This year, the eighth-grade students in Marisa Annese’s health class at Copiague Middle School have welcomed a series of guest speakers. The speakers are being brought in to give the students firsthand accounts of topics they’re learning about within their classroom.
Representatives from Response of Suffolk County, a telephone and online crisis counseling center, gave students information on where they can turn for help in a crisis; Long Island Association for AIDS Care, a not-for-profit agency delivering comprehensive services to all Long Islanders infected and affected by HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases, spoke to the students about the disease during December, which is AIDS awareness month; and Phoenix House, a non-profit substance-abuse service organization, brought three in-patient residences to discuss their personal experiences with drugs and alcohol.
“I hope the students get something extra out of the speakers,” said Ms. Annese. “These are real people, with real issues, speaking about what we’re learning in class.”
Representatives from the Long Island Railroad and Epilepsy Foundation of Long Island are alsoscheduled to come and speak with the eighth graders.
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Professionals Bring Curriculum to Life
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Copiague Student-Athletes Honored at Awards Dinner
For the past several years, the Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School Booster Club has sponsored an awards dinner following the conclusion of each athletic season to honor the hard work and dedication of the student-athletes.
Throughout the night, coaches sing the praises of the students’ commitment both on the field and in the classroom. Individual honors are given to the most valuable and improved players on the teams, as well as special coaches’ awards that are presented to the students who went above and beyond for each team throughout the season.
In early March, the Booster Club sponsored the Winter Sports Awards at which they recognized members of Girls and Boys Bowling, Wrestling, Girls and Boys Winter Track, Cheerleading, the Step Team, and Girls and Boys Basketball. During the night, dinner and dessert was provided to the student-athletes, their families, Board of Education President Laura Gavey, Vice President Rosemary Natoli, Second Vice President Doris Fisher, and trustees Michael L. Greb, Everett E. Newman III, and Brian J. Sales, and administrators in attendance.
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Going for Gold
While Lindsey Vonn, Bode Miller, and the rest of Team USA represented the United States at the Vancouver Olympics, the physical education classes at Deauville Gardens Elementary School in Copiague participated in their own version of the Olympics. Organized by physical education teachers Pam Atlas, Michelle Bonaventura, and John Stack, the students competed against one another in such sports as speed skating, ski jump, ice hockey, curling, bobsled, and slalom.
During the week’s worth of events the students were scored and certificates representing of gold, silver, and bronze were given to grade-level winners. Prior to the week of competition, the students spent a week in “Olympic Training Camp” where they learned how to perform the events and worked on their form.“We wanted to promote the Olympics and the kids loved participating in the events that they had seen at home on television,” said Mrs. Bonaventura.
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Exploring the World of Science
Copiague Middle School is proud to announce that in their first appearance at the United States Department of Energy’s Solar Car and Quiz Bowl competition at Brookhaven National Laboratory, they placed third out of 20 school teams.“This is such a great accomplishment considering that other schools have been involved in this for many years,” stated Andrew Lagnado, principal of the middle school.“This group represents what we are all about; academic strength, teamwork and enthusiasm.”
Congratulations to Zach Wilson, Quinton Woelk, Dylan Chen, Bryan Bena, Llamar Owens, and their advisor, Dr. Daniel Leccesse. Pictured left to right: Dr. Leccesse, Zachary Wilson, Dylan Chen, Bryan Bena, Llamar Owens, Quinton Woelk, and Kenneth White, Director of Educational Programs at Brookhaven National Laboratory.
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It’s a Madrigal Evening
In a celebration of music, members of the Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School Madrigal Choir, under the direction of Larry Wurtzel and accompanied on piano by middle school chorus director Gina Occhiogrosso, held their annual Madrigal Choir Evening. The night, which combined choral music with NYSSMA selections and pop and standard song selections chosen by the students, highlighted the vocal stylings of the student-musicians. “The night’s performances are the culmination of years of dedicated study by our students, the hard work of our Music department staff, and the unwavering support of friends and family,” said Coordinator of Fine Arts Jennifer Pierre-Louis. Added Mr. Wurtzel, “The Madrigal Evening, more than any other musical event of the year, is a time when we come together as an extended family.”
