FALL 2013 FALL 2013 SyossetThe Leader SyossetThe Standard A Publication of the Syosset Central School District A Publication of the Syosset Central School District www.syossetistops.org www.syossetistops.org

Summer 2018 FALL 2013 Syosset Pride SyossetThe Connect A Publication of the Syosset Central School District A Publication of the Syosset Central School District www.syossetschools.org www.syossetistops.org

FALL 2013 FALL 2013 SyossetThe Shines SyossetThe Scholar A Publication of the Syosset Central School District A Publication of the Syosset Central School District www.syossetistops.org www.syossetistops.org SHS Graduation FALL 2013 In front of a proud and and one National Merit Scholar, and kindness. He commended grew, we discovered, we felt safe enthusiastic audience of family and as well and numerous other award the graduates for being a part of with ourselves. It didn’t matter if The friends, approximately 560 seniors winners in math, science and a generation known for being it was a sport, a subject, or a club in Syosset High School’s Class of writing. “fully conscious of your place in a or even yet a group, because, it was 2018 took their turn at the podium “I have seen the great work global community, anxious to find ours!” to accept their high school diplomas you have done inside and outside employment with purpose, and Jarrad told the Class of 2018 during the school’s 60th annual the classroom and I want you all thirsty not just for knowledge, but how proud he was of all of them Syosset Chronicle A Publication of the Syosset Central School District commencement, held at Hofstra to know I believe in you, I have for meaning.” and how he was rooting for University. confidence in you, and I look Dr. Cohen reflected back to everyone’s success. “It’s been an www.syossetistops.org Following the traditional forward to hearing about all of your when this graduating class started incredible ride and it’s amazing to processional march performed by future successes,” said Dr. Durante kindergarten, the same year he see how far we all have come. What the Syosset High School orchestra to the Class of 2018, praising them began serving on the Board of lies ahead is a road of wonderful and “The Star-Spangled Banner” for demonstrating the virtues of Education, and how quickly the new opportunities and discoveries. from the Adelettes and Choral Syosset PRIDE: patience, respect, years have passed. In pursuing a Challenge yourselves. And don’t be Pride, Syosset High School Principal integrity, dignity and empathy. career, he advised the graduates “Do afraid of obstacles, as they are there Dr. Giovanni Durante delivered The evening also featured the work because you love it” and to help you become a stronger and the welcoming remarks before inspirational speeches from Board reminded them of the importance of better person.” addressing the graduates. of Education President Dr. Michael the simple grace of being kind. “You Class President Andrew This year’s class was highlighted Cohen and Superintendent of can change the world, one little Goldman and Vice President with eight National Merit Schools Dr. Tom Rogers, as well kindness at a time.” Zachary Chan presented the class Scholarship semifinalists, 43 as class speaker Brooke Lewitas, Brooke spoke about the openness gift: a special plaque engraved with Commended Students, three valedictorian Jarrad Li and of the school staff, its willingness inspirational messaging that will be Regeneron Science Talent Search salutatorian Daniel Israel. to listen to students and the overall placed near the entrance of Syosset scholars, one Siemens Competition In his remarks to the graduating dedication to the student body’s High School for every student to see regional finalist and one semifinalist, class, Dr. Rogers focused on passion success. “I can honestly say that upon entering the building. I am proud to have gone to a Dr. Durante honored students Syosset Central School District Nonprofit school that worked hard in every who received scholarly recognitions. Organization Syosset, New York 11791 U.S. Postage opportunity to give us an education Members of Syosset’s PTA/STA PAID that would make us into citizens presented scholarship awards, as did Permit No.36 Syosset, NY 11791 capable of enacting change.” members of SEPTA. Daniel put a humorous spin The commencement culminated on the four years at Syosset High with each student walking up School, and how some adapted from to receive their diploma and the ****ECRWSS**** Resident of the onset of their freshmen years, traditional cap toss. While the 60th Syosset Central School District while others took a little more time class of Syosset High School said to settle into the culture of the high farewell for now, many undoubtedly school. “Fortunately, with time, we will be heard from again. A Message from Your Superintendent

