Kindergartners at Great Neck Road Elementary School recognized the special ladies in their lives with a Mother’s Day celebration on May 11. Handcrafted bags decorated with messages of love were filled with photo albums showcasing their first year in school. Paper bouquets of flowers and messages about their special person were presented to each of the attendees.
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Great Neck Road Celebrates Mother’s Day (watch the video)
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Showing Off Shapes
First-graders in Katianne Howe’s class at Deauville Gardens West Elementary School learned about three-dimensional shapes and were tasked with creating their own 3-D models. Students used everyday objects found around their homes to create models using all the different shapes they learned.
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Copiague Track Event Honors Memory, Love of Sport
Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School hosted the seventh annual Urban & Walsh Memorial Invitational on May 15. Organized by Copiague track coaches George Schroeder and John Sack, the annual event is held to honor Christopher Urban and Brittney Walsh.
Hosting 28 teams from across Long Island, the invitational featured 18 events including girls and boys shot put, boys and girls disc, long jump, high jump, triple jump, pole vault, the 2,000/3,000 steeplechase, 100/110 high hurdles, high jump and more. In addition to the standard track and field events, fifth-graders from the four elementary schools – Deauville Gardens East, Deauville Gardens West, Great Neck Road and Susan E. Wiley – participated in a special boys and girls 4x100 relay.
For the Copiague boys, David Lawrence placed second in the 100-meter dash with a time of 0:11.74, took third place in the long jump with 21 feet, 7.5 inches and placed second in the triple jump with 43 feet, 2.5 feet. Antoine Moore Jr. placed second in the 400-meter dash with a time of 0:50.82. Jackson Bright, Aryes Garrett and Brenton Bennett took fifth, sixth and seventh place, respectively, in the high jump.
For the Copiague girls, Halle Moore took first place in the 400-meter dash with a time of 60.66, while Akajia Atkins placed third in the 100-meter dash with a time of 0:13.25. The girls 4x400 meter relay team placed second with a time of 4:36.29, and high jumper Lyndsey Wilson secured third place with a jump of 4 feet, 10 inches. Akajia Atkins placed first in the long jump with a 17 foot, 3-inch jump, and Kyria Moore took fifth in the shot put with a toss of 32 feet, 6.75 inches.
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New Assistant Principal Appointed
Jonathan Krawchuk has been named an assistant principal at Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School, effective July 1.
Krawchuk began his teaching career in the Copiague School District in 2009 as a living environment and special education teacher. This past school year, he served as the district’s B.A.S.E. adviser. From 2010-2014, he was the assistant varsity football coach at Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School.
Krawchuk earned his Bachelor of Science degree from St. Joseph’s College. He also received his master’s degree and educational leadership certification from Stony Brook University.
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Copiague Takes Top Honors at Covanta Contest
Ten students from the Copiague School District were recognized by the Town of Babylon for placing among the top students who entered the Babylon Covantage EcoTech Scholarship Contest during an awards presentation at Babylon Town Hall on May 6.
Under the advisement of High School Science Chairperson Renee Locker and Middle School Science Chairperson Dr. Daniel Leccese, students submitted an energy or environmental-based science project, through which they carried out an experiment and wrote a detailed scientific paper explaining their procedure and conclusion.
Brittany Faustin placed first among all entrants and earned a $1,000 scholarship for her project “The Effectiveness of the Antibacterial Activity Utilizing Silver Nanoparticles on the Growth of Aspergillus niger.” Other winners from Walter G O’Connell Copiague High School included: Brayan Pena and Osazuwa Eghafona, who received a $625 scholarship for their project “Doped Magnesium Aluminate as a Viable Basis for Production of Inorganic, Long Lasting, Non-Toxic, Pigments;” Sofie Wilson and Jade Dickenson, who won fourth place and a $250 scholarship for their project “A novel investigation surrounding Geukensia demissa as a probable control mechanism for the invasive species Phragmites australis;” Erhumwunse Eghafona received a $250 scholarship for his project “Falling Temperature on a Species of Tree;” and Claudia Motley took home a $125 scholarship for her study on “Cultural Orientation and its Effects on Secondary Education in Japanese and American Students.”