Families, friends, Board of Education President Laura Gavey and Second Vice President Doris Fisher, Superintendent of Schools Charles Leunig, and high school administrators enjoyed the concert.
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Winter Guard Winners
On February 27, members of the Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School and Copiague Middle School Winter Guards participated in the Mid-Atlantic Indoor Network (MAIN) Winter Guard Competition at Hicksville High School. The 18 members of the high school team, which has been in existence since 1999, placed first out of 13 teams. Their win boosted them into a higher grouping, the Scholastic A Division. The middle school team, which was formed in 2004, currently has 14 members. The girls took second place in the competition, but took three out of five special category awards. Tracy Bapst coaches both teams.
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It’s a FIRST in Copiague
In their rookie debut, the Copiague Middle School Robotics Team, coached by Stephen Phillips, advanced to the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) New York State Championship Tournament.
Competing against 65 other middle and elementary school teams at Berner Middle School in Massapequa, the Copiague team was honored with 1st Place in Spirit at the Long Island FIRST LEGO League Qualifier Tournament, which qualified them for the School-Business Partnerships of Long Island (SBPLI) FIRST LEGO League State Championship Tournament, which will take place February 28 at Longwood High School. The Team Spirit Award goes to the team that most enthusiastically demonstrates a commitment to getting others to see how accessible, fun, and rewarding science and technology can be.
In preparation for the tournament, the ten-student team built and programmed a robot built with LEGOs and created a research project on this year’s theme of gaining efficiency in transportation systems. During the qualifier, the student-built robot had to perform various different challenges on a 4’x8’ field for which they gathered points. In addition to their robot’s performance, the students were judged in a multitude of categories, included teamwork and professionalism.
According to its website, FIRST LEGO League is an international program for children which combines a hands-on, interactive robotics program with a sports-like atmosphere. FIRST LEGO League International introduces children around the world in elementary and middle schools to the fun and experience of solving real-world problems by applying math, science, and technology.
Congratulations to Drew Marino, Isaac Garcia, Brandon Simoncik, Sebastian Siwik, Anthony Guella, Mark Norman, Steve Szabo, Peter McKenzie, Collin Fuchs, David Grinthal, and Dylan Chen for this remarkable accomplishment.
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100 Days and Counting
Mother Nature might have pushed back the celebration a few days, but that didn’t prevent the kindergarten and first-grade students in the Copiague School District from having a wonderful time for the 100th Day of School. Celebrated on February 25, the students returned to their classrooms, where they participated in mathematical counting games and writing assignments. In preparation for the 100th day, the students and their teachers counted down the days and created arts and craft projects. Pictured are students from the Deauville Gardens Elementary School celebrating the 100th Day of School.
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Math and Fun Go Hand and Hand During Family Math Night
In an effort to increase parental involvement in school-related activities, the Home-School Connection at Deauville Gardens Elementary School in Copiague held a Family Math Night for fourth and fifth-grade students. Family Math Night is a hands-on, game-oriented integration of learning and fun for the whole family. It focuses on developing problem-solving skills and strategies through interactive play. Each family was supplied with a bag that included dice, dominos, and other game pieces so they could take the materials home and continue playing the games.
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Copiague School District Hosts Legislative Breakfast
The Copiague School District Board of Education and administration recently invited local, regional and state legislators, along with community members and staff members, to attend a breakfast during which student and district achievements were highlighted and concerns for the state budget were discussed.
New York State Senator Owen H. Johnson, New York State Assemblyman Robert K. Sweeney, Suffolk County Legislator DuWayne Gregory, and Town of Babylon Councilwoman Jacqueline A. Gordon joined staff members, Board of Education members – President Laura Gavey, Vice President Rosemary Natoli, and trustees Michael Greb, Everett E. Newman III, and Brian Sales – PTA members, and community members. Mrs. Gavey and Superintendent of Schools Charles Leunig welcomed the legislators, thanking them for their support of the district and for their ongoing efforts in securing state aid. “We wouldn’t be the schools we are and Copiague wouldn’t be the community it is without your continued support,” said Mr. Leunig. Added Board President Mrs. Gavey, “It’s great to see so many people in one room supporting the education of our students.” She continued in her speech to discuss the governor’s proposed budget, which would include $2.7 million less in state aid for Copiague and the need for relief from the numerous mandated expenses. “We need mandate relief and we need it now. Unfunded mandates are costing us approximately $17 million. Imagine what we could do for our children and community with those funds.”