Dear Parents and Guardians, in regard to our facilities, our focus has not shifted District is at work on Graduation is always a favorite time of year for me, from providing an extraordinary education for the implementing some but 2018 was a little different. This year’s graduates children of Syosset. There are some exciting new new methods in which were freshman during my first year at Syosset. I’ve curriculum enhancements for the upcoming year, one to convey information come to know and admire so many of them; it was of which is expansion of the Next Generation Science to the community. bittersweet to wave them goodbye. Each year’s class Standards, a cross cutting approach to learning that I will periodically of graduates and their successes are the best reminder provides students with opportunities for investigating be sending out an of all we are trying to accomplish as an educational and understanding complex ideas that span across e-newsletter named enterprise. multiple areas of study. District Bits and Briefs That reminder is what makes some of the less This past school year was not without challenges. which will provide a glamorous aspects of the work worthwhile. After Our students were faced with some very difficult high-level overview of planning, public votes, state approvals, construction situations, both at the national level and closer to the current areas of focus for the District, the first of bids and awards that have literally taken years, it has home. What most impressed me was that while which went out this month. We’ve added a Back to been exciting to see Phase 1 and Phase 2 construction students appreciated that we live in an uncertain world, School newsletter this year, which you will receive in projects taking shape around the District to address they chose to approach adversity with character. The late August, that will cover security enhancements and both aging facilities as well as provide significant resilience of our students, their unwillingness accept the procedural updates being implemented for the start security enhancements. And while watching a roof hate in any form, and not only their desire but their of the school year, as well as provide a detailed update being ripped, corridor glazing be installed and action to shape their world for the better has greatly on the work done over the summer. We are planning vestibules being constructed may not sound like the inspired me during these challenging times. Student on a greater social media presence as an added way most exciting of summer activities, it is gratifying to voices, in our own community and nationally, are to share information and we will be revamping the see these projects finally underway. Much has been being heard loud and clear. I couldn’t be more proud District website to make it a far better resource for the accomplished so far with regard to electrical updates, of our students and their dedication to ensuring the community. roofing and flooring replacement, and installation voice and perspective of a young generation are heard I hope your summer is an opportunity to rejuvenate, of security vestibules and corridor glazing. There addressing the challenges that will shape their futures. spend time with family, and get excited for all the new is considerable work to be done before the fleeting There is much to communicate about the work year has in store. summer comes to an end, and we will continue to keep of educating our students, preparing them for this the community updated on our progress. continually changing world, and providing a safe and Dr. Tom Rogers While I am pleased with what is being accomplished secure environment in which they can thrive, and the Superintendent of Schools A Message from Your Board of Education