The three Copiague Middle School students each took home $125 scholarships for their projects. Dylan Bedell project was to show how drones can be used to monitor coastal erosion. He used his drone to fly over a shoreline of the Great South Bay and looked at evidence that showed decreasing levels of coast. Olivia Healy examined how different insulating materials help keeps a home warm in the winter. DaVeyah Williams studied nanosilver and how nanosilver affects pond life. Nanosilver is called colloidal silver and is found in many consumer products with the purpose of killing bacteria. Her project studied how greater amounts of nanosilver decreased the population of daphnia (microscopic pond organism).
Open to students in grades eighth to 12th throughout the Town of Babylon, the Covantage EcoTech Scholarship Contest awards scholarships annually to students who create the top-ranking science projects with eco-tech themes. Through this program, students are encouraged to explore concepts related to sustainability and environmental solutions.
“Covanta and Babylon have been exceptional in not only encouraging STEM among our students, but offering an incentive for pursuing science discovery and excellence. Even more noteworthy and distinctive by Covanta is the endorsement of environmental science as an area of focus,” said Ms. Locker.
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Notice of Board Meeting – June 5, 2017
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Furry Friend Visits First-Graders
Deauville Gardens East Elementary School had a special visit from a furry friend on May 15. Therapy dog Buffalo Bill Cody, and his trainer Bruce Kollmar, from the program Love on a Leash, spent the morning in Kevin Beach’s first-grade class. The students are learning all about what a therapy dog can do and took turns reading to him.
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Student-Researchers Shine at Science Symposium
Celebrating the notable accomplishments of the science students at Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School, the district held its third annual 2016-2017 science research symposium on May 18.
District administrators, board of education members, representatives from the Town of Babylon, members of the science department and invited guests gathered to recognize the hard work, determination and perseverance of the students currently enrolled in the independent science research program, the advanced science research program and the introduction to science research program.
“You have all worked a tremendous amount of hours with teachers who have fostered your love of science enough to do this work outside of the classroom,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kathleen Bannon. “Congratulations to all of the recognition you have brought to yourselves and your school for your dedication and perseverance.”
Seven Copiague science research students presented a brief overview of their projects, many of which have garnered numerous awards throughout the school year. Projects were on display for a poster presentation walk following the ceremony, giving attendees an opportunity to speak with the students firsthand about their research.
Each student in the program was presented a certificate by science chairperson Renee Locker in recognition of their accomplishments this school year.
The following students were presented with certificates: Jackson Bright, Tatiana Henry, James Holland, Kriyal Patel, Owen Rosenberg, Osazuwa Eghafona, Marianna Espinoza, Brittany Faustin, Jade Dickenson, Claudia Motley, Brayan Pena, Alexandra Saczawa, Joshua Taveras, Sofie Wilson, Shane Abney, Kiara Bennett, Baron Chen, Vincent Cipriani, Erhumwunse Eghafona, Daniel Galeas, Melanie Garcia, Nicole Hernandez, Gregory Jean-Baptiste, Elijah Johnson, Nolan Johnson, Jade Jones, Austin-Sing Loo, Sheza Mirza, Richelle Modestil, Marwin Pineda Lobo, Blanca Reyes, Jeniffer Romero, Josh Simon, Gianna Torres and Tamara Washington.
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Wedding Ceremony Celebrates the Unity of Q and U
It was a match meant to be for two letters that always seem to pair well together. The kindergarten students at Susan E. Wiley Elementary School celebrated the unity of the letters Q and U in a special wedding ceremony on May 18.
Since the beginning of the school year, the kindergartners have been learning the sounds that letters make together and that letters, such as Q and U, appear together in most words. Dressed in their best ensembles, the wedding guests wore Q and U hats and veils to the wedding.