Following performances by the Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School Madrigal Choir, under the direction of Larry Wurtzel, and Danielle Rizzo’s first-grade class from Deauville Gardens Elementary School, who sang the District’s College Day song, attendees enjoyed video presentations highlighting the College Day initiative and other student achievements put together by Director of Technology Todd Harris. The Class of 2010 Top Ten were also introduced by High School Principal Albert H. Voorneveld, who shared information about each student’s achievements and future plans.
In closing the morning’s event and addressing the elected officials, Mr. Leunig stressed again the importance of providing all students with a quality education by allocating the funds needed to accomplish that.
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Fitness Made Fun
Every year, Great Neck Road Elementary School physical education teachers William Bennett and Barbara Olsen host a night for students to bring their parents and family members to showcase what they’re learning in their gym classes and to work on their fitness. This year, representatives from Big Al’s Family Fitness Center and South Bay Sports and Physical Therapy were on hand to assist in the four twelve-minute stations.
Each family traveled through the different stations, participating in various fitness-related activities. The circuit training station worked on strengthening all parts of the body, and Loren from Big Al’s demonstrated karate moves, while his colleague Lisa turned the cafeteria into a Hip Hop aerobics studio. South Bay conducted a fitness-based activity game.
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Aida – A Love Story
Aida, a rock musical that tells the story of the tragic romance between the slave-princess Aida (played by Sherley Demetrius) and the Egyptian prince Radames (portrayed by Matthew Edlind), hit the stage at Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School for three nights in March.
With their voices ready and their choreography set, the students rehearsed tirelessly to ensure that this year’s show hit a high note with audiences. The musical, which was presented by the Fine Arts Department, was written by Elton John and Tim Rice, and based on Giuseppi Verdi’s Italian-language opera of the same name. Songs included “Every Story is a Love Story” sang by Diana Peralta as Amneris, “Written in the Stars” by Sherley and Matthew, and “A Step Too Far” by Diana, Matthew, and Sherley.
The musical was directed by Gina Occhiogrosso and included support from Assistant Director Michelle Budion, Choreographer Sylvia Walsh, Production Stage Manager Christina Rivera, Assistant Stage Manager Lauren Marotta, Vocal Director Larry Wurtzel, Backstage Manager and Costume Director Meredith Wanzer, Set Designer Lauren Lefkowtiz, Dance Captain Ashley Noble, Art Designer Lois DeVito, Pit Conductor and Accompanist Marc Levenson, Light Designer Erik Putz, and Sound Design by Sensory Lighting & Sound.
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Helping Hands for Haiti
Students at Susan E. Wiley Elementary School rallied together to help out the victims of the earthquake in Haiti during a penny drive. Upon learning of the drive, students at Deauville Gardens Elementary School donated their own pennies to the SEW cause. Through the generosity of the two buildings’ students and staff members, they collected more than $1,300. All funds were donated to Heart 911.
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Celebrating Young Authors
The 21 juniors in Ann Canniff’s English 11 Honors class at Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School showcased their writing, literacy, and technology talents during the first annual Young Authors Night. With a focus on the American Colonial period, the evening included readings of students’ original works, presentations of Colonial tombstone epitaphs and artwork, SmartBoard activities, and a viewing of student portfolios.
In class, the students have been reading “The Scarlett Letter” and other Colonial-period works and will take a one-day field trip to Salem, Massachusetts where they will visit the historic town and view such places as the Charter Street Cemetery.
Audience members included Board of Education President Laura Gavey, Board trustee Michael Greb, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Kathleen Bannon, members of the high school administration and staff, family members, and friends.
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Top of the POPS
Audience members were treated to a night of singing, music, and fun at the annual Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School POPS Concert. During the concert, members of the band, jazz band, and chorus performed solo and group performances ranging from today’s hit songs to yesterday’s popular music.