Dear Syosset Community, to combat bias, bullying and hatred. The students implementing essential security enhancements and As each school year comes to a close, we feel it is underwent two days of training by representatives of making necessary upgrades to aging facilities. You can important to take a moment to reflect on the events that the Anti-Defamation League to earn this designation, track our progress by viewing the Capital Construction shaped the year, the successes as well as the struggles, in and we congratulate them on this accomplishment. Project Milestone chart posted on the District website. order to appreciate what we’ve accomplished together At the High School a “Be Brave, Speak Up” campaign Though we have focused much effort on our and best prepare ourselves for the new school year to was launched, encouraging students to be upstanders facilities and security initiatives, we continue to remain come. We are fortunate to be part of a community against bullying. And to kick-off it’s No Place for Hate committed to our mission of academic excellence that is so passionate about education and providing campaign, a school-wide assembly was held at the and preparing our students to be responsive to a opportunity for our students, while maintaining a safe, high school highlighting the importance of standing continually changing world. To that end, our focus on secure yet welcoming environment that all community up against bias, after which students signed a banner expanding the use of technology remains strong. This members can be proud of. We are privileged to work pledging to support the campaign. In the elementary fall, the 1:1 Chromebook initiative will be expanded with the community to accomplish these objectives, schools, PRIDE character development (patience, so that every secondary student will be provided a and we’re proud of the growth in the District this past respect, integrity, dignity and empathy) continues to Chromebook. You may have heard about the successful school year. We look forward to continuing our work in be interwoven with the daily curriculum and is fully launch of KidOYO, a coding program that ignites the 2018-19 school year. embraced by the students. We would like to take this collaboration and innovation, which will also be The Board would like to congratulate the members opportunity to commend the entire student body expanded this coming year. There is much excitement of the Syosset High School Class of 2018, as well as for their commitment to maintaining a positive and over the new LEGO robotics EV3 kits coming to the the students moving up from South Woods, H.B. supportive environment for all in our schools. middle schools, which will allow us to enhance the Thompson and the elementary schools. We know The Board would like to thank the community STEM and computer science curriculums in a fun and how hard you have worked and you all deserve to for supporting the 2018-19 budget. With the help engaging way. And the District will continue to rollout be commended on your accomplishments. You have of the Citizens Advisory Committee on Finance, new library redesigns and acquire flexible furniture, all made an impact on the schools you are moving the District put together a budget that allows us to modernizing the school environments to keep pace with on from, and we cannot wait to see what you will continue to enhance the curriculum and remain on the the evolving way our students are learning. accomplish in the future. cutting edge, address aging facilities with much-needed Finally, we would like to congratulate Mr. Chris Once again, this year was highlighted with upgrades, and continue to take a proactive approach DiFilippo and Mr. Andrew Feldman on their re-election impressive accomplishments by our students. As you’ll to security enhancements. Your support of the Capital to the Board, as well as newly-elected Board member read in this newsletter, our student body earned top Reserve Fund for Security will ensure that the District Mr. Chris Ulrich. We are honored to be working honors in many regional and national competitions, is prepared to continue enhancing security well into the together to uphold our commitment to provide the very covering arts, academics and extracurricular activities. future. And to provide an opportunity for enhanced best education for every Syosset student. And our sports teams had an impressive spring season, participation from the community on the decision- We hope you have a happy, restful and safe earning a number of both team and individual honors. making process related to security measures, the Board remainder of the summer. As we appreciate the accolades received by the recently established a Security Advisory Committee, the District, our admiration for the student body grows, first meeting of which was held this month. We would Warm regards, but not just because of the many impressive academic like to thank the community members who participated accomplishments. It’s the character and compassion and provided their feedback. We look forward to The Syosset School District Board of