recreation time for the soldiers. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107774 Tue, 25 Apr 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107774 Frost NJHS Inducts 67 New Members At an April 3 ceremony, the middle school’s National Junior Honor Society inducted 24 new eighth-grade members and 43 new seventh-grade members. Each of the eighth-grade members received the medals that they will wear at their June moving up ceremony. The school’s annual ceremony also honored the organization’s current members for their outstanding work during the 2016-2017 school year. The new eighth-grade NJHS inductees were Hillary Adugyamfi, Amanda Brown, George Byrd, Ash Carter, Ryan Cole, Logan Eisenberg, Kristina Gambino, Kevin Garcia, Ethan Hossain, Ishika Joshi, Edward Lippert, Nicholas Maniscalco, Paul Meyers, Matthew Myrick, Miriam Oke, Tamilore Oshikanlu, Gabriella Picciocchi, Taylor Quinones, Salar Saeed, Kelly Schwarz, Catarina Silva, Joanna Sroka, Giavanna Vangeli and Kevin Yalcinkaya. The new seventh-grade NJHS inductees were Anthony Aguilar, Austyn Alletto, Sofia Arrascue, Julia Bakar, Grace Boylan, Megan Bush, Cristina Cairo, Madison Cadena, Sarah Catanzano, Miracle Cruz, Daniel D’Amato, Andrew Dolinsky, Damian Ellner, Giovanna Giffone, Nicholas Glancy, Madison Gulinello, Michael Hofstetter, Saima Hoque, Jacquelyn Izzo, Kyle Jefferson, Harpreet Kaur, Madison Kenning, Kylie Kuhn, Jeremy Malaga, Mia Malcoln, Tovia Manning, Michael Milankovic, Christine Nguyen, Deborah Oke, Megan Oswald, Isabella Pissanos, Sydney Pottinger, Logan Rhodes, Christina Russell, Yama Said, Christina Schiaffo, Kaylee Shindel, Nicholas Stamatakis, Francis Theroux, Julianna Vene, Max Rothar Wenzel, Michelle Xuan and Pritheva Zakaria. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107771 Mon, 24 Apr 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107771 DPHS Plans Military Wall of Honor The high school's Patriot Club is planning a "Wall of Honor" in the lobby of the high school, dedicated to alumni who have served in the military. The wall will display the name, branch of service and years of each individual who has served. The background will be a mural, designed by students from the high school as part of a design contest run in conjunction with the art department. Veterans, current service members or family members should fill out the following Google Form online and provide either proof of graduation or military service. https://docs.google.com/a/deerparkschools.org/forms/d/1rULnMAbVXkxiWuwdfPSzFvjfDdJFodd2grd4oJQS9_4/edit https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107770 Fri, 21 Apr 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107770 Registration Dates for District Election https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107769 Tue, 18 Apr 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107769 Tofu Team Takes Junior Iron Chef by Storm The high School’s “Team Falcons” quartet of Jenna Fisk, Tamara Robinson, Neurlie Surin and Trinity Wade took Whole Foods in Lake Grove by storm as they chopped, sauteed and cooked their morning away for a chance at the top spot at the fifth annual Junior Iron Chef competition. The purpose of the competition is to help students make connections to healthy eating. Suffolk County Cornell Cooperative Extension hosted the one-day event where middle and high school students showed off their cooking skills in groups of three to five. A total of 24 teams from schools and other organizations were given one hour to cook a vegetarian or vegan-based dish that they could incorporate in their school cafeteria menu. Each team was given several weeks to plan and prepare a dish using five main ingredients, two of which had to be United States Department of Agriculture commodity foods like beans, grains, fruits and vegetables, which make up part of school cafeteria menus. The recipes could not be desserts, nor could they include meat, fish or nuts. Deer Park’s original recipe for Pan Asian Tofu Medley, created by Fisk, consisted of marinated pan-seared tofu with a red potato hash and asparagus, garnished with “special sauce.” The students practiced after school and with Deer Park’s food and nutrition class to perfect their recipe. “The contest was actually tough because I was nervous,” said Surin. “It was my very first time going and I was worried if I’d make a mistake or not.” “I do hope to do it again, although it was a bit intimidating,” added Fisk. “It was very exciting and fun to do,” said Trinity Wade. “I really enjoyed competing against other schools and people from all over Long Island. It was very crowded, but as a team we all tried to work it out and we succeeded.” According to FACS teacher Patricia Skjoldahl, 2017 was Deer Park’s test year, and the Team Falcons plan to return to Junior Iron Chef next year and win. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107767 Mon, 17 Apr 2017 15:00:00 GMT false107767 May Moore Celebrates Uniqueness with Autism Puzzle Students at May Moore learned the importance of acceptance and empathy during Autism Awareness Month, with teachers Alannah Boccard and Susan Mirman leading the school in joining literacy and social action. Each class read a student-centered book about “being different and unique.” Classes then created puzzle pieces to go along with the text they read. With the help of art teacher Michelle Sarco, each puzzle piece was combined to create a large art installation that was put on display in front of the May Moore library and media center. “Our students learned that diversity is what makes us unique,” said Principal Alicia Konecny. “Just like Elmer the Patchwork Elephant, whose herd reassured Elmer that they love him because of his differences, not in spite of them. The children also celebrated by painting themselves in multicolored paint in recognition of Elmer’s unique appearance and personality. This is an important life lesson we try to teach everyday in our words and actions, not just during Autism Awareness Month.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107768 Mon, 17 Apr 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107768 Deer Park Dozen Exhibited by SCALA For the fifth consecutive year, JFK participated in the Suffolk County Art Leaders Association Children’s Show, selecting works by a dozen top art students in grades 3-5 for display at the annual children’s art exhibition, held in cooperation with the Babylon Citizens Council of the Arts. The artwork was chosen by JFK teachers Joanne Bibow-Buck and Laurie Schwartz. Chosen by JFK teachers Joanne Bibow-Buck and Laurie Schwartz, the pieces by Alexa Cachia, Jordyn Hasemann, Mohammed Hoque, Taemi Kim, Sophia Lopez, Mina Marchetti, Wade Metayer, Gabriella Morace, Kaylee Nguyen, Grace Oliveri, Victoria Pulisic and Atilla Zafer Tuzun were exhibited at Babylon’s Old Town Hall for a month through March 12, when SCALA held a closing reception, which the student-artists and their families attended. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107766 Mon, 17 Apr 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107766 Knicks Honor Frost Student Jefferson with DeBusschere Award Kyle Jefferson, a student at the middle school, was recently recognized by the New York Knicks basketball team as one of two recipients of the 2017 Dave DeBusschere Award. The award honors students who excel in the classroom, the basketball court and the community, and who exemplify the character of late Knicks basketball legend Dave DeBusschere. On March 29, Jefferson and his parents attended a Knicks game at Madison Square Garden, where DeBusschere’s sons presented him with the award at center court. He will also be given the opportunity to attend a Jr. Knicks basketball clinic with Robert Frost’s team. Jefferson, a true scholar-athlete, plays on both the Frost and Saints Cyril and Methodius Church basketball teams as well as two football leagues and a lacrosse team, all while maintaining an A average in school. A member of Frost’s National Junior Honor Society, he was recognized as the school’s Student of the Month for February. He serves as a volunteer for numerous community organizations and events, including Kids Adopt a Shelter, Ascension Lutheran Church, the Islip Public Library, the Deer Park Community Association’s annual fall festival and the Wyandanch Plaza Association’s National Chocolate Day festival. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107765 Tue, 11 Apr 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107765 May Moore Second-Grade Artists Selected for Colors Exhibit Gianna Montes and Blake Muller, both second-graders at May Moore, were selected to represent Deer Park and have their work displayed in the 19th annual Colors of Long Island student art exhibit. Colors of Long Island, sponsored by Astoria Bank, gives K-12 students the opportunity to show their artistic talents in a museum setting. May Moore was one of 179 schools participating in this year’s exhibition. Accompanied by teachers Briana Nussbaum and Michelle Sarco, both students and their families attended the reception for the exhibit, which runs through April 16 at the Long Island Museum in Stony Brook. “We are very proud of our students,” said Nussbaum. “It was great to see them so excited to be in a special art show.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107763 Sun, 09 Apr 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107763 HS Students Provide JFK a Lesson in Nutrition High School child development students visited JFK on March 21 as part of National Nutrition Month. The high schoolers delivered a lesson on making healthy choices for the younger JFK students. “It is rewarding to see our high school students interact and teach the lessons they have learned about healthy eating and making good choices to the youngsters in our district,” said Heather Stewart, Deer Park’s curriculum associate for social study and family and consumer science. “The real-world application of learning provided a rich experience for all our students.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107764 Sat, 08 Apr 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107764 April is Alcohol Awareness Month https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107762 Thu, 06 Apr 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107762 VIDEO: Teddy Bear Clinic at JQA https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107760 Tue, 04 Apr 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107760 Five Seniors Inducted into DECA Honor Society Five high school seniors – Ryan Byrne, Stephen Lew, Michael Mieses, Malique Papailler and Badar Zama – were recently inducted into New York DECA’s Honor Society. Requirements for admission included outstanding leadership and service, more than three years of membership in the club, an 85 or above overall average and 90 or above business average, and having competed at the state level. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107761 Tue, 04 Apr 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107761 HS Earth Science Students Model Weathering Effects High school students in the earth science inclusion classes of Michelle Astromovich and Dylan Duprez recently investigated and modeled physical weathering effects on substrates. “In the real world, that substrate would be rocks, and those effects would be wind and water, but in the classroom, it's sugar cubes for substrate, pipettes of water for rain and beakers for pressure,” explained David Knuffke, Deer Park’s curriculum associate for science and technology. “This is a cool example of how we can model real-world processes that happen on time-scales that are just too long for us to see.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107758 Tue, 04 Apr 2017 00:00:00 GMT false107758 May Moore's Mad Hatter's Tea May Moore kindergarters decorated fancy hats for a Mad Hatter’s Tea celebration on Valentine‘s Day. Each student read the reasons why they love their special chosen person, and they performed such songs as “Love” by Nat King Cole, “All You Really Need” by Raffi and “That’s Amore!” by Dean Martin. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107759 Mon, 03 Apr 2017 14:00:00 GMT false107759 Storyteller Entertains JQA on Pajama Night JQA recently held its annual Pajama Night, part of the school’s Read Enjoy and Discover program. The event – whose theme was “Get in the Game – Read!” – featured a performance by storyteller and puppeteer LuAnn Adams, who entertained students and their families with excerpts from her collection “Tales of Great Games and Mighty Feats.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107757 Mon, 03 Apr 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107757 High School Artist Andres Colon Chosen for "Long Island’s Best" High school student-artist Andres Colon was selected for the 21st annual “Long Island’s Best: Young Artists at the Heckscher Museum” gallery show. His was one of only 84 artworks chosen by the Heckscher for this year’s competition. Long Island’s Best, a comprehensive arts-in-education program which integrates Huntington’s Heckscher Museum and Nassau and Suffolk high school art classrooms, serves to encourage student-artists to find inspiration in works on display at the museum, using the experience to create their own original works of art. This process ends with a juried exhibition, the only one on Long Island providing high school students a chance to have their artwork displayed in an art museum. The show will be on view from March 11 through April 9. Colon attended the Long Island’s Best opening reception and awards ceremony at the museum on March 18, accompanied by his family and art teacher Derek Mainhart. “When I was first introduced to Long Island’s Best by my AP art studio teacher, Mr. Mainhart, I was beyond ecstatic and ready to jump into my work,” said Colon. “Getting accepted into the Heckscher was a tremendous honor. In my photo, ‘Conquer,’ I was able to expand my art and make it into a piece worthy of a museum. The opening ceremony was more than overwhelming, in a good way. My family was beyond proud of me, as I was with myself.” “There’s nothing more gratifying than seeing my student’s talent and hard work recognized,” said Mainhart. “I couldn’t be prouder of Andy. Long Island’s Best is an inspiring event every year, and Deer Park has been represented four years in a row. I look forward to next year.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107755 Tue, 28 Mar 2017 00:00:00 GMT false107755 JQA Students Solve Math Problems to Help Children’s Hospital For the sixth consecutive year, math-mastering students at John Quincy Adams participated in the school’s Math-A-Thon program to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This year, JQA raised more than $8,478 by finishing Math-A-Thon Funbooks. “Solving the math problems required to complete the Funbooks helps our students to better learn and understand math, and it is for such a great cause,” said math lab specialist Marianna Grieco, who coordinates the annual event. “Over the past five years, we have raised more than $41,320 in total for St. Jude.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107756 Mon, 27 Mar 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107756 Made with Marshmallows High school students in Melissa Green’s unified science class recently accepted the “Marshmallow Challenge.” The goal of the challenge was for students to work together to construct the tallest free-standing structure in the class, using only spaghetti, marshmallows and tape. “It’s a fun team-building exercise that also involves some of the engineering practices that New York State is moving us to in science instruction in a creative way, such as solving problems and iteration,” said David Knuffke, Deer Park’s curriculum associate for science and technology. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107754 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107754 DPHS Presents "Cinderella" To purchase tickets, please go to www.dpCinderella.com. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107753 Tue, 21 Mar 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107753 JQA Students’ Paw-fect Day at Willow Pet Hotel Teachers Vincent Amodio and Jaclyn Stein recently took their K-2 students at John Quincy Adams on an educational field trip to the local Willow Pet Hotel. The students toured the facility and interacted with one of the dogs, Cooper. They learned about the history of the Pet Hotel as well as how to care for pets and how to react when approached by an animal. “The kids loved seeing all the dogs and learning about them,” said Amodio. After their visit to the Willow Pet Hotel, the students enjoyed a lunch at McDonald’s, where they practiced manners, restaurant behavior and oral communication skills. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107752 Mon, 20 Mar 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107752 May Moore ENL Students Celebrate Love at Family Fun Night Students in the English as a New Language program at May Moore recently celebrated love and unity at the school’s Family Fun Night, performing songs like “All You Need Is Love”, “What the World Needs Now Is Love” and the “The Polar Bear Stomp” for their families using props. They also collaborated on crafts and shared heart-shaped cookies. “There was a great turnout of ENL students and their families, and overall the night was a great success,” said ENL teacher Danielle Finocchiaro. View the video here. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107751 Fri, 17 Mar 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107751 High School Welcomes New Associate Principal Victor LoMonaco has been hired as an associate principal at the high school, replacing Brian Norton, who was recently named the district administrator of secondary special education. LoMonaco began his educational career at Deer Park in 2003, serving as a social studies teacher in the district for 14 years. The Nesconset resident earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Stony Brook University, his master’s degree in education from Dowling College and his administration certification from the College of Saint Rose. “I look forward to working with a strong administration team and continue to establish a school culture based around academic achievement and the social and emotional development of all students,” said LoMonaco. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107750 Wed, 15 Mar 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107750 P.S. Promotes Unity at Deer Park Schools Last month’s snowstorm forced purple-clad students at the high school and Robert Frost to move their annual observance of P.S. I Love You Day from Feb. 10 to Feb. 14, but the spirit of unity and positivity was undimmed. The nonprofit organization P.S. I Love You Day was started in 2010 by West Islip teenager Brooke DiPalma, following the tragic suicides of her father and a senior at her school. Held annually on the second Friday of February, the day promotes positive messages of love, acceptance and community, symbolized by the color purple. “We decorated each student’s locker and staff member’s door or desk with messages of positivity and inclusiveness,” said Community Service Club adviser Christine DiProperzio, who organized the event along with Student Council adviser Kristen Salemi. “It is our hope that the students will know how much they matter to us.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107749 Tue, 14 Mar 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107749 May Moore Students iGame Their Way to Fitness At the annual May Moore iGames, students rotated through various active video game stations, each featuring a 100-inch screen, projector, video game system and an active video game. This unique physical fitness program is led by a certified iGame4 instructor and follows the school’s physical education class schedule for the week. The event closed with a schoolwide Family Fitness Night which included parent participation. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107748 Mon, 13 Mar 2017 04:00:00 GMT false107748 Three Soccer Stars Sign Letters of Intent High school seniors Kristen DeBiase, Carli Fonseca and Taylor Maucere, all integral members of the school’s 2016 League IV champion soccer team, signed National Letters of Intent on March 6. DeBiase, who played center-midfielder during her Falcons career, will play forward at Wingate University in North Carolina. She has earned All-State, All-County, League Player of the Year and All-Long Island second team honors with Deer Park, and also played for the Brentwood Rush club team. “The coach made me feel welcome, and I loved the weather there,” said DeBiase of her choice of Wingate, where she plans to major in psychology. Fonseca, who plays defense, signed with Molloy College in Rockville Centre, where she will major in education. She played for the EMSC Hotspurs club team and Western New York State travel team in addition to the Falcons. “My mom went there, and it’s close to home,” she said of picking Molloy. Maucere, a forward, will attend West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon, West Virginia. She earned All-Conference honors with the Falcons, and played for the national and state champion Albertson Fury club team. “I fell in love with the campus, and it felt like home,” said Maucere of her selection of Wesleyan. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107747 Fri, 10 Mar 2017 05:00:00 GMT false107747 Deer Park Hires Two Special Ed Administrators The district recently announced two new administrative positions in special education. Brian Norton was named district administrator of secondary special education, while David Renahan was named district administrator of elementary special education. “The special education position was split in order to better serve the students, their parents and the teachers as well,” said James Cummings, the district’s assistant superintendent for pupil personnel services. “Having experts on both the elementary and secondary level will make our program more efficient and more effective.” Norton had most recently served as an associate principal at Deer Park High School beginning in 2014, after five years as an associate principal in the South Country School District. He began his educational career in 1998 as a special education teacher in the Northport-East Northport School District. A Stony Brook resident and graduate of Stony Brook University, he earned a master’s degree in special education from Dowling College and a certificate of advanced studies in educational leadership from the College of Saint Rose. “I look forward to serving the students and families of the Deer Park community in this new capacity,” said Norton. Renahan previously worked for 12 years in the Riverhead Central School District, most recently as that district’s assistant director of special education. He was a special education teacher in Riverhead for eight years, after teaching third grade in the Connetquot Central School District. A resident of Centereach, he earned his bachelor’s degree in child study at St. Joseph’s College in 2004, his master’s degree in literacy from Long Island University in 2006, and an advanced graduate certificate in educational leadership from Stony Brook University in 2013. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107746 Tue, 07 Mar 2017 05:00:00 GMT false107746 Frost Orchestra Students Get ‘Up Close’ at Lincoln Center The eighth-grade orchestra at Robert Frost went on its annual field trip to Lincoln Center on Feb. 8, where the students enjoyed a music program called Music Up Close. They were able to watch a professional chamber group rehearse for a performance of Mendelssohn’s Trio No. 1 in D minor for piano, violin and cello; ask questions of the performers; and tour the buildings that make up the Lincoln Center campus. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107745 Mon, 06 Mar 2017 05:00:00 GMT false107745 Caring with Candy at JFK’s ‘Lolli-tine' Fundraiser The student government at JFK held a creative candy fundraiser on Feb. 13 and 14, selling gift lollipops outside the school’s cafeteria during lunch periods. The students then delivered the “lolli-tines” in the afternoon on Valentine’s Day. According to adviser Patricia Katz, the money raised will be used to support school improvements and community charities chosen by student government representatives. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107744 Fri, 03 Mar 2017 05:00:00 GMT false107744 "The Ugly Truth" on Heroin & Prescription Drug Abuse: What Parents Need to Know https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107743 Wed, 01 Mar 2017 05:00:00 GMT false107743 May Moore Second-Graders Surf the Web for Washington In honor of Presidents’ Day, second-graders in Dana Grafstein’s class at May Moore surfed the Web to complete a graphic organizer about President George Washington. The students have been using a class set of Chromebooks and headphones to extend their learning out of the classroom. After logging on to their Google accounts, the students used what they had learned about George Washington on Brainpop Junior to complete a graphic organizer. They also had an opportunity to test their knowledge with an online quiz and even play a game. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107742 Tue, 28 Feb 2017 05:00:00 GMT false107742 Ferrara Named a Bright Light in Technology High school technology teacher Jeremy Ferrara was recently honored with the Bright Light Award by Suffolk ASSET. Ferrara, who is in his second year in Deer Park, currently teaches robotics, metals and a World of Technology course. He is working to incorporate programming and modern engineering approaches into his curriculum, and is also in the process of rebuilding the district’s robotics program. Students in his classes are expected to design solutions to solve problems. “It is a pleasure to see someone so passionate about educating students on the practical uses of technology,” said Christopher Kauter, the district’s administrator of instructional technology. “Jeremy is focused on making an impact on the technology program in Deer Park.” “We’re lucky to have a teacher like Jeremy in our technology department,” said David Knuffke, Deer Park’s curriculum associate for science and technology. “I’m excited about what he is doing for our students, and I can’t wait to see what he does next.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107741 Mon, 27 Feb 2017 05:00:00 GMT false107741 Dynamic Developments in ENL Program Deer Park’s educators have met the challenges brought by the state’s recent move to an integrated co-teaching model of ENL instruction. More proficient learners are integrated into the mainstream classroom to be delivered language instruction with the support of two teachers, instead of one, while students who are newcomers still receive language services in the small group learning setting that best fits their needs. Ashley Lovett, the first-grade ENL teacher at May Moore, said, “The change has been really helpful for a lot of the kids who are ‘expanding’. They’re right on the precipice of exiting the program, so instead of me pulling them out and taking them out of learning content and literacy in their classroom, I push in and give them that little bit of support that they need, which ends up benefiting them greatly. Conversely, the students who are at the ‘entering/emerging’ level, who need a little more support, will see me in their classroom, and then they’ll also come to me for a quieter environment and more explicit language instruction.” “Our ENL teachers are able to adjust, pre-teach, or revisit and reinforce the concepts that are being taught to the entire class to help every student learn to their fullest potential,” said JQA Principal Christopher Molinelli. Robert Frost ELA/ENL teacher Michelle Champlin said, “The most influential consequence that came from this shift was the way it changed my thinking. These students are not just my students – they are all of our students, and the responsibility to deliver language instruction is a team effort. Regardless of the seemingly ever-changing acronyms for my profession, one common theme has remained: We must be advocates for those who have not ‘found’ their voice yet in the English language.” The state’s mandate to integrate content with the ENL program has continued to be rolled out in various positive ways. “A primary focus of my class is vocabulary, which is needed in order to obtain the proper math skills,” said Frost math/ENL teacher Kevin Dluginski. “Not only is this vocabulary used in math class, but it can be transferred to any subject area and into their daily lives. My students are using the same material that the mainstream students are learning, just at a slower pace, with more visuals and hands-on materials to ensure the most success.” Lovett noted last year’s Peace Pole project, a unit on peace and tolerance, and this past fall’s ENL field trip to Planting Fields Arboretum, which incorporated study of vocabulary, adjectives, grammar, speaking and listening. “It’s shifting from let me just help you speak English, to let me help you speak English while also teaching you content at the same time, and promoting this global awareness for the kids,” Lovett said. According to JFK ENL teacher Kimberly Essig, another main goals for the district’s ENL programs this year is to enhance parent involvement. Along with the ENL parent liaison committee and the Thursday night Parent Academy, a primary tool to achieve this is the new Propio phone service, which the district has made available to teachers, counselors and administration at every school. Staff can call a special number for the services of a live translator in approximately 80 different languages. “Propio has been fantastic in removing language barriers when calling parents,” said Essig. “We are creating a community and making the parents feel welcome to come, instead of intimidated.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107301 Mon, 27 Feb 2017 05:00:00 GMT false107301 May Moore Students Predict a Long Winter Prior to Groundhog Day, curious students at May Moore wondered if there would be six more weeks of winter or an early spring. They made their predictions and compared them to the findings of four famous groundhogs. On Feb. 2, both Punxsutawney Phil and Holtsville Hal saw their shadows, signifying a long winter. Contrary to these findings, Malverne Mel and Staten Island Chuck predicted an early spring. “Our students agreed with a long winter, which translates to more sledding,” said Principal Alicia Konecny. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107708 Tue, 21 Feb 2017 05:00:00 GMT false107708 A ‘Soup-er’ Contest at JFK Aids Food Bank JFK students participated in a “Soup-er Bowl” charitable initiative, bringing in cans of soup and depositing them in one of two boxes in the school lobby representing their team pick, either the Atlanta Falcons or the New England Patriots. The box holding the most soup cans on the last school day before the Feb. 5 NFL Super Bowl would be declared the winner. “The Atlanta Falcons won our contest by a landslide, although that did not play out in the actual Super Bowl,” joked Patricia Katz, JFK’s student government adviser. The collected soup cans were donated to the St. Cyril’s Food Bank in Deer Park. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107709 Tue, 21 Feb 2017 05:00:00 GMT false107709 HS Actors Go ‘Barefoot’ for Winter Play Student-actors at the high school found an exciting challenge in this year’s winter play, Neil Simon’s “Barefoot in the Park,” which was presented on Jan. 20 and 21. Senior Anthony Henkel and junior Tori DiTomasso starred as mismatched newlyweds Paul and Corie Bratter. The production also featured senior Alejandro Villa-Vasquez as Mr. Velasco, junior Alexandra Lane as Mrs. Ethel Banks, junior Michael Colombo as Harry Pepper the Telephone Repairman and junior Nolan Maggio as Mr. Munshin the Delivery Man. “I am so proud of all of the actors,” said director Kristen Wallace. “The characters were very rich and tough to develop, and the scenes incorporated a great deal of physical and emotional intensity. It was very rewarding to encourage the students to work outside of their comfort zones, find a balance of drama and comedy, and see how well they accomplished it in the end.” Simon’s 1963 play, the 10th longest running non-musical play in Broadway history, was nominated for three 1964 Tony Awards, winning Best Director. It was adapted for a popular 1967 film starring Robert Redford and Jane Fonda, and an ABC television series in 1970. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107706 Fri, 17 Feb 2017 05:00:00 GMT false107706 Seniors Become Smart ALEKS in Math Through an innovative partnership with Suffolk County Community College, the high school has taken the next step in ensuring students’ success in their first year of college with the implementation of the ALEKS program in the Intro to College Mathematics course. Deer Park is one of only 11 districts on Long Island that are piloting McGraw-Hill Education’s ALEKS (Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces), a computer-driven mathematics tool specially designed with the help of SCCC to cover all the material expected of an incoming student. The program serves to reinforce basic skills, reteach material students have struggled with and cover material they may not have been taught in previous classes. Motivated students even have the ability to go beyond the core material, which includes a curriculum of 781 topics, and delve into first-year college lessons as a means to push themselves ahead of their eventual peers. Students are not limited to working on ALEKS within the classroom; it can be accessed from any device capable of using a web browser. “The ALEKS program is a unique chance for students to reach new mathematical heights that they might not ever thought possible,” said teacher Frank Miata. “There is no limit to the amount of material they can learn in this class. If a student’s goal is to strengthen their math skills to better themselves, raise their math score on the SAT or prepare for college, this course will ensure their success.” One of the program’s best features is that it allows students to work at their own pace, fostering a sense of responsibility and accomplishment. “It actually makes you pay attention,” said student Robert Boykin. “You have to do it on your own.” “With ALEKS in the classroom, it is as if every student has their own personal tutor,” said Miata. “Our goal is to better every student and allow them to reach their full potential.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107704 Mon, 13 Feb 2017 05:00:00 GMT false107704 Shed-ucation with the HS Home Improvement Course At the high school, the 20 students participating in the brand-new home improvement program recently built a fully functional shed from scratch, learning all of the necessary construction techniques under the direction of teacher John Abeltin. While becoming familiarized with tools and materials, the students are mastering valuable skills such as basic wiring, including outlets and switches; painting plumbing; framing; designing with a hypotenuse; and cutting rafters. They did a fabulous job, and are totally engaged in learning the basics of construction,” said Abeltin, who has 30 years of experience as a contractor under his belt. He taught middle school with Deer Park for a quarter-century, but moved up to the high school specifically to imbue the home improvement course with his deep knowledge of construction. “This home improvement course is a great addition to our technology offerings in Deer Park,” said David Knuffke, the district’s curriculum associate for science and technology. “The kinds of hands-on, practical skills that the students learned when building the shed will help prepare them for life beyond the walls of our high school. Courses like this also help align our technology program with the types of engineering practices that New York State is moving towards with its recent adoption of new science learning standards, which put an emphasis on practical problem solving and designed engineering solutions. We’re fortunate to have Mr. Abeltin on staff to develop the course. He’s a master carpenter, and the students respect his knowledge and enjoy the opportunity to work with him. I’m excited to see where the program goes from here.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107705 Mon, 13 Feb 2017 05:00:00 GMT false107705 JFK’s ‘Little Doctors’ Collect 43 Pints at Blood Drive John F. Kennedy Intermediate School recently held a blood drive in coordination with Long Island Blood Services, collecting a total of 43 pints. Students who gathered names for at least 10 possible donors were invited to assist during the drive as LIBS “Little Doctors.” All fifth-graders at the school also attended an assembly that explained the circulatory system and the importance of donating blood. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107707 Mon, 06 Feb 2017 16:00:00 GMT false107707 2017 Winter Newsletter Now Available https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107702 Mon, 06 Feb 2017 05:00:00 GMT false107702 Winter Runners Earn All-League Honors The high school’s varsity boys winter track team successfully competed in the League III championship meet on Jan. 22. Two seniors were named league champions: captain Chris Cox won the 1,600-meter race with a time of 4:41, beating the second-place finisher by 10 seconds after leading the entire way. Fellow senior Nick Fenton won the 1,000-meter race with a time of 2:40. Said coach Thomas Brouillard, “This was the first time that a runner from Deer Park’s boys winter team has won an individual event at the league championship since 2008, when Mike Sena did so, and we had two do it!” The school’s 4x800-meter relay team consisting of senior captains Chris Cox and Ryan Brown, senior Nick Fenton, and sophomore Ryan Brooks were named runners-up, earning All-League honors. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107703 Mon, 06 Feb 2017 05:00:00 GMT false107703 DECA Earns 29 Regional Trophies A total of 94 of the high school's students participated in DECA’s Suffolk County Regional Competition on Jan. 4, competing against more than 1,400 students from 27 Suffolk County high schools. Deer Park boasted 29 trophy winners at the event, held at Suffolk County Community College, with another eight students earning honorable mention. Nick Gallo and Andrew Siford earned first place in the Financial Services Team event, and Kayla Griffin earned first in Marketing Communications. Chloe Rosenberg earned second place in Apparel & Accessories Marketing. Third-place winners were Michael Mieses in Automotive Services Marketing, Stephen Lew and Vincent Verdile in Buying & Merchandising Team, William Buckley in Retail Merchandising, and Malique Papailler in Sports & Entertainment Marketing. Other trophy winners included Ryan Byrne and Shamikh Rana in Accounting Applications; Valdy Flueriot in Automotive Services Marketing; David Batkiewicz in Business Finance; Amed Iqbal and Omar Rahim in Business Law & Ethics Team; Glenn Hope, Joewin James and Sean Stellin in Business Services Marketing; Kailey Tenn in Human Resources Management; Melanie Miranda and Badar Zaman in Marketing Communications; Nimra Salim and Aarvin Varghese in Principles of Business Management; Sean Sanchez and Dayanna Zuluaga in Principles of Finance; Jessica Siford in Principles of Hospitality; Nicole Bilello and Justin Finn in Principles of Marketing; and Ryan Verdile in Sports & Entertainment Marketing. Honorable mentions went to Amar Qasir in Business Finance, Jamie Borah and Khabiba Shahid in Financial Services Team, Khaja Ibrahim and Catherine Taipe in Human Resources Management, Tyler Tesoriero in Principles of Hospitality, Alisha Suhail in Quick Serve Restaurant Management, and Vincent Aparicio in Restaurant & Food Service Management. Their strong showing in these events provided Deer Park’s DECA winners with the opportunity to travel to Rochester in early March to compete in the State Career Conference against the state’s best business students. State winners will earn spots at the International Career Development Conference in Anaheim, California at the end of April. “Congratulations to all of our participating students,” said business teacher and DECA adviser Gregory Menig. “They worked hard for their achievement and I look forward to seeing them compete at the state level.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107701 Tue, 31 Jan 2017 05:00:00 GMT false107701 Frost Students Gain Respect for Reptiles Erik “The Reptile Guy” Callender recently visited Robert Frost, introducing students to important conservation concepts and teaching respect for wildlife through opportunities to interact with real reptiles such as snakes and alligators. We’re always looking for opportunities to bring our science students into contact with nature,” said David Knuffke, Deer Park’s curriculum associate for science. “Presentations like Erik’s bring experiences to our district that students will remember for years to come, and help to foster a meaningful connection between them and the natural world they are a part of.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107699 Tue, 24 Jan 2017 05:00:00 GMT false107699 Kicking Off Another Math-A-Thon Effort at JQA Students at John Quincy Adams are participating in the Math-A-Thon fundraising effort for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for the sixth year in a row. The initiative kicked off with a Jan. 4 presentation in the school cafeteria by math lab specialist Marianna Grieco, who organizes the drive each year. Over the past five years, her students have improved their math skills while raising more than $32,000 for St. Jude’s work to eradicate childhood cancer. Last year, they raised almost $9,000, earning JQA a spot in the top 100 fundraising schools in the country. “We hope to match that amount this year,” said Grieco. “The Math-A-Thon helps us raise awareness and donations for this worthy cause.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107700 Tue, 24 Jan 2017 05:00:00 GMT false107700 JFK Teacher Chipkin Selected to Work on State Assessments JFK teacher Lauren Chipkin applied to be a passage reviewer for the upcoming state assessments and was selected to work with both the New York State Education Department and Questar, the creator of this year’s tests. She is also applying to be an item writer for the assessments. Chipkin’s educational excellence was previously recognized by the state in 2012, when she was highlighted for her expertise in teaching literacy. The state sent a video crew to the school to work with several teachers to create videos that were used on the EngageNY website as exemplary models of teaching practices. “Lauren is considered to be a leader among her peers in literacy and teaching methods, techniques and strategies,” said JFK Principal Susan Bonner of Chipkin, who has taught third grade and reading at JFK for 16 years. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107214 Mon, 23 Jan 2017 05:00:00 GMT false107214 National Honor Society Inducts 55 New Members The high school held its 55th annual National Honor Society induction ceremony on Dec. 12, welcoming 52 new members. The evening began with the pledge of allegiance, led by Class of 2017 valedictorian Omaier Mohiuddin. The new inductees took the membership pledge , administered by NHS President Michael Charumaneeroj, and all members participated in the traditional candle lighting ceremony. Speakers included several other NHS members, Principal Charles Cobb, NHS adviser Seth Margolin and Babylon TownSupervisor Rich Schaffer. Schaffer and legislators Thomas F. Barraga and Lou D’Amaro all bestowed proclamation certificates for the honorees. The school’s chamber orchestra, directed by Kathy Attard, provided accompanying music. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107939 Tue, 17 Jan 2017 05:00:00 GMT false107939 JFK Students Give Back with Holiday Care Packages Students in the JFK classrooms of teachers Heather Ciurleo, John Colford, Jenny Dixon, Joseph Verdicchio and Jennifer Zylberberg spent time last month creating care packages for those in need during the holidays. The students decorated bags, which were filled with scarves, gloves, hats, toothbrushes, toothpaste, chips and hand sanitizer. They also wrote notes to include in the packages. The bags were later donated to Community Presbyterian Church in Deer Park. “We wanted the children to realize how important it was to also give back to the community during the holidays,” said Ciurleo. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107940 Tue, 17 Jan 2017 05:00:00 GMT false107940 DPHS Presents 'Barefoot in the Park' Neil Simon's "Barefoot in the Park" at DPHS on Friday, Jan. 20 and Saturday, Jan. 21 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $8. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107938 Tue, 17 Jan 2017 05:00:00 GMT false107938 High School Flutist Zhang Named All-Eastern The high school’s acclaimed flutist Megan Zhang has been accepted into the All-Eastern Honors Band. Zhang was chosen by the National Association for Music Education to perform at NAfME’s 2017 Eastern Division Conference, to be held April 5-8 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Zhang, who studies under the guidance of Deer Park band teacher Jerry Cannarozzo, was also recently named an All-County and All-State musician. “Megan’s dedication to her craft is admirable and inspiring to those that spend time with this phenomenal student-musician,” said Bradley Murphy, Deer Park’s districtwide curriculum associate for fine and performing arts. “This is a tremendous honor.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107937 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 05:00:00 GMT false107937 Frost Chamber Musicians Bring Cheer to Local Seniors A group of giving musicians from Robert Frost, including the school’s chamber choir and a chamber ensemble group from the eighth-grade orchestra, paid a special visit on Dec. 22 to two local nursing homes – Our Lady of Consolation in West Islip and Sunrise of Dix Hills – to bring holiday cheer with song. The ensemble was led by directors Youngsun Koh-Lee and Maria Wingert. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107936 Fri, 06 Jan 2017 05:00:00 GMT false107936 An Inspirational Pair of Candidates at DPHS High school freshman Alyssa Robb and sophomore Maya Kovic were among only 14 students selected as candidates for the first-ever Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Student of the Year program on Long Island. Both Kovic and Robb are dedicated, diligent students and currently enrolled in numerous Advanced Placement courses. Hailing from both public and private schools across Long Island, the candidates were chosen by the LLS Leadership Committee for their support of the Society’s mission to raise funds for blood cancer research and cures through leadership, passion and involvement in the community. The candidate who raises the most money at the end of the six weeks will be named Student of the Year and receive a $2,500 scholarship. In addition, three students will be selected to receive a Citizenship Scholarship Award of $500 each based on their commitment to community, leadership and the LLS mission. The campaign will kick off on Feb. 9 and will culminate with a March 23 awards ceremony at the Fox Hollow in Woodbury, when the winners will be announced. “It is absolutely wonderful to see two young ladies that are so motivated and driven to volunteer their time to this great cause,” said school counselor Margaret C. Pereira. “They are truly an inspiration.” “These students embody the idea that anyone can make a difference with hard work and dedication,” said Sara Lipsky, the executive director of the LLS’s Long Island Chapter. “They are helping to make an impact on the lives of cancer patients, not someday, but today.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107935 Thu, 05 Jan 2017 05:00:00 GMT false107935 Frost Student Kaur Wins $1,500 Hispanic Heritage Essay Contest Robert Frost student Jasleen Kaur was awarded a $1,500 cash scholarship for winning the grand prize in the Altice Connects Hispanic Heritage Month essay contest. Kaur wrote about Argentinian soccer player Sergio Aguero. More than 1,000 essays were submitted for the contest, which was sponsored by Altice USA, the parent company of Optimum. Altice presented Kaur with a check at a Dec. 12 ceremony at Robert Frost, attended by Assemblyman Andrew P. Raia, who also presented her with a citation. “Jasleen is a leader in and outside of the classroom,” said Spanish teacher Meredith Telese. “From the moment that I presented this opportunity to her, I knew that her essay would be nothing short of fantastic. She always strives to achieve her goals, and this award is truly representative of the driven and motivated student and person that she is. Her essay on Sergio Aguero focused on his compassion and dedication to helping others. Jasleen also embodies such characteristics, and I am so very proud of her accomplishment.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107933 Tue, 03 Jan 2017 05:00:00 GMT false107933 Caring with Cookies at Robert Frost Seventh graders at Robert Frost participated in a community service project during the month of December, baking dozens of cookies for donation to the Mercy Inn Outreach Center in Wyandanch. “Service learning experiences like this teach teens to look beyond themselves and understand the positive role they can play in their local community,” said family and consumer science teacher Paula Behrens, who guided the baking project with fellow teacher Cindy Adriaenessens. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107934 Tue, 03 Jan 2017 05:00:00 GMT false107934 JQA Students Make Educational Stop at IHOP Vinnie Amodio and Jackie Stein, special education teachers at John Quincy Adams, recently took their K-2 students on a field trip to IHOP in West Babylon to learn appropriate life skills as well as proper manners and behavior in a restaurant. The students were also encouraged to use expressive communication skills as they ordered off a menu. Prior to going on the trip, the JQA students were presented with a copy of the IHOP kids menu, and practiced ordering off the menu with their teachers and teaching assistants. Students who wanted special requests or substitutions practiced those requests as well. The children studied the ingredients in each menu item to determine what would be the best choice, based on their likes and dislikes. Students also practiced ordering drinks and saying please and thank you through a classroom role-play simulation. They were taught proper table manners and public behavior, and were even shown how to pay the bill. “This was a great way for the children to take the communication skills they are learning in their speech sessions and apply them to real-world situations,” said Amodio. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107932 Tue, 20 Dec 2016 05:00:00 GMT false107932 May Moore Prekindergartners Learn All About Latkes Prekindergartners in teacher Lori Klotsche’s class at May Moore learned all about the traditional food known as latkes as part of an Dec. 13 exploration of the traditions of Hanukkah, using their senses to see, smell, hear, taste and touch during the preparation and eating of the latkes and applesauce. The event also included singing traditional Hanukkah-related songs and “lighting” a wooden play menorah. “This a fun activity and an opportunity for the students to observe how ingredients can change from solid to liquid,” said Klotsche, who placed the ingredients for the latkes out on a table so the children could identify them and discuss their use, before she combined them in a blender and fried them. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107930 Mon, 19 Dec 2016 05:00:00 GMT false107930 Eleven from Deer Park Trim the Tree with Tuba Eleven seasonally spirited Deer Park brass musicians performed at the annual Tuba Christmas concert in New York City on Dec. 11, joining more than 400 other tuba and baritone horn players to perform holiday music beneath the famed Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. The Deer Park participants included Frost students Mujtaba Aiwazali, Logan Eisenberg, Julianna Hannan and Ilianna Pena, and high schoolers Nick Alo, Anthony D’Arrigo, Briseis Del Cid, Amar Qasir, Colin Reilly, Robert Uhlman and Zach Vila, accompanied by Frost band director Michael Livorno and high school band director Jerry Cannarozzo. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107931 Mon, 19 Dec 2016 05:00:00 GMT false107931 2017-2018 School Calendar https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107929 Wed, 14 Dec 2016 05:00:00 GMT false107929 DeBiase Named All-Long Island "Newsday" announced its All-Long Island teams on Nov. 22, which were featured in the Dec. 11 edition, including one Falcon athlete. Senior Kristen DeBiase was named to the girls soccer All-Long Island second team. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107927 Tue, 13 Dec 2016 05:00:00 GMT false107927 May Moore Book Fair Funds Student Programs The recent book fair at May Moore was held during the school’s parent/teacher conferences, allowing students to shop for books during class time and then visit the fair with their parents later in the day. “We are very grateful to our Parent Faculty Club for organizing this annual event each year,” said Principal Alicia Konecny. “Books make wonderful gifts during the holiday season, and all proceeds go directly back to our student programs.” This year, the book fair will fund two events, a Pajama Night assembly in March and an Author Day. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107928 Tue, 13 Dec 2016 05:00:00 GMT false107928 December is Safe Toys and Gifts Month https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107926 Fri, 09 Dec 2016 05:00:00 GMT false107926 Frost Honor Society Collects Two Dozen Baskets in Food Drive The National Junior Honor Society at Robert Frost recently held a Thanksgiving food drive for families in the community. During the two-week-long drive, NJHS members collected different kinds of food each morning, eventually filling two dozen baskets with Thanksgiving food for local families in need. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107925 Tue, 06 Dec 2016 05:00:00 GMT false107925 High School Hosts Successful Blood Drive The high school’s Varsity Leaders Club hosted its first of three blood drives of the school year on Nov. 15, in conjunction with the New York Blood Center. More than 125 students signed up to donate to the cause, and by the end of the day, the NYBC had collected 94 pints of blood from Deer Park’s students and faculty under the supervision of club adviser Brian Tower. The NYBC, who award two $250 scholarships to two Deer Park seniors each spring, honored the school’s 3,500th all-time donor. Evan Mallon, the recipient of this honor, was awarded with numerous gift cards and prizes. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107924 Mon, 05 Dec 2016 05:00:00 GMT false107924 Freshmen Gain Insight on Entrepreneurship on Career Day The high school held its annual Career Day on Oct. 19, providing freshmen with an invaluable opportunity to meet and network with professionals working in a wide variety of career paths. The students also learned about the pitfalls of social media in an informative closing presentation. During the three half-hour workshop sessions, fashioned after a speed-dating event, the students sat down for 10 minutes at a time with the guest professionals, talking about the latter’s careers. At the sound of a bell, the students rotated to the next table and sat down with the next professional. Serving as the keynote speaker was Deer Park alumnus and award-winning entrepreneur Jean Alerte, a member of the school’s Class of 2000. Originally from Port au Prince, Haiti, Alerte was an active member of Deer Park’s business department while a student, participating in the cooperative work experience and internship programs as well as the DECA club. He is the founder of the ACA Branding Agency and the Faith Grind Inspire entrepreneurial program; owner of the Brooklyn Swirl frozen yogurt shop, Julian Casimir Jewelry, and the Alerte, Carter & Associates management and public relations firm; executive director of the Unity in the Community Foundation of Brooklyn; and author of the books “Do Right, Do Good” and project "Single Man, Married Man.” “Jean regaled the freshmen class with stories of his time as a student at Deer Park,” said Career Day coordinator Jill Perry-Eising, a member of the school’s business department. “He spoke about how taking business education courses and being part of our programs served as the foundation for his future success as an entrepreneur, lighting the flame for his entrepreneurial spirit. His participation in DECA competitions taught him all about marketing and finance, and he uses what he learned then in his business dealings today. Chris Kauter, the district’s instructional technology administrator, hosted a closing workshop to the students, focused on how social media usage can negatively affect students’ future career aspirations. “Hiring managers use Google to investigate potential candidates, as do college admissions counselors, and inappropriate posts can hurt your chances of getting into a college or a securing a job,” said Perry-Eising. “Mr. Kauter showed the students how one simple tweet of less than 140 characters ruined the career of a public relations executive who tweeted something insensitive right before boarding a plane. While she was in the air, a firestorm brewed, and she was already fired before her flight landed. He also showed videos examining addiction to Facebook and Instagram, and displayed examples of appropriate versus inappropriate social media posts.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107923 Thu, 01 Dec 2016 19:00:00 GMT false107923 Child Development Students Make Push to ‘Rethink Your Drink’ Students in Patricia Skjoldahl’s child development course at the high school recently delivered a healthy message around the district, based on their research in the “Rethink Your Drink” lesson. The high schoolers examined some of their favorite beverages – including Coca-Cola, Arizona ice tea and various Starbucks drinks – and converted the total grams of sugar in each drink to teaspoons. They then measured out the amounts of sugar and placed them in plastic baggies for easy visualization of just how much unhealthy sugar the beverages contain. “Many of my students buy Arizona because it is affordable at 99 cents a can, but it has approximately 17 teaspoons of sugar,” said Skjoldahl, whose goal for the year is to engage students in healthy habits. “We are trying to help individuals make informed decisions and raise awareness.” The child development classes took their message to the district’s recent Health & Wellness Fair at the end of October, providing attendees with flavored seltzer as a substitute, and are now visiting other schools in the district to share the lesson with younger students. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107921 Thu, 01 Dec 2016 05:00:00 GMT false107921 'Polar Express' Canceled "The Polar Express" event at the high school, scheduled for Dec. 9, has been canceled. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107922 Thu, 01 Dec 2016 05:00:00 GMT false107922 JFK Art Students Participate in Doodle 4 Google Students in Joanne Bibow-Buck's art classes participated in this year's "Doodle 4 Google" contest. The contest asks students in grades K-12 to create a doodle of the Google logo that fits the theme "What I see for the future." Their entries will be submitted to be judged against other students from all over the country. One winner's artwork will be featured on the Google homepage and that winner will also receive a $30,000 college scholarship. Please see the sideshow below for entries from JFK art students Fariza Abedin, Meghan Brown, Casey Giles, Madelyn Kleiber, Adithan Omprakash and Oviya Omprakash. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107920 Tue, 29 Nov 2016 05:00:00 GMT false107920 Pesticide Usage https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107917 Mon, 28 Nov 2016 05:00:00 GMT false107917 Frost Sixth-Graders Set Out on Zoo Adventure Rain did not deter Robert Frost sixth-graders from an exciting recent tour of the Bronx Zoo, where they learned about the zoo’s history and some of its more interesting inhabitants. “Surrounded by woods, amazing animals and architecture, exhibits and atmosphere, we forgot we were in the Bronx,” said one of the accompanying teachers, Paula Behrens. “The zoo is amazing.” According to Behrens, the students were most intrigued by the feeding of the gorillas in the Congo Rainforest, viewing lions and polar bears, and the array of creatures residing in the Reptile House. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107918 Mon, 28 Nov 2016 05:00:00 GMT false107918 JFK Fifth-Graders Give Thanks with Multiplication To celebrate Thanksgiving while demonstrating their understanding of multi-digit multiplication, Jason Bond’s fifth-grade class at JFK recently created original Thanksgiving-themed word problems with the assistance of math specialist Fran Marotta. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107919 Mon, 28 Nov 2016 05:00:00 GMT false107919 The Fling’s the Thing for Pumpkin Chucking Champs Competing for the seventh year in a row, the Dark Falcons high school pumpkin chucking team took first place in the Pumpkin Fling, Long Island’s annual championship pumpkin catapult contest held on Oct. 29 at the Suffolk County Farm and Education Center in Yaphank. Led by coach Bruce Sander, the skilled students – from eighth-graders to seniors – hurled the 3-5-pound gourds more than 1,000 feet with their own trebuchet, having used physics, design and construction techniques to construct this medieval siege machine. The team also provided demonstrations at Robert Frost and May Moore. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107916 Wed, 23 Nov 2016 05:00:00 GMT false107916 State Sen. Phil Boyle's Thanksgiving Day Creative Celebration Students at JFK participated in State Sen. Phil Boyle's Thanksgiving Day Creative celebration. The senator asked students to submit poems, essays and artwork with the theme "What are you thankful for?" Sen. Boyle has now made all entries available for viewing on the his website. Click here and scroll down until you find our school name, "John F. Kennedy," to view the students' hard work. Thank you to all of the students who submitted entries. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107522 Wed, 23 Nov 2016 05:00:00 GMT false107522 Annually Amazing One Act Play Festival Superb acting performances and directing skills were on display at the high school’s annual One Act Play Festival, directed by teachers Michael Moriarty and Catherine Lubrano. The theater showcase, held on Oct. 28 and 29, featured 10 different short plays, each directed by a student: Peter Pit’s “Gatecrashers,” directed by Anthony Henkel; Jonathan Yukich’s “Crooked Fork,” directed by Jivensley Alexis; David Susman’s “Film Appreciation,” directed by Alexandra Lovera; Mark Harvey Levine’s “Misfortune,” directed by Catherine Taipe; Diana Son’s “The Moon Please,” directed by Ryan Connors; Don Zolidis’ “15 Minutes of Clown Fame,” directed by Tori DiTomasso; Rhea MacCallum’s “Kill Me, Please!,” directed by Allie Costanza; Michele Markarian’s “Phoning It In,” directed by Makenzie Caldone; and Andy T. Haynes’ “Battle Tactics” and Jennifer Kirkeby’s “Time Warp,” both directed by Samantha Connolly. “Working with such talented students is such a pleasure for myself and Cathy Lubrano,” said Michael Moriarty, the director of the festival. “To see student directors choose a play, cast it and carry out rehearsals is a very cool experience. What’s even better is that sometimes you notice when a director starts applying techniques that you have used over the years. It’s funny at times, because they actually start sounding like you. The students of this district continue to amaze us year after year.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107858 Mon, 21 Nov 2016 12:00:00 GMT false107858 Seniors Bonser and Tavares Sign Letters of Intent High school senior athletes Jarett Bonser and Oliver Tavares signed National Letters of Intent on Nov. 15. All-League defenseman Bonser will play Division I lacrosse for Loyola University in Baltimore next fall. This year’s homecoming king, Bonser also served as All-Division quarterback of the school’s varsity football team. “I like the campus and felt comfortable about choosing the school,” he said regarding Loyola, where he plans to major in finance. All-League shortstop Tavares will play baseball for Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, New Jersey next fall, where he will major in business. In addition to his career at Deer Park, he played for the East Coast Jays travel team. “I felt comfortable with the coaching staff and it seemed like the right place for me,” said Tavares of FDU. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107857 Mon, 21 Nov 2016 05:00:00 GMT false107857 Choosing Characters in Memorable JQA Schoolwide Election Students at John Quincy Adams participated in a schoolwide election on Nov. 9 to choose their favorite book character for president, coordinated by math lab teacher Debbie Bradbury. The students were read two selections, “Grace for President” and “Max for President,” then cast their votes in the JQA gymnasium by using laptop computers. The election results, in which the students chose Grace as their favorite character and book, were then graphed and displayed in the lobby for all to see. “This election experience was both exciting and educational for the students at John Quincy Adams, and will be remembered for years to come,” said Bradbury. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107856 Wed, 16 Nov 2016 05:00:00 GMT false107856 High School Honors 19 Champions for Excellent Character At the high school’s annual fall Breakfast for Champions, held on Nov. 10 in the school library, 19 Deer Park High School students were honored by teachers and administrators for their character. Each fall and spring, student champions are chosen by each of the school’s departments, alongside three additional principal’s, administrator’s and teacher’s champions. The school’s string ensemble provided music for the event. The fall 2016 Breakfast for Champions honorees, all presented with plaques, were Anthony Aiello (world languages), Muhammad Akhtar (math), Kerrin Bates (family and consumer science), Jean Bub (health), Michael Charumaneeroj (performing arts), Victoria Clark (art), Kristen DeBiase (athletics), James Depre (science), Melissa Fisk (English language arts), Jordan Galaor (physical education), Tanzina Haque (English as a new language), Connor Hewlette (Principal’s Award), Wasif Islam (technology), Adyel Juergensen (Administrator’s Award), Lauren Leon (Teacher’s Award), Mallorie Szewczuk (guidance), Bianca Taipe (social studies), Jordan Trovato (athletics) and Joseph Vaccaro (business). “The Breakfast for Champions recognizes students that have continued to excel and follow their dreams,” said Principal Charles Cobb. “This event is an opportunity to recognize our students for their accomplishments here at Deer Park High School, but also to highlight the fact that these are outstanding young men and women who continually exude character traits that are desirable for all of our students. We are so proud of all the students who were recognized and continue to wish them the best of luck in all of their future endeavors.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107855 Tue, 15 Nov 2016 05:00:00 GMT false107855 Going Green for a Day to Support Frost Vets The Robert Frost student council asked students and staff to wear green on Nov. 10 to show support for the school’s veterans, including David Blum, John Heeg, John Steigerwald and Daryl Woods. Student council members also made charm bracelets to help raise funds for veterans. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107854 Mon, 14 Nov 2016 05:00:00 GMT false107854 May Moore Kindergartners Show Gratitude on Veterans Day Kindergartners in Tammy Cotrone’s class at Deer Park’s May Moore Primary School celebrated Veterans Day by creating a Wall of Heroes, which featured photos of family members and friends who have served or are currently enlisted in a branch of the armed forces. Practicing their literary skills, students drafted a class letter describing their recent lessons on the origin and history of Veterans Day, as well as providing a formal “thank you” to the servicemen and women who protect the nation. Students also made messages for veterans and created a poster with their hands traced into a heart, expressing their gratitude. The well wishes were delivered to Babylon Town Hall for officials to distribute and share with local veterans. “I come from a strong military family,” said Cotrone. “My dad, who is still alive and 91 years old, fought in World War II. My mom was also a sergeant in World War II, and my brother was in Vietnam. So I am so very proud to do this each year with my class. This holiday has a special place in my heart.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107853 Thu, 10 Nov 2016 05:00:00 GMT false107853 Red Ribbon Week at Robert Frost and JFK In recognition of Red Ribbon Week at the end of October, the student council at Robert Frost wrapped red bows around the trees outside the building. Each morning during the week, Frost students reflected on alcohol and drug awareness and on “Red Day,” motivational speaker David Flood visited the school’s sixth- and seventh-graders, sharing his stories about drugs and alcohol to help the students make better choices for themselves. “David was able to speak candidly to our students and helped open their eyes to some of the issues around them,” said Frost Associate Principal Gary Ramonetti. “One sixth-grader even told David that he was the first speaker to reach him.” Meanwhile, the staff at JFK honored Red Ribbon Week by wearing sports jerseys as part of the school’s “Team Up Against Drugs” initiative. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107852 Tue, 08 Nov 2016 05:00:00 GMT false107852 Six Spanish Students Recite Poetry at Americas Festival Six high school students in Otilia Mendiolaza’s College Spanish class participated in the Americas Poetry Festival, held at the Walt Whitman Museum in Huntington on Oct. 13 in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. The students recited the poetry of Walt Whitman and other poets, both in Spanish and translation. Poets from Spanish-speaking countries around the world participated in this international poetry festival; recitations included both classical selections and original poems created by the Deer Park students. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107851 Fri, 04 Nov 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107851 Candleholder Crafting at JQA Just in time for Halloween, visiting family members helped preschoolers at John Quincy Adams construct decorative pumpkin candleholders using glass jars, colored tissue and glue. “Our pre-K students were so excited to have their parents, grandparents and special guests come into their classrooms to help out with our annual pumpkin workshop,” said Principal Christopher Molinelli. “Everyone had a wonderful time creating a Halloween craft.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107849 Thu, 03 Nov 2016 12:00:00 GMT false107849 Deer Park Is First to Receive ‘Stop the Bleed’ Training Deer Park was the first school district on Long Island to receive “Stop the Bleed” training from the Stony Brook University Hospital Trauma Center. Dr. James Vosswinkel, the center’s head surgeon, and Colby Rowe, the center’s coordinator for education and public outreach, sent an entire team to Deer Park on Oct. 20 to conduct hands-on training for all of the district’s administrators on how to use tourniquets and stop bleeding. The “Stop the Bleed” program stemmed from the 2012 shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, leading to a series of expert recommendations led by the American College of Surgeons. This free training is important for organizations such as schools which are considered high-risk targets for active shooters or mass casualty events. The Stony Brook University Hospital Trauma Center’s initiative, in collaboration with the Emergency Preparedness Regional Resource Center, utilizes a course designed by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians to train initial responders in hemorrhage control techniques. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107850 Thu, 03 Nov 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107850 Autumnal Apple Activities at JFK Fully engaged in autumn activities, students in special education teacher Heather Ciurleo’s class at JFK spent several weeks learning about Johnny Appleseed and how he helped the earth, as well as the life cycle of an apple, and made predictions using each of the five senses. “Together as a class we described our apples, made predictions about how many seeds they might have and discussed why an apple changes colors after being cut,” said Ciurleo. The students then enjoyed a day of apple picking at Windy Acres Farm in Calverton, and followed a recipe to make apple pie. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107848 Wed, 02 Nov 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107848 Colorful Deer Park Run Raises Scholarship Funds The high school’s Parent Faculty Club recently hosted its first Color Run to raise funds for scholarships and a student communication center. Students and parents ran from Robert Frost to the high school while volunteers doused them with colored powder. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107847 Tue, 01 Nov 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107847 The Breakfast Club: High School Announces Top 10 Seniors The high school announced the top 10 ranked seniors of the 2016-2017 year at its annual celebratory breakfast on Oct. 7. Joined in the school library by their proud families, these remarkable students received accolades as they looked ahead to graduation. Ranked first was future Class of 2017 valedictorian Omaier Mohiuddin. Ranking second was Alima Hossain, the future salutatorian. Rounding out the top 10 were Andrew Siford (ranked third), Kayla Griffin (fourth), Kristina Occhino (fifth), Ryan Verdile (sixth), Christopher Cox (seventh), Malique Papailler (eighth), Michael Charumaneeroj (ninth) and Nicolas Gallo (10th). “The Top 10 breakfast is truly one of our most enjoyable days of the school year,” said Principal Charles Cobb. “We are able to recognize the hard work and dedication that these students have persistently demonstrated during their career here at Deer Park High School. I am extremely proud of all these students and wish them continued success in all of their future endeavors.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107844 Wed, 26 Oct 2016 18:00:00 GMT false107844 JQA Makes National Top 100 in Math Fundraiser The caring young mathematicians of John Quincy Adams knew they had done something wonderful earlier this year when they raised more than $8,900 in funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as part of the school’s fifth annual Math-A-Thon program, but the full extent of their charitable endeavor was not yet clear. St. Jude recently informed JQA that it had earned a spot in the top 100 Math-A-Thon fundraising schools for the 2015-2016 school year, coming in at No. 86 in the entire nation. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107846 Wed, 26 Oct 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107846 DPHS Powerlifter Featured on FOX 5 Click here to view FOX 5's feature on Deer Park sophomore and powerlifting champ Steven Gassert. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107845 Wed, 26 Oct 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107845 Stapleton Snares Series of Musical Victories Highschool sophomore Shane Stapleton, a standout percussionist in the school’s marching band and symphonic band, has parlayed his talents on a broader scale, participating in snare drum and pipe band competitions as part of the the Eastern United States Pipe Band Association. Stapleton recently earned first place at a series of national competitions, including the 2016 Hudson Valley Celtic Festival and North American Amateur Drumming Championships. “Deer Park is very proud to be represented in the EUSPBA by this extremely motivated student,” said Bradley Murphy, the district’s curriculum associate for fine and performing arts. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107842 Mon, 24 Oct 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107842 Deer Park Homecoming 2016 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107843 Mon, 24 Oct 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107843 2016 Fall Newsletter Now Available https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107692 Mon, 24 Oct 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107692 School Spirit on Display at Frost Pep Rally In preparation for the following morning’s homecoming, the entire student body of Robert Frost gathered in the gym on Oct. 14 for a rousing pep rally. After an impressive rendition of the national anthem by Isabella Serrano, the Frost’s football, boys soccer, girls soccer, kickline and cheerleading teams were recognized, and the students enjoyed performances by the latter. “It was great to see the enthusiasm and school spirit in all of our students leading up to homecoming,” said Associate Principal Gary Ramonetti. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107841 Thu, 20 Oct 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107841 Fifth Annual Health & Wellness Fair Set for Oct. 29 The district will hold its fifth annual Health & Wellness Fair on Saturday, Oct. 29, in conjunction with the high school’s Varsity Leaders Club Halloween Carnival and a Deer Park Fire Department open house. The events will take place from at a double location on Lake Avenue– at John F. Kennedy Intermediate School as well as across the street at the firehouse. The Health & Wellness Fair and Halloween Carnival will be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; the fire department open house from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The Health Fair, sponsored by the district’s health and physical education department, is free to the public and will include numerous health-related activities and more than 30 informational booths. Services and activities available for attending community members of all ages will include dental and orthodontic care; fire safety; healthy eating demonstrations; health screenings including blood pressure, blood sugar, vision and hearing, posture, and flu and pneumonia; child safety and car seat inspections; railroad safety; ju-jitsu and kickboxing; basketball and sports clinics including golf, soccer and tennis; Pilates and yoga; aromatherapy; hip-hop ballet; and Zumba. Representatives of the Suffolk County Police Department and Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department will also be on hand, and a basket raffle will be sponsored by the high school’s clubs. Admission to the Halloween Carnival is $5. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107840 Wed, 19 Oct 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107840 Talented Tones from HS Lit Teacher Like many English teachers at the high school, Scott Carney incorporates his talents into his teaching. During one of his recent Advanced Placement literature classes, Carney performed his song “Eclipse,” using his guitar and vocal skills to help his students understand the concept of tone. “I like to use this song – which I wrote several years ago while a member of a local Celtic rock band – as part of a discussion about tone because it gives me the opportunity to bring the voice on the page to life and to speak to my students about my approach and my intent,” said Carney. “Analyzing tone in writing is tough; this is one strategy that I’ve implemented to make it a little less difficult.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107839 Tue, 18 Oct 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107839 The Flu: A Guide for Parents https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107837 Wed, 12 Oct 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107837 79 High School Students Earn AP Scholar Awards A total of 79 stellar students – both recent graduates and current seniors – from the high school earned an AP Scholar award in 2016, including four National AP Scholars, 17 AP Scholars with Distinction, 10 AP Scholars with Honor and 52 AP Scholars. The College Board's Advanced Placement Program offers several levels of AP Scholar awards to recognize high school students who have demonstrated college-level achievement via AP courses and exams, which are graded on a scale of 1 to 5, with a score of 3 or above qualifying high schoolers for college course credit. From the Class of 2017, earning the status of AP Scholar with Distinction, granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams, were seniors Kayla Griffin, Alima Hossain, Omaier Mohiuddin, Kristina Occhino, Andrew Siford and Ryan Verdile. Their fellow seniors Peter Farquharson, Nicolas Gallo, Stephen Lew, Michael Lugo, Vincent Verdile, Alejandro Villa Vasquez and Badar Zaman were named AP Scholars with Honor, granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107838 Wed, 12 Oct 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107838 Lovely Library Debuts at JFK JFK cut the ribbon on a brightly colored and inviting new elementary library on Oct. 11. The Deer Park Board of Education and district and school administrators worked together to plan and design the library as part of improvement projects included in the district’s $17 million Capital Bond Referendum approved last October. Karen Mannale, the teaching assistant who manages JFK’s library, packed and labeled 1,000 boxes of books this past June with the help of several other staff members. In September, they carefully planned out the placement of each book category, unpacked the boxes and re-shelved every book. At the ceremony, Mannale and Superintendent Eva J. Demyen took out scissors to cut matching ribbons on the library’s doors to usher in the new era. “We are grateful for our new library,” said Principal Susan Bonner. “The older one was becoming unsafe for our children due to broken, unrepairable and outdated shelving after so many years. We now have a large workroom, two book checkout areas, and enough seating for two classes along with a great assortment of titles for the children in a very sturdy and safe environment. Thank you Deer Park!” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107834 Tue, 11 Oct 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107834 Frost Eighth-Graders Sit in on ‘Class of Life’ Eighth-graders at Robert Frost gained valuable insights in character education during a visit from motivational speaker Paul Failla. The former police officer presented “The Class of Life,” a theatrical experience touching on humor, drama, family, tradition and life experience. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107835 Tue, 11 Oct 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107835 Praiseworthy Powerlifter Gassert Is Recognized For high school student Steven Gassert, no obstacles have kept him from his impressive goals. The 16-year-old, who has Down syndrome, is also a champion powerlifter, holding more than 30 records in the sport. His victories include recent gold medals at the North American Regional Powerlifting Championships in St. Croix, where he broke two world records, and at the USA Powerlifting Bench Press National Championships in Aurora, Colorado, where he set a new personal best with a remarkable 270-pound bench press. He is trained and coached by his brother, Robert Gassert, at Pro Fit Gym in Deer Park. This outstanding young man was recently honored by not only the Board of Education, at a Sept. 27 business meeting, but by the Town of Babylon, which proclaimed Sept. 12, 2016 as Steven Gassert Day. “Steven is a great kid and I am so glad he is part of our high school,” said Deer Park Assistant Superintendent James Cummings. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107836 Tue, 11 Oct 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107836 Kennedy Honored by Suffolk’s Summer Youth Awards High school student Matthew Antoine Kennedy was recognized by Suffolk County’s 2016 Summer Youth Awards as a role model for his peers. He earned this distinction as a result of his outstanding work with the county’s Department of Labor, Licensing and Consumer Affairs this past summer. Kennedy was honored by county officials at a recognition celebration held on Sept. 14 at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge, accompanied by Mary Reynolds, Deer Park’s administrator of human resources; teacher and summer school supervisor Phyllis Senia; and special education teacher David DePrima. Additionally, Kennedy was presented with a certificate for his achievement at the Deer Park Board of Education’s business meeting on Sept. 27. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107833 Mon, 03 Oct 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107833 Woolsey Takes Charge of Deer Park’s Facilities Robert Woolsey is the new plant facilities administrator at the district. Since July, he has taken charge of a busy buildings and grounds department that just finished the first phase of extensive bond work over the summer, including new turf field and renovated chorus room at the high school, new lockers at Robert Frost Middle School, a renovated library and new parking lot at John F. Kennedy Intermediate School, and a new roof and parking lot at May Moore Primary School. He also oversaw the refinishing of floors in the Town of Babylon’s Deer Park Community Center, which hosts youth and senior citizen activities in the district’s former Memorial School building. “I came to Deer Park because they are progressively moving forward with their grounds and buildings, conducting preventative maintenance and taking care of things,” said Woolsey, a Kings Park resident who previous worked as a facilities director in the Kings Park, Shoreham and Smithtown school districts. “We have a plan going forward for the future, including a lot of capital projects, and my goal is just to make sure the kids are happy, healthy and safe.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107832 Tue, 27 Sep 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107832 Patriotic Plantings Remember 9/11 Patriotic students at JQA, May Moore and JFK, clad in red, white and blue, honored the memory of the 9/11 attacks with flag-planting ceremonies on Sept. 9. During the now-traditional Patriot Day activity for the schools, individual classes took turns planting American flags in the front of each building in an effort to remember those who sacrificed their lives on Sept. 11, 2001. “We will never forget the events of that tragic day and our thoughts and prayers are with those who may have been affected,” said JQA’s new principal, Christopher Molinelli. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107829 Fri, 23 Sep 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107829 School Safety in Focus on Superintendent’s Conference Day School safety was the focus at the district’s Superintendent’s Conference Day in September, featuring a presentation by school-resource officers Sabrina Pitch and Christine Ammon from the Suffolk County Police Department. Both officers frequently talk to students at the middle and high schools about topics like bullying, drugs and alcohol. “Basically we want to keep them making good decisions and smart choices, because that doesn’t just help them, it helps us,” said Pitch. She went on to delineate the difference between school law and criminal law, how the law defines a juvenile and harassment, how police respond to school-related incidents, identifying at-risk students, and determining when police notification is necessary. Pitch also outlined steps that district teachers and staff should follow in various scenarios, such as when students get into physical altercations or when drug use is suspected or observed. “The officers are to be highly commended for putting together a most informative, timely and critical workshop that assisted our staff in being better prepared to deal with school violence,” said Superintendent Eva J. Demyen. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107831 Thu, 22 Sep 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107831 Make Sure Your Loved Ones Are Prepared https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107830 Fri, 16 Sep 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107830 Mumps Advisory https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107345 Tue, 13 Sep 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107345 New Turf Field Proudly Unveiled Deer Park held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the high school’s new turf field on Sept. 9, just prior to the start of the year’s first varsity football game against North Babylon. The installation of the turf project at Al Centamore Football Field, completed over the summer, was part of improvement projects included in the district’s $17 million Capital Bond Referendum approved last October. In attendance at the event were Superintendent Eva J. Demyen, Assistant Superintendents James Cummings and Marguerite Jimenez, Deer Park High School Principal Charles Cobb, and Athletic Director Dominick Fontana. Board of Education President John Gouskos and trustees Al Centamore and Keith Rooney were on hand to cut the ribbon and cheer on the Falcons. “I would like to thank the Deer Park administration and Board of Education for including the turf field on the bond agenda, and the entire Deer Park community for approving the bond,” said Fontana. “The field looks amazing and it will greatly benefit our athletic programs moving forward.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107346 Tue, 13 Sep 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107346 An Exciting Return to School The thrill of new schools and new friends – and returning to familiar hallways after a summer away – filled the buses, playgrounds and classrooms of the Deer Park School District on Sept. 7 as students poured happily into May Moore and John Quincy Adams primary schools, John F. Kennedy Intermediate School, Robert Frost Middle School, and Deer Park High School. “It seemed as if summer never happened as we were greeted with the familiar sounds of students learning and making new friends,” said Christopher Molinelli, the new principal of John Quincy Adams. “We were welcomed with the same smiles and hellos from students who were now a few inches taller. Students and staff had a wonderful start to an exciting new year.” “We were so thrilled to welcome all our new sixth-graders as well as our returning students,” said Robert Frost Principal Eliana Levey. “Everyone seemed truly excited to be back.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107344 Mon, 12 Sep 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107344 Fall 2016 Parenting Skills Workshop Series Click here for more information https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107342 Thu, 08 Sep 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107342 Deer Park Welcomes Eight New Administrators Deer Park welcomed eight administrators in new positions for the 2016-2017 school year, six of them promoted from within the district. Longtime high school Principal James Cummings is the new assistant superintendent for pupil personnel services, replacing the recently retired Frank Caliguiri. Cummings began his Deer Park career in 1997 as a business teacher at the high school, after four years in corporate sales for Cigna and MCI/Worldcom. He served as the school’s varsity track, winter track and cross-country coach from 1997-2002. He became an associate principal at Robert Frost Middle School in 2002, and principal of Robert Frost in 2006 and the high school in 2008. A Sayville resident, Cummings earned his bachelor’s degree in business management from SUNY Cortland in 1993, and master’s degrees in secondary education and administration from Dowling College. “Deer Park is a wonderful community,” said Cummings. “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as a teacher, coach, assistant principal and as a principal. I now look forward to serving the community in a greater capacity in my new role of assistant superintendent.” Dr. Christine Criscione, formerly the principal of John Quincy Adams, is the new district administrator for secondary curriculum and instruction, replacing Kim Skillen. Criscione is a 24-year veteran of public education. She started her career as a teacher and has worked in a variety of positions including AIS math teacher, staff developer, technology coordinator, assistant principal and principal. She joined Deer Park in 2009 to serve as principal of the Abraham Lincoln Alternative High School and UPK program. Upon its closure in 2013, she became the principal at JQA. The Queens native and Oakdale resident earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education at Queens College, a master’s degree in health education at Adelphi University, a professional diploma in administration and supervision from Queens College, and her doctorate in instructional leadership from St. John’s University, where she completed a fellowship instructing graduate students in educational technology. In addition to her position in Deer Park, Criscione teaches graduate courses at a variety of colleges and has been elected the chairperson of SAANYS Region 1. “I am extremely honored and excited about taking on the role of district administrator of secondary curriculum and instruction,” said Criscione. “Since coming to Deer Park, I have been able to serve as a principal of two buildings and it has been a pleasure to serve such a forward thinking district that truly cares for every one of its students. My goal is to provide collaborative, comprehensive support and assistance to school administrators, teachers and students in an effort to ensure that every student receives high quality instruction and has the opportunity to achieve their maximum learning potential on a daily basis.” Charles Cobb, formerly an associate principal at the middle school, was named the new principal of Deer Park High School. He previously was an administrator at Lindenhurst High School and a special education teacher at Division Avenue High School in Levittown. A resident of Port Jefferson, he earned his bachelor’s degree in elementary education at St. Joseph’s College and his master’s degree in special education at Long Island University, and took administration coursework at Dowling College. The new principal of John Quincy Adams Primary School is Christopher Molinelli, formerly an associate principal at the district’s two primary schools. He previously worked from 2005-2015 as a fourth- and first-grade teacher in Bay Shore, and before that as a teacher at North Shore, Manhasset and Merrick school districts. A resident of Wading River, he earned his bachelor’s degree in elementary education and mathematics from Houghton College; his master’s degree in mathematics, science and technology K-6 from Dowling College; and school building and school district leadership certificates from the College of Saint Rose. “To say that I am excited about my new role as principal of John Quincy Adams would be an understatement,” said Molinelli. “I am elated to work alongside this wonderful staff and supportive community with the goal of having each child reach their fullest potential. This school is already doing excellent work and I know that we can continue to promote our students to thrive academically and socially.” Philip Paniccia was named as an associate principal at Robert Frost Middle School. The Setauket resident previously worked as a teacher for 10 years in the Sayville School District and as principal of Sayville Summer School, following a 15-year career in financial service. A graduate of Sachem High School, he earned his bachelor’s degree in child study, master’s degree in liberal studies and advance graduate degree in educational leadership from St. Joseph’s in Patchogue and Stony Brook University. “I strongly hold the belief that we must work toward developing the whole child with an emphasis on recognizing the unique academic, social, and emotional needs of each student,” said Paniccia. Kelly Benson was named as an associate principal at John F. Kennedy Intermediate School, replacing Celeste Archer, who moved to become associate principal at the two primary schools. Benson previously worked as an elementary school teacher in the Sachem School District. Prior to teaching, she served as a New York City police officer for six years. A resident of Wading River, she earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Iona College, her master’s degree in elementary education from Dowling College, and her post-master’s advanced certificate in educational leadership from Stony Brook University. “I am looking forward to a great school year,” said Benson. “We have amazing students and an amazing staff. Together, we will make great things happen.” Michelle Kwon has been named as the district’s new curriculum associate for ELA, reading and library in grades 6-12, replacing Christine DiProperzio. An educator for 16 years and a certified administrator, she taught English in Deer Park’s middle school and high school for the last eight years. The East Northport resident previously worked as a middle school English and social studies teacher in Little Neck, Queens, and a high school English teacher and dean of English in West Palm Beach, Florida. Kwon earned her bachelor’s degree from St. John’s University and her master’s in curriculum and teaching from Columbia University Teachers College. “I am grateful to have the opportunity to continue working with my colleagues in a different capacity where we continue to support the needs of our students by also focusing on the needs of our educators,” said Kwon. James Henry is the district’s new curriculum associate for math and business in grades 6-12, replacing John Watson. Henry taught math at the high school for the previous 12 years, including algebra pre-calculus and pre-AP calculus, and served as a mentor to new teachers, lead teacher for Algebra Common Core and a member of the model classroom, as well as director of the high school’s winter play and musical, and as a class and National Honor Society adviser. The North Babylon resident earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics from St. Josephs College in Patchogue, his master’s degree in arts and liberal sciences at Stony Brook University, and this past May, his school building and school district leadership certificates from the College of Saint Rose. “I am really excited about the opportunity to work with my colleagues in a different capacity,” said Henry. “I hope to enhance the Common Core curriculum as well as teaching practices within the department. We offer so many courses and opportunities for student success at Robert Frost and the high school. My goal is to continue to assist teachers to use real-world applications to drive their instruction and motivate students so in turn we can raise student achievement.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107343 Thu, 08 Sep 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107343 Incoming Sixth-Graders Find New Goals at Orientation As summer came to a close, incoming sixth-graders at Robert Frost gathered for orientation day on Aug. 25. Helpful guidance counselors and members of Frost’s National Junior Honor Society worked with groups of the younger students, helping to give them a head start in their new school and learn what Frost has to offer. Incoming sixth-grader Allison Garcia came away from the orientation with a strong resolve to make new friends during the school year. Her friend Keziah Pierre-Louis also thought the orientation was fun and gave her new goals. “Robert Frost is a great school,” she said. “I want to try out for step squad and join clubs.” Another new student, Karly Haskins, said, “I was actually nervous at first, but when I saw my friends and the guidance counselors, I realized this is going to be the best year ever and I can’t wait to start.” “It was great to see the sixth-graders’ enthusiasm during the orientation,” added Associate Principal Gary Ramonetti. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108286 Wed, 31 Aug 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108286 Caputo Essay Recognized by Gilda’s Club High school student Julianna Caputo, a rising junior, was recently honored by Gilda’s Club New York City for an essay she submitted about her mother's recovery from cancer. The organization, founded in 1995 and named in tribute to actress Gilda Radner, who died of ovarian cancer in 1989, provides free support to people living with cancer and their families and friends. Although Julianna was not a finalist in the essay contest, her work was recognized at Gilda’s Club seventh annual teen essay contest reception, where she was awarded a certificate and four tickets to this year’s Summer Jam concert. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108285 Wed, 24 Aug 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108285 JFK Students Gain Experience with Train Trip Students in Heather Ciurleo’s life skills classes at JFK recently gained experience by taking the Long Island Rail Road from Babylon to Sayville. Many of the students had never been on a train before, but enjoyed purchasing tickets, waiting for the train and meeting a conductor, followed by lunch at a pizzeria after the train arrived in Sayville. Before the outing, Ciurleo created a social story about what to expect on the train, such as rules and the sights and sounds they might encounter. When the class arrived back at school, the students worked to answer questions about the trip, including what they saw, who they met, what they heard and what they ate for lunch. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108284 Wed, 24 Aug 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108284 Local Cub Scouts on Mineral Mission at High School Fourth-graders from Cub Scout Pack 86 recently visited Deer Park High School to work on a rock and mineral merit badge. The students conducted mineral experiments, similar to those in the school’searth science lab practical exam, and took home goodie bags for their collections. “It was very informative and interactive,” said Scout leader Carissa Scarfi. “Our boys really enjoyed it.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108077 Mon, 22 Aug 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108077 High School Grad Builds a ‘Buddy Bench’ for May Moore Richard Monsey, an Eagle Scout and June graduate of the high school’s Class of 2016, recently built and donated a “Buddy Bench” for the playground at May Moore. According to May Moore Principal Alicia Konecny, the project was suggested by Monsey’s mother, who worked for many years at the school’s cafeteria and supervised its students at recess. “We are so grateful to Richard for creating this beautiful bench,” said Konecny. “It’s a a terrific addition to our playground and a wonderful way for students to make friends and find a playmate at recess. It is nice to learn that a recent Deer Park graduate is giving back to his community and helping many children in the years to come, through the planning, building and installation of this project.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108078 Mon, 22 Aug 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108078 2016-2017 Committee Meeting Flier https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108076 Wed, 10 Aug 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108076 2016-2017 District Calendar and Directory Now Available https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108075 Tue, 09 Aug 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108075 Scout Cadettes Set Up Defibrillator Donation For their Silver Award project, three Girl Scout Cadettes from Deer Park’s Troop 982 – Danielle Izzo, Kimberly Lewanduski and Kelly Rennert – selected a project close to their hearts that would help save lives. They chose to sponsor a Heart Walk, an awareness-raising heart health event in order to purchase an AED defibrillator for the district’s athletic department. During the May 21 event, held at the John F. Kennedy Intermediate School field, the community came out in support, participating in an educational discussion on healthy eating and various exercises, and joining the three Cadettes in a half-mile walk to demonstrate how easy maintaining a healthy heart can be. The AED defibrillator was presented to Deer Park Athletic Director Dominick Fontana on June 21. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108073 Mon, 08 Aug 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108073 French School Reciprocates Students’ Gift of Friendship and Peace Last year, as a show of support after the Paris bombings, student government members at John F. Kennedy Intermediate created a French flag poster under the guidance of JFK art teachers Joanne Bibow-Buck and Laurie Schwartz and student government advisers Patty Katz and Deborah Smith. Signed by all JFK students, the poster was sent to the students of the Ecole d'Etroussat school in France, accompanied by a letter. In grateful response, the 53 students in the small French school recently sent a letter back to JFK, accompanied by a Picasso “Peace Dove” poster – formed with photos of students holding different world flags – as a symbol of friendship. The message from the French students, translated into English, included this statement: “We thank you profoundly for your magnificent show of solidarity; it touched us deeply. It is true that we live in a world that is sometimes brutal and it is up to us to build a more beautiful world. The dove by Picasso also symbolizes liberty. We wish that all children, wherever they are born, can be free to go to school, to live according to their religion in peace, to gain access to culture, to go to concerts, to sing, to dance...” “We share the heartfelt sentiment communicated by the students of the Etroussat school,” said Danielle Sheridan, a Deer Park district administrator. “All of our the teachers, staff and students were deeply touched by the students’ words and plan to continue the correspondence with them.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108074 Mon, 08 Aug 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108074 Parent Info - Zika Virus Click here for more information https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108072 Thu, 04 Aug 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108072 Patriot Club Drives Help Send Care Packages to Troops The high school’s Patriot Club recently supported Adopt-a-Battalion with donation drives, aiding the organization in its goal of sending care packages to U.S. service members serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait. The monthlong drive at the high school, augmented by a Saturday collection at Deer Park’s new ShopRite supermarket, helped obtain a generous amount of donations of items that are not available to troops serving in the Middle East, such as toiletries and snacks. The Patriot Club members then brought the donations in to Adopt-a-Battalion’s offices at the Knights of Columbus in Massapequa to help pack the items for mailing. They also donated $120 that was earned through an earlier “Hearts for Heroes” fundraiser and an additional $100 check earned through a Deer Park High School staff baby picture contest that was organized by secretary Kim Valenti. “The Deer Park community and students once again demonstrated their tremendous generosity and patriotism in support of this cause, and the administrators of Adopt-a-Battalion were very appreciative,” said teacher Laurie Osbern, the club’s adviser. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108070 Mon, 01 Aug 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108070 Deer Park Musicians Win Big at Music in the Parks Deer Park music students displayed their talent and hard work at this year’s Music in the Parks festival competitions in Pennsylvania, held in June. For the high school, the chamber orchestra, wind ensemble, guitar ensemble and women’s choir walked away with top honors at the Music in the Parks event held at Hersheypark. The chamber orchestra and women’s choir also received awards for best overall high school orchestra and chorus, and Destiny Parsons received a medal for outstanding performance by a soloist. The Robert Frost Middle School seventh- and eighth-grade band, performing under the direction of Michael Livorno, came in first place with an excellent rating at the Music in the Parks event at Dorney Park in Allentown. They also received the Esprit de Corps award, given to the group who effectively displays feelings of loyalty, enthusiasm and devotion to a group among people who are members of the ensemble. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108071 Mon, 01 Aug 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108071 BACCA Bonanza for ‘Plaza Suite’ The high school’s dramatic production of “Plaza Suite,” directed by James Henry, was named Outstanding Play by the Babylon Citizens Council on the Arts and three student actors won Teen Theatre Awards for their performances. This year’s BACCA awards were bestowed by the Teen Theatre Committee on June 6 at Five Towns College Performing Arts Center in Dix Hills. The three individual acting accolades went to Destiny Parsons for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play, Anthony Henkel for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Play, and Tori DiTomasso for Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Play. Also honored with nominations for their performances were Alex Lane for “Plaza Suite” and Joseph DeNoyior, Olivia Grizzle and Alec Winters for their work in the school’s musical, “The Wiz.” Deer Park also won BACCA awards for student directors, assistant directors and producers, including Jivensley Alexis, Rachel Bauer, Alleigha Brady, Sam Colon, Samantha Connolly, Ryan Connors, Alexandra Costanza, Erica DeLuca, Averi Lacoff, Tamara Robinson, Kayla Ruiz, Catherine Taipe and Alec Winters. Robert Frost Middle School students who participated as “Middle School Munchkins” in “The Wiz” received “Future Star” awards. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108068 Mon, 25 Jul 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108068 JFK Fourth-Graders Donate to Homeless Vets Fourth-graders in Lisa Baker’s class at JFK sold cookies to raise money for a shelter for homeless veterans. In lieu of their end of the year party, the students donated $107 to the shelter. The advisers from the high school’s Patriot and SADD clubs presented the JFK students with certificates of appreciation. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108069 Sun, 24 Jul 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108069 Covanta Contest Ceremony Honors JFK Trio JFK student-artists Isabella LaPuerta, Hanna Rau and Nicolette Troisi – all winners in the annual Covanta recycling poster contest – were recognized at a May 24 ceremony at the Covanta facilities in West Babylon, where they received trophies, certificates and prizes. Hanna Rau earned the grand prize in the grades 4-6 category, Isabella LaPuerta won first prize in the grades 1-3 category, and Nicolette Troisi won third prize in the grades 1-3 category. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108067 Tue, 19 Jul 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108067 Sophomores Learn Holocaust History from Survivor Approximately 75 high school sophomores in the global history classes of Laurie Osbern, Vanessa Whitney and Gina Zulkofske recently visited the Holocaust Resource Center in Manhasset to meet with Holocaust survivor Irving Roth. During the session, Roth shared his personal story of survival with the students, who were very moved by his family’s experiences before, during and after World War II. Many of the sophomores purchased copies of Roth’s 2004 book, “Bondi’s Brother,” which he autographed for them while taking the time to speak one on one and answer their questions about his life. While at the center, the students also toured the museum of artwork and artifacts and had the opportunity to hear individual digitally recorded stories paired with accompanying photos of victims of the Holocaust. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108066 Mon, 18 Jul 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108066 Audit Report In July 2016, the state comptroller's office released a report of its audit of the Deer Park School District. The report (covering the period from July 1, 2014 through December 31, 2015) was positive with no adverse findings. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108065 Fri, 15 Jul 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108065 2016 Summer Newsletter Now Available https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108064 Wed, 13 Jul 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108064 Fifth-Graders Dine and Dance to Celebrate Milestone In a final sendoff before starting a new school year in September at Robert Frost, fifth-graders at JFK celebrated their educational milestone with an outdoor barbecue picnic, replete with food donated by local restaurants, followed by a dance in the school gym. The June 17 event was provided courtesy of JFK’s Parent Faculty Club. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108062 Mon, 11 Jul 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108062 Phase I Bond Work Is Underway The district received approval from the State Education Department to begin Phase I projects during the summer months. The turf project has begun at the high school, with sod being ripped up in preparation for the new field. Also underway at the high school is the replacement of seating in the choral room. Roof projects at May Moore and JQA will begin this week, along with locker replacements at Robert Frost Middle School. The library enhancement at John F. Kennedy Intermediate School is slated to begin within the week. “We are very excited for these projects and are looking forward to seeing the transformations take place,” said Assistant Superintendent for Business and Operations Marguerite Jimenez. “The students will benefit greatly from these enhancements.” Thank you for your patience and understanding as we complete these projects. We will update you during the summer months, so please check back often. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108063 Mon, 11 Jul 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108063 High School’s ‘Frozen’ Freshmen Celebrate Summer To kick off the start of summer, the high school’s Class of 2019 threw a “Frozen in the Heat” fundraiser with local youngsters. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108061 Mon, 11 Jul 2016 03:00:00 GMT false108061 Seniors Display Sense of Pride at 2016 Commencement Proudly capping off their years of hard work and dedication in the district, the seniors of the Class of 2016 celebrated their graduation on June 24. One by one, students’ names were announced as they received their diplomas and congratulations from Board of Education members, curriculum associates, Superintendent Eva J. Demyen and Principal James Cummings, who is leaving the high school to become the district’s assistant superintendent for pupil personnel services. The ceremony began with the processional by members of the American Celtic Pipe Band, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, which was led by Student Council President Papri Basu, and the national anthem, performed by Alec Winters. Music was provided by the Deer Park High School Symphonic Band and the Ninth Grade Band under the direction of Jerry Cannarozzo. Imploring his fellow graduates to “relish the moment,” salutatorian Peter Demopoulos, the senior class president, said, “You spent the last four years of your life resetting the clock. We have reached the pinnacle of our education, yet this is only the beginning.” After senior vocalists performed the high school’s alma mater, valedictorian Kathryn Block addressed the Class of 2016. “So many of you have real-life experiences, and that’s what really matters,” Block said. “Life is not about the destination…it’s about the journey.” The guest commencement speaker was Cindy True, the valedictorian of the Class of 2006. She stressed that the graduates should take chances, saying, “My only life regrets came from the chances I did not take.” “Each of you rose to the occasion over the last four years,” Cummings said during his principal’s address. “I couldn’t be prouder of what you’ve accomplished. My challenge to you is to make a difference in the world. Ultimately, you’ll be judged by the friends you kept and the way you treated people. Always remember that.” The graduates moved their tassels and tossed their caps in the air as the high school phase of their educational adventure was completed. Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services Frank Caliguiri, retiring after 26 years in the district, shared some words at what was his final graduation. “As I sat down to write, there were so many things going through my head,” Caliguiri said. “When you think about it, we’re all going through the same thing…all entering a new phase in our lives. Never forget where you came from. Always have a sense of pride because you’re from Deer Park.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108058 Sat, 09 Jul 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108058 Spring Sports Celebration Honors Athletes Deer Park’s spring athletic awards honored nine high school teams and one middle school team in a celebration of the final sports achievements of the school year. During the ceremony, held at the high school’s auditorium during the June 21 Board of Education meeting, each student-athlete was given a certificate by Athletic Director Dominick Fontana and Superintendent Eva J. Demyen. Seven of the varsity teams – softball, girls lacrosse, boys golf, girls golf, boys tennis, boys track and girls track – earned Scholar/Athlete team recognition for their successful commitment to both athletics and academics. Teams awarded this honor by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association are required to have five players or more and earn a cumulative team GPA of 90 percent or higher. The boys varsity tennis team were League IV champions, with coach Anthony Tannacore named League IV Coach of the Year. The team featured All-Division athletes Kenneth Del Cid and David Mattessich; All-League players Kevin Chang, Salvatore Mule, Timothy Mulholland and Cagri Senlik; and League IV Sportsmanship Award winner Brandon Doogan. The varsity boys baseball team, led by All-Leaguers Connor Hewletter and Oliver Tavares; the varsity softball team, led by All-Leaguers Genevieve Ferguson and Antonia Santora and All-Division winner Victoria Fox; and the varsity boys lacrosse team, led by All-Division player Jarret Bonser; all received their leagues’ Sportsmanship Awards, as did the junior varsity softball squad and the boys and girls JV lacrosse teams. The varsity girls lacrosse team featured All-League athlete Kasey Dorney as well as Samantha Giroux, who was named to the All-Rookie team, and Kellee Washington, who won the Unsung Hero Award. Golfers earning All-League status were Nicholas Crocco of the boys varsity team and Julia Jablonski of the girls varsity. In track, individual honors for the boys went to Ryan Brooks (All-Division), Christopher Cox (All-Division, All-League), Nicholas Fenton (All-Division, All-League) and Michael Theiling (All-Division), while for the girls, high achievers included Lynne Gbadamosi (All-League), Jennifer Huynh (All-League), Alexandria Maniscalco (All-League) and Victoria Major (All-League, All-County) The Robert Frost Middle School softball team finished the season undefeated with a record of 9-0-1. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108060 Tue, 05 Jul 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108060 Legislator D’Amaro Honors JFK’s ‘Be Pool Smart’ Contestants Fourteen JFK students – Noel Berrios, Victoria Crowther, Matthew Cruz Jr., Bryeanna Desvignes, Eadie Liu, Kayla Ketcham, Calvin Nguyen, Oviya Omprakash, Kayleigh Pellicano, Nicholas Petrizzo, Haille Rizzo, Ethan Ronquillo, Carlos Rubiano and Stephanie Sheeler - were recognized by Suffolk County Legislator Lou D’Amaro for entering his “Be Pool Smart” poster contest. Omprakash was named the overall second place winner in the contest. “Thank you all for supporting both Oviya and our efforts to keep children safe in the water this year and always,” said D’Amaro, who made a personal visit to the school on June 14 to bestow certificates of distinguished achievement to each of the students, and a Legislative District 17 Pool Smart proclamation to Omprakash. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108059 Wed, 29 Jun 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108059 Moving Ups Mark Memorable Transitions for Elementaries Deer Park’s excited second-graders – 138 at John Quincy Adams and 170 at May Moore – enjoyed respective moving up ceremonies on June 14 and June 9, beginning the next step on their educational journeys as they ready themselves to take on new challenges at John F. Kennedy in September. “On that day, we celebrated all that students have accomplished and what they will accomplish in the future,” said JQA Principal Christine Criscione. “They have learned many things, made many friends and created memories that they will remember for a lifetime.” "This was a day to mark the efforts of our second-graders,” said Alicia Konecny. “It was a day that took three years for our students to reach, and we all could not be prouder of the growth and accomplishments of these boys and girls. They have lost some teeth along the way, but what they have gained is far more impressive. They have worked hard and had fun learning. They learned to work together as a team and treat each other with respect. It’s hard to believe that on Sept. 7, they will be third-graders and enter JFK. It will be a new experience, but we know they are prepared and ready to go. They are all exceptional students with a bright future.” Meanwhile, at JFK’s moving up ceremony on June 21, the school’s 278 fifth-graders proved they were ready to start their secondary education next autumn at Robert Frost. “The staff at JFK provided our students with a solid curriculum background and strategies in third, fourth and fifth grades in order to send them up to the middle school with the tools necessary to do well and achieve,” said JFK Principal Susan Bonner. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108056 Sun, 26 Jun 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108056 Middle Schoolers Move on Up to High School With their friends and family members in the crowd, eighth graders at Robert Frost Middle School in Deer Park celebrated during their moving up ceremony on June 22. Led by Dr. Eliana Levey, Frost’s principal, the students were called one-by-one to the podium to receive the certificates they had been working for three years to attain. “The middle school chapter could potentially be the most challenging,” Dr. Levey said. “I promised you that you’d end on a high note, and here we are tonight.” Student Council President Raymond Ugalde congratulated his fellow classmates on the momentous accomplishment, telling them that he looks forward to seeing what they all accomplish in the years to come. “We are known as the social media generation,” Ugalde said. “Everything we do or say has been posted online almost our whole lives. Even our parents are posting about us. We are labeled as the generation with our heads down looking at our phones. For as much as that might be true, I am here to remind everyone that we are much more than that.” Dr. Levey and Associate Principals Charles Cobb and Gary Ramonetti presented several awards throughout the program. Students stood up as their names were called, receiving well-deserved applause. Cobb was recently appointed to be the new principal at Deer Park High School, so he will be following the graduating class on the next step in their educational journey. “Three years ago, I got to call you the Robert Frost Class of 2016,” Cobb said. “From this point forward, I will refer to you as the Deer Park High School Class of 2020.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108057 Fri, 24 Jun 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108057 Superhero Mentor Visits JFK’s Fun Club As a community service project for his bar mitzvah, 11-year-old Aaron Bogart, the son of Deer Park teacher Jordana Bogart, recently appeared as a guest speaker at a meeting of JFK’s Fun Club, run by teacher Marie Tortorici. Bogart is helping to mentor the Fun Club students as they collaboratively create a superhero comic book. When published, proceeds from sales of the comic will benefit a charity for special needs children. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108055 Mon, 20 Jun 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108055 Dedicated Seniors Earn Over $75K in Scholarships The dedicated and hardworking leaders of the Class of 2016 earned more than $75,000 in scholarships at the high school’s annual Senior Awards, held in the auditorium on June 9. The awards, bestowed by teachers, administrators, local politicians and community members, served to honor a diverse array of student achievements, both in school and throughout the community. After a sterling performance by the high school’s jazz ensemble, led by director Jerry Cannarozzo, Student Council President Papri Basu led the assembled students, administrators and families in the Pledge of Allegiance. Destiny Parsons, an outstanding vocalist in the school’s theater programs, then sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.” As part of their recognition, the students received awards including certificates, checks, medals, plaques, proclamations and iPads. Three new student scholarships were debuted this year – the Suffolk County Police Department 1st Precinct Brotherhood Memorial Award, the Mid-Island Club Award and the Bill Borman Memorial Scholarship Award – and the alumni groups of the Classes of 1983, 1984 and 1995 again sponsored scholarships in a show of support for their alma mater. “These students have made Deer Park High School a better place through their dedication to their academics, athletics, activities and community service,” said Associate Principal Jeanne Kozlowsky. “Our administrative team is grateful to all the donors who make these scholarships possible for our students.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108054 Thu, 16 Jun 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108054 Fourth-Grader Designs Winning Bag for Stew Leonard’s Isabelle Hennessey, a fourth-grader at John F. Kennedy, was recently named one of two Long Island winners of the “Design a Bag” contest promoted by the Stew Leonard’s store in Farmingdale. Hennessey and several other JFK students who entered the contest were asked to create drawings that represented Stew Leonard’s “farm fresh produce.” The company chose two designs from entries they received from students across Long Island. Hennessey’s design will be printed on new reusable bags available for sale at Stew Leonard’s beginning in August, with proceeds from the sales of the bags to be used for Stew Leonard’s charitable donations on behalf of sick children. Hennessey and her family will also be invited to the Stew Leonard’s Farmingdale location, where she will be honored and gifted with one of the bags. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108053 Wed, 15 Jun 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108053 Deer Park UPK-RFP - June 2016 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108052 Tue, 14 Jun 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108052 Frost’s Fantastic Softball Team Finishes Unbeaten The softball team at Robert Frost Middle School, coached by Keri Schumacher, finished their spring 2016 season with an undefeated record. “I am so proud of how they all supported each other to do their best,” said Schumacher. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108050 Mon, 13 Jun 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108050 Meet the Class of 2016 Valedictorian and Salutatorian The valedictorian and salutatorian for the high school’s Class of 2016 are Kathryn Block and Peter Demopoulos, respectively. Block, an AP Scholar with Distinction, is a member of the school’s National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, World Language Honor Society, Varsity Leaders Club, HEAT Club, Chess Club and Math Team. She has been a member of the varsity girls swim team since she was a freshman, and is currently team captain, where she organizes team events and lineups. She has been involved in Girls Scouts since kindergarten, where she contributes to numerous charitable endeavors, and is working on her Gold Award. Demopoulos serves as president of the Class of 2016, National Honor Society and PEN Society, as well as editor in chief of the school newspaper and captain of the Academic Team. An AP Scholar with Honor, he is a member of Deer Park’s World Language Honor Society, Student Council and Newspaper Club. As a member of DECA, he was elected treasurer and earned fifth place in the state tournament. He is first chair bassist in the jazz ensemble, plays on the junior varsity gold team and volunteers with the local Knights of Columbus. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108051 Mon, 13 Jun 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108051 HS Ensemble Brings Jazz to Rock Hall The Deer Park High School Jazz Ensemble traveled to Cleveland, Ohio to play at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on May 26, and their performance was praised by both museum staff and visitors. The students and Director Jerry Cannarozzo toured the museum after their performance. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108049 Fri, 10 Jun 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108049 Middle Schoolers Offer Homemade Help for Soup Kitchen In a caring show of community service, Frost seventh-graders in the home and career class of Cindy Adriaenssens and Paula Behrens recently used their knowledge of nutrition and baking to make 40 loaves of homemade whole-grain-and-seed bread for The Mercy Inn Soup Kitchen at Trinity Church in Wyandanch. While honing their skills, the students strengthened a caring community by helping others, and contributed to better nutrition by preparing a healthier bread recipe. “I was happy to help,” said student Glen Hope, who helped bake, wrap and deliver the needed loaves. “I’m glad I learned baking and organization skills, so now I know how to help others in need.” The students are already looking forward to Mercy Inn’s request for future assistance in making rolls and desserts for the soup kitchen. “I am always proud of how our students always rise so enthusiastically to community service opportunities,” said Behrens. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108047 Wed, 08 Jun 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108047 SADD and Texas Roadhouse Team Up to Help Vets SADD club members at the high school raised $550 for Suffolk County veterans with an April 19 raffle held at the Texas Roadhouse in Deer Park. Ten percent of patrons’ food bills were also donated with the presentation of a special flier. The club, led by adviser Janet Werner, presented a check to the veterans on June 4. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108048 Wed, 08 Jun 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108048 Riviccio to Play Soccer for NYIT High school senior and soccer star Russell Riviccio signed a National Letter of Intent on June 3 to continue his athletic career next fall at the New York Institute of Technology in Old Westbury. He was accompanied by his proud parents and Athletic Director Dominick Fontana. He plans to major in either accounting or health and wellness. Riviccio, a center back who has earned All-League and Suffolk All-Star honors, chose NYIT’s Division II program after the university’s coach, Carlos Delcid, approached him during a tournament and expressed his wish for Riviccio to play for the Bears. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108046 Tue, 07 Jun 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108046 Touring the Amazon at May Moore’s Simulated Rainforest After studying the ecology and importance of rainforests, Pam Arcuri’s first-graders at May Moore turned their classroom into a simulated Amazon rainforest and invited families in to take an educational tour. Some of the children served as tour guides, while others were organized in groups around the classroom where they presented information on topics including general rainforest information, plants and animals that live in the Amazon, the importance of rainforests to the earth, and the dangers that rainforests are facing. The student groups created project boards, and each student prepared information to present to the visitors. The project also encouraged helping to save the rainforests, with laptops set up to enable visitors to sign petitions. Arcuri also collected $50 in donations for the World Wildlife Fund. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108045 Thu, 02 Jun 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108045 Honoring Military Moms at High School Tea The high school held its second annual Military Moms Tea on May 5. Students from school’s SADD club and Patriot Club provided refreshments and gifts for local mothers of students going into the military and those who already have students in the military. “It was a wonderful opportunity to share experiences and provide comfort,” said SADD adviser Janet Werner. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108044 Wed, 01 Jun 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108044 Feedback for the Future on Job Shadow Day For high school students looking for real feedback on possible careers, Job Shadow Day continues to provide an unparalleled opportunity to sample dozens of professions. Part of the career planning class, Deer Park’s job shadow program has been running for about a decade, and approximately 75 current students are eligible to participate in the program. According to business educator Annemarie Lenio, students spend three-quarters of the year preparing for their Job Shadow Day. This year, senior Joseph Thomas shadowed lead meteorologist Bill Korbel of News 12 Long Island. “This experience was amazing,” said Thomas. “I went down to the studio in Syosset and spent several hours on the set while they filmed. Bill showed me his news desk and how he updates the forecasts, films in front of a blue screen and reads off a teleprompter. Shadowing definitely allowed me to get an insight on what I might be doing for my career and life. Seeing it up close and firsthand was incredible.” Oliver Tavares, a junior, shadowed Jose Reyes, former shortstop for the New York Mets and current Colorado Rockies player, and was impressed with the athlete’s spirit and humble nature as well as his baseball insights. “I learned many things,” said Tavares. “Jose showed me the mental part of baseball, and told me that I need to learn to not listen to the critics and just be me. I was taught many physical things as well. He told me that when I get a ground ball, to have my feet moving and bring the ball to my stomach and release it quicker. This helps me because I will be better prepared for game play.” Freshman Jenna Piccinone shadowed a dermatologist, helping her finalize her decision to pursue the medical field. “This fascinating experience taught me more in-depth about dermatology,” Piccinone said. “I learned about how I should prepare for this kind of schooling, what courses I should participate in and about the everyday life of a dermatologist. I was able to witness different types of skin conditions like pre-cancerous and cancerous moles, cysts and eczema.” Sam Canonica, also a freshman, shadowed a middle school teacher, learning about the profession and courses that would be required. While serving as a teacher’s assistant, he participated in various class activities. “Job shadowing was great,” said Canonica. “It benefited me by teaching me that this is a possible career that I may want to pursue in the future. I witnessed and participated in what goes on during a normal day. Walking in the shoes of a teacher for a day was a cool experience.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108043 Tue, 31 May 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108043 Six Science Students from JFK Compete at Brookhaven Science Fair Six scientific students from JFK were winners in the school’s science fair, advancing to compete at the Brookhaven National Laboratory Elementary School Science Fair on May 7 against representatives from schools across Suffolk County. The JFK science winners were third-graders Cassidy Boltz and Aiden Magali, fourth-graders Ava Gutierrez and Mia Skoubas, and fifth-graders Alexis Adragna and Michelle D’Antonio. “I am so proud of all the students that had the curiosity and determination to ask a big question, conduct the research and reach an amazing conclusion,” said science lab coordinator Joyce Carmen. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108042 Fri, 27 May 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108042 Frost’s Band-Aid Project Celebrates Autism Acceptance Robert Frost student Kristin Schuster recently spearheaded the Band-Aid Project, helping to earn her Girl Scout Silver Award while helping her school celebrate autism awareness and acceptance. A total of 142 students took part in the event on March 23, wearing band-aids across their mouths for the duration of the school day, preventing them from speaking while still participating in all of their classes. In order to communicate, each of these students brought a writing instrument to school, and used whiteboard or paper and pencil to write out responses. At the end of the day, the students reported to the Frost cafeteria to remove their band-aids and share their experiences with the group. Working with teacher Tom Locasio and film students, Schuster then created a video presentation on the Band-Aid Project. The resulting film, edited and produced by Locasio, was shown in classrooms on May 6 to coincide with Frost’s first-ever Autism Acceptance Day. “This project was a labor of love for so many of us and Kristin made it easy,” said speech teacher Stephanie O’Connell. “She is truly a remarkable young woman.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108041 Wed, 25 May 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108041 STEAM Expo Showcases District Strengths https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108039 Tue, 24 May 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108039 Werner Named ‘Teacher of Excellence’ by State Sen. Boyle Janet Werner, a longtime educator at the high school, was recently named a Teacher of Excellence. This new award, created for National Teacher Appreciation Week, was sponsored by State Sen. Phil Boyle. Boyle hosted an inaugural Teachers of Excellence awards ceremony on May 5 at the Bay Shore Fire Department, honoring Werner and 14 other Long Island honorees that he called “our best and brightest teachers who deserve recognition for their dedication to preparing our children for the future.” She attended with her family. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108040 Tue, 24 May 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108040 Senior Scholarships Funded by 7-11’s Deer Park Donation On behalf of the Deer Park Booster Club, Athletic Director Dominick Fontana recently accepted a donation to the club from the local 7-11 on Long Island Avenue in Deer Park. The owner and field consultant of the business presented it to Fontana and the high school junior varsity lacrosse team on May 11. The money was donated through 7-11’s school and sports grant program, and will be used to fund two senior athletic scholarships. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108038 Mon, 23 May 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108038 Fabulous Field Day for JFK JFK enjoyed a fabulous field day this year, beginning with an opening ceremony on May 16, and that day's fifth-grade celebration. Two more days of fun followed, May 16 for the school's fourth-graders, and May 17 for the third grade. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108037 Fri, 20 May 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108037 Town of Babylon's Got Talent Rehearsal for the June 3rd, Town of Babylon's Got Talent is Monday, May 23, at the Edmund W. Miles Middle School from 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM. The Middle School is located at 501 Broadway (Route 110), Amityville. Personnel from both Music Idol USA and Copiague Community Cares will be present at the rehearsal. Tickets for the Finale can be purchased online and will also be on sale at the rehearsal and at the event: LIKE OUR EVENT PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/TOBGotTalent/ Purchase Ticket: http://www.copiaguecares.org/tobgottalent/ https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108036 Fri, 20 May 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108036 COMMUNITY SAFETY ALERT - MAY 19, 2016 We have been notified that on Tuesday, May 17th a RF student was being followed after getting off the afternoon bus. It is reported that at the bus stop of Skidmore Road and Sunburst Drive there was a black car that drove slowly behind the student as they walked towards home on Little Court. The same incident occurred one other time during the month. The police were notified immediately. Please take this opportunity to advise your children of the danger in talking to or getting near the cars of strangers. Always contact the police department to report any unusual attempt at contact with your children by strangers. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107567 Thu, 19 May 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107567 Bethpage Air Show https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107566 Wed, 18 May 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107566 Trio of Falcons Sign College Letters High school seniors Ayinde Briggs, Victoria Major and Adam Zimmerman signed National Letters of Intent on May 16 to continue their athletic careers in college next fall. They were congratulated by their proud families and Athletic Director Dominick Fontana. Briggs will play football at Malone University in Canton, Ohio this fall, where he plans to major in nursing. “I liked the vibe of the campus, and the way they treat their players,” he said about his selection of Malone. A well-rounded All-County athlete, Briggs was named MVP of the Falcons this season. Major will join the track team at Adelphi University in Garden City, where she plans to study social work and education. “The location was important, because I wanted to be close to my family,” Major said regarding her choice of Adelphi, also citing the school’s educational merits. Deer Park’s indomitable team captain, Major won the Suffolk County and Long Island high jump championships this year, and finished fourth in the state en route to an All-League and All-County season. Zimmerman will attend Webber International University in Babson Park, Florida on a bowling scholarship. He will major in sports management. “Webber was the school I thought I’d fit in the best with, and their bowling program is awesome,” Zimmerman said. Zimmerman’s remarkable career at Deer Park includes four state titles. This year, he won the high school singles championship at the Suffolk County Singles Doubles Tournament and Suffolk County and bowled 300 games on 10 occasions. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107564 Tue, 17 May 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107564 Competition Sparks Top Performances at Track Invitational Seventeen Long Island boys and girls teams competed at at the third annual co-ed Deer Park Falcons Track Invitational, hosted on May 14. Notable performances for Deer Park’s boys team included Nick Fenton, who won the 1,600-meter race, and senior Joe Curry, who finished third overall in the 400-meter intermediate hurdles. Both the 4x800-meter and 4x400-meter relay teams earned second place. For the girls team, captain Victoria Major won the high jump, Lynne Gbadamosi won the shot put throw, Anna Ranni won the 1,500-meter race walk, Ariel McDermott came in second in the 1,500-meter run and the 4x800-meter relay finished second overall. Daniel Claxton of Smithtown East jumped 6 feet 10 inches in the high jump, the best high jump in New York State for the entire spring 2016 season. “Both the boys and girls track teams made Deer Park proud today, not only in the way they peformed, but also in the way they represented themselves as the host program,” said Tom Brouillard, boys track and field coach. “Many Deer Park runners had season-best performances. This was complimented by some of the best competition in the state, as we saw with Daniel Claxton of Smithtown East in the high jump, for example. I am confident my girls team counterpart Jim Petti would agree that this was the most successful installment of our invitational yet.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107565 Tue, 17 May 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107565 'Frozen' at DPHS on June 10 Come and celebrate the start of summer with the Class of 2019 as we present a very cool way to beat the heat. You are cordially invited to join Elsa and Anna in Arendelle on June 10 at 6 p.m. Admission is $5. Children are encouraged to dress up as their favorite "Frozen" character. There will be a costume contest after the show and we will award prizes to the top three contestants. We also expect a few ROYAL guests to join us. See you there! https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107562 Mon, 16 May 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107562 Continuing French Traditions at Annual Dinner The annual French Dinner continues to be a Deer Park tradition and highlight for students in the district’s French language program from grades 6-12. Participating students and their families prepared and tasted dishes from Francophone areas around the world. This year’s dinner, held on April 29 at the Robert Frost cafeteria, was organized by teachers Kimberly Lecamus and Kari Schiano. Also in attendance was Nancy Wolman, a retired French teacher and president of the American Association of Teachers of French LI, who was recognized for organizing Deer Park’s first French Dinner more than 15 years ago. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107559 Sat, 14 May 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107559 Honoring Student Talent at Fine and Performing Arts Awards Deer Park honored outstanding student talent at the district’s annual fine and performing arts awards ceremony, held at the high school auditorium during the Board of Education meeting on April 19. As their proud families watched, Bradley Murphy, the district’s curriculum associate for fine and performing arts, and Superintendent Eva J. Demyen presented the attending artists and performers with certificates and congratulations. The musicians recognized included Joseph DeNoyior (NYSCAME All-County, All-State Mixed Chorus), Rebecca Fox (LISFA, SCMEA All-County Ensemble), Gianna Giffone (LISFA), Kalvin Guyer (NYSCAME All-County, All-State Orchestra, LISFA), Alaina Lin (LISFA, SCMEA Recorder Day), Jacie Matera (NYSCAME All-County), Ryder Min (LISFA, SCMEA Recorder Day), Michael Strenta (NYSCAME All-County, SCMEA All-County Jazz Ensemble), Catherine Wilkonski (LISFA) and Alec Winters (NYSCAME All-County, All-State Mixed Chorus). Other SCMEA All-County Ensemble members honored were Valerie Alfaro, Megan Bush, Makenzie Caldone-Koury, Katherine Cho, Isabella Coon, Alexandria Costanza, Carolyn Do, Sara Felipe, Isabella Giglio, Kylie Kuhn, Josephine LoGrande, Nolan Maggio, Alia Naqvi, Christina Russell, Emanuel Saladino, Kailey Tenn and Michelle Xuan. Other students recognized for participating in SCMEA Recorder Day were Giana Giffone, Erica Hughes, Paulina LoGrande, Sarah Naqvi, Dimitra Pavlatos, Damian Saladino, Gianna Sanchez, Theresa Tiernan, Angelina Winters and Megan Zhang. Students who attended the New York State Theatre Education Association Conference were honored, including DeNoyior and Winters as well as Alleigha Brady, Samantha Colon, Tori DiTomasso, Anthony Henkel, Averi Lacoff, Alexandra Lane, Nolan Maggio, Jasmine Martin, Destiny Parsons, Danny Saturne, Bianca Taipe and Alejandro Villa-Vasquez. Visual artists who were honored for their achievements included Regina Ambrosio (Babylon Hispanic Heritage Festival, LIU-Post Advanced Visions, Long Island’s Best at Heckscher Museum), Peighton Steiger (Colors of Long Island), Sean Thiesen (Colors of Long Island), Alex Troisi (LIU-Post Advanced Visions) and Jaelyn Voigt (Long Island’s Best at Heckscher Museum). Also honored were participants in the SCALA art show, including Ambrosio and Graceann Almonte, Milton Ayala, Santos Barahona, Kristina Console, Gianna DelVecchio, Brianna Edouard, Oswald Greene, Maria Mitac, Kristina Kerr, Grace Oliveri, Adithan Omprakash, Alejandro Pino, Anthony Schiaffo, Taylor Sinclair, Emily Smith and Victoria Wheby. Lastly, the district recognized student helpers from the high school’s Art and Literary Club, including Regina Ambrosio, Renee Ambrosio, Victoria Clark, Andres Colon, Megan Hammond, Karsten Scoggin and Troisi. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107560 Fri, 13 May 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107560 JFK Fun Club Cheers on Frost Softball Squad In an inter-school show of support, the JFK Fun Club, directed by Marie Tortorici, came out to cheer on the Robert Frost softball team, coached by Keri Schumacher. The May 10 home contest ended in a 1-1 tie against Bay Shore Middle School. “Everyone enjoyed watching an amazing game,” said Schumacher. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107561 Fri, 13 May 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107561 Deer Park’s Debut at the Special Olympics Three young student-athletes from Deer Park – senior Bryan Guerriero and freshman Christopher DiDomenico from the high school, and Robert Frost seventh-grader Reyna Williams – participated in the Special Olympics Long Island Spring Games North, held May 1 at Walt Whitman High School in Huntington. All three students competed in the softball throw event, marking Deer Park’s first time in the Special Olympics. “It was an honor to witness the talents of our amazing students in a forum that has never been possible before,” said Board of Education Vice President Donna Marie Elliott. “We are all looking forward to seeing our team grow, and to possibly one day host a Special Olympics event here in Deer Park.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108174 Tue, 10 May 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108174 Deer Park Duo Displayed Among ‘Long Island’s Best’ Two accomplished young artists from the high school, Regina Ambrosio and Jaelyn Voigt, were among an elite group of only 83 Nassau and Suffolk students selected for the 20th annual “Long Island’s Best: Young Artists at the Heckscher Museum” gallery show. The seniors’ work was chosen from 357 submissions received by the Heckscher from 53 Long Island public and private schools. It was the first time Deer Park had earned two Long Island’s Best selections. Ambrosio and Voigt, along with their families and art teacher Derek Mainhart, attended an April 6 opening reception and awards ceremony at the Heckscher. Long Island’s Best, a comprehensive arts-in-education program which integrates Huntington’s Heckscher Museum and Nassau and Suffolk high school art classrooms, serves to encourage student-artists to find inspiration in works on display at the museum, using the experience to create their own original works of art. This process ends with a juried exhibition, the only one on Long Island providing high school students a chance to have their artwork displayed in an art museum. “This was a fantastic art show,” said Bradley Murphy, the district’s curriculum associate for fine and performing arts.. “It was so nice to witness such an incredible turnout for a truly amazing set of students.” Ambrosio’s piece, “Flora of the Feminine Figure,” which she created in Mainhart’s Advanced Placement studio in art class, won the event’s Donald & Gloria Horn Scholarship Award. A mixed media melding of botanical structures and the female form, it was inspired by Michelle Stuart’s 1989 work “Voyage to the South Seas: Flora Australis.” “The show was an incredible learning experience and a wonderful memory,” said Ambrosio. “Seeing the other pieces that my peers across Long Island created that were inspired by pieces on display in the museum was fascinating.” Voigt noted that taking Mainhart’s AP class this year pushed her outside of her comfort zone, enabling her to create abstract pieces such as mixed media effort “Emotional Trash,” which was inspired by Francine Tint’s 1999 work “Cloud Nine.” “I had a great experience at the Heckscher Museum,” Voigt said. “I felt so incredibly honored to have my piece chosen to be on display, and my family and I had a lot of fun.” “There’s nothing more gratifying than seeing my students’ talent and hard work recognized,” said Mainhart. “I couldn’t be prouder of Jaelyn and Regina. Long Island’s Best is an inspiring event every year, and Deer Park has been represented three years in a row. I look forward to next year.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108173 Fri, 06 May 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108173 Mosquitoes and the Zika Virus https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108171 Fri, 06 May 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108171 Class of 2019 Car Wash The freshman Class of 2016 will hold a car wash fundraiser on Saturday, May 14 at JFK from 9 a.m. until noon. The cost will be $8 dollars per car. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108172 Fri, 06 May 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108172 JFK Artists Use Effective Poster Designs to Win Covanta Contest Three young artists at JFK were recently recognized as prizewinners in the annual Covanta recycling poster contest, whose theme this year was encouraging people to recycle. In the grades 1-3 category, Isabella LaPuerta won first place and Nicolette Troisi won third, while Hanna Rau earned the grand prize in the grades 4-6 category. “In art class, we talked about effective poster design, and then the kids completed the posters on their own,” said teacher Laurie Schwartz. The winning JFK trio will be honored with trophies, certificates and prizes at a May 24 ceremony at the Covanta factory. The school also received a $1,000 Barnes and Noble gift card as a prize for its students’ artistic achievement. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108169 Thu, 05 May 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108169 Orchestra Students Get ‘Up Close’ to Manhattan Musicians The high school's chamber orchestra and AP music theory students attended an April 7 concert presented by the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center in New York City. The students were treated to “Music Up Close,” a special working rehearsal. “Our students were able to interact with the CMS musicians and listen to an extraordinary performance by some of the finest chamber musicians from around the world,” said Deer Park music teacher Kathryn Attard. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108170 Thu, 05 May 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108170 STE@M Expo https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108168 Wed, 04 May 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108168 Deer Park’s Arts Shine with Another Best Music Designation Deer Park has once again been awarded with a Best Communities for Music Education designation by the NAMM Foundation, honoring the district’s strong commitment to music education. The annual survey, now in its 17th year, highlights school districts which place exceptional emphasis on maintaining music education as part of the schools’ core curriculum and highlights music’s crucial role in students’ academic skills and success. The BCME’s Best Communities award is decided on a variety of metrics reviewed by the University of Kansas-affiliated Institute for Educational Research and Public Service, including student enrollment in music courses, Advanced Placement or honors weighted music courses offered, the number of minutes per week devoted to both classroom music and performing ensembles, and the appropriate districtwide staffing of certified music teachers. “We are proud that NAMM has named us again to the Best Community for Music Education program, as it recognizes outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students, community organizations and community leaders who work together to assure access to music learning for all students as part of the school curriculum,” said Bradley Murphy, the district’s curriculum associate for fine and performing arts. “It is through the diligent work ethic and talent of these parties that Deer Park continues to shine in the arts.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107698 Tue, 03 May 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107698 Town of Babylon Earth Day Celebration https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108167 Tue, 03 May 2016 04:00:00 GMT false108167 Cleaning Roman Coins with Frost’s Young Archaeologists Students in Peter Colletti’s sixth-grade social studies class at Deer Park’s Robert Frost Middle School recently enjoyed the unique experience of working as archeologists for a week in researching how ancient coins are cleaned. After conducting research, the middle schoolers wrote papers explaining the information they found. They were then invited to come after school, brushes in hand, and clean ancient Roman coins dating back 2,000 years. “Mr. Colletti often brings his love of history to the classroom through ancient artifacts,” said Heather Stewart, Deer Park’s curriculum associate for social studies and FACS. “As they cleaned their coins, the students expressed excitement in learning more about the values of early civilization, and one student was thrilled to uncover the Roman Coliseum on her coin.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107697 Mon, 02 May 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107697 SADD Students Volunteer at Deer Park Community Center On a monthly basis, members of the high school’s SADD club volunteer their time after school to work with grade school and middle school students at the Deer Park Community Center, engaging the younger students in different activities including volleyball, basketball, board games, and arts and crafts. “Our SADD club members look forward to the first Friday of every month,” said adviser Janet Werner. “Several graduating seniors especially love their time here as they plan on majoring in education or early childhood development.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107696 Sat, 30 Apr 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107696 Teddy Tale Takes Over Primary Schools Author Kathleen Bart recently visited both of the district’s primary schools for presentations on her 2005 book “A Tale of Two Teddies.” Students at JQA and May Moore were excited to hear Bart speak as they debated where the first teddy bear was created. The children were also given an opportunity to create their own teddy bear drawings, and were encouraged to create their own teddy bear story. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107695 Thu, 28 Apr 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107695 Free Park Access https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107693 Wed, 27 Apr 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107693 Recognizing Winter Athletes at April Ceremony Recognizing the memorable achievements of its students, the high school’s winter athletic awards honored eight sports teams in a ceremony at the high school auditorium during the Board of Education meeting on April 19. Athletic Director Dominick Fontana and Superintendent Eva J. Demyen presented each student-athlete with a certificate in front of their proud families. Six of these sports – varsity boys basketball, varsity girls basketball, varsity boys swimming and diving, varsity girls track, varsity boys track, and kickline – earned Scholar/Athlete team recognition for their successful commitment to both athletics and academics. Teams awarded this honor by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association are required to have five players or more and earn a cumulative team GPA of 90 percent or higher. The varsity boys basketball team qualified for the Class AA playoffs, with individual honors going to Brett Talbert (Academic All-County), Darien Jenkins (All-County), Princeton Louis (All-League), Donnell Louissaint (All-Conference) and Joshua Pismeny (All-League, Unsung Hero Award), while the varsity girls basketball team was led by Antanasia Chambers, who earned All-Conference status. High achievers on the varsity wrestling squad included state champion Thomas Cox (All-League, All-County, All-State) as well as Christian Birdsall (All-League), Kenneth Cooper (All-League), Justin Perez (All-League) and Preston Maucere (All-League, All-County). The varsity boys swimming and diving team earned the league’s Sportsmanship Award, along with individual All-League honors for Michael Charumaneeroj, Dylan Cornelia (who also broke a school record in the 100-meter breast stroke), Colin Reilly, Nicholas Trnka and Benjamin Wilkonski. All-League winners Nailah Edmead and Victoria Major led the varsity girls track team, with Major also finishing fourth in the state in high jump and setting a school record en route to All-County and All-State honors. Major was presented with a commemorative framed jersey, signed by the team and coaches Jim Petti and Kevin Marner. The varsity boys track team yielded seven All-League winners: Ryan Brown, Christopher Cox, Joseph Curry, Alex Delassalle, Nicholas Fenton, Alvin Sime and Michael Theiling. Varsity bowling featured Joseph Thomas, who won an SCBCA Award for having a 200-plus average, and Adam Zimmerman, who won the Suffolk County Individual Bowling Tournament, earned All-State status as a member of the Section XI state championship team, and recorded a 241.8 season average, the highest among all Suffolk County bowlers. The varsity kickline squad finished second in kick and third in the open competition at the Nationals Tournament, and secnd in the open competition and first in both kick and pom categories at the LIKA Championships. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107694 Wed, 27 Apr 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107694 JQA Students Recycle Tired T-Shirts into Beautiful Bags Students in first-grade classes at John Quincy Adams were inspired to help save the earth after being told by teachers Kim Alexander and Laura Gerstenhaber that the Suffolk County Legislature might consider passing a law to ban plastic bags. In advance of Earth Day, the first-graders created recycled shopping bags out of their own old T-shirts during an April 20 session. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107691 Mon, 25 Apr 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107691 Junior Takes 16th in Elite National Track Competition With an outstanding time of 1:57, junior Nick Fenton placed fifth in his race and 16th overall in the boys 800-meter Emerging Elite event at the 2016 New Balance National Indoor track competition, held March 11 at the New Balance Track & Field Center at The Armory in New York City. Fenton ran against athletes from all over the country, including Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee, as well as Canada. It was the first time since Joe Parks in 2006 that a Deer Park runner qualified for and competed in the national championship meet. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107690 Mon, 25 Apr 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107690 Champions Display Character and Compassion Eighteen outstanding high school students were recognized by teachers and administrators at the spring Breakfast for Champions ceremony, held in the school library on April 14. At the event, awarded biannually each fall and spring, student champions were selected by each of the school’s departments, as were three additional champions chosen by principals and a teacher. All received plaques and words of praise from their sponsor. The school’s string ensemble provided an accompanying serenade. Breakfast for Champions honorees for spring 2016, were Lindsay Asseng (family and consumer science), Dezhane Burgess (Teacher’s Award), Victoria Castillo (English as a new language), Michelle Ciccone (English language arts), Thomas Cox (athletics), Nicholas DiModica (business), Brandon Doogan (technology), Kayla Griffin (social studies), Amanda Lee (Associate Principal’s Award), Donnell Louissaint (guidance), Louise Matura (art), Jase McDermott (physical education), Thomas Nacchia (health), Stephanie Perdikos (science), Doriana Ribaudo (math), Roger Singh (world language), Kailey Tenn (performing arts) and Alec Winters (Principal’s Award). “Breakfast for Champions provides our staff the chance to recognize students who demonstrate excellent daily conduct and character, display compassion, and work to achieve their personal best inside and outside the classroom,” said Jeanne Kozlowsky, the school’s associate principal of curriculum. “Congratulations to these student champions, we are all very proud of you.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107689 Fri, 22 Apr 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107689 Budget Newsletter Now Available https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107688 Fri, 22 Apr 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107688 Snazzy Socks Celebrate Down Syndrome Day at JFK Honoring a classmate’s sister, who has Down syndrome, students in Debra Wasp’s third-grade class at Deer Park’s John F. Kennedy Intermediate School wore “crazy socks” on March 21 to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107685 Thu, 21 Apr 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107685 Stellar Senior Strenta Is Deer Park’s Jazz Man High school star musician Michael Strenta was invited to perform on tenor saxophone at the annual SCMEA Day of Jazz, held at Centereach High School on Feb. 6. Strenta, a senior, is an exceptionally gifted musician and multi-instrumentalist. He currently serves as principal alto saxophonist for Deer Park’s wind ensemble, lead tenor saxophonist in the school’s jazz ensemble, field captain for the school’s Marching Falcons marching band, and as a featured soloist for the Deer Park band’s performances at Disney World in Orlando, Florida and Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. He has also performed in the pit orchestra for the high school’s musical productions for the last three years. Strenta has participated in the New York State School Music Association solo competition on both alto saxophone and piano, consistently earning the highest scores possible. He has also participated in Jazz NYSSMA and recently auditioned for and was awarded a slot in the Suffolk County Music Educators Association’s All-County Jazz Orchestra. He was also selected for this year’s New York State Council of Administrators of Music Education All-County Symphonic Band. “Michael is an extremely accomplished and versatile student-musician,” said Bradley Murphy, the district’s curriculum associate for fine and performing arts. “We are all incredibly proud of him for his accomplishments through the art form we call jazz.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107687 Wed, 20 Apr 2016 12:00:00 GMT false107687 SADD Provides Inspirational Lift for Library Conscientious students in the high school’s SADD club wanted to spruce up the school’s library, so they used words from their club T-shirts to make signs with inspirational and uplifting words. According to SADD adviser Janet Werner, students and staff alike were pleased with the new look. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107686 Wed, 20 Apr 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107686 Society’s 73 Students Inducted at Frost The National Junior Honor Society at Robert Frost inducted 18 new eighth-grade members and 55 new seventh-grade members in March 21. The annual ceremony also honored the organization’s current members for their work this year, and each eighth-grade member received the medals that they will wear at their moving up ceremony in June. The new eighth-grade NJHS inductees were Anthony Aiello, Huda Ameen, Alexis Bell, Nicole Bilello, Emily DeStefano, Sabrina Felipe, Kathleen Getchius, Dana Laissle, Mackenzie Lefebvre, Brennan Miller, Michael Pearlstein, Kelly Rennert, Alyssa Robb, Kristin Schuster, Kelly Schwab, Trevor Sheehan, Alexa Skoubas and Jennifer Wern. The new seventh-grade NJHS inductees were Alexa Arbore, Daniel Bartolomei, Alexa Belotti, Daniella Belotti, Ciara Boltz, Kayla Bode, Ernest Cairo, Grace Canonica, Julia Catanzano, Steven Cayea, Ushima Chowdhury, Louis Colace, Isabella Coon, Sophia Coon, Connor Costanza, Natalie D’Alimonte, Michael D’Amato, Nicholas DeNoyior, Samantha DeSantis, Brendon Eising, Gianna Giffone, Sophie Giles, Maggie Greene, Matthew Heinen, James Hope, Kaitlyn Incandela, Christian Jean-Pierre, Christopher Joyce, Thomas Joyce, Taylor Korsiak, Camryn Lefebvre, Elizabeth Legname, Jessica Mare,Madison Mattera, Grace Maxaner, Conor McArdle, Jordan Minerva, Victoria Mung, Bushra Mussarat, Alia Naqvi, Huda Nawaz, Patrick Oswald, Hannah Petersen, Samantha Petrizzo, Kathleen Plitt, Robert Punger, Michael Rebelo, Katrina Rivera, Kimberly Robles, Ray Tobaru, Antonina Ugalde, Amanda Vasile-Cozzo, Don Vento, Rebecca Warkenthien and Esteysy Yanes Amaya. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107681 Mon, 18 Apr 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107681 High Schoolers Ring in the New-trition at May Moore High school students in the child development program visited May Moore on March 21 to deliver a lesson on making healthy food choices for National Nutrition Month. The high schoolers prepared a tasty yogurt parfait with the May Moore classes, giving the younger students a chance to experiment with healthy foods that they may not have tasted before. “It was rewarding to see our high school students interact and teach the lessons they have learned about healthy eating and making good choices to the youngsters in our district,” said Heather Stewart, the district’s curriculum associate for family and consumer science and social studies. “The real-world application of learning provided a rich experience for all our students. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107684 Thu, 14 Apr 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107684 May Moore Second-Graders Draw Big Crowds for Amazing ‘Annie’ The district’s youngest student actors spent six months rehearsing for the May Moore production of “Annie,” presented in the school’s gymnasium. The 44 second-graders involved in the musical put on two shows for their schoolmates on April 7, then wowed enthusiastic audiences of close to 200 people for two April 8 evening performances. Set in 1933, “Annie” is an adaptation of the acclaimed 1977 Broadway musical written by Martin Charnin, Thomas Meehan and Charles Strouse. The original Broadway production, which won the Tony Award for Best Musical, was itself adapted from the “Little Orphan Annie” comic strip originated in 1924 by Harold Gray. The cast included Kendall Lopez as Annie, Olivia Corrado as Molly, Jaidyn Schabe as Pepper, Madelise Rosa as Duffy, Kayla Tyson as July, Rebeckah Garrow as Tessie, Alexis Borowski as Kate, Gabriella Mongelli as Miss Hannigan, Jack Hayden as Bundles, Madison Griffin as Apple Seller, Olivia Russo as Sandy, Charles Offiah as Lt. Ward, Aaron Smith as Rooster Hannigan, Kayla Cruz as Lily St. Regis, Johnny Holland as Oliver Warbucks, Nicola Cespe as Drake, Delaney Whatley as Star-to-be, Arianna Diaz as Usherette, William Fox as Bert Healy, Dillon Jefferies as Pres. Roosevelt and Shahidul Azam as Louis Howe. “These children were so enthusiastic and motivated for anything I asked them to do,” said director Kristen Lombardo. “We had so much support from the staff and parents, and I couldn't have done it without my assistant director, teaching assistant Jeremy Smith, who volunteered his time.” The impressive sets for the musical were designed by May Moore’s new art teachers, Briana Nussbaum and Michele Sarco. Cheryl Lema served as stage manager. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107682 Tue, 12 Apr 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107682 Two DECA Duos Earn State Trophies A total of 36 high school students in the DECA club competed in the DECA State Career Conference in upstate Rochester from March 8-11, the highest number of participants in this event in the school’s history. Battling against 2,000 of the state’s best business students, four Deer Park representatives – Peter Demopoulos, Nick DiModica, Joe Sanchez and John Santare – earned trophies and a chance to compete at the International Career Development Conference in Nashville, Tennessee at the end of April. The team of Demopoulos and Sanchez won a first-place trophy in the marketing communications category, while DECA co-captains DiModica and Santare came in fifth in financial services. Also finishing in the top 10 of various categories at the conference were Ashley Ahmad, Jack Borah, Ryan Byrne, Kevin Chang, Nick Gallo, Kayla Griffin, Tajriana Haque, Glenn Hope, Joewin James, Kristina Kozakevitch, Lauren Lazarte, Stephen Lew, Michael Mieses, Malique Papailler, Sarah Qasir, Martin Salgado, Dan Sebok, Andrew Siford, Bianca Taipe, Joe Thomas and Vincent Verdile. “What can I say, it was just another outstanding display from Deer Park’s DECA members,” said business teacher and DECA adviser Gregory Menig. “To have 70 percent of our attendees earn a medal or trophy for their performance was just tremendous. As for our national qualifiers, I’m thrilled that John and Nick’s hard work finally paid off with a trip to nationals in their senior year. The continued success of Pete and Joe, earning first place in the state and a second consecutive trip to nationals, puts them in very exclusive company in the history of Deer Park DECA. I am excited to see how the guys stack up against some of the world’s brightest business students in Nashville later this month.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107683 Mon, 11 Apr 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107683 Deer Park Displays Theater Talent with Wonderful ‘Wiz’ After arduous rehearsals stretching back to January, high school student actors and director James Henry brought the musical “The Wiz” to life in three vibrant performances on March 17, 18 and 19. “The Wiz,” a beloved Broadway gem telling the timeless tale of Dorothy’s adventures through the Land of Oz, infuses L. Frank Baum’s “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” with a dazzling mix of rock, gospel and soul music. Written by Charlie Smalls and William F. Brown, the 1975 Broadway production won seven Tony Awards and was adapted into a 1978 film. Starring in Deer Park’s powerful production were Alec Winters as the Wiz, Destiny Parsons as Dorothy, Allie Costanza as Glinda, Averi Lacoff as Scarecrow, Joseph DeNoyior as Tinman, Kenneth Del Cid as Lion, Alexandra Lane as Aunt Em, Samantha Colon as Addaperle and Olivia Grizzle as Evilene. Scott Abrams served as musical director and lighting designer, Catherine Lubrano as assistant director, Kristen Wallace as choreographer, Catherine Thompson as sound designer, and Kyle McCourt as set designer. The colorful playbill was created by student director Anthony Henkel. “This was the 12th musical I have directed and I was so excited to put this show on again,” said Henry. “I previously directed this show back in 2006 when it was only my second year of teaching and directing, so it was nice to direct it with more experience under my belt. The students we work with are so talented and make it fun to be at rehearsal with them.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107680 Fri, 08 Apr 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107680 Citizen Preparedness Corps Training Program https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107678 Thu, 07 Apr 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107678 Heroin and Prescription Drug Abuse: What Parents Need to Know - Presentation on May 3 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107679 Thu, 07 Apr 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107679 Five from Deer Park Win SCOPE Awards At the March 22 Board of Education meeting, five SCOPE Awards for Excellence winners were recognized: district office non-instructional aide Danielle Aiken (in the Support Staff category), Board trustee Al Centamore (School Board Service), JFK Associate Principal Shaun McLeod (Administrator Service) and high school science teacher Janet Werner (Teacher Service), as well as Community Service award winner and Texas Roadhouse owner Tony Martinez, who supports numerous school activities and provides gift certificates for the district’s Students of the Month. Certificates of appreciation were presented to the honorees by Superintendent of Schools Eva J. Demyen. They were previously recognized at the annual SCOPE awards dinner held on March 14. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107677 Wed, 06 Apr 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107677 Harlem Wizards Trick-Hoops & Alley-Oops! https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107676 Tue, 05 Apr 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107676 Homework Helpers Expands at JFK The district’s English as a New Language program – formerly known as ESL, or English as a Second Language – features several support programs, now in place for students and their families, including the ENL Homework Helpers Club. In this new offering, an elementary/ENL-certified teacher in the ENL program provides support for ENL students in grades 3-5 at John F. Kennedy Intermediate School, as a complement to the long-standing Study Buddy program for grades K-5. According to Gina Palasciano, the district’s curriculum associate for world languages and ENL, the Homework Helpers Club began as a trial in January 2015 and was so successful that it was expanded to run every Wednesday after school from October through May. Homework Helpers support is also available for Deer Park’s English language learners at both the high school and middle school. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107673 Mon, 04 Apr 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107673 Mighty Metalworking Returns to Deer Park High New technology courses at the high school are serving to take college and career readiness to a new level, providing cutting-edge skills that can lead to valuable jobs in various trades. This revitalization of tech offerings includes the return of the metals class, taught by newcomer Jeremy Ferrara, necessitating investment classroom infrastructure so that the metal shop can function to its fullest potential. In his plans for expansion, Jachan Watkis, the district’s new curriculum associate for science and technology, brought in Ferrara. “Jeremy came in with a passion for and sense of technology education beyond traditional pathways, putting computer software into practical use,” said Watkis. Metals I is an introductory course in metalworking, including concepts such as sheet metal layouts, sheet metal designs, sheet metal forming, basic machining, measuring techniques, spot welding, metal joining procedures, metal properties and metal separating procedures. It also includes identification of materials, the operation and role of tools, important safety practices, and an exploration of careers in metalworking. “It’s a project-based course in which students design, engineer and construct projects with emphasis on the subject of math, science and technology,” said Ferrara, who also teaches robotics, CAD and World of Technology. “Students should leave this class feeling confident in entry-level sheet metal fabrication. The ultimate goal is to build self-confidence, self-sufficiency and accountability, which will prepare students for their post-high school lives.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107674 Mon, 04 Apr 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107674 Seniors Bring Language Exploration to JQA In recognition of National Foreign Language Week in March, seniors at the high school studying Spanish, Italian and French participated in the district’s annual World Language Exploration Day celebration at John Quincy Adams. The high schoolers prepared lessons, songs and activities in all three of their studied world languages for their elementary friends, giving the younger students an opportunity to explore languages for their future educational careers. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107675 Mon, 04 Apr 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107675 JFK Variety Show Was a Real ‘Thriller’ The annual variety show at JFK proved a real “thriller” this year, culminating in a special surprise performance by administrators and staff. The Feb. 26 event, organized by fourth-grade teacher Melissa Price and teaching assistants Donna Arena and Sue Wright, featured students showing off their multifaceted talents in everything from music, dance, cheerleading and gymnastics, to magic acts, comedy and hula hooping. For the finale, the zombie-costumed staff performed the classic Michael Jackson song “Thriller,” as choreographed by staff member CarolAnn Gaona during the weeks prior to the show. “The students loved the closing act of the show as it was a total surprise,” said Principal Susan Bonner. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107672 Thu, 31 Mar 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107672 Commendable ‘Colors’ at May Moore Works of art by two May Moore students were selected for exhibition in the 80th annual “Colors of Long Island: Student Expressions” show, displayed through May 1 at the Long Island Museum in Stony Brook. The students – kindergartner Peighton Steiger and second-grader Sean Thiesen – were thrilled to be included in the exhibition. Along with their proud families, they attended a special artists’ reception at the museum on March 13. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107671 Wed, 30 Mar 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107671 Frost Five Take on Pi at Suffolk MoMathlon Robert Frost math team members Steven Cayea, Gianna Giffone, James Hope, Matthew Rosati and Anthony Wineberger were chosen by the school to participate in the annual Suffolk County MoMathlon at Brookhaven National Laboratory. The March 14 event, sponsored by the National Museum of Mathematics, was held on Pi Day, when mathematicians celebrate the irrational number found by dividing the circumference of any circle by its diameter. Working together, individually and with students from other Suffolk County private and public schools, the Frost five were exposed to a variety of math questions and given many strategies to complete the given task. “The MoMathlon gives students an opportunity to learn and meet new friends while having fun with numbers,” said John Watson, Deer Park’s curriculum associate for math and business. “Congratulations to all of the participants for working while enjoying Pi Day and math.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107670 Sat, 26 Mar 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107670 Zimmerman Leads County All-Stars to State Bowling Title High school athlete Adam Zimmerman helped lead the Suffolk County All-State boys bowling team to a state title for the fourth consecutive year. At the NYSPHSAA Bowling Championships, held March 2 in West Babylon’s Babylon Lanes, the team overcame a deficit of 390 pins after three games of play, coming back to win by 169, a 559-pin swing in the second half of the tournament. A member of Deer Park’s varsity bowling team since seventh grade, Zimmerman held the high average in Suffolk County for the second year in a row with a 241.8 average. This year, he bowled 10 sanctioned 300 games and six 800 series, and was named high school singles champion at the Suffolk County Singles Doubles Tournament. Zimmerman has won over $5,000 in scholarship money this year, with a total of more than $40,000 in scholarship monies earned to date, and plans to attend either Weber International University in Florida or McKendree University in St. Louis on a bowling scholarship. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107669 Fri, 25 Mar 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107669 Acrobatic Activities on Display at JQA Circus Students at John Quincy Adams were treated to fun under the big top at the school’s annual family circus. Coordinated by physical education teacher Caryn Kaplan, the event provided a wide selection of activities to challenge the bodies and minds of the students, who showed off their acrobatic skills to visiting parents. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107667 Wed, 23 Mar 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107667 Visualizing Volume at JFK To help fifth-graders at JFK gain a deep understanding of volume, teacher Jason Bond and math specialist Fran Marotta engaged students in a design-building activity. Children constructed three-dimensional sculptures using interlocking cubes and then calculated each design to find its total volume. The students learned to visualize, plan, analyze shape and structure, draw conclusions, and calculate volume. “This hands-on interactive lesson really helped students understand volume beyond a standard formula and the true meaning of ‘cubic’ units,” said Marotta. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107668 Wed, 23 Mar 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107668 A Day (or Two) of Clay at JFK Two visiting artists and instructors – Vincent Osmeris of LIU Post on March 14 and Ricki Weisfelner of Farmingdale School District on March 15 – visited John F. Kennedy Intermediate for a double “Day of Clay” activity. The guest artists led the school’s entire fifth-grade in an exciting clay lesson, providing the students with a start to ceramics through an exercise in texture exploration, using the school’s own PTA-supplied kiln. “Both Vincent and Ricki were amazing, sharing their talents with the kids, who were so excited and proud of what they created,” said art teacher Laurie Schwartz. “It was also beneficial to me to be able to learn different skills with clay from these two artists, which I hope to use in the coming years with my students here at JFK.” The event was sponsored by the Deer Park Arts Council through the organization’s year of fundraising events. “We were very happy to be able to support this program and bring something of significance to the students of JFK,” said DPAC President Ron Becker. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107666 Tue, 22 Mar 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107666 Jester Jim Sparks READing Excitement at May Moore Students at May Moore were once again treated to a peppy performance from Jester Jim, organized by the Parent Faculty Club. The educational entertainer kicked off the school’s “READ” month by combining humor, juggling and music to showcase a love of reading and books. “Our kids left the performance excited about this month’s READ activities, and more importantly, excited about reading,” said Associate Principal Christopher Molinelli. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107665 Mon, 21 Mar 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107665 A Major Champion for HS Track High school senior Victoria Major won the Suffolk County Section XI championship for high jump on Feb. 10, and was honored as an All-League and All-County athlete at the Winter Track & Field All-County Dinner on March 2 at Villa Lombardi’s in Holbrook. She also finished ninth in the county in the 300-meter dash and in the top 50 in the 55-meter dash. Following the county tournament, Major advanced to the Long Island Elite Meet on Feb. 27, held at St. Anthony’s High School in Huntington Station, where she competed against the top high jumpers from and Suffolk County. Her season-best jump of 5 feet, 5 inches beat out the No. 1 seed and earned her the Long Island title. Most recently, she competed in the New York State Track and Field Championship Meet at Cornell University in Ithaca on March 5, where she battled the state’s best jumpers to finish in fourth place overall. Major, the current captain, has been on Deer Park’s girls track team since she was a freshman, and has succeeded in spite of untimely injuries. “We knew Vicky was a special athlete when she came to us three years ago,” said her coach, James Petti. “She won the freshman championship in the 100-meter dash and the high jump in 2013. Unfortunately, Vicky was plagued by injuries to her ankles and knees over the years, and it hampered her ability to be the best she could be. As a coach, each year I would see Vicky struggle with her rehabbing injuries, yet she always persevered and was always our top performer by season’s end. This season, Vicky joined us for the first time in winter track and has been injury free. After waiting for so long, we now see what she is capable of, and she’s just getting started. Vicky not only has grown as an athlete, but as a person. She always carries herself with confidence, but she is humble. She has a tremendous respect for the sport and knows what it takes to be the best.” Major has not yet decided on a major or chosen a college, but has been offered an academic scholarship to Iona College, and is also speaking with Adelphi University, Hofstra University, Pace University and St. John’s University. “We will most definitely miss Vicky after this year,” said Petti. “She’s a great kid and is irreplaceable. She changed the face of this track program and became our ambassador to the sport. She deserves this long-awaited recognition.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107664 Thu, 17 Mar 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107664 Pole Serves Peaceful Purpose at May Moore English as a New Language students at May Moore dedicated a “peace pole” to the school in a March 11 ceremony, unveiling the large pole with the phrase “May Peace Prevail on Earth” written in all 11 languages spoken by the students – Bangla, Chinese, English, Gujarati, Haitian Creole, Persian, Spanish, Tagalog, Turkish, Urdu and Vietnamese. The Peace Pole Project is an international initiative, spreading a worldwide message of peace to unify people of all nationalities and languages through these tall symbols of hope. Moore’s ENL students sang and spoke in their native languages during the half-hour ceremony in the school gymnasium, which was attended by classmates, teachers, central administration and parents. The children placed flags on the stage representing 15 different world nations before the event came to a close. “The purpose of the ceremony is to alert students to the importance of peace and to bring together a diverse body of students in this mission,” said ENL teacher Ashley Lovett. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107663 Wed, 16 Mar 2016 21:00:00 GMT false107663 Two High School Students Chosen for SCALA Show High school student-artists Regina Ambrosio and Kristina Console participated in this year’s All-County SCALA/BACCA Art Show Exhibition. Their work was displayed at Old Town Hall in Babylon from Jan. 21 through Feb. 9, and they were honored at an artist reception on Feb. 6, accompanied by teacher Derek Mainhart. “The three pieces I created in Mr. Mainhart’s AP art class were based on human life and nature combined,” said Console. “Being in the SCALA art show was an amazing experience for a young artist like myself. Seeing artwork from talented kids in other communities inspired me to be better for future art shows to come.” Ambrosio’s piece, “Dias de la Muertos,” was previously displayed at the Town of Babylon’ annual Hispanic Heritage Month Festival. “My work depicts a contrast between a dark subject matter and my bright artistic approach, achieved through the use of pastel colors and minimal shading,” said Ambrosio. “The atmosphere at the SCALA All-County show was electrically inspiring, and it was fascinating to see the various works produced by my artistic peers from all over Long Island.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107662 Tue, 15 Mar 2016 04:00:00 GMT false107662 Powerhouse Kauter Becomes New IT Admin It came as no surprise when the district appointed its technology powerhouse, Chris Kauter, as the new district administrator for instructional technology. He replaces Anastasia Tzortzatos. A Sayville resident and graduate of Deer Park’s Class of 1998, Kauter has taught at Deer Park High School for over a dozen years, mainly focusing on social studies. In 2013, he was one of only 50 worldwide educators selected by Google to attend the prestigious Google Teacher Academy in Chicago, leading to his status as a Google Certified Teacher and trainer. Last year, with funding from a $5,000 STLE teacher effectiveness grant, Kauter’s leadership came to the fore in his new position as a part-time instructional technology coach. He was so successful in helping teachers integrate technology in their classrooms in a meaningful way, that despite the conclusion of the grant, the Board and administration decided to expand Kauter’s role to a full-time K-12 instructional technology coach, and then as district administrator for IT. Using software and programs to enhance the learning process, and providing teams of teachers with professional development and helping them create projects for their students’ benefit, Kauter proved invaluable in the district’s continued efforts to move technology in the classrooms further into the 21st century. “Teachers come to him and say, ‘I have this idea,’ and Chris helps them figure out how to implement that idea in a way that is meaningful and alleviates some of their stress about some of the technologies,” said Kimberly Skillen, district administrator for secondary curriculum and instruction. In addition to teachers, he has been working with other administrators and guidance counselors to develop systems that help the district track students in a more efficient way and allow staff to share information. His methodology provides substantive enhancements, going beyond delivering professional development to the teachers. Kauter will visit classrooms and shadow the teachers, troubleshooting and working side by side with them to ensure that the technology is working successfully. After a few times, he can walk away, and the teacher is now confident to do it on their own. “A lot of our teachers are excellent instructors, but technology isn’t always something they feel very comfortable with and they may sometimes shy away from integrating a project on their own,” said Skillen. “Now they are able to work with Chris to make it happen – he’s been their support. It’s been a great initiative and we are seeing excellent results.” One of the major technology projects overseen by Kauter involved John Heeg, a social studies teacher at the middle school. To facilitate his classroom’s Socratic seminar, they used Google Apps for Education and a program called Doctopus to individualize groups. “I loved this project because we are using technology as the vehicle, but it’s not the destination,” said Kauter. “The destination is a discussion, which is high-level thinking, critically analyzing and using research, so the kids can feel confident backing up their claims.” For his innovative work on the initiative, Heeg was recently honored with the Bright Light Award from Suffolk ASSET. Another important tech project, also at Robert Frost, focused on students building websites in teacher Scott Surdi’s classroom. Kauter and Surdi used a Google add-on program called SiteMaestro to distribute individualized, shared Google sites to the students, choosing from four different predesigned templates. Kauter assisted another Frost teacher, Seth Margolin, to digitize applications for the National Junior Honor Society using Google Forms. Switching from the old paper version to a predesigned template, students now can submit all their information via Google Drive, with the data prepopulating into the template. This makes it easier for the NJHS Committee to review each application, and emails are automatically sent to each of the club advisers to verify the information provided by the students. At JFK, Kauter helped teachers Angela Giannotti and Melissa Price to utilize Chromebooks with assistive technology for fourth-grade special education students. In prior years, these students had created picture books by picking a topic, researching it, finding accompanying pictures and then constructing an actual physical book using predesigned sketchboard templates to indicate layout. Kauter took their existing templates and recreated them on Google Drive, enabling the students to make a digital storybook by dragging and dropping text and pictures. “The kids were really motivated and excited about it,” said Danielle Sheridan, district administrator for elementary curriculum and instruction, regarding Kauter’s work at JFK. “His integration of technology in elementary research projects brought the work to a new level, and it helped the students feel sophisticated about the work they are doing and connected to the world of technology.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107660 Fri, 11 Mar 2016 05:00:00 GMT false107660 Amazed by Aladdin at Robert Frost More than 600 members of Deer Park’s school community attended the Robert Frost musical production of “Aladdin,” directed by Michael Moriarty. The colorful, romantic tale, written in 1993 by playwright Craig Sodaro, hews closer to the folktale from “The Arabian Nights” than the Disney animated film, providing a fabulous setting for the young actors to shine. “The kids did a great job and really brought the story to life,” said Moriarty. “The cast and crew worked very hard to make the whole experience wonderful.” The production starred Ray Ugalde in the title role, with the cast list rounded out by Sahir Azizy as Violet, Alexa Belotti as Buyer No. 3 and Guard No. 2, Daniella Belotti as Cave Creep No. 2 and Guard No. 1, Justin Berman as Gorgan, Louis Bianco as El Kahsid, Ciara Boltz as Sindah, Mackenzie Caldone as the Old Woman and Princess Celestia, Lauren Corrigan as Khoja, Emily DeStefano as the Genie of the Lamp, Justin Diaz as the Vizier, AJ Edghill as the Executioner and Townsfolk No. 1, Isabella Giglio as Lily, Jackie Izzo as Ben Wali, Camryn Lefebvre as Buyer No. 2, Mariandre Lopez as the Sultan’s Wife, Gianna Luongo as Baba, Jordan Minerva as the Snake, Josephine Moser as El Kahsid’s Wife, Amanda Muller as Jachim, Aruba Nadeem as the Servant, Sam Petrizzo as the Lady in Waiting, Katie Plitt as Aster, Dianna Rainone as the Genie of the Ring, Nimra Salim as Iris, Jen Sebok as Abdu, Isabella Serrano as Yahoo, Sanjay Singh as the Sultan, Joanna Sroka as Buyer No. 1 and Townsfolk No. 2, Alisha Suhail as Rosepetal, Nina Ugalde as Aladdin’s Father and Cave Creep No. 1, Christina Vittorio as the Old Woman and Princess Celestia, and Jen Wern as Aladdin’s Mother. “What a phenomenal production of ‘Aladdin’ this was,’ said Bradley Murphy, the district’s curriculum associate for fine and performing arts. “Congratulations on a well-directed and well-produced performance, and congratulations to all the students that made this a production to remember.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107661 Wed, 09 Mar 2016 05:00:00 GMT false107661 Sweet Seuss Music at JFK In recognition of Dr. Seuss’ birthday, fourth-graders in Kristen Lombardo’s music class at JFL learned the poem “Did You Ever Ride a Wump” from the classic Seuss book “One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish,” then set the poem to music by adding instruments and internalizing the words. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107659 Tue, 08 Mar 2016 05:00:00 GMT false107659 Meningococcal Vaccine Letter https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107658 Tue, 08 Mar 2016 05:00:00 GMT false107658 Cox Is a Wrestling State Champion High school wrestling star Tommy Cox was named a state champion on Feb. 27 after his stunning performance at the NYSPHSAA 2016 State Wrestling Championships, held in Albany at the Times Union Center. Cox defeated Kelan McKenna of New Hartford, 5-3. The win in the 113 lb. weight class came on the heels of his Feb. 14 victory at the county championships at Hofstra University, where he came out on top in an 8-2 decision over Anthony Cirillo of Rocky Point. “Tommy winning a state title is no accident,” said his coach, Mike McLaughlin. “This is a kid who has devoted a great deal of time, both mentally and physically, to achieve this goal. He is extremely deserving of the win, and our coaching staff couldn’t be happier for him. He’s earned it and has definitely left his mark and legacy on our program.” “Winning a state title is a dream come true, a dream I have given a lot of time towards and worked very hard to achieve,” said Cox, who finished the season with a 44-1 record. “It has been a goal of mine for a long time and I am grateful I was able to see it through.” The senior, whose prior honors included three All-League designations and two league championships, signed a National Letter of Intent last November to attend North Carolina State University this fall. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107657 Mon, 07 Mar 2016 05:00:00 GMT false107657 JQA’s Mighty Math Program Raises Close to $9,000 for Hospital Number-crunching students at John Quincy Adams helped raise more than $8,900 to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as part of the school’s fifth annual Math-A-Thon program. The students completed Math-A-Thon Funbooks by solving math problems. Sponsors made donations based on how many problems and pages the students completed, or offered contributions of any amount they chose. The Math-A-Thon problems help the students become better at math, and the cause is a worthy one. Over the past five years, JQA has raised over $32,800 in total for St. Jude. “We are proud and happy to help children and their families at St. Jude,” said math lab specialist Marianna Grieco, who coordinates https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107259 Fri, 04 Mar 2016 05:00:00 GMT false107259 Thirteen JFK Artworks Selected for SCALA Show Recognizing the strength of the art program at John F. Kennedy Intermediate, 13 student artworks were selected for this Suffolk County Art Leaders Association Children’s Show. Their pieces were put on display at Babylon’s Old Town Hall from Feb. 10 through March 5. This is the fourth year in a row that JFK has participated in SCALA’s annual children’s art exhibition, held in cooperation with the Babylon Citizens Council of the Arts. The artwork was chosen by Principal Susan Bonner and several staff members, according to JFK art teacher Laurie Schwartz, who joined the students and their families for a special ceremony and reception at Old Town Hall on March 5. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107656 Thu, 03 Mar 2016 05:00:00 GMT false107656 Keeping Kids Engaged and Fit with May Moore’s iGames Students at May Moore couldn’t wait for their turn to enter the gymnasium for a fun session of fitness and game-based learning during the school’s fifth annual iGames, sponsored by the May Moore Parent Faculty Club and held throughout the last week of February. Guided by physical education teacher Craig Mangio, the students rotated through different stations, playing interactive video games that improved their health and fitness while enhancing teamwork. “Our students are growing up as digital learners, therefore it makes sense to extend this technology to our health and fitness program,” said Principal Alicia Konecny. “It was so great to see how engaged the students were in this fun and innovative activity,” said Associate Principal Christopher Molinelli. “We would like to thank the PFC and Mr. Mangio for setting up this excellent program for our school.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107655 Tue, 01 Mar 2016 05:00:00 GMT false107655 Changes to 2016 Grade 3-8 Assessments: What Parents Need to Know https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107260 Tue, 01 Mar 2016 05:00:00 GMT false107260 Dragons Descend on Deer Park’s JFK The art room at John F. Kennedy Intermediate was filled with the sight of dragons during the last week of January. Art teacher Laurie Schwartz introduced several classes to the traditions of Chinese New Year and guided the students in making their own dragon masks. “During this Chinese holiday, family members get together and celebrate by sharing long noodles that symbolize a long life, egg rolls that symbolize gold and wealth, and many other traditional dishes,” said Schwartz, who worked with the classes over several days to help them finish the project. “The students learned the traditional importance of the color red and the legends associated with dragons.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108153 Tue, 23 Feb 2016 05:00:00 GMT false108153 Positivity in Purple: Frost Embraces P.S. I Love You Day Led by its student council, Robert Frost embraced P.S. I Love You Day on Feb. 12, wearing purple to represent all those standing against bullying, and helping to end depression and prevent suicide. The nonprofit organization P.S. I Love You Day was started in 2010 by West Islip teenager Brooke DiPalma, following the tragic suicides of her father and a senior at her school. Held annually on the second Friday of February, the day promotes positive messages of love, acceptance and community, symbolized by the color purple. At Robert Frost, teachers Dani Iadevaia, Erica Rossi and Denise Tassey shared the story of P.S. I Love You Day with the school during morning announcements on Feb. 8, and the student council sold lollipop message grams during lunch periods throughout the week to promote P.S. I Love You Day, sending anonymous positive messages to friends and staff. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108152 Mon, 22 Feb 2016 05:00:00 GMT false108152 Diverse Dances Demonstrate Black History at JFK As part of the school’s Black History Month Celebration, JFK welcomed the acclaimed multicultural Phyllis Rose Dance Company for another wide-ranging exhibition of the roots of African and African-American culture through vibrant music and dances. In addition to costumed demonstrations of historic dances, the troupe’s presentation included a memorable performance by Roderick Jackson on the West African djembe drum, and a chance for the excited students to participate in a limbo dance. “We hoped to bring a greater understanding and knowledge to our students of the multicultural origins of dance through active participation and the historical content provided during the show,” said Principal Susan Bonner. “The experience for our students was both rich and diverse.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108151 Wed, 17 Feb 2016 05:00:00 GMT false108151 2016 Winter Newsletter – Now Available! https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108150 Wed, 17 Feb 2016 05:00:00 GMT false108150 Senior Artists Chosen for Inspirational Exhibition The exceptional art skills of seniors Regina Ambrosio and Alex Troisi were recognized recently with their selection for the LIU Post “Advanced Visions 12: High School Artists of Excellence” exhibit. Ambrosio’s “Endless” and Troisi’s “Cog-nition” pieces were displayed at Post’s Student Art League gallery, now located in the B. Davis Schwartz Memorial Library. Accompanied by teacher Derek Mainhart, the two AP Art Studio students were honored at an reception at Post on Jan. 27. “‘Endless’ is an expression of both man and nature working seamlessly together,” said Ambrosio. “In the piece, I paired the natural beauty of our seasonal environment with the beauty of the female face to depict an endless relationship between the two. I used acrylic paint and bright colors to achieve an effect that is both textured and weightless.” “‘Cog-nition’ is a sculpture I produced of a head with a window to the inner workings of the mind,” said Troisi. “It’s made of stained plywood and metal gears, and the piece is meant to represent the contrast of the plain exterior that humans may exhibit and the complex machinery that is our minds.” Both students were positively affected by the exhibition experience. “I greatly enjoyed seeing the reactions of viewers, especially those of the professors and staff of LIU,” said Ambrosio. “As a student artist looking to pursue a career in art, being able to view the works of other artists my age was helpful as well as inspirational for my future work,” said Troisi. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108149 Tue, 16 Feb 2016 05:00:00 GMT false108149 HS College Fair on March 21 The high school will hold its 11th annual College Fair on Monday, March 21 from 6-8 p.m. We are expecting a promising turnout from institutions including colleges, universities, technical and career programs, military and police academies, test preparation organizations offering SAT/ACT information, and financial centers providing student aid and loan information. An updated list of organizations who will be in attendance is posted on the College & Career Center e-board. To access this e-board, parents and students should go to the high school page on the district website, then click "College and Career Center" on the left sidebar. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108148 Fri, 12 Feb 2016 05:00:00 GMT false108148 Monkey Business at May Moore: Celebrating Chinese New Year https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108147 Thu, 11 Feb 2016 05:00:00 GMT false108147 Dedicated HS Student-Actors Shine in ‘Plaza Suite’ For this year’s diverting winter play, the dedicated thespians at the high school presented Neil Simon’s “Plaza Suite” at two performances on January 15 and 16. As in the original Broadway production of Simon’s Tony-winning 1968 comedy play, “Plaza Suite” was presented in three acts – “Visitor from Mamaroneck,” “Visitor from Hollywood” and “Visitor from Forest Hills” – all taking place in Room 719 at New York City’s Plaza Hotel, although at at different times. “This show was unique in that the lead actors in each scene had over 35 pages of lines to memorize, and they did an amazing job,” said James Henry, the director. This was Henry’s fourth time directing the high school’s winter play, assisted by student director Samantha Colon. “I would have to say that the show was a huge success,” Henry said. “I am really proud of all the students in the production and everything they accomplished in the three months since rehearsals began.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108146 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 16:00:00 GMT false108146 Super String Six Play LISFA Six superlative string musicians from Deer Park participated in this year’s Long Island String Festival Association concerts, recognizing them as being among the top string orchestra players in Suffolk County in their age group. LISFA selected these student-musicians based on recommendations from their orchestra teachers and scoring results from last year’s New York State School Music Association Solo Festival. High school senior violinist Kalvin Guyer and freshman viola player Rebecca Fox, and Frost eighth-grade violinist Catherine Wilkonski performed at LISFA’s Suffolk Secondary concert, held Jan. 31 at Ward Melville High School in East Setauket. Three younger Deer Park violinists – Frost seventh-grader Gianna Giffone and sixth-grader Alaina Lin, and JFK fifth-grader Ryder Min –played at LISFA’s Suffolk Elementary concert, held Jan. 17 at Smithtown West High School. “This festival offered our musicians the opportunity to continue to hone their craft as they worked toward an incredible concert program, seated among the best Long Island has to offer,” said Bradley Murphy, the district’s curriculum associate for fine and performing arts. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108145 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 05:00:00 GMT false108145 Important Changes for 2016 Grades 3-8 Tests! https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108143 Tue, 02 Feb 2016 05:00:00 GMT false108143 HS Scout Creates Autism Mural at May Moore Conscientious high school student Gregory Garrison chose to create a special autism awareness mural at May Moore Elementary School as his Eagle Scout project, aided by fellow Scouts. Garrison’s 7-year-old brother, Cole, has been in the school’s autism program since kindergarten. The mural’s installation was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jan. 25. “I decided on this project because I wanted to spread autism awareness and let everyone know that the children in the autism program are an important part of the May Moore family and the community,” said Garrison, who was honored at a January Board of Education meeting. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108142 Mon, 01 Feb 2016 05:00:00 GMT false108142 High Schoolers Attend Innovative Theater Conference Fourteen high school students – Alleigha Brady, Samantha Colon, Joseph DeNoyior, Tori DiTomasso, Anthony Henkel, Averi Lacoff, Alexandra Lane, Nolan Maggio, Jasmine Martin, Destiny Parsons, Danny Santurne, Bianca Taipe, Alejandro Villa-Vasquez and Alec Winters – attended the 19th annual New York State Theatre Education Association Student Conference at the Villa Roma Resort in Callicoon, New York. Winters was one of only five attendees selected to perform in the NYSTEA Student Showcase. At the weekend event, held from Jan. 8-10, approximately 800 eager students from across the state participated in more than 100 theater workshops including acting, dance, voice, improvisation, stagecraft, fantasy makeup and other opportunities to refine their craft, as well as networking and interacting with peers. According to Bradley Murphy, the district’s curriculum associate for fine and performing arts, the NYSTEA Student Conference promotes a host of positive attributes and skills, including creativity, innovation, critical thinking, collaboration, adaptability, self-direction, productivity, cross-cultural skills and social responsibility. NYSTEA, a statewide organization, promotes and supports theater education for students from prekindergarten through high school. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108144 Fri, 29 Jan 2016 05:00:00 GMT false108144 Enthusiasm and Growing Skills on Display at JFK Winter Concert Music was in the air all day long on Jan. 21 at Deer Park’s John F. Kennedy Intermediate School, as young student-musicians presented a winter concert to their schoolmates in the morning, then returned in the evening to perform in front of an audience of proud parents, friends and family. Under the direction of Kathryn Attard, the school’s orchestra performed four selections including “Bile Em Cabbage,” “Rigadoon,” “Gaelic Castle” and “Winston Hoe Down.” “My students had an amazing winter concert and are becoming wonderful young musicians,” said Attard. Directed by Kristen Lombardo and accompanied by pianist Catherine Mahler, JFK’s chorus students shined, with the third-graders offering “Ala! Kumbe!,” “Each One Special” and “Seven Feet of Snow,” and the fourth- and fifth-grade chorus performing “Changamano,” “Why We Sing” and “Frosty Hand Jive.” “It is with great pleasure that I get to work with such talented groups here in Deer Park,” said Lombardo. “We had a fantastic concert and both ensembles were so enthusiastic and truly showed a passion for singing.” Closing out the program were director Louis Nicolosi and the advanced band, performing “Old MacDonald Had a Band,” “Frere Jacques,” “Aura Lee” and the “Ode to Joy” from Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. “It's been a real pleasure working with my students since September,” said Nicolosi. “I was very pleased with my group’s performance. Even though they never lacked enthusiasm and interest at the beginning of the school year, I couldn’t be more proud of their outstanding growth as young musicians since then. I look forward to their continued success as we now redirect our focus and begin preparing for a more challenging concert program in the spring.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108141 Tue, 26 Jan 2016 05:00:00 GMT false108141 Ribbon-Cutting Recognition for New Pantry https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108140 Fri, 22 Jan 2016 05:00:00 GMT false108140 Tilles Talk: A Regent Visits PEN Society The high school’s PEN Society welcomed Roger Tilles, a member of the New York State Board of Regents, to speak on Dec. 11. During the in-depth discussion, held in the school library, Tilles answered student questions and touched on numerous relevant subjects, including the Common Core, Gov. Cuomo, charter schools, special education, career programs and BOCES. The PEN Society is a student-governed book club dedicated to improving the school’s curriculum and creating an environment that supports a love of reading and discussion. Guided by adviser Teresa Greco, club members enjoy reading poems, essays, short stories and novels and discussing them, both as a whole and in small groups. In addition to encouraging reading for pleasure, PEN’s other goals include preparing for and hosting monthly modern issues debates and participating in community service opportunities such as supporting libraries and book drives. Tilles, a Great Neck resident, represents Long Island on the Board of Regents. He was first elected as a regent in 2005 for a five-year term, and was re-elected to second and third terms in 2010 and 2015. An acclaimed educator and business leader, Tilles has also served as director of Tilles Investment Companies; founder of the Long Island Arts Alliance; executive vice chairman of the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts; chairman and founding member of the Association for a Better Long Island; acting chairman of the Long Island Regional Planning Board; chairman of the Long Island University Board of Trustees; and member of the New York, Michigan and Washington, D.C. Bar Associations. “We were very excited and honored that Regent Tilles agreed to speak with the PEN Society students about the current state of education in New York and where he hopes it goes in the future,” said Christine DiProperzio, Deer Park’s curriculum associate for ELA, reading and library in grades 6-12. “Ms. Greco and her students did an amazing job in preparing and asking questions relevant to their own education and how the state’s policies will impact it in the future. We appreciate Regent Tilles’ honesty and candor in responding to their questions, and for simply taking the time to listen to real students’ issues and concerns.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108139 Wed, 20 Jan 2016 05:00:00 GMT false108139 Suffolk ASSET Honors a Bright Light John Heeg, a social studies teacher at Robert Frost, was recently honored with the Bright Light Award from Suffolk ASSET. Heeg, known for his use of MacBooks and Google Classroom to allow students to research and develop arguments for discussion and debates in Socratic seminars, was acclaimed by Suffolk ASSET for his use of innovative technology in his classroom. “I am grateful for the recognition,” said Heeg. “My administrators and technology coach Chris Kauter provided the support and resources needed so that students could benefit from the use of technology in the classroom. I appreciate the continued support and look forward to growing professionally.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108138 Tue, 19 Jan 2016 05:00:00 GMT false108138 DECA Kids Earn 34 Trophies at Regionals Competing against over 1,600 students from 26 Suffolk County high schools, 82 Deer Park High School students participated in DECA’s Suffolk County Regional Competition at Suffolk County Community College on Jan. 6. A total of 34 competitors from Deer Park received trophies for their performances, and another eight received honorable mention. Nicholas DiModica and John Santare earned second place in the Financial Services Team event, while Kevin Chang and Kayla Griffin both won third place for Principles of Finance and Marketing Management, respectively. Other trophy winners included Joewin James for Principles of Business Management; David Batkiewicz for Principles of Finance; Joe Thomas for Principles of Hospitality; Jack Borah for Personal Financial Literacy; Nick Gallo and Andrew Siford for Financial Services Team; Peter Demopoulos and Joe Sanchez for Marketing Communications Team; Samantha Knice and Lexi Paulich for Travel and Tourism Team; Eram Kabir for Accounting Applications; Stephen Lew and Michael Mieses for Automotive Services Marketing; Shamikh Rana for Business Finance; Ashley Ahmad, Kristina Kozakevitch and Lauren Lazarte for Business Services Marketing; Anthony Henkel and Martin Salgado for Food Marketing; Kalvin Guyer and Vincent Verdile for Human Resources Management; Sarah Qasir and Badar Zaman for Marketing Management; Ifrah Afzal and Tajriana Haque for Quick Serve Restaurant Management; Bianca Taipe for Retail Merchandising; and Malique Papailler, Dan Sebok, Travis Teng and Ryan Verdile for Sports and Entertainment Marketing. Honorable mentions went to Zack Cresciullo for Principles of Hospitality; Glen Hope for Principles of Marketing; Ryan Byrne for Accounting Applications; Chloe Rosenberg, Nicole Tudor and Kate Vassallo for Food Marketing; Parth Shah for Hotel and Lodging Management; and Safinaz Zaman for Quick Serve Restaurant Management. These achievements earned the high schoolers a chance to participate in the State Career Conference in upstate Rochester in early March, where they will compete against 2,000 of the best business students in the state for a spot at the International Career Development Conference in Nashville, Tennessee at the end of April. “Despite a record number of Suffolk County DECA members participating in this year’s competition, Deer Park’s students were able to earn an unprecedented number of awards,” said business teacher and DECA adviser Gregory Menig. “It is a credit to the hard work of not only those students, but also their business teachers. Everyone involved should be extremely proud of their accomplishments. I look forward to finding out what they can achieve at the state level of competition.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108136 Sun, 17 Jan 2016 05:00:00 GMT false108136 Falcons Football Program Earns Sportsmanship Trophy The high school’s football program received the Suffolk County Officials Association Sportsmanship Award on Jan. 6 at a recognition dinner at the Irish Coffee Pub in East Islip. The trophy was awarded based on voting by the officials, and Deer Park was the only school invited to attend the function. “I am extremely proud of our coaches and players for this recognition,” said Athletic Director Dominick Fontana. “Not only did they achieve enough success on the field to qualify for the playoffs this season, but did it in a manner that was professional and respectful of all parties involved.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108137 Fri, 15 Jan 2016 05:00:00 GMT false108137 HS Students Wade Into LBJ Debate Fifteen AP government students from the high school and social studies teacher Alexandros Mesimeris visited Hofstra University on Dec. 3 for a special field trip to debate the presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and current issues with political veterans Howard Dean and Ed Rollins. Dean served as the 79th governor of Vermont from 1991 to 2003, a candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2004, and chairman of the Democratic National Committee from 2005 to 2009. As head of the DNC, his implementation of the 50-State Strategy was considered a significant factor behind Democratic victories in the 2006 congressional elections and the 2008 presidential election. Rollins, a high-profile Republican campaign consultant and adviser, served as national campaign director for the 1984 Reagan-Bush presidential campaign, winning 49 of 50 Electoral College states, and was named national campaign chairman for the Huckabee presidential campaign in December 2007. The students participated in round-table discussions with Dean and Rollins regarding Pres. Johnson and how he helped to pass the Voting Rights Act, how this landmark civil rights legislation would be viewed today, and whether the nations needs to make changes to the current system. The high schoolers were able to ask questions about what each presenter believed were current political problems in America and what their ideas were to solve them. “I believe that any time you can have government students in a room with men of this caliber, is truly an amazing opportunity,” said Mesimeris. “The students were impressed with the honest answers that were given by the political pundits, and I think that analysis and interaction is an extremely rewarding experience.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108135 Tue, 12 Jan 2016 05:00:00 GMT false108135 Frost Life Skills Students Share Musical ‘Informance’ In lieu of a traditional holiday performance, students in Laura Valente’s life skills class at Robert Frost put on a special “informance” on Dec. 17, sharing their favorite music classroom activities with visiting parents, teachers and administrators. Directed by music teacher Sara Watkin Fox, the students used movement to indicate high and low pitches and interpretive dance to show music in real time. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108132 Fri, 08 Jan 2016 05:00:00 GMT false108132 Student Clubs Join Forces to Help Vets Members of the high school’s newly formed Patriot Club joined forces with the school’s Students Against Destructive Decisions club to provide holiday gift bags for homeless veterans at the Veterans Place in Yaphank, a former motel that was converted to a shelter by Suffolk County United Veterans. The 24 vets received an assortment of toiletries, an American flag and letters, as well as teddy bears that were hand-made by Patricia Skjoldahl’s classes at the district’s Robert Frost Middle School. The Patriot Club was created this school year to acknowledge the efforts of military, fire and police personnel and the commendable job they do in serving the nation. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108133 Wed, 06 Jan 2016 05:00:00 GMT false108133 Frost’s Caring Choir Performs for Seniors The Robert Frost Middle School Chamber Choir and members of the school’s chamber orchestra paid a pair of visits to local nursing homes on Dec. 23 in anticipation of the holidays. The choir, directed by Youngsun Koh-Lee, and the orchestra members, under the direction of Maria Wingert, began the day of musical joy with a performance of holiday music for residents and guests at the Our Lady of Consolation Nursing & Rehabilitative Care Center in West Islip. After lunch, the student-musicians performed at the Momentum at South Bay nursing home in East Islip. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108129 Mon, 04 Jan 2016 05:00:00 GMT false108129 Caring for ‘Cherubs’ in the Community High school student organizations including the Students Against Destructive Decisions Club, Art Club, Students Against Bullying Club, Gay-Straight Alliance, Patriot Club and student council sponsored the school’s 11th annual Adopt-A-Cherub project on Dec. 11. The caring high schoolers “adopted” dozens of the community’s youngsters in need, wrapping their wish list gifts during the festive event, held in the school cafeteria. Deer Park social workers then delivered the gifts before the holidays. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108130 Mon, 04 Jan 2016 05:00:00 GMT false108130 Frost Honor Society Helps to Fulfill Wishes The National Junior Honor Society at Robert Frost sponsored a toy drive for the holiday season, collecting donations from the student body, faculty and staff. The toys were then donated to the John Theissen Children’s Foundation, which brings the donated toys to sick and underprivileged children in more than 185 hospitals and childcare facilities across Long Island throughout the year. “The donations from our students at Frost will help fulfill wishes during this holiday season,” said NJHS adviser Seth Margolin. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108131 Fri, 01 Jan 2016 05:00:00 GMT false108131 JFK’s ‘Snowflakes of Hope’ for Safyre Students in teacher Jennifer Arella’s fourth-grade class at John F. Kennedy Intermediate chose to forgo their free art period on Dec. 22 to make “Snowflakes of Hope” for eight-year-old burn victim Safyre Terry of upstate Rotterdam. Terry, who lost her family in a 2013 house fire, had requested cards for Christmas this year, and received more than a million. The JFK class decided to make paper snowflakes in lieu of cards, with special messages written on each. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108128 Mon, 28 Dec 2015 05:00:00 GMT false108128 Compassion and Carols at Our Lady of Consolation Students in the high school's Students Against Destructive Decisions club paid a warm holiday visit to clients at the Our Lady of Consolation Nursing & Rehabilitative Care Center in West Islip on Dec. 16. The SADD students sang carols, held a holiday trivia contest and interviewed the clients, asking them what Christmas was like when they were children. “Our students learned the importance of giving back to the community,” said SADD adviser Janet Werner. “They had fun mingling and sharing stories with the seniors. It was gratifying to see the compassion and respect our students showed to these important members of our community.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108127 Mon, 28 Dec 2015 05:00:00 GMT false108127 JQA Discovers the Joy of Gingerbread Prekindergartners at John Quincy Adams got into the holiday spirit on Dec. 18, constructing colorful gingerbread houses with the help of visiting family members. Parents and grandparents were invited to come to the school and help decorate the gingerbread houses, starting from scratch with milk cartons, frosting, graham crackers and lots of colorful candy. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108124 Sat, 26 Dec 2015 05:00:00 GMT false108124 All Aboard the High School's Polar Express On Dec. 11, the Polar Express departed the high school, loaded with close to 100 pajama-clad Claus believers. Freshmen and seniors at the school worked together to create a winter wonderland of games, treats and letters to Kris Kringle that helped to benefit the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Cocoa flowed like water and there was even an appearance by Santa himself, as well as arts and crafts and a viewing of the film “The Polar Express.” “Our thanks to all of the students, parents and community members that participated,” said teacher Beth Kabaservice. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108126 Wed, 23 Dec 2015 05:00:00 GMT false108126 Scholar/Athlete Teams Honored at Fall Athletic Awards The district honored eight outstanding high school sports teams and three undefeated middle school teams at the district’s fall athletic awards ceremony, held at the high school auditorium during the Dec. 15 Board of Education meeting. As their proud family members cheered, the recognized student-athletes were presented with certificates by Athletic Director Dominick Fontana and Superintendent Eva J. Demyen. All eight of the high school’s teams – boys cross-country, kickline, boys varsity soccer, girls varsity soccer, girls swimming and diving, varsity football, varsity girls tennis and varsity volleyball – earned Scholar/Athlete team status, recognizing their successful commitment to both athletics and academics. Teams given this honor by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association are required to have five players or more and earn a cumulative team GPA of 90 percent or higher. The varsity girls soccer team made it to the quarterfinal round of the Class AA playoffs and earned the leagues’ Sportsmanship Award. Individual honors went to Cailyn DeMarinis (All-League), Kristen DeBiase (All-Conference), Dominique Guttadauria (All-League), Alexandra Jacullo (Academic All-County), Kristina Kozakevitch (Academic All-League), Taylor Maucere (All-Conference), Mollie Rooney (Academic All-League) and Julia Santora (Academic All-League). High achievers on the boys varsity soccer team included Salvatore Castiglione (All-League, All-Conference), Dominick Cito (Academic All-County), Frank Cresciullo (All-League), Russell Riviccio (All-League) and Cagri Senlik (All-League, All-Conference). Qualifying for the League II playoffs, the varsity football Falcons were led by All-County athlete Ayinde Briggs; First Team All-Division winners Kermann Azemar, Jarett Bonser and Richard Keuler; and Second Team All-Division winners Calogero Arena, Ramel Hill and Kevin Loeber. The varsity volleyball team competed in the Class AA playoffs, boasting five All-Leaguers in Jenna Dee, Jenna Doolan, Tara Englehardt, Antonia Santora and Alexa Wahl; Doolan and Englehardt were also named All-Tournament. All-League winners Genevieve Ferguson and Stephanie Sinka led the varsity girls tennis squad; the boys cross-county team included Christopher Cox (All-League, All-Division) and Alvin Sime ((All-League); while the girls swimming and diving team was paced by Daniella Cornelia (All-League, All-County) and three additional All-Leaguers in Alexandra Bisagni, Kathryn Block and Christina Seem. Also honored were three Robert Frost Middle School teams – girls soccer (9-0-1), boys soccer (9-0-1) and football (6-0) – that finished the season undefeated. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108125 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 05:00:00 GMT false108125 A Flag for France Shows Support by JFK Student Government To show their support for the people of France, thoughtful student government members at John F. Kennedy created a French flag poster to be mailed to the head of the Ecole d'Etroussat school in France to share with her students. Signed by all of JFK’s students, the poster was accompanied by a letter written by the two dozen student council members, all fourth-graders. The idea for the flag gift sprang from art teachers Joanne Buck and Laurie Schwartz, who directed the project with the help of student council leader Deborah Smith. “My students asked me many questions after the Paris bombing, about the children that were affected,” explained Buck. “They wanted to know what they could do to show their support. As an art teacher, I know art can heal. Art transcends all languages, so Mrs. Schwartz and I started the French flag project. The headmistress at the school in France was delighted to hear of our students’ concern, and their faculty and staff thought it was a wonderful idea.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107611 Fri, 18 Dec 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107611 APPROVED 2016-2017 SCHOOL CALENDAR To view the approved 2016-2017 school calendar, please open the Calendar tab and then click on the Holiday calendar tab. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107609 Wed, 16 Dec 2015 16:00:00 GMT false107609 Sewing with Sympathy at Robert Frost Generous students in the Fashion Club at Robert Frost are sharing their time and talent to construct items for less fortunate children and adults. In their current community service project, the club’s sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders are sewing cloth bags, to be used to hold cloth dolls and accessories for the Giving Doll organization, whose representative, Maureen Ennis of the Ronkonkoma Giving Doll chapter, visited the club on Nov. 30. Providing joy, hope and comfort, the handmade dolls are given to children who are hospitalized or ill, or who face a life trauma such as a parent being deployed in the military, an ill sibling or a fire in their home. “It is important to teach my club members compassion and empathy for other people in their time of need,” said Fashion Club adviser Cindy Adriaenssens. The Fashion Club students are also making and donating 125 knitted and crocheted squares to the Warm Up America organization, to be used to make afghan blankets for the needy. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107607 Tue, 15 Dec 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107607 New York Common Core Task Force Final Report https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107608 Tue, 15 Dec 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107608 Forty-Nine New Role Models Inducted in NHS At the high school’s 54th annual National Honor Society induction ceremony, 49 juniors and seniors were recognized for their accomplishments and efforts that earned them membership in this prestigious organization. After a short musical performance by the Deer Park High School String Quartet, the society’s officers – President Peter Demopoulos, Vice President Nicholas DiModica, Secretary Kalvin Guyer and Treasurer Jasmine Perez – led the new inductees into the auditorium, followed by the current members. National Honor Society adviser Seth Margolin offered a welcome to the students and their parents, followed by remarks from Demopoulos, Principal James Cummings and Associate Principal Brian Norton. “Tonight is a celebration of Deer Park students who are exemplars in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service and character,” said Norton in his speech. Addressing the new inductees, he told them, “As the role models of Deer Park, your daily endeavors and successes have not gone unnoticed.” The NHS officers then spoke, each describing the qualities that serve as the standards for all National Honor Society members, which are demonstrated through each new inductee. Following the reading of the NHS pledge, the new members were sworn in with a candle-lighting ceremony. “We were all happy and proud to be a part of this important event in the lives of these students,” said Margolin. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107610 Mon, 14 Dec 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107610 Sampling Cultures at Frost’s Heritage Night More than 100 students enrolled in language classes at the middle school attended the seventh annual Robert Frost Heritage and Culture Night, hosted by the world language department. Students sampled different Spanish, Italian and French appetizers, entrees and desserts; danced to multicultural music and engaged in a limbo contest as well as other games. “It was so wonderful to see the students enjoy being with and interacting with their classmates and teachers, while sampling the cuisine and music of a variety of cultures,” said Spanish teacher Meredith Telese, who helped organize the event. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107606 Thu, 10 Dec 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107606 Dedicated Musicians Perform at All-State Concerts A trio of terrific high school student-musicians recently performed at All-State concerts held Dec. 3-6 at the Eastman Theater in Rochester, New York as part of the New York State School Music Association’s 80th annual Winter Conference. Joseph DeNoyior and Alec Winters were selected by NYSSMA for the All-State Mixed Chorus, while Kalvin Guyer was chosen for the All-State Symphony Orchestra. The three musicians spent many hours rehearsing for the prestigious event, where they had opportunities to tour the Winter Conference’s convention center and meet other stellar musicians from across the state. “Alec, Joseph and Kalvin exhibit a level of dedication and talent that has allowed them to be a part of something truly incredible,” said Bradley Murphy, the district’s curriculum associate for fine and performing arts. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107604 Tue, 08 Dec 2015 19:00:00 GMT false107604 May Moore Kindergartners Honored for Art of Gratitude Creative kindergarten artists at May Moore were recently recognized by State Sen. Phil Boyle for participating in the senator’s Thanksgiving Day Creative Celebration contest. The children earned certificates from Sen. Boyle for their artistic expressions in answering the question, “What Are You Thankful For?” The artwork is viewable here. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107605 Tue, 08 Dec 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107605 Colorful Cooking Makes for Beautiful Bounty at Frost Eighth-grade Cultural Foods classes at Robert Frost cooked and shared a special Thanksgiving feast on the two days prior to the holiday, consisting of turkey, mashed potatoes and all the trimmings. In making the feast, which they shared with their classmates, the students chose recipes and prepared a colorful array of freshly harvested local vegetables from Harbes Family Farm in Jamesport, including carrots, turnips, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, purple cauliflower, and white and purple potatoes. Desserts included homemade apple pie, crumb cake, chocolate cream pies, biscuits as well as pumpkin and corn breads. “We were thankful for the bounty of good food prepared in our beautiful, newly redone family and consumer science rooms,” said teacher Paula Behrens. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107603 Mon, 07 Dec 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107603 New Experiences, New Pantry Program at Life Skills Center Positive changes have come to the district’s long-running K-12 life skills program, with a successful relocation to enhance the acquisition of both job skills and life skills, and an expansion to the community with a food pantry affiliated with Island Harvest. The Life Skills Center moved this year from the Washington School to the Lincoln building, making full use of the new space’s multiple rooms to create four different learning experiences: a sunny studio apartment, including a kitchen and living room; a “retail store,” donated by Dressbarn, where the students learn shopping, money and budgeting skills; the former Lincoln main office, converted into a functional office space for the life skills students; and the food pantry, where the students can learn skills like sorting inventory in a grocery-type setting. The district currently has 10 students enrolled in the life skills program, which runs from kindergarten through 12th grade. “The program provides many functional opportunities for our students to develop the skills that they will need in their everyday lives,” said special education teacher Maria Devitt. The 10 currently enrolled life skills students are at the Lincoln Life Skills Center on Monday and Wednesday afternoons, rotating through the apartment, food pantry, retail center and office. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, they participate in vocational training at an increasing number of off-site job placements such as Walmart, Party City, Shop Rite and FragranceNet.com. On Friday afternoons, the life skills program features community-based instruction; according to Devitt, this involves educational instruction in naturally occurring community environments such as soup kitchen volunteering, which provides students with real-life experiences. “We are trying to give our kids a wide range of experiences to transition from a Deer Park High School student to a contributing member of our community,” said Kimberly Skillen, the district administrator for secondary curriculum and instruction. She added that as the life skills program has grown, it is fortunate that it has been so strongly supported by both the Board of Education and the Deer Park community. The district’s new food pantry program, run as part of the Life Skills Center, is a certified Island Harvest pantry, which means resulting support from that organization. The pantry will involve the students’ participation, providing a unique opportunity to have Deer Park students helping Deer Park families. It will enhance job skills for the students in a real-life application of what they are learning while responding to growing food insecurity in Deer Park. The idea for the pantry stemmed from last summer, when special education and ENL summer school students were offered free lunch through Island Harvest. The life skills students enjoyed organizing the lunch program and saw firsthand the need in the community. The pantry is open to any local family in need who requests food. “We can do it in a respectful way,” said Skillen, who noted that a discreet pickup procedure will be put in place. Social workers will input requests in a Google form, and the life skills students will create the boxes of food, based on social worker entries. Monthly food drives will be held to replenish the pantry, and members of the high school’s student council will work in the pantry as mentors to the life skills students. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107602 Sat, 05 Dec 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107602 Triple Undefeated Seasons for Frost In a triple display of athletic prowess and terrific teamwork, three teams at the middle school finished the fall season undefeated. The remarkable Robert Frost teams were girls soccer (finishing 9-0-1), coached by Keri Schumacher; boys soccer (9-0-1), coached by Kevin Cogan; and football (6-0), coached by Kevin Marner and Brian Tower. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107601 Fri, 04 Dec 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107601 ENL Family Fun Night at Frost Postponed The Robert Frost ENL Family Fun Night, originally scheduled for Dec. 3, has been postponed. The new date is to be announced. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107600 Thu, 03 Dec 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107600 Sime Signs for Seahawks at Wagner High school senior Alvin Sime will run cross-country and track for Wagner College’s Division I Seahawks program next fall. The outstanding student-athlete signed a National Letter of Intent on Nov. 19 to attend Wagner, located in Staten Island. “I thought it would be the best fit for me, both academically and athletically,” said Sime, Deer Park’s team captain and a four-time All-Leaguer, regarding his choice. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107598 Wed, 02 Dec 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107598 Frost Students Collect Bounty of Baskets for Deer Park’s Needy Members of the Frost National Junior Honor Society participated in the group’s annual Thanksgiving food drive, preparing 22 baskets to be given to needy families in the community. After collecting donations from fellow students, including food items such as turkey, stuffing and canned vegetables, the NJHS students gathered after school on Nov. 20 to sort the items and create the baskets. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107599 Tue, 01 Dec 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107599 Deer Park Does ‘Dinner and a Show’ Students, teachers, and parents celebrated Deer Park’s artistic talents at the inaugural “Dinner and a Show” event, hosted by the Deer Park Arts Council. More than 300 guests attended the event, held on Nov. 13 at the high school. A pasta dinner was served, followed by an hour of performances by students and faculty. Attendees also enjoyed an art exhibition of selected works from students. The district plans to make “Dinner and a Show” an annual event to recognize student talent and faculty guidance in the arts. “As a new administrator in Deer Park, this night offered a wonderful opportunity for me to learn more about the community’s appreciation and commitment to the arts,” said Bradley Murphy, the district’s curriculum associate for fine and performing arts. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107213 Tue, 24 Nov 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107213 Reading as a Reward at JFK Students thronged the hallway at JFK on Nov. 23, shopping and helping unpack boxes for the first morning of a three-day book fair, sponsored by the school’s Parent Faculty Club. “This fall’s book fair will reward the kids and introduce them to reading and books,” said JFK PFC representative Nicole Hendrickson. The proceeds will help the PFC in funding school supplies and events such as field trips and assemblies. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107212 Mon, 23 Nov 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107212 The Standard Newsletter - Fall 2015 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107208 Mon, 23 Nov 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107208 Impactful Champions Honored at HS Breakfast Seventeen superlative high school students were honored by teachers and administrators at the Breakfast for Champions, held in the school library on Nov 12. At the event, awarded biannually each fall and spring, student champions were selected by each of the school’s departments, as were three additional champions chosen by principals and a teacher. “Breakfast for Champions is an opportunity for teachers and administrators to honor students who have impacted them in some way,” said Jeanne Kozlowsky, the school’s associate principal of curriculum. “The event recognizes students who demonstrate excellent conduct and character on a daily basis, work on achieving their personal best inside and outside the classroom, and show an innate compassion to help others.” The fall 2015 Breakfast for Champions honorees, all presented with plaques, were seniors Priyesh Bhatt (guidance), Kathryn Block (technology), Jenna Boccabella (performing arts), Julia Boss (science), Rodney Conte (Principal’s Award), Megan Hammond (art), Shihab Howlader (family and consumer science) and Rose Snyder (math); juniors John Galaor (athletics), Joshua A. Singh (business), and Lukendjor Souvernaud (English as a new language/world language); sophomores Austin Ciejka (Teacher’s Award), Kasey Dorney (physical education) and Fabiha Khan (social studies); and freshmen Dana Ali (health), Steven Gassert (Associate Principal’s Award) and Shannon Theiling (English language arts). https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107211 Sat, 21 Nov 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107211 Cox to Wrestle for NC State Next Year Senior wrestler Tommy Cox signed a National Letter of Intent on Nov. 19 to attend North Carolina State University next fall. He was congratulated by coach Mike McLaughlin, Athletic Director Dominick Fontana and Cox’s attending parents. A three-time All-Leaguer, two-time league champion and county finalist, Cox finished third in state competition and won at the junior nationals. He cited the Wolfpack’s strong Division I program, ranked fifth in the nation, as a main reason he chose NC State, along with the Raleigh campus. “When I went on an unofficial visit, I loved the campus and atmosphere,” said Cox. “I felt like I belonged.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107210 Fri, 20 Nov 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107210 Frost Student’s Sandwich Solicitation Helps Local Vets In recognition of Veterans Day, Jack Serra, Robert Frost eighth-grader solicited donations to make meals for local veterans at the Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center. With the help of members from the school’s National Junior Honor Society as well as two teachers, veteran John Heeg and NJHS adviser Seth Margolin, they made about 150 sandwiches, which were delivered on the evening of Nov. 10 to veterans at the Salvation Army Northport Veterans Residence. Each veteran received two sandwiches, chips, a donut and a drink. “This was a great experience for me,” said Serra. “I’m glad I got to share it with some of my friends.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107207 Mon, 16 Nov 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107207 Motivational Math Challenge at JFK https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107205 Fri, 13 Nov 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107205 Fire Safety Program Makes Big Impression at May Moore Mixing equal parts prevention and excitement, students at May Moore gained serious knowledge of fire safety during a recent visit from Deer Park Fire Department Assistant Chief Phil Scarfi, then walked outside to scream in delight as one of the department’s fire trucks shot water out of a hose and high into the air. The event was sure to leave a strong impression on the children, reminding them what to do in case of fire. Scarfi’s long-running annual safety program in Deer Park’s elementary schools is designed in conjunction with national Fire Prevention Month. “Many thanks to firefighter Phil Scarfi and the Deer Park Fire Department for sounding the alarm about keeping our homes and families safe from fire,” said May Moore Principal Alicia Konecny. “Our students learned the importance of having working smoke alarms in their homes and discussing a safety plan with each parent.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107204 Mon, 09 Nov 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107204 Wrapping Trees to Remain Drug Free at Frost Robert Frost's student council recognized Red Ribbon Week at the end of October by wrapping the trees in front of the school in red bows. “We are proud of all of the Robert Frost students who stepped forward to take the pledge to remain drug free,” said Principal Eliana Levey. “Celebrating Red Ribbon week has become a tradition for us, and I'm pleased to see our students make such an important commitment to their health and their future.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107202 Mon, 09 Nov 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107202 Three Seniors Recognized for Science Potential Seniors Joseph Sanchez, Jade Wilson and Alec Winters attended the Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders in Boston this past summer. Admission to this prestigious honors-only academy program was based on factors including grade point averages of 3.5 or higher, demonstrated leadership potential and declared aspirations to become physicians, scientists or technologists. During their three days at the Congress, the Deer Park students were surrounded by fellow high schoolers from across the nation who share the same passion, ability and potential. “Our students were certified with the official Award of Excellence as a result of their successful completion of the Congress,” said Jeanne Kozlowsky, the school’s associate principal of curriculum. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107203 Thu, 05 Nov 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107203 Building Momentum with Fourth Health Fair The district held its fourth annual Health & Wellness Fair on Oct. 24, in conjunction with the high school’s Varsity Leaders Club Halloween Carnival and a Deer Park Fire Department open house. The free event, sponsored by the district’s health and physical education department, took place at a new double location on Lake Avenue – at JFK as well as across the street at the firehouse – with representatives of the Suffolk County police and sheriff’s departments also on hand. This year’s fair was the most heavily attended to date, and featured numerous health-related activities and more than 50 informational booths, including a mobile blood drive; dental and orthodontic care; fire safety and CPR; healthy eating demonstrations; health screenings; sports clinics; child safety and car seat inspections; martial arts and kickboxing; and Zumba, Pilates and yoga. The high school’s clubs sponsored a Chinese auction, while students from family and consumer science teacher Patricia Skjoldahl’s class perfected a parfait recipe to present to attendees. “We seem to be building momentum with each passing year,” said the district’s health administrator, Dominick Fontana. “Our goal is to continue adding activities and vendors in years to follow.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107201 Thu, 05 Nov 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107201 Day of Discussion Spurs Career Ideas for Freshmen Career Day for ninth-graders came to the high school on Oct. 14, hosted by the business education department. Freshmen had the opportunity to attend workshop talks in the cafeteria and gym, meeting in small rotating groups with different professionals to learn more about possible career choices. Deer Park resident Stacy DeNoyior, vice president of sales at Broadridge Financial Solutions and chairperson for Broadridge’s Women’s Leadership Forum, was the event’s keynote speaker, presenting on “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens.” Among the dozens of interesting presenters to discuss their jobs with the students were Keith Abramson, an attorney in the firm of Berkman, Henoch, Peterson, Peddy & Fenchel; Dr. Tyrone Bennett, a research engineer, educator, author and infrastructure technologist; Dr. Jermaine Archer, a history professor at SUNY Old Westbury; School of Rock music instructor Joel Camp; children’s author Linda Marie Frank; FDNY firefighter Mark Giannini; Quontic Bank mortgage loan officer Kimberly Hope; Jerilyn Marinan, director of career planning and development at SUNY Old Westbury; Babylon Town Clerk Carol Quirk; television cameraman Charles Rainone; orthodontic technician Christine Reilly of Vitagliano Orthodontics; Dr. Brian Stipelman, dean of the Dowling College School of Arts and Sciences; and athletic trainer and physical therapist Stacey Taradash. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107200 Tue, 03 Nov 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107200 DPHS Artist on Display at Hispanic Heritage Fest A painting by high school senior Regina Ambrosio was featured at the 17th annual Hispanic Heritage Month Festival, presented by the Town of Babylon. Held on Oct. 17 at the Tanner Park Senior Center in Copiague, the event was hosted by Babylon Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer and the Department of Human Services. Her piece was created for teacher Derek Mainhart’s AP Art Studio class, and fit perfectly into the festival’s theme for this year, “Hispanic Americans: Energizing Our Nation’s Diversity.” Using watercolor and acrylic as a medium, Ambrosio found thematic inspiration in the time of year, focusing on the traditional Mexican holiday of Dia de Muertos. “In my artwork, I wanted to go against the way the Day of the Dead is typically portrayed,” she said. “This dark subject matter is often depicted with dark hues of red, brown and yellow. So I used pastels and light hues to create contrast between subject matter and my approach.” The display at the Hispanic Heritage Festival proved memorable for the young artist. “It was incredible to gain insight on the beautiful culture that inspired my piece, and to see people’s reactions to it,” said Ambrosio. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107199 Sun, 01 Nov 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107199 Frightful Fun Meets Facts at May Moore’s Pumpkin Patch Orange orbs filled the grass outside May Moore’s front doors on Oct. 22, delighting youngsters ready to enjoy the school’s annual pumpkin patch event. “May Moore’s students had a spooktacular time in the pumpkin patch,” said Principal Alicia Konecny. “Thank you to our PFC for donating a pumpkin to every boy and ghoul.” Mixing facts with frightful fun, the school’s classes learned numerous scientific details about the seasonal gourds, such as the fact that they are composed of 90 percent water, that they contain significant potassium and Vitamin A, and that their flowers are edible. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107198 Sat, 31 Oct 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107198 JQA Prekindergartners Celebrate Pumpkin Season with Workshop At JQA’s annual pre-K pumpkin workshop, the district’s youngest students worked with visiting parents and grandparents to create festive pumpkin votive candleholders using glass jars, glue and colored tissue paper. At the end of the Oct. 28 workshop, each child took home a finished piece to decorate their home. “The pumpkin workshop is an opportunity for students to practice their fine motor skills with the help of a special grownup,” said Principal Christine Criscione. “Creating the pumpkin votive candle holder is a great way for students to reinforce the art concepts they are learning, along with celebrating Halloween.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107196 Wed, 28 Oct 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107196 Teacher Gets Taped to Benefit Freshmen The high school’s freshmen hosted a zany “Tape McCourt” fundraiser on Oct. 9 to benefit the Class of 2019. Fellow students and faculty paid $1 per foot of duct tape to affix photography and sculpture teacher Kyle McCourt to a school wall. After more than 300 pieces of tape were purchased and used, McCourt was officially stuck to the wall. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107195 Tue, 27 Oct 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107195 Checking out the Chamber with Frost Orchestra In a fabulous field trip, the Robert Frost Middle School Eighth-Grade Orchestra visited New York City’s Lincoln Center on Oct. 21 to watch a rehearsal of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. For 90 minutes, the students witnessed first-hand what a professional group of musicians do to prepare for a performance, and were given the opportunity to ask questions afterward. The Chamber Music Society was preparing for a performance of George Philipp Telemann’s 1761 “Don Quixote Suite,” which took place the next day. “Our Frost musicians discovered that the Society’s rehearsal methods were very much like their own rehearsals in school,” said Bradley Murphy, the district’s curriculum associate for fine and performing arts. “Maria Wingert, their orchestra teacher, was very proud of their outstanding behavior and thoughtful questions during the discussion period of the program.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107197 Mon, 26 Oct 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107197 Rousing Homecoming for the Community Parading across town from John F. Kennedy Intermediate School to the high school parking lot, the Deer Park community celebrated homecoming in style on a cold and crisp Oct. 17. This year’s floats were created around a video game theme, with entries from the freshmen (Donkey Kong), sophomores (Pac-Man) and juniors (Pokemon) topped by a winning Super Mario Kart float from the seniors on their “last lap” before graduation. Principal James Cummings and Superintendent of Schools Eva J. Demyen addressed the audience at the football field, praising the efforts of the district’s Booster Club and exhorting the Falcons to win. Also in attendance were assistant superintendents Frank Caliguiri and Marguerite Jimenez and Board of Education members Al Centamore, Donna Marie Elliot, Donna Gulli Grunseich, Bob Marino and Keith Rooney. Special guests for the day were Babylon Town Councilman Thomas Donnelly, a Deer Park resident, and Suffolk County Legislator Lou D’Amaro, an alumnus of Deer Park’s Class of 1976. “It’s a great day for a football game,” said D’Amaro. “Today I am rooting all the way for the Falcons!” A final speaker was 2001 graduate John Cestaro, the president of the Deer Park Community Association. Frank Cresciullo and Dominique Guttadauria were announced as this year’s homecoming king and queen, taking a celebratory truck tour around the stadium. Rounding out the homecoming court were Ahmed Abdeltawab, Ryan Brennan, Tara Englehardt, Kayla Rios, Dan Sciabarassi, Alvin Sime, Stephanie Sinka and Kellee Washington. Performers rousing the crowd included the marching band, the high school and Robert Frost Middle School kicklines, and cheerleaders from the high school, middle school and PAL. When it came time for football, the varsity Falcons came out strong, staking out a 21-7 lead against Half Hollow Hills East in a back-and-forth contest full of recovered fumbles and interceptions on both sides. While Deer Park came up short in the end, losing a 22-21 nailbiter, the day was an exciting one for the entire community. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107194 Sun, 25 Oct 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107194 Bond Passes! We are pleased to announce that the Capital Bond Referendum has been approved by district voters. The tally was 291 yes votes and 91 no votes, including absentee ballots. The total bond is $17 million for projects that address security, building improvements and grounds enhancements. Approximately 62 percent of the costs will be covered by state building aid, and there will be no additional tax impact on residents. The district thanks the Deer Park community for its continued support of our schools. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107193 Wed, 21 Oct 2015 03:00:00 GMT false107193 Dedicated Senior Named a Commended Student High school student Sabah Siddique has been recognized as a Commended Student by the 2016 National Merit Scholarship Program. The exceptional senior was awarded for her results on the 2014 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, in which she finished among the top 5 percent of the more than 1.5 million students nationwide who took part in the competition. Ranked 18th in her class, Siddique plans to major in economics. She has excelled both academically and musically, playing guitar and participating as a member of the high school’s chorus. “Sabah is a wonderful young lady who has a passion for learning and a commitment to our school and community,” said social studies teacher Victor LoMonaco. “I’ve always admired her work ethic and dedication to her studies and co-curricular activities.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107192 Mon, 19 Oct 2015 18:00:00 GMT false107192 Capital Bond Referendum Information - Updated Sept. 16 Remember to Vote Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2015 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. Deer Park High School Click here for more information https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107173 Tue, 13 Oct 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107173 Terrific 10 Seniors Celebrated The high school announced its top 10 ranked seniors for 2015-2016 during an Oct. 9 morning ceremony, with Kathryn Block and Peter Demopoulos named first and second, respectively. Rounding out Deer Park’ list were Alexandra Jacullo (ranked third), Theresa Grimaldi (fourth), Lauren Lazarte (fifth), Tajriana Haque (sixth), Michael Strenta (seventh), Kevin Chang (eighth), John Santare (ninth) and Nicholas DiModica (10th). With a weighted average of 105.62, Block earned top-ranked status as valedictorian for the Class of 2016. An AP Scholar with Distinction, she earned a perfect score on the AP world history exam. She serves as captain of the school’s swim team and is an award-winning Girl Scout. The senior will apply to Rochester Institute of Technology, Penn State, Lehigh University and Quinnipiac University, and plans to study civil engineering and architecture with the goal of developing sustainable housing from organic materials. “Though Kathryn is respected by many for her academic prowess, I find it to be her character that truly sets her apart, making her a leader among her class,” said guidance counselor Jessica Yawney. “She is kind, caring and always thinking of more ways to give back to the Deer Park community. This is a young woman who has developed a clear and decisive voice.” The second-ranked senior and future salutatorian, Demopoulos serves as editor in chief of the school newspaper, captain of the academic team, and president of the National Honor Society, Pen Society as well as his Class of 2016. An AP Scholar with Honor, he was named treasurer of the school’s DECA club, with who he placed fifth in county and state tournaments. Demopolous also participates on Deer Park’s varsity golf team and Chess Club, and volunteers at Good Samaritan Hospital in his spare time. Each of the terrific 10 were given accolades by Deer Park faculty as they enjoyed a celebratory breakfast in the school library with their families. “This group is going to make us proud in the future,” said Principal James Cummings. “Congratulations to their parents and families.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107190 Mon, 12 Oct 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107190 Pajamas Profess School Spirit A panoply of pajamas filled Robert Frost on Oct. 14, as Pajama Day marked the midpoint of the school's annual Spirit Week leading up to homecoming. "It was great to see such enthusiasm for Spirit Week among the students and staff," said Associate Principal Gary Ramonetti, who was clad in pajamas himself. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107189 Mon, 12 Oct 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107189 Rocketry Rally at Robert Frost After working hard to learn all about rocketry during the first few weeks of school, seventh-graders at Robert Frost in teacher John Abeltin’s technology class put their new knowledge to the test. With the help of student teacher Jonathan Jaszcar, they successfully built and launched their own model rockets. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107187 Sun, 11 Oct 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107187 Triple Event – Health Fair, Halloween Carnival and Fire Dept. Open House – at Lake Avenue on Oct. 24 The district will hold its fourth annual Health & Wellness Fair on Saturday, Oct. 24, in conjunction with the high school’s Varsity Leaders Club Halloween Carnival and a Deer Park Fire Department open house. The events will take place from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., at a new double location on Lake Avenue – at John F. Kennedy Intermediate School as well as across the street at the firehouse. The Health Fair, sponsored by the district’s health and physical education department, is free to the public and will include numerous health-related activities and more than 50 informational booths. Services and activities available for attending community members of all ages will include a mobile blood drive; dental and orthodontic care; fire safety and CPR; healthy eating demonstrations; health screenings including blood pressure, blood sugar and body mass index; child safety and car seat inspections; railroad safety; martial arts and kickboxing; Pilates and yoga; sports clinics including golf, lacrosse, soccer and tennis; and Zumba. Representatives of the Suffolk County Police Department and Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department will also be on hand, and a Chinese auction will be sponsored by the high school’s clubs. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107188 Fri, 09 Oct 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107188 Tzortzatos Takes Over Tech Anastasia Tzortzatos is the new district administrator for instructional technology, replacing Andrew Choi. She comes to the district from the Lawrence School District, where she worked as an English as a second language teacher for 12 years. While at Lawrence, she served as both the PM school and ESL/world language coordinator for the past two years, and as the summer school coordinator from 2012-2014. Tzortzatos, a resident of Massapequa Park, earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Adelphi University, where she also received a master’s degree in teaching English to speakers of other languages. She later attended Stony Brook University, where she obtained certification as a school building leader and school district leader. She is currently working on her doctorate in educational leadership at St. John’s University. “I look forward to facilitating a more intensive use of technology in everyday lessons to assist in the understanding and growth of every Deer Park student,” said Tzortzatos. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107186 Thu, 08 Oct 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107186 Influenza Prevention and Control 2015-2016 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107185 Thu, 08 Oct 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107185 Brotherly Bear Hug Reunites Freshman and Grad In a unexpected reunion full of brotherly love, high school freshman Dylan Poppe was visited by his brother, Kevin, on Sept. 18. Kevin, a Deer Park graduate from the Class of 2013, had been away at U.S. Army boot camp since January. Dylan was unaware his brother had returned, and their mother brought Kevin in to sign Dylan out of school as a surprise. Associate Principal Craig Evans secured permission for the reunion to take place in social studies teacher Vanessa Whitney’s classroom, where an unsuspecting Dylan was preparing for a quiz. When Kevin walked in the door, his sibling was caught completely off guard. Instantly elated, the elated younger Poppe gave his brother a huge bear hug, almost knocking him over, and the class erupted in applause. The emotional reunion brought tears to the eyes of both Whitney and the class teaching assistant, Kosisochukwu Ikwuazon. “It was a heartwarming moment, and one I will always treasure,” said Whitney. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107184 Mon, 05 Oct 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107184 AP Achievers The College Board has recognized 85 Deer Park High School students as AP Scholars for 2015, an increase of eight since last year. AP courses are graded on a scale of 1 to 5, with a score of 3 or above qualifying high school students for college course credit. Through its Advanced Placement Program, the College Board presents several levels of AP Scholar Awards to recognize top high school students who demonstrate outstanding college-level achievement via AP courses and exams. Three graduates from Deer Park’s Class of 2015 – Kyle Dillon, Jonathan Wagner and Aaron Zhang – received the highest designation of National AP Scholar, a category reserved for students who received an average score of at least 4 on all AP exams taken and scores of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams. A total of 19 students received the designation of AP Scholar with Distinction, including current seniors Kathryn Block, Kevin Chang, Joseph Curry, Theresa Grimaldi, Alexandra Jacullo, Lauren Lazarte, Mollie Rooney, John Santare and Kyle Sogluizzo, as well as 10 graduates (Dillon, John Dimodica, Emily Fowler, Sabrina Grunseich, Katherine Keller, William Keller, Jessica Orelus, Jeremy Rodriguez, Wagner and Zhang). AP Scholar with Distinction is a title awarded to students who received an average score of at least 3.5 on their AP exams and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. Current seniors Peter Demopoulos, Tajriana Haque, Shihab Howlader, Shania Mahmud, Joseph Sanchez and Alec Winters were among 13 from Deer Park named AP Scholars with Honor, having received an average score of at least 3.25 on all of their AP exams and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of those exams. The school can also take pride in its 53 AP Scholars, who received scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams. Each honored Deer Park student received an award certificate, and their achievement will be listed in AP score reports sent to prospective colleges and universities. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107181 Thu, 01 Oct 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107181 Swimmers Walk to Raise Alzheimer’s Awareness The Deer Park/North Babylon girls varsity swimming and diving team were in attendance again at this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, held on Sept. 19 at Belmont Lake State Park. The students, who also attended the Walk in the prior two years, participated in the opening ceremony and the two-mile walk around the lake, raising more than $200 for the Long Island chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Extra motivation for these service-minded high schoolers came from a personal encounter with the the disease. “The grandmother of a past team member, who graduated last year, has Alzheimer’s,” explained Kaitlyn Sullivan, a college and career counselor at Deer Park High School. “The girls saw how it affected both the grandmother and their friend, and they wanted to help raise awareness.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107183 Sat, 19 Sep 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107183 A Patriotic Trio of Essay Winners Three patriotic Deer Park students – JFK fifth-grader Steven Mendell, Frost sixth-grader Damian Ellner and high school sophomore Badar Zaman – were recognized as winners of the Deer Park Volunteer Fire Department’s 9/11 Essay Contest. Mendell’s essay discussed the ways that numerous people in the community came together to help each during the crisis on Sept. 11, 2001. Ellner and Zaman both wrote about the importance of remembering those who lost their lives on 9/11. “I talked about how they made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Ellner. Each of the three students was awarded a certificate and gift card at the fire department’s annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony, held on Sept. 12. They were also recognized at the Sept. 29 Board of Education meeting, where they were lauded by the Board and presented with certificates by Superintendent of Schools Eva J. Demyen. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107180 Sat, 19 Sep 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107180 Watkis Takes the Helm at Science Department The district has tapped Jachan Watkis as its new curriculum associate for science and technology in grades 6-12. The new administrator replaces Kristen Crespo. Prior to his hiring at Deer Park, Watkis worked for two years as the director of science in the Hempstead School District, and before that, as the assistant principal for supervision of math, science and CTE at Automotive High School in Brooklyn. He also taught high school science for nine years in Queens. Before entering the educational field, Watkis worked for two years as an analytical chemist in pharmaceutical development. A graduate of Uniondale High School, Watkis earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from SUNY New Paltz, a Master of Science in Education degree in school counseling from Brooklyn College, and an Advanced Certificate in Educational Leadership from Hofstra University. He currently resides in Miller Place. “I look forward to sharing in the journey of discovery embarked upon by every student and professional in our schools,” said Watkis. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107179 Fri, 18 Sep 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107179 DPHS Career Day https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107178 Thu, 17 Sep 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107178 DiProperzio Named ELA Curriculum Associate Christine DiProperzio has been named as the district’s new curriculum associate for ELA, reading and library in grades 6-12, replacing Christina Poppe. DiProperzio graduated from Hofstra University in 1998 with a bachelor’s degree in English and secondary education. For a year and a half, she worked as a teaching assistant in the special education department at Manhasset Secondary School while earning a master’s degree in special education from Queens College. Since 2001, she has worked at Deer Park High School as a tenured English teacher, predominantly teaching English 11. In 2005, after completing an internship with the high school’s administrative staff, she earned a professional certificate in school administration from Queens College. “This year, I am excited to be given the opportunity to collaborate with the teaching and administrative staff at the middle school and high school in order to provide our department with the support needed to continue inspiring our students to excel and reach their goals,” said DiProperzio. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107182 Wed, 16 Sep 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107182 A Flurry of Flags on Patriot Day Clad in red, white and blue, students from kindergarten through second grade honored the 14th anniversary of Sept. 11 by planting American flags in front of May Moore and John Quincy Adams on Patriot Day. The ceremonies, including recitations of the Pledge of Allegiance, served to strengthen bonds of patriotism and citizenship. “Although our students weren’t born when the events of 9/11 occurred, we feel it is important to honor the nearly 3,000 victims of those attacks and all those who risked their lives to save others,” said May Moore Principal Alicia Konecny. “Our PFC donated the flags for the children to plant around our school to show their patriotism for America and their respect for ordinary people who responded in extraordinary circumstances with acts of kindness and compassion.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107177 Wed, 16 Sep 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107177 Keeping Tabs on SADD Donation Effort In an annual effort, the high school’s Students Against Destructive Decisions Club and other supportive students join forces to collect soda can tabs for Shriners Hospitals for Children—Philadelphia. This year, the school took the lead in donating the most tabs of any organization, with 18.775 kilograms of tabs. After collection, the aluminum tabs are recycled for cash, with the proceeds funding programs that directly benefit children. “Our grand total from collecting tabs over the years is $68,927.35 and growing,” said Shriners Hospital representative Stephanie Byrwa. “We are able to use the tabs to raise money for important machines, tools and equipment that will provide a better quality of life for our patients.” The Shriners Hospitals for Children nonprofit network, which operates more than 20 facilities across North America, is dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research and outstanding medical teaching programs for medical professionals. “Who thought a lowly soda tab could do such much good?” said club adviser Janet Werner. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107176 Sat, 12 Sep 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107176 Renewed and Ready for a Year of Learning Across the district, students streamed into their schools on a warm Sept. 2, prepared for the first day of classes after a long, relaxing summer. From the high school and middle school, to JFK Intermediate and the two primary schools, the district was abuzz with new faces, rekindled friendships and ambitious academic goals. “Our students and staff returned on Tuesday, renewed, refreshed and ready to rock,” said May Moore Principal Alicia Konecny. “We are all excited for a wonderful year of learning ahead.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107174 Fri, 11 Sep 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107174 New Education Regs Explained at Superintendent’s Conference Day At the district’s recent annual Superintendent’s Conference Day, speakers delved into revised New York State regulations for both English as a New Language and the Annual Professional Performance Review. Kicking off the morning’s presentations, Gina Palasciano, the district’s curriculum associate for world languages and ENL, introduced Dr. Maria Dove, an author and professor at Molloy College. Dove explained that in the past, ENL –formerly known as ESL, or English as a Second Language – consisted of standalone programs, with a segregated population and specialized ESL curriculum. The new format features collaborative teacher teams of ESOL and content teachers, offering integrated instructional services to an integrated student population, for a curriculum that combines content and language. “The new ENL program is research-based and consists of two components: a content area, with instructional component in English, and an English-language developmental component,” she said. “Integrating students and curriculum goes hand in hand with the ‘new three R’s’ of rigor, relevance and research.” Dove stressed the need to develop collaborative teaching teams, and demonstrated classroom models of co-teaching. “You can’t do this work alone,” she told the assembled teachers. “All team members need ongoing opportunities to learn.” Superintendent of Schools Eva J. Demyen began by introducing numerous new directors and teachers, using OMI’s No. 1 hit song “Cheerleader” to illustrate her credo of supporting and developing her staff. “We are cheerleaders for each other,” she told them. “Teach to your best ability, the students you know and love.” She noted that she had met with the state’s new education commissioner, MaryEllen Elia, saying, “I think she’s going to help us make some much needed changes.” Demyen’s presentation focused on discussing new regulations for the state’s APPR, which has moved from three components to just two: student performance and observation. One of the main elements of the new APPR is that principals and teachers of students in courses that culminate in state exams will receive state-provided growth scores, while those with students in courses that don’t culminate in a state exam will utilize SLOs, or student learning objectives, to set growth targets that show at least one year of expected growth. The targets, process and assessments that are used will be approved by the state. Citing the short timetable as an impediment, Demyen said that the district will apply for an APPR waiver in October; it can then apply for a second waiver next March. “We want to do this right – efficiently and educationally sound,” said Demyen. “So we will do it over time, and start fresh next year.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107175 Wed, 09 Sep 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107175 Murphy to Head Fine and Performing Arts Department The district has named Bradley Murphy as its new curriculum associate for fine and performing arts, replacing the retired Dr. Jeff Dailey. Murphy comes to Deer Park from East Moriches Middle School, where he served as band director and teacher for eight years. He served as a chairperson of the Hampton Educator Association Middle School Band last year, and also worked as a private music teacher, preparing students for NYSSMA performances An alumnus of Commack High School’s International Baccalaureate music program, Murphy earned his bachelor’s degree in music education at Hofstra University, where he was a founding member of the Hofstra University Saxophone Quartet. At Five Towns College, he earned a Master of Arts degree in music with concentration on audio engineering, digital media and MIDI sequencing. He also holds advanced certificates in school leadership from Stony Brook University. “I am very excited to learn about everything Deer Park has to offer our students and community,” said Murphy, who resides in South Setauket. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107804 Wed, 02 Sep 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107804 Sixth-Graders Transition to Frost Incoming sixth-graders at Robert Frost paid a visit to their new school for an orientation on the morning of Aug. 27, serving as an important step in transitioning to middle school. Broken down into groups based on their upcoming lunch periods, the students met at the school cafeteria for a welcome breakfast, where they listened to an introduction by the principal, Dr. Eliana Levey. They were then divided by team for tours of the school, led by members of Frost’s National Junior Honor Society. The students also attended gym informational sessions, where they learned more about each other, and met with their guidance counselors to help alleviate any concerns and to become more aware of how things work at Frost. “It was great to see the excited students as they continue their transition to Frost,” said Associate Principal Gary Ramonetti. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107171 Sun, 30 Aug 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107171 Welcome Back to School! Welcome back for the 2015-2015 school year! Look for full coverage of the first day at each of the district's schools, coming soon. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107172 Sun, 30 Aug 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107172 Carnival Caps Off Summer School Season Students in the district’s summer school program capped off the season by participating in a fun-filled carnival featuring several individual and team-based activities. The second annual event, held on Aug. 13 at the May Moore Primary School gymnasium, gave students the opportunity to celebrate their efforts and successes throughout the summer. Students from kindergarten through high school level enjoyed activities such as bowling, potato sack hopping, craft stations, clay molding, bean bag tossing, hula-hooping and pinning the tail on the donkey. Each student also received a box of popcorn as a tasty treat for his or her hard work. “After a summer of learning, attending job sites and working hard each day, the carnival is a way to let the students know that hard work deserves reward,” said John Quincy Adams Primary School teacher Phyllis Senia, who organizes the program. Deer Park’s summer school program is comprised of various activities and field trips, and facilitated by district teachers, administrators and student volunteers. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107803 Wed, 26 Aug 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107803 SADD Team Takes on Energy Drinks A team of five students from the high school’s Students Against Destructive Decisions club placed first in both the 17th legislative district and Suffolk County for a contest to produce a 30-second public service announcement on the hazards of energy drinks. For their hard-hitting PSA, students Oluchi Amah, Debbie Baculima, James Depre, Karishma Shah and Stephanie Vaia took on the roles of doctor, police officer, teacher and energy drink consumer. They discussed the negative effects on the human body caused by consuming such drinks, which contain significant quantities of sugar and caffeine. The winning SADD team and adviser Janet Warner attended a June 16 meeting of the county legislature in Riverhead, where they were presented with a proclamation for their achievement by Legislator Lou D'Amaro, and were also honored at a recent Board of Education meeting. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107799 Thu, 20 Aug 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107799 Sweets and Sabrina for JFK Reporters Four ace young reporters from JFK visited ABC’s studios in New York City to interview Disney star singer Sabrina Carpenter. Students Madison Cadena, Jeremy Malaga, Anthony Perrotta and Julianna Vene asked Carpenter questions about her singing career and hit show “Girl Meets World” for a story that will appear in the “Kidsday” section of “Newsday” on Oct. 4. “It was so exciting to meet Sabrina,” said Vene. “She actually gave us each a hug.” While in Manhattan, the students also toured the Voila Chocolate shop, where they learned to make their own chocolate. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107800 Sat, 15 Aug 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107800 Happy to Hula at Summer School Luau At Deer Park’s July 29 summer school luau, students participated in educational activities and learned how to hula, then enjoyed treats from Rita’s Ices. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107802 Fri, 14 Aug 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107802 District Wins Two TangerKIDS Grants At a recent Board of Education meeting, Tanger Outlets General Manager Nancy Larson was on hand to present mock checks representing grants awarded to two of the district’s schools as part of the TangerKIDS grants program. The first grant was awarded to May Moore first-grade teacher Pamela Arcuri, who applied for a grant to buy iPads for her classroom. According to Arcuri, the iPads will be used to differentiate instruction in various skills, including sight word recognition and number fluency. The second TangerKIDS grant, to John F. Kennedy Intermediate, will assist the school in acquiring microscopes for its fifth-grade science lab. “Fifth-graders will be able to visit the science lab weekly to perform science experiments which accompany the weekly science lessons delivered in their general classrooms,” said JFK Principal Susan Bonner, who plans to purchase the microscopes over the summer and begin their use when school reopens in September. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107798 Wed, 22 Jul 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107798 Fantastic in French Dedicated French-language students at Robert Frost and the high school have again earned regional and national ranking in the National French Contest/Le Grand Concours, a prestigious annual exam administered by the American Association of Teachers of French. Alexandra Lane was ranked 10th in the U.S. on Level 2, while Dana Berhalter, Rebecca Fox, Alexandra Lane, Sameer Riaz, Jennifer Sebok, Jessica Siford, Sabah Siddique, Alisha Suhail, Yasmeen Syedda and Catherine Taipe earned county-level recognition. “Our students consistently rank in the top 10 category in both Suffolk County and the nation,” said Gina Palasciano, districtwide curriculum associate of world languages and ENL. “We are very proud of our students’ accomplishments.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107796 Wed, 15 Jul 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107796 Falcons ‘Tough’ It Out for Vets A six-man team from the high school – students Calo Arena, Trevor Bernard, Jack Dillon, Phil Herbst and Nick Olsen, accompanied by the school’s band director, Jerry Cannarozzo – traveled to Vermont’s Mount Snow on June 7 to participate in the Tough Mudder obstacle course race. A team-oriented, 10-mile race, Tough Mudder is designed to test physical strength and mental grit. Through competing, the Falcons team raised several hundred dollars for the Wounded Warrior Project, a charity that helps combat veterans wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107797 Tue, 14 Jul 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107797 Project Impact 2015 Students at the high school who participated in last year's Project Impact, directed by teacher Sheryl Deacon, included Taylor Brennen, Maria Skoljarev, Kristina Skoljarev, Destiny Smith, Christopher Tavella and Jasawn Thompson. Matthew Lynchard served as director and videographer. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107801 Tue, 14 Jul 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107801 The Standard - Summer 2015 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107795 Wed, 08 Jul 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107795 Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War High school staff and students from the school’s SADD Club participated in a moving memorial service at Long Island National Cemetery in East Farmingdale on June 20 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, assisting in reading the 4,123 names of those who lost their lives. Among the other attendees were local Vietnam veterans as well as members of the Blue Star Mothers and Gold Star Mothers groups. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107793 Tue, 07 Jul 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107793 Spring Scholar/Athletes Recognized The high school recognized a total of eight Scholar/Athlete teams at the school’s spring athletic awards ceremony, held during the June 23 Board of Education meeting at the high school auditorium. Athletic Director Dominick Fontana and Superintendent Eva J. Demyen presented members of these teams and other spring student-athletes with certificates. The varsity baseball, varsity softball, varsity girls lacrosse, varsity boys golf, varsity girls golf, varsity boys tennis, varsity boys track and varsity girls track teams were honored as Scholar/Athlete teams for their strong and successful commitment to both athletics and academics. Teams given this award by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association are required to have five players or more and earn a cumulative team GPA of 90 percent or higher. The varsity baseball team included three All-Leaguers – Carlos Miranda, Daniel Sciabarassi and Oliver Tavares – as well as Academic All-League honoree Connor Hewlette. The varsity softball featured All-League players Nancy Burns, Jacqueline Collard and Antonia Santora as well as All-Conference athlete Victoria Fox, while coach John McCaffrey was named League III Coach of the Year. Peter Tortorici of the varsity boys lacrosse squad was given the Unsung Hero Award, while teammate Jarret Bonser was named All-League. For the varsity girls lacrosse team, Kasey Dorney earned the Unsung Hero Award and Hailey Leitch was named All‐League. The varsity boys golf team boasted three All-League athletes: Nicholas Crocco, Jonathan Hovanec and Eric LaMotte. Faran Nazir of the varsity boys tennis team earned All-County status and Brandon Doogan won the Section XI Sportsmanship Award, while their teammates Sean Sanchez, Cagri Senlik and Nicholas Shanahan were all named All-League. The varsity boys track team featured four All-Leaguers – Joseph Curry, Nicholas Fenton, Joseph Ranni and Alvin Sime – while the girls varsity track team included All-Leaguer Victoria Major. Additionally, the girls lacrosse team from Deer Park’s Robert Frost Middle School were honored, having completed an undefeated season with a final record of 8‐0‐2. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107794 Tue, 07 Jul 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107794 Maturity on Display at Frost’s Moving Up Maturity was on display as the eighth-graders of Robert Frost marked their transition to high school at a June 24 moving up ceremony in the school’s gymnasium. After the traditional processional and Pledge of Allegiance, first up was Principal Eliana K. Levey. “It has been such a pleasure to watch them mature and grow,” said Levey, describing her students, before she told them, “There is nothing you cannot do if you believe in yourselves.” Next on the program were speeches from Student Council co-presidents Zachary Cresciullo and Lindsay Dominique. “Goodbye Robert Frost, and hello to the high school Class of 2019,” said Cresciullo. Dominique talked about succeeding in high school and making good choices, before telling her classmates, “Good luck and congratulations on making it to high school.” Levey and associate principals Charles Cobb and Gary Ramonetti handed out student awards before the evening’s main act – the presentation of graduation certificates to each proud student. Closing out the ceremony, Deer Park High School Principal James Cummings addressed his future students. “My advice is to take advantage of what high school has to offer,” he told them, urging the young men and women to find activities and experiences to connect to help build their bright futures. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107791 Tue, 07 Jul 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107791 HS Graduates Start Meaningful Journey At Deer Park’s 52nd commencement exercises on June 26, the high school Class of 2015 took a meaningful step on their life journey, celebrating in front of a cheering sea of family and friends. The American Celtic Pipe Band again led the way, marching onto Al Centamore Football Field with a long line of excited seniors behind them clad in maroon and white, ready for their big moment. Beginning the ceremony, the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Student Council President Taylor Morales, followed by a masterful rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” by Jessica Orelus. Superintendent Eva J. Demyen talked to the seniors about their yearbook theme, “A story to remember,” relating it to an anecdote from her own senior year when she fell from a tree. “The moral is, if you fall, get back up,” she told them. “And if you fall, someone will be there for you. I wish you all the best life has to offer.” In an emotional speech, senior class adviser James Henry told his students, “We’ve grown together as a family to achieve special recognition. You are a remarkable class and one I will never forget.” “Our time is measured in moments and memories,” said wistful Senior Class President Taylor Brennan, lamenting how fast time has gone for the students during their high school career. “I hope you find yourself happy and healthy after high school,” she told them. “Make spectacular moments and friendships.” A 27-strong vocal ensemble then sang the school’s alma mater, leading into affecting speeches by the salutatorian and valedictorian. Salutatorian Aaron Zhang began by mentioning his move from New York City three years ago, saying, “I know what it’s like to leave longtime friends. In leaving Deer Park, we must not forget what makes this community so special. Have pride when you leave, and celebrate all you’ve accomplished.” He went on to deliver a memorably metaphysical address, touching on time, space, mathematics and the universe. “It’s easy to feel overwhelmed in the face of the unknown,” he told his classmates. “The world you are about to enter is one of uncertainty, but look closer and you can find order and wonder. You are ready to find your way.” “Today marks one of the first turning points of our lives,” said Sabrina Grunseich, the class valedictorian, reflecting on the students’ shared journey at Deer Park. “High school was hard work but I enjoyed every second of it,” she said. Grunseich’s contemplative speech discussed the meaning of time and the ephemeral nature of accomplishing goals. “Take the lessons you learn and use them in the now,” she urged. “We must be willing to let go of what we have done. The journey to achieving a goal is more important than the accomplishment.” She ended with a hope for her fellow graduates, saying, “I wish for all my peers’ journeys to be filled with meanings and firsts. Congratulations and best of luck, Class of 2015.” In an ongoing Deer Park tradition, Principal James Cummings welcomed back a face from a decade past, Class of 2005 valedictorian Megan Chrones Barco, who spoke of the value of gratefulness, even during difficult times. “It reminds you of how blessed you are,” she said. “The choices you make during trials and tribulations build character.” Citing the song “My Favorite Things” from “The Sound of Music,” Barco recommended reflecting on positive things and developing a true attitude of gratitude.” The final speaker was Cummings himself, who noted the school’s 94 percent graduation rate – tops in the town of Babylon – as a deep source of pride. “This is an easy class to brag about,” he said. “I couldn’t be more proud of what they’ve accomplished. This group has done incredible things – in the classroom, on the field, on the stage.” He also made sure to thank the parents in attendance, saying, “Thank you for trusting us with your children.” Urging the new graduates to make a difference in the lives of others, the principal ended his address on a high note, telling his charges, “It is time for you to make your mark on this world.” Their next step on that journey was to the podium, receiving diplomas from members of the Board of Education. Once all were seated again, it was time for the ritual of turning tassels from right to left, then tossing the caps to the sky. Leaving the field to the sound of the combined symphonic and ninth-grade bands performing Elmer Bernstein’s “The Great Escape,” the new alumni walked out to begin their bright futures. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107792 Tue, 30 Jun 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107792 Summer Assignments 2015 Some courses at Robert Frost Middle School and Deer Park High School have required summer assignments. Summer assignments can be accessed by navigating to the link below. Summer Assignments 2015 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107168 Fri, 26 Jun 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107168 The Class of 2015 Graduates! Congratulations to the Deer Park High School Class of 2015! Stay tuned for full coverage and slideshow next week. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107790 Fri, 26 Jun 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107790 JFK Fifth-Graders Start New Adventure Stars and balloons festooned the gym as 304 proud JFK fifth-graders said goodbye to their old school and looked forward to their future at middle school in a touching moving up ceremony on June 23. JFK Principal Susan Bonner, associate principals Celeste Archer and Shaun McLeod, Superintendent of Schools Eva J. Demyen, and members of the district’s Board of Education were on hand to offer congratulations in front of a packed audience of family and friends, as Student Council member Madison Cadena led the Pledge of Allegiance and Megan Bush sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.” “Enjoy your summer and see you at middle school,” said Student Council President Daniel D’Amato in his speech, while Student Council Vice President Sofia Arrascue told her classmates, “Follow your dreams and take action. We have to stick together and stand by each other.” Awards and graduation certificates were handed out, followed by a JFK tradition, a performance of Randy Newman’s “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” with the singing students backed by a trio of district music teachers. Finally, Robert Frost Middle School Principal Eliana Levey addressed her new charges, telling them, “Rest up this summer for your new adventure. There are great things in store at Robert Frost when you come to us in September.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107789 Thu, 25 Jun 2015 18:00:00 GMT false107789 Finest Falcons Recognized on Senior Awards Night The high-achieving members of Deer Park High School’s Class of 2015 were recognized at the school’s annual Senior Awards on June 4, giving teachers, administrators, local politicians and community members the opportunity to honor the students for the hard work and dedication they displayed throughout their high school years. The awards, both school-based and communitywide in nature, covered a variety of areas of achievement. In some instances, students were required to write essays explaining why they would be the best candidate to receive a certain scholarship, while others were based solely on academic performance. Many of the awards were selected by a committee of teachers, counselors and administrators from the high school. “The students sitting behind me represent Deer Park’s finest,” said Associate Principal Jeanne Kozlowsky in her opening speech. “As a result of these students’ commitment to their studies, athletic teams, extracurricular activities and community, they have made this high school a better place.” Three different alumni groups – the Classes of 1983, 1984 and 1995 – sponsored scholarships this year, with a total monetary value of more than $75,000. “They felt it was an opportunity for them to give back to their alma mater,” said Kozlowsky. Awards that were distributed to the students included checks, plaques, medals, certificates, proclamations and iPads. At the beginning, Student Council President Taylor Morales led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a strong rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” by Mauricio Montes. The high school’s jazz ensemble, led by director Jerry Cannarozzo, performed before the ceremony and at the intermission for the audience’s enjoyment. The band’s featured piece was Glenn Miller’s “In the Mood,” featuring their saxophone section; other tunes included Steely Dan’s “Peg,” Chick Corea’s “Spain” and Chuck Mangione’s “Feels So Good,” the latter featuring Jack Dillon on flugelhorn. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107788 Thu, 25 Jun 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107788 Developing a Love of Math at JQA At the annual three-day June math fair at JQA, students moved from one activity center to another, each highlighting different aspects of math, ranging from basic skills to the role of mathematics in our daily lives. According to teachers Debra Bradbury and Marianna Grieco, the Common Core-based activities served to reinforce what the students learned throughout the year. “Our goal is to foster positive learning experiences in order for the students to develop a love of math,” said Grieco. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107784 Wed, 24 Jun 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107784 Upcoming Bond Information https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107785 Tue, 23 Jun 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107785 The Class of 2015's Valedictorian and Salutatorian Rising to the top of the high school’s Class of 2015 are valedictorian Sabrina Grunseich and salutatorian Aaron Zhang. Grunseich, who serves as president of the school’s National Honor Society and editor of the school newspaper, is a member of the Spanish Honor Society and Varsity Leaders Club. As a varsity athlete, she earned All-League for volleyball and Academic All-County for basketball. She will attend Stony Brook University this fall, majoring in chemistry. Zhang, a winner of the National Merit Scholarship, serves as captain of the math team and vice president of the academic team. He is also a member of the high school’s French Honor Society, plays in the chamber orchestra, and was named a Science Olympiad medalist and Suffolk County Math Team All-Star. Zhang will attend Brown University, majoring in computer science. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107786 Tue, 23 Jun 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107786 Second-Graders Dream Big at Moving Ups Second-graders at John Quincy Adams and May Moore marked their transition to intermediate school with a pair of rousing moving up ceremonies. Joined by proud parents and families, each class at both schools was presented and recognized and Superintendent of Schools Eva Demyen handed out achievement and attendance certificates. At May Moore, the ceremony moved outdoors this year to the school field, resulting in a sunny celebration. With an American flag flying above their heads, music teacher Kristen Lombardo led the 147 children in songs including “America,” “The May Moore Song,” “Onward,” “All We’re Meant to Be” and “You Know We’re Moving.” “Continue to make us proud,” said May Moore Principal Alicia Konecny, before introducing essay winners Katie Busch, Mikhail Clarke, Kelsey Rotzman and Jason Turner, who read aloud the letters they composed to new May Moore students. “I am sad to leave,” Clarke said in his essay, but that quickly turned to happiness. At the end of the June 11 ceremony, the students, joined by Konecny and Lombardo, danced their way down the aisle in a joyous procession to the sounds of Mark Ronson’s “UpTown Funk!” At JQA’s June 16 event, festooned with bright balloons, the 132 little graduates sang a variety of songs including Imagine Dragons’ “On Top of the World” and Jack Hartmann’s “One Small Voice.” The principal, Dr. Christine Criscione, presented a video montage of the year’s highlights before the classes walked out for the last time to Pharrell’s “Happy.” Representatives from John F. Kennedy Intermediate, where all the students will attend third grade in the fall, were on hand to offer words of encouragement. Celeste Archer, associate principal at JFK, told the JQA grads, “You enter JFK with a fresh start, and we have many exciting things planned for you.” “I encourage you all to aim high and dream big,” her fellow JFK associate principal, Shaun McLeod, said to the May Moore students. “I am officially welcoming you to the JFK family.” JQA Moving Up May Moore Moving Up https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107787 Sun, 21 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMT false107787 In Wellness, Deer Park Looks SHARP Deer Park was chosen by the Suffolk County Department of Health Services as the second annual SHARP Award winner, out of a field of more than 40 applicants. The district was honored at a June 10 ceremony at the high school’s auditorium, where members of administration and the Board of Education were presented with a certificate by Dr. James Tomarken, Suffolk County’s commissioner of health services. This prestigious recognition was earned in part due to the district’s outstanding wellness policy, in which Deer Park worked with Healthy Schools NY and Western Suffolk BOCES to develop a comprehensive policy which promotes healthy foods and adequate time for lunch, limits fundraising to healthy foods or nonfood items, limits the frequency of classroom celebrations that involve food to no more than one per class per month, encourages daily stretching and movement activities in the classroom in which teachers guide students through physical activity breaks, enables the use of school facilities by community groups to promote physical activity, includes nutrition education as part of classroom instruction rather than just in health education classes, and prohibits soft drink logos on school property. Another achievement that significantly contributed to Deer Park being chosen for the SHARP award was the third annual Health & Wellness Fair, a free public event held last November which included numerous health-related activities and more than 40 informational booths. The Suffolk County Department of Health Services develops and implements programs designed to help children adopt healthy nutritional practices and increase physical activity. It was required in 2012 by New York State to collaborate with Nassau County, Long Island hospitals and community agencies to conduct a community health assessment and create a community health plan for the years 2014-2017. The collaborative team became an entity called the Long Island Health Collaborative, which chose two priority areas to focus on for the coming years, chronic diseases and obesity. The SHARP Award was created in 2013 to recognize school districts that promote wellness in the educational environment and in the community. “The movement in health care is toward wellness, prevention and personal responsibility,” said Tomarken. “The Deer Park School District, through its policies and activities, is helping to promote healthy choices that support wellness and has earned the 2015 SHARP Award.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107166 Sat, 20 Jun 2015 03:00:00 GMT false107166 Slithery Seventh-Grade Science Science of the cold-blooded variety slithered into Deer Park’s Robert Frost Middle School during a recent visit from Erik “The Reptile Edventurer” Callender. Frost seventh-grade classes enjoyed Callender’s “The World of Reptiles and Amphibians” presentation, which gave the excited students a chance to learn about and interact with a dozen different animal species, including a giant snake. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107170 Sat, 20 Jun 2015 03:00:00 GMT false107170 The Best at BACCA Three talented Deer Park High School actors came away winners at this year’s Teen Theatre Awards for plays and musicals, presented by the Babylon Citizens Council on the Arts’ Teen Theatre Committee on June 12 at West Babylon High School. Mauricio Montes, who played Seymour in “Little Shop of Horrors,” won Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical; Jessica Orelus, who played Clemma Diggins in “Proposals,” won Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play; and Christina O’Toole, who played Josie in “Proposals,” won Outstanding Actress in a Supporting Role in a Play. O’Toole was also honored at the annual BACCA ceremony for her work as a student choreographer for “Little Shop of Horrors,” while Deer Park student directors, assistant directors and producers who were recognized included Anthony Anello, Taylor Bianco, Ashley Casella, Samantha Colon, Samantha Connolly, Erica DeLuca, Anthony Henkel, Aneesa Khan, Averi Lacoff, Megan Lipps, Montes, O’Toole, Faria Rahman, Alyssa Soldano and Catherine Taipe. Among the recipients of this year’s “Teens in Tune” for outstanding small group ensembles were Deer Park’s Olivia Grizzle, Kate Keller and Orelus for their trio vocal performance in “Little Shop of Horrors.” Other Deer Park students who were nominated for Teen Theatre Awards included Joseph DeNoyior, Henkel, Destiny Parsons and Alec Winters, as well as nominations for the stage crew of the One-Act Play festival and for “Proposals” as Outstanding Play. During the ceremony, Montes and Parsons represented Deer Park by performing a song from “Little Shop of Horrors.” “Congratulations on a job well done,” said Teen Theatre Committee representative Janice Cosenza. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107169 Thu, 18 Jun 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107169 SADD Honors Military Moms at Tea Event The high school’s SADD Club hosted a Military Moms Tea on June 3, in which mothers of Deer Park alumni who are currently serving in the military or entering the military were invited in recognition of the important role they play as mothers and supporters of America’s service members. During the event, which took place at the high school, the moms shared their experiences and were treated to tea and desserts. Several of the moms belong to the Blue Star Mothers, a support group for mothers of military personnel. “The SADD Club wanted to stress the importance and remembrance of those on the home front,” said SADD adviser Janet Werner. “The students were impressed by the moms’ experiences, their compassion and their caring.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107167 Tue, 16 Jun 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107167 Best in Band at Dorney Park The Robert Frost Middle School Band, directed by teacher Mike Livorno, won first place in the concert band category and earned a superior rating at the annual Music in the Parks festival competition, held on June 6 at Dorney Park in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The 76 select seventh- and eighth-grade student-musicians from Frost were judged by two adjudicators on two band pieces, “Wyndham Variations” by James Swearingen and Russian folk song “Meadowlands.” “The competition judges were impressed with both the size of our group and the musicality they displayed at such a young age,” said Livorno. Following their winning performance, the elated students spent the rest of the day enjoying Dorney Park. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107164 Mon, 15 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMT false107164 Constitutional Law Students Visit SCPD Headquarters Vanessa Whitney’s constitutional law class at the high school recently visited Suffolk County Police Department headquarters during National Police Week, interacting with police officers and taking part in DWI and CSI simulations as well as witnessing K-9 dog, EVOC, motorcycle, helicopter rescue and police stop demonstrations. Students were able to examine and use police equipment, such as the SWAT/ERT protective vest, helmet and battering ram. “Many of the students who take my course have an interest in entering law enforcement, post-graduation,” said Whitney. “This was a great opportunity for a ‘behind-the-scenes’ look at the hard work our law enforcement officers do every day, and also allowed the students to interact with and gather first-hand information from the officers.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107165 Fri, 12 Jun 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107165 May Moore First-Graders Present Endangered Animal Fair Pamela Arcuri’s first-grade class at May Moore presented an endangered animal fair on June 4, serving as the culmination of an extensive project that incorporated reading, writing, research, creative arts, technology and public speaking. The students worked cooperatively in groups to learn about six endangered animals – elephants, tigers, polar bears, sea turtles, cheetahs and blue whales – and share what they had discovered about their selected endangered animal, what dangers that species is facing and what humans can do to help. At the evening event, open to visiting parents and families, six stations were set up in the school’s gym, one for each animal group. To prepare, the first-graders created news stories on the animals using the school’s green screen studio, prepared informational poster boards, made animal cut-outs for taking “selfies” and set up laptops for visitors to sign online petitions to help save these species. They also collected donations to symbolically adopt the six endangered animals, and thanks to their generous families, raised more than $250, which will be put towards helping endangered animals. “I commend Mrs. Arcuri and her first-graders on a job well done,” said Principal Alicia Konecny. “The children become experts!” In addition to exploring facts about the endangered animals, the children learned about taking care of the earth, and the threats to both animals and humans that are posed by global warming, pollution and habitat loss. At the fair, the students also provided examples of ways to help the earth, such as using less electricity and plastic. “I was so proud of all of my students and hope they carry these lessons with them into adulthood,” said Arcuri. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107162 Thu, 11 Jun 2015 02:00:00 GMT false107162 Seniors and Teacher Recognized at Suffolk ASSET High school students John DiModica and Aaron Zhang and teacher Jenny Dixon were among the student scholarship recipients and Suffolk school district honorees recognized at the annual Student Scholarship and District Honoree Luncheon held by the Suffolk Association for the Suffolk Supervisors of Educational Technology. District administrators, technology directors, the students’ parents and technology vendors were also in attendance at the event, held on June 3 at Captain Bill’s in Bay Shore. Students from Suffolk County schools that are active members of Suffolk ASSET were able to apply for one of twelve $2,000 scholarships for graduating seniors who plan to pursue collegiate studies in a field that integrates technology. The Suffolk ASSET application committee reviewed more than 70 applications, and among those chosen were two members of Deer Park’s Class of 2015, DiModica and Zhang. DiModica plans on attending Binghamton University to study pre-medicine, physics or computer science. Zhang will be attending Brown University to study computer science. The scholarship recipients were also gifted with iPad Air tablets from Suffolk ASSET. At this function, each participating school district also was given an opportunity to acknowledge a staff member that has supported their district's technology initiatives and endeavors. Deer Park’s staff honoree was Dixon, a special education teacher at JFK. Dixon has integrated a wide range of technology aspects in her classroom, including interactive whiteboard lessons, interactive table programs, iPads, iPod Touches, MacBooks and Google Chromebooks. This school year, technology has played an important role in the development of her fourth- and fifth-grade students. She implemented group and independent work on the Google Chromebooks using such programs as Spelling City, to build fluency, decoding and phonics skill; Raz-Kids; and Reading A-to-Z, which develops reading comprehension through visual and auditory lessons. These programs helped build excitement for reading and gave her students the confidence needed to build a strong foundation for years to come. “We are extremely proud of John and Aaron for all of their accomplishments and contributions to the Deer Park school community, and are excited to hear of their achievements at the next level,” said Andrew Choi, instructional technology administrator. “We also praise Ms. Dixon’s efforts to support classroom instruction using the wide array of instructional technology tools that we provide.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107163 Tue, 09 Jun 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107163 UPK-RFP https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107161 Tue, 09 Jun 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107161 Sounds of Spring Mark a Year of Hard Work The sterling sound of well-rehearsed young musicians filled the auditorium at the high school during back-to-back spring concerts on May 27 and 28, to the delight of an enthusiastic audience of parents, family and friends. The performances provided an admirable benchmark for a year of hard work for the students. On the second night, the chamber orchestra and director Kathryn Attard began the festivities with a rousing rendition of the first movement of Bach’s fifth Brandenburg Concerto, featuring Kalvin Guyer on violin, Aaron Zhang on harpsichord and Megan Zhang on flute. On Mascagni’s “Intermezzo Sinfonico,” Artist in residence Brad Bosenbeck shined on organ and Susan Mann on harp. Bosenbeck and fellow percussionists Alyssa Saldano and Kailey Tenn were featured on Balmages’ “Lyric Metal.” Next up were the wind ensemble, led by director Jerry Cannarozzo, impressing the crowd with dramatic pieces such as Rossano Gallante’s “Beyond the Horizon” and Steven Reineke’s “Fate of the Gods.” before closing with a take on James Bond soundtracks. “These spring concerts were the culmination of a school year’s worth of rehearsal and practice,” said Cannarozzo. “I was extremely proud of the students’ performance and the concert was well received.” The school’s chorus, directed by Catherine Lubrano, sang several stirring numbers such as Lady Jane Scott’s “Annie Laurie” and Marta Keen’s “Homeward Bound.” The select choir came to the fore on a stunning rendition of Eric William Barnum’s “The Sounding Sea.” The seniors in the chorus were joined by members of the senior guitar ensemble for the closing “Hold Onto the Memories,” by Corey Tynan. “It was an extremely beautiful concert,” said Lubrano. “The chorus produced an unbelievable sound, and I couldn’t be happier with the performance.” The night also marked the final concert season for Dr. Jeff S. Dailey, the district’s director of fine and performing arts, who is retiring. “The performances at this year’s spring concerts in all the buildings were exceptional,” said Dailey. “I leave Deer Park knowing that the music program is strong, and trust the community will continue to support music education in the district, well into the future.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107160 Tue, 09 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMT false107160 Lauded for Litter Removal The Board of Education, teacher Jeanine Moran and six high school students – sophomores Erica Dinoff, Taylor Maucere, Courtney Morelli and Tamara Robinson, and juniors Papri Basu and Emily Zhang – were recently honored at the May 26 school board meeting for their participation in the Town of Babylon’s anti-litter campaign. Babylon Town Board Councilman Thomas Donnelly, a Deer Park resident and the co-chairman of the town’s Beautification Committee, attended the meeting to laud and present awards to both the students involved and the school board. The anti-litter campaign, a component of the Town of Babylon's Beautification Program, culminated in a day of cleaning roads and public spaces of litter in a celebration of community pride. The Deer Park volunteers, spearheaded by Board Vice President Donna Marie Elliot, were among the 200 who removed 12,290 pounds of garbage at the April 24 event. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107159 Fri, 05 Jun 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107159 Students Chosen to Attend Ken Burns Documentary High school students Hanife Ozbay and Alec Winters were recently chosen as special guests to attend the premiere screening of Ken Burns’ new documentary, “Cancer: The Emperor of All Maladies,” held at Jazz at Lincoln Center at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in Manhattan. Produced by Burns and directed by Barak Goodman, the film was based on the Pulitzer Prize winning book, “The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer,” written by Siddhartha Mukherjee. The six-hour PBS documentary focused on the history of cancer from its beginnings in Egypt to the modern day, and the efforts of doctors and researchers throughout the years to remedy the disease. The Deer Park students, accompanied by teacher Janet Werner, were treated to a limo ride to Lincoln Center for the preview, where they were given the red carpet treatment. Prior to the event, the students toured the cancer labs at Stony Brook University Hospital, meeting cancer research doctors and hospital staff. The event at Lincoln Center was hosted by Burns and Katie Couric. Doctors, scientists, cancer researchers, celebrities and all those who had a hand in creating the film – including the patients who were highlighted and their families – were in attendance. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107157 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 21:00:00 GMT false107157 Mentors Make Gifts to Remember Students in the high school’s mentoring program held an inaugural tie dye event on May 1, creating original tie dye designs on T-shirts as gifts for their “little brothers and little sisters” at the district’s two primary schools. The mentoring program provides younger students with a big brother or big sister to help them with homework as well as providing good, positive role models to look up to. The high schoolers presented the shirts to the JQA and May Moore students at parties celebrating the end of the mentoring season. “This is the first year we are giving the little ones gifts to remember their mentors by,” said program adviser Beth Kabaservice. “The mentors loved it, and it is nice that they will be able to give their kids a little bit of love to hold onto for the rest of the year. We wanted to show them that we appreciate them as much as they appreciate us.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107158 Thu, 04 Jun 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107158 Fabulous Fundraising Fourth-Graders Build Responsibility Building a strong sense of citizenship and responsibility, fourth-graders in Marie Marck’s classroom at JFK stepped up to support those in need through two fundraising efforts during the school year. Last October, the students collected more than $623 for UNICEF through Chores for Kids, with the students volunteering to do chores at home in exchange for donations. Recently, due to their awareness of needs around the world, the students organized a quick second fundraiser for the Red Cross to help areas of Nepal devastated by earthquakes. They studied maps and areas of impact, taking turns during lunch periods to advertise the need for earthquake relief, and collected more than $450 in donations. “Each year I am amazed at the response from children when they are called to action,” said Marck. “This class has not only helped people in need, but they gained a valuable experience that will help them develop into great citizens.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107156 Tue, 02 Jun 2015 18:00:00 GMT false107156 JFK Chorus Makes 'Brave' Statement Demonstrating the progressing talent of Deer Park’s younger musicians and the vitality of the district’s music programs, students at JFK performed in annual spring concerts on May 18, playing in a variety of choral, orchestra and band ensembles for both peers by day and parent audiences in the evening. For the closing piece from the fourth- and fifth-grade chorus, a rendition of Sara Bareilles’ “Brave,” student singers displayed banners they had created with an anti-bullying theme. The featured accompanist for the song was fifth-grade drummer Ashlynn McHugh. According to choir director Kristen Lombardo, McHugh learned to play the drum part in less than a month. McHugh and classmates Anthony Aguilar and Tovia Manning also performed percussion on a striking Swahili song, “Dansi Na Kuimba.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107153 Mon, 01 Jun 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107153 Gaining Life Skills at Compassion Without Borders For the third year in a row, high school students from the SADD Club, Gay-Straight Alliance, Student Council and Students Against Bullying Club learned valuable life skills while attending the Compassion Without Borders conference on April 1, held at Bay Shore High School. While at the conference, more than 200 students from 25 different Suffolk County schools participated in student-run workshops regarding tolerance, compassion and friendship, and listened to a speech by guest speaker Dennard Mitchel. “Mr. Mitchel’s focus was on overcoming adversities in life, making good choices and being successful,” said SADD adviser Janet Werner. “His blend of comedy and humor held the attention of all of the students in attendance.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107155 Fri, 29 May 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107155 Caring for the Community at HS Students in Paula Behrens’ child psychology and development class at the high school are providing caring support for teens, moms and babies at the local Madonna Heights center in Dix Hills as part of a dedicated community service project. They coordinated a baby product drive, and made welcome bags for newcomers to the residential school, which provides struggling adolescent and teen girls with opportunity for growth in a therapeutic educational environment. The five-week drive resulted in the donation of hundreds of donated diapers, wipes and even baby formula packages, collected by Deer Park students and staff. The students also hand-wrote letters containing personalized messages of caring and support to other teens to encourage healing and strength, which were included in the packages to Madonna Heights. “It’s important to reach out to help people in our own community,” said senior Kallie Ohanian, who volunteers at Madonna Heights. “It’s exciting to know that our small acts of caring – like putting together welcome bags containing writing journals, gel pens and a soft stuffed animal – will make a big difference to someone who is struggling to transition to a new school or new place to live. “We are proud that students jumped at the opportunity to become a resource in their own community,” said Behrens. “After all, without a sense of caring, there can be no community.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107154 Wed, 27 May 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107154 Social Studies Students Review 9/11 at Museum High school social studies teacher Vanessa Whitney and her students recently visited the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in lower Manhattan to participate in a workshop which reviewed the events of the day leading up to the collapse of the World Trade Center towers in 2001. The high schoolers were then sent out as “student investigators” to analyze artifacts throughout the museum such as the Vesey Street “Survivors’ Stairs,” the North Tower antenna and a crushed truck from New York Fire Department Ladder Company 3, all while walking along the footprints of the original towers. One student was able to trace the name of her father’s childhood friend at the South Pool fountain. “The museum and surrounding fountains truly honor those we lost on that tragic day,” said Whitney. “It was a truly touching and emotional experience for all of us, and so important for the students to understand the significance of the events in not only our nation’s history, but also its future.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107152 Mon, 25 May 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107152 Arts, Civics and Science Enhance Voting Night While serving as the site for the district’s annual budget vote and board election on May 19, Deer Park High School welcomed the community with an exciting array of activities and displays highlighting the creativity and talent of students from each of the district’s schools. As visiting families wandered the halls, they enjoyed an art show, Shakespearian scene performances and a science fair in the gymnasium. In the cafeteria, elementary students from JFK, JQA and May Moore learned about civics by participating in a mock vote. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107151 Mon, 25 May 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107151 Frost Eighth-Grader’s Precocious Poems Published Rebecca Fox, an eighth-grader at Robert Frost, will have two of her poems included in “Bards Annual 2015”, the upcoming edition of the yearly poetry anthology of the Bards Initiative, a nonprofit organization that uses poetry to help the Long Island community. The large paperback book collection, featuring poetry from prominent poets all across Long Island including Rebecca’s mother, Kathryn Fox, will be launched at the Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site in Huntington Station at the end of June. The only child to be honored with inclusion, Rebecca’s journey began when she accompanied her mother to a reading for breast cancer awareness at Roast Coffee & Tea Trading Company in Patchogue. After her mother’s reading, Rebecca recited at an open mic and was inspired to write the poems, which her mother submitted to Bards. “We’re incredibly proud of her accomplishment,” said Principal Eliana Levey. “What an amazing feat to be recognized as a poet at such a young age.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107150 Wed, 20 May 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107150 Red Cross Debuts ‘Pillowcase Project’ at JFK https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107148 Tue, 19 May 2015 18:00:00 GMT false107148 Zhang Wins National Merit Scholarship Earning the prestigious title of Merit Scholar, Class of 2015 salutatorian Aaron Zhang has been named a National Merit $2,500 Scholarship winner. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation selected Zhang for this honor due to his outstanding academic accomplishments. He was one of just 7,600 named Merit Scholars out of more than 15,000 finalists in the 2015 National Merit Scholarship Program, held by the NMSC since 1955. Zhang and other winning students can use their $2,500 award at any regionally accredited U.S. college or university. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107147 Tue, 19 May 2015 13:00:00 GMT false107147 Slideshow: Red Cross 'Pillowcase Project' at JFK JFK was the site of the American Red Cross’s very first “Pillowcase Project” event on Long Island, hosted by American Red Cross on Long Island CEO John Miller and several of the organization’s volunteer preparedness experts. Sponsored by Disney, the Pillowcase Project is a preparedness education program for children in grades 3-5, which teaches students about personal and family readiness, local hazards, and basic coping skills in the event of an emergency or natural disaster. At the May 19 event, a class of third-graders at the school participated in an interactive safety class in advance of hurricane season, which starts on June 1; also covering topics such as disaster maps and fire safety. At the conclusion of the project, the students received individual pillowcases to decorate for their own personal emergency supply kits. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107149 Tue, 19 May 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107149 Hippotherapy Happiness for SADD Students High school SADD Club students took a trip to Pal-O-Mine Equestrian in Islandia on May 8 to meet the horses used in the center’s hippotherapy program for individuals with disabilities. The students learned about Pal-O-Mine’s equipment and the care and feeding of the horses, took a tour of the facility, and even got a chance to see the center’s mini-farm with goats, sheep and donkeys. “The students were impressed by how docile the horses were,” said adviser Janet Werner. “For many, it was their first time being so close to a horse.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107146 Wed, 13 May 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107146 From Poetry to Dessert in Deer Park The district’s department of world languages and ENL celebrated National Poetry Month by hosting “International Poetry Festival: A Night of Poetry, Milk and Cookies” on April 16. At the event, students from kindergarten through 12th grade – representing the high school, Robert Frost, JFK, JQA and May Moore – recited both original and famous poems in French, Italian, Spanish and English in front of an audience of family and friends. Students also prepared and performed songs in the various languages of study. The delightful evening culminated with milk and cookies for all. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107145 Tue, 12 May 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107145 French Feted at Department Dinner The district’s world language department celebrated French language and culture on May 1, hosting its annual French Dinner at Robert Frost. French language students from grades six through 12, along with former students, families and friends, had fun sampling delicious French cuisine, prepared and served by the students themselves. The dinner was organized by French teachers Kimberly Lecamus and Kari Schiano. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107143 Mon, 11 May 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107143 Visit from a Virtuoso Cello virtuoso Jillian Annie Bloom, a member of the Aiana String Quartet and alumna of the Manhattan School of Music, visited the high school on May 8 to work with orchestra students. Bloom spent the day demonstrating how to master cello technique and also helped students with the music they plan to perform at their upcoming spring concerts. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107144 Mon, 11 May 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107144 Celebrating Shakespeare in Deer Park Deer Park hosted the fourth annual Long Island Student Shakespeare Festival on April 30, welcoming more than 200 students from the district’s high school and middle school as well as from other local schools for a day of performances of scenes from Shakespeare’s plays such as “Troilus and Cressida,” music from Shakespeare’s times and other Shakespeare-related activities. The event also featured a speech by guest artist Emily Davis, founder of the Messenger Theatre Company and an acclaimed Shakespeare consultant. Deer Park’s director of fine and performing arts, Dr. Jeff Dailey, began the Long Island Student Shakespeare Festival in 2012 to serve the theater education needs of Nassau and Suffolk students. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107139 Sun, 10 May 2015 12:00:00 GMT false107139 Colonel Gets a Daughter’s Welcome Home James Brennan, a Marine Corps colonel deployed in Afghanistan since the holidays, had been receiving letters and crafts from his devoted daughter, Caroline, a fourth-grader at John F. Kennedy Intermediate. A day after he arrived home from overseas, Col. Brennan treated his daughter to a special May 7 visit to her special education class, where he read her chosen book, Jonathan London’s “Froggy Plays in the Band,” to the students. He was accompanied by his wife, Laura. Caroline, 9, in turn then read her father a card that she had made for him, before teacher Heather Ciurleo and the class presented him with a patriotic dessert. “I’m thrilled to be here,” said the 20-year veteran about the heartwarming reunion. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107142 Sat, 09 May 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107142 Holocaust History Made Personal for Sophomores Tenth-graders in the global history classes of Sue Ortega, Laurie Osbern, Maureen Vecchia and Jeff Willemin visited the Holocaust Resource Center in Manhasset on March 30, meeting with the center’s director, Irving Roth. A Holocaust survivor of Auschwitz and Buchenwald, Roth has dedicated his life to Holocaust education and shared his personal story with the sophomores. He asked them to pass it on to future generations, remembering the horrors of the Holocaust and remaining vigilant in identifying abuse or racism so that such atrocities will never happen again. After answering students’ questions and signing copies of his book “Bondi’s Brother,” Roth took his visitors to the museum, where he explained various works of art created by students as well as photos and artifacts that survived World War II. “This trip is always a highlight for our high school students, as they realize that future generations will not have the unique experience of meeting a Holocaust survivor in person,” said Osbern. “They appreciate having the opportunity to hear Mr. Roth’s firsthand account of the Nazi’s systematic oppression throughout his childhood, leading up to his own imprisonment and liberation. It is a moving and memorable experience for all who attend.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107141 Fri, 08 May 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107141 JQA First-Graders Turn Shirts into Bags First-graders in Kim Alexander and Laura Gerstenhaber’s class at John Quincy Adams found a unique way to honor Earth Day. After bringing in old T-shirts from home, the students cut strips into the shirts and tied the strips into knots, creating colorful, stretchable carryall bags that can be used again and again. “The bags were fun to make, and it was great to do something to help the earth,” said student Aubrey Pottinger. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107140 Tue, 05 May 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107140 SADD Thanks Local Officers High school SADD Club members recently sent letters to officers at the Suffolk County Police Department’s 1st Precinct, thanking them for keeping the community safe. The precinct’s commanding officer later sent the high schoolers a letter of thanks in return. “The students thought it was important to show their support for those who have an important and difficult job,” said science teacher and SADD adviser Janet Werner. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107138 Mon, 04 May 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107138 Wonderful Winter Athletes Honored The winning ways of Deer Park’s student-athletes were recognized at the school’s winter athletic awards ceremony, held on April 28 during a Board of Education meeting. The athletes, presented with certificates by Athletic Director Dominick Fontana and Superintendent Eva J. Demyen, were cheered by proud family members and friends who attended the event in the high school auditorium. Seven terrific teams – varsity boys baseball, varsity girls basketball, varsity bowling, varsity kickline, varsity boys swimming and diving, varsity boys track, and varsity girls track – were honored as Scholar/Athlete teams for their successful commitment to both athletics and academics. Teams given this award by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association are required to have five players or more and earn a cumulative team GPA of 90 percent or higher. Including state champion David Hamil, who was named All-League, All-County, All-Long Island and All-State, the varsity wrestlers boasted an astonishing six All-League athletes, rounded out by Thomas Cox (also All-County, All-State), Chandler Fahrrenkrug, James Guidice, Preston Maucere and Marcus Rivera (also All-County). Deer Park’s bowlers qualified for the playoffs, led by SCBCA Award winner Joseph Thomas and the dominating Adam Zimmerman, who won All-League, All-County, All-State and Newsday Bowler of the Year recognition. Paced by Sabrina Grunseich (Academic All-County) and Kristy Vitucci (All-County, All-League), the varsity girls basketball team earned their leagues’ Sportsmanship Award, while the varsity boys basketball team, led by Darien Jenkins (All-League, All-Conference), Princeton Louis (All-League, All-Conference), Tyler Pierre (All-League) and Joshua Pismeny (Academic All-County), were Class AA playoff qualifiers. Numerous track athletes earned All-League recognition, including Christopher Cox, Nicholas Fenton (also All-County, All-State), Nyere Neal, Joseph Ranni and Michael Theiling for the boys, and Chiamaka Arinze, Nailah Edmead, Carli Fonseca and Taylah Lovett for the girls. The varsity boys swimming and diving squad featured All-Leaguer Nicholas Trnka. The kickline team’s successful season included participation in the LIKA championships (first in pom, second in kick) as well as the nationals (first in open competition, third in kick, fifth in pom). Board President John Gouskos lauded the athletes and the increased attention garnered by their accomplishments, saying, “Congratulations to all those who contributed to these successes.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107135 Mon, 04 May 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107135 Revised Spring Concert Schedule The revised schedule for the district's spring concert series is as follows: May 11 at 7 p.m. - at HS HS Jazz Ensemble HS String Ensemble May 13 at 7 p.m. - at RF Seventh-/Eighth-Grade Band Seventh-/Eighth-Grade Chorus Seventh-/Eighth-Grade Orchestra RF Jazz Band RF Chamber Orchestra May 14 at 7 p.m. - at RF Sixth-Grade Band Sixth-Grade Orchestra Sixth-Grade Chorus May 18 at 7 p.m. - at JFK JFK Orchestra JFK Cadet Band JFK Third-Grade Chorus May 18 at 8:15 p.m. - at JFK JFK Chamber Orchestra JFK Advanced Band JFK Fourth-/Fifth-Grade Chorus May 19 at 6:30 p.m. - at HS Room 159 RF Chamber Choir RF Shakespeare Scenes HS Shakespeare Scene May 27 at 7 p.m. - at HS HS Guitar Ensemble HS Symphonic Band HS Orchestra HS Women’s Chorus May 28 at 7 p.m. - at HS HS Chorus HS Chamber Orchestra HS Wind Ensemble https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107137 Mon, 04 May 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107137 Budget Newsletter Now Available! https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107136 Fri, 01 May 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107136 Superintendent's Response Regarding Recent Legislation Below is a letter to the editor that Superintendent of Schools Eva J. Demyen drafted in response to New York State Board of Regents Chancellor Merryl Tisch's stance to delay the implementation of the new teacher and principal evaluations. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107134 Wed, 29 Apr 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107134 Champions’ Stories Demonstrate Character, Citizenship and Compassion High school teachers and administrators honored 18 noteworthy students at the school’s biannual Breakfast for Champions, recognizing those who have worked on achieving their personal bests inside and outside the classroom, demonstrated good citizenship, or showed compassion to help others. Serenaded by music from the high school’s string ensemble, students and their parents gathered in the school’s library for a celebratory breakfast and recognition ceremony on April 23. Twice per school year, the high school’s 15 departments select students as champions alongside three additional champions chosen by principals and a teacher. All of the honored students were presented with plaques by their nominating teacher or administrator, and their achievements and personal stories were noted. Honorees receiving plaques at the Spring 2014 edition of the Breakfast for Champions included Joel Berdecia (art), David Hamil (athletics), Briana Cassano (business), Tonuza Ahmed (English language arts), Jeniffer Urena (ENL), Sheni Chow (family and consumer science), John DiModica (guidance), Taylor Maucere (health), Erica DeLuca (math), Katherine Keller (performing arts), Dominique Guttadauria (physical education), Laura DeCleus (science), Tyler Stevens (social studies), Nicholas Quigley (technology) and Matthew Ferrara (world languages). The Principal’s Award was presented to Sarah Heyne, the Associate Principal’s Award to Ali Wiener and the Teacher’s Award to Donald Hecker. “These students show excellent conduct and character on a daily basis,” said Jeanne Kozlowsky, the school’s associate principal of curriculum. “The stories we heard today recognized the students for all their achievement, hard work and determination to overcome obstacles.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107130 Tue, 28 Apr 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107130 Candles and Community: Language Excellence Earns Induction With candlelit ceremony, the high school’s World Language Honor Society chapter inducted 43 new members on April 23. The evening highlighted students who excel in language study and who will provide community service through language in the school and community. The French Honor Society, or Societe Honoraire de Francais, were led by sponsor Gina Palasciano, adviser Heather Nola, President Jonathan Wagner, Vice President Fatima Humayan, Secretary Vannessa Lawrence and Treasurer Aaron Zhang. New inductees were Anthony Anello, Michael Charumaneeroj, Kevin Guyer and Jasmine Perez. The Italian Honor Society, orSocieta Onoraria Italia, were led by sponsor Palasciano, adviser Josephine Conway, President Gregory Giglio, Vice President Salvatore Arena, Secretary Emily Panzenbeck and Treasurer Diane Coonan-Taylor. New inductees were Ifrah Afzal, Samantha Alburez, Tanya Anand, Brittany Balboa, Michelle Ciccone, Peter Farquharson, Nicolas Gallo, Stephen Lew, Kristina Occhino, Alexis Paulich, Martin Salgado Heredia, Andrew Siford, Rachel Valenti and Alejandro Villa Vasquez. The Spanish Honor Society, or Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica, were led by sponsor and adviser Otilia Mendiolaza, co-adviser Elisabeth Gleason, President Tajriana Haque, Vice President Sabrina Grunseich, Secretary Ramsha Arshad and Treasurer Thomas Sandoval. New inductees were Patrick Adams, Neha Ali, Jarett Bonser, Caitlin Burke, Alexandra Collard, Christopher Cox, Julianna Diaz, Nicholas Gentile, Dominique Guttadauria, Alima Hossain, Adyel Juergensen, Michael Lugo, Richard Monsky, Courtney Morelli, Javaira Nadeem, Joshua Ortiz, Malique Papailler, Kayla Ruiz, Parth Shah, Oliver Tavares, Nicole Tudor and Ryan Verdile. Students from John Quincy Adams Primary School’s English as a new language program, along with members of the Study Buddy program, began the evening in song by performing “What a Wonderful World.” Families and guests gathered after the induction to enjoy refreshments in the high school cafe. “It was a very special evening for our department, the students and their families,” said Palasciano, the districtwide curriculum associate for world languages and ENL. “My congratulations to all of the new inductees.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107132 Tue, 28 Apr 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107132 Turning a Gymnasium into a Planetarium Students at May Moore walked into their gym on April 14 to find that it had been transformed into something spectacularly different, thanks to the Sky Dome, a portable, inflatable planetarium. The students, ranging from kindergarten through second grade, and their teachers climbed through a tunnel and entered the dome. Once they were all seated, they closed our eyes, then opened them to the sight of a “star-filled” sky, eliciting excited “oohs” and “aahs” from the children. The Sky Dome’s navigator introduced the students to the planets and some of their moons, explaining interesting facts about the planets as they visited each one. The students were then guided through the stars of the Northern Hemisphere and learned how to identify some of them in the night sky, along with their respective Greek mythological characters. “This in-school virtual field trip allowed the students to get an up-close and personal tour of our solar system,” said teacher Dana Grafstein. “The presentations were geared toward each grade level and ended with a memorable meteor shower where the students made wishes on the shooting stars.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107131 Tue, 28 Apr 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107131 A Trip to Atlantis The team of Deer Park High School students who recently won a sportsmanship award at the regional Bay Scallop Bowl, an annual marine science competition held at Stony Brook University, enjoyed a free trip to the Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead as a result of their performance. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107133 Mon, 27 Apr 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107133 Student Journalists Attend Mock Press Conference Six high school journalism students and Associate Principal Brian Norton recently attended a mock press conference with state assemblymen Chad A. Lupinacci and Andrew P. Raia, held at the South Huntington Public Library. The students had the opportunity to use their acquired skills to ask the legislators some tough questions. “We are proud to see such a dedicated interest among high school students in the field of journalism as well as the teachers who are committed to helping them succeed,” said Raia. “The media is a very important component of our governing system, and it works with elected officials to make sure that the people are informed about the inner workings of government. We believe having this type of first-hand experience is a valuable addition to classroom lessons.” A segment of the conference can be viewed here. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107127 Mon, 27 Apr 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107127 Statement from Superintendent of Schools The Deer Park School District Board of Education and administration are saddened to hear about the tragic death of one of our high school seniors, Shakira Wilson. We extend our most sincere condolences to Shakira's family and friends during this difficult time. Grief counselors and support services will be available to both students and staff, as needed. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107129 Sun, 26 Apr 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107129 Jewelry Brings Joy to Cancer Patients Thanks to Frost Teachers Teachers at Robert Frost spearheaded a collection drive that gifted costume jewelry to brighten the spirits of local cancer patients. The spark for the project came last year, when Spanish teacher Meredith Telese was driving past Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in Commack, and began thinking of a way to spread happiness to those in need. “I brainstormed a few ideas, and decided that collecting jewelry, attaching a poem to it, and delivering it to the patients at Sloan would be perfect,” said Telese. “That way, those who received chemotherapy treatments could leave the center with a new piece of jewelry to make them feel happy and beautiful.” Telese was joined on the project by fellow teacher and friend Christy Freire, assisting in the collection and distribution process. The two met in January and sent out emails to their colleagues, requesting donations to be placed in baskets. Within a few days, the two teachers received hundreds of beautiful pieces, which they individually wrapped before recently delivering to Sloan Kettering, the Stony Brook Cancer Center and other local facilities. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107128 Fri, 24 Apr 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107128 Burgess Signs with UConn Soccer Senior athlete Nkosi Burgess signed a National Letter of Intent on April 17 to play soccer for the University of Connecticut’s vaunted Huskies Division I program. An outstanding defender and crucial member of Deer Park’s 2012 and 2014 League IV soccer champions, Burgess was named All-County and team MVP in 2013 and 2014. He is also currently a member of the Falcons track team, where he remains undefeated in the 400 meter. “I chose UConn for the athletic program, because I have aspirations to be a professional soccer player,” said Burgess. “I’ve wanted to play Division I since freshman year.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107878 Tue, 21 Apr 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107878 Colonial Times Come to JFK Representatives from the historic Smithtown Tavern recently paid a visit to JFK, a culmination to the school’s unit on colonial studies. Dressed in period clothing, the Tavern staff spoke about Long Island during the colonial time period and discussed what life was like for residents of the day. Displaying documents, photos and signs to enhance the students’ experience, the representatives asked students to share what they knew about specific experiences from the unit. The students then participated in activities that reflected particular colonial crafts or games. Children dipped their own candles and made their own “pinch pot” to hold the candles. They used quill pens to write letters, dipping to refill the quills with ink before sealing the letters with wax and stamping them. At another activity center, student cleaned wool which was then spun into threads, which many students wore as bracelets. Finally, the students participated in some of the everyday games that children during colonial times would have enjoyed, such as Jacob’s ladder, ball and cup, checkers with corn husks, and dominoes. “The students were amazed at how much fun these games were, even though they weren’t video games,” said teacher Jen Arella.. “It was nice to see students gain and share knowledge about colonial times and try out life as a colonist for a day.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107877 Mon, 20 Apr 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107877 Serious ‘Seconds’ Impacts SADD Students The high school’s Students Against Destructive Decisions club welcomed the recent return of motivational speaker Bobby Petrocelli and his “10 Seconds” program. Sophomores and juniors in attendance enjoyed Petrocelli’s presentation, filled with humorous anecdotes about his life, while on a serious note, he shared his personal story of triumph over tragedy. The students came away with a greater sense of awareness about their own decision-making choices and the impact they can have on their own lives. “Bobby impressed upon students the importance of making sound decisions and choices which could change one’s life forever,” said teacher and SADD adviser Janet Werner. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107875 Fri, 17 Apr 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107875 Faculty Recital on April 22 The music faculty of Deer Park will give a recital of all types of music on Wednesday, April 22 at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium. Tickets are $5 and fund the department’s scholarships. "This will be a very exciting event, and I hope everyone can come to support the district’s music teachers," said Dr. Jeff Dailey, the director of fine and performing arts. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107876 Fri, 17 Apr 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107876 May Moore Teacher Gets 'Stuck' The “Stuck for a Buck” fundraiser at May Moore gave students a chance to have some fun while donating to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. At the March 27 event, the youngsters and staff members paid a dollar per piece of duct tape, used to stick a hardy volunteer, physical education teacher Craig Mangio, to the gymnasium wall. Click on the link that follows for a short video of "Stuck for a Buck": VIDEO https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107874 Tue, 14 Apr 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107874 Frost NJHS Honors 67 New Members The Robert Frost National Junior Honor Society inducted 23 new eighth-grade members and 44 new seventh-grade members at the society’s annual induction ceremony on March 23. The NJHS also honored its current members for their work this year, and each eighth-grade member received the medal that they will wear at their moving up ceremony in June. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107390 Mon, 13 Apr 2015 21:00:00 GMT false107390 Spring Newsletter Now Available! https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107113 Fri, 10 Apr 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107113 Fast Falcons Take to Track at Invitational The high school hosted the second annual Deer Park Falcons Track Invitational on April 7, increasing participation in the event to 20 Suffolk County teams competing in 20 different events. The winning teams were Amityville High School for boys and Bay Shore High School for girls. Several Deer Park students won their respective events or earned runner-up status. In notable boys performances, senior Nkosi Burgess won the 400-meter race with a time of 53.75, senior and team captain Joe Ranni was runner-up in the 1,600-meter race and the boys 4x400 relay team finished first. On the girls team, Taylah Lovett and Alexandria Maniscalco finished in the top 10 for the 400-meter race and 100-meter high hurdles, respectively, and the girls 4x100 meter relay came in third. “Deer Park’s athletes represented our program and community with great pride,” said Tom Brouillard, boys track and field coach. “On behalf of our director of athletics, Dominick Fontana, and girls head coach Jim Petti, I would like to congratulate our runners on a job well done.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107873 Wed, 08 Apr 2015 15:00:00 GMT false107873 Smiles Win It for JFK’s Oswald Megan Oswald, a fifth-grader at JFK, was named a winner of the annual Children’s Dental Health Month contest, presented by the Hauppauge-based Suffolk County Dental Societies. Her collage poster illustrating the sentiment, “Smiles are a universal sign of happiness,” was recognized at a March 18 awards ceremony at the UPSKY Long Island Hotel in Hauppauge, where she was presented with a certificate and gift bag by contest chairman Howard Schneider, SCDS President Scott Firestone and Proctor & Gamble representative Paul Vande Water. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107391 Wed, 08 Apr 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107391 Deer Park Educators to Perform Free NYC Polyphonic Concert Several Deer Park educators – including Dr. Jeff Dailey, the district’s director of fine and performing arts, as well as teachers Gregory Gullotti of JFK and JQA, and Gregg Romano of JFK – will perform a free program of early polyphonic music on Friday, April 10 as part of the Collectio Musicorum ensemble. The concert will take place at 8 p.m. at Christ and St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church at 122 W. 69 Street, New York, N.Y. 10023. Polyphony, the combining of multiple musical lines, can be traced back to the early Middle Ages and has been called the major contribution of Western culture to music. This concert, also featuring musicians Patrick Fennig, Tim Keeler and Richard Lippold, will present pieces that are often mentioned in textbooks but rarely performed, including selections by Leoninus and Chypre, the latter accompanied by a trio of gemshorns; instrumental dances from 13th century England; three “Robin” motets from the Bamberg Codex; and a complete performance of the Tournai Mass, the first complete surviving setting of the mass ordinary. Led by Dailey, the president of the Greater New York Chapter of the American Musicological Society, Collectio Musicorum (which means “Collection of Music”) is an ensemble devoted to achieving a reasonable reproduction of the sounds and performance practice of the Middle Ages. This musicological approach is combined with the highest possible level of musicianship to present historically informed concerts that are both scholarly and entertaining. For more details, visit the group’s website. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107389 Mon, 06 Apr 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107389 Monstrous Musical Celebrates Predatory Plant High school students sang their hearts out while trying to avoid the clutches of a predatory plant in this year’s show-stopping production, the comedic monster musical “Little Shop of Horrors.” Performed at the school’s auditorium on March 26, 27 and 28, it starred Mauricio Montes as Seymour and Destiny Parsons as Audrey, with other major roles played by Joseph DeNoyior, Olivia Grizzle, Sam Henkel, Kate Keller, Jessica Orelus and Alec Winters. Based on Roger Corman’s low-budget 1960 horror-comedy film about a nerdy florist and his pet man-eating plant, “Little Shop of Horrors” was mutated into a popular musical by composer Alan Menken and writer Howard Ashman and premierd Off-Off-Broadway in 1982. It later showed on Broadway and was adapted into a 1986 film. Directing for the 11th year in a row was James Henry, while set designer Eileen Cullinane took a final bow, retiring after 27 years of Deer Park theater. “Eileen’s dedication to the theater has not gone unnoticed and I know the stage crew students as well as the staff will miss her greatly,” said Henry. Other dedicated faculty contributors included music director Scott Abrams, assistant director Catherine Lubrano and choreographer Kristen Wallace, with sound by Catherine Thompson and lighting by Kyle McCourt. Student director Anthony Henkel also provided the program design. “The show was a huge success,” said Henry. “I am very proud of all the students involved, as they worked very hard since January and put on a high quality show, one that was the most technical of those I have directed. We dedicated all of our performances to Rochelle Read, our dear friend and colleague who passed away last year. She was and still is Deer Park theater’s No. 1 fan.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107388 Thu, 02 Apr 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107388 Answering ‘Big Questions’ at JFK Science Fair At the annual JFK science fair, more than 80 third-, fourth- and fifth-graders vied for prize ribbons in front of a panel of discerning judges. In preparation for the March 24 competition, each student used the scientific method to answer their “big question,” kept a journal, ran trials and tests, and developed a research-based answer to the question. Six of these innovative projects – a first-place and second-place winner from each grade level – will move on to represent JFK at the Brookhaven National Laboratory Elementary School Science Fair on May 2. “The children who participated put their best efforts into their work and the projects were amazing,” said Principal Susan Bonner. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107387 Wed, 01 Apr 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107387 Project Trio to Perform on April 15 For the eighth year in a row, Brooklyn’s Project Trio will return to Deer Park on April 15 to perform and work with district student-musicians from the high school and JFK. Rooted in classical, the three genre-defying musicians fuse jazz, hip-hop, and world music into a dynamic blend that has evolved a new form of chamber music. Their recent albums debuted at the top of Billboard’s classical and jazz charts. After rehearsing with JFK’s advanced band and the high school’s orchestra and women’s choir, Project Trio will perform that evening at the high school at 7 p.m., both with the students and by themselves. Tickets are $5. “If you’ve never been one of their performances here in Deer Park, you will be amazed at what they do,” said Dr. Jeff Dailey, the district’s director of fine and performing arts. Click here for more information and video clips of Project Trio. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107386 Wed, 01 Apr 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107386 Knight and Day in High School Bringing the medieval world to life, high school students in Vanessa Whitney and Laurie Osbern’s ninth-grade social studies class recently engaged in an interactive lesson about the Middle Ages. Students were divided into learning groups and visited different stations to study the lives of various members of medieval society. Each station included primary and secondary source documents as well as visual images. At a special additional video station, the freshmen donned headphones donated by the district’s information technology department and watched two educational videos from The History Channel that explored medieval knights and their weapons. “Our students enjoy working collaboratively in groups, and the opportunity to add a video station really enriched this lesson,” said Whitney. In a culminating activity, student chose a member of medieval society and wrote creative mock diary entries as their selected personage. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107384 Tue, 31 Mar 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107384 A ‘Push’ to the Top for Artist Mills High school senior Asante Mills was one of only 80 Long Island student-artists recognized for the recent “Long Island’s Best: Young Artists at the Heckscher Museum” gallery show, chosen out of hundreds of submissions. A comprehensive arts-in-education program integrating Huntington’s Heckscher Museum and Nassau and Suffolk high school art classrooms, Long Island’s Best encourages students to be inspired by works on display at the museum, using the experience to create their own original works of art. The process culminates in a juried exhibition, the only one on Long Island that provides high school students the chance to see their artwork on display in an art museum. Mills’s stunning, colorful piece “Push,” created from latex paint, rubber cement and cardboard, was inspired by Maria Robertson’s 2012 installation “222,” part of the Heckscher’s exhibition “Modern Alchemy: Experiments in Photography.” “My piece represents the outward movement of waves from a droplet’s impact point,” he explained. “I wanted to capture the dispersion of energy through liquid media.” Accompanied by his proud mother and art teacher Derek Mainhart, Mills attended the March 28 opening reception and awards ceremony at the Heckscher, enjoying the opportunity to converse with viewers and fellow artists alike. “Receiving direct feedback was the greatest personal gain for me, as I was able to interact with the audience as they experienced my piece,” he said. “The time spent in the museum was engaging, as I found peers that shared a similar drive and interest in fine arts. It was an honor to be a part of the show.” “It’s great to see Asante recognized by such a fine institution as the Heckscher,” said Mainhart. “His art is already at a professional level both in concept and execution. I daresay this will not be the last time you see Asante’s work in a museum.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107385 Mon, 30 Mar 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107385 Super Seventeen for SCALA JFK’s outstanding art program was honored again, with 17 students from grades three to five chosen to have their artwork matted, framed and displayed for three weeks in March at the annual Suffolk County Art Leaders Association Children’s Art Show at Babylon’s Old Town Hall. This is the third year in a row that JFK has participated in the SCALA show, held in cooperation with the Babylon Citizens Council of the Arts. The young artists, their parents and district educators attended a SCALA awards ceremony and reception at Old Town Hall on March 21. Normally, each SCALA member school is invited to submit only five artworks representing the best from their school from kindergarten through eighth grade. “I was very flattered when we were asked to submit more than the allotted five pieces per school,” said JFK art teacher Laurie Schwartz. “The artwork from the JFK building has been so outstanding and it looked great in this special show.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107383 Sun, 29 Mar 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107383 JFK in the News Video https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107382 Fri, 27 Mar 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107382 'Little Shop of Horrors' Starts Tonight! Everyone’s favorite musical about flesh-eating flora begins tonight (Thursday, March 26) and runs through Saturday (March 28) at Deer Park High School at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the door, and remember, bring your dentist—he or she gets in for free! https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107371 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107371 May Moore Travels Way Out West Via Skype Susan Steinman’s second-grade class at May Moore had the opportunity to take a virtual field trip, via Skype, to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West located in Cody, Wyoming, completing a cross-continental biology research survey. The March 10 event was preceded by a classroom study of Long Island’s animal life. Library books, magazines and various child-friendly websites were used as resources for the students as they gathered information on local animals’ habitats, body types, life cycles, food sources and other fun facts. Using their sourced information, the second-graders then wrote nonfiction books that included introductions, tables of contents, diagrams and even a glossary. “Our focus was on learning how our animals adapt to their environments,” said Steinman. As the lesson’s culminating activity, the May Moore students compared Long Island animals to the animals of Yellowstone National Park during the Skype session with the Buffalo Bill Center. The museum guide displayed slides of the park and virtually “walked” them through the Western animals’ natural habitats. Some of the students were able to share their reports with the guide as they compared their Long Island animal habitats to those in Yellowstone. “This was a great learning experience for the students,” said Andrew Choi, Deer Park’s instructional technology administrator, who facilitated the Skype session along with computer lab teacher Michelle Artale and technician Brian Hession. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107380 Tue, 24 Mar 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107380 Fifth-Graders Explore Hands-On Science at Hall Fifth-graders in Nicole McAdam and Kristy DiSilvio’s JFK class recently spent a day exploring the more than 400 hands-on exhibits at the New York Hall of Science at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens. The students experimented with mirror images, color, force and motion, among other biology, chemistry and physics topics. One of the only remaining structures from the 1964 New York World’s Fair, the New York Hall of Science museum is New York City’s only interactive science and technology center and features more than 400 hands-on exhibits exploring. “It was great to see the children so excited about learning,” said McAdam. “It was our first time at the Hall of Science, and we look forward to going again next year.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107377 Mon, 23 Mar 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107377 Information on Student Participation in State Assessments https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107378 Mon, 23 Mar 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107378 High Schoolers Highlight Leadership for History Day High school students Matthew Ferrara, Emily Greene, Daniel Khoshkehpazi, Sumaira Mahmood and Emily Zhang competed in the 2015 Long Island History Day competition held at Hofstra University on March 8. Schools from across Long Island sent students to compete in the first round of National History Day. The five Deer Park students spent months researching and planning a project based on legacy and leadership. Their research project, “Oprah Winfrey-The Will to Succeed,” placed fifth overall in the exhibit category, with the event judges commenting, “Great job highlighting Oprah as a leader whose legacy is continually growing.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107381 Sat, 21 Mar 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107381 Frost’s ‘Charmless’ Proves Charming With Lavinia Roberts’ comedy “Prince Charmless,” the young actors of Robert Frost presented a festive frolic set in medieval times with performances on March 20 and 21. Directed by Mike Moriarty, with set design and direction by Maria Giglio, the annual school play starred Ray Ugalde in the title role, beset by a veritable parade of princesses. The cast also featured Sanjay Singh as King Bertrum; Julianna Gentile as Queen Millicent; Mariandre Lopez as Princess Pandora; Sara Rodriguez as Princess Pansy; Kristen Alo as Princess Penelope; Mackenize Caldone and Alex Lovera as Princess Philippa; Tahana Ahmed as Princess Portia; Jennifer Wern as Princess Priscilla; Christina Vittorio as Princess Prunella; Tristan Tirado as Prince Charming; Nicole Konadu as Royal Advisor; Jordan Minerva as Jester; John Miranda as Sir Winfred; Josephine Moser as Lady Pompsey and Ogre; Valerie Alfaro as Madame Muzette; Nina Ugalde as Hildagard; Katie Plitt as Baker; Isabella Giglio as Paige; Alexa Belotti and Daniella Belotti as Physicians and Chefs; Makenzie Caldone as Serf; and Allie Costanza, Sydney Farrell, Amanda Muller, Jen Sebok, Isabella Serrano and Nimrah Salim as Minstrels. Scott Surdi provided sound and lighting direction, while Allie Costanza served as the student director. Led by co-managers Ally Doogan and Alle Siegel, the stage crew included Bella Aparicio, Giselle Aparicio, Roha Arshad, Zaria Barclift, Ryan Brooks, Sam Canonica, Ushima Chowdhury, Samantha Coccaro, Heather Dillon, Tyler Dillon, Lindsey Dominique, Juliane Espoito, Sabrina Felipe, Adriana Gonzalez, Tianna Greene, Nick Hofacker, Abigail Kasten, Dana Laissle, Morgan Laissle, Jamie Martin, Julianna Monaco, Victoria Mung, Alia Naqvi, Claudia Narvaez, Amar Qasir, Alyssa Robb, Samantha Salfali, Tasfia Shaikh, Gabriela Sroka, Gianna Stazzone, Ciara Taylor, Brooke Williams and Marissa Woods. “Creating this show was a long process, and the weather didn’t help, but as always it was a fun experience for the kids as well as Maria Giglio and myself,” said Moriarty. “We were hit with many obstacles this year, but the kids stepped up their A game and proved once again that the drama students of Deer Park are hard workers who are always intent on giving a great performance. Maria and I really enjoyed working with this group of kids.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107376 Thu, 19 Mar 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107376 Deer Park Is Tops in Music Education The NAMM Foundation has again recognized Deer Park for its outstanding commitment to music education, awarding the district with a Best Communities for Music Education designation. The annual survey, now in its 16th year, honors school districts which place exceptional emphasis on maintaining music education as part of the schools’ core curriculum and highlights music’s crucial role in students’ academic skills and success. The announcement of this year’s Best Communities for Music Education designation highlights the importance of maintaining music education as part of schools’ core education. Community music programs have attracted increased attention this year due to a landmark study by Northwestern University brain scientists, whose research discovered new links between students in community music programs and academic success in subjects such as reading. Other reports confirm that learning to play music can boost academic and social skills, such as processing math and learning to cooperate in groups. The BCME’s Best Communities award is decided on a variety of metrics reviewed by the University of Kansas-affiliated Institute for Educational Research and Public Service, including student enrollment in music courses, Advanced Placement or honors weighted music courses offered, the number of minutes per week devoted to both classroom music and performing ensembles, and the appropriate districtwide staffing of certified music teachers. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107379 Wed, 18 Mar 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107379 DECA Brings Home Trophies At New York DECA’s State Career Conference in Rochester, 26 DECA students from the high school competed against over 2,200 of the brightest business students from across the state. Three Deer Park students – Peter Demopoulos, Shahan Mian and Joseph Sanchez – received trophies the event, held March 4-6, which qualified them to compete at DECA's International Career Development Conference in Orlando, Florida on April 25-28. The marketing communications team of Demopoulos and Sanchez finished in the top 10 in role play and fifth place overall. Mian finished in the top 10 in role play and principles of finance, earning him fourth place overall. “Qualifying for the international level of competition is a tremendous accomplishment for any DECA student, let alone three first-year members,” said business teacher and DECA adviser Gregory Menig. “The boys are excited about the opportunity to see how they stack up against other trophy winners from across the country and around the world. This trip will be a tremendous learning experience that they will remember for the rest of their lives.” Five additional Deer Park competitors received medals for their performances at the Rochester conference. Adam Ahmed finished in the top 10 in principles of finance, Alban Astafa finished in the top 10 in restautant and food service management, Nicola Ingrassi earned seventh place overall in the entrepreneurship participating event, Lauren Lazarte finished in the top 10 in principles of hospitality, and Tyler Teng finished in the top 10 in personal financial literacy. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107375 Wed, 18 Mar 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107375 Singing and String-ing at JFK’s Winter Concert Young musicians at JFK worked hard to present the school’s recent annual winter concert, which featured the fourth- and fifth-grade orchestra, under the direction of Kathryn Attard and accompanied by pianist Brad Bosenbeck on piano, as well as the school’s third-grade chorus, directed by Kristen Lombardo, and advanced band, directed by Louis Nicolosi. The string players, singers and band musicians practiced before school twice a week to prepare several selections that were performed in front of the JFK student body in the morning and for an audience of proud parents at night. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107373 Wed, 18 Mar 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107373 Deer Park Welcomes First Cabaret Night Members of the Deer Park Arts Council joined students, families and friends to attend Deer Park High School’s first Cabaret Night, a project of the school’s chapter of the International Thespian Society. The March 10 event was created and run by two seniors, Anthony Anello and Christina O’Toole, the chapter president and vice-president, respectively. The pair recruited chapter members and arranged the show, in some cases writing the material themselves, as well as serving as joint masters of ceremonies for the evening. All of the performances – including songs, dances and short plays – were chosen, rehearsed and performed by the students themselves, under the supervision of Dr. Jeff Dailey, the founder and faculty adviser for the chapter. “We came away filled with pride and admiration for the talents shared and initiative taken by the students,” said DPAC President Ron Becker. “They selected songs, wrote monologues, danced and put together an evening of variety and energy that left us wanting more. It was a unique collaboration, achieving something that we have not seen before. We congratulate the cast and crew, and hope this becomes an annual event.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107372 Tue, 17 Mar 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107372 History Made Fun with JQA’s Marvelous ‘Living Museum’ Second-graders at John Quincy Adams completed their nonfiction unit of biographical study with the Living Museum. Each student chose a famous historical figure to represent, and researched their person using both books and on-line websites. During the three days of the Living Museum, two classes per day came to school dressed as their historical figure, then presented their information to parents and other students acting as visitors to the museum. “This was a fun and exciting way for the children to gain experience in both research and public speaking,” said teacher Amy Smith. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107369 Mon, 16 Mar 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107369 Sampling Salsa at Frost's Culture and Heritage Dinner Robert Frost held its annual Culture and Heritage Dinner on March 6, giving students the opportunity to sample dishes from various countries around the world. To the sound of international tunes, the middle schoolers enjoyed tasty treats and salsa dancing with their classmates. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107370 Fri, 13 Mar 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107370 Superintendent's Testimony to the Assembly https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107367 Fri, 13 Mar 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107367 DPHS COLLEGE FAIR – Monday, March 30, 6-8 p.m. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107368 Fri, 13 Mar 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107368 JQA Math Money Helps Hospital For the fourth year in a row, students and staff at John Quincy Adams raised more than $6,000 this year for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as part of their participation in the annual Math-A-Thon fundraising program. The students completed Math-A-Thon Funbooks by solving math problems, and their sponsors made donations based on how many problems or pages the students finished. Students who raised $35 or more in sponsorship pledge donations were awarded commemorative T-shirts. According to Math-A-Thon coordinator and math lab specialist Marianna Grieco, the school has raised almost $24,000 to date for the hospital. “We are proud and happy to help children and their families at St. Jude,” she said. “And the Math-A-Thon problems have helped our students become better at math.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107374 Thu, 12 Mar 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107374 Cancer Committee Critique Yields Grant The Breast Cancer Coalition of Babylon recently asked students at Deer Park High School and Babylon High School to review five different breast cancer research proposals written by doctors at SUNY Stony Brook, with the doctor of the winning proposal receiving seed grant money from the Breast Cancer Coalition. The student committee worked hard to review and critique the five entries, and chose a proposal from Dr. Jian Cao regarding the use of stem cells in fighting breast cancer. On Feb. 3, students from both schools, including Deer Park’s Hanife Ozbay and Anjalee Ramsaran, attended a trip to SUNY Stony Brook Hospital to tour the hospital and meet Dr. Cao, who is an associate professor and cancer researcher at Stony Brook. “The students were very excited and honored to be a part of the project,” said science teacher Janet Werner. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107366 Wed, 11 Mar 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107366 District's Update on Common Core and State Assessment https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107364 Wed, 11 Mar 2015 04:00:00 GMT false107364 Trio of All-State Falcons Three Deer Park High School student-athletes – sophomore Nick Fenton, senior David Hamil and junior Adam Zimmerman – recently earned All-State status. Fenton, who has competed on the track team since seventh grade, qualified for the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Championships as part of an intersectional medley relay team. Fenton and Section XI teammates Utsav Deshpande of Sachem East, Jacob Robinson of Riverhead and Jacob Kahrs of Walt Whitman earned third-place medals in the meet held Feb. 7 at Cornell University’s Barton Hall in Ithaca. Hamil, 46-1 as a top Falcons wrestler in the 182-pound weight class, defeated Jake Ashcraft of Burnt Hills in the finals of the New York State wrestling tournament on Feb. 28 at the Times Union Center in Albany. “It was an amazing feeling to have everyone cheering for me,” said Hamil. Zimmerman, a member of the Deer Park bowling team since seventh grade, won the NYSPHSAA’s state bowling title on March 8 at at Strike ’N Spare Lanes in Syracuse as part of the Suffolk County All-Star team. It was the third championship in a row for Suffolk, whose athletes bowled a 6,219 over the series’ six games. Zimmerman’s 224.17 average was first overall. “It’s kind of unreal, as not many kids get to do that,” said Zimmerman. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107365 Tue, 10 Mar 2015 18:00:00 GMT false107365 Winters Chosen for Science and Technology Congress High school junior Alec Winters has been nominated to attend the Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders in Boston on June 28-30. Astronaut Buzz Aldrin, the science director of the National Academy of Future Scientists and Technologists in Washington, D.C., invited Winters to represent New York based on his academic achievement, leadership potential, and passion for science and technology. The Congress, an honors-only program, serves to honor, inspire, motivate and direct the top students in the country who aspire to be scientists and technologists, and to help provide a path, plan and resources to help them reach their goals. “This is a crucial time in America, when we need more nimble-minded and creative scientists and technologists who are even better prepared for a future that is changing exponentially,” said NAFST Executive Director Richard Rossi. “Focused, bright and determined students like Alec are our future, and he deserves all the mentoring and guidance we can give him.” During the three-day Congress, Winters will join students from across the country to hear Nobel Laureates and National Medal of Science winners discuss leading scientific research, to be advised by deans of the world’s top tech universities, to be inspired by fellow teen science prodigies, and to learn about cutting-edge advances and the future of science and technology. “I am very excited to participate,” said Winters. “I have quite a few passions, and science and math are two of them.” Looking ahead to college in 2016, he is planning to major in music, and minor in math and physics. “Music and math go hand in hand,” he said. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107362 Fri, 06 Mar 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107362 HS Theater Night Rescheduled The Deer Park High School chapter of the International Thespian Society's evening of songs, scenes and dances has been rescheduled due to weather. The event will now take place on Tuesday, March 10 at 7:30 p.m. in the high school auditorium. Chapter members will sing selections from musical theater, perform monologues and scenes, and dance. Admission is free. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107356 Mon, 02 Mar 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107356 May Moore Cheers for Chinese New Year A long line of cheering, chanting, cymbal-clanging, red-clothed first-graders made their way through the hallways and stairways of May Moore on Feb. 27, forming several “dragons” as they wandered past younger students who sat in awe. The excitingly loud Chinese New Year parade was the latest in a long annual tradition at the school, celebrating the Year of the Sheep with red paper lanterns, lucky money and a festive feast of Chinese food. “Chinese New Year is an important festival celebrated at the turn of the Chinese calendar,” said Principal Alicia Konecny. “Dragon and lion dances are common during Chinese New Year, and our students learned that according to tales and legends, it is believed that the loud beats of the drum and the deafening sounds of the cymbals together with the face of the dragon or lion can ward off bad or evil spirits.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107361 Fri, 27 Feb 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107361 Seniors Recognized by National Merit Scholarship Program Senior Aaron Zhang was recently named a 2015 National Merit Scholarship Program finalist, a prestigious designation given to only approximately 9,000 U.S. high school students annually out of a field of more than 2 million candidates. It will allow him to pursue one of 7,6000 National Merit Scholarships worth approximately $33 million, to be offered later this spring by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, which has held the academic scholarship competition since 1955. Also announced was recognition for fellow outstanding senior Jonathon Wagner, who was named a Commended Student in the 2015 National Merit Scholarship Program. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107358 Wed, 25 Feb 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107358 Hoops for Heart Develops Healthy Habits https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107354 Wed, 25 Feb 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107354 High School's 'Proposals" Presented The high school presented its annual winter play, Neil Simon’s “Proposals,” on Jan. 23 and 24. “Proposals,” a comedy-drama that opened on Broadway in 1997, was the 30th play written by Simon, a Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winner. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107363 Mon, 23 Feb 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107363 Dance Troupe Brings Black History Month to Life Bringing a vibrant, colorful sense of history and movement to life in honor of Black History Month, the acclaimed multicultural and multiracial Phyllis Rose Dance Company taught students at Deer Park’s John F. Kennedy Intermediate School about the roots of African and African-American culture through exciting music and dances. Founder Rose, who founded the troupe in 1969, explained humanity’s origins in “Mother Africa” to the excited student audience, before presenting a variety of performances, from African drumming on the djembe and kenkeni and traditional, costumed Ethiopian and Sudanese dances, to demonstrations of the modern art of hip hop dancing. “Having the dance troupe visit our school brought in-depth knowledge to our students that you cannot read in a book or learn from looking at pictures,” said Principal Susan Bonner. “Our students learned the history of several cultural dances, the instruments used and cultural garb worn.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107359 Sat, 21 Feb 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107359 Prizing Poetry at DPHS For the second year in a row, Kayla Ruiz won the Deer Park High School Poetry Out Loud Contest with a score of 45.33. The maximum score possible was 47. The runners up were Jessica Orelus with a score of 42.66 and Christina O’Toole with a score of 42.33. Ruiz went on to recite at the regional competition at Stony Brook University on Feb. 26, which was facilitated by the State University of New York, Teachers & Writers Collaborative, National Endowment for the Arts and New York State Council on the Arts. “This year was more competitive, so I was nervous, but it was a really cool competition,” said Ruiz. “I had a lot of fun.” More than 12,000 high school students participated in last year’s nationwide and worldwide Poetry Out Loud Contest. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107360 Fri, 20 Feb 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107360 Science Students Win at Scallop Bowl A team of young scientists from the high school recently won a sportsmanship award at the regional Bay Scallop Bowl at Stony Brook University, earning them a free trip to the Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead. This was the 10th year that Deer Park’s team of young scientists has competed in the Bay Scallop Bowl, a rigorous competition in the marine sciences. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107353 Fri, 20 Feb 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107353 Marking 100 Days at May Moore Tammy Cotrone’s kindergarten class at May Moore found a unique way to celebrate the milestone 100th day of school on Feb. 13. As a cumulative project, the students collected more than 100 perishable food items to donate to the outreach program at Ss. Cyril and Methodius Church to help hungry Deer Park families. Cotrone placed a grocery cart in her classroom, and for every item the students brought in for the food pantry, they received a sticker and marked down the total number of donations on a chart, working toward a class goal of 100 items, which was quickly surpassed. “I taught my class about giving back to our community,” said Cotrone. “The children got so much out of this special 100-day project. They loved helping others and twere excited to watch the cart grow each day.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107357 Thu, 19 Feb 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107357 Zhang Tops in Math Again High schooler Aaron Zhang finished in first place in the senior division at the Suffolk County Math Tournament, held Jan. 9 at Suffolk County Community College in Selden. More than 500 of the county’s top math students from grades 9-12 – including two squads from Deer Park – competed in individual and team competitions. This was the third straight year in which Zhang, Deer Park’s Class of 2015 salutatorian, has won his grade level at the tournament. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107355 Wed, 18 Feb 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107355 Thompson Signs with Delaware Star linebacker Jasawn Thompson signed a National Letter of Intent on Feb. 4 to play football for the University of Delaware, where he plans to major in health and physical education. Thompson, an All-County and All-Conference player for the Falcons, won two major Suffolk County awards for the 2014 season – the Rob Burnett Award for top defensive player and the Bob Collotta Award for best linebacker. He made a verbal commitment earlier this school year to play middle linebacker for the Fightin’ Blue Hens program. He also considered Old Dominion and Boston College, but visits to UD’s Newark campus – the homecoming game last fall and an official visit last month – solidified his choice. “I like the campus, the fun environment, the atmosphere and setting, and all of the coaches I talked to,” Thompson said. “I’m very excited and can’t wait to go there, play football and get a great education.” Older brother Aaron plays football closer to home at Stony Brook, where he is a sophomore defensive lineman. The prospect of a potential Blue Hens-Seawolves matchup appeals to Thompson. “It would be a good experience to play against each other,” he said. “We are very competitive.” Their mother, Kaylar, was proudly in attendance at Deer Park’s athletic department office on Signing Day. “I am excited and blessed,” she said. “I pushed him but he did all the work.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107351 Thu, 12 Feb 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107351 SCCC/Early College Program Information Night The SCCC/Early College Program Information Night has been rescheduled to Wednesday, Feb. 25 from 7-8:30 p.m. If you have any questions, please contact the Deer Park High School Guidance Office at 631-274-4120. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107352 Mon, 09 Feb 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107352 A Bounty of Bubbles at May Moore Bubbles were floating everywhere at May Moore on Jan. 30 when students were treated to the exciting “Bubblemania!” assembly program sponsored by the school’s PFC and presented by renowned entertainer Seth Bloom. Melding science, art and comedy, “Bubblemania!” provided interesting facts about bubbles while delighting the young learners in attendance. From homemade bubble solutions to the properties of surface tension, the science of what the blue-haired, blue-gloved Bloom dubbed “bubble-ology” was explored. Bloom, who presents more than 350 shows a year worldwide, even made floating bubble spaceships and completely enclosed awe-struck first-grader Cannan Williams inside a giant soap bubble. “The students and staff loved learning the science behind bubbles,” said Principal Alicia Konecny. “Bubbles not only involve children in learning, but they are fun, easy to use and ever-changing. Many science processes such as investigation, discovery, experimentation, observation, definition, comparison and classification can be learned simply by playing with bubbles. The best part was seeing the wondrous reactions of the students to the different sized bubbles. They were completely engaged in the various experiments, though I’m certain they enjoyed popping them the best of all!” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107350 Tue, 03 Feb 2015 19:00:00 GMT false107350 Robert Frost Cafeteria Grand Opening The Robert Frost Middle School Cafeteria is making some exciting changes to their lunch options starting on Monday, Feb. 2, 2015. Read all about them below. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107348 Thu, 29 Jan 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107348 Dollar Days - Feb. 2-6, 2015 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107349 Thu, 29 Jan 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107349 ENL Students Celebrate Food and Culture at JFK JFK celebrated “Cultures Around the World Through Food” on Jan. 22 with its students in the English as a New Language program and their families. The ENL students prepared themed foods from India (chole), Italy (pizza), Japan (candy sushi) and Mexico (tacos), and enjoyed playing puzzles and word games with their family members. Members from the high school’s French and Spanish honor societies and Study Buddy program volunteered to help the youngsters at each of the food stations. “The students loved making candy sushi,” said Gina Palasciano, districtwide curriculum associate for world languages and ENL. “It was a fun, food-friendly night for the several dozen people in attendance.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107347 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107347 Eighth-Grade Diver Takes Top Spot on Varsity Ben Wilkonski, an eighth-grader at Robert Frost, finished in first place on the varsity diving team against North Babylon. With a score of 176.10, his feat qualified him for the state qualifying diving championships at SUNY Brentwood in February. He is currently ranked 20th in Suffolk County high schools and is the top-ranked eighth-grader. Wilkonski had been a diver on the Frost swim team since seventh grade, before moving up to the varsity level as an eighth-grader. “He was such a exceptional diver that we knew he needed stronger competition,” said coach Craig Mangio. “You will be hearing much more about Ben in the future, he is one determined boy.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107629 Fri, 23 Jan 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107629 Anne on Ayn – Senior Wins Novel Contest High school senior Anne Ambrosio won third place in an essay contest regarding the Ayn Rand novel “Atlas Shrugged,” earning a $1,000 prize and the admiration of her teachers. The prestigious worldwide contest, gauging the philosophic meaning of the book, was judged by the Ayn Rand Institute. “This is quite an impressive achievement in a very competitive contest,” said teacher Matt Murphy. “She’s a wonderful young lady and I am so proud of her.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107627 Wed, 21 Jan 2015 16:00:00 GMT false107627 Business Trophies for DECA A total of 71 Deer Park High School students participated in DECA’s Suffolk County Regional Competition at Suffolk County Community College on Jan. 7, facing off against more than 1,600 other students from 27 Suffolk County high schools. Of the Deer Park entrants, 22 received trophies for their performances and six received honorable mention. Adam Ahmed won first place and Shahan Mian came in third, both for the Principles of Finance event. Other trophy winners included Fatima Humayun and Lauren Lazarte for Principles of Hospitality, Daniel Sebok for Principles of Marketing, Ronak Shah and Tyler Teng for Personal Financial Literacy, Martin Salgado for Food Marketing, Kristy Kelsch and Gabriellia Mattera for Hotel & Lodging Management, Nabila Alim and Dan Gerardi for Human Resources Management, Parwiz Sultany for Marketing Management, Ifrah Afzal and Tajriana Haque for Quick Serve Restaurant Management, Alban Astafa for Restaurant & Food Service Management, Eric LaMotte and Malique Papallier for Sports & Entertainment Marketing, Nick DiModica and John Santare for Hospitality Services Team, and Peter Demopoulos and Joseph Sanchez for Marketing Communications Team. Honorable mentions went to Stephen Lew for the Principles of Business Management event, Nick Shanahan for Personal Financial Literacy, Ayinde Briggs for Automotive Services Marketing, Danial Khoshkehpazi for Restaurant & Food Service Management, and Ashley Ahmad and Kristina Kozakevitch for Hospitality Services Team. These students have earned the right to participate in the State Career Conference in upstate Rochester in early March, where they will compete against 2,000 of New York’s best business students for the chance to participate in the International Career Development Conference in Orlando, Florida at the end of April. “Deer Park DECA continues to be one of Suffolk County’s most successful chapters,” said the club’s adviser, business teacher Gregory Menig. “Despite graduating 40 members last June, our students have once again been able to produce outstanding results at the regional competition. I’m looking forward to seeing what this year’s award winners are able to accomplish in Rochester in March.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107628 Wed, 21 Jan 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107628 JQA Second-Grader Visited by a Duck Joseph Esposito, a second-grader at John Quincy Adams, was one of four winners of the Long Island Ducks’ “Take a Duck to Class” essay contest sponsored by TD Bank. As part of his prize, Esposito’s school was paid an hour-long Jan. 13 visit by the Ducks’ mascot, QuackerJack. After hosting an assembly with the school’s entire second grade, QuackerJack and TD Bank representatives hosted a special celebration in Esposito’s classroom with cupcakes and popcorn. Esposito was presented with a $50 Visa gift card by TD Bank Vice President of U.S. Field Marketing Eric Fishon and TD Bank Deer Park store manager Mary Warren-Mancini. “It was awesome, said Esposito. “I was so excited to win.” Esposito was among hundreds of applicants who wrote essays on the topic, “Who is a hero in your community and why?” He chose his uncle, North Babylon firefighter David Flammio, who was invited to the day’s events. Additional photos courtesy of Long Island Ducks https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107626 Fri, 16 Jan 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107626 Frost’s Fox Advances in Spelling Bee Robert Frost eighth-grader Rebecca Fox earned victory in the middle school’s annual spelling bee on Jan. 6, which served as the qualifying round for the local edition of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Students competed to represent Robert Frost at Hofstra University’s final local edition on Feb. 8. The first step in establishing Robert Frost’s single representative for the Hofstra competition took place in students’ language arts classes, where they completed a preliminary spelling assessment of 20 unfamiliar words. The highest preliminary assessment scorers from each grade level were invited to participate in the schoolwide spelling bee, with Fox clinching the championship by spelling the word “emporium” correctly. “Our school is very proud of Rebecca and wishes her the best when she competes at Hofstra next month,” said Christina Poppe, Deer Park’s curriculum associate for English language arts, reading and library. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107624 Fri, 16 Jan 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107624 HS and May Moore Pen Pal Visit High school students from Paula Behrens’ home and career class paid a Dec. 12 visit to class pen pals in Tammy Cotrone’s kindergarten classroom at May Moore. Cotrone explained the teaching process to the older students, then they observed her teach Fundations to her kindergartners. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107622 Mon, 12 Jan 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107622 Using Math for Charity at JQA For the fourth year in a row, students at John Quincy Adams will participate in a Math-A-Thon fundraising effort for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, coordinated by math lab specialist Marianna Grieco. St. Jude again supplied Math-A-Thon Funbooks, free curriculum supplements designed to provide students with challenging math problems, Students seek sponsorship pledges from family and friends, who donate based on how many problems or pages the students solve in the Funbook problems. The proceeds benefit childhood cancer eradication initiatives at the hospital, and last year JQA raised a total of $7,861. “We are proud and happy to help children and their families at St. Jude,” explained Grieco, who gave a Math-A-Thon presentation to the JFK students. “These Math-A-Thon problems will also help the students become better at math.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107623 Mon, 12 Jan 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107623 Frost Musicians and Council Visit Nursing Homes Students from Robert Frost visited two nursing homes – Our Lady of Consolation in West Islip, for the ninth year, and for the first time, Momentum at South Bay in East Islip – on Dec. 18 to spread holiday cheer to the residents. The middle school representatives included 36 members of the chamber choir, directed by Youngsun Koh-Lee; eight students of the chamber orchestra, under the direction of Maria Wingert; and 11 members of Frost’s student council, guided by Carole Dipietrantonio. The chamber choir and the orchestra performed holiday music, while the student council presented gifts to the residents that the members had collected and wrapped. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107625 Sun, 11 Jan 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107625 Kindergarten Registration Kindergarten registration for students entering John Quincy Adams Primary School or May Moore Primary School for the 2015-2016 school year will be held Feb. 18 and 19 at the district office, located at 1881 Deer Park Ave. Your child must be present. Please call 631-274-4372 to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins will not be registered. Applications are available at John Quincy Adams and May Moore primary schools, the district office, and on the district’s website, www.deerparkschools.org. If it is determined that your child is (or has been) illegally attending Deer Park Schools, the district will seek tuition reimbursement for the entire period of enrollment. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107621 Fri, 09 Jan 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107621 SADD Provides Banner Support When the high school’s Students Against Destructive Decisions Club heard of the October death of Shoreham-Wading River High School football player Tom Cutinella, they began planning a project in support of the latter school. SADD Club members designed a special banner – adorned with student and staff signatures – to honor the memory of Cutinella, for presentation to Shoreham-Wading River Principal Daniel Holtzman. “Having felt the loss of students in the past at Deer Park, our club members felt that we should show our support to help comfort their students,” said SADD adviser Janet Werner. Shoreham-Wading River’s Wildcats team went on to finish the season as unbeaten Long Island champions. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107616 Wed, 07 Jan 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107616 Leaders in Physical Education High school student-athletes Mike Isola and Kristy Vitucci were recently recognized as the winners of this year’s Suffolk Zone Awards, as selected by the school’s physical education staff. The two seniors were honored by the Suffolk Zone Chapter of the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance at a Dec. 3 dinner at the Hyatt Regency Long Island in Hauppauge, where they were accompanied by teachers Mike Gennaro and Brian Tower. The Suffolk Zone Award is presented annually to one male and one female physical education student in that year’s graduating class, who contributed highly to the overall positive tone of their physical education classes as well as the school. Criteria for the award include earning an A average or above 90 in high school physical education classes, achieving an overall grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale at the completion of junior year, demonstrating outstanding character and leadership qualities, and being a role model for good health and physical fitness. “Our congratulations to Mike and Kristy, who have proven themselves as true physical education leaders,” said Athletic Director Dominick Fontana. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107620 Tue, 06 Jan 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107620 An Act of Garden Kindness First-graders in Karen Phelan’s classroom took time recently to spruce up a school garden for the holidays, an act of kindness for school nurse Helene Horodnicki, who was at home recovering from a serious car accident. The garden was installed several years ago in remembrance of Horowicki’s son. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107617 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107617 HS to Present ‘Proposals’ on Jan. 23-24 The high school will present its annual winter play, Neil Simon’s “Proposals,” on Jan. 23 and 24. Performances will be held at 7 p.m. in the school’s auditorium. “Proposals,” a comedy-drama that opened on Broadway in 1997, was the 30th play written by Simon, a Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winner. Tickets are $8 and may be purchased at the door. Please call 631-274-4100 for additional ticket information. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107614 Mon, 05 Jan 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107614 Toys Delivered Thanks to Frost NJHS Robert Frost’s National Junior Honor Society held its annual toy drive throughout December. All toys will be donated to the John Thiessen Children’s Foundation, which delivers the toys to sick and underprivileged children in over 185 hospitals and childcare facilities across Long Island. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107615 Sun, 04 Jan 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107615 Threat The principal of DPHS was made aware of a threat by a student; not specific to any of our schools. The FBI and local authorities have interviewed the suspect and they have determined there is NO VIABLE threat. Disciplinary action will be taken by the school district. SCPD will be present on Monday, Jan. 5 for peace of mind, even though they believe there is no threat to our school. As always our administrators and security will be as vigilant as always. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107613 Sat, 03 Jan 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107613 ‘Little Elves” Visit Nursing Home Students from the high school’s SADD Club, Red Cross Club, Fight Against Bullying Club and student council, collectively dubbed the “Little Elves,” visited Our Lady of Consolation Nursing and Rehabilitative Care Center in West Islip last month to decorate the doors of the patients for the holidays and provide holiday spirit. “The students enjoyed meeting the ladies and gentlemen of Our Lady of Consolation, and chatting and laughing with them,” said SADD adviser Janet Werner. “The entire group sang Christmas carols in the auditorium to the delight of everyone.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107618 Thu, 01 Jan 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107618 A Day of Festive Music at May Moore On Dec. 19, Santa and Mrs. Claus came to May Moore to visit with classes throughout the day. The festivities continued with the high school band and chorus performing for the elementary students. To end the day of holiday cheer, each grade at May Moore performed music that they had practiced, under the direction of music teacher Kristin Lombardo. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107619 Thu, 01 Jan 2015 05:00:00 GMT false107619 Middle School Musicians Master Seasonal Sounds Seventh- and eighth-grade musicians at Robert Frost made some holiday magic on Dec. 10 and 11, offering a two-day series of winter concerts that displayed their growing mastery of their voices and instruments. Ensembles in the spotlight included the orchestra, directed by Maria Wingert; the chorus, directed by Youngsun Koh-Lee and accompanied by Eunsuk Cho; and the band, directed by Michael Livorno. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107126 Sun, 28 Dec 2014 05:00:00 GMT false107126 Wrapping Up Dozens of Donations at HS With more than a decade of donations under its collective belt, the high school’s annual Wrap and Rap Adopt-A-Cherub project “adopted” more than 50 youngsters – ranging in age from a few months to teens – this year, providing needed gifts to be delivered by the school’s social workers. The atmosphere in the high school cafeteria was festive on Dec. 12 as everyone pitched in wrapping and making ornaments, with representatives present from a variety of school organizations including the student council, SADD Club, Fight Against Bullying Club, Red Cross Club, various sports clubs and the freshman Class of 2018. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107612 Tue, 23 Dec 2014 05:00:00 GMT false107612 Deer Park Musicians Play at NYC’s Tuba Christmas Music students from the high school and Robert Frost joined over 500 other tuba and euphonium players from across the U.S. in a Dec. 14 performance of traditional Christmas carols and other holiday favorites at the 41st annual Merry Tuba Christmas concert at Manhattan’s Rockefeller Center. Chris Wilhjelm served as the conductor of this year’s Tuba Christmas, an event created by tuba master Harvey Phillips to honor his late instructor William J. Bell. Led by band directors Jerry Cannarozzo and Eric Gottesman, participating students included high schoolers Joe Alo, Calo Arena, Jack Dillon, Brandon Doogan, Nick Olsen, Matt Pacheco, Joe Rendino, Kyle Schwarz and Justin Wyhowanec; and middle schoolers Julianna Hannan and Kelly Schwarz. View the performance here. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107125 Fri, 19 Dec 2014 05:00:00 GMT false107125 Learning About Latkes at JQA On the first day of Hanukkah, prekindergartners at John Quincy Adams learned how to make latkes as part of their continuing celebration of all of the season’s holidays. Eating the traditional snack, accompanied by apple sauce, was preceded by a story about Hanukkah and an explanation of the importance of the menorah in the Jewish holiday celebration. Guided by teachers Joe Bottino, Bobbi Colby and Susan Ricciardelli, students also sang the menorah song “How Many Candles?” and discovered how to spin a dreidel. “We came together as a grade to celebrate Hanukkah,” said Ricciardelli. “It was such a fun time!” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107120 Thu, 18 Dec 2014 05:00:00 GMT false107120 Edible Architecture at May Moore Kindergartners in Tammy Cotrone’s classroom at May Moore welcomed their parents and grandparents to a favorite holiday activity – making gingerbread houses. The Dec. 11 event showcased cooperation and creativity, yielding numerous fine examples of edible architecture. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107121 Thu, 18 Dec 2014 05:00:00 GMT false107121 Day of Giving Drives Charity at JFK During the school’s wider-ranging Day of Giving donation drive, held Dec. 10-11, students at John F. Kennedy had the opportunity to bring in and create items for a wealth of charitable organizations. Three single mothers in the community with families of four children were able to be supported with gift packages, four for each child and about 14 per family, and a large box of more than 30 toys was collected for young patients at Good Samaritan Hospital. More than 200 Macy’s Letters to Santa were written, which will be brought to Macys via the Deer Park Fire Department; the company donates $1 for every letter received to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The students also penned 100 cheery cards and letters to be brought to patients of the Momentum Nursing Home in East Islip. Enough food donations were received to supply two different food pantries in Wyandanch and Deer Park, while three large boxes full of pet food, toys, litter and other items were donated to Fur Babies pet rescue, in conjunction with two JFK students, fifth-grader Damien Ellner and his brother, third-grader Andrew Ellner, who have been working with Fur Babies and making pet donations all year. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107124 Tue, 16 Dec 2014 05:00:00 GMT false107124 Autumn’s Athletes Recognized The high school honored nine sports teams at the school’s fall athletic awards ceremony during a Dec. 9 Board of Education meeting, attended by many of athletes and proud family members. The recognized student-athletes were presented with certificates by Athletic Director Dominick Fontana and Superintendent Eva J. Demyen. A total of seven outstanding teams – boys cross-country, kickline, boys varsity soccer, girls varsity soccer, girls swimming and diving, varsity girls tennis and varsity volleyball – were recognized as Scholar/Athlete teams for their successful commitment to both athletics and academics. Teams given this honor by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association are required to have five players or more and earn a cumulative team GPA of 90 percent or higher. The varsity girls tennis team, led by Kristy Vitucci (All-League, All-Division, All-County) and three additional All-League players (Burcak Bas, Hope Mahon and Alyson Michalek) finished the season as undefeated League IV champions and playoff qualifiers, with head coach Caryn Kaplan named League IV Coach of the Year. The boys varsity soccer team – boasting numerous top players including Nkosi Burgess (All-League, All-Conference), Salvatore Castiglione (All-League), Frank Crescuillo (All-League, All-Conference), Greg Giglio (All-League, All-Conference, All-County), Jesse Reutzel (All-League), Jeremy Rodriguez (Academic All-County), Char Senlik (All-League, All-Conference) and James Walsh (NSCAA Senior Excellence Award) – were League IV champions, earning a playoff spot. The varsity volleyball team included Sabrina Grunseich, who earned All-League and Academic All-County honors, while yet another undefeated season was in the cards for Deer Park’s junior varsity volleyball team, who finished 13-0. The varsity girls soccer team earned the leagues’ Sportsmanship Award as well as the NSCAA Gold Sportsmanship Award, with individual honors going to Taylor Brennan (All-League), Kristen DeBiase (All-League), Allison Khare (All-Conference), Taylor Kwintner (NSCAA Senior Excellence Award) and Emily Melendez (Academic All-League). The varsity football team, a League II playoff qualifier, included five All-Conference winners: Johnathan Bisono, Andrew Ciejka, Kyle Lessick, Christopher Tavella and Jasawn Thompson. The latter two also earned All-Conference, while Thompson was named the winner of the Rob Burnett and Bob Collotta awards. The boys cross-country squad included All-Leaguer Alvin Sime and All-League and All-Division winner Joseph Ranni; while Deer Park’s girls swimming and diving squad included three All-Leaguers: Amanda Heinz, Catherine Pfundstein and Christina Seem. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107119 Tue, 16 Dec 2014 05:00:00 GMT false107119 Deer Park Named to AP District Honor Roll Deer Park has been named for the first time to the fifth annual AP District Honor Roll, a list that recognized 547 districts across the U.S. and Canada for increasing access to Advanced Placement courses while simultaneously maintaining or increasing the percentage of students earning scores of 3 or higher on AP Exams. According to the College Board, reaching these goals indicates that districts such as Deer Park have been successful in identifying motivated, academically prepared students who will likely benefit from rigorous AP course work. Inclusion on this year’s AP District Honor Roll was based on examination of AP data from 2012 through 2014. “College and career readiness is something we take very seriously at Deer Park,” said Kimberly Skillen, the district administrator for secondary curriculum and instruction. “We strive to create and offer a rigorous program for students that will prepare them for life after Deer Park. Over the past several years, we have worked to expand our AP and college offerings in addition to offering preparatory course work that challenges students and assists them with reaching their fullest potential and meeting with success in an AP program. I think that our placement on this Honor Roll is a reflection of the hard work of our students, teachers and administrators.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107118 Tue, 16 Dec 2014 05:00:00 GMT false107118 Holiday Boutique Time The May Moore Parent Faculty Club sponsored the school's annual holiday boutique from Dec. 9-11, making scores of seasonal knickknacks available for students to purchase for their loved ones. Funds raised by the PFC from the boutique will be used to help bring programs into the school. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107123 Sat, 13 Dec 2014 05:00:00 GMT false107123 Crazy Hair Day Takes Over May Moore In the latest school spirit event at May Moore, amused students arrived at school on Dec. 12 with their loony locks in all colors of the rainbow, while others sported mohawk hairdos or funny wigs, all to celebrate Crazy Hair Day. Said the school's interim principal, Gary Ramonetti, "Many of the students laughed when I told them that it was crazy that I had no hair!" https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107122 Fri, 12 Dec 2014 05:00:00 GMT false107122 Linebacker Lauded Football star Jasawn Thompson was named the 2014 winner of the Rob Burnett Award, given to the top defensive player in Suffolk County, and the Bob Collotta Award, presented to Suffolk’s best linebacker. Thompson was recognized at the Suffolk County Football Coaches Association’s annual banquet, held on Dec. 1 in Hauppauge. The senior finished the season on defense with 76 tackles, five sacks and two forced fumbles, and was named both All-County and All-Conference. He also excelled at running back, scoring 19 touchdowns and amassing 1,624 yards. Thompson will play middle linebacker on scholarship for the University of Delaware in Newark next fall. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107116 Fri, 12 Dec 2014 01:00:00 GMT false107116 New National Honor Society Members Inducted Recognizing their commitment to the four tenets of character, leadership, scholarship and service, the high school welcomed 55 students into the National Honor Society during the 53rd annual induction ceremony. As friends, family and current NHS members gathered in the auditorium, and a four-piece chamber orchestra of student-musicians performed as accompaniment, Student Council President Taylor Morales began the proceedings with the Pledge of Allegiance. Speeches followed from NHS advisor James Henry, Deer Park Curriculum Associate John Watson and Superintendent of Schools Eva Demyen. “They have honesty and integrity, which is hard to come by these days,” Demyen said of the new inductees. She went on to note the crucial contribution of their families, saying, “I thank you parents and caregivers for what you’ve done with your children to bring them to this point.” A history of the National Honor Society was read by President Sabrina Grunseich, and four of its members – Tutoring Chairman Kyle Dillon, Vice President Jame Walsh, Secretary Catherine Pfundstein and Treasurer Adam Ahmed – reflected on the four NHS tenets, lighting a candle for each. Grunseich and Dillon then presented the new inductees, and Walsh administered the NHS pledge. As each new candle-holding member was given a pin and certificate, Grunseich began the traditional process of sharing flames from candle to candle until all were aglow. “The ceremony is always a nice way to start the holiday season,” said adviser James Henry. “I love working with a group of kids that not only get inducted into the Society for their grades, but for their commitment to in-school and out-of-school activities as well as their outstanding character and leadership.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107114 Thu, 11 Dec 2014 16:00:00 GMT false107114 Snowy Singing at May Moore Young performers entertained other students, staff and visiting parents during the May Moore Music Club’s annual holiday musical, a Dec. 5 performance of “Snow Way Out! A Vacation in Winter’s Wonderland” directed by music teacher Catherine Lubrano. The 2009 play, written by Sally K. Albrecht and Jay Althouse, tells the tale of Jack and Jackie Frost (played by Joshua Collado and Sofia Figueroa), the renovators of the Winter’s Wonderland resort built by Old Man Winter (teacher Jeremy Smith), and their staff, the 24 Frostbites. Amidst the snowy set constructed by teacher Eileen Cullinane, the singers offered a rendition of the title number as well as “Getting Ready,” “Old Man Winter” and “Please, Let It Snow!” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107117 Thu, 11 Dec 2014 05:00:00 GMT false107117 2015-2016 School Calendar https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107111 Wed, 10 Dec 2014 05:00:00 GMT false107111 2015-2016 Budget Development Calendar https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107112 Wed, 10 Dec 2014 05:00:00 GMT false107112 Bingo Night at May Moore Students from all grades at May Moore enjoyed playing bingo with volunteers from the school’s parent faculty club at a special Bingo Night. The Nov. 21 event, held at the school’s cafeteria, gave their parents the opportunity to have a night out while providing a safe, fun evening for the children. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107110 Tue, 09 Dec 2014 05:00:00 GMT false107110 Successful Spring Rolls at Frost Seventh-graders in Susan Horowitz’s home and careers class at Deer Park’s Robert Frost Middle School recently enjoyed a unique live demonstration from chef Sara Samuels, a representative of Johnson & Wales University. Samuels prepared a Vietnamese dish called nime chow – a raw vegetable spring roll – for the students, and discussed the importance of fresh ingredients, knife skills and plate presentation. After sampling the spring rolls, students had the opportunity to ask questions about Johnson & Wales and the culinary field. Samuels explained how the multimillion-dollar culinary industry is expanding to include business, marketing and many other opportunities outside of food preparation, and encouraged the seventh-graders to remain open to new pathways to success. “The visit was a huge success,” said Horowitz. “My students enjoyed a healthy treat and were exposed to different career opportunities.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107108 Mon, 08 Dec 2014 05:00:00 GMT false107108 Pumpkin Physics in Flight Physics took flight during a recent trebuchet demonstration by the high school’s pumpkin-chucking Dark Falcons. The 20-student team – ranging from eighth-graders to seniors – and coach Bruce Sander were providing the educational show on the school’s football field for the benefit of physics teacher Ted Smirlis’ class, who would later provide feedback for the team. “Our intention was to have the students relate real-life design and the physics that affect this trebuchet’s throwing capacity,” explained Sander, a technology teacher who has shepherded the pumpkin program for six years, earning a championship in 2013 while ensuring his students learn math, physics and engineering concepts. Their trebuchet, a kind of catapult, reached a milestone earlier in the fall during the Pumpkin Fling, Long Island’s annual championship pumpkin catapult contest, hurling the gourd 1,056 feet at 150 mph. “The pumpkin went so fast that the paint blew off the pumpkin,” said Sander. Alas, they did not repeat as champs at the event, held in October at the Suffolk County Farm and Education Center in Yaphank. “We wound up with second place, because during our third throw, for distance, the sling broke,” said Sander. “Our throw of 1,056 feet was during our final throw, for accuracy not distance. So even though we beat the winning throw of 915 feet, it didn't count towards the win. But we know we still threw over 1,000 feet, which had been a goal of our team for years.” Sander and his Dark Falcons are already planning for autumn 2015. “We are constructing a newly designed machine for next year’s competition that will incorporate all of the suggestions from the physics students and our own knowledge of building this type of machine. Next year’s goal is to exceed 1,800 feet.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107107 Sun, 07 Dec 2014 05:00:00 GMT false107107 7-Eleven Gives Back Displaying a strong commitment to the Deer Park school community, 7-Eleven recently donated $711 to the Deer Park High School Booster Club to help fund the athletic program, as part of the company’s Project A-Game matching donation grant program. Created to promote youth wellbeing and establish a strong foundation for the next generation, 7-Eleven stores can apply for a Project A-Game grant to sponsor a local school and support youth development through academic and athletic programs. Three 7-Eleven representatives – business consultant Nancy Rehill from the parent company and local franchisees Sonney Ahluwalia and Muddsir Muhmood – recently visited the high school to present a ceremonial check to Athletic Director Dominic Fontana and the school’s varsity basketball team. “Being local business owners, our goal is to give back to the community through sports,” said Ahluwalia. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107109 Thu, 04 Dec 2014 22:00:00 GMT false107109 Backwards for School Spirit Students at May Moore show their school spirit throughout the year by participating in various creative themed activities. In the most recent event, “Backwards Day” on Nov. 7, the children had fun wearing their clothes in reverse. “I loved how proud the students were to show off their backwards attire,” said Gary Ramonetti, the school’s interim principal. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107106 Tue, 02 Dec 2014 05:00:00 GMT false107106 TRACKS Rolls in to May Moore As part of TRACKS, the MTA Long Island Rail Road’s free railroad safety program, LIRR representative Chrisann Fabio recently visited May Moore to explain the dangers of playing around trains and train tracks. The program, which stands for Together Railroads and Communities Keeping Safe, is designed to educate students about the importance of exercising caution and practicing good judgment near crossings and railroads. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107115 Tue, 02 Dec 2014 05:00:00 GMT false107115 Revved Up Readers at JFK Book Fair Students at John F. Kennedy Intermediate revved up their passion for reading during a three-day book fair sponsored by the JFK Parent Faculty Club. The fair, also held during one evening to coincide with parent-teacher conferences, raised funds for assemblies and other school expenses. Best sellers this season include the sports autobiography “I Am #12: LeBron James” and the latest books in the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” and “Minecraft” series. “The book fair benefits kids,” said PFC volunteer Tom Catanzano. “It also provides a great chance for parents to purchase educational holiday gifts for their children.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107105 Tue, 02 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMT false107105 NJHS Collects Food Baskets for the Needy For an entire week, sixth- through eighth-graders at Robert Frost brought in numerous canned and boxed food items to donate for needy families, as part of an annual November food drive organized by the school’s National Junior Honor Society. After collecting the nonperishables, members of the NJHS worked with adviser Seth Margolin to collate the items into baskets ready for donation. “This food drive helped our students realize that there is a great need to help others in the community,” said NJHS Secretary Ally Doogan. “It was great to see so much support for the cause, and now many families will be able to have a happy Thanksgiving.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107104 Wed, 26 Nov 2014 05:00:00 GMT false107104 Trio of Athletes Sign Letters of Intent A trio of Deer Park High School student-athletes signed National Letters of Intent in November to continue their playing careers while attending college next fall. They were congratulated during the signing ceremony by Deer Park Athletic Director Dominick Fontana as well as their proud families. Lacrosse midfielder Lauren Gentile, a Scholar-Athlete, honor student and four-year member of the varsity team, will play for Queens College. “Between the athletics and academics, this gives me the chance to get everything I want out of a school,” she said. Hailey Leitch, a fellow Scholar-Athlete and honor student, has played attack for the varsity lacrosse team since eighth grade. She will play for the Setters at Pace University, where she plans to major in nursing. She cited the beautiful campus in Pleasantville, N.Y. and the strength of Pace’s nursing program as the reasons for her choice. Softball team captain Ali Wiener signed with Dowling College, where she will study special education. The second baseman, a member of the varsity team at Deer Park for four years, liked the fact that Dowling, with a main campus in Oakdale and a sports complex in Shirley, was close to home. “I am proud of our three athletes who have worked extremely hard to get an opportunity to play at the next level,” said Fontana. “I wish them the best of luck on all their future endeavors.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107103 Tue, 25 Nov 2014 16:00:00 GMT false107103 Champion Students Honored at Breakfast At the high school’s biannual Breakfast for Champions, 18 remarkable students were highlighted by teachers and administrators for their hard work and unique achievements. Twice per school year, each of the 15 high school departments selects an honored student as champion, along with three additional champions chosen by principals and a teacher. Joined by their proud parents, the young men and women were recognized at a Nov. 14 ceremony in the school’s library. “Congratulations to the students and their families,” said Principal James Cummings, noting the challenges faced by the current generation. “This is a tough time to be growing up, but these kids embody the core values that are still imperative and valuable to success.” Honorees receiving plaques at the Fall 2014 edition of the Breakfast for Champions included Regina Ambrosio (art), Madison Sluter (athletics), James Niemiera (business), Alexis Maldonado (English language arts), Lidia Martinez (ESL), Melissa Fisk (family and consumer science), Hanife Ozbay (guidance), Joseph Vaccaro (health), Samantha Guglielmi (math), Samantha Tucci (performing arts), Justin Ruggia (physical education), Dominick Cito (science), Jayda Brown (social studies), Brandon Ruiz (technology) and Micaela Morello (world languages). The Principal’s Award was presented to Ahmadi Aydelott, the Associate Principal’s Award to Marcus Rivera and the Teacher’s Choice Award to Rachel Bauer. Each nominating teacher or administrator presented a plaque to his or her chosen student and spoke about their achievements and special qualities. “Ahmadi is the kind of student who inspired teachers to teach better,” said Cummings of his choice, while art teacher Joseph Mucci said of D’Ambrosio, “She’s like having a second teacher in the classroom.” For his department’s choice of Ruggia, physical education teacher Kevin Marner cited the student’s positive attitude and respect for his peers. “He is a PE teacher’s dream student,” he said. Social studies teacher Vanessa Whitney said of Brown, “Her smile and positive attitude light up the hallways here at Deer Park High School,” while teacher Beth Kabaservice described Sluter as “an unusually compassionate and kind individual at an age where most other students are just finding out who they are.” ELA teacher Christine Harrison said of Maldonado, “She has a love and passion for reading and literature that is inspiring.” Scott Abrams, from the performing arts department, lauded his senior guitar student Tucci, saying, “Every day she sets an example for others.” Technology teacher Bruce Sander displayed a to-scale drawing of the high school from the ground up, created by Ruiz over a two-year period, and noted that the student’s architectural design skills were so advanced that he will be creating plans of other district buildings for homeland security purposes. ESL teacher Liz Gleason explained how Martinez, who has only resided in the U.S. for two years, has made such strides that she helps other newcomers and serves as Gleason’s “personal translator.” Morello’s skill in speaking and studying three languages impressed teacher Kari Schiano, who said, “She truly embodies the spirit of multiculturalism and diversity.” Guidance counselor Noel Skelton detailed how Ozbay overcame leukemia, chemotherapy and a hospital stay while working hard with tutors to maintain her academic studies before her cancer went into remission. “She is truly an inspiration and definitely one of my heroes,” he said. Musicians from the high school’s laudable string ensemble played a selection of classical pieces as a pleasant accompaniment to the breakfast. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107101 Tue, 25 Nov 2014 05:00:00 GMT false107101 Costumed Kindergartners Give Thanks Kindergartners in Karen Linkletter’s class at May Moore enjoyed a special Thanksgiving feast on Nov. 21, catered by Boston Market. Before digging in to their turkey dinner, the 21 students, dressed as Pilgrims and Native Americans, sang songs and told the audience of invited parents what they were thankful for. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107102 Mon, 24 Nov 2014 05:00:00 GMT false107102 Date Change of December Open BOE Meeting The open Board of Education meeting originally scheduled for Dec. 16 has been changed to Dec. 9 at 8 p.m. at the high school. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107100 Mon, 17 Nov 2014 05:00:00 GMT false107100 A Wall of Heroes Kindergartners in Tammy Cotrone’s class at May Moore Primary School in Deer Park found a special way to honor America’s veterans, creating a Wall for Heroes to honor the local men and women who have served and are actively serving the country. The students’ Veterans Day display showcased photos, biographies and accolades of family members, friends and community residents from various branches of the U.S. military. Prior to creating their display of appreciation, the kindergarten students learned the meaning and significance of Veterans Day and shared artifacts and stories of friends and family who have fought in wars throughout history. The students also created a flag of handprints painted in red, white and blue to represent the unity of the American people and to show their support of military men and women. Cotrone later presented the flag to veterans at Babylon Town Hall. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107096 Fri, 07 Nov 2014 05:00:00 GMT false107096 Rep. King Talks Politics with Seniors Seniors at the high school were given a detailed look at a congressman’s job and the demand of politics during a special Oct. 22 visit from U.S. Rep. Pete King. During a question-and-answer period following King’ talk, the students asked thoughtful questions regarding his platform and how he has voted on legislation, as well as the economic stimulus package, financial aid, gay marriage and veterans' affairs. “No matter their political beliefs, the feedback from students was overwhelmingly positive, and they really enjoyed the visit,” said social studies teacher Christopher Kauter. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107099 Tue, 04 Nov 2014 19:00:00 GMT false107099 "Not My Child" Substance Abuse PSA Click here to watch the PSA https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107092 Mon, 03 Nov 2014 05:00:00 GMT false107092 Monster March at May Moore Students at May Moore had a blast on Oct. 31 at the school’s annual costume parade, singing the nursery rhyme “Witches’ Brew” and dancing the afternoon away to the sounds of “Monster Mash.” “It was great to see the families come out in the spirit of Halloween,” said Gary Ramonetti, interim principal. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107097 Mon, 03 Nov 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107097 Sharing and Singing with Brian Chevalier In support of October as National Bullying Prevention, educational performer Brian Chevalier visited Deer Park’s May Moore Primary School for an interactive assembly where students learned how to sign and sing parts of songs accompanied by Chevalier on guitar. His Oct. 21 presentation helped the students understand the importance of sharing and being kind to each other, through the use of music and dance. “It was great to see the enthusiasm on the faces of the students,” said interim principal Gary Ramonetti. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107098 Sat, 01 Nov 2014 03:00:00 GMT false107098 Career Day Enlightens Freshmen Watch the video below: https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107087 Sat, 01 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT false107087 May Moore's Pumpkin Patch A drizzle in the air did little to dent the excitement of May Moore’s students as they enjoyed the school’s annual pumpkin patch on Oct. 31. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107093 Fri, 31 Oct 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107093 Pumpkin Time at John Quincy Adams Celebrating the spirit of autumn, John Quincy Adams held its annual pumpkin patch on Oct. 29, to the delight of students and staff alike. Children in each class at every grade level were given the chance to venture out to the front lawn where they selected their own pumpkins to decorate and bring home. The event was sponsored by the school’s Parent Faculty Club. “JQA’s students enjoyed a beautiful day of pumpkin picking thanks to our PFC, just one example of the wonderful events they provide our school,” said Principal Christine Criscione. “We also thank all of the volunteers who came out early in the morning to unload hundreds of pumpkins.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107091 Wed, 29 Oct 2014 15:00:00 GMT false107091 Pumpkin Creations Light Up May Moore Parents and prekindergartners joined forces to create festive pumpkin votive candleholders using glass jars, colored tissue paper and glue at May Moore on Oct. 29. The annual autumnal workshop provided an opportunity to reinforce the youngest students’ developing artistic and motor skills while enhancing connections between the school and visiting family members. “It is always great to see the community and the students working together,” said Gary Ramonetti, the school’s interim principal. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107094 Wed, 29 Oct 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107094 Homecoming Celebration Hundreds of marchers and spectators filled the streets for the high school’s homecoming parade on Oct. 25. Upbeat marching band performances, colorful class floats, and peppy cheerleader and kickline numbers continued throughout the parade route on Deer Park Avenue and Nicolls Road. “This is the one day people look forward to way in advance,” said Athletic Director Dominick Fontana. “It’s a nice venue to celebrate Deer Park.” Principal James Cummings kicked off the homecoming ceremony, announcing local politicians and dignitaries that were in attendance, as well as honoring the Downey family of Deer Park for their continuous donations and involvement in district scholarships. Serving as grand marshal was Rosalie Downey, the widow of FDNY Deputy Chief of Special Operations Ray Downey, a hero of 9/11. The ceremony also included a performance by the high school’s women’s choir. “Our kids are the best,” Cummings said. “It’s a great day for the classes to come together.” The homecoming court was announced, with Jasawn Thompson and Alexis Blumengold winning as king and queen, respectively. The pair donned royal gear as they were escorted around the track in a sporty convertible. Cheerleaders from Deer Park Youth Football, the middle school, and the high school junior varsity and varsity squads pumped up the crowd, as did as the Falconettes kickline team. The Marching Falcons provided a powerful musical score for the varsity football game against Copiague, which Deer Parkl won decisively, 53-12. Thompson starred, scoring three touchdowns and rushing for 145 yards. Other stars for the Falcons included Jarrett Bonser (passing for 118 yards and a touchdown), David Hamil (nine tackles, two sacks) and Kyle Lessick (a perfect 6-6 on extra points, and scoring a touchdown and a 30-yard field goal). The class floats were presented at halftime, all representing a Dr. Seuss theme. The seniors won the contest with their depiction of “Oh, The Places You’ll Go!” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107090 Tue, 28 Oct 2014 15:00:00 GMT false107090 Top 10 Seniors Named for Class of 2015 The high school’s top 10 ranked seniors were recently recognized at an annual breakfast ceremony in the school library, and valedictorian Sabrina Grunseich and salutatorian Aaron Zhang were announced. The senior top 10 list – the academically astute students with the highest grade point averages in this year’s graduating class – was rounded out by Kyle Dillon (ranked third), Emily Fowler (fourth), William Keller (fifth), Mauricio Montes (sixth), Maria Skoljarev (seventh), Alban Astafa (eighth), Shahan Mian (ninth) and Jonathan Wagner (10th). “The Top 10 breakfast is one of the highlights of each school year and an opportunity to recognize the top students for their hard work, dedication and diligence over the last four years,” said Principal James Cummings. “What is even more impressive than these students’ academic resumes are their accomplishments outside the classroom. They are in the top 10 because of their GPAs, but they are just as impressive as athlete, artists, musicians and community members. They make Deer Park High School a better place, and they make the Deer Park community a better place.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107084 Wed, 22 Oct 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107084 Health Fair/Halloween Carnival on Nov. 1 The district will hold its third Health & Wellness Fair on Saturday, Nov. 1, in conjunction with the annual Halloween Carnival. The events will take place from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the high school, 1 Falcon Place in Deer Park. The Health Fair, sponsored by the district’s health and physical education department, is free to the public and will include numerous health-related activities and more than 40 informational booths. Services and activities available for attending community members will include athletic and personal weight training; a mobile blood drive; CrossFit; dental and orthodontic care; fire safety and CPR; healthy eating demonstrations; health screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar, body mass index, posture, vision and hearing; impairment driving simulations; martial arts and kickboxing; Pilates and yoga; pool safety and water exercises; reiki; sports clinics including golf, soccer and tennis; and Zumba. Admission to the Halloween Carnival, presented by the high school’s Varsity Leaders Club and held in the girls gym, will be $2. A Chinese auction will also be sponsored by the high school’s clubs. Click here for the event poster, and here for a schedule of events. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107088 Tue, 21 Oct 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107088 Falcon’s Nest Reopens A revamped edition of the high school’s school store, the Falcon’s Nest, recently reopened to rapturous reception by students and staff alike. The store is open during all lunch periods at the school, and for the first time, during 10th period as well. During the day, the store offers spirit wear and accessories such as hoodies, lanyards and bucket hats, with new items being added weekly. Other popular products include school, phone and tech supplies; materials for seniors to construct their homecoming crowns; and necessary daily items like tissues, hand sanitizer and batteries. Students manning the Nest are encouraged to conduct research on any items they wish to sell and bring it to the attention of store manager Sandy Stueber. “As long as the item is appropriate to sell in school, we place the order and go from there,” explained Stueber. “I'm trying to have the students select the items we sell. This way, we are successful.” After school, the Falcon’s Nest morphs into a top snack destination offering drinks, protein bars and even freshly delivered pizza. “Students who stay after school for athletics or club activities are always looking for something to eat or drink,” said Stueber. “I have been working with the athletes to make sure they have access to what they want and need.” Stueber is also working to eventually incorporate the school’s life skills students during the day. “We plan to partner each life skills student with a senior, and they will work together to do inventory, deliver beverages or materials to teachers, or even prepare fruit for us to sell in the store,” she said. “We are very excited with the potential.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107089 Sun, 19 Oct 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107089 Law Students Enjoy First Amendment Presentation Constitutional law students from the high school attended the “Icons of First Amendment Freedom Speak Out Live!” event at Stony Brook University on Oct. 9, presented in partnership with the Law, Youth and Citizenship Program of the New York State Bar Association and the Touro Law Center’s Project PATCH. Featured live speakers known for their landmark Supreme Court cases included Mary Beth Tinker and John Tinker, lead plaintiffs in Tinker v. Des Moines, and Cathy Kuhlmeier Frey, lead plaintiff in Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier. Students were able to hear first-person accounts of each speaker’s experiences related to these landmark decisions as well as enjoy discussions on the current impact of these decisions on students’ rights by a panel of experts in the fields of law, journalism and First Amendment advocacy including Jay Worona, counsel for the New York State School Boards Association. “This unique event provided our students with the opportunity to experience living history and explore First Amendment freedom at a young age,” said FACS and social studies curriculum associate Heather Stewart. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107095 Thu, 16 Oct 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107095 Heroin and Opioid Abuse on the Rise https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107085 Thu, 16 Oct 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107085 Ways to Stay Healthy During Cold and Flu Season https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107086 Thu, 16 Oct 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107086 DPAC to Hold Applebee’s Flapjack Fundraiser The Deer Park Arts Council will host an Applebee’s Flapjack Fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 18 from 8-10 a.m. Tickets for the annual breakfast event are $10. Applebee’s is located at 1250 Deer Park Ave. in North Babylon. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107083 Wed, 15 Oct 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107083 Band Marches in Huntington Columbus Day Parade The Deer Park High School Marching Band marched in the Long Island Sons of Italy Columbus Day Parade in Huntington on Oct. 12. Led by director Jerry Cannarozzo, the Marching Falcons were joined by other high schools participating in the afternoon parade, including East Meadow High School, Islip High School, Kings Park High School and Walt Whitman High School. The event was hosted by Huntington Town Supervisor Frank P. Petrone. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107081 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107081 Learning Fire Safety at the Primary Schools Students at John Quincy Adams and May Moore learned about fire safety on recent visits from the Deer Park Fire Department, designed in conjunction with national Fire Prevention Month. “It’s okay to be afraid, because you’re supposed to be afraid of fire,” Assistant Chief Phil Scarfi told the children during the assemblies. “I will teach you ways to protect your family.” Scarfi, who has been conducting Deer Park’s fire safety workshops for decades, emphasized the “three Ps” – preventing a fire, planning in case of fire and practicing the plan – and discussed ways that the students could avoid fires happening in the home, and important topics such as candle safety and the proper use of smoke alarms. Following Scarfi’s indoor presentations, students at both schools were able to go outside and see one of the department’s fire trucks in action, shooting water from the fire hose into the sky, and to meet local firefighters and take an up-close look at the engine. “A big thanks to the Deer Park Fire Department,” said JQA Principal Christine Criscione. “It was a wonderful opportunity for our students to visit with some true local heroes.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107966 Tue, 07 Oct 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107966 Bowler Wins Major Youth Tournament The high school bowling season hasn’t begun yet, but junior Adam Zimmerman already has something to smile about. In July, Zimmerman proved to be the champion in the under-15 boys category at the North Pointe Junior Gold Championships. To win, he defeated opponent Michael Schoerner, 377-350 and 387-274, in back-to-back matches. More than 2,479 competitors participated in this major national youth bowling event held in the in Buffalo, N.Y area. A member of Deer Park’s Section XI New York State championship team, Zimmerman is no stranger to success in the bowling alley. As a student-athlete, he has earned All-County status twice and was named to Newsday’s All-Long Island team this past spring. He bowled a county-high 31 match points last year while en route to improving from his freshman average of 215 to a county-leading 235.86 in 2013. Zimmerman has earned more than $33,000 in college scholarship funds through tournament competitions, $6,000 alone from the Junior Gold event. Zimmerman also won an opportunity to try out for Junior Team USA in January 2015 in Las Vegas. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107082 Mon, 06 Oct 2014 00:00:00 GMT false107082 Theatre Night on Nov. 10 The district presents its annual Theatre Night on Monday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m., to be held in the auditorium at the high school. The Synergy Theatre Company will perform the one-act play “The Best Thing,” written by senior Anthony Anello and recently selected a winner in the New York State Theatre Education Association’s annual Student Writing Contest. Frank Caliguiri, assistant superintendent of pupil personnel services, will discuss the important connection between the district and Synergy Theatre. The high school’s 2015 spring musical will be announced, accompanied by a special performance, and theater production directors from each of Deer Park’s schools will discuss overviews of the plans for this school year. The evening’s agenda will also include the induction of members of the International Thespian Society, who will perform, and a speech by Superintendent of Schools Eva J. Demyen. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107967 Sun, 05 Oct 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107967 ‘The Best Thing’ for Young Playwright High school student and budding playwright Anthony Anello was a winner in the New York State Theatre Education Association’s annual Student Writing Contest. Anello’s play, “The Best Thing,” was one of more than 40 submissions for the prestigious contest. It will be performed by student actors on Jan. 10 at the Saturday Night Showcase at NYSTEA’s 2015 Student Conference, to be held at the Villa Roma Hotel in Calicoon, N.Y. “I enjoyed reading his play and look forward to meeting Anthony and seeing the performance,” said NYSTEA President James Pecora. At the three-day weekend of workshops, students from around the state – including approximately 15 from Deer Park – will audition to perform the winning plays under the direction of NYSTEA teachers. Anello and the other attending playwrights will be presented with onstage certificates, and the performers, directors and playwrights will meet for a discussion of the pieces after the performances. Anello, a senior, is heavily involved in drama at Deer Park, including the one-act festival, the annual musical and the winter festival. This will be the third year in a row that he has attended the conference, but was his first time submitting a play. “The Best Thing,” which he wrote last June, is a drama about a playwright husband in conflict with his wife. “I’m really excited for the performance at the conference,” said Anello. “It’s a great weekend overall, and wonderful to be around people who have a common interest.” “Anthony is a great student and I am so glad I have had the opportunity to be his director for the last three years,” said teacher James Henry. “He is so dedicated to the theater, and our school is very fortunate to have such a driven student. He will be truly missed next year.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107965 Sat, 04 Oct 2014 08:00:00 GMT false107965 Career Day Speakers Still Needed Deer Park High School is still looking for speakers for Career Day, which is on Wednesday, Oct. 15 from 7:30-10:45 a.m. If you're interested in being a speaker, please contact Mrs. Jill Perry-Eising at 631-274-4196 or at perryeising.j@deereparkschools.org. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107963 Thu, 02 Oct 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107963 Four Headed to All-County Chorus Four superb singers from the high school – Katherine Keller, Mauricio Montes, Jessica Orelus and Alec Winters – were recently selected by the Suffolk County Chapter of the New York State Council of Administrators of Music Education for the 2014 All-County Mixed Chorus. The foursome will perform at the NYSCAME/SCMEA All-County Concert on Nov. 21 at Half Hollow Hills High School East in Dix Hills. This honor was the result of their strong sense of dedication to their musical studies as well as reflecting their high-scoring performances at last spring’s NYSSMA solo festival. “I am really looking forward to performing with a group of musicians who are as dedicated to singing choral music as we are,” said Keller. “We are all very excited to perform such beautiful but difficult music,” added Montes. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107964 Wed, 01 Oct 2014 15:00:00 GMT false107964 The Standard - Fall 2014 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107962 Mon, 29 Sep 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107962 HS Band Performs for Library’s 50th Anniversary Members of the high school’s band performed at the Deer Park Public Library on Sept. 20 as part of a celebration of the library’s 50th anniversary. The 14-piece ensemble was led by director Jerry Cannarozzo. The daylong commemoration of the library’s 1964 charter also included games, raffles, stories and other cultural events. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107479 Fri, 26 Sep 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107479 Swimmers Walk for Alzheimer’s For the second year in a row, the Deer Park/North Babylon girls swimming and diving team participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, held by the Long Island chapter of the Alzheimer's Association on Sept. 20 at Belmont State Park in North Babylon. The dedicated student-athletes – more than half of the 32-member high school team, currently 2-1 for the season – walked to support one of the team captains’ grandmothers who is currently afflicted with the disease. “The enthusiasm with which the team approached this walk was truly moving,” said Deer Park’s Beth Kabaservice, the assistant coach. “We not only raised awareness but also funds for research. It was amazing to see the girls band together to support and comfort one another.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107480 Fri, 26 Sep 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107480 Orelus to Sing at All-State Chorus Concert Recognizing her superior vocal talent and dedication to music, senior Jessica Orelus has been selected to perform in this year’s All-State Mixed Chorus at the New York State School Music Association Winter Conference concert in Rochester, N.Y. in December. “It is an extreme honor that Jessica has been selected to represent Deer Park High School’s music program at the NYSSMA Conference,” said her chorus teacher, Catherine Lubrano. “Students who attend this conference are strong, dedicated musical leaders of their schools all around the state, and we as a department are very proud of Jessica's accomplishment.” “I’m very excited and blessed to have this opportunity,” said Orelus, who plans to study musical theater in college. “I’m grateful that the school is supporting me in taking on this amazing adventure.” Orelus has displayed a multitude of artistic gifts, being involved in the chamber orchestra, the select choir, the chorus, and theater productions such as musicals, winter plays and the school’s One-Act Play Festival. “She is extremely talented,” said Lubrano. “Not only is she an excellent singer, but she plays violin in our school's chamber orchestra as well as being an accomplished pianist. Jessica is heavily involved in all of the performing arts offered here in Deer Park.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107961 Thu, 25 Sep 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107961 Summer School Helpers Recognized Eleven exemplary high schoolers – Joseph Criscione, Isaiah Edwards, Joseph Melendez, Coy Overton, Anthony Pascal, Brandon Rainone, Morgan Rooney, Joy Reiss St. Bernard, Karsten Scoggin, Samantha Uhlman and Christian Ventura – were recently recognized by the district for their dedicated work as summer school student helpers. Six of the honorees were in attendance at a recent Board of Education meeting, where they were presented with certificates by Superintendent Eva J. Demyen. An arrangement with the New York State Department of Labor enabled the district to hire some eligible students with pay, but others worked solely as unpaid volunteers. All proved invaluable as aides and mentors for the approximately 60 children enrolled in the summer program, run by teacher Phyllis Senia, which benefits special education students throughout the district. “Above and beyond is minimal compared to what these kids did,” said Frank Caliguiri, assistant superintendent of pupil personnel services. “They really did the job of a working adult, taking responsibility for the children in the program.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107960 Thu, 25 Sep 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107960 Message from NYS Dept. of Health https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107478 Thu, 18 Sep 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107478 Getting in the Sock Spirit at May Moore With a fabulous array of footwear, students at May Moore had the perfect chance to show off their sartorial creativity and superlative school spirit during the school’s annual Crazy Sock Day on Sept. 12. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107477 Wed, 17 Sep 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107477 Primary Schools Commemorate Sept. 11 Students and staff at John Quincy Adams and May Moore participated in planting flags and other ceremonial events on Sept. 11, known as Patriot Day. The children, ranging from kindergarten through second grade, wore red, white and blue to commemorate the 13th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. “We wanted to observe the anniversary of Sept. 11 with respect and reverence,” said JQA Principal Christine Criscione. “In addition to a moment of silence and age-appropriate lessons in the classroom, our PFC donated American flags so that each student could plant a flag on the school grounds to show patriotism.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107475 Mon, 15 Sep 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107475 Waldbaum’s School Supply Initiative Aids Families Showing their strong support for education, the Waldbaum’s supermarket in Deer Park recently put together $8 bags of school supplies for its patrons to purchase as donations for needy families in the school district. The four-day initiative involved all Waldbaums stores across Nassau and Suffolk counties, giving community members the opportunity to benefit their local school districts. After collecting approximately $1,000 in donated school supplies, Waldbaum’s representative Joe Fabbio delivered the supplies to high school social worker Barbara Charity. “Waldbaum’s are always there for us with everything we do,” said Charity, who noted the many of the high school’s students have gained valuable employment experience working in the supermarket. Once the supplies are sorted, Charity and Deer Park’s team of social workers will decide how the supplies are distributed districtwide. The donation process was facilitated by volunteer Debbie Leon, a member of the Special Education Committee who also serves as treasurer of the middle school’s PFC. “We are all parents and grandparents, we know what it’s like,” said Fabbio, who has served as store manager of the Deer Park Waldbaum’s for the past four years. “We are part of the community so we try to give back.” He credited the store’s loyal customers for their generosity. “They’re the ones who really did it,” he said, thanking them for the outstanding donation efforts. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107476 Mon, 15 Sep 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107476 Math Star Zhang Named NMS Semifinalist High school student and math star Aaron Zhang was recently named a semifinalist in the 60th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. In a Sept. 10 announcement, he was recognized for his outstanding test results in the 2013 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, where he competed in an initial screening against more than 1.4 million students from over 22,000 high schools and finished in the top 1 percent in the state. Zhang will be continue to compete to achieve the finalist level and vie for one of 7,6000 National Merit Scholarships worth approximately $33 million, to be offered next spring by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, which has held this prestigious academic scholarship competition since 1955. The modest young man was surprised by his achievement. “I wasn’t sure if I would get it because the cut-off is so high,” Zhang said. “But it feels really good.” The senior is in his second year of membership in the school’s math team (for which he now serves as captain), academic team and Science Olympiad team. As a junior, Zhang earned second place as part of a two-person Circuit Lab team in the New York State Science Olympiad regional competition. He also participates in other high-level math competitions such as the Suffolk County Math Tournament, where he won first place last year for the second year in a row. In his spare time outside of school, Zhang enjoys taking extracurricular computer science classes and conducting online computer research projects. “We will be hearing a lot about Aaron in the future,” said his proud principal, James Cummings. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107474 Sun, 14 Sep 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107474 DPHS Career Day https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107472 Fri, 05 Sep 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107472 Freshman Orientation Is Instructive On a warm Wednesday morning, the high school welcomed its Class of 2018 for the first time, smoothing their transition via the annual freshman orientation on Aug. 27. The event proved helpful and instructive, providing the incoming ninth-graders with a sense of the building’s layout and a wealth of information on topics such as student activities, graduation requirements and guidance counseling. At the end of the program, the new freshmen found their lockers and took a tour of the building, guided by older students. “One of the nicest aspects of freshman orientation is the number of upperclassmen who volunteer their time to help the freshmen become acclimated to the building,” said James Cummings, the high school’s principal. “It speaks to the respect that the students have for their school, and that they have a vested interest in the new students being successful.” In speaking to his new charges, Cummings emphasized getting involved right off the bat, encouraging them to pursue activities, clubs and sports. “Students who are active members of their school community are more successful academically,” he said. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107470 Thu, 04 Sep 2014 09:00:00 GMT false107470 Educational Batteries Recharged on First Day Across the Deer Park School District, students returned to classes on a warm Sept. 3, refreshed and ready to resume their educational careers at the high school, Robert Frost Middle School, John F. Kennedy Intermediate School, and John Quincy Adams and May Moore primary schools. For many, the day was a thrilling whirlwind of new buildings, new buses and new classmates. “The students and staff arrived with their batteries recharged from a well-deserved summer vacation,” said JFK Principal Susan Bonner. “We had a terrific first day of school and are confident JFK will have another banner year.” “It was great to see the excitement on the faces of all of the children,” added Gary Ramonetti, May Moore’s interim principal. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107473 Thu, 04 Sep 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107473 Communication First “It’s nice to see everybody come back with such energy, ready to start the year,” said Superintendent Eva Demyen, before introducing all of the year’s new instructional staff at the annual Superintendent’s Conference Day on Sept. 2, and rolling out a new district theme of communication. Using the classic comedy clip “Who’s on First?” by Abbott and Costello to illustrate her point about the value of clear communication, Demyen explained that Deer Park would focus on the acronym VOICE – with the “v” standing for video-on-demand for students, the “o” for ownership, the “i” for incentive and increasing student performance, the “c” for communication and the “e” for excellence. Teachers Christopher Kauter and David Knuffke talked about technological tools to aid in communication with students and their parents. Knuffke showed how he uses his Twitter page to provide a constant stream of information for his students and a safe place for them to communicate in public, while Kauter discussed the Remind application and its uses. Assessing New York State’s Common Core State Standards, Demyen noted that while her faculty members have done a good job with what the state has provided, a disconnect exists among the Standards, the Common Core’s modules and the assessments, which were planned and rolled out separately. “We will work with the state’s education department to make this more cohesive,” she said. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107471 Tue, 02 Sep 2014 17:00:00 GMT false107471 Community Committee Meeting Flyer https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107469 Wed, 27 Aug 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107469 Summer School Carnival Debut Marking a transition to the return of classes in September, the district held its first summer school carnival in August, celebrating the program’s last day. The event – including numerous games, coloring books, bubble blowing, hula hooping, cotton candy and a visit from Mister Softee – was held at the JFK gymnasium. “I thought it would be nice to do something for the children, who worked so hard all summer,” said teacher Phyllis Senia, who planned the carnival. “It shows them that coming to school brings a reward, where they can play and have a good time.” The summer program, which includes a variety of activities and field trips, benefits approximately 60 special education students, ranging from kindergarten to high school, from each of the district’s schools, aided by a staff of 33 teachers and administrators as well as student volunteers. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107468 Tue, 19 Aug 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107468 Student Skypes with Father Serving Overseas For Malachi Keaton, a fifth-grader in Marie Finley’s class at John F. Kennedy Intermediate School, the face on the video screen was a truly special surprise. School was ending, and Keaton was preparing for summer and the move up to Robert Frost Middle School as a virtual visitor came to the class’s computer lab. It was Malachi’s father, Terrance, a specialist with the Army National Guard serving overseas. In Kuwait, the elder Keaton is attached to part of an aviation support battalion. When at home, he is stationed in Ronkonkoma near Long Island MacArthur Airport, keeping UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters flying safely and ready for civilian emergencies. Father and son had not seen each other in six months, when Terrance was last in the U.S. attending parent-teacher conferences at JFK, although they had been communicating via mail. Over the course of the school year, Finley’s class had been pen pals with Terrance Keaton and his troop, and sent them care packages. During the soldier’s brief window of availability, a Skype videoconference session was arranged, facilitated by the district's instructional technology administrator, Andrew Choi, so that Terrance could speak to his son and address Malachi’s classmates personally. The students asked Keaton, who is going on his third year of service, about his duties and how it feels to serve his country, and he showed them a battle helicopter. “The best part was when Mr. Keaton came onto the screen and Malachi yelled, ‘Daddy! Daddy!’ and slid off the chair,” said Finley. “There wasn't a dry eye in the house.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107464 Thu, 14 Aug 2014 18:00:00 GMT false107464 Reed Wins Football Gold in Kuwait Thomas Reed, a June graduate of the high school, was one of 45 players selected to represent the U.S. at the 2014 International Federation of American Football Under-19 World Championship in Kuwait. Reed was the first football player from Long Island to be selected for the team, which captured the gold medal. The trip had personal meaning for Reed, whose father, Richard, served in the U.S. Army in Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm in 1990. The national team was assembled by USA Football and coached by Aaron Brady of Pennsylvania’s Malvern Preparatory School. After a training camp at Shenandoah University in Winchester, Va., Reed and his teammates headed to Kuwait where they competed from July 7-16 in the tournament as part of an eight-nation field including Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Kuwait and Mexico. After beating Mexico, 49-14, in the opening game, with Reed tipping a 41-yard field goal, the Americans went on to defeat Germany, 54-0, in a game highlighted by Reed’s seven tackles and a sack. In the July 16 championship game at Kuwait City’s Al-Salmiya Stadium, the U.S. beat Canada, 40-17. “I plan to take it and run with it,” said Reed, excited for the chance to show his defensive skills on an international stage. “It’s a huge blessing and a great opportunity to get recognized.” Staying focused is Reed’s primary goal, along with a constant quest to improve. “Whatever I do is never good enough,” he said. “That’s how you get better and compete.” Reed, a star member of the Falcons football squad and the school’s 2013 homecoming king last October, will be attending Lackawanna College in Pennsylvania this fall. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107467 Wed, 13 Aug 2014 08:00:00 GMT false107467 Parents' Bill of Rights https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107466 Tue, 12 Aug 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107466 Incident with Student on Acorn Street At approximately 9:45 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 7, a man of an unknown race followed a female student by the tunnel located on Acorn Street. The car was a four-door black sedan with tinted windows. Upon seeing the female, he changed direction and followed at a slow pace. The subject then left in another unknown direction. A police report was filed. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107465 Thu, 07 Aug 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107465 77 AP Scholars Recognized The College Board has recognized 77 Deer Park High School students as AP Scholars for 2013, an increase of nine since last year. AP courses are graded on a scale of 1 to 5, with a score of 3 or above qualifying high school students for college course credit. Through its Advanced Placement Program, the College Board presents several levels of AP Scholar Awards honoring top students who demonstrate outstanding college-level achievement via AP courses and exams. Each of the honorees – whose achievements will be noted in AP score reports sent to prospective colleges – received an award certificate. Deer Park boasted a total of six National AP Scholars, a category reserved for students who received an average score of at least 4 on all AP exams taken and scores of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams. The school can also take pride in its 14 AP Scholars with Distinction, a title awarded to students who received an average score of at least 3.5 on their AP exams and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams; seven AP Scholars with Honor, who received an average score of at least 3.25 on all of their AP exams and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of those exams; and 56 AP Scholars, who received scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107463 Tue, 05 Aug 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107463 Eighth-Graders Anticipate High School at Moving Up Friends and family filled the gymnasium at Robert Frost as its Class of 2014 moved up and onward to high school in a recent ceremony filled with pride and excitement for the future. National Junior Honor Society President Celine Marino led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Student Council President Lynne Gbadamosi addressed her classmates. “The life lessons we’ve learned and skills we’ve acquired made it all worth it,” she said. “No matter what you become in life, perfect it, because nobody can take your dreams away from you.” “Everyone is good at something, and everyone has something to contribute to this world,” Principal Eliana Levey said in her moving up address. She encouraged her 345 outgoing eighth-graders to continue to do what is right instead of what is popular, and to not allow others to put them down. As she wiped away tears, she told the students, “It’s time to take all you have learned at Frost and apply it at the high school. Don’t wait for life to happen to you – go out and make life happen.” Superintendent of Schools Eva J. Demyen and members of the Board of Education were on hand to present various student awards and graduation certificates to the future members of the Deer Park High School Class of 2018. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107455 Tue, 22 Jul 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107455 Edwards Honored by Suffolk Anti-Bias Task Force High school student Isaiah Edwards was recently honored with an achievement certificate at the Suffolk County Anti-Bias Task Force’s annual awards convocation at the W.H. Rogers County Legislature Building in Smithtown. The Task Force, co-chaired by Rev. JoAnn Barrett and Rabbi Dr. Steven A. Moss and organized under the auspices of Suffolk County Executive Steven Bellone, is an organization that works to combat racism and prejudice in the county’s communities. Edwards was recognized as a role model by the district earlier this year for his dedication to volunteer work with Deer Park special needs children, and is considering a career as a teacher. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107462 Mon, 21 Jul 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107462 The Standard - Summer 2014 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107461 Fri, 18 Jul 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107461 Class of 2014’s Moment in the Sun As the sun shone brightly and a refreshing breeze moved through Al Centamore Football Field, members of the high school’s Class of 2014, led by the American Celtic Pipe Band, marched in for the school’s 51st commencement. Student Council President Daniela Zabbatino led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by Jaclyn Miano singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” and a lovely performance of Deer Park’s alma mater by members of the school’s girls chorus. The graduating seniors were congratulated by laudatory speakers including Class President Gina Hock, Superintendent of Schools Eva J. Demyen, who urged the students to listen more to their parents than to their friends and played them Bobby McFerrin’s “Don't Worry, Be Happy,” and Principal James Cummings, who expressed immense pride in the students who had been under his supervision for the last four years. Continuing a longstanding Deer Park tradition, Class of 2004 valedictorian Nicholas Porcaro returned as a guest speaker, offering Rocky Balboa as a model of determination and providing this year’s graduates a synopsis of Porcaro’s rise, fall and eventually successful career reinvention in the business world. Salutatorian Andreas Stamatakis told his peers that what they learned in their studies would not be enough to prepare them for adult life beyond high school. “Today we take a step toward a unique period of our lives, a time when our lack of preparation is our greatest strength,” he said. “When challenges come, and they undoubtedly will, we have the greatest chance to do something unique and innovative in the face of adversity. We will set precedent instead of following it. We will lead meaningful change. In this way, we might leave our mark on the world. And if it’s going to happen at all, it will happen now. Today we embark on the most exciting opportunity we will ever have. Today we leave the nest, and there’s no going back. We only have one shot. We must look inside ourselves for the courage to take charge of our lives, to spread the love in our hearts. Let’s make it count.” In his speech as class valedictorian, Harvard-bound Kyle Devine discussed the value of uncertainty and adversity in forging the future. “Here we stand on the outskirts of adulthood, but no matter how we approach the future, there’s so much of it that remains a mystery,” he said. “While we may know who we are today, we still are yet to discover who we’ll become, but it’s nothing to worry about – we have a lifetime to figure that out. What the past four years have shown me is that many of us have the tendency to doubt ourselves, and I think it comes from our fear of failure. In our lives so far, there have been good times, there have been not-so-good times, and because we’re human, there have been mistakes. What’s wonderful about these experiences, however, is that regardless of what the consequence may be, there’s a lesson that comes forth with it, which has allowed us to develop into the individuals we are all looking at today. You can set as clear a path as you want right now, but never panic if there’s an obstacle blocking your way or you decide that you want to take a left instead of a right. Instead, immerse yourself in the possibilities that the world has to offer you and that you have to offer the world.” “Things will get difficult, because nothing worth having ever comes easy,” he went on to tell his fellow seniors. “But that’s nothing new, and you’ve overcome adversity before. We’ve faced hardships, we’ve made mistakes, and yet here we are, celebrating our accomplishments with our friends and family who’ve been there along the way. Times will get tougher, but so will you. There may be moments you second-guess yourself and want to quit; however, if you can rise to the occasion and maintain faith in yourself, you will get back up, surmount whatever comes your way and succeed. You can’t truly appreciate your triumphs and happiness without acknowledging the low points and failures that came along the way. As the Chinese proverb says, ‘the gem cannot be polished without friction.’” “Before I leave the podium, I would just like to thank every one of my classmates,” added Devine, choking back tears and inciting a standing ovation. “I can truthfully say I enjoyed the past four years with you all. You made it a joy to come to school every day, and I can only hope that I taught you just a small fraction of what you all taught me, especially about what it meant to be a friend. I truly wish you the best of luck in all your future endeavors, though I’m sure you won’t need it. Congratulations to the Class of 2014!” After the candidates for graduation were introduced and diplomas conferred and awarded by district administrators and members of the Board of Education, the excited new graduates flung their caps skyward, and proceeded out to the strains of Elmer Bernstein’s “The Great Escape,” performed by the Deer Park High School Symphonic Band. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107456 Mon, 14 Jul 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107456 Summer Assignments Some of our district's Grade 6-12 course offerings require Summer Assignments to be completed by the students. The list of the Courses and Summer Assignments are available through the link below. Unless noted otherwise, all summer assignments are due on Friday, September 19, 2014. Summer Assignments 2014 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107459 Tue, 01 Jul 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107459 Fifth-Graders Celebrate Memories and the Future at Moving Up Fifth-graders at John F. Kennedy celebrated both their happy past and their ascendance to middle school during a recent moving up ceremony. “You are ready to leave your fifth-grade teachers and JFK and meet the challenges of Robert Frost Middle School,” said Principal Susan Bonner, after the Pledge of Allegiance had been recited and “The Star-Spangled Banner” sung by Camryn Lefebvre. “Your hard work, amazing teachers and supportive parents have led you to today.” After reminding the students about their first day at JFK and all of the many activities and performances they experienced, she told them, “We hope you will smile when you think of the fun times and the forever friends you made.” The 309 proud students received their graduation certificates and congratulations from Bonner, their teachers, Associate Principals Celeste Archer and Shaun McLeod, Superintendent of Schools Eva J. Demyen, and members of the Board of Education. A trio of music teachers then provided the backdrop for the JFK students’ touching group vocal performance of Randy Newman’s “You’ve Got a Friend in Me.” Among the individual students honored were New York State Comptroller Achievement Award winner Brendan Eising and Triple “C” Award winners Branden Suriel and Esteysey Yanes Amaya. John Zuluaga-Romero received the County Executive’s Public Service Award from Robert Morelli of Executive Steve Bellone’s office, while Kelly Schwarz was recognized for unbroken perfect attendance from kindergarten all the way through fifth grade. The Principal’s Awards were presented to the student in each class who had the highest cumulative average. “Thanks to our families for all of their support and guidance,” said Student Council President Alexa Belotti. “Let's take all our great memories to Robert Frost with us,” added Student Council Vice President Daniella Belotti, followed by an address by Frost Principal Eliana Levey. Congratulating what she called the future eighth-grade Class of 2017, Levey said, “Watching you today, I can see there are many great things awaiting us in September at Frost.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107454 Tue, 01 Jul 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107454 Sex Offender Laws Please be advised that sex offender laws apply to all school buildings, properties and playgrounds, including the Washington School and the new community building. The law requires that sex offenders stay 1,000 feet away. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107458 Mon, 30 Jun 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107458 Spring Athletes Recognized at High School Nine high school sports teams were honored at the spring athletic awards ceremony, held during a recent Board of Education meeting. Athletic Director Dominick Fontana presented certificates to numerous athletes who were in attendance along with their families. Eight of these teams – varsity baseball, varsity softball, varsity boys lacrosse, varsity girls lacrosse, varsity boys golf, varsity girls golf, varsity boys track, and varsity girls track – were named Scholar/Athlete teams by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association, a recognition that requires teams to have at least five players and earn a cumulative team GPA of 90 percent or higher. The teams as a whole included 19 athletes awarded the All-League designation. Baseball player Anthony Fiorentino earned All-Academic, lacrosse player Jarrett Bonser received All-Division recognition and tennis player Faran Nazir was named All-County. Additionally, the varsity boys lacrosse, varsity boys track and varsity girls track teams all earned their respective leagues’ Sportsmanship Awards. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107453 Mon, 30 Jun 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107453 Harassment and/or Bullying Complaint Form https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107460 Tue, 24 Jun 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107460 Second-Graders Move Up At John Quincy Adams and May Moore, the youngest Falcons left their nest in recent moving up ceremonies that celebrated their transition to third grade next year at John F. Kennedy Intermediate. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, the 166 graduating second-grade students at JQA sang a medley of inspirational songs amidst colorful balloons. “I am so proud of all you have accomplished here at JQA,” Principal Christine Criscione said in her greeting, telling her students, “Dream big dreams!” The children sang a medley of inspirational songs before their names were called, one by one, for the traditional presentation and words of praise from their teachers. At May Moore, the 138 students moving up from second grade raised their voices with joy, performing “America,” “The May Moore Song,” “This Is the New Year,” “Fly a Kite” and “Wavin’ Flag.” Their principal, Alicia Konecny, recounted all of the year’s highlights for the assembled families and friends. “Today is a day to mark the efforts of our second-graders,” she said. “We all could not be prouder of their growth and development.” Superintendent of Schools Eva Demyen was on hand for the JQA and May Moore events, handing out achievement and attendance certificates. Celeste Archer, associate principal at JFK, was also a special guest at both schools’ ceremonies, sharing a favorite quote – “Shoot for the moon, even if you miss” – and congratulating the future third-graders on their achievement. “We are excited for you to be joining us at JFK,” she told them. “Have a wonderful summer, and we look forward to seeing your bright, smiling faces in September.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107451 Tue, 24 Jun 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107451 Seniors Honored at Awards Night At the high school’s annual Senior Awards ceremony, 126 high-achieving members of the Class of 2014 were honored for their academic, athletic and civic accomplishments. The 249 awards given to the students included both school- and community-oriented awards. In some instances, students were required to write essays explaining why they would be the best candidates to receive certain scholarships, while other awards were based on academic performance or community service hours, or were selected by a committee of teachers, counselors and administrators from the high school. “This ceremony is an opportunity for teachers, administrators, local politicians and community members to honor these students for all their hard work and dedication throughout their high school years,” said Associate Principal Jeanne Kozlowsky. “As a result of their commitment to their studies, athletic teams, extracurricular activities and community, they have made this high school a better place.” After the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Student Council Vice President Arianna Leo, and a stirring, soulful rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” sung by Jerline Aristide, the night of celebration swung into high gear, with student honorees cheered on by a proud audience of family, friends, administrators, teachers and members of the Board of Education. Deer Park’s jazz ensemble, led by director Jerry Cannarozzo, entertained the assembled community in the auditorium with several numbers before the ceremony and during the intermission, including “Tiger of San Pedro.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107452 Tue, 24 Jun 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107452 Five Students Win ‘There Ought to Be a Law…’ Poster Contest Five Deer Park students proved winners in Assemblyman Andrew P. Raia’s “There Ought to Be a Law…” poster contest, including three students from John F. Kennedy Intermediate School and two from May Moore Primary School. The imaginative students received awards in a recent ceremony at the Perry Duryea State Building in Hauppauge. The winning legal suggestions were “Longer recess” from third-grader Kaitlyn Burke, “Always wear your helmet when riding your bike” from fourth-grader Adriana Harrilal, “Don’t kill animals, don’t cut down trees” from fourth-grader Cristina Schiaffo, “Never eat gum and swallow it” from first-grader Lillian Finamore and “Don’t drive with animals loose in the car” from first-grader Ryan Pichardo. “We are very proud of all the Deer Park students who entered the contest because they felt there was a need to create these new laws,” said JFK Principal Susan Bonner. “We encourage their creativity and hope they take Mr. Raia up on his offer to join him in Albany sometime soon to enhance their learning and add to this wonderful experience.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107446 Mon, 23 Jun 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107446 Jazz Ensemble Performs at Disney After a successful audition, the high school's 24-piece jazz ensemble and director Jerry Cannarozzo were selected to perform a recent concert at the Waterside Stage in Downtown Disney in Orlando, Fla. The showcase was part of the band’s participation in the Disney Performing Arts OnStage program, which highlights student performers in front of guest audiences at Walt Disney World. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107449 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107449 JFK Artists Succeed in Contests Students at John F. Kennedy Intermediate were recently recognized for winning competitions from Covanta and the Suffolk County Reading Council art contest, showing their ambitious artistic skills. The Covanta recycling poster contest, open to all kindergarten through sixth grade students on Long Island, required students to illustrate the importance of recycling. Three JFK students were named prize winners, with third-grader Hannau Rau taking the contest’s grand prize for students in grades kindergarten to third grade. In the grades four to six category, Jayden Pasco placed second and Christine Nguyen took third. The three young artists were honored at a Covanta reception and given trophies, certificates and prizes. Another JFK student, Rebecca Warkenthien, was awarded an honorable mention in the Suffolk County Reading Council’s art cover contest. The school has entered the contest, in both the writing and art categories, for many years, resulting in JFK being named a SCRC Honor School for the past decade; however, this marked one of the first times that a JFK student had been recognized for this award. Warkenthien was honored at a reception sponsored by the Suffolk County Reading Council, and her winning art will be published in the SCRC’s journal, to be distributed throughout Suffolk County. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107450 Wed, 18 Jun 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107450 Devine Honored as Outstanding Senior Science Student Senior and valedictorian Kyle Devine was recently honored as the high school’s Outstanding Senior Science Student at the 39th annual Awards Dinner of the Suffolk Section of the Science Teachers Association of New York State. Devine, a well-rounded and extraordinarily gifted student who also serves as president of the school’s National Honor Society, a varsity baseball player, a math team competitor and a student council volunteer, was chosen for the award by the school’s science department, based on his outstanding science achievements throughout his high school career. This year’s Suffolk Section awards ceremony, held at the Hyatt Regency Long Island, showcased honorees from 30 different school districts, each of whom received an engraved plaque to commemorate their achievement. More than 100 attendees were on hand to congratulate the students, including Devine’s mentor, science teacher David Knuffke. “Kyle is one of the most academically talented students whom I have ever worked with, and he is also more loved and respected by more facets of our community than I can recall any one student ever being,” said Knuffke. “He is a remarkable person in so many different ways, and for all of the talk of a ‘STEM crisis’ in this country, I will say that as long as students like Kyle are moving into the field, we won’t have much to worry about.” Suffolk Section, a division of STANYS, is an association of science educators from kindergarten through college, working to improve science education in New York State and Suffolk County. Suffolk Section organizes, sponsors and runs numerous activities for students and teachers throughout the year, culminating in the Awards Dinner. “It was a great night where truly outstanding students and teachers were recognized for four years of hard work,” said Brian Vorwald, co-chairman of the event. “Suffolk County and all of Long Island has made tremendous strides in science, with an unprecedented number of Siemens and Intel finalists. It was a difficult task for school districts to choose just one recipient.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107448 Fri, 13 Jun 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107448 Students from Five LI Schools Participate in Annual Shakespeare Festival Students from Deer Park High School, North Babylon High School, Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School, Robert Frost Middle School and Ss. Cyril and Methodius School recently participated in the third Long Island Student Shakespeare Festival, hosted by Deer Park. At the event, students from these high schools and middle schools participated in Shakespeare-related activities and performed scenes from William Shakespeare’s plays “King Lear,” “Hamlet,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “The Taming of the Shrew,” “Macbeth,” “Julius Caesar” and “Antony and Cleopatra.” This year’s guest artist was off-Broadway actor Ian Gould, an acclaimed member of The Acting Company. He performed excerpts from “The Tempest” accompanied by the Deer Park High School Baroque Ensemble, who played selections from Matthew Locke’s incidental music for the play. A small ensemble played music by Shakespeare contemporary Thomas Morley, and students from Five Towns College performed songs from Cole Porter’s “Kiss Me, Kate.” Dr. Jeff Dailey, director of fine and performing arts and an associate professor of theater education at Five Towns College, began the Long Island Student Shakespeare Festival in 2012 to serve the theater education needs of Nassau and Suffolk students. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107447 Mon, 09 Jun 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107447 SADD Club Hosts Fashion Event for Lady Vets In an ongoing initiative to help local veterans, students in Deer Park High School’s Students Against Destructive Decisions chapter recently hosted a special event for more than a dozen female veterans from the Northport VA Medical Center. Held in the school’s library, “A Fashion and Fancy Affair” included a fashion trivia contest focused on changing fashions from the 1920s to the present day, followed by tea and desserts. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107445 Fri, 06 Jun 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107445 JFK Book Assembly Boosts Student Self-Esteem Students at John F. Kennedy Intermediate were recently treated to a special assembly with author Dawn Krohberger, who discussed her book, “Jack Out of the Box.” In this updated tale of the classic jack-in-the-box clown toy, Jack overcomes fear and chooses a life outside of his comfort zone, a theme that helps elevate self-esteem in young readers. During the assembly, Krohberger, a life coach who holds a special certification in self-esteem elevation, encourages children to honor who they are and to embrace their own unique character within. All of the participants enthusiastically joined in to recite an affirming self-esteem pledge. Published last December, “Jack Out of the Box” took nine months to write. The book is available at several local libraries and schools in Suffolk County, and for purchase via Amazon.com and the author’s website, www.jackoutoftheboxbook.com. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107444 Wed, 04 Jun 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107444 Exciting Art, Science, Civics and Theater on Voting Night On the eve of the district’s annual budget vote and board election on May 20, the high school was a smorgasbord of activities from a colorful, comprehensive hallway art fair and theater performances from the district’s Shakespeare Festival, to a science and technology fair held in the gymnasium. In the school cafeteria, lessons in civics took the form of mock voting for elementary students in JFK, JQA and May Moore. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107441 Mon, 02 Jun 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107441 Art Teacher Honored at LIC Arts Open Exhibit Paintings by Deer Park High School art teacher Derek Mainhart were selected for display in the fourth annual LIC Arts Open exhibit. Mainhart, a Queens native, “uses the vehicle of traditional portraiture in an attempt to highlight people who have been overlooked.” Five of his expressionistic works were chosen for the recent five-day arts festival, which featured more than 250 artists and 85 exhibitions and events in more than 54 different venues in Long Island City. “It was an honor to be invited to take part in a festival highlighting the work of local artists,” said Mainhart. “The opening reception was packed, and I encountered the work of a lot of new, unfamiliar faces. It’s also nice to remind myself that even though teaching will always be my priority, I am in fact still an artist.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107442 Mon, 02 Jun 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107442 Three Middle Schoolers Win EcoTech Scholarships Eighth-graders Samuel Escobar, Samantha Howe and Alan Korsiak were selected as finalists in the Babylon Covantage EcoTech Scholarship Competition and presented with their awards at the town’s annual Earth Day celebration held at Babylon Town Hall. Event sponsor Covanta, which operates an energy-from-waste facility in West Babylon, offers the townwide scholarship opportunity each year as part of an ongoing initiative to encourage young scientists to research renewable energy sources, greenhouse gas reduction and the development of alternative building materials. More than 50 projects by students in grades 7-12 from districts across the town were submitted, and 10 prizes were awarded. All three Deer Park winners were from Robert Frost, and their research projects were selected and submitted by Living Environment teachers Mike Barrigas and Dawn Ferro. Escobar’s project, “Heating Oil,” earned him fifth place and a $200 scholarship prize. Korsiak was awarded seventh place and $125 for his project, “The Effects of Garden Insulation on a Building Rooftop.” Howe received honorable mention and a $100 check for her research, titled “Flaming Peanuts.” Officials presenting the scholarship awards included Babylon Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer, Deputy Supervisor Tony Martinez, Councilwoman Jacqueline Gordon, Councilman Tom Donnelly, Suffolk County Legislature Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory, Receiver of Taxes Corinne DiSomma and Babylon Village Mayor Ralph Scordino. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107443 Mon, 02 Jun 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107443 DECA Teammates Are International Conference Finalists Two seniors and DECA members, Richard Jacullo and Andreas Stamatakis, recently finished in the top 10 at this year’s Financial Services Team Decision Making event at DECA’s International Career Development Conference. More than 17,000 students from the U.S., Canada, Guam, Germany and Puerto Rico competed in the event, held in Atlanta. Preparing them for this competition, the team of Jacullo and Stamatakis had earned prior awards for their work with DECA, a career and technical student organization that prepares business students for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, management, and other business areas. The two students won first place in Suffolk County back in January, and finished second in New York State in March. “This is the best finish internationally for Deer Park students in more than 10 years,” said business teacher Gregory Menig, the school’s DECA adviser. “Both boys were extremely motivated to make it to ICDC this year and decided back in September that working as a team might improve their chances of winning. The competitions consist of a multiple choice exam and a role-playing scenario, so they worked hard studying old exams and practicing role playing.” Out of nearly 7,000 New York DECA members at the competition, Stamatakis was one of just 10 selected as an Emerging Leader, a special award recognizing DECA members for becoming academically prepared, community oriented, professionally responsible, experienced leaders through participation in DECA. Two other Deer Park DECA students also attended the ICDC. Taylor Price, who had finished second in Suffolk County and third in the state, competed in the retail merchandising event. Daniela Zabbatino, who was in the top 10 in Suffolk and earned a top 10 test score in New York State, was chosen to take part in DECA’s Senior Management Institute, which engages high school seniors in activities designed to prepare them to transition from high school to college and the business world. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107439 Thu, 29 May 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107439 Marching Falcons Honor Memorial Day The high school’s Marching Falcons, led by director Jerry Cannarozzo, marched in the Deer Park Memorial Day parade on May 26. The 150-piece marching band joined other bands and organizations in honoring service members who have died while serving in the U.S. armed forces. During the ceremony, select members of the marching band played “The Star-Spangled Banner” and taps. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107440 Thu, 29 May 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107440 A Dozen Teams Participate in Debut Falcons Track Invitational The high school hosted the debut Deer Park Falcons Track Invitational on May 17 on its brand-new track facility, featuring participation by seven girls teams and five boys teams from Suffolk County. Events ranged from the 100-meter dash and 3,200-meter race to pole vault, high jump, long/triple jump and various throwing competitions. “This was a huge event for both the boys and girls track programs at Deer Park, as it was the first time we hosted a large invitational,” said Tom Brouillard, boys track and field coach. “Our athletes represented Deer Park with pride, and I know I speak on behalf of girls head coach Jim Petti as well in saying that we are very proud of all our runners. This is an event we will look to build on and, hopefully in the future, turn it into one of the more popular track invitationals in Suffolk County.” The girls team took home the second-place title, while the boys team earned third place. Several Deer Park athletes won their respective events or were named runners-up. In notable boys performances, Justin Rivera won the 400-meter hurdles, Alvin Sime won the 3,200-meter race, and the boys 4x400 relay team came in second. On the girls team, Victoria Major won the 400-meter dash, Chiamaka Arinze came in second in shot put, and the girls 4x400 meter relay and sprint medley relay teams both earned second place. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107438 Fri, 23 May 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107438 Sibling Scientists Compete at Brookhaven National Lab’s Science Fair Two of the district’s dedicated young scientists, siblings Brendan Eising and Kayley Eising, won honorable mention at Brookhaven National Laboratory’s annual Elementary School Science Fair. More than 500 students from 120 different Suffolk County schools competed in this year’s fair. To compete in the BNL Elementary School Science Fair, students were required to win first or second place in their own school’s science fair. At JFK’s science fair, Brendan won first place in the fifth grade, while his sister Kayley was the second-place winner for the third grade. Brendan’s project for this year’s fair, “Pink-Eye Pad, a Touchy Subject,” explored his hypothesis that since an iPad can only be cleaned with a lint-free cloth, it would contain more germs than a computer keyboard because the latter can be sanitized with a cleaning agent such as bleach. His experiment involved swabbing the surfaces of an iPad and computer keyboard for germs before and after cleaning, then growing bacteria from these swabs in petri dishes. His results showed that while the computer keyboard was germ-free after being cleaned, the iPad had hardly any bacteria on it at all, even before it was cleaned. The idea for this project came to the fifth-grader (and overall winner of last year’s BNL science fair) after he was diagnosed with a bad case of conjunctivitis and not allowed to use his family’s iPad during that time for fear that he would spread bacteria from his eyes onto the iPad and infect other family members. Kayley’s project, titled “My Brother and Matt Harvey, Torn Apart,” sought to determine how an injured ligament affects throwing distance. The experiment was inspired by injuries to her brother and New York Mets pitcher Matt Harvey, who both tore ulnar collateral ligaments in their throwing arms during the same week. Kayley attended all of her brother’s physical therapy sessions, where she learned that ligaments are like rubber bands. She built a catapult out of dowels to represent an arm and used different sizes of rubber bands, representing injured and uninjured ligaments, to launch a ball. She measured the throwing distance of each sized ligament to conclude that an injured UCL ligament cannot throw as far as a healthy ligament. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107436 Tue, 20 May 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107436 High School Recognizes 20 Achievers at Spring Breakfast of Champions At the high school’s spring Breakfast of Champions event, held in the library, 20 star students were recently honored for such qualities as their attitude of excellence, enthusiasm for learning, perseverance and willingness to challenge themselves. Selecting student honorees from each of the school’s 15 departments as well as two champions chosen by principals and three by teacher’s choice, the biannual Breakfast of Champions provides an opportunity for teachers and administrators to recognize specific students who have had an impact. “These students have shown excellent conduct and character on a daily basis,” said Jeanne Kozlowsky, associate principal of curriculum, instruction and assessment. She told the students and their families, “You should all be very proud representing Deer Park High School.” For the spring 2013 edition of the Breakfast of Champions, students receiving recognition and plaques were Vincent Aparicio (business), Jack Borah (technology), Adbul Butt (English as a second language), Angela D’Arrigo (art), Brian Doscher (science), Aaren Edmead (athletics), Tajriana Haque (social studies), Emily Mahon (family and consumer science), Devin Maliszewski (performing arts), Jeffrey Pan (world languages), Nicole Patino (health), John Pawelko (math), Jesse Reutzel (physical education), Karsten Scoggin (English language arts) and Samantha Uhlman (guidance). Additionally, the Principal’s Award was presented to Isaiah Edwards, Matthew Guglielmi was honored with the Associate Principal’s Award, and Teacher’s Choice Awards were given to Blair Murray, Danial Khoshkehpazi and Joseph Zanazzi. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107437 Tue, 20 May 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107437 Recognizing Winter Athletes With many athletes in attendance, 10 sports teams were recognized at the high school’s winter athletic awards ceremony during a recent Board of Education meeting. As their families watched with pride, Athletic Director Dominick Fontana called them to the podium to receive their certificates. Successfully balancing commitments to athletics and academics, seven of the teams – varsity boys basketball, varsity girls basketball, varsity boys swimming/diving, varsity girls track, varsity boys track, varsity cheerleading and varsity kickline – were honored as Scholar/Athlete teams by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association, a recognition that requires teams to have at least five players and earn a cumulative team GPA of 90 percent or higher. The varsity boys basketball team won the League IV championship and made it to the Suffolk County Class AA playoff finals. Both head coach John McCaffrey and JV coach Ron Langella were named League IV Coach of the Year. Individual students earning accolades included Karon Blackwell (All-League, All-Conference, All-Tournament Team), Aaren Edmead (All-League, All-Conference, All-County, League IV Player of the Year, All-Tournament Team, Long Island Player of the Year and first-team All-Long Island, along with 1,000 career points), Kahwahn Nipper (All-League) and Tyler Pierre (Academic All-County, Scholar/Athlete). The varsity girls basketball team, coached by Mike Gennaro, qualified for the Class AA playoffs, led by Sabrina Grunseich (All-League, Scholar/Athlete), Victoria Major (All-Rookie Team) and Kristy Vitucci (All-League, All-County, Scholar/Athlete). Led by League IV Coach of the Year Mike McLaughlin, the varsity wrestlers – nine of whom were named All-League – won 19 dual meets this season en route to being voted Most Improved Team by the Suffolk County Wrestling Coaches Association. Additional accolades went to Thomas Cox (All-County, state qualifier), David Hamil (All-County, All-State), Zach Lugo (All-County, All-State) and Valter Piccini (All-County). Lugo set new school records for career wins and pins. The JV wrestling team, coached by Greg Schollmeyer, earned their league’s coveted Sportsmanship Award. In varsity boys swimming/diving, coached by Craig Mangio, Deer Park was paced by John Pawelko (All-League, Scholar/Athlete) and Brandon Peskett (All-League, All-County). Both swimmers were state qualifiers and set school records. All-Leaguer Natalie Tianga was one of numerous Scholar/Athlete members of the varsity girls track squad, coached by Jim Petti. The varsity boys track team, coached by Tom Brouillard, likewise boasted many Scholar/Athlete students. Three also earned All-League status: Vincent Cotrone, Nick Fenton and Andrew Schaefer. Coach Kyle McCourt led the varsity bowlers to the Suffolk playoffs. Jennifer Depre earned the league’s Sportsmanship Award, while state qualifier Adam Zimmerman was named All-League and All-County. Deer Park’s varsity cheerleading squad, coached by Lia Demyen, included 11 Scholar/Athletes, while the varsity kickline had 13. The kickline team, coached by Ariel Miano and choreographed by Samantha McIllwaine, finished first in the kick category and second in the pom category at the Long Island Kickline Association championships. They also won first place in pom and second place in kick at the nationals. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107518 Wed, 07 May 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107518 Four from Frost Compete at New York State Science and Engineering Fair Robert Frost recently hosted the New York State Science and Engineering Fair, involving participation from dozens of districts and hundreds of high school and middle school students from across Long Island. Four of Frost’s own young scientists successfully competed in the Broadcom Division of the STEM-oriented fair. Anthony Machuca researched ways to make fuel from wood, while Kirat Singh’s research explored ways to create energy from sound. Tamara Beauchamp’s work pertained to water purification. Fabiha Kahn, whose project involved experimenting with methods of oil removal from spills, placed for an award, which will be revealed at the NYSSEF award ceremony on May 21 at Jericho High School. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107519 Wed, 07 May 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107519 Master Teachers Bring Science to New Level Deer Park science teachers David Knuffke and Jon Steigerwald were among only 42 Long Island teachers named as New York State Master Teachers by the governor’s office. These honorees are the first group from Long Island; a total of 215 teachers statewide have been named Master Teachers to date. Many districts had no honorees, and few districts had more than one make it through the extremely rigorous selection process. The program, which began last October, recognizes science, technology, engineering and math educators who have demonstrated exceptional skills in mentoring peers and furthering their professional development, part of the state’s mission to upgrade science education and assist students in preparing for careers in the STEM subjects. Knuffke has taught AP biology and honors chemistry at the high school for a decade, after obtaining his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology and education at Stony Brook University. “I really like teaching science,” he said, noting that his selection was enhanced by the fact that he is very active in the AP bio community, serving as a forum moderator. “I focus on inquiry education,” he said of his less traditional teaching method, which he noted, keys into where science education is heading. “I train students how to ask questions and give them the tools they need to collect their own data.” Steigerwald, who teaches eighth-grade science at Robert Frost, has been at Deer Park for nine years. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in secondary science education at Dowling College, and an advanced certificate for school administration from Hofstra University. “Constant education and professional development” is what he cites as the basis for his Master Teacher honor. “I continually take a lot of classes and workshops, and pass on my tech knowledge to coworkers.” As for his teaching style, he said, “I make it fun and make it relevant,” with extensive use of technology. He utilizes laptops for data collection, assessing students to address issues before testing. Both Knuffke and Steigerwald emphasize the future of the teaching profession, how skilled, knowledgeable educators are using new methods and technology to improve learning for students. “This is a singularly amazing time to be a teacher,” said Knuffke. “Our understanding of how students learn continues to advance. We are provided with access to a technological palette that, if used properly, can fundamentally shift instruction. With a few clicks of a button, I am able to create and share materials with my students, colleagues and the entire world. I am eager to continue in my own progression as a Master Teacher, and to help others do the same,” said Knuffke. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107520 Wed, 07 May 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107520 Technology Grants Support Teaching and Learning Deer Park was recently awarded two important technology grants that will enable the school district to purchase instructional technology tools that support enhanced teaching and learning. The Western Suffolk BOCES Teacher Integration Awards grant for $1,000 was given to Christopher Kauter, a social studies teacher at the high school, for “Using Mobile Technology in the Classroom,” marking the sixth consecutive year in which Deer Park has had a teacher recipient of this grant. Kauter, a cutting-edge educator who achieved Google Certified Teacher status last year, plans to use the funding to create mobile apps for his students to use both in and out of the classroom. “This allows us to break down the traditional classroom walls,” he said, “and the students can learn on the go. The feedback from my classes has been overwhelmingly positive.” In another exciting grant opportunity, JFK was awarded a TangerKIDS Grant, also for $1,000, which will be used to create a green screen studio at the school, similar to the one that May Moore recently established through a BOCES grant. “The new studio at JFK will provide the technology for teachers and students to produce, edit and share organically created virtual content to support student instruction and the home/school connection,” said Andrew Choi, district administrator of instructional technology. “We aim to have the same green screen technology tools available for when the younger students move up to JFK in the next school year.” “By implementing a studio with green screen capabilities, students could create instructional media and communicate their new knowledge with their peers and the greater audience by using 21st century technology,” said JFK Principal Susan Bonner. “In addition, we are looking to use this studio to produce virtual newscasts created by the students to inform the community about JFK events and happenings, and we would like to use this technology to replace our morning announcements.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107521 Wed, 07 May 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107521 JFK Science Fair Inspires Ideas More than 100 third-, fourth- and fifth-grade students at JFK competed in the recent annual science fair, and all received a ribbon for their participation. A panel of judges chose three winners from each grade level, based on presentation, information and creativity. First-place winners were third-grader Celest Gutierrez, fourth-grader Jacquelyn Izzo and fifth-grader Brenda Eising. In second place were third-grader Kayley Eising, fourth-grader Josiah Nelson and fifth-grader Hailey Busch. Earning third place were third-grader Ryder Min, fourth-grader Max Wenzel and fifth-grader Amanda Brown. “The science fair gives our students the opportunity to plan, execute and present ideas relating to the world around them,” said teacher Joyce Carmen, chairwoman of the science fair. “It provides them with a deeper appreciation of the work of scientists and the value of their discoveries. I am so proud of their hard work, their talents and their accomplishments.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107516 Mon, 05 May 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107516 HS Student’s Artwork Earns Display Among ‘Long Island’s Best’ High school student Angelina Selkirk’s remarkable work of art, “My Stars,” was selected for the recent “Long Island’s Best: Young Artists at the Heckscher Museum of Art” gallery show. Selkirk was one of only 85 Long Island student-artists to be recognized, among more than 300 who submitted. In Long Island’s Best, a prestigious and comprehensive arts-in-education program integrating Huntington’s Heckscher Museum and high school art classrooms in Nassau and Suffolk, school art teachers such as Deer Park’s Derek Mainhart partner with Heckscher Museum educators to help students find inspiration in works on view at the museum. These chosen works serve as springboards for the students to create their own original artwork in various media. The program culminates with a juried exhibition, the only one on Long Island to provide high schoolers the opportunity to display their artwork in an art museum. “My artwork was inspired by Joseph Constantino’s photograph ‘Guggenheim with Calder,’ whose upward viewpoint reminded me of stars,” said Selkirk, who attended a special opening reception and awards ceremony at the museum. “Stars are important to me because I’ve moved around my whole life. Everything constantly changed but the stars and moon remained the same.” Selkirk found the gallery exhibit and reception an eye-opener. “For the first time, I had a piece of my artwork hanging on a wall in a museum being viewed by so many people, next to so many other extraordinary pieces,” she said, describing the experience as “epic.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107517 Mon, 05 May 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107517 HS Students Show Talent in ‘Hairspray’ Audiences at the high school’s recent annual musical were enthralled by the colorful costumes, fun dances and warmhearted social commentary of the school’s production of “Hairspray,” directed by James Henry. Based on the 1988 John Waters film of the same name, the musical was written by Marc Shaiman, Scott Wittman, Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan and reflects a theme of acceptance. The original 2002 Broadway production won eight Tony Awards. Set in 1962 Baltimore, it features a memorable set of songs reflecting the era of racial integration and TV dance programs, which were delivered with precision and verve by the Deer Park actors. The high-octane cast included Sabrina Rudden as Tracy Turnblad, David Reyes as Corny Collins, Joseph McGarty as Edna Turnblad, Jaclyn Miano as Velma von Tussle, Ashley Casella as Penny Pingleton, Jerline Aristide as Motormouth Maybelle, Alexa Serrano as Amber von Tussle, Sam Henkel as Link Larkin, Alce Winters as Seaweed J. Stubbs, Mauricio Montes as Wilbur Turnblad and Jessica Orelus as Little Inez. Henry praised his students, saying, “This is the 10th musical I have directed at Deer Park High School, and I would have to say that it was one of the best productions we have ever put on. The talent of the students this year was amazing. They put in so much hard work since January, and I am so proud of the final results.” Scott Abrams served as musical director for the show, assisted by Kristen Lombardo. In a seamless display of professional teamwork, choreography was handled by Kristen Wallace, set design by Eileen Cullinane, sound by Catherine Thompson, costumes by Sherry Kfare and lighting by Kyle McCourt. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107515 Fri, 02 May 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107515 Khoshkehpazi Named Top Red Cross Club Leader on LI High school junior Danial Khoshkehpazi was recently named Outstanding High School Red Cross Club Leader by the American Red Cross on Long Island, a designation honoring a student who displayed the greatest service involvement in the Red Cross. To earn the award, Khoshkehpazi started an American Red Cross club at Deer Park (he also started Red Cross clubs at his previous high schools, Half Hollow Hills and Walt Whitman), convinced 35 students to join the club, volunteered for five years, and provided ideas for new Red Cross activities for high schools, including a first aid competition. He also recruited five people to compete in the Goldman Sachs Foundation’s Red Cross business plan competition. “To determine the winner of the award, the American Red Cross on Long Island analyzed volunteers and what they did,” said Theodore Smirlis, adviser for Deer Park’s Red Cross chapter. “The volunteer who contributed the most time and came up with new projects was the winner, and that was Danial.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107513 Wed, 30 Apr 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107513 Deer Park Again Named One of Best Communities for Music Education Deer Park has again been designated one of the “Best Communities for Music Education” by the NAMM Foundation. Now in its 15th year, this annual survey honors school districts which place exceptional emphasis on maintaining music education as part of the schools’ core curriculum and highlights music’s crucial role in students’ academic skills and success. Only 376 districts out of thousands who applied from across the country were chosen in 2014 for this recognition celebrating commitment to music education for children. The BCME designation is based on a variety of metrics, reviewed by the University of Kansas-affiliated Institute for Educational Research and Public Service, including student enrollment in music courses, Advanced Placement or honors weighted music courses offered, the number of minutes per week devoted to both classroom music and performing ensembles, and the appropriate districtwide staffing of certified music teachers. “This is an honor the whole district may share,” said Dr. Jeff Dailey, the director of fine and performing arts. “It would not be possible without the hardworking music teachers and their students, but many others also figure into the equation – administrators, school board members, other teachers, parents and community members. They are all part of the reason this accolade was awarded to Deer Park.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107510 Fri, 25 Apr 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107510 Two Photography Students Awarded Best in Show Two dedicated photography students from the high school, Samantha Guttadauria and Julien Tucker, were named Best in Show at this year’s Long Island Media Arts Show, held at Five Towns College in Dix Hills. Their award selections in this annual competition highlighted Deer Park’s emphasis on strong arts curricula. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107511 Fri, 25 Apr 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107511 Students Attend Compassion Without Borders A contingent of students from the high school – including members of the Students Against Destructive Decisions and Health Education and Action Team clubs, and junior and sophomore class officers – attended a recent Compassion Without Borders conference at Walt Whitman High School in Huntington. The program focused on tolerance, civility and compassion. Rohan Murphy, a champion athlete and professional motivator who lost his legs at birth, was the featured speaker. “Rohan’s message was to not let a disability stand in the way of your dreams,” said SADD adviser Janet Werner-Kempski. “It was a wonderful program.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107512 Fri, 25 Apr 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107512 Experiencing Black History Through Dance at JFK While February is officially Black History Month, a chance to learn about the roots of African-American culture can be enlightening at any time of the year, as mesmerized students at John F. Kennedy Intermediate found out during a recent performance at the school by the Phyllis Rose Dance Company. The multicultural and multiracial company provided a celebratory tour of traditional and contemporary African and African-American dance and music, from Bashir Shakur’s African drumming to a limber, artistic display of hip hop dancing by James “Cricket” Colter. The costumed ensemble worked its way through a panoply of various historical dance techniques – samba, tap, swing and the Charleston, to name a few – before engaging the students in a participatory “Moon Dance” from the African nation of Ivory Coast. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107514 Thu, 24 Apr 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107514 Ancient Rome Comes to Humorous Life with Robert Frost Play Ancient Rome was brought to comedic life in this year’s annual play presented by the Robert Frost Drama Club. Clad in togas and armor, thespians at the school mined Craig Sodaro’s “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Colosseum,” set in 30 B.C., for every ounce of humor during two recent performances in the cafeteria. The large ensemble cast featured Mike Colombo as the farmer-turned-gladiator Simplcus, Sanjay Singh as Emperor Caesar Obamus, Lynne Gbadamosi as Divinia, Ray Ugalde as Publicus Piscius, Danielle Tirado as Drusilla, Tristan Tirado as General Spurius Sillius, Erica Clinton as Dominatia Violencia and Roger Singh as Terribulus. The dedicated stage crew included 10 sixth-graders, 18 seventh-graders and 17 eighth-graders. “The kids did an amazing job,” said director Mike Moriarty. “I had high expectations of their performances, and they exceeded those expectations. The house was packed both nights and the cast received many great compliments. It's always a fun experience working with these students.” The notable stage decoration was the work of Maria Giglio, earning kudos from director Moriarty. “It's my fourth year working with Maria, and her sets and hard work have always been amazing,” he said. He also singled out student Catherine Taipe, who served as the production’s assistant director. “Catherine was an amazing help and could potentially produce or direct her own plays and movies one day,” said Moriarty. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107508 Fri, 11 Apr 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107508 Soldier’s Return Proves the Best Surprise for JQA Youngster For Ryan Hughes, a kindergartner at John Quincy Adams, the best surprise of all came at the end of a recent school day. The unannounced guest arriving at teacher Allison Jurman’s classroom to pick him up from school was his father Michael, a staff sergeant newly home from serving with the U.S. Army overseas. “He’s been gone since the summer, nine whole months, so this is a wonderful day,” said elated mother Theresa Hughes, who accompanied him to the classroom. “I’m very happy,” said Michael Hughes. “It’s good to finally be home.” This was the fourth deployment for the father of three, who works as a financial planner when not serving his country. While an emotional Ryan held tightly to his father, who was still clad in fatigues, the soldier took a few questions from the other children – describing the experience of sleeping in a tent every night as well as his military work communicating with local people – before heading home for well-deserved quality time. “This was a wonderful opportunity to reunite a family,” said Principal Christine Criscione. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107509 Fri, 11 Apr 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107509 Deer Park Hosts SCMEA Rehearsals John F. Kennedy Intermediate recently played host to outstanding young band, chorus and orchestra musicians from more than 30 Suffolk middle schools, serving as the site for three days of rehearsals for the SCMEA All-County Division II West concert. The seventh- and eighth-graders, including representatives from Robert Frost, were led by acclaimed guest conductors. The West II Festival Band, conducted by James W. Dragovich of George W. Hewlett High School, rehearsed Carl Strommen’s “Grand Tetons Overture,” Robert W. Smith’s “The Great Locomotive Chase,” and Warren Barker’s “An Irish Ayre for Winds” and “A Galop to End All Galops.” Conducted by Mark Kimes of Hauppauge High School, the West II Festival Chorus tackled Mozart’s “Dies Irae,” Brian Lewis’ “Exsultate, Jubilate,” Linda Spevacek’s “Kimineero (The Carrion Crow),” the traditional spiritual “Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel” and pan-African anthem “Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika.” The West II Festival Orchestra, conducted by Anthony J. Pianelli Jr. of Paul D. Schreiber High School in Port Washington, practiced a selection of material including Shirl Jae Atwell’s “Drifen,” Bela Bartok’s “Romanian Folk Dances,” Percy Fletcher’s “Folk Tune and Fiddle Dance,” and selections from the musical “Les Miserables.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107507 Wed, 09 Apr 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107507 Fashion Students Create Healing Pillows for Cancer Patients Thoughtful students in Rita Murphy’s fashion portfolio class at the high school recently created “healing pillows” for cancer patients. More than 150 handmade pillows were completed, to be delivered to cancer patients at the Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The idea for the healing pillows came from members of the school’s Students Against Destructive Decisions club. “The students enjoyed creating them, knowing that they will be put to good use,” said teacher and SADD club adviser Janet Werner. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107506 Mon, 07 Apr 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107506 Dressbarn Donation for Life Skills Center Recognized Deer Park recently recognized a special donation project by Dressbarn which greatly enhanced the district’s vital Life Skills Center. The initiative was spurred by Terri Morolla, store manager of the Dressbarn in the Great South Bay Shopping Center in West Babylon and parent of a special needs child in the district. At the Life Skills Center, John F. Kennedy students in the innovative Fun Club program learn life and social skills in a special simulated “apartment.” The recently introduced “retail store,” completed through Dressbarn’s generosity, enables the JFK students to learn shopping, money and budgeting skills using real clothing and food items. Working with Mary Reynolds, the district’s administrator of human resources and pupil personnel services, and Lydia Vitale-Sweet, district manager from Dressbarn’s regional office in Centereach, Morolla facilitated the Life Skills Center donations, obtaining fixtures, supplies and other store items from a Dressbarn store in Selden that was going out of business. “Terri’s son will be a part of this specialized program as he gets older and attends the middle and high school life skills programs,” said Reynolds. “I have worked with her since he was in kindergarten at May Moore and he is currently in fifth grade at JFK. She is just a lovely parent who cares about assisting us in developing the program for all of our students, especially since she can identify with the need due to her son’s disability.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107504 Thu, 03 Apr 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107504 Third-Grader Wins Dental Poster Contest Steven Hernandez, a third-grader at John F. Kennedy, was named the winner of the Children’s Dental Health Month contest in the second and third grade category, presented by the Hauppauge-based Suffolk County Dental Societies. For creating a poster showing beautiful smiles, Hernandez was recognized by Suffolk Country Dental Societies’ Paul Markowitz at a special ceremony at the UPSKY Long Island Hotel in Hauppauge, and was awarded a certificate, a gift bag and a $25 gift card to Target. He was among approximately 50 JFK students who participated by submitting posters to the contest, all of whom received a certificate from the society. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107505 Thu, 03 Apr 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107505 Varsity Kickline Team Wins First in Florida The Deer Park Falconette varsity kickline team recently traveled to Orlando, Fla. to participate in the Contest of Champions National Competition, held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World. Led by captains Toni Ann Cox and Taylor Thomas, the team earned first place in the pom category, adding one more trophy to their remarkable season, one in which they remained undefeated in the kick category of the Long Island Kickline Association competitions. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107502 Wed, 02 Apr 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107502 Role Model Finds His Calling at High School High school student and football player Isaiah Edwards, 16, was recently honored by the district for his exemplary volunteer work with special needs children in the district. In particular, Edwards was singled out for acting as a role model and mentor for Peter Gilbert, a 13 year-old student at Robert Frost who has autism and a rare genetic disease. Calling Edwards a hero, Frank Caliguiri, Deer Park’s assistant superintendent of pupil personnel services, said, “Isaiah has a rare gift and has found his calling in working with these kids. He is so in tune with what is necessary in the life of an autistic child.” Edwards is considering a future career as a teacher, and according to Caliguiri, would be welcomed back to his alma mater one day as an educator. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107503 Wed, 02 Apr 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107503 All-County Senior Swimmers High school varsity swimmers John Pawelko and Brandon Peskett, both seniors, broke records competing at the Suffolk County championships held at SUNY Brentwood, earning All-County awards and qualifying to participate in the recent New York State championship swim competition in Rochester. With an outstanding time of 146.96, Pawelko broke the Deer Park High School record when he earned first place in the 200-yard freestyle at the Suffolk County championship, qualifying him for the state championship swim meet. He also qualified for the county competition and made All-County in the 100-yard butterfly. At the county meet, Peskett broke his prior school record in the 100-yard backstroke with a time of 54.01, according to boys swim coach Craig Mangio. Peskett’s backstroke performance also earned him All-County and qualification for the state meet. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107500 Thu, 27 Mar 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107500 High School and Primary Students Explore World Languages Together Celebrating both Language and Culture Month and National Foreign Language Week, senior world language students at the high school prepared introductory language lessons in French, Italian and Spanish for the benefit of younger students in the district. After participating in video conferences with students at John Quincy Adams and May Moorel, they presented Language Exploration Days at both buildings. During these events, the high schoolers visited classrooms and used colorful songs, games and costumes as tools to teach and inspire the kindergartners, first-graders and second-graders concepts such as numbers and colors in the district’s three world languages. “These activities highlight the use of languages other than English,” said Gina Palasciano, Deer Park’s districtwide curriculum associate of world languages and ESL. “They provide our high school students with the opportunity to create fun and interactive language activities for elementary students in our district.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107501 Thu, 27 Mar 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107501 Long Island Theatre in Our Schools Mini-Conference Held in District The district hosted the annual Long Island Theatre in Our Schools Mini-Conference at the district office on March 8, presented by the American Alliance for Theatre and Education. Showcasing Deer Park’s ongoing support for theater education, the event served as a networking opportunity and professional development resource for theater teachers at every grade level. The TIOS conference was the brainchild of Dr. Jeff Dailey, the district’s director of fine and performing arts, who started this event to support and reinforce theater education on Long Island. The event’s keynote speaker was acclaimed Broadway producer Stewart F. Lane, who gave an educational talk titled “What Schools Can Learn from a Broadway Producer.” Lane has been nominated for 13 Tony awards, winning five for “War Horse,” “Jay Johnson: The Two and Only,” “Will Rogers Follies,” “La Cage Aux Folles” and “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” The co-owner of Broadway’s Palace Theatre and president and CEO of Stellar Productions International and Stewart F. Lane Productions, he has also been nominated for and received numerous other theater honors, including four Drama Desk Awards, a Drama Critics Circle Award, an Outer Circle Critics Award and a Drama League Award. He won his first Olivier Award in 2013 for his West End production of Irving Berlin’s “Top Hat.” Other Theatre in Our Schools speakers included Suffolk County Director of Arts in Education Carol Brown, who presented a workshop on theater and the Common Core State Standards; Synergy Theatre Company director Tim Conlon, who presented a workshop on Shakespeare; and Jim Hoar, a Theatrical Rights Worldwide executive who presented two workshops on musical theater. Frank Caliguiri, the assistant superintendent of pupil personnel services, welcomed the attendees to the district. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107498 Fri, 21 Mar 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107498 Leprechaun Visits Kindergartners at May Moore Kindergartners in teacher Tammy Cotrone’s class at May Moore began their St. Patrick’s Day with a green bagel breakfast, preparing for the annual visit from a mischievous “leprechaun” who moves things around their classroom, leaving footprints and notes. “May Moore was in an uproar,” said Cotrone. “Everyone was looking for him.” The excited students created traps beforehand to nab the disruptive green fairytale fellow, and hung signs all through the school hallways saying that the leprechaun had been spotted, but all they caught were letters and gifts. “The children were very excited that the tricky leprechaun visited us many times during the day,” said Cotrone. “Although he made a mess out of our classroom and left little green footprints in our bathroom, on the floors and in the hallway leading into our room, he also left many special treats for the children. Despite setting up traps and asking the entire school be on the lookout, we didn't catch the leprechaun. Maybe next year!” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107499 Fri, 21 Mar 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107499 Science Team Competes in Stony Brook Protein Modeling Challenge In a continued quest for excellence in science research, a team of ambitious Deer Park High School students – David Golann, Ian Murray, Nicole-Ann Pagan and John Pawelko – competed in the recent Protein Modeling Challenge at Stony Brook University, placing 13th out of 30 teams. During the competition, hosted by Stony Brook’s Center for Science and Mathematics Education, the four young scientists displayed a model of a Ras protein that they had spent two months creating prior to the event. The team prepared by meeting once a week to learn how to build the model using 3D modeling software. The students were also required to write an essay about the protein and what they represented in their model. “I’m super proud of how the team did at this year’s competition,” said science teacher David Knuffke. “Taking time to build a protein model after school on Fridays really speaks to the initiative and effort of the students involved.” In the other main phase of the challenge, the Deer Park team competed on-site to build an arginine finger model. Both this protein and the Ras protein play major roles in cell signaling in mammals, and mutations in Ras are one of the most common mutations found in human cancer cells. “The material is directly connected to the AP Biology curriculum, which deals with protein structure and function, cell signaling, and cancer,” explained Knuffke. The advanced tools that the Deer Park team used for the project also reflect the current rigorous state of the curriculum. “Seeing students using tools that were not available even 10 years ago is an amazing thing to watch,” said Knuffke. “I’m glad that events like this provide students with these kinds of authentic experiences that serve them well as they pursue their interests in the biological sciences.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107496 Wed, 19 Mar 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107496 High School Chorus Participates in New York Lottery Contest The plucky Deer Park High School Chorus recently entered the New York Sings contest run by the New York Lottery, vying for the chance to win $2,500, $5,000 or $10,000 prize donations to the school’s music program. To fulfill the contest guidelines, the participating students were asked to film a video of the chorus singing Andrew Gold’s inspirational 1978 hit “Thank You for Being a Friend,” later popularized as the theme of “The Golden Girls” television series. The video (click here to view), led by choir director Kristen Lombardo and featuring soloists Olivia Grizzle, Jessica Orelus, Destiny Smith and Alec Winters, was filmed by students in Jill Perry-Eising’s multimedia class. They were then required to upload the video footage to the New York Sings Facebook page. Entries will be judged on talent, creativity, uniqueness and quality of presentation, with five finalists named by a panel from the Lottery and its advertising agency, DBB New York. The Lottery’s Facebook fans will choose the final three prize winners, with voting running through March 27 and winners announced on March 31. New York Sings was launched in February as part of the New York Lottery’s current “Mission for Education” campaign, which serves to remind the public that the Lottery’s sole core function is to give back to New York State education through aid to local school districts. More than $3 billion was provided to the state’s schools last year alone through the Lottery’s enterprises, with more than $48 billion in educational funding since its 1967 inception. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107497 Wed, 19 Mar 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107497 Filling a Library and Young Minds at Robert Frost Book Fair Young minds were filled with the excitement of reading, and library shelves were replenished as a result of the recent Scholastic book fair at Robert Frost, sponsored by the school’s Parent Faculty Club. According to PFC treasurer Debbie Leon, funds raised through book fairs are donated to the Frost library, to expand its array of diverse literary offerings for the students to pore through, as well as funding student scholarships. “We work hard to fill the library,” said school librarian Kathy Leibow, who noted that she personally reads every single book available at the fair so that she can make accurate recommendations for students searching for just the right book to read. Among this year’s best-sellers at Frost were “Divergent” and its popular sequels written by Veronica Roth, the humorous “Bad Unicorn” by Platte F. Clark and the second novel in the Percy Jackson series, “The Sea of Monsters.” The latter book was specifically selected by the PTA, Leon noted, to support and complement the district’s decision to purchase the prior book in the series, “The Lightning Thief,” as part of the sixth-grade ELA curriculum. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107495 Fri, 14 Mar 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107495 Young Mathematicians Raise Almost 8K for Cancer Research In their finest fundraising effort to date, young mathematicians at John Quincy Adams raised $7,985.50 for cancer research by participating in the St. Jude Math-A-Thon for the third year in a row. Under the direction of Math-A-Thon coordinator Marianna Grieco, they used math skills to solve problems in St. Jude’s Funbooks, yielding pledge donations from family and friends that will help in fighting for a cure for childhood cancer at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107494 Wed, 12 Mar 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107494 Ruiz Represents Deer Park at Poetry Out Loud Competition For the first time, Deer Park joined 15 other Long Island schools in participating in the Poetry Out Loud contest, held on Feb. 24 at Stony Brook University. Representing Deer Park, Kayla Ruiz was one of 31 local high schoolers reciting poems at the event, a national program run by the National Endowment for the Arts. “The Poetry Out Loud contest is a great way to preserve the art of spoken literature, memorization, public speaking and performance, all while studying and researching the poems and their authors’ intentions,” explained Deer Park language arts and drama teacher Kristen Wallace. “The students clearly respect and appreciate the literature as they find personal ways to showcase their performances.” The Stony Brook event was preceded by an in-school Poetry Out Loud competition, introduced to Deer Park by Dr. Jeff Dailey, the district’s director of fine and performing arts. A panel of four judges named Ruiz and fellow student Sabrina Rudden – who was unable to attend the regional event – as the winners. Ruiz memorized and recited “Carnival” by Rebecca Lindenberg for the Deer Park school contest, wowing those in attendance. During the Stony Brook competition, she recited Edgar Allen Poe’s “Alone” and William Blake’s “A Poison Tree.” “For a ninth-grade student, Kayla did amazingly well, both with her memorization and her performance,” said Wallace. “She was poised and her voice was clear and confident as she went up against students from all over Long Island. She used many techniques she has learned from me in her drama class at Deer Park High School, and her recitations were flawless. I was proud to have her not only representing Deer Park, but also our drama and theater arts programs.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107492 Tue, 11 Mar 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107492 JFK Student-Artists Display Work at SCALA Children’s Show Fifteen gifted young student-artists at John F. Kennedy will have their work displayed as part of the Suffolk County Art Leaders Association Children’s Art Show, held in cooperation with the Babylon Citizens Council of the Arts. This is the second year in a row that JFK’s art program has participated in the SCALA show. “I chose the artwork for this show based on picking five pieces each from the third through fifth grades,” said JFK art teacher Laurie Schwartz, who framed each work of art for maximum aesthetic impact. “I tried to choose a variety of pieces from the projects we have done so far this year, as well as work that exhibited great craftsmanship and talent.” The JFK artists will attend a special reception and awards ceremony for the SCALA show at the Old Town Hall in Babylon on March 15. Following the display, their artwork will be saved for use in the annual districtwide art show at the high school. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107493 Tue, 11 Mar 2014 04:00:00 GMT false107493 Tri-M Students Volunteer at Arts Council Breakfast Conscientious students from the high school’s Tri-M Music Honor Society recently volunteered at a breakfast fundraiser at a local Applebee’s, hosted by the Deer Park Arts Council and enjoyed by more than 100 attendees. “All the Tri-M students had an important role, whether serving, cleaning up, or greeting and seating our breakfast guests,” explained Arts Council representative Grace Heyne. “They worked hard and were very respectful to the patrons and to each other.” The Deer Park Arts Council holds annual fundraisers to provide senior scholarships to the high school’s music and fine arts students. The organization also assists the district’s music, art and theater departments by providing financial support to purchase materials and equipment and present school events, theater productions, trips, and educational opportunities. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107491 Thu, 06 Mar 2014 05:00:00 GMT false107491 JFK Explores Native American Culture Fourth-graders at John F. Kennedy earned in-depth details about Native American culture during a recent educational visit by student Jesse Salto’s father, Joe Salto. Salto, whose personal passion is studying the history and lifestyles of Native Americans, displayed video imagery as well as Native American artifacts, clothing and musical instruments to enlighten the class. Using a large map of Long Island, which he noted was called “Paumonok” by the local tribes, Salto showed the students the vast array of local town names that derive from Native American words. He also described making his own tepee in his backyard, using materials he found at Home Depot, and discussed the true-life stories and names of such Native American historical figures as Geronimo and Sacagawea. “This was a great way to conclude the Native American unit that the class has been exploring in social studies,” said teacher Keri Inghilterra, whose class set up the visit. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107490 Mon, 03 Mar 2014 05:00:00 GMT false107490 JFK Recorder Band Prepares for SCMEA Fest The John F. Kennedy fifth-grade recorder band has been working diligently with band director Gregg Romano to prepare for the 46th annual Eugene Reichenthal Recorder Festival. The festival, hosted by the Suffolk County Music Educators’ Association, will take place on March 15 at Brentwood High School’s Sonderling Center, culminating in a 3 p.m. concert in which all 14 young student-musicians from JFK will participate. This is the third consecutive year in which the school’s recorder ensemble has attended the SCMEA festival. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107488 Fri, 28 Feb 2014 05:00:00 GMT false107488 May Moore Celebrates 100th Day of School with Food Donations To celebrate the 100th day of the school year while teaching her students to give back to the community, kindergarten teacher Tammy Cotrone installed a grocery cart in her classroom at May Moore. Her students brought in more than 300 canned and boxed food items for donation to the outreach program at the local St. Cyril and Methodius Parish. For every item the students brought in for the food pantry, they received a sticker and marked down the total number of donations, working towards a class goal of 100 items, which was quickly surpassed. “The kids got so much out of it and they loved helping others,” said Cotrone. “They were so excited to see the cart grow each day.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107489 Fri, 28 Feb 2014 05:00:00 GMT false107489 Kindhearted First-Grader Donates Hair to Wigs for Kids Demonstrating her strong sense of altruism and commitment to helping other children in need, John Quincy Adams student Sarah Cannet recently donated her hair to the Wigs for Kids charity. Wigs for Kids, a nonprofit organization founded in 1981, provides prosthetic hair replacements for children suffering from hair loss and its accompanying damage to their self-esteem. Before Cannet’s trim, which was done at a salon, the shy but dedicated first-grader’s ponytail had been 12 inches long, but she was happy knowing her long hair would provide comfort to another student like herself. “Sarah is exceptionally kindhearted,” said an impressed Phyllis Senia, one of Cannet’s two teachers at JQA along with Margaret Simon. “She is a star student in every way.” The inspiring gift of her hair not only resulted in the admiration of her teachers and classmates, but also proved to be a bonding experience with her mother Julie, who undertook a charity trim at the same time, for Pantene Beautiful Lengths. “Sarah is always eager to help others, so when she said she wanted to donate her hair to help other kids, it became the perfect opportunity for us to do something very meaningful together,” said Julie Cannett. “Sarah knew that I had also donated my hair when I was pregnant with her, and that kind of brought it full circle for us. We are very proud of her.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107487 Fri, 21 Feb 2014 05:00:00 GMT false107487 Science Olympiad Team Earns Medals The high school’s Science Olympiad team placed 25th overall (out of 46 competing high schools) in the New York State Science Olympiad regional competition on Feb. 8 at Ward Melville High School. Demonstrating the strength of Deer Park’s STEM curriculum, two of Deer Park’s two-person teams medaled. The Circuit Lab team of Andreas Stamatakis and Aaron Zhang earned second place, while the Geologic Mapping team of Nicholas Martino and Zhang came in sixth place. “It was a great day, and it was really nice to see all of our team members trying their best and having a good time applying their scientific knowledge and skills,” said Science Olympiad adviser David Knuffke. “I’m very proud of everyone on the team.” Continuing their quest for science excellence, four Deer Park students – David Golann, Ian Murray, Nicole-Ann Pagan and John Pawelko – will compete in the Stony Brook University Protein Modeling Challenge on Feb. 28. In the competition, hosted by Stony Brook’s Center for Science and Mathematics Education, the team will display their model of a Ras protein, constructed prior to the event. They will then compete on-site to build another protein model and take an exam about protein structure and function. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107486 Wed, 19 Feb 2014 05:00:00 GMT false107486 Frost Wins First Place at LI Kickline Championships The Falconettes kickline team of Robert Frost won a first-place trophy in the high kick division at the Long Island Kickline Association Championships. The event, held on Feb. 9 at Uniondale High School, featured 15 Long Island high schools and middle schools competing in 14 different divisions. The Frost team also won second-place in the pom division. “The girls start training in September and worked hard all season,” said coach Christina Rocco. “This year it really paid off.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107485 Fri, 14 Feb 2014 05:00:00 GMT false107485 Owls Instill Sense of Wonder at May Moore Students at May Moore were treated to a special visit from Jim Jones of Volunteers for Wildlife and four live owls during the school’s inaugural Whoooo’s Who Owls of the Night Discovery program. The assembly complemented this year’s schoolwide theme centered on owls and served as the perfect ending to May Moore’s weeklong Add and Explore math and science fair. “Even in the overly technological world of today, people – and kids especially – still experience that sense of wonder when given the chance to see living creatures of nature,” said Jones. “There is magic in the world – all that we need to do is go out and find it.” While viewing the barred owl, great horned owl and two screech owls, all rescued and now cared for by Volunteers for Wildlife, the awestruck students learned numerous facts about these amazing birds, including their behavior as predators, their nocturnal lifestyle, and the different hoots and other sounds each species makes. “We loved the tiny screech owls and were amazed at the wingspan of the barred owl,” said Principal Alicia Konecny. “Many of our students had only previously seen an owl in the Harry Potter movies, so it was awesome to see them up close.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107483 Tue, 11 Feb 2014 05:00:00 GMT false107483 Blood Drive Saves Lives, One Pint at a Time At a recent high school blood drive, students and staff sat back comfortably, listening to the gentle sounds of Bob Marley, as technicians from Long Island Blood Services drew blood that will serve a crucial purpose. “Every pint saves three people’s lives,” explained health teacher Sherry Deacon, using burn victims and children battling leukemia as examples of the kind of people whose lives can be immeasurably helped by blood donation. “The point is you are giving to save a life.” Deacon also noted an ancillary benefit of the blood drives for the students involved. “It really encourages civic responsibility,” she said. Deer Park’s blood donation program has been in operation for a dozen years, and involves three drives per school year. The process is run by Long Island Blood Services, who in turn provide two $250 scholarships each year for graduating Deer Park seniors. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107484 Tue, 11 Feb 2014 05:00:00 GMT false107484 World Holidays Celebrated at JFK’s Family Culture Night English as a second language students from JFK recently gathered with their families and teachers for a Family Culture Night. Participating in “Holidays Around the World,” the ESL students visited different tables to learn more about international celebrations. Families sampled special treats associated with the various holidays, while creating crafts specific to each of the global celebrations. “Our students and their families really enjoyed working together on crafts, playing holiday board games and learning about the different holidays that are celebrated around the world,” said Gina Palasciano, the district’s world languages curriculum associate. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107482 Fri, 07 Feb 2014 05:00:00 GMT false107482 Chinese New Year Parade Celebrates Culture at May Moore In keeping with an annual school tradition of more than a decade, first-graders at May Moore celebrated Chinese New Year by parading through the hallways, welcoming the Year of the Horse with Chinese dragons, red lanterns, clanging musical instruments and colorful masks. As the sights and sounds of the red-clad marchers reverberated through the school, sitting kindergartners lined the halls to watch with delight. “Our Chinese New Year parade is a great way to celebrate a different culture and learn about the customs and traditions of many of our students,” said Principal Alicia Konecny, who noted that they had prepared for the day by reading favorite books about the holiday such as “Sam and the Lucky Money” by Karen Chinn and “Lion Dancer: Ernie Wan's Chinese New Year” by Kate Waters. After the parade, May Moore’s first-graders continued the celebration with a special Chinese food luncheon. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107481 Thu, 06 Feb 2014 05:00:00 GMT false107481 Discovering STEM Concepts at May Moore’s Add and Explore Fair Students at May Moore recently enjoyed the Add and Explore Fair, a weeklong festival of measurement and discovery activities designed to make learning about science, math and technology concepts exciting. A variety of different exploration stations included “Bouncing Buoyancy,” where students designed tinfoil boats to test buoyancy; “Magnificent Magnets,” where they mastered the magic of magnetic attraction; using scales to measure weights and balance equations at “Balance Buddy”; shaping polygons with rubberbands at “Enjoyable Geoboards”; and “Radical Reaction,” where they explored how acids and bases react when combined in a colorful chemistry experiment. “In light of the new Common Core Learning Standards, we collaborated with the Parent Faculty Club to create this cross-curricular STEM event,” explained May Moore math lab teacher Sue Mehr. “The students all had a great time, problem-solving and applying higher-order thinking skills.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107299 Fri, 31 Jan 2014 05:00:00 GMT false107299 Theater Students Learn ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ with Successful Winter Play Theater students displayed mastery of the art of comedy at the high school’s winter play, delivering on their ambitions with a successful production of Oscar Wilde’s witty and farcical classic “The Importance of Being Earnest,” directed by teacher James Henry with assistance from the returning student director, junior Mauricio Montes. The cast at two sterling weekend performances included senior Joseph McGarty as John Worthing, senior David Reyes as Algernon Moncrieff, senior James Boss as Rev. Canon Chasuble, junior Sam Henkel as Merriman, junior Anthony Anello as Lane, senior Jennifer Somma as Lady Bracknell, senior Sabrina Rudden as Gwendolen Fairfax, junior Christina O’Toole as Cecily Cardew and junior Jessica Orelus as Miss Prism. The production was enhanced by Sherry Kfare’s costuming and smart set design by Eileen Cullinane. “The students really met the challenge of doing an older British play,” said Henry, noting that “Earnest,” which was first performed in London in 1895, is aptly subtitled “A Trivial Comedy for Serious People.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107300 Tue, 28 Jan 2014 05:00:00 GMT false107300 JQA Pre-K Class Constructs Educational Igloo from Plastic Jugs Prekindergartners at John Quincy Adams recently participated in a perfect winter project, one that develops early science and mathematics concepts while serving as a terrific way to recycle used plastic jugs. With the help of several class parents, teacher Laura Oddo’s students collected hundreds of gallon-size milk and water jugs to construct a six-foot-high igloo. “This is an exciting way to kick off our winter theme,” said Oddo. “The students learn about such things as Arctic animals, the water cycle, how temperature affects matter, and how both animals and people survive the cold winter months.” Parents were invited to the classroom for the “igloo reveal,” while students celebrated by creating Eskimo figurines out of paper and cotton balls. Inside the igloo, which was decorated with colored lights, the children enjoyed ice fishing for toy fish and letters, a “learning through play” opportunity for them to practice letter and number recognition as well as counting skills. The igloo will remain standing through February, after which Oddo’s class will take it apart to determine exactly how many jugs were used while discussing recycling concepts. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107298 Tue, 28 Jan 2014 05:00:00 GMT false107298 Math Squad Shines at Suffolk Tournament Two out of the high school’s five math teams participated in the 2014 Suffolk County Math Tournament, held at Suffolk County Community College, with student Aaron Zhang earning first place for juniors for the second year in a row. The school’s quintet of upperclassmen – Kyle Devine, Sabrina Grunseich, Andreas Stamatakis, Nick Vitale and Zhang – won fifth place overall. The freshman/sophomore team consisting of Ryan Byrne, Joseph Curry, Peter Demopoulos, Theresa Grimaldi and Joseph Sanchez competed but did not place. The team, known as the Deer Park Math Squad, has attended the tournament for more than eight years. Students prep by practicing questions from past competitions, aided by teacher and Math Squad coach Kevin McCreesh. “Aaron Zhang’s performance was tremendous, and I am very proud of how the entire group performed,” said McCreesh. “These students have placed Deer Park among the top math squads in the county.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107297 Mon, 27 Jan 2014 05:00:00 GMT false107297 Boys Varsity Track Team Competes at Yale Ten members of the varsity boys track team competed at the 32nd annual Yale Interscholastic Track Classic on Jan. 17-18. The prestigious invitational event, held at Yale University in New Haven, Conn., is one of the most competitive indoor track meets in the Northeast. Deer Park’s participants included the school’s 4x800-meter relay squad and five runners vying for the 3,000-meter invitational race. “Just to give you an idea of how big a meet this is, in the 3,000-meter race alone, there were over 300 competitors from high schools all over the East Coast,” explained head coach Tom Brouillard, who accompanied the athletes along with assistant coach Mario Fieore. All of the Deer Park runners who competed at Yale ran personal bests, with some finishing in the top 10 of their respective heats of the 3,000-meter race. “Our varsity runners represented Deer Park proudly at the Yale invitational,” said Brouillard. “The boys competed against some of the best high school runners in the tri-state area and they all made me and Mr. Fieore extremely proud of their efforts.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107296 Fri, 24 Jan 2014 05:00:00 GMT false107296 A Passion for Saving Bats at JFK Showing a true passion for animals and science, and a dedication to plan and execute their very own “Help Save Bats!” project, 25 determined fourth-graders at John F. Kennedy Intermediate raised $721 to aid bats, whose endangered populations have been devastated by a catastrophic disease. While studying scientific ecosystems, teacher Marie Marck’s class examined how negative and positive changes to an ecosystem can affect a food chain and food web, before moving their focus to human responsibility in protecting the ecosystem by being responsible with pesticides, pollution and overuse of natural resources. Two days later, the students read an article in the Time for Kids news magazine on white nose syndrome and the dire effect of this fungal illness on the continent’s bat population. The facts they collected from close reading of the article made them aware of the dangers to the ecosystem if North America’s bat population continues to decrease, spurring additional class research on bats and the disease. “We discussed the increase of mosquitos in our area over the past few years, among other things, and decided to raise money to help scientists save bats,” explained Marck. In the project’s writing phase, the students drafted personal essays on the importance of bats. Using a flowchart to assist them in learning how to conduct a fundraiser, the students then approached Principal Susan Bonner and Associate Principal Shaun McLeod, explaining what they had learned and why they wanted to help bats. After their request was approved, the class brainstormed to create a slogan for the project, dubbed “Help Save Bats!” To promote it, they designed pencils, posters and laminated bookmarks. During fundraising week, the bat project students visited other classrooms at JFK, assisted by class parent Thomas Catanzano, and eagerly read their essays to the students and teachers to educate them about white nose syndrome and the ecological importance of bats. The actual fundraiser took place during lunch periods and successfully raised a total of $721 from the generous JFK student population, money that will be donated to help rehabilitate bats and aid research on white nose syndrome. Marck had also contacted Bat Conservation International, a Texas-based organization that was quoted in the Time for Kids article. Once she explained how her students were working hard to bring awareness to white nose syndrome, the thrilled organization set up a video conference via Skype. Facilitated by Andrew Choi, Deer Park’s instructional technology administrator, the class Skyped with BCI scientist Dianne Odegard, learning more details and asking detailed questions about the lives and behaviors of bats, and viewing a live bat that was being rehabilitated at the BCI center. “This project is evidence of the power of children,” said Marck. “These students were able to internalize knowledge from academics and enthusiastically apply this knowledge to make a difference.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107294 Tue, 21 Jan 2014 05:00:00 GMT false107294 Using Math to Raise Funds for St. Jude Children’s Hospital Young mathematicians at John Quincy Adams participated in the St. Jude Math-A-Thon for the third year in a row, raising more than $7,200 for the children’s charity. St. Jude has been supplying the Math-A-Thon Funbook, a free curriculum supplement, to schools for more than 30 years. Students seek pledges from family and friends to solve math problems in the Funbook, with the proceeds going to benefit childhood cancer eradication at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Working with math lab specialist Marianna Grieco, the students exercised their mathematics skills in completing the Funbooks. The activity not only provided students with beneficial math practice and enabled them to earn prizes, but it also yielded substantial donations for the hospital’s research. “We are proud and happy to help children and their families at St. Jude,” said Grieco, who noted that this was the most money JQA had raised for the hospital to date. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107295 Tue, 21 Jan 2014 05:00:00 GMT false107295 League of Women Voters Registers Seniors at High School Representatives from the League of Women Voters recently visited the high school on an ongoing mission of vital importance – registering new voters. Judie Gorenstein and Brenda Reiss, co-presidents of the LWV of Huntington, have been instrumental in delivering the message of the importance of voting to seniors who will be eligible to vote this coming November. The LWV, a nonpartisan organization whose mission is to encourage and engage citizens into being active and educated participants in government, has helped the high school register more than 1,000 students over the last four years. According to Gorenstein, the two civic-minded volunteers help to register approximately 25 students in each of the government classes they visit at Deer Park, for an average of 100 newly registered young adults per day. Gorenstein began their presentation by providing the students some background on the history of voting rights in America, from the nation’s founding and the Civil War to suffrage and the 26th Amendment in 1971, which affirmed the right to vote of those 18 years and older. She noted that in the 2012 election, only 45 percent of the youngest voters – those aged 18-30 – participated in the process. “The last people who got the right to vote, vote the least,” she told the seniors. “Your vote is your power, and on Nov. 4, you are going to change the odds and vote.” In a mock election for governor of New York State, facilitated by Reiss, the entire class discussed and debated issues such as marijuana and immigration laws. The activity culminated in two students volunteering to “run” for governor and give speeches on their positions, something designed to encourage these future voters to examine candidates more closely. “Issues make them focus on where a candidate stands,” explained Reiss. “We want them to realize that their votes count.” “This program gives our students an opportunity to practice democracy firsthand in the classroom,” said Heather Stewart, the district's FACS and social studies curriculum associate. “It also encourages our young people to become active citizens through registration.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107292 Wed, 15 Jan 2014 05:00:00 GMT false107292 Teacher Grant Brings Green Screen Studio to May Moore With a functional green screen studio at their disposal, teachers at May Moore will be able to expand educational and technological opportunities for students in grades K-2 thanks to a BOCES grant they pursued. The green screen grant had its genesis in a successful 2012 election video project that used basic Flip cameras. It left the educators eager to improve the school’s video capability with a green screen, which layers video images through a process called chroma keying. “We wanted to do a newscast for the entire school and community to see, to introduce new technology, and to help kids with their ELA skills for the Common Core,” explained teacher Sue Steinman. Steinman and five other May Moore teachers – Jennifer Cambria, Jessica Caputo, Tammy Cotrone, Dana Grafstein and Lauren McHugh – submitted a Model Schools Grant application through Western Suffolk BOCES last May, and won. The grant funds were utilized to entirely furnish a professional green screen studio in the May Moore Media Center, facilitated by computer consultant Ellen Robertson. The initiative provides access to this exciting technology to teachers and students for a variety of upcoming projects, including additional newscasts and the school’s READ parent reading program, using the screen in conjunction with laptops and programs such as Google Drive and Photobooth. “In these days, our schools need to keep up with technology,” said Steinman. “Without tools like this, school is not a cutting-edge place to be.” “We are so proud of this group of innovative teachers for taking the initiative to pursue the Green Screen project grant,” added Principal Alicia Konecny. “Our students are really enjoying the capabilities of this new technology and we are hopeful for a future Spielberg or Scorsese.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107293 Wed, 15 Jan 2014 05:00:00 GMT false107293 JFK Class Provides Livestock for Impoverished Village In the spirit of the season, JFK third-graders in the class of Maria Giammona, Marie Tortorici and Debra Wasp were inspired to raise money for Heifer International over the course of two weeks. Since 1944, the Heifer organization has brought help, healing and hope to millions of impoverished families across the globe. Funds donated to the charity go to purchase items such as livestock, which provide longterm solutions to problems of hunger and poverty. The trio of teachers asked students who wished to volunteer for the project to drop their spare change from lunch in the class donation bucket or earn funds by doing extra chores around the house. Once the money was collected, the class voted on what animals to send, deciding to provide a flock of chicks and a trio of rabbits to nourish families in a village overseas. “We hope this life lesson will help the children feel a sense of pride and also realize what the holiday season is truly about,” said Wasp. “They were very excited and truly enjoyed the sense of giving that they felt.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107288 Mon, 23 Dec 2013 05:00:00 GMT false107288 Fall Athletes Recognized Eleven high school sports teams were recognized at the school’s fall athletic awards ceremony during a recent Board of Education meeting, attended by many of the athletes and their proud families. A total of eight outstanding teams – varsity cheerleading, boys cross-country, kickline, boys varsity soccer, girls varsity soccer, girls swimming and diving, varsity girls tennis, and varsity volleyball – were honored as Scholar/Athlete teams for their successful commitment to both athletics and academics. Teams honored with this award by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association must have at least five players and earn a cumulative team GPA of 90 percent or higher. The varsity girls tennis team, led by three All-League players, was crowned League IV champions. The remarkable junior varsity volleyball team boasted an undefeated season, finishing 17-0. The boys varsity soccer team – including a number of Scholar/Athlete, All-League, All-County and All-Conference players – qualified for the playoffs, as did the varsity football squad, which boasted four All-Conference athletes, while the junior varsity football team received their league’s vaunted Sportsmanship Award for fair play. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107289 Mon, 23 Dec 2013 05:00:00 GMT false107289 Seniors Provide Food Gift Cards for Local Families The senior class at the high school collected more than $800 in donations this past Thanksgiving to provide 22 local families in need with gift cards to supermarkets, a welcome addition to the baskets prepared through the high school’s Thanksgiving food drive. The students’ conscientious efforts did not end with Thanksgiving, however. Funds were raised through a raffle donated by the seniors’ class adviser as well as via a friendly competition among the different senior classes. The charitable work by the Class of 2014 (four members are pictured at right) enabled these families to receive additional food gift cards for the winter holidays. Senior Jeremy Friend went above and beyond in collecting numerous donations from students, staff and community members. “We are extremely proud of this young man’s dedication and effort, and of the hard work by all of the students who helped,” said school social worker Barbara Charity. “Once again, the students at Deer Park High School exhibited their concern for their community and for families in need.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107290 Mon, 23 Dec 2013 05:00:00 GMT false107290 Frost Students Collect Soaps for Seniors The student council at Robert Frost recently conducted its annual “Soaps for Seniors” project. The giving-back effort involves the collection of shampoo, conditioner, combs, brushes, toothpaste, toothbrushes, lotions and other hygiene products for the benefit of local senior citizens. The members of the council packaged the toiletries and delivered them to seniors at two local nursing homes, Our Lady of Consolation Nursing & Rehabilitative Care Center in West Islip and Sunrise Senior Living in Dix Hills, accompanied by festive musical performances from the Robert Frost Chamber Choir and a small ensemble comprised of players from the school’s chamber orchestra. “Having the young students visit them is a bright spot in the day of these senior citizens,” said student council adviser Carole DiPietrantonio. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107291 Mon, 23 Dec 2013 05:00:00 GMT false107291 Student-Musicians Chosen for Long Island String Festival, All-County Concerts Four of the district’s superlative student-musicians – high school senior Noah Roff (viola), John F. Kennedy Intermediate School fifth-grader Julia Catanzano (violin), and (pictured at right) Robert Frost Middle School eighth-grader Vy Do (violin) and seventh-grader Alexandra Doogan (bass) – have been selected for this year’s Long Island String Festival. They will be performing with other students from Suffolk County at the festival during January and February. “My congratulations to these students and the district’s outstanding string teachers, Kathryn Attard, Catherine Lubrano and Maria Wingert,” said Dr. Jeff S. Dailey, the district’s director of fine and performing arts. LISFA selection is based on several criteria, including New York State School Music Association solo festival scores and recommendations from school music teachers. “These are truly outstanding students and wonderful kids,” said Wingert, the string teacher at Robert Frost. Roff was also chosen to be principal violist of the NYSCAME All-County Orchestra, an honor indicating that he is the top-ranked high school viola player in Suffolk County. He recently played in the All-State String Orchestra at the NYSSMA Winter Conference in Rochester and at Carnegie Hall with the New York Youth Orchestra. Additionally, 22 Deer Park students from grades 5-10 were chosen for All-County ensembles, sponsored by the Suffolk County chapter of the New York State Council of Administrators of Music Education. The All-County concerts will take place at Centereach High School on March 8 and 9. From the high school, Kenneth Del Cid (trombone), Jasmine Martin (flute) and Michael Strenta (alto sax) will perform with the Division III West band, while Olivia Grizzle (alto) and Averi Lacoff (soprano) will sing in the Division III West chorus and Kalvyn Guyer (violin) will perform in the Division III West orchestra. Representatives from JFK Intermediate will include Cantanzano in the Division I Central band, and vocalists Casey Fonseca and Kelly Schwarz in the Division I Central chorus. All-County ensemble performers from Robert Frost will include Audrey Barke (clarinet), Danielle Izzo (flute) and Emanuel Saladino (trumpet/cornet) in the Division I Central band; Emily Siegel (clarinet) and Megan Zhang (flute) in the Division II West band; vocalists Isabella Giglio and Paulina Logrande in the Division I Central chorus; Celine Marino (soprano) and Mayedun Ogunsanwo (soprano) in the Division II West chorus; Giavanna Pitagno (viola) and Catherine Wilkonski (violin) in the Division I Central orchestra; and Rebecca Fox (viola) and Maya Kovic (violin) in the Division II West orchestra. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107286 Fri, 20 Dec 2013 05:00:00 GMT false107286 Primary Schoolers Show Creativity with Gingerbread Houses First-grade and prekindergarten students at John Quincy Adams had the chance to show off their creativity and holiday spirit during gradewide gingerbread house-making projects inside the school’s cafeteria and classrooms. Parents and grandparents were invited to come and help decorate the youngsters’ gingerbread houses, each of which started out simply with milk cartons, frosting, graham crackers and lots of colorful candy, and ended up as a delightful seasonal work of art. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107287 Fri, 20 Dec 2013 05:00:00 GMT false107287 High School Inducts 55 in National Honor Society Ceremony Cementing their commitment to academic excellence, 55 Deer Park High School students were welcomed into the National Honor Society during Deer Park’s 52nd annual induction ceremony at the school’s auditorium. To begin the ceremony, Student Council President Daniela Zabbatino led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by addresses from NHS adviser James Henry and Superintendent of Schools Eva Demyen. She noted that it can be difficult for high schoolers to make the effort to excel when they are told by peers that it isn’t “cool” to do so. “It’s very cool to be smart,” Demyen told the students. “I’m so proud of you for being here this evening.” “Tonight is not an honor to be taken lightly,” said Principal James Cummings, before advising the new inductees on the future impact of their selection to the society. “As you move forward and the world changes around you,” he told them, “remember the qualities that got you into the National Honor Society. They will still lead you to greatness in the real world.” NHS President Kyle Devine provided a short history of the society, which holds four basic requirements for membership: scholarship, leadership, service and character. Four members of the NHS – Zabbatino, Vice President Ebne Rafi, Secretary Arianna Leo and Treasurer Taylor Price – spoke on and lit candles on the dais for each of the four tenets, respectively. Joined by the rest of the current membership of the NHS, Devine and Leo then presented the new inductees and Rafi administered the NHS pledge. After receiving their certificates and pins, each student shared the flame of his or her individual candle – which in NHS tradition, represents learning – with the next in line until all of the new and old members’ candles were lit. The ceremony was accompanied by a tasteful performance by the school’s chamber orchestra, led by Kathy Attard. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107285 Wed, 18 Dec 2013 05:00:00 GMT false107285 SADD Club Provides for Yaphank Vets For students in the high school’s chapter of Students Against Destructive Decisions, their commitment to helping local veterans goes beyond Veterans Day and has become a year-round endeavor, exemplified by a recent donation of special holiday gift packages for homeless vets in Yaphank. SADD’s veterans project began four years ago when the club presented an intergenerational TV show trivia contest for veterans at the Northport VA Medical Center, followed by a Victorian tea for the center’s female veterans complete with tea sandwiches, tea trivia and tea etiquette. Last June, the club provided a picnic for homeless veterans at the Veterans Place in Yaphank, a former motel that has been converted to a shelter by Suffolk County United Veterans. “Our members have a special place in their hearts for these vets,” said the club’s adviser, Janet Werner-Kempski. “We have even ‘adopted’ a special vet who underwent successful cancer surgery and is doing well.” Recently, a call was placed to the Veterans Place to find out what the vets’ needs were, and the SADD students responded by donating the necessary hats, gloves and scarves, supplemented by a surprise donation from the Girls' Youth Group at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Kings Park and an additional donation of American flags by a friend of Werner-Kempski. SADD club members decorated the gift bags, wrapped gifts and placed a flag in each bag, readying them for delivery to the veterans. “This is very important to us,” said Brian Doscher, a member of Deer Park’s SADD chapter. “It’s the best way for SADD to express our appreciation for these veterans.” “The SADD club really is an amazing group,” said Werner-Kempski. “They are like Santa's elves. They come in, work quickly and disappear. It is a pleasure to work with them and gratifying to know that they will become good citizens of our world.” The club next plans to host a Southern-style barbecue for the veterans in June 2014. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107284 Tue, 17 Dec 2013 05:00:00 GMT false107284 May Moore Music Club Begins Christmas Season with ‘Littlest Reindeer’ The 40 students in the Second-Grade Music Club at Deer Park’s May Moore Elementary School rang in the start of the holidays with their seasonally sweet production of John Higgins and John Jacobson’s “The Littlest Reindeer.” In the musical, which centers on the theme of giving, the title character comes to the aid of Santa Claus, who is stuck fast in a narrow chimney. Costumed as elves and reindeer, the second-graders sang memorable songs such as “Getting Ready for Christmas” and “Up! Up! Up!” while warming the hearts of the appreciative audience, comprised of fellow students, parents and staff. “The students worked extremely hard to bring a little bit of Santa’s workshop here to May Moore,” said music teacher Catherine Lubrano, the club’s adviser. “Our students learned that with some teamwork, even the littlest reindeer can save the day.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107283 Fri, 13 Dec 2013 05:00:00 GMT false107283 Fun Club Students Learn Social Skills in Simulated Apartment The innovative Fun Club social skills program allows JFK Intermediate students to take full advantage of the Life Skills Center, a special simulated “apartment” set up several years ago at the district’s former Washington School. The Fun Club was implemented to help children in self-contained classes learn and use vital life skills. “This program is designed to increase opportunities for our children to be socially successful in school and in the Deer Park community,” explained special education teacher Marie Tortorici. “We teach each child appropriate social skills to use when engaging adults and peers in school and outside in the community. We practice these skills in real-life scenarios at the apartment and then work on them further during mini trips into the community.” Visiting the apartment on a regular basis, the 25 students in the Fun Club rotate from one confidence-building activity to another, from vacuuming to folding laundry. In the kitchen, they sort silverware, wash dishes, and put pots and pans away. In the apartment’s bedroom, they learn how to make a bed by working with a real bed and sheets, encouraging teamwork. Game-playing and sharing snacks provide chances to socialize and interact with kindness. The Life Skills Center program also recently introduced a “retail store” with assorted clothing and food items, which helps the JFK students work on real-world shopping, money and budgeting skills. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107282 Wed, 11 Dec 2013 05:00:00 GMT false107282 Book Fairs Get Elementary Students Excited About Reading Recent Scholastic book fairs at John Quincy Adams and May Moore elementary schools brought excitement to many young readers, who happily browsed the racks searching for that special author or character, while raising funds for the schools’ Parent Teacher Associations. “The book fair is extremely important because it encourages our children to read books,” said JQA PTA Co-president Darlene Piazza. “It allows fresh books to be in the kids’ hands,” added May Moore PTA member Kris Rosales, the organization’s former president. “The fair really gets them excited about reading.” Popular new sequel “Pete the Cat and His Magic Sunglasses” by James and Kelly Dean was the runaway best seller at JQA, Piazza noted, while the most popular titles at May Moore this year, according to its PTA, included the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” and “Rainbow Magic” series and tie-in books for shows like “Sofia the First,” “Bubble Guppies,” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.” JQA’s book fair helps fund a variety of in-school assemblies. May Moore utilizes its book fair proceeds to purchase more reading material for children. “We just ordered 550 books to be delivered by ‘Santa’ to each and every student,” said Rosales. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107279 Wed, 27 Nov 2013 05:00:00 GMT false107279 JFK Helps Deer Park Families Celebrate Thanksgiving Dinner Thanks to the conscientious students and staff of John F. Kennedy Intermediate School, needy families in the district will enjoy a full Thanksgiving dinner as a result of the school’s annual holiday food drive. “JFK sponsors the food drive each year in an effort to make the Thanksgiving holiday a special and memorable time for all our students,” explained school social worker Carol Miller-Douglas. “Our goal is to acquire all of the traditional trimmings to put together wonderful Thanksgiving baskets.” Each class at JFK is responsible for collecting a specific nonperishable item or canned good. This year, the students collected more than 18 milk crates full of donated food items, supplemented by a donation from the local Girl Scout troop. The baskets were then organized by Miller-Douglas and three of JFK’s teaching assistants, Kathy Layden, Anna Marino and Suzanne Wright. “They always stay after school and help put the baskets together for the families each year,” said Miller-Douglas. “Without them, I would not be able to do my job so well.” The finished baskets full of Thanksgiving cheer were donated to 10 JFK families in need. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107280 Wed, 27 Nov 2013 05:00:00 GMT false107280 High School and Middle School Students Hold Successful Food Drives Students at the high school and middle school collected hundreds of nonperishable food items in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, reinforcing their spirit of community service and aiding needy families throughout the district. The high school’s annual food drive began with students collecting food through the Student Council and their classes, bringing in a variety of items that together will provide meals for the holidays. Class advisers then collected food in front of area supermarkets on successive weekends, followed by a homeroom food drive competition in which the winner brought in over 100 items alone. Student Council members then gathered to sort and pack the food, directed by adviser Kerry Walsh. In total, enough surplus food was gathered in the school pantry this year to donate to 22 local families through the holidays and winter. At Robert Frost, more than 30 students from the school’s National Junior Honor Society and adviser Seth Margolin worked to sort and divide cans and boxes, to create balanced meals in every basket, that had accumulated in over two weeks of collecting for the Frost food drive. “It’s a lot of effort but the outcome is great,” said NJHS President Celine Marino. “We work really hard to help our community and do the best we can for our school.” The food baskets at Frost will provide assistance to families in need throughout the district. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107281 Wed, 27 Nov 2013 05:00:00 GMT false107281 High Schoolers Volunteer as Language Study Buddies at Public Library In Deer Park High School’s ongoing Study Buddy program, high schoolers in the World Language Honor Society volunteer their time to tutor English language learning elementary school students at the Deer Park Public Library. Some children being tutored are receiving support for their world language classes, but the majority of the WLHS volunteer tutors are using their language skills to communicate with the families of the district’s children who are learning English and to provide these younger students with reading and writing support. “The Study Buddy program is just one way students in the World Language Honor Society fulfill their community service time,” explained Gina Palasciano, districtwide curriculum associate of world languages and ESL. “It is a program we have had in place for nearly three years, and both the high school students and their Study Buddy friends really enjoy it.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107278 Mon, 25 Nov 2013 05:00:00 GMT false107278 Fashion Students Create Dress for Breast Cancer Awareness Two fashion design students at the high school decided to honor October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month by creating a unique tribute and work of art. Supported by Rita Murphy, their fashion design teacher, Alex Posillico and Ada Ramirez made a special breast cancer dress using only a mannequin and pink paper ribbons provided by the school’s SADD club. “We wanted people to be aware of breast cancer issues,” said SADD adviser Janet Werner-Kempski, “and to know that you can have breast cancer and still be beautiful.” When inspiration struck the two seniors, they forged ahead without a definite plan and despite never having attempted a similar project. “It just happened as we went along,” said Ramirez, who explained that the dress took two-and-a-half school periods to complete. “I was very glad to be a volunteer and have the experience of doing something for breast cancer,” she added. Both students were recognized for their artistic achievement at the November Board of Education meeting. Superintendent of Schools Eva Demyen said, “They did an outstanding job – what creativity!” Posillico and Ramirez both plan to study fashion design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City next year. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107276 Fri, 22 Nov 2013 05:00:00 GMT false107276 High School Honors 18 Student Achievers at Breakfast of Champions Accompanied by their proud parents, 18 outstanding high school students were recently recognized for their achievements, hard work and determination to overcome obstacles at the Breakfast of Champions, a biannual event held in the school’s library. “The Breakfast of Champions is an opportunity for teachers and administrators to honor students who have impacted them in some way,” explained Jeanne Kozlowsky, the school’s associate principal of curriculum, instruction and assessment. “It’s always an event we look forward to.” Students are selected as champions for each of the 15 departments at the high school, as well as two champions selected by principals and one by a teacher. For the Fall 2013 edition of the Breakfast of Champions, the honorees receiving plaques were Anthony Baculima Lopez by the ESL department, Nicholas Falco (family and consumer science), Theresa Grimaldi (health), Samantha Guttadauria (art), John Johnson (technology), Ali Karimi (English language arts), Joshua Larcom (guidance), Hope Mahon (physical education) Jacie Matera (business), Jaclyn Miano (performing arts), Malique Papailler (world languages), Johnny Rock (math), Domenico Russo (social studies), Tiffany Sawicki (science) and Kristy Vitucci (athletics). Additionally, the Principal’s Award was presented to Kiani Marcellus, the Associate Principal’s Award was given to Jordan Lazarich, and Blair Murray was honored with the Teacher’s Choice Award. Each teacher or administrator who nominated a champion spoke about their selected student. Some champions had worked on achieving their personal best inside and outside the classroom, while others demonstrated good citizenship or showed special compassion in helping others. “These students all show excellent conduct and character on a daily basis,” said Kozlowsky. “It’s important that we take the time to tell kids that we appreciate what they do and that they are good at what they do,” added Principal James Cummings. “It is mornings like this one that keep you going as an educator.” A talented quintet of student musicians from the high school’s string ensemble – Kalvin Guyer, Sharon Moon, Noha Roff, Tina Stavris and Aaron Zhang – performed classical music as a prelude to the breakfast, to the enjoyment of those in attendance. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107277 Fri, 22 Nov 2013 05:00:00 GMT false107277 Four HS Student-Athletes Sign Letters of Intent Four of the high school’s most talented student-athletes recently signed National Letters of Intent to play for some of the best college programs in the country. Accompanied by their proud families, the seniors were congratulated by their coaches and Athletic Director Dominick Fontana. Kaylan DiModugno, who plays midfield/attack on the girls lacrosse team, signed with University of Massachusetts Lowell, where she plans to study psychology and pre-med. A top scorer and five-year starter on the varsity squad, DiModugno was named a Scholar-Athlete as well as All-League. She also played for six years on the prestigious Long Island Yellow Jackets lacrosse travel club. Another girls lacrosse standout, Shannon Doolan, will attend Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va., where she will major in Asian studies. Like DiModugno, she is a top scorer on the team, a Scholar-Athlete and played for the Yellow Jackets. While at Deer Park, Doolan was also a two-time MVP and was named All-League, All-County and twice a Brine All-American. Aaren Edmead, a point guard on the basketball team, signed with Wagner College in Staten Island. Edmead, who was named All-League, All-County, All-Long Island, All-Conference and All-State, was a major part of Deer Park’s two recent League IV championships. He cited the team’s appearance in the Suffolk County Class AA championship game earlier this year as another highlight of his career. His major is undecided. Baseball catcher and two-year team captain Tyler Theiss will attend the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut, where he will study criminal justice. During his four years as a member of the varsity squad, Theiss was named a Scholar-Athlete and the No. 9 catcher in the Northeast, and achieved All-League in his first three years with the team. He also played for the Long Island Titans travel baseball club. “The four athletes that have just signed their Letters of Intent to play at the next level are extremely deserving of that opportunity based on all of their hard work, both on the field and court as well as in the classroom,” said Fontana. “I wish them all the best of luck on their future endeavors.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107275 Wed, 20 Nov 2013 05:00:00 GMT false107275 Raising Awareness with Vets Day Symposium As part of a Veterans Day symposium coordinated by the school’s social studies department, high school students were visited by U.S. Navy veteran John Rago, who served during the 1970s as a sonar technician aboard the USS Francis Scott Key, a nuclear submarine. “The event is intended to raise awareness of Veterans Day and all the sacrifices made throughout history by men and women in uniform,” explained Heather Stewart, Deer Park FACS and social studies curriculum associate. “It provides our students with unique experiences of interacting with veterans and hearing firsthand accounts of their service.” During the symposium, held in the school library, Rago regaled the students with vivid descriptions of life aboard a submarine and provided detailed answers to their questions regarding the Cold War strategies of submarine reconnaissance and the strong bonds of mutual respect and cooperation formed by service members while underwater. In addition to discussing his career as a submariner, he also spoke with students about the challenges facing veterans today. Rago currently serves as the outreach coordinator for the Suffolk County United Veterans organization, working with supportive services for veterans and their families. The Yaphank-based SCUV aids Suffolk’s veterans with emergency shelter, transitional and permanent housing, case management, peer support, educational assistance, job training, transportation, and food pantries. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107273 Fri, 15 Nov 2013 05:00:00 GMT false107273 JFK Students Vote in Election Day Assembly Students at John F. Kennedy Intermediate recently learned about politics and participatory democracy firsthand, voting in student council elections for their new president, vice president, treasurer and secretary. Fourth- and fifth-grade students were given an opportunity to run in a primary round by attaining 50 signatures from their peers and two teacher recommendations. Fourth-graders at JFK are allowed to run for treasurer and secretary while fifth-graders are permitted to run for all four offices. After this initial part of the process, students who completed all of their paperwork on time – approximately 100 running for each office – were entered on a ballot sheet. All fourth- and fifth-grade classes then voted for one student from the ballot for each office to narrow down the choices. After those votes were tabulated, the top five students – those with the highest number of votes – for each office went on to the schoolwide election. In the weeks leading up to the election, the 20 candidates prepared speeches and campaigned with catchy slogans and large posters placed around the building. “It really is a true replica of what a real election is like,” said teacher Alexis Ghiraldi, “and it also gives the students a chance to familiarize themselves with their peers and get to know them.” On Election Day, the students running for office attended a special schoolwide assembly in the gymnasium, orchestrated by teachers Ghiraldi and Kristen Lombardo. As the student voters gathered to cheer and hold up handmade signs extolling their favorites, each candidate gave a speech on why he or she would be a good fit for the job. “The speeches this year were stellar,” said Ghiraldi. “The students were confident, articulate and eager to win their peers over with their visions for the school year.” After the assembly, all of the school’s students – including third-, fourth- and fifth-graders – visited a voting site in JFK’s computer lab where they electronically cast their votes using Google Docs. “It was a true voting experience that the entire student body took part in and enjoyed,” explained Ghiraldi. “Using this technologically advanced way to vote, in lieu of the traditional paper ballots, gave the voting process the lift it needed to become an even more enticing and captivating experience for our kids.” After the final class members had cast their ballots, Google Docs was used to tabulate each vote. Alexa Belotti was elected as president, her identical twin sister Daniella Belotti was chosen as vice president, Megan Oswald was selected as secretary and James Hope was elected to the post of treasurer. “We are very excited to have these students as our new officers and know that they will do great things this year for JFK and its community,” said Ghiraldi. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107274 Fri, 15 Nov 2013 05:00:00 GMT false107274 Frost Students Win Veterans Awareness Essay Contest Two seventh-graders at the middle school were recently named winners of this year’s Town of Babylon Veterans Awareness Week student essay contest, with Julianna Knice winning first place and Kristen Alo’s entry coming in second. The winners were selected by a panel of veterans and were honored at a ceremony at Babylon Town Hall in Lindenhurst on Nov. 3 to kick off Veterans Awareness Week. “As a building, we are extremely proud of Kristen and Julianna,” said Principal Eliana Levey. “They represent not only their school but the entire Deer Park community with the sensitive and moving essays they each wrote honoring our veterans.” “Our thank-you does not have to be fancy or expensive – it may be as simple as taking a little time to talk with a veteran,” Alo expressed in her essay, while Knice said of the veterans, “I believe that a thank-you is not enough, but it is at least something. I am in constant awe of them. The way they leave their loved ones to protect all of us – people they don’t even know – is amazing.” Levey also cited the two girls’ teachers, Lindsay Baudier and Kevin Cogan, whose encouragement spurred the winning students to participate in this year’s contest. “Their dedication to honoring this country’s heroes sets a wonderful example for all of their students,” she said. Town Councilwoman Jacqueline A. Gordon, a chairwoman of the Veterans’ Advisory Council, also thanked the teachers, saying, “It is important for the students to know and learn about our veterans and their sacrifices.” “Every year I take the opportunity to stress the importance of Veterans Day to my classes,” said Baudier, who noted that more than 20 of her students, including Knice, participated in the contest as a voluntary assignment. “It is an important day for Americans to pay respect to our military servicemen and servicewomen – a day to honor the sacrifice, courage and commitment of our veterans who have served in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Air Force and who help to secure our freedom every day.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107272 Mon, 11 Nov 2013 05:00:00 GMT false107272 Parents and Prekindergartners Enjoy Pumpkin Workshops Recent prekindergarten pumpkin workshops at John Quincy Adams and May Moore elementary schools gave the district’s youngest students the chance to team up with their parents or grandparents to create something special for the season. During the workshops, which reinforced both art concepts and the idea of cooperation, the students and visiting adults worked together to make decoupage pumpkin candleholders using glass jars, colored tissue paper and glue. “The pumpkin workshop is a great opportunity for students to practice their fine motor skills with the help of a special grown-up,” said JQA Principal Christine Criscione. “Creating the pumpkin votive candleholder is a way for students to reinforce these skills they are learning along with celebrating fall.” The events also served as a fun and important way to involve parents more deeply in the daily educational process. “We feel that parental involvement in children’s education is crucial to their development,” said May Moore Principal Alicia Konecny. “To be effective, it has to be a partnership between the family and the school to assure that children are learning to the best of their ability, that they feel safe and supported, and that their parents feel well-informed and involved in making decisions that affect their child’s school experience. This was reflected at the pumpkin workshop, where both parents and children had a wonderful time.” In keeping with the autumnal harvest theme, students at both schools also enjoyed outdoor pumpkin patch sessions at the schools during October, where they were able to select the gourd of their choice to decorate and take home. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107271 Mon, 04 Nov 2013 05:00:00 GMT false107271 High School Wins Long Island Pumpkin Fling Championship The high school’s pumpkin-chucking team is the winner of this year’s Pumpkin Fling, Long Island's annual championship pumpkin catapult contest. The Dark Falcons took first place out of seven high school teams who competed in the Oct. 26 event at the Suffolk County Farm and Education Center in Yaphank. Participants had to construct a catapult or other mechanical propulsion device to toss a 3-to-5-pound pumpkin farther than their competitors. Deer Park’s formidable catapult – technically classified as a trebuchet – has the power to launch the gourds more than 900 feet, and with considerable velocity. “Our pumpkin was clocked by a sheriff's radar gun at 136 mph,” said Bruce Sander, a technology teacher at the high school who serves as the Dark Falcons’ coach and catapult guru. The 10 students on the team are a close-knit group, many of whom have worked on the catapult project with Sander, a former teacher at Robert Frost Middle School, for more than five years. When he was transferred to the high school, they followed, and the pumpkin-tossing efforts continued. “This group of students started with me in the seventh grade and built the first machine in the technology classroom, where we had to remove the doors to get it out,” explained Sander. “The students have been an integral part of our team’s success and had placed second for the past four years until this year’s competition.” The design, construction, training and operation of the catapults serve as more than simple recreation, making math, physics and engineering concepts come to life for the participating students in a tangible and exciting way, and engendering a strong sense of teamwork and cooperation. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107270 Thu, 31 Oct 2013 04:00:00 GMT false107270 Bread Baking at Frost Serves Both Educational and Charitable Needs The middle school recently hosted the King Arthur Flour Life Skills Bread Baking Program, a special culinary workshop that teaches students important educational concepts while also providing a valuable service to the community. King Arthur Flour baking instructor Amy Driscoll was on hand in the school’s cafe to demonstrate how bread is made, assisted by Frost students Mohammad Abdullah and Ajay Decleus. The participating seventh- and eighth-graders learned practical mathematical skills like measurement as well as the scientific processes behind the making of several varieties of bread. Each student was provided the materials to bake two loaves at home, one to keep and another destined for local charities to help feed those in need. The bread-baking program at Frost donated 285 loaves of bread and bread-making supplies to two soup kitchens, the Shepherd’s Table in Deer Park and the Mercy INN in Wyandanch. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107269 Wed, 30 Oct 2013 04:00:00 GMT false107269 Frost Celebrates Student Cultures on Heritage Night The months of September through November mark national celebrations for Hispanic, Italian and French heritage, including Hispanic Heritage Month, National Italian American Heritage Month and National French Week. World language students and teachers at Robert Frost honored these designations at the school’s recent annual Heritage Night. More than 100 sixth- through eighth-grade Frost students studying world languages and English as a second language participated in Heritage Night, many of them volunteering their time and effort to help prepare the event. All of the students had the opportunity to sample dishes and desserts of various cultures while listening to a DJ play music from the different countries they have been learning about in their world language classes. “It was a night for all to celebrate culture, heritage and community,” said world languages curriculum associate Gina Palasciano. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107268 Fri, 25 Oct 2013 04:00:00 GMT false107268 Falcons and Fans Fly High at Deer Park Homecoming Homecoming day came to Deer Park on Oct. 19 with smiles and the sounds of celebration, as representatives from each of the district’s schools marched to the high school’s football field, the entire community proudly adorned in the school colors of maroon, gray and white. The marchers were followed by the homecoming court and Disney-themed floats from each of the high school grade levels, including the winning entry by the senior class, a colorful “Senior Kingdom” creation. During the opening ceremonies at Al Centamore Football Field, Homecoming King Thomas Reed and Queen Toni Ann Cox were announced to happy applause. The court also included runner-up kings Anthony Fiorentino, Jeremy Friend, Zachary Lugo, and Nicholas Vitale, and runner-up queens Shannon Goldrick, Julianne Murray, Samantha Panzenbeck and Nora Seem. The king and queen took a celebratory lap around the track, riding in a vintage Camaro SS. Energized performances from the high school kickline and cheerleading squads from all ages across the district – including the youngest PAL and competition cheer members and the high school’s varsity and junior varsity cheerleaders – set the invigorating tone for the day, aided by the amusing antics of the school’s Falcon mascot. Continuing a Deer Park tradition, the women’s choir concluded the homecoming opening ceremonies with a moving performance of the school’s alma mater, after which Principal James Cummings added, “Let’s go Falcons!” The varsity football team barely needed such encouragement, shutting out Amityville’s Warriors by the decisive score of 24-0. Junior running back/linebacker Jasawn Thompson was the star of the day for the high-flying Falcons, notching three touchdown runs on 26 carries, including two electrifying first-quarter scores – for 56 and 65 yards – that had Deer Park’s excited fans on their feet. On defense, Thompson tallied 12 tackles, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery, while defensive end David Hamil added eight tackles and a fumble recovery. The stingy Falcon defense proved too tough for Amityville to handle, with interceptions by Angel Bien, Zach Lugo and Chris Tavella. During halftime, the crowd was treated to additional acrobatic kickline and cheerleading performances as well as rousing music from the mighty Deer Park Marching Falcons band, led by director Jerry Cannarozzo, drum major Chris Perepezko, and field captains Nicole Ann Pagan and Andrew Schaefer. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107266 Wed, 23 Oct 2013 04:00:00 GMT false107266 High School Student Volunteer Named SANYS Youth Advisor of the Year High school student Timothy Getchius was recently honored by the district for his tireless volunteer work with the Self-Advocacy Association of New York, having been named the 2013 Youth Advisor of the Year by the nonprofit organization, which is run by and for people with developmental disabilities. “Disabled persons come to us, and we try and help them so each and every one knows what self-advocacy is,” explained Getchius. “We make them feel like family.” Getchius, 17, earlier participated in the annual SANYS statewide conference, “Self-Advocacy: Leading the Transformation,” along with more than 500 attendees including representatives from local agencies, state government and school districts. “This is a great honor for Deer Park,” said Frank Caliguiri, the district’s assistant superintendent for pupil personnel services. “Timothy is a fine young man and we are proud of his achievement.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107267 Wed, 23 Oct 2013 04:00:00 GMT false107267 Top 10 Seniors Honored at Breakfast Recognizing exceptional academic achievement, the high school’s recent Top 10 Breakfast honored the 10 seniors with the highest grade point averages among this year’s graduating class. The special annual ceremony also served to announce the valedictorian and salutatorian. Kyle Devine, ranked first with the highest GPA, was announced as valedictorian of the Class of 2014. “We will be hearing about Kyle for years to come,” guidance counselor Jessica Gordon said of the star student during the ceremony. Ranking second was future salutatorian Andreas Stamatakis. The other students in the top 10 were Yasameen Saleem ranked third, Nasratullah Sultany fourth, Victoria Trovato fifth, Richard Jacullo sixth, Christina Catanzaro seventh, Daniela Zabbatino eighth, Nicholas Vitale ninth and Ebne Rafi 10th. “As principal, I’d like to congratulate all 10 of you, and thank you and your families for making this a better school,” Principal James Cummings told the assembled seniors. “You’re here because of your grades, but thank you also for what you do outside the classroom, which is where you make your mark. I wish you all the best and can’t wait to hear what you accomplish in the future.” The ceremony, held in the school’s library, included a celebratory breakfast for these high-achieving students and their families. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107265 Mon, 21 Oct 2013 04:00:00 GMT false107265 Freshmen Find New Paths on Career Day Deer Park High School freshmen got a head start on developing their career ideas at the school’s annual Career Day, making the most of the opportunity to learn from 45 presenters from a variety of careers, including financial experts, lawyers, physicians, nurses, psychologists, dentists, engineers, firefighters, electricians, social workers, broadcasters, authors, artists and athletic trainers. The day began with a keynote presentation by Thomas Henkel, the Northeast regional director for Mitel Corporation, who spoke to the more than 325 eager students about setting goals, overcoming setbacks and striving for success. The freshmen then attended three workshops in the cafeteria and gyms, where they were broken into small groups of 8-10 students and sat down at a table with a professional for 10 minutes to discuss his or her career. At the sound of a bell, the students got up and rotated to the next table to meet with another professional for 10 minutes. Each student was introduced to 10 different professionals throughout the course of the event, including representatives from Merrill Lynch, Century 21, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Dowling College, Bayville Dental, Innovative Medical Care, Radvision, Cascone & Kluepfel, Americorps, Huntington Hospital, Primerica, Island Orthodontics, First National Bank of Long Island, Smithtown Salon, Roussis International, SUNY College at Old Westbury, Winthrop University Hospital, the Air National Guard, Good Samaritan Hospital, Lake Insurance, Teachers Federal Credit Union, and the Fire Department of New York, as well as faculty and staff members from throughout the Deer Park School District. Also serving as a presenter was Deer Park Board of Education trustee Donna Marie Elliott, discussing her experience as the founder of the Safety & Environmental Solutions firm with the students. Assisting the event presenters throughout the morning were members of the high school’s senior internship program, which helps students find and complete unique internships in areas of interest to them. “For many of the students, this was the first time they were able to speak with a professional in the field in which they are interested, and some even secured an internship for the rest of the school year,” said teacher Christopher Kauter, the internship program’s adviser. “Our goal was to expose our freshmen to a variety of careers that may pique their interest and set them on a career path,” said Career Day coordinator Jill Perry-Eising, a member of the school’s business department. “For example, if a freshman met an accountant during the day whose discussion interested him or her, the student might then take elective classes such as accounting, financial management and personal finance, providing a clear idea of a career pathway to pursue in college. I believe we accomplished that goal.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107264 Thu, 17 Oct 2013 04:00:00 GMT false107264 National Merit Semifinalist a Top Achiever Deer Park High School student Andreas Stamatakis was recently named a semifinalist in the 59th annual 2014 National Merit Scholarship Program, the prestigious academic scholarship competition that has recognized remarkable academic achievements since 1955. This high-achieving senior and future salutatorian, ranked second in Deer Park’s top 10 of the Class of 2014, was recognized for his outstanding test results in the 2012 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Out of the more than 1.5 million students from over 22,000 schools who competed by taking the PSAT as juniors, Stamatakis placed among the top 1 percent in New York State. He and the approximately 16,000 other semifinalists, named on a state representational basis, will continue in the competition for 8,000 National Merit Scholarships worth about $35 million that will be offered next spring. “There is no doubt in my mind that Andreas possesses the intelligence, focus and determination to accomplish great things in the future,” said Meryl Fischer, Stamatakis’s guidance counselor at the school. He is a young man of rare ability whose potential is unlimited. Wherever he goes, he will leave his mark as he has at Deer Park High School.” While his academic performance is remarkable, including being named an AP Scholar of Distinction, scoring 100 on seven out of 12 Regents examinations and receiving a perfect 5 out of 5 on all six Advanced Placement exams taken, Stamatakis’s well-rounded resume makes it clear why he is such a unique and highly-regarded scholar and NMS candidate. Stamatakis worked as an intern in the physics department at Brookhaven National Laboratory in Upton, N.Y. this past summer, and intends to pursue a double major in economics and physics after graduation. His dual interests are reflected in two of his primary leadership roles, serving as co-president of the Science Olympiad team – where he was named a finalist at the Feb. 23 regional competition – and as president of Suffolk County DECA for 2013-2014. In the latter business-focused school organization, Stamatakis finished in first place in Suffolk County DECA competitions and in the top 10 in New York State in both 2012 and 2013. A trilingual speaker – also fluent in Italian and Greek – he serves as president of the Deer Park Academic Team, is a member of the school’s National Honor Society, Italian Honor Society and Math Team, and has competed on Deer Park’s boys varsity swim team for the past five years. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107261 Thu, 10 Oct 2013 04:00:00 GMT false107261 Fire Prevention Month Brings Safety Workshop to JQA and May Moore In conjunction with Fire Safety Month, the Deer Park Fire Department brought a thorough fire safety assembly to John Quincy Adams and May Moore elementary schools in October, presented by Assistant Chief Phil Scarfi. Scarfi, who has been conducting similar fire safety workshops for Deer Park’s schools during the past 34 years, demonstrated a working fire alarm for the youngsters, telling them to become familiar with the sound and noting that it takes an average of five minutes for a person to wake up to a fire alarm. He also discussed candle and kitchen safety, the importance of sleeping with bedroom doors closed, the need for a selected special meeting place outside, how to dial 911, and what a person should do if they or their clothes catch on fire. “A fire in the home can be extremely frightening, and it’s OK to be afraid,” said Scarfi. “We should be afraid of fire, and if we learn what to do to help prevent it, and what to do if there is a fire, we can keep ourselves safe.” Schoolwide fire safety programs are extremely effective in preparing elementary students for emergency situations, according to JQA Principal Christine Criscione. “Our students are fortunate to have the resources of Assistant Chief Scarfi and our wonderful Deer Park Fire Department,” added May Moore Principal Alicia Konecny. “We all need to be careful and educated when it comes to fire safety. Our students know how to respond to the sound of a smoke alarm – to get low and get out when they hear it. A child who practices these skills ahead of time will have a better chance to be safe. Just a little bit of planning can make a big difference for our families.” At the conclusion of the program, Scarfi gave every grade and class at both schools a chance to view one of the department’s fire trucks, demonstrating the fire hose and other firefighting tools to the eager children, many of whom donned red toy fire helmets. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107262 Thu, 10 Oct 2013 04:00:00 GMT false107262 Deer Park Educator Kauter Attends Google Teacher Academy This past summer, Deer Park High School teacher and alumnus Christopher Kauter was one of only 50 worldwide educators selected by Google for what he considered “an opportunity of a lifetime” – attending the prestigious two-day Google Teacher Academy, held in Chicago, Ill. Representing Deer Park, Kauter was selected for his creativity, passion for innovative technology, and commitment to collaboration, lifelong learning and high standards for his students. Partnered with educational nonprofit organization Computer-Using Educators, Google held its first intensive Google Teacher Academy in 2006 at its California headquarters, providing the participants with hands-on experience with Google products and technology and a chance to network with likeminded colleagues. They are recognized as Google Certified Teachers upon completing the program. Subsequent academies have taken place nationwide as well as in countries such as Australia and the U.K., and the company now boasts over 800 K-12 Google Certified Teachers worldwide. A Bay Shore resident and graduate of Deer Park’s Class of 1998, Kauter has taught at the high school for 12 years, mainly focusing on social studies. He began embracing technology three or four years ago, and cites the moment that Deer Park “went Google” in 2011 as a turning point, leading to his current status as a Google Certified Teacher and trainer, having passed six tests and a case study. “This is the thing I’m most proud of in my educational career so far,” he said, with the recognition netting him excellent feedback in the educational community here on Long Island. “A lot of doors opened,” he added. Kauter applied for the Google Teacher Academy in late May. Out of more than 2,000 applicants, only 50 were selected to participate at this session. His fellow educators arriving at Google’s Chicago offices in July came from every corner of the globe, including New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Zimbabwe. “Just being part of that group was rewarding,” said Kauter, who relished the chance for cross-cultural problem-solving. “It really was a great collaborative experience. Everyone was willing to share their ideas and solutions.” Networking has been a major benefit of participating in the program, and Kauter noted that he now has a global network of teachers to tap into. “We talk and share ideas on a daily basis,” he said. “It’s a very diverse group offering new ways to teach technology.” He is trying to bring what he learned at the Google course to his 12th-grade government classroom back home. “It changed my perspective on education,” Kauter explained. “I am more optimistic and focus on the positive. I’m not into lectures – I like to get into the trenches and dig into current events with the students.” Utilizing Google Drive and making apps for his students are among the tangible technological upgrades that have resulted from Kauter’s fruitful achievement. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107263 Thu, 10 Oct 2013 04:00:00 GMT false107263 Frost Students Learn to Achieve Goals with ‘Dream, Dare, Do!’ Students at Robert Frost Middle School got a head start in learning to achieve their goals on Sept. 25 when “Dream, Dare, Do!” came to the school’s gymnasium. This latest assembly from Camfel Productions, known for over 40 years for their acclaimed character education and anti-bullying programs, utilized an eye-grabbing three screens, vibrant music and emotionally direct views into the lives and challenges of real peers to teach effective lessons on personal responsibility. Accompanied by speeches by Camfel presenter Isaac Ayala, “Dream, Dare, Do!” served to help students in identifying dreams, overcoming obstacles, setting goals and taking responsibility for achieving those dreams. “Stand up for everyone, take what you’ve seen here and adopt it into your own life,” Ayala told the seventh-graders, reiterating the assembly’s directive, “Dare to stand up for the dreams of others.” Among the real-life challenges met head-on during the 45-minute program were dealing with pressure, the effects of cyberbullying, making positive choices, and the need for work, focus and effort. “Goals don’t come easy,” Frost Associate Principal Gary Ramonetti said afterward. He also urged the students to avoid negative people and not to stop others from achieving their own goals. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107597 Fri, 04 Oct 2013 04:00:00 GMT false107597 Six All-County, One All-State Musicians Recognized Six young musicians from Deer Park High School – Jerline Aristide, Katherine Keller, Mauricio Montes, Jessica Orelus, David Reyes and Noah Roff – were chosen for this year’s All-County ensembles, sponsored by the Suffolk County chapter of the New York State Council of Administrators of Music Education. The six students, all in either the 11th or 12th grade, have proven both their own natural gifts and dedication to practice as well as the program’s vibrancy. Their participation was earned through stellar evaluation scores along with strong recommendations from their school music instructors. Roff, an exceptional talent, was also selected to be part of the All-State String Orchestra, which will perform at the New York State School Music Association Winter Conference in Rochester, N.Y. in December. “These students once again have shown the community the strengths of the music program in Deer Park,” said Dr. Jeff S. Dailey, the district’s director of fine and performing arts. “Through their talent and hard work, they have achieved significant recognition of their musicianship.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107595 Mon, 30 Sep 2013 04:00:00 GMT false107595 Hazardous Meds Shed at Deer Park High School Representatives from the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department were on hand at Deer Park High School on the evening of Sept. 27, accepting unwanted, unused prescription medications at the latest event in the “Shed the Meds” initiative sponsored by Suffolk County Legislator Lou D’Amaro. This ongoing drug give-back project has two-fold aims: to prevent hazardous chemicals that could be present in the medications from entering the area’s groundwater system, and to keep them out of the hands of individuals who might be tempted to abuse them. “Better that they drop them off with us than dump them into our water supply,” said Deputy Dennis Creter, who manned a booth in the school’s lobby with partner Carl Vultaggio, timed to coincide with the school’s scheduled “Back to School” show featuring David Darwin. Creter noted that halfway through the event, they had already received over a dozen large bags worth of potentially hazardous medications that could now be safely handled by the department. Shed the Meds is the first of many planned drug- and alcohol-education programs throughout the Deer Park School District. These programs will all take a proactive approach – tailored to each school in the district – to involve the entire school community in helping to solve these societal issues. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107596 Mon, 30 Sep 2013 04:00:00 GMT false107596 MacBook Deployment at Frost Continues Tech Initiative Robert Frost Middle School recently completed its annual MacBook deployment, an initiative that began in 2010 as a means to increase instructional technology and provide one-to-one computing resources for the district’s students. Incoming sixth-graders receive an Apple MacBook laptop computer at the beginning of each school year, which then follows them as they continue through middle school. Each summer the MacBooks are then collected by district technology staff and redistributed the following September in three grade-level stages. Andrew Choi, the district’s instructional technology administrator, noted that the completion of the deployments will ensure that every Frost student will have a one-to-one device. “Our district is excited to continue to provide our students with this technology, which can be used to support lesson plans, conduct academic research, enhance curriculum and improve the students’ tech-literacy skills, and the teachers at Robert Frost are eager to use the MacBooks as part of their instruction,” said Choi. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107594 Fri, 27 Sep 2013 04:00:00 GMT false107594 Advanced Placement Scholars Rise The College Board has recognized 68 Deer Park High School students as AP Scholars for 2013, an increase of 14 since last year. Their average score on the Advanced Placement exams was 3.22. AP courses, which earn college credit for high school students, are graded on a scale of 1 to 5, with a score of 3 or above qualifying students for college course credit. Several levels of AP Scholar Awards are presented by the College Board’s Advanced Placement Program, honoring outstanding students who demonstrate college-level achievement through their AP courses and exams. Each of the 68 honorees received an award certificate, and their achievements will be noted in AP score reports sent to prospective colleges. Deer Park boasted a total of 17 AP Scholars with Distinction. This category is reserved for students who received an average score of at least 3.5 on their AP exams and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. The school can also take pride in its nine AP Scholars with Honor, who received an average score of at least 3.5 on all of their AP exams and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of those exams; and 42 AP Scholars, who received scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107593 Fri, 20 Sep 2013 04:00:00 GMT false107593 Running on a Brand New Track at Deer Park High School A new school year brings not only the return of students, but also numerous renovations to ensure that the buildings and grounds are clean, safe, functional and ready to serve the needs of the entire school community. One obvious change at Deer Park High School that students, staff and visitors will immediately notice is the immaculate recent upgrade to the track and field. “In a nutshell, the whole track was ripped out and replaced,” explained Kirk Gostkowski, the Deer Park School District’s administrator of facilities and operations. The prior track had been recoated and patched for many years, but was in dire need of replacement. The project took eight weeks altogether, with two outside firms contracted for a manpower total of 20. The facilities staff also conducted sprinkler repairs and moved the high jump, long jump and pole vault areas, making more room for other sports like lacrosse and football. New press boxes and lights had been installed two years ago, according to Gostkowski, leaving the fascia (the band-like surfaces below the roof edge) on the stands as the final piece of the renovation still to be completed. Gostkowski takes a great deal of justifiable pride in the work of the grounds crew, who were in the middle of spraying a red, white and blue 9/11 commemorative ribbon on the field in time for the first home game. “We maintain everything with our staff and are hard-pressed at times, but these guys do a great job and are unmatched anywhere,” he said, adding, “There’s a lot of Deer Park graduates among them, so they care about the schools and grounds. That means something.” In addition to the track and field, Gostkowski and his staff also refurbished and resurfaced the high school parking lots and replaced two of the school’s original roof sections. At Deer Park’s annual Superintendent’s Day conference in early September, Superintendent Eva Demyen showed faculty a slideshow of these ongoing renovations, and noted how pleased she was with progress on the district’s needed repairs. “The high school parking lot looks gorgeous,” she said. “It makes you feel proud to pull in to park.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107592 Wed, 18 Sep 2013 04:00:00 GMT false107592 School Starts with Smiles Across the district’s five schools, students streamed in as a new school year began on Sept. 9. From the youngest prekindergartners stepping off a yellow bus for the very first time at John Quincy Adams and May Moore primary schools, to the more experienced but still excited students facing new challenges at John F. Kennedy Intermediate School, Robert Frost Middle School and Deer Park High School, all faced the return of school with smiles and a sense of purpose, prepared to learn and grow. “Our day went off without a hitch,” said a pleased Susan Bonner, JFK’s principal. “The students arrived happy and ready to learn.” She noted that many of the third-graders made new friends as they entered their classrooms, since they had come from two separate primary buildings. Bonner also had high praise for the district’s latest educational upgrades. “The new curriculum that has been sent down from New York State is rich and rigorous,” she said. “Our staff of fine teachers is well prepared, and many already started to deliver this content to the students on day one. We are looking forward to a happy, healthy and well-educated student body this year.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107590 Fri, 13 Sep 2013 04:00:00 GMT false107590 May Moore Honors Memory of 9/11 Dressed in patriotic red, white and blue, staff and students at May Moore Primary School participated in a variety of events on Sept. 11 in remembrance of the 12th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. “We recognized how very important it is to honor this time in history as Americans,” said Principal Alicia Konecny. After two second-graders recited the Pledge of Allegiance over the loudspeaker, students from pre-K through second grade planted flags throughout the school grounds while patriotic and inspirational songs played in the background, including “America the Beautiful,” “You’re a Grand Old Flag,” Mariah Carey’s “Hero” and Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land.” In the classrooms, teachers shared an age-appropriate 2001 book about the events of 9/11, Andrea Patel’s uplifting “On That Day,” and other material for young children from the National September 11 Memorial & Museum’s website. “Although our young students weren’t born when these tragic events took place, it is important to remember that Sept. 11 revealed the profound human capacity to care for one another that transcends differences of nationality, religion and political affiliation,” said Konecny. “By planting American flags on our school grounds, we unite as a learning community with a focus on patriotism and citizenship.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107591 Fri, 13 Sep 2013 04:00:00 GMT false107591 Common Core at the Forefront of Superintendent’s Conference Day New York’s Common Core State Standards have been a hot topic among educators since being adopted in 2010, and the transition to these instructional standards was at the forefront at the district’s annual Superintendent’s Day conference in September. “All of us in New York State are in the same boat,” said Superintendent Eva Demyen, noting the challenges involved in the rushed transition to the Common Core, but as she explained to her fellow educators, the universal application of the Core’s principles is extremely important for the future of the district’s students and teachers alike. “Math and English language arts are the basic tools for all other disciplines,” declared Demyen. “The other disciplines all rely on them for proper implementation.” She emphasized that all teachers need to be familiar with the Common Core shifts, no matter what they teach – from technology to social studies. “It’s very important that it’s across the board,” she said. “We must embrace the Core in every discipline, not just ELA and math, and it has to be evident in every lesson we teach.” Highlighting a success of the Core shifts, Demyen cited the inspiring work of five teachers from John F. Kennedy Intermediate School – Rosanne Alfieri, Lauren Chipkin, Alexis Ghiraldi, Christine MacQuarrie and Tara Wellbrock – who were recently featured in a New York State Education Department video segment called “Teaching Is the Core.” The footage of their Core-aligned lessons, soon to be viewable on the state’s EngageNY website, will be used to aid teachers across New York in shifting their curricula to better reflect the goals inherent in the Common Core Standards and help ensure the improvement of student achievement. “You are the Core,” Demyen told the educators. “Don’t ever forget it.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107589 Thu, 12 Sep 2013 04:00:00 GMT false107589 Class of 2017 Transitions to High School Deer Park welcomed its Class of 2017 with the high school’s annual ninth-grade orientation program on Aug. 28, presented by school counselor Noel Skelton and college and career counselor Rachel Chalmers. The incoming freshmen were given a detailed look at Deer Park’s array of student activities, clubs and sports, as well as information on other useful topics like guidance counseling, graduation requirements and the location of faculty offices. “Freshman orientation is a very important program for several reasons,” said James Cummings, the high school’s principal. “Most importantly, it is the first step in helping the incoming class make a smooth transition to the high school. It’s also important because it gives the upperclassmen an opportunity to ‘give back’ to their school. It shows that they have a vested interest in the new students becoming part of the fabric of the high school. Lastly, it hopefully provides the freshmen with some familiar faces that they can turn to in the first couple of weeks.” As they filed out of the auditorium, the late-summer heat lingering in the classrooms couldn’t dampen the excitement of these new freshmen as they met with their guidance counselors, who provided expert advice that is sure to assist the students in making the most of their educational experience during the next four years. In the final part of their orientation experience, the ninth-graders toured the halls with older high schoolers as guides and found their new lockers. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107588 Fri, 06 Sep 2013 04:00:00 GMT false107588 Safety Training at Deer Park’s Administrative Retreat During the Deer Park School District’s Administrative Council Retreat in August, district administrators participated in a special training program focusing on the Incident Command System, intended to bolster districtwide security procedures and help ensure the continued safety of the district’s students and staff. Presenting were two deputy chief instructors from the Suffolk County Fire Academy – Jack Blaum, a retired Suffolk County police detective and former chief of the North Patchogue Fire Department who serves as Suffolk’s deputy fire coordinator; and New York City Fire Department Battalion Chief Tom Richardson, the former chief of the Deer Park Fire Department. The course, titled “Introduction to the Incident Command System for Schools,” was developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and was designed specifically for school district personnel, to familiarize them with how ICS principles can be applied in school-based incidents or emergencies. The program prepares school officials for how they would interface with community emergency response personnel from any agencies that might be called to respond. During the detailed program, 27 of Deer Park’s administrators – including Superintendent Eva J. Demyen and her staff, school principals, and assistant principals – were introduced to the organizational principles and elements of ICS, the various positions or roles that they may be called upon to fill, and their responsibilities in the event of an emergency. “By completing this introductory course in ICS, the administrators can now evaluate their specific school facilities and personnel and start to plan on how they can use ICS in the future,” said Richardson, “either for an emergency situation or even for a planned event such as the homecoming parade or a graduation ceremony. The overall course goal is to promote school safety by having an organized approach to managing an incident or event.” “I was very happy to see the administrators so engaged, from the superintendent on down,” added Richardson, who has been involved in teaching the federal ICS program for many years. “They asked great questions and we gave them suggestions for future training on handling emergencies.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107587 Tue, 03 Sep 2013 04:00:00 GMT false107587 Deer Park High School 50th Commencement To commemorate Deer Park High School’s 50th commencement ceremony, the Class of 2013 donned the district’s original robe colors of maroon and white, while the American Celtic Pipe Band led students in procession to the school’s front lawn. The graduation paid tribute to the school’s legacy and looked toward the future of graduates. Superintendent of Schools Eva J. Demyen shared a personal story about Superstorm Sandy to draw correlations between the growth of students and their ability to overcome challenges throughout the years. She encouraged students to find their way through life, make smart decisions and, most importantly, enjoy the journey. Since their freshman year, senior class advisers Jessica Adamo and Kristen Small have formed strong relationships with students. The pair addressed the graduates, thanking the group for the unique memories and special events shared, including fundraisers, dances and group achievements. Elected by her peers, Senior Class President Nicolette Tortorici emphasized the feeling of community and reinforced that the class will leave the high school knowing who they are and that they have all had an impact on one another. Salutatorian Jordan Rios, who will be attending Cornell University in the fall, reflected on what the students had survived and what they will leave behind as a class. A sense of unity was felt in his words as he described how the class was together at the start, supported one another, and will now venture out to sow new seeds. Valedictorian Tyler Doogan, who has been accepted into the University of Buffalo’s Honors Program, directed his peers to face the future head-on. He explained that while the future is unknown, it is filled with limitless possibilities, and while there are no certainties or guarantees, one should follow his head and heart. In Deer Park tradition, the valedictorian from 10 years prior served as the honorary guest commencement speaker. This year, Class of 2003 co-valedictorian Dr. Thomas DePrima spoke to students directly and identified the commencement as “a day about you, and a celebration of you.” He reminded students that they are entering a new phase of their lives that holds more freedoms to make decisions, and that while these decisions may have lifelong impacts, they can always be edited. With so much at stake, he instructed students to employ a healthy skepticism, conduct their own research and carefully consider the advice they receive. Principal James Cummings highlighted the class’s achievements in the areas of academics, arts and athletics and drew upon the class’s yearbook theme, “lucky.” He reminded students that luck was only a small part of their success, and that it was their hard work and dedication to their education that had created for them these rewarding opportunities. The Board of Education, administrators and faculty then presented the awarding of diplomas to the Class of 2013, after which the Deer Park High School Symphonic Band and the ninth-grade band, under the direction of Jerry Cannarozzo, closed out the festive milestone event. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107582 Thu, 27 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT false107582 Robert Frost Students Ready to Advance The words of Dr. Seuss – “Today is your day. You’re off to great places! You’re off and away!” – set the theme for the moving-up exercises of Robert Frost Middle School in Deer Park. Principal Eliana Levey welcomed all in attendance and encouraged the graduating eighth-grade class to enter the high school with the same determination and drive they had applied throughout their time at Frost. She described the limitless potential of the students as individuals and encouraged them to connect with the high school culture by joining various clubs and organizations. Student Council President Anthony Henkel directed his peers to approach each day equipped with the resolve to go make a difference. He explained that their actions could be large or small, but either way they will make a positive impact. Recognizing the achievements of the student body, school administrators and community members and groups presented students with various awards based on their academic efforts and volunteer service contributions. Among the recognitions were the Presidential Academic Achievement Award and membership into the National Junior Honor Society. Eighth-grade students received their certificates from Board of Education trustees and district administrators, who congratulated each student as they walked on stage, signifying their successful advancement to the high school. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107583 Thu, 27 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT false107583 JFK Students Fly Kites served as the inspiration for John F. Kennedy Intermediate School’s fifth-grade moving-up ceremony, with the journey of a kite’s challenging yet rewarding flight used to mirror the growth of students throughout their time at JFK. Student leaders, including fifth-grade Student Council President Amanda Poggioli and Vice President Isabella Giglio, shared words of reflection and hopes for the future with their peers and families in attendance. Members of the flute and clarinet choirs performed, as well as the entire fifth-grade class, who sang “We’ll Meet Again,” signifying their transition together to Robert Frost Middle School. Various awards and recognitions were presented by Principal Susan Bonner to students who had earned academic honors for attendance, performance and commitment to education. Robert Frost Middle School Principal Eliana Levey welcomed students to their new school and looked forward to their orientation program. District administrators and Board of Education members presented JFK students with their moving-up certificates as classroom teachers read their students’ names. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107584 Thu, 27 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT false107584 Moving On Up Two groups of Deer Park second-grade students at May Moore and John Quincy Adams elementary schools celebrated their moving-up ceremonies surrounded by the educational community. At May Moore, Principal Alicia Konecny introduced the class and described the group as exceptional students. Second-grade students reminisced through an “A-Z of memories,” pumped their fists to “Education Rocks!” and waved American flags during the song “Wavin’ Flag.” At the ceremony’s conclusion, the administrators offered a “flash-forward” by dismissing the Deer Park High School Class of 2023, and students danced to “Gangnam Style” as they filed out. JQA Elementary, “Where Falcons Learn to Fly,” had a balloon-themed ceremony that played off the whimsical journey of these festive favors. During their “Up, Up and Away to JFK” moving-up, students performed “Well, It’s Been Fun” and “Ready to Go!” To conclude the school year, JQA’s second-grade class gave back to the district and environment by planting a Japanese lilac tree. The tree, which was donated by the district’s buildings and grounds crew, was presented by Principal Jennifer Rodriguez, who read facts about it and explained that it represents the second-graders as a class and symbolizes their time spent at JQA. Students from each class had a hand in the planting by shoveling dirt into the hole. Once planted, each student touched the tree for good luck as they move up to John F. Kennedy Intermediate School. Selected students at both schools were presented with the New York State Comptroller’s Achievement Award as well as awards for perfect attendance. JFK Associate Principal Shaun McLeod spoke to the classes and thanked the teachers and parents for preparing the children for their promotion to JFK. Mr. McLeod described how impressed he was by the students’ maturity, intelligence and good behavior, and instructed them to reach high and dream big as the future of the world. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107585 Thu, 27 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT false107585 Deer Park Pre-K Students Shine on Stage The youngest of Deer Park’s graduates showcased their talents and lessons learned at the Abraham Lincoln Pre-Kindergarten End of Year Celebration. Led by Principal Dr. Christine Criscione, each class took to the stage to perform in front of their peers and families. In front of a live audience, students sang both original and classic lyrics that highlighted their achievements and events shared together. Choreographed dances told class stories and illustrated the vibrant personalities of the students. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107586 Thu, 27 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT false107586 Students Bring Color to Peer’s Words From the Heart Robert Frost Middle School eighth-grade student Christy Jourdain received the gift of life with a heart transplant last year, and during this challenging time, used her creativity to fuel her strength. Throughout Christy's heart transplant journey, which included long stays in the hospital and myriad tests, she wrote a series of poems about colors, titled “I Need Colors, Colors Mean Life!” which described the emotions each shade evoked at that time. Christy’s sister Saraya, a seventh-grader, was inspired by her sister’s fortitude and bravery and decided to pay homage to Christy’s literary works by bringing them to life. Led by art teachers Danielle Menig and Maria Giglio, students honored Christy’s vision by taking each of her poems and creating original acrylic paintings to illustrate her words. Christy’s written words, included the passage, “Aqua Green is the courage to keep going, Nothing is going to stop me moving forward it would be fire that gets bigger and never stops and always keeps light up like the fire in my heart that never goes out.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107581 Thu, 13 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT false107581 SADD Club Cares and Connects The High School SADD Club, led by adviser Janet Werner, works year-round to support the local community and those far away who are in need. To spread some warmth to the devastated town of Newtown, Conn., the club created an inspirational quilt for the Sandy Hook School. The quilt is decorated with words to motivate the students and staff and fabric hearts to represent the lives lost. The center panel reads, “From Our Hearts to Yours.” SADD members and staff personalized their design, signing their names to the back of the quilt, and sent a club photo displaying the project. In recognition of their tireless efforts, the SADD Club recently received a donation from the Suffolk County Police Explorers Post 1st Precinct. A number of Deer Park students – all members of the Explorers team – volunteered their time to wrap books at Borders. A portion of the proceeds was given to SADD in recognition of their community work. The students also attended a “Compassion Without Borders” conference held at Brentwood High School. The program stressed compassion and forgiveness in the face of life’s difficult situations. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107580 Wed, 12 Jun 2013 04:00:00 GMT false107580 A Conference for Student Innovation Robert Frost Middle School hosted the New York State Science and Engineering Fair, where more than 350 middle and high school students from across Long Island and New York City presented their research projects to a panel of judges. The collaborative event was a platform for discussion on a variety of topics and provided students with the opportunity to display their work and educate their peers and teachers on their extensive studies. Seven Robert Frost Middle School students qualified for this prestigious competition and tackled projects including Testing Lead in Local Soil, Supercooling Water and Snap Freezing, and Oily Aquatic Plants. Congratulations to Carli Fonseca, Chris Martinez, Michael Mieses, Alima Hossain, Jade Wilson, Gustano Giffone and Badar Zaman for representing Deer Park in this prestigious event. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107578 Thu, 23 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT false107578 Center Stage with Deer Park Students The thespians of Deer Park High School recently presented “The Drowsy Chaperone” as the district’s featured spring production. The dynamic parody of a 1920s American musical comedy focuses on a musical theater fan as he plays the record of his favorite musical, “The Drowsy Chaperone.” In this unique show-within-a-show setting, the story came to life onstage as the "Man in Chair” commented on the vibrant scenes, lively actors and musical ensembles. Student actors took on the roles of these versatile characters, telling the tale of a pampered Broadway starlet who wants to give up show business to get married, her producer who sets out to sabotage the nuptials, her chaperone, the debonair groom, the dizzy chorine, the Latin lover and a pair of gangsters who double as pastry chefs. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107579 Thu, 23 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT false107579 Playing with Numbers John Quincy Adams Elementary School hosted a night of numbers with its annual Family Math Night. More than 20 district teachers volunteered their time to share math concepts with students and their parents. A collaborative learning experience, families visited classrooms equipped with interactive stations that featured math problems, games and puzzles. Students and parents worked together to complete estimating and graphing activities and discuss with teachers grade-specific educational tools and resources. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107576 Sun, 19 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT false107576 Students Collaborate with Professional Musicians The professional musicians of Project Trio returned to Deer Park to facilitate master classes for district student-musicians. Project Trio worked with students one-on-one and through group ensembles to prepare for a live community concert, featuring the first performance by Deer Park’s newest musical group, the Didgeridoo Club. Music students in grades 5-12 – including the string, band and didgeridoo ensembles and flute, cello and bass players – participated in these interactive workshops, during which they learned unique techniques and fine-tuned their theatrical performance pieces. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107577 Sun, 19 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT false107577 A Night for Academic Exploration Each spring, the high school transforms into a forum for educational advancement during the district’s annual College Fair. More than 100 colleges, universities and academic institutions were represented at the event, which is now in its eighth successful year. Students and parents were also able to connect with SAT/ACT test prep centers and financial aid organizations, all critical resources when making educational plans. The district’s goal is to expose students of all ages to the options higher education holds and instill the message that it’s never too early or too late to start the college process. To meet students’ diverse needs, a variety of representatives were available to students from top-tier universities, vocational training schools and military service academies. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107573 Sun, 05 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT false107573 A Night at the Museum The student government at John F. Kennedy Intermediate School hosted a sophisticated and educational event, A Night at the Wax Museum. Each representative in the club selected a celebrity, historian or athletic figure that inspires them and conducted research through literary, video and photo resources. At the exhibit, students got into character by dressing up as their figures and positioned themselves in display showcases. Guests toured the hallways, visiting the live student attractions, and read the informative presentations, which served as the backdrop for the museum. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107574 Sun, 05 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT false107574 Scholar-Athletes and Good Sports The members of the district’s athletic teams are well-rounded student-athletes who excel in the classroom and work hard on the playing field. As a result of this commitment, six varsity squads, including girls basketball, swimming and diving, girls track, boys track, cheerleading and kickline, were named New York State Scholar-Athlete teams. To achieve this honor, students had to maintain a cumulative GPA of 90 or better throughout the season. Demonstrating outstanding character, the varsity wrestling, junior varsity wrestling and eighth-grade boys basketball teams received the Sportsmanship Award. This award is designated for teams who, based on the recommendations of officials and opposing teams, stand out for their fair play and good sportsmanship on the field of competition. In addition, teams also advanced to postseason play, defeating their competition in tournament playoffs. Boys varsity basketball claimed the League IV championship and were led by coach John McCaffrey, who was named the League IV Coach of the Year. More success on the court was achieved by the girls varsity basketball team, who qualified for the Class AA playoffs. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107575 Sun, 05 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT false107575 Green Innovation at JQA Elementary At John Quincy Adams Elementary School, students in Lisa Stallone’s class honored Earth Day by learning how used items can be transformed into beautiful and useful products. Students collected cans, plastic, paper and wood and used their imaginations to reinvent these materials to create robots, toys, clocks, birdhouses, accessories and stationery supplies. Through careful engineering, students took old water bottles and other used plastic containers to plant seeds and grow plants, demonstrating how something old can be reused to create something new. In addition, students studied the process of recycling and how to keep our environment clean through books, poems and songs. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107572 Thu, 25 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT false107572 From Trash to Treasure Robert Frost Middle School students committed to a "greener" world and spread the word to their peers to think about the positive impact they could have on the earth by repurposing items. Prompted by this initiative to become more eco-friendly and eco-conscious, they made posters featuring tips on clean living and created mini-books with the message of reduce, reuse and recycle. Throughout the month of April, students brought in plastics, take-out containers, egg cartons, broken costume jewelry and toys, frames, bottles, glassware and assorted bric-a-brac. The unwanted items received a second life as they were transformed into useful and beautiful products in the "Trash to Treasure" recycling project. Students were challenged to use their resourcefulness to design, plan and create useful products using the discarded materials. Older students assisted younger students, and all were encouraged to develop their problem-solving skills, working outside the box to accomplish their "green" goals and do their part to improve the environment. The result was a variety of innovative items, including a vinyl record clock; a "green footprint" shoe organizer; iPod holders; an automatic plant-watering system; hand-sewn grocery shopping bags made from discarded Capri-Sun drink pouches; a purse made from old library books, bamboo and burlap; and leather jewelry made from old softballs. Students learned that transforming old trash into a new product rather than buying a brand-new packaged item saves energy and money and reduces air and water pollution. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107570 Thu, 25 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT false107570 An Earth Day Movement May Moore Elementary students in Pamela Arcuri’s class made an Earth Day pledge to support the sloth. After reading “A Little Book of Sloth” by Lucy Cooke, students were inspired to help these tree-dwelling mammals. The elementary schoolers researched the Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica, a facility that advocates the protection and rehabilitation of sloths in recovery, and then brainstormed ways they could raise funds for this organization. Students got active, completing earth-friendly chores around the house and writing informative and persuasive essays seeking donations for the Sloth Sanctuary. Their efforts continue as they learn more about the sloth through books and interactive videos. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107571 Thu, 25 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT false107571 Student Artwork Decorates Town Hall John F. Kennedy Intermediate students represented the district at the Suffolk County Art Leaders Association Children’s Show. Nine talented student-artists in grades 3 -5 had their artwork selected for display at Babylon Town Hall. This is the first year the school participated in this prestigious event, in partnership with the Babylon Citizens Council on the Arts. Students and their families had the opportunity to visit Town Hall to view the entire exhibit and were honored at a special reception. Pictured at right, students from John F. Kennedy Intermediate School (back row, l-r) Isabella Coon, Jonathan Petrizzo, Giavanna Pitagno, Gianna Candelaria, Evan Loyola, (front row) Michelle Xuan, Rumeysa Camlica, Huda Nawaz and Jade Reyes had their artwork featured at the Suffolk County Art Leaders Association Children’s Show at Babylon Town Hall. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107569 Thu, 18 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT false107569 Goalkeeper Advances Athletic Career High school senior Larisa Zambelli has signed a National Letter of Intent to play soccer at LaSalle University in Philadelphia, Pa. Larisa has served as the Falcons girls varsity goalkeeper since the eighth grade and has been recognized as an All-League, All-County and All-Conference selection. An outstanding student-athlete, Larisa will be receiving a four-year academic and athletic scholarship to this Division I institution. In addition to leading the district team, Larisa also showcases her skills as a member of the Albertson Fury, a competitive soccer club. Pictured at right, girls varsity goalkeeper Larisa Zambelli signed a National Letter of Intent to attend and play soccer at LaSalle University. She was joined by her parents Joseph and Lisa Zambelli, coach Ian Kyranakis and District Athletic Director Dominick Fontana. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107568 Thu, 18 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT false107568 A Lesson in Democracy The League of Women Voters of Huntington visited the high school to present “Vote 18” to the senior class. These community leaders introduced students to a moving presentation on the importance of exercising the right to vote and the journey to universal suffrage in the United States. In addition, the league is sponsoring student Alicia Legland to go on a three-day conference and represent Suffolk County at Students Inside Albany. Students Inside Albany is a conference sponsored by the League of Women Voters of New York State Education Foundation Inc. The program is designed to increase students’ awareness of their responsibility in representative government and provide the tools necessary for meeting that responsibility. Alicia is looking forward to exploring the political and legal aspects of various environmental issues. Pictured at right, high school student Alicia Legland was selected to attend the Students Inside Albany conference. She was congratulated by Heather Stewart, the district’s curriculum associate for social studies, and sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Suffolk County, represented by Brenda Reiss, League of Women Voters of Huntington co-president; and Judie Gorenstein, League of Women Voters of New York State Youth Program chair. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107339 Thu, 04 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT false107339 Students Jump Towards Better Health Students of John F. Kennedy Intermediate School participated in their annual Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart fundraiser. Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart are national education and fundraising events sponsored by the American Heart Association and the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. During physical education classes, students completed a circuit of basketball-themed activities and learned how to develop heart-healthy habits while being physically active. The stations engaged students in teamwork challenges while empowering them to improve their own health and help support other kids with heart-health issues. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107340 Thu, 04 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT false107340 Donation Drive Goes to the Dogs In an effort to support the four-legged members of their community, John F. Kennedy Intermediate School’s Let’s Make a Difference Club held an animal supplies drive. Led by adviser Jacqueline Amato, students collected a variety of items to be donated to the Town of Babylon Animal Shelter. Students volunteered their lunchtime to man the donation station and enticed their peers to participate by providing raffle tickets with the chance to win prizes in exchange for donations made. Through the generous efforts of the school, the club donated many essential products, including food, pet shampoo, toys, biscuits and treats, grooming tools, blankets and towels to comfort the shelter animals until they find their forever homes. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107341 Thu, 04 Apr 2013 04:00:00 GMT false107341 A Taste of Health Students Sample Nutritious Foods In conjunction with National Nutrition Month, and in an effort to educate students on the new FDA nutrition recommendations, John F. Kennedy Intermediate School hosted a Healthy Snack Festival. Students visited stations set up throughout the cafeteria that featured visual displays and taste samples representing the new food plate in all of the food groups. Students received a sample of grains, fruits and vegetables and accompanying literature on healthy eating. The district’s food service provider, Aramark, sponsored the event, which was held at all of the primary schools. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107337 Sun, 24 Mar 2013 04:00:00 GMT false107337 JFK Students Respond to Continued Need John F. Kennedy Intermediate School fifth-grade students Samantha Giroux, Makenzie Koury Caldone and Angelina Pititto recognized that the need for help in Superstorm Sandy relief efforts is still prevalent throughout their community. These student leaders decided to take action and organize a targeted donation drive. They assessed the situation and asked their peers to contribute everyday necessities that are often overlooked, including household products, personal care items and baby supplies, to support the local nonprofit Long Island Cares and its grassroots mission. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107338 Sun, 24 Mar 2013 04:00:00 GMT false107338 National Program Spotlights Deer Park for Outstanding Commitment to Music Education Heralding a commitment to music education, the NAMM Foundation designated the Deer Park School District as one of the districts across the country named a Best Community for Music Education. The Best Community designation recognizes collaborative, from-the-ground-up efforts of teachers, administrators, students and parents who continually work to keep comprehensive music education an integral part of the core curriculum. According to NAMM Foundation Executive Director Mary Luehrsen, the Best Communities for Music Education program, or BCME, is the bellwether of rising endorsement for this vital cause. “There is overwhelming research tying music education to higher overall student success in school and in life,” she said. “This designation recognizes communities for their commitment to music education and strengthens support for these programs. Having widely embraced the evidence indicating that music education yields great things in schools and communities, people are increasingly affirmative, advocating for school music curricula and championing programs like Best Communities that recognize this commitment to music education.” Now in its 14th year, the BCME program requires each school and district to detail funding, staffing, commitment to standards and access to music instruction. Responses are meticulously reviewed by researchers at the Institute for Educational Research and Public Service of Lawrence, Kan. (an affiliate of the University of Kansas) and the NAMM Foundation to calculate the designated districts and awarded schools. “It is gratifying that the music teachers and students from Deer Park are being recognized for their exceptional work,” stated District Administrator for Fine and Performing Arts Dr. Jeff Dailey. “The music program in Deer Park is very advanced and includes instruction in wind, string, and percussion instruments, as well as piano, organ, guitar, didgeridoo, dulcimer, and theremin. In addition, vocal music is also an integral part of the program, as is musical theatre, and the district offers college-level instruction in music theory. Our hope is to expand these programs and add new ones in the future.” As school districts across the United States finalize their 2013-2014 budgets, the announcement of this year’s Best Communities for Music Education designees focuses attention on the importance of keeping music education as part of schools’ core education. Past designees report that receiving a BCME designation significantly improved their ability to preserve their schools’ music education programs. The BCME program is a significant tool in the NAMM Foundation’s advocacy efforts on behalf of school-based music education. Numerous studies have demonstrated that learning to play music can boost student achievement and contributes to a school’s and district’s goals for success for all students. “The designation reveals the elements of music programs so that educators, administrators, teachers and students can see what they have, what they need, what they have accomplished, and what work needs to be done to strengthen their music education now and for the future,” Luehrsen said. According to its official website, the NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit organization with the mission of advancing active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs from the international music products industry. For more information about the NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107336 Tue, 19 Mar 2013 04:00:00 GMT false107336 A Creative Design for Heart Health Pre-kindergartners at the Abraham Lincoln School, along with their special adult helpers, participated in a winter workshop themed “You Gotta Have Heart.” The workshop culminated lessons on heart health and was inspired by Steven Kellogg’s “Mystery of Missing Mitten,” a book the students had read that tells a tale of a young girl, her favorite mitten and a snowman’s heart. Students created their own snowman out of a sock and designed a big, unique red heart for their sock snowman. Students also listened to the rhythmic beats of their heart and their helper’s heart using a stethoscope and then completed an aerobic activity to track how their heartbeats change following activity. “Teachers read a story to students about a lost mitten, and we incorporated that literacy lesson into a seasonal activity,” explained Abraham Lincoln Principal Dr. Christine Criscione in describing the multidisciplinary approach to the winter workshop. “In addition, students completed exercises that taught them about their heart rate while working with a family member.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107334 Thu, 14 Mar 2013 04:00:00 GMT false107334 Students Take Center Stage A talented cast of Deer Park High School thespians performed Neil Simon’s “Lost in Yonkers.” Students worked for weeks to portray this coming-of-age tale that focuses on Jay Kurnitz (Alexander Stephani) and his younger brother Arty (Sam Henkel), left in the care of his grandmother (Megan Cain) and Aunt Bella (Faith Ahmed) in Yonkers, N.Y. Jay's father Eddie (Joseph McGarty) must work as a traveling salesman to pay off debts incurred following the death of his wife. Supporting characters Uncle Louie (David Reyes) and Aunt Gert (Michelle Rubino) add to the mix of this highly dysfunctional family. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107335 Thu, 14 Mar 2013 04:00:00 GMT false107335 Student Showcases Spelling Skills Rebecca Fox, a sixth-grader at Robert Frost Middle School, worked her way to the top when she participated in her school’s annual spelling bee. The eight contestants in the schoolwide bee were those who received a score of 100 on the written spelling test, which was administered by the middle school’s English department to every classroom. Rebecca’s win placed her in the Long Island regional competition, held at Hofstra University as part of the Scripps National Spelling Bee program. Students in grades 4-8 from 103 schools in Nassau and Suffolk counties attended the event, which was led by Hofstra University’s Dr. Carole Clark Papper. Dr. Papper, a noted professor of writing studies and composition, served as head judge and moderator. Rebecca was a strong competitor and had an impressive finish, taking the 18th spot. At right, sixth-grade student Rebecca Fox is congratulated by curriculum associate Lynn Winters and Principal Eliana Levey. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107333 Thu, 07 Mar 2013 05:00:00 GMT false107333 Dental Health Lessons at Lincoln Abraham Lincoln School pre-kindergarten students learned the importance of dental health through an interactive program led by local dentist Eric Hanson. Dr. Hanson taught students about dental characteristics and the stages of tooth development. Utilizing props, he demonstrated the ways to keep one’s mouth healthy, including brushing twice daily for at least two minutes, using proper flossing techniques and making regular visits to the dentist for check-ups. In addition, students learned that healthy eating habits help maintain strong teeth. Dr. Hanson encouraged students to eat vegetables and stay away from sweets and soda. Students also became aware of how important teeth are to speech patterns and practiced articulating statements such as, "There's magic in a healthy smile,” saying the phrase normally at first and then attempting to say it without touching their tongue to their teeth. Following the presentation, students received a new toothbrush to bring home and practice what they had learned. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107331 Tue, 26 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT false107331 Lax Standout Signs Letter of Intent High school senior Crystal Harris has signed a National Letter of Intent to play lacrosse at the University of Albany. Crystal is a four-year member of the Deer Park girls varsity lacrosse team and is the starting goalie. As a field player and goalie, Crystal has worked hard to improve her skill sets and joined the Albany Elite Lacrosse Club team, allowing her to compete with the state’s best athletes in tournaments such as the Northeast Challenge and Northern Rise. An active member of the educational community, Crystal has participated in the Varsity Leaders Club, SADD Club, Spanish Honor Society and International Culture Club and has been the recipient of a Breakfast of Champions and New York State Scholar-Athlete award. In addition, Crystal participates in Explorers at the 1st Precinct, which works to teach youths about the dangers of substance abuse and criminal activity. Pictured at right, Student-athlete Crystal Harris, joined by parents John and Maria Harris, is congratulated by Deer Park varsity lacrosse coach Anthony Saccone (far left) and District Administrator for Athletics Dominick Fontana (far right) for signing a National Letter of Intent to join the University of Albany’s lacrosse squad. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107332 Tue, 26 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT false107332 Skype Session with America’s Bravest John F. Kennedy Intermediate School students connected through videoconferencing technology with Deer Park graduate and United States Army Specialist 4 Andrew Farquharson. Students were able to see and interact with Farquharson while learning about his deployment, military facts and life in Iraq via Skype. Andrew’s younger brother Matthew is a student in Marie Finley’s class, and his peers wanted to express their thanks to those who serve our country. The class began a letter-writing campaign, sending messages of thanks to the men and women of the armed forces, local firefighters, first responders and police officers in honor of 9/11 and Veterans Day. Specialist Farquharson wanted to personally thank students on behalf of U.S. Army 6/8 Cavalry Squadron, 3rd Infantry Division, who were recipients of the letters overseas. The informative discussion supported the students’ social studies curriculum and provided insight on topics of government, good citizenship and cultural literacy. Farquharson enlisted in the U.S. Army in January 2010 and attended basic training at Fort Knox, Ky. before being assigned to Fort Stewart, Ga. in May 2010. He was deployed to Ninewa Provinice, Iraq from July 2010 to June 2011 and has received numerous awards for bravery and tactical skills, including the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Sniper Selection, Good Conduct Service Medal and Member of the Order of the Combat Spur. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107330 Mon, 11 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT false107330 Students Put Their Hearts Into Reading John Quincy Adams Elementary School celebrated Parents as Reading Partners Month with a variety of literary events and activities. This year’s theme, “Put Your Heart into Reading,” was based on the character of the Tin Man from L. Frank Baum’s classic tale of “The Wizard of Oz.” The program kicked off with a visit from performing arts students from the high school, who engaged the audience in a reader’s theater version of “The Wizard of Oz.” Following the presentation, reading teachers explained the goal of PARP to students. "PARP is about getting us extra excited about reading in the cold, cold winter!" teacher Lauren Corcoran enthused. Each student received a commemorative button that illustrated the PARP theme, and teacher Elissa Martin described how students could participate. “During PARP, you will be doing a lot of fun reading activities at home,” she explained. “You can read to your sibling or dog and share your books in your favorite reading spot.” In school, storyteller LuAnn Adams engaged students in an interactive program where she told educational stories and utilized puppets and visual props, which students controlled as the story progressed. Students and their families also enjoyed Pajama Activity Night, which included a performance from author Lee Knight and story time with JQA teachers. The school set a reading goal of 10,000 books, tracked by a yellow brick road winding throughout the hallways. If they meet that mark, students will vote for Principal Jennifer Rodriguez to complete a silly celebratory action based on their suggestions. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107329 Sat, 09 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT false107329 Softball Player Signs Letter of Intent Deer Park High School student-athlete Sabrina Riley has signed a National Letter of Intent to play softball at Le Moyne College. A senior, Sabrina will join the Division II Dolphins squad next spring and has one more season left to excel in the district’s athletic program. Sabrina shares her athletic and academic talents through the high school’s National Honor Society, Varsity Leaders Club and Senior Class Club. At right, high school senior Sabrina Riley is joined by Deer Park varsity softball coach John McCaffrey, mother and father Joy and Chris Riley and District Administrator for Athletics Dominick Fontana for her Le Moyne College National Letter of Intent signing. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107328 Fri, 08 Feb 2013 05:00:00 GMT false107328 An Army Strong Performance The music students and teachers of Deer Park High School were a captive audience for a unique recent concert featuring The Volunteers, a U.S. Army rock band from Fort Drum, NY. The band performed a variety of tunes that had everyone off their feet, clapping and singing along. The talented ensemble – which included string, brass, percussion and vocal musicians – interacted with students throughout their set. The Volunteers are the rock component of the United States Army Field Band. Members described the mission of an Army band, which is to build morale throughout the country and entertain the troops, as well as their experiences traveling around the world and training. The United States Army Field Band has long been active in the educational community, and The Volunteers, together since 1981, presented Deer Park students with an educational and entertaining production. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107325 Thu, 31 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT false107325 Students Make a Local Reach for Sandy Victims The students of Deer Park High School wanted to respond to the devastation Superstorm Sandy brought to their community and found a way to make a local impact. As Babylon residents continue to recover following the storm, students organized the "Maroon Cross" project, inspired by the Red Cross and playing off their school colors. Led by teacher Kyle McCourt, students created a list of essential items that residents need for everyday living. The high schoolers launched a campaign and collected winter clothing and household items to donate to towns in Babylon. A variety of products were donated, including bottled water, cleaning supplies, garbage bags and canned foods, as well as bags full of coats, hats, scarves and boots. Students prepared the donations and loaded the packages for delivery and will continue to plan outreach efforts. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107326 Thu, 31 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT false107326 Students Extend a Warm Hand to Those in Need During the cold winter months, Deer Park High School students stay active helping the community through various outreach efforts. For the past 10 years, the school’s Health Education Action Team club has organized an annual winter coat drive. The donation drive was spearheaded by senior Kim Block, who has coordinated the drive for the last three years. The club was successful in its mission and collected more than 50 gently used and new coats to help keep local families warm. Led by Deer Park health educator and HEAT adviser Sherry Deacon, the coats were brought to Whitehouse Cleaners & Tailors in Bay Shore, where they will be sorted, cleaned and then distributed to those in need. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107327 Thu, 31 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT false107327 Distance Learning Keeps Student on Sick Leave Connected When fifth-grade student Steven was placed on long-term medical leave following surgery, his John F. Kennedy Intermediate teacher John Colford implemented distance-learning technology to keep him connected to his peers and curriculum. Every day, Steven used the communications software Skype to virtually connect with his class from his bedside during their morning meetings. At these meetings, which serve as important tool for students to build recall and life skills, students review their “business cards,” describe the weather and highlight subject areas. In addition to watching and listening to lessons, Steven was also included in the activities of the day and actively participated during instruction by responding to questions. In addition, Steven was able to enjoy read-aloud time three times a week when the school librarian visited the classroom and read a story to him and his classmates. Web chats also facilitated the fifth-grader’s connection to his peers, teachers and staff. “It’s very clear to see the spirit that Steven brings to the dynamics of the class,” said Mr. Colford. “The students loved interacting with him through Skype. It also allowed him to be included and to not fall behind simply because he is at home.” To supplement classroom lessons, Mr. Colford sent home worksheets to Steven, who also received two hours of instruction from a teacher every night, along with his speech and physical therapies. Steven returned to school in early January and seamlessly re-entered class thanks to the use of technology as an educational portal. At right, John F. Kennedy Intermediate teacher John Colford utilized visual props during a Skype session with a student, whose classmates completed the same lesson simultaneously from their desks. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107323 Thu, 24 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT false107323 A ‘Snow’ of Support for Sandy Hook The art department of Robert Frost Middle School responded to a request from the National PTA and came together to support the community of Newtown, Conn. The organization asked schools throughout the country to use their artistic talents to craft 3-D paper snowflakes to decorate the halls of the new school building, following the closure of Sandy Hook Elementary School due to the recent tragedy. Art students got to work and created more than 100 beautiful handcrafted snowflakes with bright ribbon woven throughout the delicate patterns. The whimsical winter hanging art was sent to Newtown to welcome Sandy Hook students into their school. In addition, middle school student Emily Mahon developed an outreach letter-writing campaign and during English language arts classes students penned personal messages of encouragement for Sandy Hook students. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107324 Thu, 24 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT false107324 Students Have the Formula for Service Students at John Quincy Adams Elementary School participated in the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Math-A-Thon. This is the second year that students completed the Math-A-Thon Funbook and raised donations to benefit St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Under the guidance of math lab teacher Marianna Grieco, students were engaged in a variety of math lessons through both the written workbook and the online component. They applied their general math knowledge and solved varying formats of math questions, which incorporated problem-solving, puzzles and activities. More than 50 students took the challenge and raised more than $3,100 to help the children and families of St. Jude. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107321 Thu, 17 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT false107321 HS Soccer Star Signs Letter of Intent High school senior Totianyu Guadalupe has signed a National Letter of Intent to play soccer for the 2011 NCAA Division II Champions at the College of Saint Rose. Totianyu is a seasoned athlete and three-year member of the district’s varsity soccer team and plays for East Meadow United in a national league. She was a key member of Deer Park’s 2009 undefeated squad and the 2010 league championship team. In addition, she was named an All-Conference soccer selection and is captain of the track team, for which she was named All-League and All-Conference and was recognized with the Most Valuable Player Award. As an active member in the school community, Totianyu gives back through the Varsity Leaders and Community Service clubs. Pictured at right, Deer Park High School student-athlete Totianyu Guadalupe has signed a National Letter of Intent to play soccer at the College of Saint Rose. Totianyu was joined by (l-r) coach Ian Kyranakis, mother Andrea Guadalupe, sister Kaleena Guadalupe, father Edward Guadalupe and Administrator for Athletics Dominick Fontana. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107322 Thu, 17 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT false107322 Full Scholarship for Basketball Student-Athlete High school senior Rome Jenkins has accepted a full scholarship to attend Concordia College in Westchester County. An elite athlete, Rome will join the Clippers Division II basketball team and has signed his National Letter of Intent. Rome has been a member of the Falcons boys varsity basketball team for three years and leads the successful squad as a captain. In addition, he has been recognized as an All-League and All-Conference player and was selected as an Alzheimer’s All-Star for two consecutive years. Pictured at right, Senior athlete Rome Jenkins signed a National Letter of Intent to play basketball at Concordia College and was joined by (l-r) father Ray Jenkins, boys varsity basketball coach John McCaffrey and District Administrator for Athletics Dominick Fontana. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107320 Thu, 10 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT false107320 Making A Difference When John F. Kennedy Intermediate School teacher Angela Giannotti’s son John wanted to thank the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the school stepped up in a big way for both the young boy and the organization. John was granted a wish through the foundation and decided he wanted to give back and help Make-A-Wish children like himself who are in need of emotional support. He created a toy drive and enlisted the help of the JFK educational community, who hosted the event. Students, families and staff spread the message and through a variety of donation drives collected an enormous amount of gifts to be shared with ill children. To thank John and JFK for their tremendous efforts, Make-A-Wish representatives visited the school to present them with congratulatory plaques. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107319 Wed, 09 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT false107319 Students Hit the Right Note Throughout the district, student-musicians excel within their schools’ programs and are being recognized by regional ensembles for their talents. Four students were chosen for the 2013 Long Island String Festival, which featured the musical styling of Kalvin Guyer and Noah Roff of Deer Park High School, Maya Kovic of Robert Frost Middle School and Catie Wilkonski of John F. Kennedy Intermediate School. Selection to a LISFA ensemble is a highly competitive process, based on superior scores at the annual New York State School Music Association solo festivals and school music teacher recommendations. In addition, an impressive 23 fifth-grade students from John F. Kennedy Intermediate have been accepted to the Eugene Reichenthal Recorder Festival. This festival is held in the spring and sponsored by the Suffolk County Music Educators Association. All JFK students have the opportunity to learn the recorder in the third and fourth grades through musical instruction. Upon entering, fifth-grade students who excel on the instrument are invited to join the school’s recorder band and thereby become eligible to participate in the recorder festival. The district congratulates the following students and music teacher Gregg Romano for their hard work and success: Tahana Ahmed, Wendy Aparicio, Alexis Bell, Jamie Borah, Jack Brennan, Ryan Brown, Gabrielle Costa, Megan Curry, Diana Damian, Emily Destefano, Christina Diaz, Jenna Fisk, Jordan Galaor, Kalenna Guadalupe, Aramys Gutierrez, Brianna Hazoury, Danielle Izzo, Morgan Keular, Joseph Ortiz, Giavanna Pitragno, Alexa Skoubas, Alisha Suhail and Maya Vazquez. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107318 Tue, 08 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT false107318 Fall Athletes Achieve The Deer Park educational community came together to celebrate the post-season honors of its fall student-athletes. Teams were recognized with both academic and athletic awards and most notably, eight squads were named New York State Scholar-Athletes. Members of the kickline, varsity cheerleading, boys cross-country, girls swimming and diving, girls varsity tennis, girls varsity volleyball, girls varsity soccer and boys varsity soccer teams received certificates and pins for achieving and maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 90 or better throughout the season. In addition, the varsity football, girls varsity swimming and diving and Robert Frost Middle School seventh-grade girls soccer teams were presented with the Sportsmanship Award based on the recommendations of officials and opposing teams for their fair play and good sportsmanship on the field of competition. During their successful season, the boys varsity soccer team claimed the League IV Championship and their coach, Rob Franco, was named League IV Coach of the Year. Both the girls varsity soccer and girls varsity volleyball teams were playoff qualifiers, while the boys junior varsity soccer team finished the season undefeated, with an overall record of 15‐0. Pictured at right, the Deer Park boys varsity soccer team was recognized at a recent Board of Education meeting for their League IV Championship win. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107317 Thu, 03 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT false107317 A Fair for Learning May Moore Primary School hosted a book fair for students – one that took a multidisciplinary approach to a traditional event. Students had the opportunity to browse an extensive collection of reading materials and select the genres that interested them most. Examining fiction and nonfiction books, magazines and graphic novels, students read plot summaries and author bios to choose their purchases. In addition to building a love of literary works, students also engaged in monetary lessons. They were challenged to calculate their budget and the money they had available to spend, and add the cost of each of their items to determine how much they could afford. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107313 Thu, 03 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT false107313 John Quincy Adams First-Graders Create Gingerbread Houses First-graders at John Quincy Adams Elementary School came together, along with their parents, to construct gingerbread houses for the winter season. Parents guided students through the gingerbread house-making process, which required the use of frosting, graham crackers, candy, licorice and other decorative yet edible treats. The first-graders eagerly designed each of their winter wonderland houses, with their parents assisting when necessary. Students were able to bring their creations home to enjoy with friends and family. Principal Jennifer Rodriguez said that the event provides an excellent platform for the parents to come into the school and work with their children. “It builds a sense of community,” she said. “It is a creative activity for the students to do with their parents and have something tangible to bring home.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107314 Wed, 02 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT false107314 Adopt-A-Cherub Deer Park High School hosted its annual Wrapping and Rapping Party to culminate the district’s Adopt-A-Cherub project. Organized by the school’s SADD Club, and in partnership with the district social workers, students adopted 37 “cherubs” and collected more than 100 gifts. Needy families throughout the community were identified and their age, gender and interests provided for students to purchase appropriate gifts. Students reached out to their peers and were able to enlist the help of more than 100 student volunteers to purchase wrapping materials and wrap the gifts. Participating club members included the student council, Gay-Straight Alliance, ICC, Cornerstone Club, Art Club, Freshman & Senior Class, Leaders Club, Women’s Choir, HEAT Club and Varsity Leaders Club, as well as individual students. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107315 Wed, 02 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT false107315 A Western Holiday The Music Club of John Quincy Adams Elementary School dressed in western hats, printed bandanas and cowboy boots for their performance of "Christmas at the O.K. Corral." Under the direction of teacher Matt Spataro, student-actors played their roles and sang songs such as “Christmas in the West” and “Bubble Gum Goo” in front of a festive Wild West backdrop. Students entertained the audience with choreographed musical routines and even Santa made a cameo appearance. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107316 Tue, 01 Jan 2013 05:00:00 GMT false107316 An Operation of Heart Robert Frost Middle School students responded to the call for help this holiday season by launching Operation Shoebox. This community service project benefited Babylon residents who were adversely affected by Superstorm Sandy and was done in partnership with the local organization Neighbors Helping Neighbors Babylon. Led by teacher Lindsay Baudier, students selected the gender and age of a person in need and filled a shoebox with respective items that may bring some cheer and help fulfill life’s necessities. Students got creative and festively decorated boxes, which contained small toys, toiletries, warm socks, puzzles and crayons. Each box was accompanied by personal messages of encouragement and tagged for recipients. All of the boxes will be delivered to families in Babylon during the holiday season. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107311 Fri, 21 Dec 2012 05:00:00 GMT false107311 Students in the Trend of Giving The Fashion Club students at Robert Frost Middle School lent their trendy skills to the Giving Doll project. The Giving Doll was created by Jan Householder in March 2006 as a community outreach project when a friend’s daughter, Katherine, became a patient at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Handmade cloth dolls were constructed by volunteer sewers, and Katherine brought the dolls with her to the hospital when she went for treatments. Katherine found comfort in the simple toy and shared her fabric companions with other children, thus beginning a beautiful movement. The program has now expanded to include children in a variety of settings worldwide, and in December 2011, the Giving Doll reached a milestone with 10,000 dolls donated. For the project, led by teacher Cindy Adriaenssens, more than 60 Deer Park students came together to craft the delicate tote bags that hold the doll accessories. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107312 Thu, 20 Dec 2012 05:00:00 GMT false107312 Students Shine in Act One High school students recently entertained the community with the One Act Play Fall Festival, produced by district teachers Michael Moriarty and Kristen Wallace. Students performed seven short plays, each directed by a student stage director who chose their respective casts from a talented pool of high school thespians. The young actors met every day after school to rehearse scenes and perfect their roles in such artistically challenging plays as “The Lottery” by Brainerd Duffield, “The Most Dangerous Game” by Burton Bumgarner and “The Banana Trial” by Eddie Zipperer. The festival showcased the students’ diverse acting skills and took the audience on journeys to the darkness of mankind's soul, the obstacles of romance, the silliness of human behavior and the bond of lifelong friendships. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107309 Thu, 13 Dec 2012 05:00:00 GMT false107309 Students Hit a Musical PEAK Six students from Deer Park were selected for the Suffolk County Music Educators Association’s PEAK (Parents, Educators and Kids) Festival at Northport High School. These fourth-grade students attended a day of music activities with their parents. The intergenerational program allows students and parents to connect on an artistic level. Festival entry was highly competitive, but thanks to the outstanding talents of Deer Park’s young musicians and the leadership of teacher Catherine Lubrano, students and parents alike enjoyed this educational experience. The district congratulates fourth-graders Diya Chabra, Casey Fonescda, Arianna Lerch, Sandra Patino, Alisson Ponte and Kimberly Robles on being selected. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107310 Thu, 13 Dec 2012 05:00:00 GMT false107310 Deer Park Arts Council Presents A Christmas Carol The Deer Park Arts Council presented a live radio show version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol on Tuesday, December 11th at Deer Park High School. This production was staged as an old-time radio show, with the actors speaking their lines into stage microphones. The performers were selected from throughout the Deer Park Schools and community. Members of the Synergy Theatre Company are also part of the large cast of characters. 2012 marks the bicentenary of Charles Dickens’ birth, and his beloved Christmas story of Tiny Tim and Ebenezer Scrooge has not lost any of its appeal over the centuries. The Deer Park Arts Council was formed in 2010 to support the arts in the Deer Park Schools and in the community. Proceeds from A Christmas Carol will help fund scholarships for Deer Park students. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107307 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 05:00:00 GMT false107307 Students Elect Their Favorite Author May Moore Elementary School held a special election for students to vote for their favorite author. Students launched campaigns for candidates Eric Carle and Cynthia Rylant and created election videos using state-of-the-art multimedia technology. They learned the techniques of filming on a green screen, a blank backdrop that allows the videographer post-production to superimpose a scene on the background so that it looks like students are posed in various virtual locations. Prior to voting, students received voter registration cards complete with their personal information needed for voting. They entered one of four private voting booths equipped with computers and were led through the proper voting process. Following voting, students visited three tables, where they received a certificate, bookmark and stickers for participating in the democratic process. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107308 Thu, 06 Dec 2012 05:00:00 GMT false107308 Election Day at JFK To kick off Election Day at John F. Kennedy Intermediate School, student government candidates running for the positions of president, vice president, secretary and treasurer stood at a patriotically dressed podium and presented their nomination speeches. The speeches, which were delivered in the gymnasium, festively decorated in red, white and blue for the occasion, brought an interactive element to the study of the election process that the intermediate school students had been learning. In this fourth annual event, students organized and ran campaigns, designing posters and persuading classmates for their votes under the direction of student government advisors Ms. Ghiraldi and Ms. Lombardo. “The students go through the entire process, simulating a real election,” said Ms. Ghiraldi of the student government campaign. “There is a primary election, students campaign around the school and deliver their self-written speeches to the school, and then the student body votes.” Following the assembly, students returned to their classrooms to receive their ballots and place their votes. Upon their election, those in student government will convene once a month to plan for the upcoming year. “We do a lot of fundraising—mostly to benefit the school, but also for charitable organizations,” stated Ms. Ghiraldi. “This year we are going to be focusing on raising money to help victims of Hurricane Sandy.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107305 Thu, 29 Nov 2012 05:00:00 GMT false107305 Robert Frost NJHS Collects Food for the Needy Eighth-grade members of the National Junior Honor Society at Robert Frost Middle School came together to organize and assemble holiday food baskets for those in need throughout their community. A variety of nonperishable donations were collected from the entire school prior to Thanksgiving. Assisted by NJHS adviser Seth Margolin and teacher Tim Lamb, students sorted the donated food items into categories such as pasta, stuffing and dessert items before filling approximately 20 baskets with complete, well-balanced meals. The baskets will be distributed to local Deer Park families to help during the holidays. “This is important because it keeps the students helping out the community. All of the baskets go to families within Deer Park,” said Margolin, noting, “It is really staying within the community.” NJHS secretary Jenna Norizsan said that the food collected for the drive will help people throughout the community. “We are helping people in need by donating food for Thanksgiving,” she added. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107306 Wed, 28 Nov 2012 05:00:00 GMT false107306 An Educational Feast Abraham Lincoln pre-kindergarten students enjoyed the school’s Thanksgiving Feast with their classmates in a dining room festively decorated with autumn-colored leaves and turkey characters. Students expressed their individuality by wearing different headdresses – representing Pilgrims, Native Americans and live and cooked turkeys – and were served a traditional Thanksgiving meal complete with turkey, mashed potatoes, corn and biscuits. The lunch, which culminated classroom lessons on the fall holiday, reinforced the concepts of unity and acceptance of others and illustrated the diversity upon which the United States was founded. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107304 Mon, 19 Nov 2012 05:00:00 GMT false107304 A Career Learning Experience Deer Park High School hosted a day of advanced education for its students with a Career and PSAT Day. The collaborative effort was coordinated by business teacher Jill Perry-Eising and the Deer Park School/Industry Advisory Board. Sophomores and juniors applied their knowledge for the comprehensive practice test, while the ninth-grade class participated in an interactive career day program. The freshman event kicked off with a group assembly and featured keynote speaker Jean Alerte, a Deer Park graduate and successful entrepreneur. Students then broke into small groups to tour job stations, which included approximately 50 representatives from a variety of industries. The ninth-graders took notes as professionals offered helpful information about their educational paths and specifics about their careers in diverse fields, including sales, finance, athletics, communications, technology, medicine and journalism. The interactive sessions provided students with valuable insight into areas of career interest and the chance to network with people established in those industries. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107302 Mon, 19 Nov 2012 05:00:00 GMT false107302 Seventh-Graders at Robert Frost Thank Military Personnel for Service Seventh-grade students in Lindsay Baudier’s social studies class at Robert Frost Middle School showed their appreciation to both past and present military personnel by participating in Applebee’s National Thank You Movement. In honor of Veterans Day, the students personalized their own postcards with messages of thanks and praise for members of the U.S. Armed Forces. “On Veterans Day, it is important to remember the soldiers who have sacrificed so much for our country,” said Baudier. She explained that the postcard activity taught students the importance of thanking all veterans who have served the country through their continued commitment, courage and honor. “Freedom is not really free,” she added. The cards written by the students at Robert Frost will be sent, along with all cards from the New Jersey and Long Island area, to military personnel on active duty overseas, according to Applebee’s. Since its inception, Applebee’s has collected 2.6 million thank you messages and is striving for a goal of 5 million thank you messages this year. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107303 Sun, 18 Nov 2012 05:00:00 GMT false107303 54 Advanced Placement Scholars The Advanced Placement Program, offered at Deer Park High School, presents several AP Scholar Awards to recognize high school students who have demonstrated college-level achievement through AP courses and exams. In addition to the honoree receiving an award certificate, this achievement is acknowledged on any AP score report sent to colleges the following fall. The high school tallied an impressive 54 students who earned a 2012 AP Scholar Award throughout various categories and achieved an average score of 3.30. Two National AP Scholars Granted to students who received an average score of at least 4 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams. 11 AP Scholars with Distinction Granted to students who received an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. 11 AP Scholars with Honor Granted to students who received an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. 32 AP Scholars Granted to students who received scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107557 Mon, 05 Nov 2012 05:00:00 GMT false107557 Students Get Creative at Pumpkin Workshop Pre-kindergarten students at Abraham Lincoln School participated in their annual pumpkin workshop. This year, students worked with a “special guest” to make a pumpkin votive candleholder. Parents, grandparents and aunts and uncles assisted the children in transforming an empty jar into a festive decoration. “It’s a great opportunity for parents to see the skills their children have developed since the start of the school year,” said teacher Laura Oddo. “For most students, this is their first time attending a day program, so everything they’ve been learning is brand new to them.” Prior to the workshop, students studied pumpkins in the classroom. “This workshop allows students to improve their motor skills, which will help prepare them for writing,” stated Principal Dr. Christine Criscione, who encouraged parents to let their children do most of the work. “The fun for the kids today will be the fact that you are here to give them your undivided attention.” Students enjoyed the seasonal activity, putting their imagination to work cutting, pasting and painting. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107558 Sat, 03 Nov 2012 04:00:00 GMT false107558 Deer Park & Allstate Partner to Construct a Life-Saving Course In the effort to help save lives and encourage families to make a pledge together to limit or eliminate distractions in the car, Allstate Insurance Co. brought the Allstate Family Driving Challenge course to the high school. The Family Driving Challenge is designed to heighten awareness around the dangers of distracted driving. Participants drive a course, trying to navigate cone-lined lanes and focus on the road while encountering a range of common driving distractions. Teens, parents and teachers rode together in the capacity of driver and passenger and attempted to safely drive while texting, talking on the phone, listening to loud music and handling rowdy passengers. Utilizing state-of-the-art driving technology, Allstate driving professionals tracked course data, calculating completion times through the various obstacles and charting the number of objects hit during each run. “It is imperative that we as a district are proactive in keeping our students safe, whether they be in the classroom or on the road,” stated high school principal James Cummings. “With the help of Allstate’s program, we were able to bring this unique opportunity to our students and engage the entire community in this life-saving initiative.” Car crashes are the No. 1 killer of teens and take an average of 11 teen lives each day; motor vehicle-related injuries are the leading cause of death for Americans ages 1-34; and teens crash four times more often than any other age group. Tragically, younger, more inexperienced drivers under the age of 20 are the most likely to be involved in distraction-related fatal crashes. In fact, car crashes remain the leading killer of American teens overall, with nearly 5,000 teens killed and 300,000 injured annually. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107556 Wed, 24 Oct 2012 04:00:00 GMT false107556 Pumpkin Pride John Quincy Adams and May Moore elementary schools participated in an artistic seasonal activity. Local nursery Hewlynn Home and Garden Center donated pumpkins to every first-grade class that came together to craft unique works of art. Students painted, glued and sculpted pumpkins into diverse characters and scenes and presented their creations to the school so that their peers could vote for their favorite. All of the pumpkins will be displayed at the nursery located at 1971 Deer Park Ave. during the month of October. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107554 Tue, 16 Oct 2012 04:00:00 GMT false107554 Fire Safety – A Hot Topic The Abraham Lincoln Pre-kindergarten Center celebrated Fire Prevention Week with a visit from the local Deer Park fire department. Students learned from fire and EMT professionals who spoke about fire safety and how to respond in case of a fire emergency. Students learned to “stop, drop and roll” and how to navigate through a house filled with smoke. A firefighter, dressed in his equipment, showed students how the gear protects him from flames, and allowed them to handle certain materials. For the grand finale, students received a fire truck tour where they inspected the truck’s equipment and witnessed the power of the truck’s water hose. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107555 Tue, 16 Oct 2012 04:00:00 GMT false107555 District Celebrates Homecoming The Deer Park community celebrated homecoming by paying homage to its past, as the district invited Deer Park High School’s Class of 1964 to serve as grand marshals of the pre-game parade and also renamed the football field in honor of former board member and booster club president Al Centamore. High School Principal Jim Cummings announced that the district wanted to honor the school’s original graduating class in recognition of the building’s upcoming 50th anniversary. “Some things have changed over the years, but what has never changed is our strong Deer Park community,” Principal Cummings told the sizable crowd that turned out for the game between the Falcons and the Huntington Blue Devils. “I think today is a great example of that. The amount of people that were on this parade route was fantastic. We thought it was a fitting tribute to recognize members of our first graduating class and invite them to serve as grand marshals. It’s important to hold onto some of the great things from our past and our rich tradition. That’s what makes a community strong.” Additionally, Superintendent Eva J. Demyen was pleased to announce the football field renaming in honor of Al Centamore, a lifelong Deer Park resident and former district board member. “We wanted to show our appreciation for Mr. Centamore’s lifetime of commitment and his thousands of hours of volunteer work for the Deer Park community,” Ms. Demyen said. “His presence has been instrumental in this community for the past 50 years. He is a former Deer Park student, he raised his entire family here, his children are graduates of our great school district, he was on the school board for almost two decades and he is a past president of the booster club.” District student-athletes, musicians and club members walked together in the annual parade and showcased the class floats inspired by this year’s theme, cartoon shows. The homecoming court waved to onlookers, and Nicolette Tortorici and Dan Keller were named homecoming queen and king. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107552 Mon, 08 Oct 2012 04:00:00 GMT false107552 Commended Student in 2013 National Merit Scholarship Program High School Principal James Cummings announced that senior Jessica Curry has been named a Commended Student in the 2013 National Merit Scholarship Program. A Letter of Commendation from the school and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, which conducts the program, was presented by the principal to this scholastically talented student. About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Commended Students placed among the top 5 percent of the more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2013 competition by taking the 2011 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. An active member of the educational community, Jessica belongs to the National Honor Society, serves as co-president of the high school’s Gay-Straight Alliance, competed in the Varsity Challenge on the Academic Team and is part of the editorial team for Enigma Art and Literature magazine. Jessica also takes advantage of the rigorous coursework the district offers students and has completed or is currently enrolled in multiple Advanced Placement classes, including English Literature, Economics, Government, Art History and Art Portfolio. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107553 Sun, 07 Oct 2012 04:00:00 GMT false107553 Deer Park Arts Council Season Kickoff The Deer Park Arts Council will host its season kickoff event on Tuesday, Oct. 16. The community is invited to attend an evening of performances and exhibits, which will feature the talented student and staff musicians and artists of Deer Park. Beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the high school auditorium, a variety of festivities will take place, including a keynote address by Roger Tilles, member of the Board of Regents for Long Island. Selected students will be honored with the induction of new Tri-M Music Honor Society members and the highly anticipated announcement of the musical for 2013, which will be accompanied by a special preview performance. Faculty members will showcase their fine and performing arts prowess with a concert by the faculty jazz band and a display of artwork created by the art faculty. Finally, Arts Council members will provide an overview of what the council has done and what it plans to do in the future. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107551 Fri, 05 Oct 2012 04:00:00 GMT false107551 The Power of Technology The district continues to advance its instructional technology program with the recent expansion of the one-to-one student laptop program. Currently, students in grades 5, 6 and 7 are equipped with personal MacBooks, covering more than 1,000 students across three grade levels and two schools. Now in its third year, the laptop initiative has placed MacBooks in the hands of students earlier than in the previous years, which is advantageous in supporting lesson plans and academic research and enhances curriculum from essentially the start of the school year. Students will experience differentiated academic-driven activities, and future plans include providing students with virtual field trips and the opportunity to develop and publish their work to a wide Internet audience. “Over several years the 1:1 laptop program has evolved and students are further engaged in a variety of diverse subject areas,” stated District Administrator for Instructional Technology Andrew Choi. “Instructional technology classroom resources help provide students with individualized lessons, while allowing them to learn at their own pace and challenge their learning potential.