The night started with the concert band, led by John Wevers, playing a medley of Beatles favorites. The choral group, backed by professional musicians including music teachers Larry Wurtzel and Gina Occhiogrosso, began their portion of the concert with a little humor by presenting a satirical performance of the song made famous by an American Idol contestant entitled “Pants on the Ground.”
Board of Education members, members of central and high school administration, and friends and family were also treated to performances of Rihanna’s “Please Don’t Stop the Music,” the Red Hot Chili Pepper’s “Under the Bridge,” and Keri Hilson’s “Knock You Down,” also featuring NeYo and Kayne West.
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Living a Healthy Lifestyle
Physical Education is an integral part of a well-rounded curriculum program. The Copiague School District provides its students with a program that helps to develop skills such as balance, coordination, and good sportsmanship, and enhances their physical, mental, and emotional health.
Recently, students at Susan E. Wiley Elementary School had the opportunity to showcase what they learn in physical education class to their parents though two nights of activities for Mothers/Important Female Figures and Sons and Fathers/Important Male Figures and Daughters. During the two nights, the fourth and fifth-grade students put their adult partners to the test by challenging them in games that tested their tactical skills, speed, coordination, and endurance.
Organized by physical education teachers Nicholas Crowe and Wendy Hrzich, each student was presented with a tee-shirt provided by the PTA and a jump rope to continue their exercise at home. Members of the high school football team and Varsity Club, as well as the middle school Double Dutch team, volunteered their time, along with numerous SEW staff members. The student-volunteers were also provided with tee-shirts, which were purchased by Mr. Crowe.
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Very Special Person Day
Grandparents, parents, aunts, and uncles were just a few of the very important visitors to Deauville Gardens Elementary School during their annual VIP Day. To begin the program, members of the school’s band treated invited guests to a performance. Following the assembly program, grandparents and special friends returned to the classrooms to meet the students’ teachers and view their schoolwork and projects, and participate in games together.
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Going for the Gold
Members of the Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School Distributive Education Club of America (D.E.C.A.), under the guidance of advisor Louise Curci, represented the District in the D.E.C.A. State Conference held in Rochester, New York.
Congratulations to the following state winners:
Emily Hall: 1st Place State trophy and Gold Medal in Decision-Making Marketing
Georgiana Patterson: 2nd Place State trophy and Gold Medal in Job Interview
Nicole Mangels: 2nd Place State trophy and Gold Medal in Broadcast Advertising
Jacob Ohrenberger: Gold Medal in Mathematics
Morgan Gorbet: Gold Medal in Economics
Shanice McKenzie: Gold Medal in Public Speaking
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Making Memories for Mom
Mother’s Day came early for a few kindergarten moms at Great Neck Road Elementary School in Copiague. The students treated their mothers to a concert, singing songs all about mothers, Mother’s Day, and all the special things mothers do for their children.
Following the concert a musical slideshow, prepared by the kindergarten teachers, showcased the students’ activities throughout the year. As Rod Stewart’s “Forever Young” played along with the flashing photos, tears could be seen falling from the mothers’ eyes, as they realized how much their children have grown through the past year.
At the conclusion of the event, the mothers and their children enjoyed snacks provided by the kindergarten teachers, before returning to the classroom to receive handmade gifts.
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An Evening to Remember
On the evening of April 30, the Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School Madrigal Choir held a special concert featuring many madrigal alumni from years past. The 2nd Annual Madrigal Alumni Concert featured alumni and current members of the Madrigal Choir in a repertoire ranging from classical and standards to show tunes and pop. Madrigal director Larry Wurtzel was joined throughout the evening by Beverly Wurtzel, middle school choir director Gina Occhiogrosso, and Coordinator of Fine Arts Jennifer Pierre-Louis.
Alumni performers featured in the concert included Amanda K. Cataldo-Siemers, Brian Crook, Ann Marie Dionisio, Gina DiPalermo, Paige Fairchild, Anthony E. Grant, Shawn Hatcher, Aquila Hatcher-Taylor, Christina Labrador, Michael Lyubinsky, Gina Pagliarulo, Crystal Pough, Eric Rowand, Tania Smith, and Breanna Tarzia.
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