Education of the student body, what they contribute to our continuing to work with you on this on this important community, and their eagerness to take part in all the topic. Dr. Michael Cohen Andrew Feldman opportunities presented to them that really impresses We are pleased to report that work on many of the Tracy Frankel Rob Gershon us. This year both middle schools received the No Phase 1 and 2 Capital Projects previously approved Carol C. Cheng Anna Levitan Place for Hate designation from the Anti-Defamation by the community has begun this summer. Crews are League, which recognizes the schools’ commitment hard at work at every school building in the District, Chris DiFilippo Susan Parker Chris Ulrich 2 Meet The Val And Sal Valedictorian Jarrad Li Science research is a major area of study for Jarrad academically, having medaled in Science Olympiads 34 times since 2015, with several first- and second-place awards. He is a 2017 Siemens Semifinalist and was awarded third-place at the 2018 Long Island Science and Engineering Fair for his research on materials science/nanoscience and chemical engineering. He won second place at LISEF last year for his biomedical research project. Jarrad is also a recipient of the U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad Honors Award, a discipline of science he intends to pursue in his postsecondary career. Jarrad has won numerous awards in various mathematics competitions, including first-place in the 2017 Nassau Math Tournament as well as securing a spot on the Nassau Mathematics All-Star team the last two years. He is also a five-time medalist on the Le Grand Concours National French exam. Salutatorian Daniel Israel Bowl and Web Development and Bridge Music is a big part of Jarrad’s life. He Numerous accolades have been bestowed clubs. He was also the vice president of the excels at both piano and clarinet, having upon Daniel in the area of science research. Programming Club. achieved perfect New York State School This includes capturing first place in the Other awards for Daniel include the Le Music Association scores on exams for Andromeda Division of the 2017 New Grand Concours National French Exam, both instruments. He has also won many York State Science and Engineering Fair the National AP Scholar of Distinction prestigious honors for piano, including gold and second place at the WAC Invitational Award, the New York State Scholarship in the International Music and Arts Society’s Science Fair. Daniel’s research through for Academic Excellence, the Outstanding Young Artists Music and Arts Competition. the years includes developing a neural Research Literacy Award and the Elmer In ninth grade he was concertmaster and network to analyze Alzheimer’s disease, Heinecke Award for Sportsmanship, first chair, first clarinet. constructing a Java program to validate Leadership and Team Spirit. As a leader, Jarrad serves as president and quantum key distribution, and studying the Daniel also uses his free time co-founder of the Theta Math Organization effects of microgravity on humans. He has and as an officer with the French National constructively, tutoring other students in participated in the Science Olympiad dating Honors Society. He is also past vice president math and volunteering as a tour guide at back to his early years in middle school, of the Mathletes and served as secretary of the Gregory Museum in Hicksville. He also placing in the top five in various categories Quiz Bowl in 2017. serves as a liaison to the museum. Other awards include National AP the last four years. “Being named salutatorian and Scholar with Distinction, the New York Despite his knack for science research, academically representing my school is a true State Scholarship for Academic Excellence, Daniel’s true passion lies within the numbers honor” remarked Daniel. “While I did work National Merit Scholarship Commended as he intends to advance his studies in long hours and nights for the past three and student recognition and the Johns Hopkins a mathematics-related field at the post- a half years, I never thought that it would secondary level. He has been a member of Center for Talented Youth Search High lead to this position.” Matheletes since 2010 and served as vice Honors award. Jarrad plans to major in chemical Jarrad spends his spare time tutoring other president. In the last two years he has won engineering and will attend Princeton. students in math and entertaining residents a Silver Certificate in the Nassau County Daniel will major in Math and Business at the Glen Cove Center for Nursing and Interscholastic Math League and a Silver Administration with a concentration in Rehabilitation by playing the piano. Medal at the Al Kalfus Long Island Math Finance at Northeastern. “I am honored to have received the title Fair. The District congratulates both of valedictorian,” said Jarrad. “I would like Daniel’s leadership experience includes his Jarrad and Daniel on their outstanding to thank my family, friends, and teachers for service as president of the high school Quiz making this achievement possible.” accomplishments.