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107550 Fri, 28 Sep 2012 04:00:00 GMT false107550 Lessons of Life, Resilience and Patriotism Tuesday marked the anniversary of Sept. 11, a day that revealed the profound human capacity to care for one another and to recognize common humanity through spontaneous acts of generosity and response -- acts that transcend differences of race, nationality, religion, economic strata and political affiliation. In remembrance of 9/11, May Moore Elementary School planned a day of honor and historical education. Students and staff wore red, white and blue to commemorate the day now known as Patriot Day and began their morning by joining in the Pledge of Allegiance, which was led by second-grade students. Students then gathered on the school’s lawn with small American flags in hand. Each student took time to place his or her flag in the grass, creating a blanket of red, white and blue across the green landscape. In addition, students created an American flag mural out of colored cups, which they featured on the school’s front fence. Inside classrooms, teachers engaged students in the book “On That Day: A Book of Hope for Children” via SmartBoard applications that addressed the critical question, “What can you do when bad things happen?” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107549 Thu, 13 Sep 2012 04:00:00 GMT false107549 The First Steps of September Bright smiles, fresh shoes and sharp, new backpacks shone through the cloudy day as district students arrived for the first day of school. Teachers, staff and administrators greeted them as they descended from the bus steps and walked through the entrances of their schools. Classroom walls were vibrantly decorated with charts, graphs and educational facts and resources as students settled into their seats, met classmates and started off the school year in style. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107548 Wed, 05 Sep 2012 04:00:00 GMT false107548 A Partnership of Learning The district not only works to educate well-rounded students, but strives to educate students year-round. Most recently, the Deer Park partnered with the Suffolk County Department of Labor Summer Youth Employment program, which funded employment for 10 of the district’s special needs students to work with younger students within the district’s special education summer school program. Students worked as classroom assistants throughout the versatile summer school program and completed various tasks, including working with teachers to help younger students succeed through educational activities. The comprehensive, extended school year offers special education students the opportunity to expand and enhance their skills throughout the summer with technology-based projects, literary problem-solving tasks and interactive tactile learning. In addition to the financial education they receive by earning a paycheck, student helpers also benefit from weekly work readiness workshops led by a district business teacher who guided students through the resume writing and job application process. This innovative initiative benefits everyone involved and fuels the cooperative learning experience. The district is able to employ students and provide them with an opportunity to prepare for the future and make money, while helping teachers nurture and develop students enrolled in our summer school program. Students participating in the summer program are able to practice what they have learned during the school year, ensuring a seamless transition into the next phase of development. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107547 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 04:00:00 GMT false107547 A Successful Start to the School Year Deer Park welcomed the district’s incoming kindergarten students in style with schoolwide play dates. John Quincy Adams and May Moore Elementary Schools opened their doors prior to the first day of school for an afternoon of fun and introductions. Students and their parents arrived at their respective schools and had the opportunity to meet their principals, teachers and classmates. The playground served as the social center where students played together and enjoyed a snack provided by the schools’ PTAs. As the play date came to a close, students exited through the gates to board a bright yellow school bus, where they became familiar with proper bus etiquette and practiced a safe riding experience. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107546 Mon, 27 Aug 2012 04:00:00 GMT false107546 Student-Athlete Selected for 2012 National Lacrosse Classic Deer Park High School sophomore and girls varsity lacrosse athlete Shannon Doolan has been named a 2012 Brine National High School All-American. The high school attack player was selected to represent Long Island in the 2012 Brine National Lacrosse Classic, which was held this summer in Boyds, Maryland. The Brine National Lacrosse Classic brings the top 400 high school underclassmen lacrosse players in the country to one venue, where 16 regional teams competed to become the 2012 National Champion and qualify to compete for an international championship later in the year. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107545 Sun, 29 Jul 2012 04:00:00 GMT false107545 DECA Students in the Business of Winning Members of the high school’s DECA Club have received numerous honors at competitions for their work on various levels this past school year. Students were honored with Suffolk County Legislative Proclamations from Legislator Steve Stern and certificates from the district for their achievements. Four students earned honorable mention in the Suffolk County competition, with 13 taking home trophies. Kayla Downs won first place in Suffolk County for her project in Food Marketing, while Alyssa Orzo won third place in Apparel & Accessories. At the New York State competition, held in Rochester, four students were named in the top ten. These included Andreas Stamataskis, who also took first-place honors in the county, for Principles of Marketing, Magnolia Chiri and Merly Bonilla for the Professional Selling Event and Phil Scarfi for Food Marketing. Additionally, Merly and Magnolia were invited to participate in the Senior Management Institute in Salt Lake City, Utah. According to Deer Park High School DECA advisor Greg Menig, DECA is open to any student who has taken a business class at the high school, and covers fields such as marketing, business management and administration, finance and hospitality. The club participates in regional, state and national competitions throughout the year. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107541 Wed, 25 Jul 2012 04:00:00 GMT false107541 French Students Recognized with National Exam Honors Deer Park students have ranked regionally and nationally in the National French Exam, administered by the American Association of Teachers of French. Many students from the district took the test, with four students – two from Robert Frost Middle School and two from Deer Park High School – placing in Suffolk County and the nation. High school sophomores Danny Desroches and Yasameen Saleem competed on Level 3. Danny was ranked fifth in the Suffolk County chapter and 11th nationally, while Yasameen was ranked seventh in the county and 13th nationally. Robert Frost Middle School eighth-graders Sabah Siddique and Kathleen Colbert placed in the top ten of Suffolk County and nationally. Sabah competed on Level 1A, placing seventh in the county and eighth nationwide, and Kathleen on Level 1B, placing eighth in the county and ninth nationwide. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107542 Tue, 24 Jul 2012 04:00:00 GMT false107542 Tanger Outlets Present Grants to May Moore and John Quincy Adams Elementary Schools Tanger Outlets presented grants to the district’s two elementary schools to support their educational programs. May Moore Elementary School received a $4,000 grant to purchase 15 iPads to be used by language and speech classes, while John Quincy Adams Elementary School was awarded $1,010 to help support its Family Fun Math Night event. Both grants were offered as part of the TangerKids Grant Program. “This year Tanger has established TangerKids Grants, and our mission is to provide funding for schools in our primary markets,” said Nancy Larson, the general manager at Tanger Outlets at the Arches in Deer Park. “We are very excited to be able to contribute to Deer Park’s academic initiatives.” Pictured below, Tanger Outlets at the Arches General Manager Nancy Larson (second from left) presented Superintendent Eva Demyen (far left) and (l-r) May Moore instructional technology teacher Wendy Kraus and speech teachers Karen Acquilino and Christine Michels and JQA math lab teacher Marianna Grieco with grants to purchase 15 iPads and to fund Family Fun Math Night, respectively. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107543 Mon, 23 Jul 2012 04:00:00 GMT false107543 Student-Athletes Honored with Awards for Spring Season District athletic teams were recognized for their on-field and academic achievements during the 2012 spring season. Seven teams were designated as New York State as Scholar-Athlete Teams, which requires students to maintain a cumulative grade point average of 90 or above for the entire season. These teams included varsity softball, varsity boys lacrosse, varsity girls lacrosse, varsity boys golf, varsity boys tennis, varsity boys track and varsity girls track. Additionally, the varsity boys lacrosse team, led by head coach Matt Griffith and assistant coach Mike McLaughlin, and the junior varsity boys golf team, led by head coach Dan Ferguson, received the Sportsmanship Award in their respective leagues. This award is given to teams based on their outstanding sportsmanship on the field. Individual students received honors for Academic All-League, All-Division, All-County, All-State and sportsmanship achievements. Varsity boys lacrosse player Thomas Kalkowsky and varsity girls lacrosse player Jordan Lazarich received the Unsung Hero Award. Varsity softball player Sabrina Riley was named a League IV Player of the Year Runner-Up. Recognized for his strong coaching ability, junior varsity boys lacrosse coach Brian MacConnell was honored as Junior Varsity Coach of the Year for the respective league. In addition, the varsity boys golf team, coached by Alex Mesimeris, was a Suffolk County Playoff Qualifier for the season. Pictured below, the varsity softball team was recognized as a New York State Scholar-Athlete Team for the 2012 spring season. Team members were also recognized with honors including All-League, All-Division, All-County and All-State. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107544 Sun, 22 Jul 2012 04:00:00 GMT false107544 Class of 2012 Graduates The Deer Park educational community came together for the high school’s 49th commencement ceremony to honor the Class of 2012. Seniors, teachers and administrators, dressed in maroon and white caps and gowns, were led by members of the American Celtic Pipe Band, while family and friends cheered for the graduates as they processed into the school’s gymnasium. Student Council President Samantha Effinger began the ceremonies by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by senior Jesse Pimpinella performing a rousing rendition of the national anthem. Senior Class Advisors Alison Branca and Michael Barrigas introduced President Philip Scarfi, who urged his peers to “remember this moment” and all of the thoughts and feelings associated with this monumental time in their lives. Superintendent of Schools Eva J. Demyen then congratulated students on their accomplishments thus far and encouraged them to maintain their adventurous spirit, stimulate innovation, continue to prosper and always move forward. Valedictorian Kevin Tresselt noted that their diplomas do not come with a roadmap to outline their future, and that this is a time for the class to find their own way, explore different paths and take advantage of opportunities presented to them. Salutatorian Ishrat Ahmed described the journey she and her classmates have taken together and their shared experiences, which have helped them grow into unique individuals. In Falcon tradition, the guest commencement speaker was Class of 2002 Valedictorian Michael True, who instructed students to create a personal definition of the term “success.” He asked students to think about what success means to them, identify what is important in their lives and work towards that goal, always staying true to themselves. High School Principal James Cummings concluded the addresses and reminisced about his time serving as principal of this class at both the middle and high schools. He described the growth and maturity of the Class of 2012 throughout the years and the pride he felt for the newest alumni of the Deer Park School District, who will soon enter a new phase in their lives. Superintendent Demyen performed the conferring of diplomas, after which Board of Education members had the distinct honor of awarding diplomas to the Class of 2012. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107540 Tue, 26 Jun 2012 04:00:00 GMT false107540 Stepping Stones to Success The district celebrated moving-up milestones at Robert Frost Middle School and John F. Kennedy Intermediate School. The district’s eighth and fifth-grade classes were honored at their respective events, which highlighted various achievements and looked towards the future. Students, teachers, families, administrators and Board of Education members supported the student-focused ceremonies with cheers and congratulations. At Robert Frost Middle School, Principal Eliana Levey opened with a welcome address and Student Council President Joseph Ramirez shared class memories. Board of Education trustees presented student awards, which included academic and service recognitions as well as community-sponsored scholarships. To conclude the ceremony, the eighth-graders received certificates signifying their completion of middle school and their much-anticipated advancement to the high school. The John F. Kennedy Intermediate fifth-grade class convened in the school’s gymnasium as Principal Susan Bonner and Student Council President Dominick Albertelli welcomed everyone in attendance and reflected on the past year. Building administrators presented attendance awards and national academic recognitions, and parent groups selected students for special awards. In addition to entertainment provided by the Flute and Clarinet Choir, the entire class performed a rendition of “We’ll Meet Again.” Fifth-grade teachers took the podium to speak about classroom highlights before announcing each student, who proceeded to the front of the gymnasium to receive his or her certificate. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107539 Mon, 25 Jun 2012 04:00:00 GMT false107539 A Year to Remember May Moore and John Quincy Adams Primary Schools culminated a year of learning and laughter with moving-up ceremonies at their respective buildings. The district’s second-grade class came together to celebrate their achievements and look forward to their new adventures at John F. Kennedy Intermediate School in the fall. The festive mornings featured a presentation of the class, which was highlighted with student academic, community service and attendance awards. Students also expressed their talents through musical performances and thanked their buildings’ respective PTAs for their support throughout the school year. May Moore second-graders wore signature maroon school shirts and sung the school song, performing the tune in English, Italian and Spanish. To conclude the ceremony, students showed their patriotism by waving American flags as they marked the end of the school year. At John Quincy Adams Elementary School, “Where Falcons Learn to Fly,” the inspirational poem “Children Are Like Balloons” set the stage for a joyful ceremony. In addition to the moving-up tradition, the class left their mark with a tree-planting ceremony. Students gathered on the school’s lawn to help fill the hole with dirt where their new crape myrtle tree stands. The school also unveiled their lettered sign and entrance fence donated by local business Gappsi with a PTA-led ribbon-cutting ceremony. Abraham Lincoln’s pre-kindergartners invited their families for a day of entertainment at their “All Aboard…Next Stop Kindergarten!” presentation. The children performed unique choreographed songs and dances that conveyed important messages of friendship and learning with numbers such as “Me Complete,” “I’ve Been Working Hard in Pre-K” and “I Am Special.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107538 Sun, 24 Jun 2012 04:00:00 GMT false107538 Students Honored for Green Initiatives Robert Frost Middle School student Gianna Locker is a scholarship recipient in the Babylon Covantage Ecotech program. Expanding upon her eighth-grade curriculum knowledge, Locker studied the possibility of generating fuel production from goose droppings and developed a comprehensive science research project, which took first place in the competition. She was assisted throughout the research process by teacher Dawn Ferro, who was also recognized for her leadership in science education with the Teacher Advantage Award. In addition, John F. Kennedy Intermediate students Adriene Campos and Alyssa Rivera took first and second place, respectively, in the Babylon Covanta Recycling Poster Contest. These students identified key issues in the areas of pollution and waste and created viable solutions that address and remedy these problems. Sponsored by the Town of Babylon in partnership with Covanta Energy Inc., these awards are presented annually to top-ranking school science projects with eco-tech themes. The projects, which in the past have included themes such as alternate fuel generation, emissions reduction, environmental mitigation and sustainable building methods and materials, are meant to help introduce new and creative ways to reduce our carbon footprint. Pictured below, science teacher Dawn Ferro and Robert Frost Middle School student Gianna Locker were honored by the Babylon Covantage program for their work in the areas of environmental preservation. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107537 Thu, 14 Jun 2012 04:00:00 GMT false107537 Cancer Comes In All Colors Members and representatives of the High School Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) Club, Health Education Action Team (HEAT) and the sophomore class gathered to present a $500 donation to Memorial Sloan Kettering of Commack at the conclusion of its Hair Extensions Cancer Fundraiser. Administrative Manager of Regional Care Administration Lisa Nemerson accepted the check on behalf of Sloan Kettering. Also in attendance were SADD advisor Janet Werner, HEAT advisor Sherry Deacon, sophomore class advisor Jenine Moran, event coordinator Barbara Charity, High School Principal James Cummings and Superintendent of Schools Eva Demyen. During the fundraiser, which is in its second year, Cactus Salon in Deer Park donated hair extensions, which were bought by students and then applied by beauticians. Each color available represented a different form of cancer, which was the main focus of the event. “We wanted to emphasize the fact that there isn’t just one type of cancer,” said Ms.Werner. “Cancer comes in many colors and that is what the extensions represent - pink for breast cancer, teal for ovarian cancer, etc.” Nemerson, who has been with Sloan Kettering of Commack since it opened10 years ago, assured students that their donations will be used for research purposes and will in fact make a tremendous difference locally. “We wanted to keep the money in the community so the students could see the fruits of their labor,” said Ms. Werner. Added Ms. Charity, “This fundraiser educates the students, gets them involved with a good cause, and shows them that they really can make an impact.” Students also made contributions to the Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition and to Deer Park High School alumna Jaelene Chow. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107536 Wed, 13 Jun 2012 04:00:00 GMT false107536 Field Days in Deer Park The district’s elementary schools combined an active day outdoors with friendly competition at their respective field days. John Quincy Adams Elementary School students were motivated by this year’s theme “We Go Together,” inspired by the classic movie Grease. Wearing field day t-shirts that represented their team colors, students participated in a variety of water-themed activities, including sponge relay races and events such as fly-fishing to test their coordination. At May Moore Elementary School, students played their version of the popular show Survivor, in which they were encouraged to “Outwit, Outplay & Outlast” the competition. The jungle-themed activities challenged students to complete an array of tasks, including the Kangaroo Relay, Coconut Chase and Lava Jump. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107535 Thu, 31 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT false107535 The iGames May Moore Elementary School students sprang into fitness mode through the use of active video games during their physical education classes. Fitness professionals brought the iGame4 Fitness Program into the school to promote physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle by integrating larger-than-life interactive and educational video games into school curricula. In small groups, students rotated through diverse fitness stations consisting of dance, aerobic and adventure activities, each of which featured 100” screens, projectors and video game consoles, while heart rates and calories burned were tracked to collect data. Throughout the sessions, students improved their endurance, flexibility, balance and overall health while building teamwork skills. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107533 Wed, 23 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT false107533 Deer Park Donates The High School Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) Club organized a schoolwide food drive to benefit local food pantries. Students advertised the event through posters and made daily announcements encouraging their peers to participate. The drive was a success, with students collecting more than 600 pounds of food to be distributed to community organizations. To recognize students’ contributions, Town of Babylon Community Development Program Project Manager Florence Findley and Town of Babylon Human Services Deputy Commissioner Traci Fonville visited the school to accept the donation and present students and club advisor Janet Werner with certificates of appreciation. Officials thanked students for participating in the Global Youth Service program and described how their efforts will help support families within the community. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107534 Wed, 23 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT false107534 New York State Science and Engineering Fair Deer Park hosted the New York State Science and Engineering Fair’s Andromeda and Broadcom divisions at Robert Frost Middle School. Over 375 students from various middle and high schools presented their science research to judges. Among those awarded for top projects were Deer Park eighth graders Mohammed Babar and Nicholas Pascalli. All seven of the district’s students who were selected to participate are middle schoolers enrolled in the STAR (Science, Technology and Research) classes taught by Dawn Ferro. Students’ preliminary work was assessed for viable topics eligible to enter the junior division of the competition known as Broadcom. After researching a concept in the fall, the students conducted additional research on the science behind their idea before creating and designing an experiment to conduct independently. They executed their projects after collecting and analyzing the necessary data. Matthew Pacheco, Ahmed Abdeltawab, Nicholas Pascalli, Daniel Perepezko, Neha Ali, Mohammed Babar and Joseph Sanchez were selected for the competition and showcased diverse topics, including those representing the environmental, electrical and chemical sciences. During the fair, students presented their research problems, methods, abstract summaries, research logs and results to the judges. Award recipients will be recognized at the New York State Science and Engineering Fair ceremony at Jericho High School. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107532 Sun, 20 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT false107532 The Business of Books Critically acclaimed local author Brian Heinz visited John F. Kennedy Intermediate School to conduct writing workshops for students. His passions for nature, science and environmental research inspire the themes and unique characters that comprise his popular children's books and award-winning tales. Mr. Heinz conducted his signature program, “The Book: From Writer to Reader,” with the use of a 'road map' style mural board and visual aids. Through this special lesson, students learned how a book becomes a reality, from raw idea to finished product, and the many steps and people involved in the process. Students had the opportunity to view manuscripts, book “dummies,” sketches and final art, layouts and paste-ups, negatives, press proofs, blue lines, page signatures and unbound covers of his personal works, including Red Fox at McCloskey's Farm, The Alley Cat and Nanuk: Lord of the Ice. Throughout the lesson, Mr. Heinz shared writing tips and humorous anecdotes of his "on location" research trips to wild environments. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107531 Sun, 13 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT false107531 The Art of Foreign Language Spanish language students from the High School participated in this year’s Spanish Poetry Contest at Hofstra University, a competition in which they displayed and shared their works with students from across Long Island. The Sigma Delta Pi Spanish Poetry Contest has provided high school students with a forum to culturally expand their minds and gain recognition for their achievements in Spanish for the past forty years. Inspired by their Spanish curriculum, students crafted poetry that included cultural, historical and geographic literary elements. Deer Park student Liza Chowdury’s standout writing took second place in the original poetry category, along with the submissions of students Henry Aguinada, Hashim Gray, Jonathan Hurtado-Salinas, Stephanie Lopez, Ismaldo Matias, Ada Ramirez and Nicholas Ruiz. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107529 Mon, 07 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT false107529 Shakespeare on Stage The district recently hosted its first Long Island Student Shakespeare Festival. Students from schools throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties assembled in Deer Park to perform scenes from Shakespearean plays, explore the world of Elizabethan England, and participate in creative activities. The event was inspired by festivals promoted by the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC. Deer Park Director of Fine and Performing Arts Dr. Jeff S. Dailey developed this unique educational program which featured musical performances and interschool activities. Student groups prepared for the event by rehearsing scenes from Shakespeare’s works before taking the stage to perform for other students. Festival adjudicator André De Shields provided feedback for the young thespians. Mr. De Shields originated the title role of The Wiz on Broadway and has also appeared in the Broadway productions of Ain’t Misbehavin’, The Full Monty, Stardust and Impressionism, among others. He recently returned from the Goodman Theatre in Chicago, where he performed in Tennessee Williams’ Camino Real. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107530 Mon, 07 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT false107530 A Partnership of Reading To promote literacy across the district, John F. Kennedy Intermediate School special needs students visited Abraham Lincoln pre-kindergarten students for a reading buddies program. Students paired up and selected their favorite book titles, which JFK students read aloud to their eager partners. The morning provided an opportunity to apply and develop critical social skill sets and created an interschool educational experience for the district’s youngest learners. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107527 Thu, 03 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT false107527 Post-Season Honors for Winter Athletics Following a successful season on the field and in the classroom, six Deer Park varsity winter teams have earned New York State Scholar-Athlete status. In order to receive this designation, the teams achieved and maintained a cumulative grade point average of 90 or better throughout the entire season. In addition, the Varsity Bowling and Varsity Boys Swimming/Diving teams received the Sportsmanship Award for their respective leagues. These teams were selected for this award based on the recommendations of officials and opposing teams for their fair play and good sportsmanship on the field of competition. Individual student-athletes were also named State Qualifiers, Academic All-County, All-League, All-Conference, All-County, Class AA All-Tournament Team and All-Rookie Team. Winter teams also advanced in playoff tournaments, where the Varsity Boys Basketball team became League IV Co-Champions and competed in the Class AA Semifinals. The team was led by Head Coach John McCaffrey and supported by Junior Varsity Coach Ron Langella, who were named Co-Varsity and Co-JV Coaches of the Year, respectively. Female athletes also had exceptional performances, with the Varsity Girls Basketball team advancing to the quarterfinals of the Class AA playoffs, while Varsity Kickline finished first in pom and kick and third in lyrical at the LIKA Championships. ATHLETIC AWARDS-WINTER 2011-12 Varsity Boys Basketball Head Coach: John McCaffrey Assistant Coach: Justin Gutman This team was Co-Champions of League IV and advanced to the “Class AA” Semi-Finals. Coach McCaffrey and Coach Langella were named Co-Varsity and Co-JV Coaches of the Year respectively. Lenny Bates - Academic All-County Aaren Edmead - 1st Team All-League Keith Williams - 1st Team All-League, Class AA All Tournament Team Rome Jenkins - 1st Team All-League, All-Conference Kyle Bradford - 1st Team All-League, All-Conference, All-County Sean Scott - 1st Team All-League, All-Conference, All-County Varsity Girls Basketball Head Coach: Mike Gennaro Assistant Coach: Holly O’Donnell This team advanced to the Quarter-Finals of the Class “AA” playoffs and was recognized by New York State as a Scholar Athlete Team. Gianna Locker - All-Rookie Team, Scholar Athlete Kelsey Dillon - All-League, Academic All-County, Scholar Athlete Nicole Gomez - All-League, Scholar Athlete Andrea Desvignes - All-League, All-County, Scholar Athlete Additional Scholar Athlete Members Kristina Anantua-Brown Kristen Fischer Jordan Lazarich Varsity Wrestling Head Coach: Mike McLaughlin Assistant Coach: Rich Englehardt David Hamil - All-League Robert Madgum - All-League Frank Matos - All-League Cory Muroff - All-League Valter Piccini - All-League Kenny Sciabarassi - All-League Mike Schutt - All-League Zach Lugo - All-League, All-County Boys Winter Track Head Coach: Chris Kauter Assistant Coach: Tom Brouillard This team was recognized by New York State as a Scholar Athlete Team. Scholar Athlete Members Henry Aguinada Adam Ahmed Jerome Berdecia-Alvarado Anthony Bolson Vincent Cotrone Joshua DeLeon Sean Dudley Rick Guerra Jihad Hameed Wai-Ga Ho Abul Karimi Daniel Keller Brandon Lynch Kiani Marcellus Ismaldo Matias Shahan Mian Tam Nguyen John Pfundstein Thomas Sandoval Andrew Schaefer Manan Singh Tyler Teng Girls Winter Track Head Coach: Jim Petti Assistant Coach: Mario Fiore This team was recognized by New York State as a Scholar Athlete Team. Scholar Athlete Members Ashley Brennan Gina DePietto Caitlin Drake Jessica Gormandy Isis Hodge Amanda Khare Sandra Popa Britney Ramnauth Nora Seem Melissa Spindler Nicole Spoelstra Victoria Trovato Ginger Valle Tyrane Williamson Daniela Zabbatino Varsity Bowling Head Coach: Anthony Tannacore This team received the Sportsmanship Award for their league. Adam Zimmerman - All-League, Sportsmanship Additional Sportsmanship Members James Brennan Jennifer Depre Steven Dorney Brianna Fatone Timothy Getchius Krystle Kozakevitch Matthew Montanez Zeth Rand William Rathje Varsity Boys Swimming/Diving Head Coach: Craig Mangio Assistant Coach: Gwen Bonn This team was recognized by New York State as a Scholar Athlete Team and received the Sportsmanship Award for their league. Brandon Peskett - All-League, Scholar Athlete, Sportsmanship Bryan Rennhack - All-League, Sportsmanship John Pawelko - All-League, All-County, State Qualifier, Scholar Athlete, Sportsmanship, School Record in the 500 Freestyle Additional Scholar Athlete and Sportsmanship Members Samir Bacchus Trevor Bernard Matthew Caldwell Max Christianson Kyle Doogan Justin Gallo Robert Hunt David Izsak Matthew Leichert Matteo Mule Ian Murray Anthony Porras Andreas stamatakis Kevin Tresselt Sergio Valoy Eric Wolff Kendrick Wong Kevin Xie Additional Sportsmanship Members Cristian Aguilar-Recinos K.C. Carter Marcus Diaz Daniel Gerardi Joshua Larcom Emmanuel Leger Kenneth Leger Scott Lovinger Sebastian Martinez Sergio Martinez James Murtha Reise Rand Varsity Cheerleading Head Coach: Lia Demyen This team was recognized by New York State as a Scholar Athlete Team. Scholar Athlete Members Chinella Charlton Karissa Fitzpatrick Concetta Gioeli Danielle Guida Victoria Herbst Jessica Lugo Julia Matera Micaela Morella Megan Murgittroyd Nicole-Ann Pagan Marissa Ramage Kedeisha Rose Keri Sickenberger Nia Thomas Varsity Kickline Head Coach: Kristen Smith Assistant Coach: Samantha McIllwaine This team finished in 1st place in pom, 1st place in kick and 3rd place in lyrical at the LIKA Championships. They were also recognized by New York State as a Scholar Athlete Team. Scholar Athlete Members Danielle Calcagno Nicole Cito Toni Ann Cox Amy Dinoff Kelsey Heyne Arianna Leo Gabrielle Miceli Emily Panzenbeck Nicole Pirro Taylor Thomas Sophie Watkins Kimberly Zelaya https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107528 Thu, 03 May 2012 04:00:00 GMT false107528 Music in Our Schools Month To celebrate Music in Our Schools Month, the students of the high school enjoyed a performance and workshop from Sergeant First Class (SFC) John Altman, who plays the trumpet in the U.S. Army Field Band. SFC Altman held a master class for the school’s trumpet players, who had the opportunity to thank him for his service. The Deer Park High School Jazz Band also had the distinct honor of having SFC Altman join their ensemble during an evening rehearsal. The day was a musical treat for students as they listened to the lead trumpeter play music by composers Haydn and Arutunian and had the opportunity to meet and perform with a member of the prestigious U.S. Army Field Band. Before joining the U.S. Army Field Band, SFC Altman received his B.A. at the Centre College of Kentucky and his master’s in jazz pedagogy and performance at Northern Illinois University. In addition to performing lead trumpet with the Chicago Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra, he has also been a member of the Florida Chamber Orchestra, Rockford Symphony Orchestra and Washington Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107526 Sun, 29 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT false107526 Green Learning The students at John Quincy Adams Elementary School sprung into spring with green lessons. During the school’s Agricultural Literacy Week, students learned the importance of preserving the environment as well as the scientific process that occurs when seeds grow into plants. As part of the program, Robert Frost Middle School and Deer Park High School Family and Consumer Science students visited the elementary school to mentor students through the reading and writing activity “What Plant Am I?” Students learned about a variety of seed types and how seeds transform into beautiful plants. They were surprised to learn the unique ways that seeds mature, discovering that each seed has one tiny living plant embryo resting inside. The upperclassmen guided students through their projects, educating them on the changes both inside and outside of a germinating plant, and helped students prepare their seeds for planting. All of the elementary students went home with seeds of their own so they can plant trees and share their knowledge with their families. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107524 Thu, 19 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT false107524 Celebrating Hispanic Heritage The district culminated National Language and Culture Month with a Hispanic Heritage Festival. Robert Frost Middle School Spanish language and English as a Second Language (ESL) students organized the vibrant event, which featured a performance by professional flamenco dancer Sol y Sombra. Students sampled Latin cuisine and celebrated the people, landmarks and history of the diverse Spanish-speaking countries around the world. In addition, the International Culture Club held its annual International Night, which was attended by hundreds of students and community members. Attendees enjoyed live music, demonstrations of martial arts and traditional dances from Peru, the Dominican Republic and Argentina. Students also performed international songs. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107523 Wed, 18 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT false107523 Musical Science Music students at the High School and Robert Frost Middle School recently participated in an interesting musician-in-residence program that left them in awe. Musician Rob Schwimmer performed on a Theremin, a small, box-shaped electronic musical instrument controlled without discernible physical contact from the player. Mr. Schwimmer taught students how to manipulate melodies using this unique musical instrument. They watched and listened as the musician methodically moved his hands between the two metal antennae without making physical contact with the instrument. As Mr. Schwimmer played, he explained that he creates music using the antennae; one determines the frequency, while the other controls the amplitude. Students were interested in learning the science behind the Theremin and took turns playing on the instrument themselves, experimenting with sounds. Theremins are also used in concert music (especially avant-garde and 20th- and 21st-century new music) and in popular music genres, including rock. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107525 Wed, 18 Apr 2012 04:00:00 GMT false107525 Students Get a Lesson in Baking for a Good Cause Students at Robert Frost Middle School had the opportunity to help the less fortunate, while learning important core educational concepts during a baking presentation. King Arthur Flour Life Skills Bread Baking Program instructor Gina Ciancia was on hand to show approximately 160 seventh-grade students how to make two loaves of bread – one of which the students could keep and the other to be donated to a local soup kitchen. Math and science theories were incorporated into the baking demonstration. Students Javairia Nadeem and Gulsum Camlira assisted Ciancia throughout the demonstration, from measuring the ingredients and kneading the bread to displaying the final products for other students to see. Ms. Ciancia explained how to make French and braided bread, cinnamon rolls, and pizza dough. “Students learn lessons in science and math,” said Director of Family and Consumer Sciences Celeste Archer of the baking program. “They also get to see how they can give back to the community by providing bread for those in need.” Each of the students took the ingredients home to bake both loaves, bringing one back for donation. This community service endeavor was provided to the school for free, courtesy of King Arthur Flour. The donated loaves of bread will be given to Presbyterian Soup Kitchen and Ascension Lutheran Church in Deer Park. “We feel it is important because students learn all of the academic skills behind it – they learn the math and the science, then they learn the food safety, time management, and the organization,” Ms. Ciancia added. “They also get the community service piece. It really is a holistic kind of approach to education, and they take a lot out of it.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107258 Wed, 28 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT false107258 Mental & Physical Strength of JQA Kid Power The students at John Quincy Adams Elementary School participated in an interactive Kid Power assembly that educated them on the value of good nutrition and exercise. The musical show, entitled “Operation Lunch Line,” took students on a 3-D journey of exploration into the human body, using a boy named Max who does not eat or exercise properly. Students actively participated in the lessons as they worked together to motivate Max, giving him helpful tips on how to make himself a healthier person. The program identified the daily steps students should take to fully develop their knowledge and skills about good health and the necessary behaviors to accomplish a productive day. They also learned the importance of balancing nutritious foods and physical activities. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107257 Wed, 21 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT false107257 Students Catch a Good Book at JQA Each year, the John Quincy Adams Elementary School participates in the Parents as Reading Partners (PARP) program. PARP is a literacy-based initiative that expands students’ reading skills and provides an opportunity for students and parents to spend educational time together. This year’s theme, “Catch a Good Book,” encourages students to read literature that appeals to their interests. Buddy Reading Days worked to pair students with their peers in other grades and classes and allowed them to share their favorite books with each other and learn something new from their reading buddies. During this activity, students also took part in “Wear a Hat to Read Day,” where they were asked to choose a hat that coincided with their book of choice. As part of the Buddy Reading Day, teaching assistant and resident author Darrel Clark visited classrooms to discuss his book The Happy Frog with students. He shared his experiences as an author as well as the steps taken to complete the writing and publishing process. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107256 Sun, 18 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT false107256 Music in Our Schools Month Musicians from the John F. Kennedy Intermediate School Advanced Band had the opportunity to perform side-by-side with students from the High School Wind Ensemble. The unique program provided younger student musicians with the opportunity to be mentored by accomplished high school musicians, which culminated in a special assembly that entertained the audience in the intermediate school gymnasium. The district is known for its rich music program, and the event served as an excellent way to kick off March's Music in Our Schools Month (MIOSM), which is a nationwide initiative to put the spotlight on music education. According to Dr. Jeff S. Dailey, Director of Fine and Performing Arts, the purpose of MIOSM is to raise awareness of the importance of music education for all children, and to remind the community that school is where all students should have access to music. Not only is MIOSM an opportunity for music teachers to bring their music programs to the attention of the school and community, it also serves as a chance to display the benefits school music brings to students of all ages. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107254 Mon, 12 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT false107254 Jungle Stories This year, May Moore Elementary School students will celebrate the Parents as Reading Partners (PARP) program with the theme “Wild About Reading.” Students gathered in the school’s media center to hear the African tale Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears by Verna Aardema, read by Telecom Literacy Pioneers volunteer Kerry Brennan. The pages of this animated story were projected onto the SMART Board to provide an interactive reading experience. Students played an active role throughout the storyline, taking on the characteristics of the jungle animals including the iguana, monkey, owl, python, rabbit and crow. In addition to learning the origins of nature’s mysteries, students gained an appreciation for the delicacy of life and how all actions have repercussions. Telecom Pioneers is a national organization made up of a network of volunteers and corporate sponsors who have worked for more than 100 years to provide fellowship, loyalty and service to communities. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107255 Sun, 11 Mar 2012 05:00:00 GMT false107255 Animal Adventure Tales Students at May Moore and John Quincy Adams Elementary Schools kicked off Parents as Reading Partners (PARP) month with an animated performance by award-winning author, storyteller, educator and musician Michael Caduto. The program celebrated Native American culture through stories, song and dance in Flying Turtles and Talking Bears. Students were introduced to a cast of humorous characters with unique personalities as they were immersed in the experience of traditional storytelling. Students sang along to the accompaniment of guitar and drums and danced to the rhythm of rattles. The vivid tales sparked students’ imaginations and gave them a new perspective on nature and its inhabitants. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107253 Wed, 07 Mar 2012 05:00:00 GMT false107253 Students Perform as “Friendly Neighborhood Helpers” John F. Kennedy Intermediate School general education and special needs students came together for a production of “Friendly Neighborhood Helpers.” Students performed an action-packed play that educated the audience on the important contributions of local service people and professionals. Students took to the stage, dressed as crossing guards, firefighters, police officers and doctors to illustrate each profession’s contribution to a community, acting in skits and employing their respective occupational skill sets. Through vibrant scenes and informative dialogue, the young actors described how these people help others every day and expressed appreciation for their dedication and work. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107251 Tue, 06 Mar 2012 05:00:00 GMT false107251 Student Signs to Play at Stony Brook High school senior Aaron Thompson signed a national letter of intent to attend and play football at Stony Brook University. An accomplished student, Aaron will major in physical therapy. He has helped lead the Varsity Falcons Football team to successful seasons which include playoff appearances. Individually, he has multiple All-County, All-Conference and All-Around selections, as well as a 2012 Zellner Award nomination for outstanding lineman in Suffolk County. In addition, Aaron was a member of the wrestling and track teams and is active in the community as a church youth leader. Pictured below (l-r) head football coach Ron Langella, strength coach John Furia, Kaylar Thompson (mother) and Athletic Director Dominick Fontana congratulated student-athlete Aaron Thompson on signing a letter of intent to play football at Stony Brook University. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107252 Mon, 05 Mar 2012 05:00:00 GMT false107252 Have a Heart for Christy To support an ill student, the district came together to raise funds and lift her spirits. Robert Frost Middle School launched the Have a Heart for Christy campaign to benefit a student who has been hospitalized with a severe heart condition and is on the list for an immediate transplant. Students and staff at Frost, as well as parents, made generous contributions to the cause, and teachers came together to provide Christy with a special technology gift so that she can stay connected with her friends and teachers. In addition, students created heart-inspired paintings and drawings to express their care for Christy. Some of the artwork will be given to Christy to decorate her room. Through these amazing community efforts, the district has collected $2,311 to help the family cover medical costs. A very special thank you goes to the Transportation Department, John F. Kennedy Intermediate School, CSEA members, and the students and driver of bus route #17 for their donation and card, as well as everyone who contributed to Christy and her family. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107249 Tue, 28 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT false107249 Students Celebrate 100th Day of Learning The students of May Moore Elementary School in Tammy Cotrone’s first-grade class learned an important lesson about helping others as they prepared for their 100th day of school celebration. Students collected cans of food to donate to a local soup kitchen, tallying the number of cans brought into the classroom each day. The class couldn’t be more proud to see the shopping cart overflowing, which meant they had accomplished their goal of collecting at least 100 cans and non-perishables by the 100th day of school, a goal they achieved while learning the importance of community service. At John Quincy Adams Elementary School, first-grade students turned the clock forward and dressed as if they were 100 years old, with looks that included white wigs, pearls and spectacles. Students rotated to educational stations centered on the “100” theme, where they worked on MacBooks, counted and sorted various items, and created art projects. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107250 Mon, 27 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT false107250 Democracy in Action The National League of Women Voters, Huntington division, visited Deer Park High School seniors to present them with “Vote 18.” The interactive presentation educated the Class of 2012, many of whom are of the legal age to vote, on the importance of exercising their right to vote and the journey to universal suffrage in the United States. To conclude the program, students completed voter registration forms and are now eligible to vote in local, state and national elections. In addition, the league announced that they would be sponsoring student Ishrat Ahmed at Students Inside Albany (SIA). The three-day conference brings together students from across the state to increase awareness of their responsibility in representative government, and to provide the tools necessary for meeting that responsibility. SIA workshop topics will include ethics, lobbying and media and will allow Ishrat to connect with politicians and observe how the government operates. Ishrat was selected by the Huntington League for her outstanding essay and application submissions. Pictured below, the Huntington League of Women Voters (l-r) Judie Gorenstein, Brenda Reiss and JoAnn Alario-Paulsen congratulated student Ishrat Ahmed on her selection to the Students Inside Albany conference. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107246 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT false107246 Language Students Connect via Videoconference High school foreign language students studying French, Spanish and Italian all had the opportunity to videoconference with students at either John Quincy Adams or May Moore Elementary School in a three-day initiative designed to benefit both groups with language enrichment. On day three of this effort, Ms. Conroy’s Italian class, comprised of seniors, teleconferenced with second graders at JQA Elementary School. “Doing this helps students express language in a fun and immersive way,” said Deer Park Curriculum Director of World Languages/ESL Gina Palasciano. Ms. Conroy’s class prepared skits, created posters, sang songs and used props that reinforced the basic learning of the Italian words for numbers, colors, animals and foods. Elementary students had worksheets and crayons to use as they followed along during the lesson and completed activities. The high school students sang the familiar children’s ditty “Old MacDonald,” which they combined with their posters and puppets to teach the names of the animals. Students have been participating in this type of interaction between the grades for many years, using teleconferencing for over five years. They use SKYPE, projected onto Smartboards, to view one another, while the camera and microphone are attached to standard computers. Students will be celebrating National Foreign Language Week throughout the week of March 5. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107247 Mon, 20 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT false107247 Student-Athlete Signs with Wake Forest High school senior Jenai Davidson has signed a national letter of intent to attend and play soccer at Wake Forest University. Jenai will join the Demon Deacons this fall and continue her academic career at this prestigious academic institution. While a Falcon, Jenai and the Girls Varsity Soccer team made playoff appearances for four years in a row, claimed multiple League VI titles, and competed in three Elite 8 tournaments. At the central midfield position, Jenai was a team leader and named an All-County selection during her junior and senior years. A well-rounded student, Jenai’s exceptional character on the field translates to her performance in the classroom, where she is a respected and accomplished student. Her exemplary work ethic and determined attitude push her to reach her full potential and encourage her peers to do the same. Pictured below, Girls Varsity Soccer Head Coach Ian Kyranakis, Associate Principal Jeanne Regan, Lauryn Davidson (sister), Nicole Davidson (mother), Troy Davidson (father), Assistant Coach Greg Menig and District Administrator for Athletics, Physical Education, Health & Recreation Dominick Fontana joined senior Jenai Davidson during her letter of intent signing for Wake Forest University. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107248 Sun, 19 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT false107248 An “I” on Technology John F. Kennedy Intermediate School’s self-contained fifth-grade class, led by teacher John Colford and speech therapist Dana Hagan, were part of a team of educators, administrators, iPad app developers and camera crew that came together to showcase what students have learned using the iPad ShowMe application. The makers of ShowMe are in the process of creating a promotional video to illustrate the exemplary use of its application in schools, and JFK was selected for its successful integration of the program into the classroom. ShowMe is an interactive whiteboard that allows users to record words, write on the tablet, and import pictures to create an original and unique final product. To begin production, Mrs. Hagan was interviewed on how she utilizes the app during speech-language therapy, and how the tactile and phonic exercises benefit students. The class then engaged in small group work to demonstrate ShowMe lessons and reviewed previously recorded ShowMe projects featuring U.S. landmarks. Students also worked with Mr. Colford on a literary lesson, which focused on the parts of speech. The cameras documented the students’ development throughout the session as they expanded their vocabularies and improved pronunciation. Following the taping, students had the opportunity to review the tape and learn how the audiovisual equipment is used. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107245 Wed, 15 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT false107245 The Skills of Life Learned at Deer Park In its continual efforts to provide students with innovative educational opportunities, the district recently opened a groundbreaking facility for its special needs population. The Life Skills Center, located in the Washington School, features a multi-room design that simulates a home setting. Each room, including a kitchen, bedroom and living space, provides a platform for students to learn specific skill sets and encourages them to become independent problem solvers. Throughout the school year, students visit the center to complete various activities. Robert Frost Middle School special education teacher Laura Valente’s class engaged in a food lesson. Students, with the assistance of speech teacher Christine Sokol, took a hands-on approach to making an ice cream sundae. They began by identifying the tools and utensils needed to create the sweet treat and then used key words to describe the ingredients. Building teamwork skills, students took on a variety of roles in gathering and setting tableware and practiced tactile learning by scooping their favorite ice cream flavors. They also reviewed proper table and dining etiquette and expressed their creative sides by decorating their desserts with a selection of toppings. This hub of education allows students to take on everyday tasks in an interactive learning environment. Students have the ability to work to their full potential and assist one another through the process. Expanding the center’s benefits districtwide, self-contained classes from John F. Kennedy Intermediate School will begin to utilize the center to enhance curriculum and development. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107243 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT false107243 Love of Learning First-grade students at John Quincy Adams Elementary School spread the love during their Valentine’s Day activities. During reading time, teacher Debbie Sciacca shared books that highlighted the character education themes of caring, compassion and friendship. To support their literary lessons, students described and graphed what they love about JQA, sharing sentiments about their classmates, teachers and favorite curriculum topics. Students then selected a personal statement and wrote their messages on fabric squares, accompanying their writings with drawings to illustrate their words. Once all of the squares were complete, each piece was connected to one another to form a unified class quilt of love. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107244 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT false107244 Student-Artist Makes NYC Debut Talented artist and high school student Jessica Curry was selected to have her work featured in a Manhattan exhibit. Her dynamic drawings and paintings are on display at 430 Park Avenue and can be viewed from the street and inside the building. Jessica has taken advantage of a variety of district art class offerings, including Drawing & Painting and Advanced Placement Art Studio. In addition, she was enrolled at the Usdan Center for the Creative and Performing Arts last summer, where she studied with Deer Park art teacher Derek Mainhart. When the New York City show is complete, her artwork will be relocated to the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts at Long Island University’s C.W. Post campus in Old Brookville. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107242 Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT false107242 Students Work for Healthy Hearts The John F. Kennedy Intermediate School joined the efforts of the American Heart Association (AHA) to raise funds for the organization while promoting a healthy lifestyle for students. Since 2006 the school has participated in the “Jump Rope for Heart” and “Hoops for Heart” community service programs, which support life-saving research for heart and blood vessel diseases and stroke. During their physical education classes, students were educated on AHA research, which shows that the habits and choices developed in childhood directly influence whether or not a person develops heart disease later in life. Reducing the risk of many forms of heart disease can be as easy as maintaining a regular exercise routine. Motivated by the health statistics, physical education teachers designated two weeks in January to help students learn about the importance of heart-healthy exercise. All students participated and became active in aerobic activities, which included Skip-Its, hula hoops, swing bars, straight bar ropes, jump ropes, long ropes, hopscotch and jumping lines. Through the generous sponsorship of students’ family members and friends, the school was able to raise more than $16,000 for the AHA and its mission. This year the school donated in honor of fifth-grade teacher Dennis Maffei who suffered a heart attack this winter. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107241 Sun, 29 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT false107241 Students Say: Gung Hay Fat Choy The Year of the Dragon was off to an auspicious start for third-grade students at John F. Kennedy Intermediate School, as they celebrated the Chinese New Year in authentic fashion. After studying the geography, economy and culture of China, students were ready to take part in one of this country’s most famous customs. Students gathered together to read about the origin of Chinese New Year celebrations such as dragon parades, fireworks and feasts. Teacher Helene Cotter provided each student with a red envelope containing play money, a traditional Chinese custom that is said to bring good luck in the New Year. At the conclusion of their celebration students enjoyed a feast of Chinese food. This was the second leg of a yearlong virtual trip through the seven continents using the district’s distance learning technology. It has become a memorable way for students to complete the third-grade social studies curriculum. “At the beginning of the year students made paper suitcases to take on their travels,” explained Ms. Cotter. “We began in North America, by studying the U.S.A. As they complete each leg of the journey, students will be using their suitcases to gather information and mementos to remind them of all that they have learned.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107240 Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT false107240 Students Engage in Extreme Water Safety Students at John F. Kennedy Intermediate School advanced their safety knowledge during the district’s extreme water safety program. Fifth graders visited the high school swimming pool to participate in dynamic water activities. Students learned physical skills related to self-rescue for critical situations such as muscle cramps, exhaustion and sudden immersion into cold water. While clothed, students entered the pool to simulate emergency scenarios and practiced survival techniques, including floating, swimming, huddle positions, using clothing as flotation devices, and understanding the importance of lifejackets. Students also learned how to handle unusual circumstances, such as a submerged vehicle or capsized boat. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107239 Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT false107239 Student Rocks the Competition Robert Frost Middle School student Daniel Fisher was named a semifinalist in “Rock the Statue Green: A Transatlantic Art Contest.” District French language students participated in this worldwide competition, which celebrated the 125th birthday of the Statue of Liberty. Students created inspirational work through various artistic media, including songs, essays, photos and drawings, while keeping the spirit of the environment at the forefront of their visions. Daniel’s detailed and expressive drawings, presented in poster form, infused green ideals and impressed the judges, who awarded him semifinalist designation. The program was organized by the French Embassy, in collaboration with the U.S. National Park Service, Statue of Liberty National Monument and the American Association of Teachers of French, who hosted this Franco-American contest for K-12 students in both the U.S. and France. Pictured below, Daniel Fisher showcased his artistic abilities and environmental awareness through his detailed portrayal of the Statue of Liberty and with the assistance of foreign language teacher Nancy Wolman. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107238 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT false107238 Student to Compete in Regional Spelling Bee Robert Frost Middle School held its first annual spelling bee as part of the Howard Scripps National Spelling Bee. Preliminary rounds began with a written quiz that was administered during all English classes. Fifteen standout spellers scored 100 and advanced to the building-wide competition. Following an intense battle of words, student Kailey Tenn was named the winner and will now participate at the regional level in March at Hofstra University. If successful at this tournament, Kailey will join students nationwide at the televised Howard Scripps Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107237 Thu, 12 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT false107237 Teacher Receives Award in Education High school earth science teacher Janet Werner has been named the Dowling College/News 12 Long Island Educator of the Month. Throughout her 34-year career in the fields of science and education, including the last 14 years as a teacher within the Deer Park School District, Ms. Werner has worked to inspire students through her innovative teaching techniques and positive perspective. Superintendent of Schools Eva J. Demyen identified Ms. Werner as a valuable member of the educational community, noting, “It takes a specific quality to have the ability to draw people in, and that is what she does every day.” Ms. Werner possesses a dedication to academia that surpasses classroom instruction, demonstrated by her efforts to stay ahead of the curve on current topics and themes through seminars and educational programs. Within the high school, she has expanded course opportunities for students by spearheading a college oceanography class (in conjunction with Stony Brook University) and an astronomy class, both of which are extremely popular within the student body. Working to develop well-rounded students, Ms. Werner has also held the position of advisor for a myriad of extracurricular clubs, including the Scallop Bowl, the Environmental Club and Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), which hosts and sponsors a variety of island and district-wide programs and conferences. Upon receiving this award, Ms. Werner described her passion for education and stated, “It’s not work when you love what you do.” Dowling College Dean of Education Dr. Clyde Payne visited Deer Park to present the award to Ms. Werner and capture video footage to highlight her accomplishments, students and school, which will air on News 12. Dr. Payne shared that Ms. Werner was a standout selection. “Of all the nominations, she was overwhelmingly chosen as number one,” he stated. “She is not just doing outstanding classroom work, but engages in more worldly endeavors as well.” Curriculum Associate for Science and Technology Samir Biswas, along with district administrators, colleagues and current and former students, nominated Ms. Werner for this award. Pictured below, Dowling College Dean of Education Dr. Clyde Payne presented teacher Janet Werner with the Dowling College/News 12 Long Island Educator of the Month Award. During the ceremony she was congratulated by (l-r) High School Principal James Cummings, Curriculum Associate for Science and Technology Samir Biswas and Superintendent of Schools Eva J. Demyen. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107236 Sun, 08 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT false107236 Collaborative Learning John F. Kennedy Intermediate School fourth-grade students learned the art of literature through the Reading and Writing Curriculum of Teacher's College at Columbia University. District teachers followed the published work of author and professor Dr. Lucy Calkins, entitled Writing Fiction: Big Dreams, Tall Ambitions. Students explored the curriculum through various writing units in which they used different elements to create realistic fiction writing pieces that featured genre-specific characters, plots and scenes. To exercise these skills, students participated in lessons on the complete writing process by imagining stories they wished were true, developing believable characters, creating different leads to their stories, and writing powerful endings. In order to showcase their work, fourth-grade students came together for a culminating Realistic Fiction Writing Celebration. Students were grouped together to share their writings with their peers and provide positive feedback to one another. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107234 Mon, 02 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT false107234 A Conference for Change The High School Students Against Destructive Destructions (SADD) Club hosted a districtwide "Neighbor to Neighbor" conference that engaged students in a unique initiative. Ten students from grades five through eight were invited to participate in a series of workshops and activities to address current issues that young people face today. The goal of the daylong program was to create an awareness of these challenges and develop unified plans of action. Workshops included bullying and its effects, strategies to overcome bullying, and the sharing of stories with those who have experienced bullying. In one workshop, groups expressed themselves by creating a series of skits, which they presented on a variety of topics including texting, social acceptance and peer relationships. The day culminated with each group creating a poster depicting what they had learned. Each piece will be displayed in the students’ respective schools for their peers to view, along with a certificate of participation. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107235 Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT false107235 Student Santas The high school’s Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) Club convened for a "Wrapping and Rapping" party to cap off the districtwide Adopt-A-Cherub holiday program. SADD Club advisor Janet Werner-Kempski and club members recruited organizations and clubs within the high school to donate and wrap more than 100 gifts, which will be given to the student "cherubs" they adopted for the holiday season. Each club was provided with the age and gender of their cherub and then selected appropriate gifts, including clothes, figurines, board games, books, teddy bears, playing cards and sporting goods. SADD Club staffers were pleased to have the opportunity to make someone else’s holiday a little brighter this year, especially those less fortunate in these tough economic times. "The gifts will be given to district students in need," Werner-Kempski said. “This event is about music, fellowship and wrapping presents.” While students wrapped the gifts, they enjoyed a festive afternoon of chatting with teachers, listening to music and bonding with their fellow classmates. The SADD Club was joined by members of Deer Park High School's Anti-Bullying Club, Community Service Club, Gay-Straight Alliance, Theater Club, Comic Book Club and Senior Class Boys' Varsity leaders, all of whom participated in the program and made it a success. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107232 Wed, 14 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT false107232 No Snoozing During the Winter Play Under the direction of Ms. Lubrano, the students of May Moore Elementary School’s Music Club presented their annual wintertime performance of Snoozy Snowflake for parents, classmates and community members. Set during the wintertime, the story centers on Snoozy Smowflake, played by student Jordan Perez, whose actions have held up the first snowfall of winter. Snoozy claims to be tired and just wants to rest, but the real reason for her lack of enthusiasm is that she desires to be different. Her teacher, Mr. Frost, played by teacher Jeremy Smith, reminds Snoozy that all snowflakes are different and each possesses unique qualities. Hearing that she is special is a joyous revelation to Snoozy and she is reminded that each person is special and capable of making a unique contribution to his or her family, school, and community. A cast of 20 student ‘snowflakes’ and 11 others dazzled the audience with a variety of songs including “Snow’s a No-Show” and “Get Flakey.” Special thanks to Ms. Lubrano, the entire cast, Ms. Cullinane (set design), Ms. Bogart (audio), Ms. LoPiccolo (t-shirts), Mrs. Skoljarev (snowflake) and all of the parents for attending. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107233 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT false107233 Students Provide Simple Comforts The Pajama Program is a not-for-profit organization that provides new, warm pajamas to children in need throughout the United States, and John F. Kennedy Intermediate School has joined its mission. Students in Kate Torres’ class organized a schoolwide drive and encouraged their peers to donate new pajamas to the cause. As a class, students sorted the pajamas and created a display in the hallway to graph the clothing collected by size and gender. Students worked to raise awareness of the need to provide at-risk children living in group homes and shelters, many of whom are orphans, with warm, clean nighttime clothing. The school’s assistance with the Pajama Program comes during the most urgent time of the year, when the thermostat dips and the harsh winter months settle in. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107231 Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT false107231 Celebration of the Arts The district inducted 29 students into the high school’s chapter of the Tri-M Music Honor Society. These newest members of this prestigious international organization were selected based on their musical ability, academic excellence and school involvement. Tri-M Music Honor Society is designed to recognize and reward students for their achievements while inspiring their peers to excel at music and leadership. Another goal is to increase student and school involvement with music and to build a stronger and more unified music program. The 29 new inductees will join the current 11 members who will be led by advisor and music teacher Mr. Abrams. Members participate in a variety of community service projects and school performances throughout the school year. Across the island, Deer Park student-musicians participate in a variety of elite performances and concerts. Four students were selected for the Long Island String Festival and will join the organization’s countywide ensembles. In addition, the New York State Council of Administrators of Music Education (NYSCAME) and the Suffolk County Music Educators Association (SCMEA) All-County Music Festivals will include six Deer Park students who will join other division central schools and perform in the chorus ensembles. Seven of the district’s youngest musicians were chosen to participate in the PEAK Festival, sponsored by SCMEA. PEAK, which stands for “Parents, Educators and Kids,” is a special program for musically talented fourth graders in which students, parents and music teachers participate in a variety of musical workshops to hone and enhance students’ skills and broaden their interests in music. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107230 Tue, 06 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT false107230 Fall Athletes Score on the Field and in the Classroom Following a successful fall season, the district is proud to announce that eight teams have earned New York State Scholar Athlete status. In order to receive this designation, the teams achieved and maintained a cumulative grade point average of 90 or better throughout the entire season. In addition, two varsity teams and the Robert Frost Middle School seventh-grade boys soccer team received the Sportsmanship Award for their respective leagues. These teams were selected for this award based on the recommendations of officials and opposing teams for their fair play and good sportsmanship on the field of competition. On the field, four teams qualified for playoff competitions, with the Girls Varsity Volleyball team capturing the League IV Championship. Individual student-athletes on all teams were named to the elite All-County, Academic All-County, All-Conference, All-League and Academic All-League teams. Girls Varsity Volleyball player Jean Etersque was named the League IV Most Valuable Player, while teammate Julia Connolly was named the League IV Rookie of the Year. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107229 Wed, 30 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT false107229 Building Baskets to Benefit the Community In addition to being academically gifted, members of the Robert Frost Middle School National Junior Honor Society recognize the importance of giving back, especially during the holiday season. To make a positive impact within the community, Deer Park students came together to sponsor a Thanksgiving food drive. The middle school students crafted posters and made daily announcements to encourage their peers to donate nonperishable food items to the cause. Following weeks of collection, students volunteered their time to sort the cans, boxes and bottles and created complete meals, from snacks to desserts, for families in need to enjoy. The Thanksgiving meals were distributed to families in the community prior to the holiday. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107227 Mon, 21 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT false107227 A Meal with Friends The pre-kindergarten students at Abraham Lincoln School came together to give thanks and share a Thanksgiving feast. Students learned the history of Thanksgiving and crafted traditional garments including hats, vests and headdresses. Dressed as Pilgrims, Native Americans and turkeys, students sampled a variety of foods and discussed what they are thankful for in their lives. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107228 Sun, 20 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT false107228 Students Collaborate with Professional Musicians The professional musicians of Project Trio facilitated master classes for the student-musicians of Deer Park. Project Trio members Greg Pattillo, Eric Stephenson and Peter Seymour worked with students one-on-one and through group ensembles to prepare for a live community concert, which took place later that evening. String and brass music students districtwide, including the High School A Cappella Chorus, High School Chamber Orchestra and flute, cello and bass players in grades 5-12, participated in interactive workshops. Through innovative instruction, students learned distinctive techniques and fine-tuned their theatrical performance pieces. The master classes also enabled students to explore their creative prowess and expand their musical repertoire by experimenting with diverse genres of music under the guidance of Project Trio. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107225 Wed, 16 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT false107225 Moving Memorials Students at May Moore Elementary School learned about American history and the value of service by actively participating in Veterans Day. Tammy Cotrone’s kindergarten class honored their heroes by building a visual display of their loved ones who served, and are currently serving, in the armed forces. The faces of the service men and women, their military commendations and references to the wars fought comprised a timeline of the brave actions of these men and women. In addition, students crafted flag pendants as patriotic symbols of their support for our troops, which are now displayed in the Town of Babylon Hall. Students also expressed their thanks through letters to local veterans, which were distributed to community veteran groups. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107226 Tue, 15 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT false107226 Student Shows Appreciation for Vets Robert Frost Middle School student Nicholas Alo placed third in the Town of Babylon Veterans Awareness Week Essay Contest. As seventh-grade social studies teacher Lindsay Baudier educated students on the significance and meaning of Veterans Day, she made students aware of the opportunity to participate in this competition. Inspired by this year’s theme of “My Hero” and the American History curriculum covered through classroom lessons, Nicholas wrote a moving piece on his grandfather, Frank Alo. Over the years, Nicholas has connected with his grandfather through listening to stories about his time and experiences serving in the armed forces. Mr. Alo joined the Army in 1955 and had to leave his family to travel overseas and serve in Germany as a member of the artillery squad. Through these conversations, Nicholas not only gained a great respect for his grandfather, but for all of the men and women who have protected America’s freedoms throughout history. Nicholas was eager to participate in the Town’s Veterans Day tribute and submitted his personal essay. He attended a Town Hall ceremony for the competition’s winners, where he was recognized for his achievements with an award certificate and given the opportunity to read his essay for a group of veterans and political officials. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107224 Wed, 09 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT false107224 Students Bring the HEAT Deer Park’s Health Education Action Team (HEAT) presented at the annual New York Highway Safety Symposium. High school students Keesha Hilarion, Haley Pratt, Steven Lynchard and Brandon Ramsaran, under the leadership of club advisor Sherry Deacon, were selected to share their knowledge of innovative district programs during the symposium, which featured critical information on teens and destructive decisions. Students spoke about the need for teens to make better decisions when getting behind the wheel, especially refraining cell phone use, specifically texting while driving. During their presentations, students addressed state agencies, including the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee, the Division of Criminal Justice Services and the Department of Transportation, and spoke on topics of prevention, enforcement, prosecution and proactive education. Students interacted with various professionals, exchanged information, and learned about grants, legislative issues, data and statistics, as well as effective local, state and federal initiatives to make the roads safer. The New York Highway Safety Symposium attracts more than 350 professionals from local, state, federal and private agencies who are involved in efforts to reduce deaths and injuries related to traffic accidents. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107223 Tue, 08 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT false107223 Pre-K Pumpkins Autumn artwork served to decorate the walls at Abraham Lincoln School, where pre-kindergarten students completed seasonal pumpkin activities. Students invited special adults guests to join them in a variety of educational and artistic projects. Students and their adult assistants created decorative pieces using different simple materials. Expressing their individuality, they added unique characteristics and practiced their crafting skills. As their pumpkins dried, the pre-kindergarteners engaged in fall-themed academic activities, including piecing together a leaf puzzle. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107222 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 04:00:00 GMT false107222 RED RIBBON WEEK The district works throughout the school year to ensure the safety of its students and educate them to carry out a healthy lifestyle. Most recently, Robert Frost Middle School students participated in Red Ribbon Week, the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the country. Red Ribbon Week serves as a vehicle for students to make a personal commitment to live drug-free lives, with the ultimate goal of a drug-free America. Throughout the week, students engaged in a variety of drug prevention programs such as Police Smart. Police Smart is facilitated by local law enforcement officers who speak to students on the devastating consequences of drug and alcohol use and draw from personal and professional experiences to impact the student audience. In addition, National Junior Honor Society and Student Council members created a visual display for their peers and community by placing red ribbons on the trees that border the school. During the week, all students attended school wearing red to signify their dedication to the drug-free movement. Students at John F. Kennedy Intermediate School united for Red Ribbon Week to promote a drug-free environment and raise awareness about the dangers of substance abuse. Students wore red ribbons that symbolized their commitment to the positive movement and participated in a variety of educational activities. Each day of the week was designated to being drug free and featured its own theme, such as “Be a Hero - Pledge to Be Drug Free” and “Go Green - Don’t Let Drugs Pollute Your Life.” Students learned about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco and drug use through an engaging assembly entitled, “We’re No Dummies, We Don’t Take Drugs.” In addition, all students had the opportunity to participate in the school’s essay contest, which was inspired by this year’s theme “HERO” - Help, Encourage and Respect Others. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107221 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 GMT false107221 Deer Park’s National Merit Scholar High school senior Kevin Tresselt has been named a Commended Student in the 2012 National Merit Scholarship Program. Kevin is one of approximately 34,000 students nationwide who earned this honor, placing him among the top five percent of students who competed for this recognition. More than 1.5 million students entered the 2012 competition by taking the SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, placing Kevin in an elite group of academically talented students. Academically, Kevin excels in the classroom as a member of the National Honor Society, Academic Team and was named an AP Scholar with Distinction. In addition, he is involved in a variety of extracurricular activities including Student Council, Varsity Leaders Club and Jazz Band. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107218 Sun, 02 Oct 2011 04:00:00 GMT false107218 A Unifying Effect Bold signs that read “Diversity, Respect and Dignity” lined the gymnasium of Robert Frost Middle School. The eighth-grade class came together to experience a powerful workshop led by motivational speaker Paul D. Failla. A retired twenty-seven year veteran of the Suffolk County Police Department, Mr. Failla’s character education program combined humor, role-playing and storytelling to deliver a message of tolerance and human diversity. Mr. Failla drew on real-life experiences and historic events that addressed many of the challenges and stresses young people face at school and in social settings. Through this interactive program, students built self-confidence, self-assuredness and leadership skills while gaining a heightened awareness of the impact made by their decisions on their own and others’ lives. The program encouraged students to build positive relationships with their peers and embrace the differences that make each of them unique. Following the presentation, students reflected on the topics discussed and signed a “No Bully” banner, which will be displayed in the halls of the school. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107219 Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 GMT false107219 Safety First A bright yellow bus parked in front of Abraham Lincoln School served as a life-sized educational tool for pre-kindergarten students. Safety Sally, a bus safety program provided through Eastern Suffolk BOCES, visited students to educate them on the proper way to board, ride and exit the bus. Instruction began with lessons on how to cross the street when waiting at the bus stop for pickup and at the end of the day for drop-off. Students learned the different bus signs and signals and the distance needed to walk in front of the vehicle. After climbing the stairs of the bus, carefully holding onto the handrail, students watched an animated video in which the characters illustrated how to behave on the bus during rides to and from school. The hands-on transportation program concluded with a simulated emergency exit. Students practiced how to exit from the back door of the bus with the assistance of an adult and move to a secure area for further directions. The experience helped students to become more comfortable when riding the bus and ensure that they are knowledgeable in bus safety. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107220 Fri, 30 Sep 2011 04:00:00 GMT false107220 Scholars Earn National Recognition The district is proud to announce that its high school students have received 41 Advanced Placement (AP) designations. Throughout their high school careers, students have the opportunity to explore a multitude of AP courses where they are challenged to complete rigorous curricula and develop advanced problem-solving skills. In addition to the academic opportunities AP courses provide to students, the successful completion of these courses and assessments can also result in college credits, preparing students for higher education and saving money on tuition costs. Congratulations to the following students who earned this prestigious award. National AP Scholars The designation of National AP Scholar is granted to students who receive an average score of at least 4 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams. Deer Park’s National AP Scholars are: Mohammed O. Ahmed Erik M. Zimmerman AP Scholars with Distinction The designation of AP Scholar with Distinction is granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. Deer Park’s AP Scholars with Distinction are: Mohammed O. Ahmed Dominick J. Calvao Brittany Guttadauria Dana L. Norman Emma R. Rosenthal Shi-anne J. Shakes Kevin T. Tresselt Erik M. Zimmerman AP Scholars with Honor The designation of AP Scholar with Honor is granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. Deer Park’s AP Scholars with Honor are: Ahad Arshad Ka-chung Hung Ronald L. Marciszyn Casey R. McKenna Shanta S. Ramsaran Melissa K. Raynoha AP Scholars The designation of AP Scholar is granted to students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams. Deer Park’s AP Scholars are: Ishrat Ahmed Ahmel Arshad Brett K. Burnor Jaclyn M. Cartwright Annamichelle Caruso Christopher A. Ciuffo Kenneth R. Dejohn Jean Etersque Valerie Gerig Jasmine M. Gonzalez Matthew R. Keller Yong-woo Kim Patrick Lamonica Sarah F. Lombardo Tiffany Lopez Quinones Erica S. McKitty Hassan Mujeeb Elizabeth J. Nicolas Paul A. Pfundstein Ashita Samroo Farah Siddique Muhammad Siddiqui Michael A. Soldano Emma F. Tapada Christine Verghese https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107217 Thu, 22 Sep 2011 04:00:00 GMT false107217 A Day of Life Lessons The district honored the lives lost on September 11th and those who serve our country with patriotic ceremonies throughout the schools. At John F. Kennedy Intermediate, John Quincy Adams and May Moore Elementary Schools, students participated in lessons and projects that educated them on the events of that tragic day and how it has affected New York and the world. To mark the ten-year anniversary, school assemblies were held in which students recited the Pledge of Allegiance and sang songs that celebrated the unity and strength of America and its people. Following the presentations, each student received a flag to be placed on the school grounds during flag-planting memorials. Students embedded small flags on the schools’ lawns, creating a landscape of red, white and blue. In addition, teachers shared age-appropriate literature that described the importance and impact of September 11th. Students worked from the book On That Day: A Book of Hope for Children by Andrea Patel in their classrooms, which sparked discussion and answered critical questions. The book responds in a remarkably uplifting way to the September 11th tragedy and describes the simple yet hopeful message that even though bad things happen in the world, individual people always have the choice to do good things. The impactful day was dedicated to life and learning as it reflected on this monumental time in history for Americans and New Yorkers. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107216 Mon, 12 Sep 2011 04:00:00 GMT false107216 Meet the New Teachers of Deer Park The Deer Park School District’s newest teachers participated in an orientation program prior to the start of the school year to familiarize themselves with the mission, goals and resources of the district. Administrators provided the eight new teachers with helpful hints on becoming successful educators and guided them through the necessary steps for designing effective lessons. A theme of preparation and planning was highlighted throughout the presentations, and in the workshops, teachers were encouraged to collaborate with experienced colleagues to gain insight and knowledge. During the technology portion of the program, teachers learned how to infuse technology into the curriculum and streamline student information for easy access to biographical and academic statistics and facts. To ensure the health and safety of staff and students, the School Safety Officer described the proper protocol in emergency situations and ways to be proactive in safeguarding the building and those inside. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107215 Tue, 06 Sep 2011 04:00:00 GMT false107215 Student Hits Perfect Harmony High school student Rachel DiGangi applied her knowledge of advertising to win a once-in–a-lifetime experience. Students in Laurie McGill’s High School Advertising class studied the history of Coca-Cola, specifically focusing on the evolution of its advertising and marketing campaigns. As part of their studies, students were challenged to research old print ads and compare and contrast the design, format and content with current ads. During their lessons, students viewed one of Coke’s most iconic ads, the “Hilltop Ad,” which depicts young people on a mountaintop in Italy singing together and incorporating the Coke slogan “It’s the Real Thing.” To update this classic commercial, Coke created the Perfect Harmony competition, which asked people to vote on new lyrics for the song. Rachel analyzed the words in each of the options and selected the message she thought best described the Coke brand. Her submission automatically qualified her for the contest and she was selected as the grand prize winner. Coke, a sponsor of American Idol, provided Rachel and a guest with free airfare to Los Angeles, California, for a four-day, three-night stay at the L.A. Live Hotel and two tickets for both the finale and results show of American Idol. During her red carpet visit, Rachel was interviewed by Fox affiliates and had the opportunity to meet Idol contestants. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108378 Sun, 03 Jul 2011 04:00:00 GMT false108378 Students Learn the Impact of a Crash The high school continued its mission to keep its students and community safe with a powerful program entitled “Project Impact.” Project Impact is a staged demonstration that shows students what happens when an automobile accident involving alcohol and destructive decisions occurs. The demonstration uses a simulation that incorporates audio, video, and student performances. This community effort utilized a local panel consisting of Suffolk County Police Officers, the Deer Park EMT/Fire Department and a prosecution attorney, as well as real-life victims of accidents involving substance abuse. Led by the school’s Health Education Action Team (HEAT), students simulated a serious car collision involving a driver and friends. Rescue squads responded to the injured passengers by rushing to their aid, illustrating the critical time crunch of a life-and-death accident scene. Each student represented the potential consequences of such a crash by acting out his or her injuries using physical and medical equipment, props and makeup. Project Impact identified the spectrum of outcomes, which ranged from a student walking away from the accident unharmed to a student’s death at the crash site and another in the emergency room. In addition, the driver at fault was taken through the legal and monetary repercussions of his or her actions. At the conclusion of Project Impact, each student reflected on his or her role in the simulation, expressing emotions of guilt, hurt, fear and relief. Project Impact was presented to students during the day, while a special night event invited parents and community members to view this moving program. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108377 Sat, 02 Jul 2011 04:00:00 GMT false108377 Students Study A Literary Figure with Character John Quincy Adams second-grade students in Mrs. Kathy Fontaine’s class have been inspired by the literature of Lois Lowry’s series of Gooney Bird Books and brought her work to life through classroom activities and projects. While reading Gooney Bird Greene, they have studied the main character, a young girl named Gooney Bird whose name is as eccentric as her personality. Through reading this story, students gained an appreciation for the art of storytelling and the ability authors have to play with words and their meanings. Students also learned how to build a story and its components and have been exercising their writing abilities by creating their own “absolutely true stories,” based on Gooney Bird’s own tales, which feature word play and story context. In order to get their creative juices flowing, students emulated Gooney Bird’s style and wore mix-matched outfits and odd accessories, expressing their individuality. Students used their vocabulary words to describe the character traits that make Gooney Bird unique and worked together to brainstorm book titles that entice readers and make a statement of interest. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108376 Fri, 01 Jul 2011 04:00:00 GMT false108376 Students Plan for the Future The high school hosted its annual college fair, which featured more than 80 academic institutions located throughout the country. Representatives from various colleges and universities, including Tufts University, Yale University, George Mason University, Penn State, SUNY Albany and the University of Michigan, spoke with prospective students about the academic opportunities and programs their schools have to offer. Students and their parents were able to ask questions about acceptance requirements and campus life and took home informational brochures and resources. In addition to the in-house college fair, throughout the school year Deer Park students also attend fairs sponsored by the Western Suffolk Counselors Association, Eastern Suffolk BOCES Career & Technical, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Students also participate in college prep programs and events throughout the school year at financial aid nights and through SAT courses and Suffolk Community College’s Early College Program. The high school also houses the College & Career Center, where counselors meet with students to discuss their college and career plans, explore scholarship opportunities, assist with college essay and resume writing, and provide students with valuable information and direction regarding potential career opportunities. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108375 Mon, 02 May 2011 04:00:00 GMT false108375 Students Explore World Languages The district celebrated World Languages and Cultural Awareness Month this March through a wide-range of activities and projects. As a conclusion to their celebration and as a means of better ‘connecting’ to the languages celebrated, the students throughout the district came together to share in their collective appreciation for the different dialects spoken around the world. High School LOTE (Languages Other Than English) students visited May Moore and John Quincy Adams Elementary Schools to teach students foreign language lessons. The elder students introduced the young scholars to the basics of Spanish, French and Italian and instructed them on numbers, colors, animals, songs and months of the year. High school students created visual aids to enhance their lessons and reinforce the information the students learned in a variety of curricular areas. Through interactive activities, students completed projects that applied their new skills with the assistance of high school students. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108374 Sun, 01 May 2011 04:00:00 GMT false108374 Deer Park’s Music PROJECT District students had the opportunity to spend the day learning from the professional musicians of PROJECT Trio. The members of PROJECT Trio, Peter Seymour on bass, Greg Pattillo on flute and cellist Eric Stephenson, believe that there is a direct correlation between artistry and scholastic achievement and instructed students in ways for them to reach their fullest potential. The day began with an inspiring concert where students were introduced to the high-energy chamber music ensemble. Blending their classical training with an eclectic taste in musical styles, PROJECT Trio showed students the versatility of their instruments. Groups of student-musicians, including the high school jazz band, the high school guitar ensemble, and flute players in grades 5-12, then worked with PROJECT Trio on selections of music that fused hip-hop, rock and pop with traditional instrumental music. The day culminated with a community concert led by the members of PROJECT Trio, which showcased the students’ new musical styling. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108373 Sat, 30 Apr 2011 04:00:00 GMT false108373 May Moore Students Plant Seeds for the Future In celebration of Earth Day, May Moore Elementary School held a “Friends of the Earth” planting event. This program was a large-scale beautification project that included a variety of earth-friendly activities sponsored by the May Moore PTA, who donated a variety of plants, seeds, flowers and trees to the cause. Prior to gardening, the district’s buildings and grounds crew, led by Head Groundsman Phil Cortese, created decorative stone structures and prepared the soil for planting. Students were equipped with garden gloves, shovels and rakes and worked together to plant throughout the school’s lawn with the help of parent volunteers. The Deer Park Fire Department also lent its resources to the project and watered the newly planted foliage with their fire truck hoses. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108372 Fri, 29 Apr 2011 04:00:00 GMT false108372 2011-12 Budget Proposal Click Here for More Information https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108371 Tue, 12 Apr 2011 04:00:00 GMT false108371 Saturday 3/26 BOE Meeting Cancelled The Work/Budget Session scheduled for Saturday, March 26 (as noted on the school calendar) has been cancelled. Please join us for the next Work/Budget session on Tuesday, March 29 at 7:30 p.m. in District Office. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108370 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 04:00:00 GMT false108370 Students Learn the Science of Research Robert Frost Middle School students have the opportunity to investigate the world of science through their enrollment in the school’s Science Research course. The course is formatted to have students explore various topics using the scientific method. Students design and perform unique experiments and present and explain the findings to their peers. The interactive experiments use diverse elements including rockets, bridges, organisms, environmental science, chemicals and computers. Through hands-on learning, students collect data, conduct experiments and record procedures in lab books. Students learn the scientific process and work in collaboration with lab partners to apply their knowledge. In addition, they have the opportunity to attend various competitions, including the Long Island Science Congress and the New York State Science and Engineering Fair. The middle school course works to develop students’ analytical skills for the advanced Science Research Program offered at the high school level. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108369 Sun, 20 Feb 2011 05:00:00 GMT false108369 A Network of Compassion The John F. Kennedy Intermediate Student Government performed a character education play for students at John Quincy Adams and May Moore Elementary Schools. The play was adapted from the book ONE by Kathryn Otoshi and is part of a series of stories that deals with bullying. JFK students worked together to construct costumes and learn their roles for the anti-bullying production. The play served to educate students in an effective and entertaining manner while connecting students districtwide. The program enlightened the district’s younger students about the importance of standing up for what they believe in and helped to unite all students in the effort to prevent bullying from occurring in the schools. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108368 Sat, 19 Feb 2011 05:00:00 GMT false108368 Music Students Join Elite Organization The district inducted 17 students into the Deer Park High School Tri-M Music Honor Society. The district’s newest members were selected for this prestigious international organization based on their musical ability, academic excellence and school involvement. The program is designed to recognize and reward students for their achievements, while inspiring their peers to excel at music and leadership. The goal is to increase student and school involvement with music and to build a stronger and more unified music program. The new inductees will be led by advisor and music teacher Mr. Abrams and will participate in a variety of community service projects and school performances throughout the school year. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108367 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 05:00:00 GMT false108367 Music Students Hit the Right Note Nineteen district students from the high school, Robert Frost Middle School and John F. Kennedy Intermediate School participated in the Suffolk County Music Educators Association (SCMEA) All-County Music Festivals. Students joined other division central schools and perform in the band, orchestra and chorus ensembles. Congratulations to the following music students for their selection in SCMEA’s All-County winter concert series: Alexander Stephani Faith Ahmed Crystal Harris Noah Roff Mayedun Ogunsanwo Christopher Zieris Trevor Bernard John Dimodica Justin Napolitano Vincent Verdile Kimberly Blair Olivia Grizzle Sam Henkle Mauricio Montes Lexxi Saal Sydney Staton Dana Buquicchio Francesca Powers Joseph Giammona https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108366 Thu, 17 Feb 2011 05:00:00 GMT false108366 Arctic Adventures Abraham Lincoln School pre-kindergarten students infused green efforts into their winter curriculum. Students in Laura Oddo’s class collected empty milk jugs from their homes and recycled the materials to build an igloo inside their classroom. More than 672 milk cartons created the igloo where students then met for their daily lessons. While inside the structure, students learned about winter weather changes, hibernation, Arctic habitats and animals. Students also used technology to connect with wildlife through a live video stream, viewing a bear and her cubs hibernating. Following the winter unit, the Town of Babylon will visit the school to pickup the milk jugs and transport them to the local recycling center. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108123 Wed, 16 Feb 2011 05:00:00 GMT false108123 Scholar Receives National Award High School Class of 2011 Valedictorian Emma Rosenthal has been named a National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholar. Emma received this prestigious academic recognition from the College Board based on her superior performance on the PSAT and her ability to secure a grade point average above 3.5. The National Hispanic Recognition award is a competitive program which identifies nearly 5,000 outstanding Hispanic/Latino students each year from a nationwide pool of more than 200,000 students. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108122 Tue, 11 Jan 2011 05:00:00 GMT false108122 An Explosion of Science & Fun at Deer Park’s JQA Elementary John Quincy Adams Elementary School sparked imaginative learning in students through the Mad Science program. Mad Science is the world’s leading science enrichment provider that delivers unique, hands-on science experiences. Scientist William visited students and introduced them to a world of discovery that focused on scientific literacy. Students worked as assistants to Scientist William, who conducted a variety of visual experiments. He took students through the scientific process, explaining and discussing with students the supplies needed, proper procedure and chemical reactions in each experiment. For the grand finale, students had the opportunity to ride atop a Hoover Craft as Scientist William described the mechanics of the “floating” vehicle. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108121 Sun, 09 Jan 2011 05:00:00 GMT false108121 Senior Signs Letter of Intent Based on her outstanding athletic talents and academic promise, Deer Park High School senior Holli Locker was selected to sign a Letter of Intent to play lacrosse and attend Dominican College. Holli is an active member of the Deer Park educational community who participates in the Environmental, Varsity Leaders and African American clubs. In addition, she has been recognized for her character on the athletic fields, receiving both the Sportsmanship Award and Scholar-Athlete status. High school senior Holli Locker was joined by (l-r) her father Samuel Locker, Jr., Girls Varsity Lacrosse Coach Anthony Saccone and District Administrator of Athletics, Physical Education, Health & Recreation Dominick Fontana, when she signed her Letter of Intent to play lacrosse at Dominican College. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108120 Sat, 08 Jan 2011 05:00:00 GMT false108120 Community Rallies for Student in Need Bright orange t-shirts and a wide variety of fundraisers were the cornerstones for a recent initiative the district put into place in support of Robert Frost Middle School student Karl Zaharia. Karl was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) in August 2010 and has fought hard to battle this disease and its effects on his body. Rallying together to help support Karl, the district coordinated several events to not only raise funds for the Zaharia family but also to work to find a cure for Karl’s ALL. In a partnership with DKMS Bone Marrow Donor Center, the district recently hosted a bone marrow donor drive. More than 100 volunteers including students, teachers, administrators and community members helped to register and screen participants and raise awareness of this worthy cause. The drive was a tremendous success, resulting in more than 750 people getting swabbed and completing the potentially life-saving process. On the day prior to the bone marrow donor drive, students, teachers and administrators wore orange t-shirts - the signature color of Leukemia awareness and the color of Karl’s favorite hockey team, the New York Islanders - which read “Kourage for Karl.” In addition, students sold “Kourage for Karl” bracelets as a constant reminder of their classmate’s strength and struggles. Within the schools, students throughout the district have organized fundraising efforts to benefit the Zaharia family. Karl’s Studio in Art class created handmade holiday cards as part of the “Kards for Karl” project. Students are selling these unique items to their peers, who are in turn writing personal messages that will be delivered to Karl. The district will continue to facilitate a variety of fundraisers throughout the school year and keep Karl connected with his school and peers. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108119 Tue, 07 Dec 2010 05:00:00 GMT false108119 Students Take Top Spots in Business Competition High school students competed in Adelphi University’s Apprentice Competition claiming first and second place. Business students from across Long Island were challenged to develop an advertising campaign for Snapple products and create a marketing strategy for a holiday film. After formulating their projects, teams presented their ideas and plans of action to a panel of judges from Adelphi University. The high school’s championship students credited the district’s business curriculum for their successes in the apprentice competition. The school offers diverse business courses, such as Advertising and Multimedia and School Store, in which students manage the finances and merchandise of the school store. In addition, as members of the school’s DECA club Deer Park students have participated in a variety of programs that have prepared them to emerge as leaders and entrepreneurs in careers such as marketing, finance, hospitality and management. Pictured below, business students (l-r) Magnolia Chiri, Kayla Downs, Phil Scarfi and Merly Bonilla competed in Adelphi University’s Apprentice Competition. Phil Scarfi’s team took first place, while Kayla Down’s team came in a close second. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108118 Mon, 06 Dec 2010 05:00:00 GMT false108118 Student Musicians Excel in the Arts The district works together to educate the whole student and provide them with opportunities to showcase and enhance their talents. Four fine and performing arts students were recently selected to participate in the Long Island String Festival and will perform during the organization’s countywide ensembles. High School student Noah Roff will play the viola, along with high school violinist Catherine Xie and Robert Frost Middle School violinist Juliet Quirindongo who will perform in the Suffolk Secondary Festival. Robert Frost Middle School student Nicholas Dimodica will represent the district in the Suffolk Elementary Festival, playing the violin. In addition, district elementary students were chosen to participate in the PEAK Festival, sponsored by the Suffolk County Music Educators Association (SCMEA). PEAK, which stands for “Parents, Educators And Kids,” is a special program for musically talented fourth graders in which students, parents and music teachers participate in a variety of musical workshops to hone and enhance students’ skills and broaden their interests in music. District students Kristen Alo, Christopher Burke, Sam Canonica, Amaya Castor, Alexandria Costanza, Julie DeBiase, Rebecca Fox, Julianna Monaco and Katelyn Reuss came together to enjoy a new perspective on musical education. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108117 Sun, 05 Dec 2010 05:00:00 GMT false108117 Teammates Sign Letters of Intent High school seniors Tom Miele and Conner Hickem have committed to attend the New York Institute of Technology in the fall of 2011. Tom and Conner were recruited and signed letters of intent to play on the men’s lacrosse team. This spring Tom and Conner will play their final season of high school lacrosse and bring their experiences as talented individual athletes and teammates to the NYIT Bears squad. To recognize this achievement (l-r) District Administrator of Athletics, Physical Education, Health & Recreation Dominick Fontana, Varsity Lacrosse Coach Thomas Zummo and High School Principal James Cummings came together to watch Tom and Conner sign their letters of intent. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108116 Sat, 04 Dec 2010 05:00:00 GMT false108116 Student Named a National Merit Scholar High School senior Erik Zimmerman is an accomplished student within the district who serves as a member of the National Honor Society and World Languages National Honor Society, and has achieved Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction status by the College Board. In addition to his superior performance in the classroom, the 2011 National Merit Scholarship Program has announced he is also a Commended Student. Commended Students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students, in some 22,000 high schools, who entered the 2011 competition. The 2009 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) served as an initial screening of program entrants. Erik received a Letter of Commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), which was presented to him by High School Principal James Cummings. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108115 Thu, 18 Nov 2010 05:00:00 GMT false108115 Sixth Annual Deer Park Invitational Showcases Teamwork & Problem Solving Students from 17 participating high schools took part in the Sixth Annual Deer Park Invitational, a postseason robotics competition sponsored by the School Business Partnerships of Long Island, Inc. (SBPLI), FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) and the Deer Park School District. The daylong competition challenged students’ engineering skills as they worked together to solve intricate problems and engaged in friendly competition. At the event, students programmed their robots to compete on a 27-by-54-foot playing field setup in the high school’s gymnasium and attempted to earn points by collecting soccer balls in goals. Additional bonus points were earned for each robot suspended in air and not touching the field at the end of the match. The Deer Park High School Robotics Team designed, built and controlled Robot 270 for the Deer Park Invitational. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108114 Wed, 17 Nov 2010 05:00:00 GMT false108114 Live History Lessons The High School hosted a Veterans Day Symposium this November to pay tribute to the brave men and women who have worked and continue to work to protect the nation. Social studies students spent the morning speaking with and learning from local veterans and active duty soldiers. Ten United States Army and Marine Corps members who served in Vietnam and are currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan visited the district and interacted with students. During the symposium, the soldiers shared their personal experiences and stories of their time in the service as well as described the culture and climate of the United States and the lands abroad in which they fought. Additionally, the veterans and soldiers explained the various missions they were involved in while impressing upon the students that their ultimate mission was to protect America and the country’s freedoms. All of the soldiers’ stories echoed characteristics of strength, courage and teamwork, as well as the strenuous tactical and physical training soldiers endure. The students gained a unique perspective on the roles of soldiers during times of war and peace and were able to compare and contrast wars throughout history. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108113 Tue, 16 Nov 2010 05:00:00 GMT false108113 Homecoming 2010 The district community came together for their annual Homecoming weekend, which kicked off with a festive parade. The streets were lined with students, graduates and residents who cheered for the marching band and school clubs, youth athletic leagues, community organizations, and local fire and rescue crews who paraded throughout the town. Each class designed and crafted a float based on this year’s theme, “Cities of the United States.” The senior class took first place for their New York City skyline, which featured the city’s iconic buildings, characteristics and even a live Lady Liberty. The Keep the Drive Team thanked the community for their help in achieving first place in Allstate’s national Act Out Loud competition, for which they received a $10,000 grant. The team rode on a float that carried a demolished car from an accident and a supersized cell phone with messages of the dangers of distracted driving. The Catapult Team also unveiled their award-winning, pumpkin-flinging trebuchet, “The Dark Falcon.” Prior to kickoff, District Administrator for Athletics, Physical Education, Health and Recreation Dominick Fontana helped the district honor Head Groundsman Phil Cortese, who was named Homecoming Grand Marshal for his dedication and superior work on the fields and facilities throughout the schools. In addition, public officials, including Suffolk County Legislators Steven Stern and Lou D’Amaro and Babylon Town Clerk Carol Quirk, showed their Falcon pride by attending the opening ceremonies. Members of the Homecoming Court were announced prior to game time, and Gina Tortorici and Troy Corbin were crowned Homecoming Queen and King. The Varsity Football team took the field against Huntington and after a hard-fought battle claimed the 21-20 victory - improving their record to 4-1. The Falcon’s defensive unit made an impact tallying five sacks on Huntington’s quarterback, while on offense, Vinny Vitale rushed for 52 yards on 10 carries, scored the go-ahead touchdown on an 8-yard run in the third quarter, and recovered a huge fumble to stop a fourth-quarter Huntington drive in the red zone. Special teams joined the efforts with two blocked extra points by Dimitry Russ. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108112 Sat, 16 Oct 2010 04:00:00 GMT false108112 41 Students Receive AP Scholar Recognition The district is committed to providing its students with educational programming that is challenging and rigorous, and prepares students for the academic challenges they face beyond high school. Through a diverse selection of Advanced Placement (AP) courses and assessments, students are able to accelerate their curriculum and gain college credit. As a result of these opportunities, the College Board has recognized 41 Deer Park High School students as earning 2010 AP Scholar status. These awards are divided into several categories based on the students’ performance. Congratulations to the following young scholars: National AP Scholars The designation of National AP Scholar is granted to students who receive an average score of at least 4 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams, Deer Park’s National AP Scholars are: Thomas DiBenedetto Brian Giunta AP Scholars with Distinction The designation of AP Scholar with Distinction is granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams, Deer Park’s AP Scholars with Distinction are: Anthony Ambrosio Matthew Engle Umer MuJeeb Christopher Otterson Melissa Raynoha Emma Rosenthal Randy Singh Erik Zimmerman AP Scholars with Honor The designation of AP Scholar with Honor is granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams, Deer Park’s AP Scholars with Honor are: Mohammed Ahmed Dominick Calvao Lisa Corleto Christopher Drake Adrian Hurtado Hui-Hung Hwang Gianella James Yong-Woo Kim Ronald Harciszyn Dana Norman Shi-Anne Shakes AP Scholars The designation of AP Scholar is granted to students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams. Deer Park’s AP Scholars are: Tyler Amend Shafique Arnab Ahmel Arshad Richard Blumengold Brett Burnor Salvatore Caldarello AnnaMichelle Caruso Samantha Friend Mojdeh Ghanbarian Adam Grunseich Ka-Chung Hung Jose Jean Jocelyn LaVarata Alessandro Leo Tangier Mieh Abdul-Samad Mirza Melissa Nau Daniel Ninez Bridget Roy Nicole Zebisky The Deer Park School District would like to congratulate these students for representing the academic integrity of the educational community. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108110 Wed, 13 Oct 2010 04:00:00 GMT false108110 Students Find Strength in Good Character Robert Frost Middle School students recently participated in a Character Education Program focused on fostering traits of respect, responsibility, citizenship, perseverance, and self-leadership throughout the student body. The Character in Action workshop, Dare to Move, included a multi-media presentation that encouraged students to live their lives to the fullest in spite of their fears. Students were inspired by personal stories of teens throughout the country that have overcome physical, social, emotional, and psychological obstacles to become successful students and people. Dare to Move showed students that everyone will encounter hardships that will force them to ask questions, explore new options, make responsible decisions, and break free from their comfort zones. Students discussed how living courageously means standing up to bullying, encouraging those who need help, saying no to drugs and alcohol, and being a friend to those in need of one. Throughout the presentation, students gained the confidence to move in a positive direction with their lives and take control of the challenges confronting them in order to achieve their goals and reach their full potential. Pictured below, Kelsey and Michael Domeny of Camfel Productions engaged Frost students in a Character Education presentation designed to challenge students to “Dare to Move.