The large Q and U cutout letters, held by two students, walked down the aisle as ceremonial wedding music played. “There will be quarrels but you have to stick together like quicksand to solve any quandaries,” the officiant told the couple before concluding the ceremony.
After the ceremony, the marriage celebration continued back in the classroom as guests enjoyed juice and wedding cake.
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National School Boards President Gets Inside Look at Copiague
National School Boards Association President Kevin Ciak, along with district administrators and Copiague School District Board of Education members, spent the afternoon of May 31 touring the many academic offerings of the Copiague School District.
Ciak, who was on Long Island for a speaking engagement at the Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association’s annual dinner, connected with the Copiague School District through Copiague Board of Education President Brian Sales, who also serves as president of the Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association. “We are very proud of Copiague School District and the things we accomplish here and we are honored to be able to share that on a national level,” Sales said.
The tour of the district included classroom visits at an elementary school, middle school and high school. “From the minute I walked in, I felt very much at home in this district,” Ciak said. “I was very impressed with all of the 21st century learning going on in the classrooms. Students were fully emerged in learning and using high-level analysis.”
At the elementary level, the visit showed the district’s use of technology with its 1:1 computing class and students using the zSpace virtual reality, 3-D computers. Copiague Middle School students demonstrated their earth science and English language arts skills, while science research students at Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School presented some of their recent studies.“In the visit I conducted, I was able to see exactly what public education was built for: addressing the needs of all of its students,” Ciak said. “This district is building its student body up from when they enter kindergarten. That type of planning and culture starts from above with a Board of Education and administration that knows what their students need to be successful.”
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Chamber Choir Goes Gold
The Copiague Middle School chamber choir participated in the New York State School Music Association’s Music Festival on May 30 and received the highest possible rating of “Gold with Distinction.” A Gold rating is awarded to organizations that demonstrate an outstanding level of technical and artistic skill in tone, intonation, balance, technique, diction, accuracy/execution, interpretation, discipline and appropriate choice of music. A Gold with Distinction rating is awarded only to those choirs that achieve a standard of performance deemed exceptional in all of the three selections performed for the NYSSMA judges.
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Artists, Musicians Inducted Into Honor Societies
Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School recognized its finest musicians and artists during the third annual Fine Arts Honor Society Induction on May 22. Fourteen students were inducted into the Tri-M Music Honor Society and 14 students were inducted into the National Art Honor Society in front of administrators, board of education members, friends and family.
Jennifer Pierre-Louis, director of fine arts and Tri-M Honor Society advisor, offered opening remarks about the hard work and dedication of the student-musicians who were nominated for induction to both their school and community.
Five points of distinction – scholar, character, leadership, cooperation and service – must be possessed by these students in order to qualify for the Tri-M Music Honor Society as explained by the society’s officers. They must also receive teacher recommendations, maintain a 90 average or above in music courses and an 85 average or above overall.
National Art Honor Society inductees must also receive teacher recommendations, possess a 90 or above average in art classes and submit a piece of artwork, according to Damin Gomes, National Art Honor Society advisor. Each new candidate for induction also adds signs their name to a canvas, adding their personal touch to a piece of art.
Students each received a certificate and pin before reciting the pledge of their respective honor society in unison with their fellow inductees.
The district congratulates the following students inductees: Tri-M Music Honor Society – Kaihya Banks, Ladrea Buffaloe, Ashley Collado, Nelson Flores, Daniel Galeas, Melanie Garcia, Anthony Gonzalez, Shari Jackson, Jaime Kister, Michelle Kumah, Marvin Pineda Lobo, Jonah Ramdas, Allison Reyes and Jake Weiss. National Art Honor Society – Patric Gudel, Spencer Hodges, Liam Mahabir, Faith McCombs, Jacqueline Mendez, Melinda Mercedes, Wendy Moreno Marroquin, Jessica Norwood, Nayeli Pena, Jillian Petroglia, Kailee St. Angelo, Olivia St. George, Yafreycy Taveras and LeeAnna White.