3 Fifth-graders in the Syosset that included academic awards, School District looked ahead to the recognitions for their participation next step in their K-12 careers and in Student Council, NYSSMA, the a new home as all seven District Nassau All-County Artist program elementary schools conducted and the character education moving up exercises to celebrate program PRIDE. the culmination of their students’ Principals and teachers presented elementary education, and their each student with a certificate to advancement to the middle schools. recognize their promotion from One thing was perfectly clear: elementary to middle school. Whether attending H.B. Thompson Some recalled this group’s days or South Woods, they will all arrive as kindergartners, while others Elementary well prepared for the challenges of provided helpful suggestions for the future. the future. Most importantly, During their respective they all conveyed confidence in promotion ceremonies, fifth- their students’ abilities to succeed Moving Up graders at each elementary school and become caring, constructive were honored with various awards members of society.

Baylis

Robbins Lane

Walt Whitman

Village

Berry Hill

A,P. Willits South Grove

4 June 18th was a special evening their community. “It’s been a year for all Syosset eighth-graders of sweet voices raised nationally advancing to the high school, as and those raised in unison 256 South Woods students and closer to home,” Dr. Rogers 308 H.B. Thompson Middle said. “Together, what you have Schools students participated in shown is that age is no barrier to moving up ceremonies at the LIU impact, your voices are audible, Post Tilles Center. and people are listening. Your Middle Inspirational remarks were voices are already shaping the made to the students by Board future.” of Education trustee and proud The aspiring Syosset High South Woods graduate parent Rob School freshmen exited the Tilles School Gershon, and Board of Education auditorium to applause and waves vice president and proud HBT from proud parents and family, as graduate parent Tracy Frankel. they moved on to the next chapter Superintendent of Schools Dr. of their educational experience. Moving Up Tom Rogers shared some special The students held their heads up sentiments with the graduates in high with their eyes wide open, the form of a letter he penned in ready to be heard by even larger which he reflected on a year in audiences and ready to use their which middle school students led knowledge and voices to make a the charge to be changemakers in difference in the future.

H.B. Thompson Middle School South Woods Middle School

South Woods Middle School

South Woods Middle School

H.B. Thompson Middle School

H.B. Thompson Middle School H.B. Thompson Middle School

5 StudentAchievements & Accolades ACADEMICS ARTS • 351 SHS students inducted into • Syosset named one of the country’s the National Honor Society Thalian Best Communities for Music Chapter Education for the 17th time. • SHS Forensics team named champion • SHS students won first-place award of the NYS Forensic League in the Architecture and Typography Championship categories and third place in Drawing and Illustration at the Olympics of • SHS Mock Trial team advanced to Visual Arts Competition. the final round of the 2018 New York State Mock Trial Tournament • Syosset High School junior Caroline Lee won a gold medal in the 2018 • SHS DECA team qualified 38 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards members – a school record – for the national competition. International Career Development Conference • Four SHS students won prestigious 2018 NCTE Achievement Awards in • SHS team Solarity placed in the 6th Writing Annual Nassau County Comptroller’s Entrepreneurial Challenge • Two Syosset High School student- artists, Cailin Ferrari and Brett Kaplan, • 16 awards for SHS students at the had their work selected for the 2018 Long Island Science and Engineering Long Island’s Best: Young Artists at Fair and the New York State Science The Heckscher Museum exhibit. and Engineering Fair. • The Alliance for Young Artists & • First Place at Mathematics Writers awarded South Woods Middle Tournament by the Sea for middle School student Sabrina Guo a gold school students. medal for her poetry collection. • 38 Medals for Syosset at the 2018 Al • SHS student Lingfei Zhao named a Kalfus Long Island Math Fair 1st place award recipient in the 2018 • South Woods Middle School took Long Island’s Finest High School Art ninth place out of 40 teams in the Competition New York State Science Olympiad competition. • Seven HBT students qualify for National History Bee National Finals and seven students qualified for the New York State National History Day competition, with four advancing to the National level.

The District would like to congratulate the Syosset Council of PTAs on receiving the 2018 Jan Harp Domene Award for Diversity and Inclusion by the National Parent Teacher Association. This award recognizes the Syosset Council of PTAs as a group for demonstrating exemplary work in the areas of diversity and inclusion. The National PTA established the Jan Harp Domene Award in 2012 to recognize outstanding PTAs across the country who have succeeded and continue to make diversity and inclusion a priority. Congratulations on the well-deserved honor!

6 Spring Sports Wrap-Up Syosset High School sports teams wrapped up an impressive spring season with numerous team and individual accolades.

Varsity Boys Lacrosse Varsity Boys Tennis Varsity Boys Spring Track Runner-up in the County championship game Nassau County and Long Island Champions Nassau County Champions Daniel Ochs - All-American, Nassau County Eli Grossman - All-State, Individual County Justin DePinto - State qualifier Defenseman of the Year Champion Andrew Lafferty - State qualifier Maxwell Verch - All-American, Nassau County Preet Rajpal - All-State, Individual County Hunter Pick - State qualifier Long Pole Midfielder of the Year Champion Ross Reddock - State qualifier Zachary Chan - All-State Varsity Girls Lacrosse Justin Oresky - All-State Varsity Girls Spring Track Amanda Alejo - Academic All-American Reilly Siebert - All-American, County Taylyn Stadler - All-American Varsity Girls Golf champion, State qualifier Nassau County and Long Island Champions Malini Rudra - LI Player of the Year, County Champion, All-State Cultivating Inquiry, Excitement and Innovation in Syosset Focus on Technology Enhanced Curriculum

