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.