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108111 Wed, 13 Oct 2010 04:00:00 GMT false108111 Deer Park Welcomes New Educators In an effort to acclimate new teachers to the Deer Park School District newly hired staff attended a three-day orientation program. District Administrators and Curriculum Associates mentored the new members of the academic team through a variety of workshops and seminars. The program began with a welcome message from Superintendent of Schools Eva Demyen, who described the academic standards and community culture of the district and set forth the expectations and plans for the upcoming school year. New teachers were instructed on how to design and execute an effective lesson plan and how to manage their classroom through the Infinite Campus Student Information System by Administrator for Instructional Technology Dr. Jared Bloom. Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services Frank Caliguiri spoke about the importance of academic and social support and the services the district offers its students to ensure their success. To culminate the training sessions, teachers met at their respective buildings and spoke with their building and curriculum administrators to become familiar with their schools, classrooms and facilities. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108107 Wed, 01 Sep 2010 04:00:00 GMT false108107 Administrators Ensure Student Safety District Administrators came together for an Administrative Council Retreat to prepare themselves, their buildings and staff for the start of the school year. Administrators discussed a variety of topics including educational leadership skills, evaluation models and most important student safety. Deer Park Aquatic Director and American Red Cross instructor Jeanne-Marie Kavanagh facilitated an American Red Cross Adult and Child Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillation (AED) training sponsored by the American Red Cross Schools and Community First Aid/CPR/AED program. The comprehensive training provided all District Administrators with the knowledge and skills necessary to help sustain life and minimize the consequences of breathing and cardiac emergencies until advanced medical assistance arrives. The program’s content and activities combined online media and testing with physical skill scenarios which helped district personnel learn how to recognize potentially life-threatening emergencies and make appropriate decisions and actions for rapid medical assistance. Critical skills learned included providing care for conscious choking, unconscious choking, rescue breathing for a child, CPR for an adult or child, and when and how to appropriately use an Automated External Defibrillator. This proactive program prepared district administrators to be in the best position to provide assistance should anyone in the school community require it and with the completion of the intensive training administrators received American Red Cross certificates. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108108 Wed, 01 Sep 2010 04:00:00 GMT false108108 Meet & Greet for Kindergarten Students Prior to the first day of school, the Deer Park School District invited incoming kindergarten students and their parents to a class playdate. Students who will be attending John Quincy Adams and May Moore Elementary Schools this fall visited their respective buildings for a social afternoon with their future peers. The event provided students with the opportunity to meet their teachers, administrators and create new friendships while exploring the schools outside play areas. To prepare the students for the complete first day of school experience, the soon-to-be kindergarteners climbed aboard a parked bus to practice the proper way to behave when riding and how to safely enter and exit the vehicle. In addition, parents were able to speak with the schools’ Parent Teacher Association members and learn about the various annual events and activities the students will participate in throughout the school year. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108109 Wed, 01 Sep 2010 04:00:00 GMT false108109 Technology-Driven Success James Henry teaches college level Pre-Calculus and inclusion Algebra Regents to students at Deer Park High School by utilizing leading-edge academic technology resources. This past year Mr. Henry operated one of the district’s model classrooms, which was equipped with interactive technologies including SMART Board whiteboards, MacBooks, SMART Document Cameras, iPod Touches, SMART Response interactive testing systems and SMART AirLiner Wireless Slates. Through these tools students incorporated podcasting into the math curriculum and created live presentations to share and review with their peers. A variety of software applications enabled students to work directly with virtual materials such as graphing calculators, protractors and rulers and better prepare for exams. The “SMART” devices also enabled Mr. Henry to collect and sort data in order to tailor his lessons and increase student performance. Due to the initial successes of the model classrooms, the district plans to expand and further develop model classrooms throughout the district. Chief Operating Officer of Western Suffolk BOCES Dr. Michael Mensch recognized the district’s initiatives and honored Deer Park Director of Technology Dr. Jared Bloom as Administrator of the Year for the BOCES' Model Schools program. In addition, May Moore Elementary School teacher Susan Steinman won a Technology Integration Award and a $1,000 grant for her work at the primary level. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108104 Tue, 10 Aug 2010 04:00:00 GMT false108104 Spring Sports Wrap-Up The district is proud to announce that five high school fall athletic teams achieved New York State Scholar-Athlete status. In order to receive this designation the team achieved and maintained a cumulative grade point average of 90 or better throughout the entire season. In addition, two varsity and two junior varsity teams were selected as Section XI Outstanding Sportsmanship Teams for their fair play and good sportsmanship on the field of competition. What makes this award so genuine is that it is determined by officials and opposing teams. The Girls Varsity Lacrosse squad claimed the Division II Championship, while Boys Varsity Golf won the League I Suffolk County Championship for the sixth consecutive year. The Robert Frost Middle School athletic program was represented by the Girls Seventh-Grade Softball team, who tallied an undefeated season. In addition, individual spring athletes were named to numerous All-League, Academic All-League, All-County, All-Tournament, All-Division and All-State teams, and Girls Varsity Lacrosse player Jasmine Gonzalez who received the Unsung Hero Award. New York State Scholar-Athlete Teams: Boys Spring Track Girls Varsity Golf Girls Varsity Lacrosse Girls Varsity Softball Girls Spring Track Section XI Sportsmanship Team Award: Boys Varsity Spring Golf Boys Junior Varsity Spring Golf Girls Varsity Golf Girls Junior Varsity Lacrosse https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108105 Tue, 10 Aug 2010 04:00:00 GMT false108105 Students Receive Media Award from MSG Varsity Network Deer Park Business Education students have fostered a partnership with MSG Varsity, the first television, online and interactive network devoted to local high school sports and activities. Students enrolled in the high school’s Multimedia Business Applications course submitted segments to the network throughout the year, and in recognition of the exceptional content they provided, Deer Park High School was named "MSG Varsity's Outreach Partner of the Week." In addition, 12 business students received $2,000 in scholarship monies for their outstanding audiovisual contributions. To signify their accomplishments, an MSG Varsity reporter and camera crew visited the high school classes and interviewed students on their experiences working behind the camera with audiovisual and editing computer software, as well as serving as reporters, sharing Deer Park news on a regional platform. Schools selected as Outreach Partners of the Week exhibit the values of community, leadership, friendship, teamwork and camaraderie, while engaging in activities that help to teach kids about the ideals of these principles. Deer Park was selected for the students’ ability to maximize the power of media by bringing stories to life through compelling reporting, creative use of the camera and editing, and overall production value. Prior to shooting and producing content for the channel, students learned about effective and responsible communication in an increasingly multimedia world. MSG Varsity provided students with the technology necessary to create segments and demonstrated how to properly edit and effectively present events and news. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108106 Tue, 10 Aug 2010 04:00:00 GMT false108106 High School Senior Falcons Fly The American Celtic Pipe Band led the Deer Park High School Class of 2010 through the opening processional of the district’s annual commencement ceremony. Principal James Cummings shared his welcome address with the students, teachers, administrators, elected government officials, community and Board of Education members in attendance. Mr. Cummings shared his pride in the graduating class and recounted the years spent, as both their middle school and high school principal, watching them mature and develop into young adults. Board of Education President Dennis Ryan introduced honored guest United States Congressman Steve Israel, who reminded students that they are valuable members of society and their contributions will continue to impact their community and world. In addition, Congressman Israel stressed the importance of public service and the valuable lessons “giving back” provides. Valedictorian Thomas DiBenedetto described how the entire Deer Park community had served as a strong, supportive network, which helped students surpass their goals and reach their full potential. Salutatorian Brian Kavanagh spoke about the unity of the class and the educational and social experiences that have shaped them as individuals and as a group. Senior Class President Michael Prescia reflected on the activities and events which both challenged and brought the class together, and thanked the district’s educators for their dedication and commitment to student success. Commencement speaker and Deer Park Class of 2000 Valedictorian Elaine Kabaservice connected with students through common educational and extracurricular experiences within the district. She encouraged students to become lifelong learners, always striving to discover, explore and improve the world around them. Prior to conferring the diplomas, Superintendent of Schools Eva Demyen used the initials of Deer Park Schools in her motivational message to students, describing the components of Distinction, Pride and Scholarship, all characteristics of a successful, well-rounded person. Select seniors were recognized and received Memorial Plaque Awards in honor of their service and leadership, while the Principal’s Awards were presented to those who had contributed positively to the overall high school community. The ceremony concluded with the Board of Education’s presentation of diplomas to the Class of 2010. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108101 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT false108101 Celebrating the District’s Future Students at Robert Frost Middle School and John F. Kennedy Intermediate School were joined by district teachers, administrators, Board of Education and community members for their moving-up ceremonies. The events marked educational milestones and students were celebrated for their academic accomplishments. Robert Frost Principal Eliana Levey welcomed all in attendance and encouraged advancing eighth-grade students to explore the diverse courses, clubs and organizations the high school has to offer. Student Council President James Boss reflected on their years spent at Frost, and the mental, physical and social growth which the class has experienced. To honor the outstanding in-classroom efforts of students, the district recognized those who achieved Presidential Academic Achievement and Presidential Academic Excellence Awards, while community awards recognized those students who made positive contributions to the school overall. To conclude the ceremony, Board of Education members presented students with graduation certificates. John F. Kennedy Principal Susan Bonner kicked off the fifth-grade moving-up ceremony at JFK by thanking the educational community for their support and congratulating students on their successes over the past three years. Student Council members spoke to classmates about the activities, assemblies and classes which brought them together, and looked towards the bright future of the class as they enter middle school. Musical talents of the fifth-grade class shone bright when students sang and performed a variety of musical selections, including “We’ll Meet Again. ” Students were individually recognized through various awards from community and school organizations, and every graduate was presented with a certificate by the school’s administrators. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108102 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT false108102 Elementary Students Move Up & Onward The District celebrated the academic milestones of its students with primary moving-up ceremonies. District teachers, administrators, Board of Education and community members came together to recognize the John Quincy Adams (JQA) and May Moore Elementary Class of 2010 second-grade graduates. Students at JQA crafted paper balloons for their themed event “Up, Up and Away to JFK,” while May Moore students sported their falcon pride dressed in maroon T-shirts, which read the school’s logo “May Moore - The Place To Be.” Students at both schools entertained the crowd singing a variety of musical selections including Ready to Go and I Learned From You. The events concluded with a presentation of students, during which teachers recapped the school year’s activities and presented students with graduation certificates. John F. Kennedy Intermediate School Principal Susan Bonner then welcomed students from both JQA and May Moore to their new school, and encouraged them to become active learners inside the classroom and participate in JFK’s diverse clubs and organizations. At Abraham Lincoln’s Pre-Kindergarten “Faces of the Future” celebration, classes performed choreographed songs and dances, which illustrated the educational and social lessons students learned throughout the year. Decorating for the festive occasion, students created their likenesses painting faces, bodies and clothes on paper cutouts, which covered the school’s stage. All of these advancing students had the opportunity to visit the schools they will be attending next year and meet the administrators and teachers who will guide them through their future academic ventures. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108103 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 04:00:00 GMT false108103 High School Keep the Drive Team Wins $10,000 National Grant Deer Park School District has been selected as the winner of Allstate’s Act Out Loud contest. As the nationwide winner, Deer Park will be presented with a $10,000 grant to expand the community’s safe teen driving program. Special thanks to the students, teachers, administrators and community members who came together to perform and record a choreographed routine on the dangers of drunk and distracted driving. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108098 Wed, 26 May 2010 04:00:00 GMT false108098 Students Win Leadership Award The New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance recently honored four Deer Park School District students and presented them with the 2010 Physical Education Leadership Award. This honor is designated for students who demonstrate excellence in physical education, and also perform well in the areas of fitness, citizenship and leadership. These students exemplify positive characteristics and traits, which make them role models for their peers and community. Congratulations to (pictured l-r) Anthony Fiorentino (Robert Frost Middle School), Connor Hewlette (John F. Kennedy Intermediate School), Kristen DeBiase (John F. Kennedy Intermediate School) and Jordan Lazarich (Robert Frost Middle School) for being selected for this honor. The students were presented with commemorative T-shirts in celebration of their accomplishments. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108099 Wed, 26 May 2010 04:00:00 GMT false108099 High School’s Advanced Artists The district offers a diverse range of courses in which students can explore personal interests and learn through unique avenues. Two of these courses are Advanced Placement Art History and Advanced Placement Art Studio, which are taught by Derek Mainhart. Both of these courses infuse curriculum and creativity and place students on an accelerated track for future endeavors, with the potential to earn college credit. Art History focuses on humanities and the human condition, while building a connection between the fine arts, literature and world history. Students gain a fresh perspective on artwork as they research various periods of time and delve deeper into historical events by researching the artwork that framed the cultures and social structures. Beyond the classroom, students view the works of professional artists during visits to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and other iconic New York venues. As a culminating activity students share presentations on various artists, and create a piece of personal artwork inspired by a selected artist of their choice. Advanced Placement Art Studio features hands-on learning, with individualized instruction. Students illustrate their passions through various mediums, including painting, drawing, watercolor and collage, and utilize tools such as charcoal, oil paint, ink and erasers to create varied textures. They are encouraged to draw upon inspiration from their surroundings, including the nature in the school’s courtyard. By the completion of the course, students construct a comprehensive portfolio for colleges and employers, which demonstrates a progression of ideas and a deep breadth of knowledge and technique. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108100 Wed, 26 May 2010 04:00:00 GMT false108100 High School Students Take the Lead in Literary Competition Students Janai Clark and Arianna Pantin won the 2010 Honoring Our Future Leaders Competition, which was sponsored by Congressman Steve Israel. The students wrote essays inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have A Dream" speech, giving their personal interpretations of the speech and describing personal obstacles that they have overcome throughout their lives. Janai and Arianna also had the prestigious honor of having their names read into the Congressional Record and were presented with an official proclamation from Congressman Israel. Pictured here, Advisor of the African American club Monet Cooper and High School Principal James Cummings congratulate Arianna and Janai on their accomplishments and recognition. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108094 Mon, 19 Apr 2010 04:00:00 GMT false108094 A Table of Knowledge at JFK School John F. Kennedy Intermediate School Special Education students are utilizing the most advanced resources in instructional technology with the school’s new SMART Table. Similar to a SMART Board, the SMART Table is an interactive surface. It is the first of its kind, as it creates a multiuser interactive learning center. Within the classroom, students and teachers are interacting with the SMART Table to introduce, enhance, reinforce and expand lessons and curriculum topics. Activities are tailored for student success and adjusted to meet educational levels. Teachers have the ability to refine and redesign activities using the SMART Table, in order to maintain challenging and engaging classes. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108095 Mon, 19 Apr 2010 04:00:00 GMT false108095 A Lesson on Flight & Freedom As a part of their studies on American History, Robert Frost Middle School students received a lesson in United States history and warfare from the Tuskegee Airmen. The Tuskegee Airmen were America's first African American fighter pilots who were trained in Tuskegee, Alabama during World War II. They flew during a time when many people believed that black men lacked the intelligence, skill, courage and patriotism to represent the U.S. in war, and they worked hard to overcome these negative stereotypes while facing the obvious challenges of combat. The airmen veterans Victor Terrelonge and William Wheeler spoke to students about the intense physical training and mental preparation in readying for war, as well as tales of discrimination and prejudice. They described the camaraderie of their unit and the people who risked social ridicule to support them and their heroic mission. By the end of World War II, the Tuskegee Airmen had destroyed or damaged more than 400 enemy aircraft, but just as important were their contributions in breaking down the racial barriers among the armed forces in the United States. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108096 Mon, 19 Apr 2010 04:00:00 GMT false108096 Student-Athletes Score in the Classroom & on the Field The district is proud to announce that seven high school winter athletic teams achieved New York State Scholar-Athlete status. In order to receive this designation a team must achieve and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 90 or better throughout the entire season. In addition, the Varsity Bowling team was selected as a Section XI Outstanding Sportsmanship Team for their fair play and good sportsmanship during the heat of competition. What makes this award so genuine is that it is determined by officials and opposing teams. At the middle school level, the Robert Frost Kickline team, coached by Dena Hermanek and Dina Peragine, won the Long Island Kickline Association Championship and were named the Long Island Pom Champions. Standout athletes on all teams received the following accolades: Boys Varsity Basketball Coach: Mr. John Mc Caffrey Assistant Coach: Mr. Justin Gutman Marques Charlton – All-Conference, All-League Matthew Rigert – All-League Anthony J. Alleyne – All-League Honorable Mention Hui-Hung “Mike” Hwang – Academic All-County Girls Varsity Basketball Coach: Mr. Michael Gennaro and Ms. Holly O’ Donnell Nicole Alvarez – All-League Andrea Desvignes – All-League Additional Contributing Scholar-Athlete Team Members: Kelsey Dillon Kayla Saraniero Jasmine Gonzalez Felicia LaSorsa Joanna Tarzi Shayna Robinson Kristen Fischer Varsity Bowling Coach: Mr. Anthony Tannacore Erik Zimmerman – Second Team All-League Scholar-Athlete Alexander Herrera – Second Team All-League Scholar-Athlete Individual Sportsmanship League Award Adam Maugeri – Second Team All-League Edward Kane – Scholar-Athlete Individual Sportsmanship League Award Additional Contributing Scholar-Athlete Team Members: Fariha Khan Rebecca D’Agostino Krystle Kozakevitch Oksenia Dyer Boys Swimming Coach: Mr. Craig Mangio and Mr. Ed Libretto Tyler Di Domenico – All-League Jacob Sonera – All-League Jake Pisano – *NEW SCHOOL RECORDHOLDER for: 200-meter Freestyle 500-meter Freestyle Additional Contributing Scholar-Athlete Team Members: Kevin Tresselt Linas Ramanauskas Joseph Giammona Salvatore Caldarello Joseph Paskewicz Edward Matinez-Salinas Brian Kalladeen Michael Pagan Ryan Littman Ricardo Carter Thomas Embry Girls Track Coach: Mr. Jess Prochilo Assistant Coach: Mr. Joseph Schlessinger Thailia Le Grendre-Hobbins – All-League Denise Davis – All-League Totianyu Guadalupe – All-League Scholar-Athlete Megan Reilly – All-League Scholar-Athlete Ayshawna Baldwin – All-League Additional Contributing Scholar-Athlete Team Members: Kayla Downs Blanca Tovar Ashita Samroo Brittany Cali Amanda Orzo Magnolia Chiri-Garcia Nicole Goh Gianella James Diane Kalladeen Valeria Tovar Boys Track Coach: Mr. Christopher Kauter Assistant Coach: Mr. Mario Fiore Kevin Martinez – All-League Additional Contributing Scholar-Athlete Team Members: Ahad Arshad Philip Scarfi Jose Cisneros Wai-Ga Ho Ismaldo Matias Paul Anthony Pfundstein Rick Guerra Andrew Bylicki Ka-Chung Hung Christian Gonzalez Ian Kowalchuk Bryant Phan Daniel Friend Kickline Coach: Ms. Angela Bonnano Assistant Coach: Ms. Kristen Smith Scholar-Athlete Team Members: Dana Norman Bridget Roy Kaitlyn Lucas Kristin McDonough Kimberly Zelaya Crystal Harris Danielle Calcagno Gabrielle Miceli Nicole Cito Cheerleading Coach: Ms. Lia Demyen Assistant Coach: Ms. Lauren Funaro Scholar-Athlete Team Members: Brittany Guttadauria Victoria Russell Concetta Gioeli Stephanie Ognibene Alyssa Frohnhoefer Chinella Charlton Briana Gati Deanna Merlino https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108097 Mon, 19 Apr 2010 04:00:00 GMT false108097 Music Students Learn from an Army Pro Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0pt; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} High School student-musicians had the distinct opportunity to meet and perform with Sergeant First Class John Altman of the United States Army Field Band. A decorated trumpet player, Sergeant Altman taught a master class focused on careers within the music industry and the steps and work he put in to become a successful musician. The day ended with Sergeant Altman instructing the Jazz Band ensemble. The student-musicians also gained valuable insight into the audition process and preparation, while learning the benefits of networking and maintaining positive interpersonal relationships have in relation to becoming assets to organizations not just as musicians, but colleagues. Sergeant Altman described his personal experiences as an aspiring musician and the desire he had to turn his passion into a career. He encouraged students to become well-rounded, test their limits and explore a variety of avenues in order to break into the business. Sergeant Altman also stressed the importance of academics and encouraged students to achieve higher levels of education. Joining the Jazz Ensemble, Sergeant Altman performed and instructed students on different techniques and styles. He reflected on the day’s experiences, stating, “The students’ enthusiasm and musical interests were inspiring; it is a testament to the high level of instruction they receive from their music teachers and directors. Exposing them to programs such as this gives Deer Park students a competitive edge in planning and preparing their academic and career futures.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108090 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT false108090 Science Gets Gluey and Gooey Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0pt 5.4pt 0pt 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0pt; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} John Quincy Adams Elementary second-grade students experienced a hands-on Science Workshop entitled "Gluey & Gooey Chemistry." Scientists from the Long Island Science Center visited the school for this interactive program in which students created glue using milk and other simple household materials. The student scientists applied their measurement and mathematics skills to concoct the sticky substance and continued their experimentation, combining additional molecules to create new materials. Throughout the program students articulated their observations and made predictions as to the unique chemical reactions of the glue. The Long Island Science Center, located in Riverhead, is an organization that encourages student enthusiasm and excitement forlearning, and stimulates discovery and creativity through science exploration. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108091 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT false108091 Students Ring in the Year of the Tiger The halls of May Moore Elementary School were transformed into the paths of a cultural celebration as students dressed in red, wore decorative masks and headdresses and played percussion instruments during their annual Chinese New Year celebration. To commence the Year of the Tiger, students paraded through the halls singing out Gung Hay Fat Choy!, the call of Happy New Year, and waved their origami umbrellas and lantern crafts. The dance of the Lion-Dragon highlighted the celebration as students dressed up as the mystical creature, hoisting the head and body in the air and marching together. Following the lively parade, students sampled Chinese cuisine and listened to ancient tales of the Chinese culture, learning their history and heritage. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108092 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT false108092 Students Learn in a Winter Wonderland Abraham Lincoln Pre-Kindergarten students recently found themselves engaged in an instructional and interactive winter workshop of educational tasks and activities. Special adults (parents, family members) were even invited to join them at various multidisciplinary stations designed to nurture a diverse range of skills. Students practiced their mathematics skills by predicting, counting and sorting items. They played dice games to build number sequences and constructed a snowman in “Roll-a-Snowman.” They also exercised their hand-eye coordination through an “ ice fishing” activity of matching the letters and numbers they hooked. In an effort to “warm people’s hearts,” as a literacy lesson students wrote letters of appreciation and inspiration that were delivered to local community outreach organizations, including the Family Service League and local veterans hospitals. Applying their science knowledge, students examined the human heart by measuring their fists and comparing the ruler results to the size of heart diagrams. Throughout the day students had the opportunity to examine aspects of the winter season and create corresponding projects. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108093 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT false108093 High School Hosts Summit on Substance Abuse In collaboration with the Deer Park Partners for Safe and Drug Free Schools (DPS) Council, the district sponsored a Drug Summit for students, parents and community members. The forum, entitled “Substance Abuse Awareness and Prevention,” was held at the high school and featured a variety of professional and expert speakers. Suffolk County Legislator Steven Stern, Town of Babylon Councilwoman Jacqueline Gordon, and Deer Park Fire Department Rescue Crew member Thomas Cronogue joined Strategic Protection Group Inc. President Michael Zotto and representative James Murphy for a discussion on how to combat the growing teen drug problem. Local police officers, firefighters and EMT workers, many of whom live in the community, were in attendance to lend their support and expertise. Deer Park Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) and Higher Education Area Transit (HEAT) club members volunteered their time, sharing informational brochures and educating community members based on their experiences at Deer Park High School and colleges, respectively. In concert with the Drug Summit, Legislator Stern and the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department also conducted a “Shed-the-Meds" program in the high school lobby. Attendees of the summit were encouraged to bring their unused, expired over-the-counter and prescription medications to the school so that they could be disposed of properly. The goal is twofold: to keep these medications out of the water supplies, as well as out of the hands of adolescents, many of whom scour their home medicine cabinets looking for pills to use for recreational purposes. Board of Education President Dennis Ryan described drug abuse as a community issue, which requires diligent, proactive action from families, friends, neighbors and local government and law officials. Mr. Cronogue described a variety of incidents which he and his crew have responded to over the years in Deer Park. He even described the consequences and irreparable damage done to the drug users and their families, ranging from brain and neurological damage to death. Mr. Zotto and Mr. Murphy, both experienced members of the New York City Narcotics Unit, shared a powerful presentation and encouraged students to speak out against the drug abuse that is occurring in the community. Attendees learned the staggering statistics and facts of drug abuse, as well as the history and trends of specific drugs and their use in pop culture. In addition, they provided photos and videos illustrating the visual realities of drug use and abuse and the numerous physical and psychological effects they have on the body. Strategic Protection Group Inc. uses a proactive approach to build awareness and develop solutions to prevent drug crimes and abuse through the education of children and adults. Based in West Islip, the organization has provided educational seminars in schools throughout New York State. To expand and reinforce the knowledge learned at the Drug Summit, Strategic Protection Group Inc. will facilitate assemblies for Deer Park High School students through in-school presentations in the coming months. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108087 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT false108087 Students Organize a Cozy Collection for Haiti’s Children In an effort to bring comfort to the children affected by the earthquake, students at May Moore Elementary School donated more than 2,000 stuffed animals for the displaced children of Haiti. All of which the students loaded onto a large bus, beginning the journey to their final destination. To help increase the number of donations, May Moore partnered with a high school in upstate New York through a program called Project Stuffed Animals For Emergencies (SAFE). The schools combined donations were brought to the United Nations, which then facilitated the delivery of the stuffed animals to Haiti. The students’ goal was to provide children with a sense of security during this turbulent time in their lives, and the results were a huge success. Each day students in Susan Steinman’s class collected and sorted the stuffed animals placed in the drop-off locations throughout the school. They used a teddy bear graph displayed in the school lobby to tabulate the number of stuffed animals collected. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108088 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT false108088 Young Scientists Explore ‘Kitchen Chemistry’ The Science Museum of Long Island brought its learning lab to John F. Kennedy Intermediate School and engaged students with hands-on experiments that brought them through the scientific process. JFK students worked with professional scientists in Kitchen Chemistry, during which their objective was to identify the proteins, sugars and carbohydrates found in a range of foods and household materials. Using common household materials, students learned about the world of chemical reactions, determining the differences between an acid and a base by using an indicator. They developed hypotheses, sharing and discussing their predicted outcomes with their peers. In their experiments, students utilized pipettes and test tubes to study simple foods and products, mixing a variety of chemicals and observing chemical reactions, then documenting the effects. Cabbage water was the liquid used as a constant throughout the experiments, as students added a variety of common products including lemon juice, baking soda and detergent to observe the reactions. Once completed, students analyzed the visual results of the chemical reactions with a color spectrum chart that identified various components. Color codes corresponded with varying pH levels to help students decipher whether each ingredient was an acid or base, as well as the respective degrees of strength. By the end of the exercise, students gained a strong understanding of the components that make up these household materials and were equally excited that they were able to cause chemical reactions with a little sizzle and pop! https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108089 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT false108089 National Honor Society Induction Forty high school students were inducted into the National Honor Society. Students, families, teachers, administrators and local officials came together for the annual induction ceremony. Joining the district for the academic celebration were Suffolk County Legislators Steven Stern and Louis D’Amaro and Babylon Town Clerk Carol Quirk, who spoke to students about the importance of academic achievement, as well as exhibiting good character throughout their lives. National Honor Society Officers described the history of the National Honor Society and its pillars - Scholarship, Service, Leadership and Character - articulating the purpose of the organization, which is to create enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote leadership, and to develop character in students. Advisors Annemarie Lenio and Jill Perry-Eising will lead National Honor Society members in community outreach programs during the school year, including tutoring high school students and moderating study groups for Robert Frost Middle School honors math and science students. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108084 Wed, 06 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT false108084 Students Caring for the Community Robert Frost Middle School’s Student Council sponsored a schoolwide collection called “Soap for Seniors,” which provided local senior citizens with a variety of toiletry items. By creating eye-catching posters, students marketed their effort to their peers, encouraging them to donate personal care products such as soaps, shampoos, lotions, cotton balls, toothbrushes and toothpastes. Student Council members came together to sort and package the diverse variety of items they collected from their classmates. The Robert Frost Chamber Choir has been visiting local Nursing Homes, delivering the care boxes to residents after serenading them with a concert. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108085 Wed, 06 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT false108085 Deer Park Educates Swimmers for Success District special needs students in grades Kindergarten through eighth are participating in an in-district aquatics program in which they visit the high school pool and become familiar with the water and swimming safety. Before entering the pool, students are instructed on how to properly enter and exit the water, as well as the correct arm and leg movements of swimming. The students also practice proper breathing exercises. Once in the water, lifeguards and teachers assist them as they float, layback, sit and swim, navigating their way through the pool. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108086 Wed, 06 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT false108086 High School Students Making a Difference Five seniors from the high school recently attended the first annual “Compassion Without Borders” leadership summit, sponsored by the Suffolk County High School Principals’ Association (SCHSPA). During the summit, student representatives from every high school in Suffolk County gathered to take part in the unique conference, geared at breaking down geographic borders between the schools and uniting the students to work toward one common cause. The group’s first mission was to raise money for Dylan Thompson, a sophomore at Harborfields High School who suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Dylan’s condition confines him to a wheelchair and presents him with a myriad of health-related issues. Dylan’s home is in disrepair and is not wheelchair accessible. Each high school pledged to raise $1,000 for Dylan’s cause over the course of the school year. Through this effort, more than $50,000 will be collected to help repair Dylan’s home and make it wheelchair accessible. The student leaders from Deer Park are pictured here with Social Studies/Family Consumer Science Curriculum Associate Daniel McKeon and Senior Class Advisor Jenine Moran. They are (L-R) Class Vice President Samantha Friend, Monica White, Student Council member Marissa Tianga (standing), Blaise Cresciullo, and Class President Michael Prescia. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108081 Tue, 01 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT false108081 Technology of the Middle Ages Sparks Success for Deer Park Robert Frost Middle School’s Catapult Team took second place at the annual Pumpkin Fling competition at Yaphank Farm, with an impressive pumpkin launch of 439 feet, 7 inches. The school’s Catapult Team was formed at the end of last school year after receiving a $1,500 grant, written by Science and Technology teacher Bruce Sanders, through Suffolk’s Edge Teachers Center. The competitive team, comprised of ten students, submitted essays on why they should be members of the team. Their essays included their completed research on Medieval Siege Machines. Students worked together for months to build a Medieval-style catapult, otherwise known as a Trebuchet. In building the structure they learned construction methods such as measuring, cutting, drilling, and bolting, as well as engineering principles and the science of forces and motion. Weighing between 350-400 pounds, the Trebuchet measures 16 feet long, 4 feet wide and 8 feet tall, with a 13-foot throwing arm, and utilizes 6 commercial garage door springs for power and solid steel bars to support the springs and keep them from bending. In traditional Deer Park spirit, community members and local businesses supported the students’ mission by providing everything from test pumpkins to discounted supplies and materials. Blue Skies Sign Company in Deer Park donated signs, American Garage Door in Deer Park donated the springs, and Modica Machine Tools was instrumental in helping obtain the correct steel and assorted parts necessary for successful construction. To view the Falcon’s Claw in action at the Pumpkin Fling competition, please go to the following link. http://www.mylitv.com/view_video.php?viewkey=e3f45b3cce8ffe386ee9 https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108082 Tue, 01 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT false108082 A Network of Giving May Moore Elementary School gave thanks and gave back to the community by sponsoring a schoolwide food drive. A Thanksgiving shopping cart was set up in the school’s lobby, where students and staff donated a variety of items ranging from canned vegetables and baking mix to paper towels. As part of an ongoing districtwide mentoring initiative, high school students visited their May Moore buddies to help them create individual baskets containing all of the necessary ingredients for a Thanksgiving feast. The baskets will be delivered to families in need throughout the school community. Grocery store gift certificates were also donated by the school’s Parent Teacher Association for families to purchase their holiday turkey. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108083 Tue, 01 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT false108083 Athletes See the Light! School Officials Power HS Lights at Pep Rally to Kick Off Homecoming Weekend On Friday, October 23, under the night sky, Deer Park School District officials turned on the lights at Deer Park High School’s athletic field for the first time. It was all part of a “Friday Night Lights” Pep Rally to kick off Homecoming weekend and celebrate all of Deer Park’s athletic teams. Superintendent of Schools Eva Demyen introduced the Deer Park High School Women’s Chorus, who performed the National Anthem. Board of Education President Dennis Ryan thanked the community members who packed the stands for their ongoing support and demonstration of Falcon Pride, even sharing a conversation he had with former U.S. Senator Bill Bradley about how great a community Deer Park is. The Board of Education also thanked Tanger Outlet Center and the Town of Babylon for their financial contributions that made the new lights possible. Tanger General Manager Curt Fickeisen was presented with a plaque and Town Supervisor Steve Bellone (who admitted he attended North Babylon Schools) was given a framed Deer Park Falcon jersey. One by one, each Deer Park athletic team (Robert Frost MS, DPHS JV and DPHS Varsity) were introduced and marched around the track to great applause. It was a festive night that started what will be many exciting triumphs under the lights to come. In addition to providing Falcon fans with nighttime games, the lights will alleviate scheduling conflicts by extending the athletic day. Click here for more photos... https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108080 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 04:00:00 GMT false108080 District Continues to Optimize Schools’ Energy Use School officials continue to research and implement initiatives to achieve energy conservation. Most recently, the district partnered with experts in the energy industry to further their “green” agenda for school facilities and community resources. As a leader among school districts in the area of green initiatives, the Deer Park School District has already installed light sensors with automatic shutoff controls at the high school, with Robert Frost Middle School installation to be completed this spring. These sensors will conserve the use of light in these buildings, resulting in utility cost savings. The anticipated immediate savings will pay for the sensors within three months of their activation. Cogeneration Units (Cogens) are being utilized throughout the schools, including two at the high school, one at the middle school, and one at John F. Kennedy Intermediate School. Cogens use natural gas to generate electricity and these units produce up to $120,000 per year savings for the district. In addition, high efficiency boilers were installed at the high school and have reduced the yearly bill by a substantial $350,000 dollars and achieved a 50% reduction in therm usage, otherwise known as units of heat. Johnson Controls, a nationwide leader in optimizing energy use and providing solutions for plant facilities, is currently conducting an energy audit on the remaining school district building systems to determine other areas to be addressed to achieve even greater efficiency. Various components will be analyzed, including boiler controls, computer management systems, heating and ventilation systems, and solar panels and other options and ideas will be considered to reduce energy bills. “We realize that in order to become a truly green environment, we must do our due diligence and review all of our school buildings,” said Superintendent of Schools Eva Demyen. “The district is benefiting from the savings produced by our recent efforts in this area, and we will continue to explore new technologies to bring our facilities into the 21st Century for the benefit of our entire community.” Deer Park Board of Education President Dennis Ryan, Board Trustee and Chairman of the district’s Energy Committee Keith Rooney and district administrators hosted representatives from National Grid, Clean Cities Coalition, and Engineered Energy Solutions to discuss the opportunities to further reduce costs at Deer Park schools through the implementation of natural gas buses. Various aspects of the project were highlighted, including installing a natural gas pumping station at the district’s transportation facility and converting the district’s bus fleet to natural gas. The first Long Island school district to convert to a completely ‘clean-air’ fleet of buses was the Long Beach City Schools in 2003. They purchased natural gas buses and retrofitted several existing buses with converters to run cleaner and more efficiently. “We are already saving money through lower operational costs, which then allows us to redirect budgetary funds for educational programming,” said Mr. Rooney, who has spearheaded many of the district’s energy projects. “Our efforts, many of which have become realities thanks to the diligent work of Plant Facilities Administrator Kirk Gostkowski and his Buildings & Grounds crew, are also simultaneously supporting positive global change, while educating the students of Deer Park within an optimal environment.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=108079 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT false108079 The Top of 2010 The District announced the high school’s Top 10 academically ranked students for the Class of 2010. Students, teachers, guidance counselors, families, Board of Education members and administrators came together for a breakfast that honored these talented students for their successes within the classroom and beyond. Each student’s character was highlighted along with their educational accomplishments, community outreach, and extracurricular activities, representing the diverse makeup of the high school’s student body. Class of 2010 Top Ten: Thomas DiBendedetto - Valedictorian Brian Kavanagh - Salutatorian Brian Giunta - Third Christopher Drake - Fourth Nicole Zeblisky - Fifth Randy Singh - Sixth Christopher Ottersen - Seventh Hui-Hung Hwang - Eighth Daniel Zito - Ninth Daniel Nunez - Tenth Central Administration and the high school administrative team congratulated all the students and looked towards their senior year, encouraging students to stay focused and prepare for graduation. Pictured here are (standing, left to right) High School Associate Principal Craig Evans, Superintendent of Schools Eva Demyen, Daniel Zito (#9), Daniel Nunez (#10), Hui-Hung Hwang (#8), Randy Singh (#6), Christopher Ottersen (#7), Principal James Cummings, Associate Principal Kimberly Johnston, (seated, left to right) Christopher Drake (#4), Brian Giunta (#3), Thomas DiBendedetto (#1), Brian Kavanagh (#2), and Nicole Zeblisky (#5). https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107433 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT false107433 Robert Frost Students Read to Achieve Robert Frost Middle School students recently participated in the Scholastic Books Summer Reading Challenge. In promotion of the districtwide effort to increase and incorporate student literacy throughout the curriculum, students were encouraged to read during the summer months and develop good habits, with the goal of nurturing lifelong readers. Research shows that students who read four or more books during the summer perform better on reading tests in the fall than those students who simply read one or no books during the summer. The challenge incorporated reading and writing skills; requiring students to read for approximately 30 minutes each day, record their time in a log, and complete one project for each book read from an activity packet given to them. Partnering with parents, the district provided suggestions of grade-appropriate, popular authors and series, as well as specific book titles. Students were encouraged to choose their literature based on their personal interests. After reading each book students were required to complete various tasks that incorporated critical-thinking skills and literary analysis. Activities included “Critic’s Corner,” where they articulated their opinions about their favorite character, explained why they liked or didn’t like the book, and to whom they would recommend the book. A “Read, Relate, Respond” activity required students to dissect components of the story to complete thoughts such as, “Wow! This part is exciting because…” or “This part is puzzling because...” or “The surprising part of the book is…” Creating Character Analysis T-shirts, students identified the literary elements used by the author to describe a character. Traits, personal conflicts, strengths and weaknesses, as well as story descriptions were illustrated on specific positions on the blank shirt. Character Scrapbooks gave students a chance to visually interpret the book’s storyline and characters with a collection of pictures, drawings and notes. Upon returning to school this fall, students who accepted the challenge gave a Book Talk in their English Language Arts class about one of the books they read. They each received a certificate and prize for reaching their reading goals. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107434 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT false107434 Safety Sally Rolls into Deer Park The District prepared its youngest learners for a safe educational journey. Abraham Lincoln Pre-Kindergarten students boarded the Eastern Suffolk BOCES mobile classroom and received an interactive lesson from ‘Safety Sally,’ a trained professional educator on bus safety who administers the program. Through instruction and simulations, students practiced the proper way to cross the street in the presence of a school bus. Counting together, students walked the appropriate 10 steps from the front of a parked bus, identified the bus driver, and looked both ways before crossing the street. In an organized single file line, they climbed aboard the bus, hands on handrail, seated themselves and learned how to securely fasten their safety belts. Following an informative video demonstration of proper conduct while on board the bus and at bus stops, the students identified the emergency exits and how they should maneuver during an evacuation. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107435 Fri, 23 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT false107435 A Day of Firsts The schools of the Deer Park District were filled with bright backpacks and fresh notebooks as students walked through the halls and into their classrooms for the 2009-2010 school year. Greeted by the encouraging smiles of administrators, teachers, faculty and staff, the day was highlighted with introductions, classroom arrangements, and planning for the academic year ahead. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107430 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 04:00:00 GMT false107430 Deer Park Teachers, Buildings Ready for the New School Year Superintendent of Schools Eva Demyen welcomed the district’s teachers, faculty and staff for a day of planning and preparation prior to the opening of the new school year. Ms. Demyen reinforced the theme of community and the district’s ultimate goal of preparing students for future successes to the staff. The collective mission of Deer Park’s educators and support staff is to provide each and every student with exemplary programs of study within a safe, healthy and nurturing environment. The expectation is that students will achieve academic excellence, mastering those concepts, skills and processes that will enable them to become thoughtful, productive citizens in society. Welcoming new faces, district administrators introduced the newest hires and their various positions throughout the schools. Veteran teachers will aid the new teachers during their transition to Deer Park, sharing their experiences and advice. Teachers reviewed strategies for student comprehension and retention and broke down the components of an effective lesson plan for the first day of school and beyond. Department leaders and core curriculum teachers were commended for their across-the-board gains on New York State assessment scores and were encouraged to keep up the good work. Growth in literacy skills, student achievement, and use and availability of technology will be key areas of focus for the administration entering the new school year. This fall, students and parents will notice improved buildings and grounds, district-wide. In fact, the orientation culminated with a visual presentation of the extensive facility upgrades that were completed throughout the district over the summer. Some of the key improvements include new and improved art rooms, computer and science labs, physical fitness locker rooms, and choral rooms. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107431 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 04:00:00 GMT false107431 Fresh Start to a New School Year Superintendent of Schools Eva Demyen welcomed the district’s newest teachers with a comprehensive orientation program. In order to fully integrate the faculty into the classrooms and community, teachers spent three days getting to know one another and their schools. In preparation for the first day of school, Deer Park administrators coached new teachers on how to design an effective lesson plan. Meeting a variety of district administrators and directors who they will interact and work with on a regular basis, new teachers learned about district practices, policies, and protocols, and their own roles. New teachers received an introduction to the district’s Student Information System - Infinite Campus. Through the professional development program PRIME, they were connected with experienced colleagues to establish mentoring relationships and promote district camaraderie. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107432 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 04:00:00 GMT false107432 United States Army Field Band Takes the Stage at Deer Park High School The Deer Park School District will host the United States Army Field Band on Wednesday, September 23rd at 7:00 p.m. in the high school auditorium. The public is invited to experience the music of this multifaceted performing group, which consists of a 65-member instrumental ensemble and a 29-member mixed choral ensemble. The United States Army Field Band is the premier touring musical representative of the United States Army and is highly active in the educational community. Its members, selected through a highly competitive audition, represent some of the most talented musicians in America. As the military's most traveled performing group for more than six decades, the Army Field Band has earned the title, "The Musical Ambassadors of the Army." Deer Park Director of Fine and Performing Arts Dr. Jeff Dailey anticipates the positive musical experience for students and community members alike. "The Deer Park Music Department is proud that the US Army Field Band and Chorus decided to make Deer Park a stop on their east coast tour. The music students of Deer Park will have the unique chance to interact with and residents will be able to view and listen to some of this nation's finest instrumentalists and singers." The following Deer Park High School student musicians will perform with the US Army Field Band during their concert: Flute players: Christina Marmo and Bridget Roy Clarinet players: Nicole Zeblisky and Jazmine Quirindongo Alto Sax players: Daniel Nunez and Nicholas Scotto Trumpeters: Tyler Amend and Adam Grunseich Tickets are free, but must be reserved in advance by calling 631-274-4112. Deer Park High School is located at 1 Falcon Place, Deer Park, NY. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107429 Wed, 16 Sep 2009 04:00:00 GMT false107429 Deer Park Students Show Their Knowledge District-wide Scores Rise; Double-Digit Gains in Many Areas The Deer Park School District’s commitment to educational excellence can be seen in the latest New York State Assessment results. Deer Park student scores have improved, or remained at a high level, across the board in grades 3-8 on the 2008-2009 Math and English Language Arts (ELA) exams. Many of the impressive gains over the 2007-2008 school year can be attributed to the cooperative hard work and dedication of the district’s students, teachers and administration. “Greater emphasis was placed on using individualized student reports and teacher reports,” said Deputy Superintendent Eva J. Demyen, who led the effort. “Curriculum was rewritten in both disciplines to strengthen student attention in areas where they showed prior deficiencies. The key was not to teach to the test, but to focus on New York State core curricula and use the best practices to deliver the concepts, skills and processes that are needed at that particular grade level.” The district-wide effort has been implemented and its positive effects are already benefiting students and their academic careers. The following are the percentages of students meeting or exceeding the New York State standard by scoring in Levels 3 and 4 of the respective exams. Grade Level ELA 07-08 ELA 08-09 Math 07-08 Math 08-09 3 83––––> 83 97––––> 98 4 75––––> 87 90––––> 90 5 83––––> 87 87––––> 93 6 80––––> 90 90––––> 93 7 72––––> 90 92––––> 97 8 61––––> 74 74––––> 94 “We are all very proud of our students and the fact that they are achieving a significantly higher level of success on these exams,” added Superintendent of Schools Elizabeth Marino. “It’s a testament to the many hours of staff and curriculum development our educators put in. Our goal is to continue to improve teaching and learning; so that we can be the best we can be and help the children of Deer Park achieve their full potential and exceed expectations.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107418 Sat, 01 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMT false107418 Head of the Class High School student Nikita Shah has earned the distinction of Valedictorian, while classmate Anna Salvatore received Salutatorian designation for the Class of 2009. Both students exemplify the strong character, commitment to education and community spirit that make the district a success. Nikita’s extensive awards and honors include competing and placing at the Suffolk County Math Contest four years in a row, as well as placing in the top five her junior and senior years at the Regional New York State Science Olympiad. Earning the respect of her teachers, she has been the recipient of a variety of departmental awards including English Language Arts, math, global history, AP Biology and foreign languages. Extending her talents to the court she earned the title of Scholar-Athlete and was an All-League selection tennis player. On stage she participated in the school’s theatrical productions as part of the stage crew, and musical ensemble, as well as being President of the Tri-M Honor Society. Working towards a career in the medical field Nikita has volunteered her time at Brookhaven Hospital and has worked with the Young Scholarship Program at Stony Brook University. Scoring three and higher on four challenging Advanced Placement Exams, Salutatorian Anna Salvatore received the AP Scholar with Honor Award. Excelling in diverse curriculum areas she also was given the SEA-BBS Certificate of Excellence in Art award and her works were displayed in a community showcase. Her creative skills have been highlighted in the high school’s publication Phantom Press where she held the positions of staff reporter and Co-Editor. Serving as a district role model Anna was a member of the Peer Leadership committee where she attended conferences and worked with elementary school children on an anti-bullying and tolerance campaign. Connecting with the community she volunteered with the Patchogue First Political Campaign preparing campaign literature. The district congratulates the Class of 2009 Top Ten for their vast accomplishments and contributions to the school and Bayport-Blue Point community. Valedictorian Nikita Shah Salutatorian Anna Salvatore #3 Margaret Muller #4 Alison Bernicker #5 Michael Hanusch #6 Declan Diemer #7 Adam Jansen #8 Trevor Dougherty #9 Dylan Kann #10 Darcy Cahill https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107426 Fri, 17 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT false107426 Athletes Excel On & Off the Field The District provides its students with opportunities to develop healthy minds and bodies through their successful athletic program. Promoting an environment where students learn about teamwork, hone problem-solving skills and interact through positive competition, each grade level offers students a chance to connect with their peers and educators. Combining their talent on the field and their academic performance in the classroom, six Bayport-Blue Point spring athletic teams were recognized by the Section XI Athletic Association as New York State Scholar Athlete teams. This designation means that as a group each team maintained a grade point average of 90% or better throughout their entire athletic season. These Scholar-Athlete Teams include Varsity Baseball, Varsity Boys Lacrosse, Varsity Girls Lacrosse, Varsity Boys Spring Track, Varsity Girls Spring Track and Varsity Girls Golf. In addition, the Girls Varsity Softball Team was awarded the distinction of being named New York State Section XI Sportsmanship Teams, which means that during competitions their fair play earned them the respect of opponents, coaches and officials. Assistant Superintendent for Personnel and Athletics Timothy Mullins, on behalf of the district, would like to congratulate its student-athletes and their coaches for successfully representing the school district and the community in the classroom and in athletic competition. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107427 Fri, 17 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT false107427 Open House of Literature District Elementary Schools celebrated literacy with publisher’s night. An event to showcase the writing and reading skills of the district’s youngest authors, teachers, parents and community members came together to view and listen to their original stories and tales. Each class and author’s work featured a diverse theme and was inspired by the people, activities and places that they love. Creating an interactive experience a “comments to the author” page provided space for readers to reflect on the work. The variety of writings provided personal insight into students’ thoughts and imaginations including “The ABC’s of…” and All About…”, while illustrations described scenes and added visual impact to storylines. In intimate viewing sessions authors practiced their public speaking sills and revealed their books through their voice reading aloud to an eager audience. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107428 Fri, 17 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT false107428 Athletes Honored for Excellence On and Off the Field Good Grades, Sportsmanship and Successful Play Highlight Awards Ceremony The District provides its students with opportunities to develop healthy minds and bodies through the regular physical education curriculum and a plethora of athletic teams and clubs. Promoting an environment where students learn about teamwork, hone problem-solving skills and interact through positive competition, each grade level offers students a chance to connect with their peers and educators. To further encourage student-athletes of Deer Park to excel both on the field and in the classroom, Board of Education members, administrators and community members came together to honor those students who make the extra effort to excel in both capacities. Combining their talent on the field and their academic performance in the classroom, five Deer Park spring athletic teams were recognized by the Section XI Athletic Association as New York State Scholar Athlete teams. This designation means that collectively, each team maintained a grade point average of 90 or better throughout their entire athletic season. In addition, three Deer Park spring squads were awarded the distinction of being named New York State Section XI Sportsmanship Teams, which means that during competitions their fair play earned the respect of opponents, coaches and officials. Competitively, the Boys Varsity Spring Golf team captured the League I Suffolk County Championships for the fifth consecutive year and standout player Robert O’Connell qualified for the New York State Tournament. On the Lacrosse field, Varsity athlete Melyssa Mathewson made the National High School Girls Team, along with teammate Monica White who was also named to the Under Armour All-American Team. These talented Deer Park athletes are led by a group of dedicated coaches, including Boys Junior Varsity Lacrosse Coach Ian Kyranakis who received the honor and title of being selected by the Suffolk County Lacrosse Coaches Association as Junior Varsity Coach of the Year. The following teams received New York State Scholar-Athlete status as well as had individual players earning All-State, All-County, Academic All-County, All-Conference and All-League awards: Boys Varsity Lacrosse Girls Varsity Lacrosse Boys Spring Track Girls Spring Track Boys Varsity Tennis The following teams earned New York State Sportsmanship Team Winners: Boys Spring Track Girls Varsity Golf Boys Junior Varsity Spring Golf https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107422 Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT false107422 Making Math Come to Life Robert Frost Middle School math teacher Anthony Tannacore combines his passions in life with lessons in mathematics. Mr. Tannacore’s teaching philosophy is focused on fun and relevancy. He uses unique techniques to spark student interest and participation. Interactive lessons pull from a variety of sources allowing students to see math in everyday situations. Using the analogy of a video game, Mr. Tannacore describes the student learning process as starting at the lowest level, gathering all the necessary information, asking the correct questions, and developing clues before advancing to the next level. “As a student, I have always learned best when the lessons were fun, but more important, relative to the real world,” he said. “As a teacher, I try to accomplish these two principles in my lessons to make math come to life.” For example, referencing the popular game show The Price is Right, Mr. Tannacore taught students about the probability of items being priced at certain values based on the number of multiple choice guesses a contestant was given. To teach students about algebra he introduced jumping jacks; for every set of jacks a student performed the student was given 2 pieces of candy. With the number “2” being the constant and the number of jacks being the variable (in this case, variable j) the class learned algebra in a more quantifiable, fun and tasty manner. He also draws correlations to the left side/right side of the brain when teaching about place value of numbers and uses a chant from the movie Remember the Titans that references football plays. In the movie, the team shouted out “strong side” when running to the left and “weak side” when running to the right. In similar fashion, students are asked to chant “strong” in a deep tone when identifying place value to the left, and “weak” in a softer tome when identifying values to the right. As a result of Mr. Tannacore’s techniques, students are not only gaining a better grasp of the material, they apply their knowledge to their own lives. His approach has undoubtedly engaged and motivated them to learn and succeed. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107423 Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT false107423 Exploring Literature in Deer Park John F Kennedy Intermediate School teachers engaged their classes in a variety of literature during Literacy Week. Each classroom door was transformed into a life-sized book cover portraying a popular children’s story or novel, and teachers celebrated their students as writers and readers with classroom activities. Inside the school library students were exposed to the works of professional authors and introduced to the diverse genres available to them. As a culmination of week’s events, district students and families were invited to an author evening. Teachers kicked-off the night with a literary performance using puppets to engage students, read stories and act out scenes. From the stage teachers prompted students to complete character lines and describe story lines. After the show the school’s gymnasium served as a meet-and-greet for students, parents and the featured authors. Authors displayed a collection of their books and students had the opportunity to speak with them about their stories, the writing process and how a book goes from a vision to a published work. Books carrying themes of science, sports, friendship, and fortitude were represented and students shared classic tales as well as new titles of interest with friends and family. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107424 Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT false107424 Deer Park’s Big 10 The Deer Park School District announced its Top Ten academic students for the 2009 graduating class and leading the list were Valedictorian Ekta Patel and Salutatorian Christopher Wankel. Valedictorian Ekta Patel Teachers and guidance counselors documented Ekta’s combination of extraordinary intelligence, superior work ethic and unique intellectual curiosity. Ekta is not only determined to do her best, but as a leader in the classroom, helps her peers achieve their full potential. Ekta’s academic dedication has propelled her to be an Advanced Placement Scholar and a perfect score of 800 on the Math portion of the SAT. Outside of the classroom Ekta’s skills extend to extracurricular activities. An active member of Student Council, International Culture Club and National Honor Society as well as being an integral member and Vice President of the district Math Team and four-year member of the Chamber Orchestra on 2nd violin and girls’ lacrosse program. She has also competed academically in the Suffolk County 2007 Math Tournament and 2009 National Science Bowl. Bettering her community and the lives of others, the past two summers Ekta has participated in the Lead America’s conference on Medicine and Healthcare at St. John’s University, and the Science and Research Awareness Series at Stony Brook University. Volunteering countless hours at Good Samaritan and Stony Brook University Hospitals, her experiences will help in her journey pursuing a career in the medical field. Salutatorian Christopher Wankel Described as having a wonderful blend of intelligence, wit, compassion, creativity and modesty, Christopher is a humble leader who is grateful for all he has and feels a responsibility to give back to his school and community. Scoring a perfect 800 on the Math section of the PSAT, Christopher has equally impressive scores on both the ACT and SAT. An Advanced Placement scholar, he is also an accomplished musician who plays the Bassoon and Piano and has performed on stage in a variety of school plays, as well as behind the scenes as stage manager. An emerging artist, Christopher also uniquely illustrates his creative talents, making crafts from “found objects.” Christopher has worked alongside Suffolk County Pastors, where he organized a Hurricane Katrina relief group, in which he traveled to Louisiana to rebuild houses for those who lost their homes. An advocate for universal, cultural literacy Christopher has served as an instructor of English as a Second Language through the Ascension Lutheran Church. His work this past summer at BRAC USA, a nonprofit organization that aids the underprivileged toward fiscal independence, made Christopher the first high school intern to participate in the organization. Ekta and Christopher were joined by the rest of the outstanding Top Ten students and were recognized at a breakfast where each student’s outstanding accomplishments and character was highlighted. The Top 10 academically ranked students for the Deer Park Class of 2009 are: Ekta Patel Valedictorian Christopher Wankel Salutatorian Justin Walsh Third Michael Pesca Fourth Ebne Safi Fifth Michael Ferguson Sixth Karamveer Singh Seventh Amanda Hoffman Eighth Eric Wuu Ninth Alyssa Napoli Tenth https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107425 Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT false107425 Students Meet a Healthy Challenge Middle School Class Writes Winning Recipe in Nationwide Contest Robert Frost Middle School Family and Consumer Science students were recently named the winners of the Stirring Up Health recipe contest sponsored by the Healthy Kids Challenge organization. The goal of this national effort is to encourage students to enjoy healthy eating and physical activity as part of their overall lifestyle. Healthy Kids Challenge is a nationally recognized 501(c)3 nonprofit organization led by registered licensed dietitians with years of school, program and community wellness experience. For over 10 years, the organization has pioneered the path of onsite and distance assistance. Robert Frost students applied their culinary curriculum to create the “Deer Park Paco,” an innovative combination of a pizza and a taco using all natural ingredients. In class, students prepared different versions of their recipe and conducted taste tests voting for the school recipe winner. Students then submitted that recipe to an esteemed panel of Healthy Kids Challenge judges who selected the winning chefs. Recipes were judged on originality, creativity and taste and contestants also were required to submit essays explaining how they planned to make positive changes in their lives and the lives of others by making and encouraging better nutrition decisions. In reward for their winning entry, Frost students were visited by Chef Thomas J. Delle Donne of Johnson and Wales University who worked in the kitchen with the young chefs to teach them about kitchen tools and techniques. Slicing and dicing during a live demonstration, Chef Thomas introduced students to the latest technologies in food science, creating edible molecular based snacks and using the students winning recipe to recreate the Deer Park Paco with them. “I truly believe that it is imperative to educate students on healthy eating and cooking habits,” said Chef Thomas. “While they are young we need to empower them with proper ways to prepare and eat as opposed to commercial advertising, exposing them to snack foods and sugar loaded treats. One of the ways we can do this is to show them the best practices and provide reasons why good health and moderation are keys to a happy life.” Deer Park’s Home and Career Skills winning recipe can be viewed at http://www.healthykidschallenge.com/?q=content/kids-recipe-contest-winners. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107419 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT false107419 High School Teen Becomes an Ambassador for Safe Teen Driving High School student Mohamed Abbas recently lent his voice to radio and participated in a public service announcement (PSA) campaign aimed at informing teens about the dangers distractions can pose when operating a car. Mohamed was selected to join other student representatives from across Long Island to participate in the campaign, which is being conducted by Allstate Insurance Company. Based on fatal accident statistics, the increased number of cars on the road and the fact that holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day) and activities such as the senior prom historically result in increased alcohol use and subsequent drunken driving, experts identify the spring and summer months as the “100 Deadliest Days for Teen Driving.” Mohamed’s PSA, which he recently recorded at the studios of WBLI radio station in West Babylon, will air on 106.1 from now through Labor Day weekend. Earlier in the school year, Deer Park was awarded a $1,000 grant from the Allstate Foundation and hosted a program at the high school entitled Direct The Drive: Show Off for Safety for which Mohamed was involved in coordinating. Under the program, high school students performed their own music videos and commercials about the dangers of distracted and reckless driving for their peers and the community. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107420 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT false107420 Arts in Action Through the Arts in Education program John F. Kennedy Intermediate School students had the opportunity to work with professional artist John DiNaro in a school-wide beautification project. Students in Laurie Schwartz’s classes created visual pieces of art to be placed throughout the building hand carving and painting wooden carousel animals and a signature dragon with the inspirational message “believe” written across its body from sketch drawings. Adding their personal style to the project, they decorated their animals with jewels and beads. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107421 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT false107421 Elementary Students Step Up & Go Green The world is a little greener thanks to a partnership fostered between May Moore Elementary School and Tanger Outlets at the Arches. In celebration of Earth Day, students joined the TangerStyle Greener World campaign, which includes a variety of onsite, eco-themed promotions as well as special community events nationwide. May Moore students crafted a visual display to remind the community and Tanger shoppers to be active members in our global community. They designed and painted storefront windows illustrating a heart shaped earth with the poignant slogan “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.” Carrying their eco-friendly, re-usable shopping totes and wearing their “May Moore Primary School is Going Green” t-shirts, students demonstrated their commitment to the movement to help make our world cleaner and healthier. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107414 Tue, 12 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT false107414 Fun Adventures for Students with Special Needs The District Office of Pupil Personnel Services, under the direction of Assistant Superintendent Frank Caliguiri, has worked with the Administrator of Student Services Mary Reynolds and Administrator of Special Education Randi Medeiros to develop extensive after school socialization programs for all district special needs students, grades K-12. The goal of these specialized athletic and aquatics programs are to increase the opportunity for special needs students to be socially successful. Each program is designed to teach students (in an engaging environment) appropriate social skills to use when working with their peers in school, as well as adults outside of school. Students focus on abilities acquired through the various weekly after school activities and are provided with necessary life lessons needed for success. A variety of specific strategies are learned, including health and safety, appropriate communication, personal interactions, turn taking, team building and self-esteem concerns. With the help of the Special Education Parent Faculty Club (SEPFC) and support of the Board of Education, special needs students are excelling through this valuable district program. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107415 Tue, 12 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT false107415 Students Make a Fashion Statement Robert Frost Middle School Fashion Club has gone beyond trends and styles and is lending their design skills for the community outreach program Warm Up America. Warm Up America is an organization made up of volunteers who create handmade Afghan blankets, clothing and accessories to help those in need. These items provide warmth and comfort to people who have lost their homes, fled abusive relations, or are being cared for in hospices, shelters, hospitals, and nursing home. Members of the Frost club are each knitting and crocheting 7 X 9 rectangles, which will be sewn together to create a unique and personal blanket. Fashion Club Advisor and Family and Consumer Science teacher Cindy Adriaenssens, has exposed her students to this program for three years and believes that through helping others students are able to build their own self worth and self esteem. In addition to this project Fashion Club students are also participating in an American Sewing Guild community service project by creating pillowcases to be used in Ronald McDonald Houses, which provide temporary housing for families of ill or injured children. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107416 Tue, 12 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT false107416 Spotlight on Educators Skills Taught ‘SMART’ at Pre-K Center Abraham Lincoln Pre-Kindergarten teachers have cooperatively developed a SMARTBoard program, allowing all Pre-K teachers to take full advantage of this relatively new interactive whiteboard technology. This is providing Deer Park’s youngest learners with an edge as they approach the critical years of their development. Teacher Susan Ricciardelli employs SMARTBoard’s interactive features throughout the school day. Daily routines range from identifying the date, time, and seasonal weather characteristics using a calendar application, to working within the system’s language arts portal on developing literacy and phonics skills. “I use SMARTBoard’s TeachSmart feature to enrich the teaching of letter recognition, formation and sound so that students can breakdown words and sentences and build upon basics,” said Ms. Ricciardelli, who worked with colleagues to develop fun and effective lessons that address differentiated levels of student progression, incorporating different system features and various computer applications, Activities also teach youngsters rhyming and patterning. Students apply their knowledge of nursery rhymes and fables to identify key plot elements and coordinate sequential events. Pre-Kindergarten teacher Bobbie Colby uses TeachSmart on the SMARTBoard to enhance mathematics skill development. A unique feature of the system allows students to vocally record and print problems they write on the board to solve math problems using a feature entitled “self-talk.” During these sessions, Ms. Colby records their work and plays it back for each student in order to reinforce previous activities. Lauren Oddo, a fellow pre-kindergarten teacher, utilizes TeachSmart to motivate pre-k students to effectively develop auditory, visual, and motor skills by integrating core subject areas with engaging “play” tasks. This has sparked student interest in a multitude of educational topics, while inspiring academic goal setting and increasing student success. The program helps teachers develop individual digital portfolios that track student growth and accomplishments and allows them to share this information with parents. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107417 Tue, 12 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT false107417 DPHS Student Activists Mobilize Winning Campaign with Allstate Car crashes are the number one killer of teens in America today, resulting in nearly 5,000 deaths and 300,000 injuries each year. To combat this shocking statistic, Deer Park High School students created a multifaceted campaign to get their peers to drive smarter. In addition to potentially saving lives, the teens won $5,000 for their school through The Allstate Foundation’s “Keep the Drive National Activism Contest.” The award-winning campaign used creative peer-to-peer approaches to promote smart driving. A key event of the students’ campaign was the school’s first-ever Keep the Drive ‘Rap Off’ during which groups of students and teachers performed raps and poems they created about distracted driving. More than 350 students, parents and community members attended the event, including local fire and EMS officials. Continuing to make an impact around the district, students staged a “Grim Reaper Day” to create awareness that an average of 14 teens die each day in crashes. Additionally, they created a smart-driving showcase in the school’s lobby and engaged teens and parents in writing letters to one another about how it would feel if the teen died in a crash. “Our school community has recently suffered the loss of a wonderful teacher from a car crash, which makes this issue very relevant for us,” said Deer Park Principal James Cummings. “Our students were inspired by the unique ‘Keep the Drive’ summit to spread the smart driving message and prevent the senseless loss of life in our community. We’re thrilled about this recognition, and the prize will enable us to continue to reach more teens. We thank The Allstate Foundation for their generous donation, and helping us to get the message out.” Students learned about Keep the Drive, a national teen-led smart driving movement, during a Long Island teen driving summit and through their health class curriculum. At the summit event student leaders from Deer Park pledged to be responsible drivers and smart driving advocates. Students were provided with tools to tackle the teen driving issue through peer-to-peer grassroots initiatives. In class, students discussed ways to initiate smart driving conversations and created action plans for how they will communicate responsible driving decisions to their peers. Pictured, Allstate Senior Corporate Relations Manager, NY Region, Krista Conte (top row, far right) and Wheatley Heights Allstate Agency Owner Darin Reed (second to left) presented (top row, L-R) Deer Park High School Principal James Cummings, Superintendent of Schools Elizabeth Marino, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services Frank Caliguiri, Deputy Superintendent Eva Demyen and (bottom left) teacher Sheryl Deacon with the check to promote continued safety and health initiatives. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107410 Thu, 02 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT false107410 Smart About Safety District students learned health and safety tips on a variety of fronts from local law enforcement officials through the Suffolk County Police Department’s PoliceSmart program. Oriented towards grades Kindergarten through eighth, the program brings police officers into classrooms to tackle age-appropriate topics; the goal is to help students make smarter decisions and think about the consequences of their actions. Not only are students informed on the legal consequences, but also of the health and social consequences and how they can impact their lives and the lives of others. To reinforce and cover topics in depth, officers make multiple visits throughout the school year utilizing personal in-class visits and interactive school-wide assemblies. Suffolk County Police Officer Antoinette Semetsis, who grew up in Deer Park, returned to the schools she attended to connect and create a partnership between law enforcement and district students. Serving the department for 20 years, Officer Semetsis takes pride in Deer Park student achievement and community success, and hopes to mentor local youth through productive, law-abiding decision-making. Through the PoliceSmart program, Deer Park elementary students learn about pedestrian, fire and home safety and handling emergency situations through illustrated action posters, while intermediate and middle school students explored drug, alcohol and tobacco use, Internet bullying and car safety with influential power point presentations. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107411 Thu, 02 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT false107411 PARP and Dr. Seuss Partner for Student Literacy May Moore Elementary School students kicked-off their Parents as Reading Partners (PARP) program by celebrating the birthday Dr. Seuss. This year’s theme, “Would You, Could You, Read a Book” was inspired by Dr. Seuss’ rhymes from the book Green Eggs and Ham and kicked off the school’s week of literacy. Educational presenter Lee Knight led off an interactive, improv concert with a presentation of “Books Alive.” Wearing their handcrafted Cat in the Hat, tall top hats students sang and danced on stage as their favorite books came alive through music. Students transformed into the unique, colorful characters that have appeared in childhood storybooks, using props and percussion instruments to retell these Seuss tales. Students cheered while their peers strung together a series of stories including Are You My Mother? and Horton Hears a Who!. Following the performance students enjoyed Seuss classics, Green Eggs and Ham, Yurtle the Turtle shells and cheese and 1 Fish, 2 Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish Jell-O as a lunchtime treat. PARP is an educational program used to promote student literacy at the earliest stages of development, while fostering a school to home connection. PARP encourages students and parents to come together and read aloud every night for at least 15 minutes of practice. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107412 Thu, 02 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT false107412 An Interdisciplinary Exercise for Pre-K Students Abraham Lincoln Pre-Kindergarten students and teachers invited District parents for a workshop on pre-literacy and pre-numeracy skills while educating parents on environmentally friendly educational tasks. The school gymnasium was transformed into an arena of activity, filled with engaging stations that challenged students’ minds and provided parents with tips on how to facilitate simple, inexpensive projects for their children to complete at home using everyday products and supplies. Learning through play, students predicted, sorted and counted; incorporating their math skills to plot and read candy graphs and form number equations. Applying their science curriculum, students traced their fist to represent the size of their heart and using a ruler measured the diameter and circumference. Mastering fine motor skills, students played a dice game and manipulated forceps to create cotton ball snowmen. They even went “ice fishing,” matching the numbers and letters hooked on to their pole. Providing Deer Park’s High School Child Development students with firsthand experience, the students were assigned to different workstations to teach the parents who attended environmentally friendly, educational activities that can be replicated at home. Combining a healthy mind and body students became active at Fitness Day. The objective of the day was to provide an entertaining and energetic circuit workout for which the students could enjoy themselves in a vigorous setting, while appreciating the importance of fitness goals. A concentrated lesson in physical education, Fitness Day emphasized the importance of living an energetic lifestyle with students moving through a series of stations that focused on diverse elements of fitness. Teachers joined the physical fun, assisting students at each station to ensure that they effectively participated at each event. The sessions concluded with a cool down parachute activity where students demonstrated their teamwork skills. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107413 Thu, 02 Apr 2009 04:00:00 GMT false107413 Deer Park’s Senior Scores Big Scores 1,000th point for Falcons; Receives All-American Consideration Deer Park High School Senior Josh M., a four-year member of the Boys Varsity Basketball team, has netted his 1,000th point for the Falcons. Head Coach John McCaffrey recently presented Josh with the game ball from this milestone moment before the team tipped off against Riverhead (pictured here). Additionally, Josh has been nominated for the McDonald's High School All-American Game. The McDonald's High School All American game is the highest honor a high school basketball player can receive and Josh has received consideration for one of just 12 roster spots on the team, comprised of the elite high school basketball players from throughout the eastern United States. Members of the nation-wide Selection Committee as well as New York State representatives, nominated Josh for team. Josh has also received regional recognition as a Class AA All-Playoff Tournament player and All-League, All-Conference and All-County athlete. At 6’4”, he leads the team in scoring this season and will look to further his academic and athletic career next year, strongly considering Quinnipiac, Stony Brook, Wagner, Old Dominion and Delaware. 11 Scholar Athlete Teams, 4 Sportsmanship Awards The Section XI Athletic Association recognized eleven Deer Park High School varsity teams as New York State Scholar Athlete teams. This designation means that as a group they maintained a grade point average of 90 or better throughout their entire athletic season. In addition, four Deer Park teams were awarded the distinction of New York State Section XI Sportsmanship Team Winners, which means that during competition their fair play earned the respect of opponents, coaches and officials. The following teams received New York State Scholar Athlete status as well as individual players earning All-State, All-County, Academic All-County, All-Conference and All League awards: Varsity Football Varsity Girls Soccer Varsity Boys Soccer Varsity Girls Swimming Varsity Girls Tennis Varsity Girls Volleyball Varsity Boys Cross Country Varsity Girls Cross Country Varsity Cheerleading Varsity Girls Kickline Marching Band The following teams earned New York State Sportsmanship Team Winners: Varsity Boys Soccer Varsity Girls Volleyball Robert Frost Boys Soccer Robert Frost Girls Soccer https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107406 Tue, 03 Mar 2009 05:00:00 GMT false107406 Taking Care of Business Eighteen students from Deer Park High School represented the district in the Young Professionals Chamber of Commerce sixth annual business leadership competition at Farmingdale State University. The Deer Park students were among 177 students, representing nine different schools that competed in categories such as Fashion Marketing, Graphic Design, E-Commerce, Sports Marketing, Real Estate, Advertising, Hospitality Services, Entrepreneurship, Sports Management and Job Interviewing. Teachers and students prepared intensely over the course of months on these competition subjects. Many of the students worked cooperatively to prepare their research, design marketing advertisements, and job interview skills. The competition not only demonstrated Deer Park students’ academic and personal strengths; it provided them with an opportunity to interact with students from other school districts, business professionals, and community leaders, including Assemblymen Andrew Raia. During the competition, the Chamber of Commerce held “Ten Minute Talks,” each presented by a professional guest speaker. These informative seminars covered subjects such as computer technology, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, safe driving practices, and everyday etiquette for a successful future. Students involved were commended for their participation, diligence and professionalism. One Deer Park High School Junior, Joe F., was awarded with a first place plaque in the Job Interview category, while sophomore Vincent M. was invited to the Headquarters of the New York Islanders where he presented the Sports Marketing team’s project to Islander President Chris Dey. District self-contained students received an Honorable Mention Certificate for their participation. Several of the students recognized attended a recent Board of Education meeting, where they received Board commendations, awarded by Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services Frank Caliguiri. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107407 Tue, 03 Mar 2009 05:00:00 GMT false107407 ‘HATs’ Off to Frost Students Teachers at Deer Park Robert Frost Middle School are motivating students through positive, proactive participation. Curriculum Associate for Humanities Oslyn Rodriguez has instituted the Renaissance Program, an educational enrichment program developed to inspire and encourage the acceptance and excitement for academics through student empowerment, recognition, and reward. Renaissance exercises are designed to increase student performance through engagement and raising the level of school unity. Homework, Agenda, on-Time (H.A.T.) Patrol is one of several recognition activities that has been implemented at Frost Middle School. On any given day during the week, Ms. Rodriguez dons the most creative, lavish hat she can find and begins her highly anticipated “H.A.T. patrol.” Walking the halls of the school, she randomly visits classrooms and searches for a class where everyone present has met the following criteria: Completed their Homework, brought their Agendas, and reported to class on-Time. If everyone in the class has met the program requirements, the entire class enjoys a reward. Students look forward to Ms. Rodriguez’s surprise visits (pictured here), resulting in increased student self-preparation and an overall sense of pride for students in their daily successes. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107408 Tue, 03 Mar 2009 05:00:00 GMT false107408 The Melodies of Deer Park Students Named to Numerous Regional Music Conferences The Deer Park School District and Department of Fine and Performing Arts would like to congratulate its All-State Ensemble members. Deer Park High School Violinist Bradley B. was selected to perform with the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) All-State Orchestra. Selected to the NYSSMA All-State Chorus were Dayna F., Victoria G., Michelle J. and Michael N., all of which performed at the NYSSMA All-State Music Conference held at the famed Eastman Kodak Theater in Rochester, NY back in December. Bradley and Michael have also been selected to perform in the prestigious All-Eastern Honors Ensembles. Michael will be a member of the 350-voice All-Eastern Chorus and Bradley will be a member of the 150 All-Eastern Orchestra. These two will further showcase their talents at All-Eastern Concert to be held at Veterans Memorial Auditorium for the Performing Arts in Providence, Rhode Island in March. Bradley and Michael were among top student-musicians selected regionally from 10 states and Washington D.C. Other Deer Park School District island-wide music honors went to Toni Nicole T., Noah R., Bradley B., Eric W., Meghan H. and Kevin T. who recently performed in the Long Island String Festival Association Concert held at Ward Melville High School in East Setauket. Additionally, 23 students have been chosen from Deer Park High School, Robert Frost Middle School and John F. Kennedy Intermediate School for the 2009 All-County Ensembles in Chorus, Band and Orchestra. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107409 Tue, 03 Mar 2009 05:00:00 GMT false107409 Deer Park Students Conquer the Challenge The High School’s Academic Team competed in the Long Island Challenge on News 12. The Challenge is a televised quiz show for high schools featuring the best and brightest local students that tests their knowledge of history, arts and literature, science and math. The Deer Park Falcons defeated an intellectually tough East Islip team, advancing to the second round of the tournament (date/time to be determined). Tune to News 12 on Sunday, February 8, at 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. when Deer Park’s exciting win over East Islip will air. To view online, log onto powertolearn.com where it will be available for the rest of the year. Academic Team and Long Island Challenge winners (L-R) Michael F., Rob V., Justin W., Eric W. and D.J. R. are pictured with team advisor Mr. Murphy. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107402 Sun, 01 Feb 2009 05:00:00 GMT false107402 Back to Basics at Robert Frost Middle School The administrative team at Robert Frost Middle School honored 54 students who were selected as Project Wisdom representatives. Each of the nine academic teams chose students to be recognized for their outstanding efforts to simply “do the right thing.” Principal Eliana Levey brought character education program Project Wisdom to Frost Middle School two years ago, and thanks to faculty support and student engagement, it has grown to be a highly successful initiative. The program facilitates staff members to read inspirational, thought-provoking quotes and life lessons each day during the morning announcements. The daily reminder has encouraged students to make better decisions, even when facing adversity and obstacles. Each month, students who demonstrate the lessons taught through Project Wisdom are identified and awarded a certificate, which is presented to them by their team teachers and before their peers. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107403 Sun, 01 Feb 2009 05:00:00 GMT false107403 Deer Park Students and Schools Recognized for their Recycling Efforts Recognized for Recycling The District has put its green initiatives to work. In the Deer Park High School cafeteria, students are doing their part to help the environment and community by using color-coded recycling bins (placed throughout all District buildings) to facilitate the sorting and proper disposal of all the District’s solid waste in accordance with the Town of Babylon. High school students have been placing their empty plastic containers in blue recycling bins as part of this cooperative effort. Town officials recently visited the school to commend students and school officials for their participation. Students are pictured here with Town and school officials. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107404 Sun, 01 Feb 2009 05:00:00 GMT false107404 Deer Park Students View the Inauguration of a Lifetime The District, as part of an ongoing effort to connect the curriculum with current events, supported a district-wide live broadcast of President Barack Obama’s Inauguration. Each school hosted various Internet streams for students to experience and interact with the swearing in of the new president and vice president, as well as discuss the festivities that marked this event. Tailored for each grade level, the lessons and activities prepared students for what would take place in Washington, DC and throughout the country. Students learned about the historical and cultural significance of the day by reviewing the ceremony proceedings, taking notes, completing worksheets associated with the event, and analyzing the president’s proposals to restore the economy, improve healthcare, and his views on other domestic and foreign policies. They also listened to and analyzed President Obama’s Inaugural address. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107405 Sun, 01 Feb 2009 05:00:00 GMT false107405 Spotlight on Deer Park Athletics Tanger Town Collaborate on Donation of Field Lights The District received a donation from Tanger Outlets at the Arches for $125,000 to construct lights on their varsity athletic field. Deer Park Varsity Football Team members and Athletic Director Anthony Amesti, Board of Education President Dennis Ryan, Superintendent of Schools Elizabeth Marino and Town of Babylon Supervisor Steve Bellone assembled at the Deer Park High School field where district officials accepted the check from Tanger General Manager Curt Fickeisen while visiting the future site of Deer Park’s nighttime athletic competition. Pictured here are (standing row L-R) High School Principal James Cummings, Town of Babylon Council Member Anthony Martinez, Babylon Town Clerk Carol Quirk, Town of Babylon Supervisor Steven Bellone, Superintendent of Schools Elizabeth Marino, Board of Education President Dennis Ryan, Tanger at the Arches General Manager Curt Fickeisen, Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations Marguerite Jimenez, Varsity Football Coach Ron Langella, Booster Club President Fran Theiss, Athletic Director Anthony Amesti with Varsity Football players. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107398 Thu, 01 Jan 2009 05:00:00 GMT false107398 Middle School Students Journey to the Unknown from their Classroom Robert Frost Middle School students recently conducted a videoconference with the Ward Melville Heritage Organization and National Grid Foundation. As part of the Environmental Education unit, Curriculum Associate for Humanities Oslyn Rodriguez engaged Ms. Tortorici, Ms.Rossi and Mr. Quirk's sixth grade social studies classes in a distance-learning program to learn about worldwide travel and extreme environments and habitats of Easter Island a Polynesian island in the southeastern Pacific Ocean off of the coast of Chile. Students gained an awareness and importance of ecological preservation through their virtual tour and involvement in the interactive tasks. During the videoconference, students asked and answered the explorer questions using the knowledge they gained during their virtual journey of this intriguing and often mysterious island. The students received t-shirts that read “Discover…Experience…Read!” (pictured here) after completing the videoconference. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107399 Thu, 01 Jan 2009 05:00:00 GMT false107399 JFK Students, Tanger Making a Difference Students in John F. Kennedy Intermediate School’s “Let’s Make a Difference” club recently visited the new Tanger at the Arches center in Deer Park where they were among the first students to take the ice on the center’s new skating rink. Deer Park School District officials were joined by JFK Principal Susan Bonner and club advisors to accept a check of $500 from Tanger, which will be used for club activities. Town of Babylon officials were also on hand to commend the students for their efforts. The “Let’s Make a Difference” club organizes and supports a multitude of community outreach programs that not only benefit those in need, but teaches students to give of themselves in a positive manner. Deer Park Superintendent of Schools Elizabeth Marino accepted a $500 donation from Tanger at the Arches from General Manager Curt Fickeisen for JFK Intermediate School’s “Let’s Make a Difference” club. Babylon Town Clerk Carol Quirk, “Let’s Make a Difference” club advisors Julianne Rotunno and Joyce Carmen, JFK Principal Susan Bonner, Babylon Town Supervisor Steve Bellone, Babylon Town Councilman Tony Martinez and Deer Park Board of Education President Dennis Ryan holding JFK Student Council President with JFK students in the background joined the winter celebration. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107400 Thu, 01 Jan 2009 05:00:00 GMT false107400 Elementary Students Construct a Sweet Story John Quincy Adams Elementary students celebrated the holiday season with classmates and family during an interdisciplinary gingerbread project. Students in the school’s special needs self-contained class invited their parents to join them for a dual lesson in literary and gingerbread house construction. Reading The Gingerbread Man, a classic folk tale, students helped retell the story of a little gingerbread man and his adventures running through town. Meeting locals during his cookie journey, students repeated and recited key terms and phrases, engaging family members in their story. Students learned about the gingerbread man’s habitat, by later giving them the opportunity to build their own gingerbread home using their favorite Christmas’s candies. Laying a foundation of white icing, students created M&M windows, gumdrop doors and even fences with licorice landscapes. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107401 Thu, 01 Jan 2009 05:00:00 GMT false107401 Deer Park’s Big 10 The District has announced its Top Ten academic students for the 2008-2009 graduating class. Students and their families, guidance counselors and administrators gathered for a celebratory breakfast and honored each Top 10 achiever. The Top 10 academically ranked students for the Deer Park Class of 2009 are: Ekta P. - Valedictorian Christopher W. - Salutatorian Justin W. - Third Michael P. - Fourth Ebne S. - Fifth Michael F. - Sixth Karamveer S. - Seventh Amanda H. - Eighth Eric W. - Ninth Alyssa N. - Tenth Valedictorian Ekta P. Ekta has secured the prestigious position as Deer Park High School Class of 2009 Valedictorian. Teachers and guidance counselors documented Ekta’s combination of extraordinary intelligence, superior work ethic and unique intellectual curiosity. Ekta is not only determined to do her best, but as a leader in the classroom, helps her peers achieve their full potential. Ekta’s academic dedication has propelled her to be an Advanced Placement Scholar and a perfect score of 800 on the Math portion of the SAT. Outside of the classroom Ekta’s skills extend to extracurricular activities. An active member of her class she participates in Student Council, International Culture Club and National Honor Society as well as being an integral member and Vice President of the district Math Team and four-year member of the orchestra and girls’ lacrosse program. Bettering her community and the lives of others, the past two summers Ekta has participated in the Lead America’s conference on Medicine and Healthcare at St. John’s University, and the Science and Research Awareness Series at Stony Brook University. Volunteering countless hours at Good Samaritan and Stony Brook University Hospitals her experiences will help in her journey pursuing a career in the medical field. Salutatorian Christopher W. Christopher represents the Class of 2009 as the Salutatorian. Described as a wonderful blend of intelligence, wit, compassion, creativity and modesty, Christopher is a humble leader, who feels grateful for all he has been given, and feels a responsibility to give back to his school and community. Scoring a perfect 800 on the Math section of the PSAT, Christopher has equally impressive scores on both the ACT and SAT. An Advanced Placement scholar, he is also an accomplished musician who plays the Bassoon and Piano and has entertained audiences with his performances on stage in a variety of school plays, as well as behind the scenes as stage manager. An emerging artist, Christopher also uniquely illustrates his creative talents, making crafts from “found objects.” Making his mark in the world, Christopher has worked alongside Suffolk County Pastors, where he organized a Hurricane Katrina relief group, which allowed him and other youth members of neighboring churches to travel to Louisiana rebuilding houses for those who lost all they had. An advocate for universal, cultural literacy Christopher has spent the past three years as an instructor of English as a Second Language through the Ascension Lutheran Church. His work this past summer at BRAC USA, a nonprofit organization that aids the least privileged around the world toward fiscal independence through micro-financing, made Christopher the first high school intern to participate in the organization. Congratulations to Ekta, Christopher, and all of the members of the Top 10 who have worked hard to get to this point. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107394 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT false107394 Deer Park “Rolls” Out a Life Saving Lesson Fire Prevention Safety Exercise Benefits Students at JFK School John F. Kennedy Intermediate School are more aware of the dangers of fire and how to react when confronted with one, thanks to a hands-on lesson from a teacher and volunteer firefighter. Teachers employed behavior modifications for Autistic students in the class who benefited significantly from the preparation and visual learning tools. Under the direction of teacher Tom Alcabes, a volunteer fireman, small groups worked together in interactive stations set up at the school, practicing their “stop, drop and roll” techniques. Students even wore an official firefighter gear, and reviewed the equipment and responsibilities of a firefighter, stepping into authentic fire pants and sliding on a bright yellow, fireproof jacket students. They rolled back and forth on the classroom rug to extinguish the Velcro flames that teachers stuck to their clothes while their peers assisted using towels to muffle the flames. Students were also given discussion points to share with their families, in case of a fire. This included how family members can help one another in emergency situations. Teachers employed behavior modifications to assist autistic students who participated in the lesson and benefited significantly from the preparation and visual learning tools. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107395 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT false107395 Deer Park’s Youngest Begin Their Journey of Character Development Elementary Schools have developed unique, extensive Character Education programs to expose students to proper decision making skills and equip them with the ability to lead a healthy, fulfilling life. May Moore students learned from actor-singer-storyteller Lou Del Bianco with his original stories and songs that illustrated the concepts of character in “Make A Good Choice.” Honesty, responsibility, tolerance, effort and self-control were illustrated through Lou’s experiences growing up. His relatable “crossroad” situations engaged students in interactive songs and stories demonstrating how individual character is tested in various life events. Photos from his childhood were posted throughout the gym and students learned lessons from Lou’s personal tales; taking care of the family dog, sharing a home with six sisters, and his adventurous outings. Pre-show activities conducted in the classroom combined artistic and literary skills connecting students to the scenarios and preparing for the themes of the event. John Quincy Adams celebrated the character trait “respect” through authentic literature, specifically, Stellaluna, by Janell Cannon. At this month's character education assembly, students connected with Deer Park High School drama students, led by Mrs. Lila Schmitt. Drama students reenacted Stellaluna and role-played characteristics of respect, even performing a “respect” rap song written by a high school student, tailored for the younger students. The partnership between the Deer Park schools will continue throughout the Character Education themes facilitating an outlet for all grade levels to understand and relate to common topics. Principal Kelly Diamond reflected of the ultimate goal of the year-long program, “We encourage our students to show these traits throughout the year, in a way we are hoping that behaving respectfully, kindly will become "natural" to our students. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107396 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT false107396 Deer Park Student Honored by Veterans Robert Frost student Nicholas V. was awarded second place in the Town of Babylon Veteran's Awareness Week Essay Contest. For his efforts, Nicholas received a $75 Savings Bond to put towards his future academic endeavors. Nicholas was recognized at a Town of Babylon Hall Meeting, during which he read his award-winning essay in front of Town Supervisor Steven Bellone, council members and town residents. The committee that selected Nick’s essay was comprised of war veterans who selected the literary submissions that best illustrate the role of the United States military. Infusing the school’s 8th grade social studies history curriculum, students researched the current and past wars and the men and women who serve. Nicholas met with veterans who have served in various capacities and conflicts and listened to their tales of life abroad and the pride they take in protecting our country. In his essay, he showed his appreciation of the many veterans in attendance by stating, “The freedom our country has is a privilege. We should thank our troops everyday for the sacrifice they go through to ensure our freedom.” Nicholas also shared his unique perspective on life as a middle school student: “It is because of our brave military that we are able to live in peace, harmony and happiness. Many of us complain about the price of gas, food and taxes, but that is not nearly as much of a price that the military troops must pay.” https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107397 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT false107397 Deer Park’s Youngest Begin Their Journey of Character Development Deer Park School District Elementary Schools have developed unique, extensive Character Education programs to expose students to proper decision making skills and equip them with the ability to lead a healthy, fulfilling life. May Moore students learned from actor-singer-storyteller Lou Del Bianco with his original stories and songs that illustrated the concepts of character in “Make A Good Choice.” Honesty, responsibility, tolerance, effort and self-control were illustrated through Lou’s experiences growing up. His relatable “crossroad” situations engaged students in interactive songs and stories demonstrating how individual character is tested in various life events. Photos from his childhood were posted throughout the gym and students learned lessons from Lou’s personal tales; taking care of the family dog, sharing a home with six sisters, and his adventurous outings. Pre-show activities conducted in the classroom combined artistic and literary skills connecting students to the scenarios and preparing for the themes of the event. John Quincy Adams celebrated the character trait “respect” through authentic literature, specifically, Stellaluna, by Janell Cannon. At this month's character education assembly, students connected with Deer Park High School drama students, led by Mrs. Lila Schmitt. Drama students reenacted Stellaluna and role-played characteristics of respect, even performing a “respect” rap song written by a high school student, tailored for the younger students. The partnership between the Deer Park schools will continue throughout the Character Education themes facilitating an outlet for all grade levels to understand and relate to common topics. Principal Kelly Diamond reflected of the ultimate goal of the year-long program, “We encourage our students to show these traits throughout the year, in a way we are hoping that behaving respectfully, kindly will become "natural" to our students. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107392 Wed, 01 Oct 2008 04:00:00 GMT false107392 District Homecoming Highlights Lights Up Deer Park Community The Deer Park Falcons soared above the competition at Homecoming, winning the featured Varsity Football game against the Huntington Blue Devils by a score of 19-14. Uniting athletes, students, alumni and community members, High School Principal James Cummings was the Grand Marshal of the day’s events, which were kicked off with a parade and float competition. Each grade level designed and crafted their own float and featured it during the march through town. Led by Board of Education members, District administrators and Town of Babylon Supervisor Steve Bellone, Homecoming King and Queen nominees were featured atop convertibles, while the dance team and members of the Marching Falcons entertained crowds of onlookers. Taking their final lap around the varsity field track, the senior class float was announced as victorious and Brandon Carr and Kristina Watt were dubbed Homecoming King and Queen. Board of Education President Dennis Ryan thanked everyone in attendance for the overwhelming support and encouragement that is shown for the athletes and district, specifically identifying Supervisor Bellone as a tremendous friend to the community. Supervisor Bellone, who cited the Deer Park District as one of the best on Long Island due to their high energy and spirit, announced that the athletic program will receive a $125,000 grant from the Tanger Corporation to construct field lights in order to facilitate night game play. https://www.deerparkschools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=107393 Wed, 01 Oct 2008 04:00:00 GMT false107393