This fall, the 1:1 Chromebook initiative will be The Next Generation Science Standards have been incorporated into expanded so that every secondary student will be the curriculum, which is a K-12 science program that supports three- provided a Chromebook, empowering them with dimensional learning. All lessons involve not only content, but science and critical digital learning resources. Expansion of the engineering practices as cross-cutting concepts so that science is connected popular coding program KidOYO is also planned, to math and literacy. which allows for student-led, project-based learning in the areas of computer science, engineering, and entrepreneurship education. And middle school Empowerment students will have the opportunity to engage in The District is happy to support the exciting work of G.I.R.L Talk, coding and engineering with the exciting new a group of intelligent, creative, and dedicated young women in grades LEGO EV3 kits, a hands-on, cross-curricular 6-12 whose mission is to empower young women, inspire confidence and STEM solution. encourage them to reach their full potential as future female leaders.

7 District News& Notes

Register Your Child for 2018-19 If you are new to the District or if our child will turn 5 years old on or before Dec. 1, 2018, you may register for the 2018-19 school year. Please call the District Registrar at 516-364-5669 to obtain a link to our Online Registration System. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday-Friday and is located at South Woods Middle School, 99 Pell Lane, Syosset, NY. More information can be found on the District website, www.syossetschools.org. Click the “Parents/Students” tab and scroll down to “Student Registration.“

First Day of School As a reminder, the first day of school for students for the 2018-19 academic year is Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2018.

New Principal for H.B. Thompson Mr. Kevin Bonanno has been appointed as Newest Board Member Sworn In the new principal at H.B. Thompson Middle The District would like to welcome a new member School. Mr. Bonanno, who had been serving to the Board of Education, Mr. Chris Ulrich, who was as the assistant principal, fills the vacancy sworn in on May 16, 2018. created as a result of the retirement of Mr. Mr. Ulrich and his wife Dina have lived in Syosset James Kasssebaum. The District would like to for 19 years. All three of their children attend Syosset congratulate Mr. Bonanno and extend a sincere schools. An attorney for 24 years and business owner thank you to Mr. Kassebaum for his many years for 30 years, Mr. Ulrich has been an active member of service to the Syosset community. of the PTA and has coached numerous community sports teams. The District would also like to congratulate re- elected trustees Mr. Chris DiFilippo and Mr. Andrew Feldman.

Security Advisory Committee The Board has established a Security Advisory Committee to allow for enhanced public engagement in the District’s evaluation of security measures. The first meeting was held in early July and the following topics were discussed: school security and safety, mental health, and District communications. The

FALL 2013 Committee will present a report to the Board of EducationFALL by 2013 December 2018 on its findings and recommendations. Please visit the District website to view the meeting notes. SyossetThe Leader SyossetThe Standard A Publication of the Syosset Central School District A Publication of the Syosset Central School District www.syossetistops.org www.syossetistops.org

SUMMER 2018 FALL 2013 board of education Dr.The Michael Cohen, President Tracy Frankel, Vice President Carol C. Cheng Christopher DiFilippo Andrew Feldman Syosset Pride Syosset Rob Gershon Anna Levitan Connect Susan Parker Chris Ulrich A Publication of the Syosset Central School District Dr. Thomas Rogers, SuperintendentA Publication of Schools of the Syosset Central School District www.syossetschools.org www.syossetistops.org

FALL 2013 FALL 2013 SyossetThe Shines SyossetThe Scholar A Publication of the Syosset Central School District A Publication of the Syosset Central School District www.syossetistops.org www.syossetistops.org

FALL 2013 SyossetThe Chronicle A Publication of the Syosset Central School District www.syossetistops.org