Current Tri-M members played for guests prior to the start of the induction ceremony, and artwork produced by current seniors was on display around the cafeteria.
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Key Club Recognized for Service Efforts
The Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School Key Club was recently presented with an appreciation award from the New York Blood Center for holding three blood drives during the 2016-2017 school year. The Key Club blood drives yielded 169 pints of donated blood.
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BACCA Nominations Plentiful for Student-Actors
The Babylon Citizens Council on the Arts and the Teen Theatre Committee has nominated student-actors from Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School for Teen Theatre Awards for their performances this year. Winners will be announced at the June 9 ceremony at Lindenhurst High School.
The district congratulates the following actors and support staff on their nominations: Kishaar Hodge – Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical; Crystal Betz – Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical; Amy Rodriguez – Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical; Jade Dickenson – Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Play; and Amorelle Penick – Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Play.
Other nominations include: Outstanding Production Value of a Musical; Outstanding Ensemble of a Musical; Outstanding Stage Crew of a Musical; Outstanding Musical; Outstanding Production Value of a Play; and Outstanding Stage Crew of a Play.
From the recent production of “The Little Mermaid,” dance captains Nicholas Favichia, Jenna Langan and Amorelle Penick will be recognized. Future Star awards will be given to Sydney Walsh, Alejandro Claros-Sanchez and Madison Dudley for their performances in “Drama Night.”
The “Teens in Tune” award – given to outstanding pairs and small groups – will be presented to Ladrea Buffaloe, Samantha Sattler, Darley Senat, Taylor Sharpe-Adams, Samantha Sloane and Nilsu Yildiz. The Teen Theatre Committee will honor the Hip Hop Club’s performance of “Taking Back the Music” as a special performance and club members will be recognized with awards.
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Board of Education Audit Committee Meeting Notice – 6/13/17
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Student-Athletes Honored for Dedication On and Off the Field
The Copiague School District honored its spring student-athletes during its annual Sports Awards dinner at the Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School on May 23. District administrators, board of education members, friends and family gathered to honor the athletes in girls track, girls lacrosse, boys track, boys lacrosse, softball and baseball.
As coaches recognized each of the student-athletes for their contributions throughout the season, individual awards were given to most improved players, most valuable players and coach’s award for each team. Three special memorial awards were presented to student-athletes for boys lacrosse and baseball. The Jared J. Pennington Memorial Lacrosse Award was given to Noble Matubber, Tquan Wint was the recipient of the Sean Ryan Noonan Memorial Lacrosse Award and Joshua Lester received the Daniel O’Connell Memorial Baseball Award.
The Section XI Gold Key Award, the highest Section XI honor that an athlete can receive, is awarded to student-athletes who letter in eight junior varsity or varsity seasons in grades 10-12. This year’s recipients were Mikayla Angel (field hockey, winter track, spring track), Cris Castillo (field hockey, winter track, lacrosse), Maya Jones (soccer, winter track, spring track, softball), Amira Kemp (tennis, winter track, spring track), Vincent Ruggiero (soccer, bowling, baseball), Matthew Spadone (soccer, bowling, lacrosse), Sean Walsh (soccer, football, bowling, lacrosse) and Anna Zaborowska (volleyball, basketball, lacrosse).
The Golden Eagle Award is given to the student on each team who had the highest cumulative grade point average for the season. For the spring season, Mikayla Angel (girls track), Kelly Cheung (girls lacrosse), Noble Matubber (boys lacrosse), Peter Milillo (baseball), Christopher Canenguez (boys track) and Sofie Wilson (softball) received the Golden Eagle.
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Spec. Board of Education Meeting Work Session Notice – 6/12/17
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Student-Athletes Honored with Zone Awards
The Suffolk Zone of the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance sponsored the annual Physical Education Student Leadership Awards Ceremony at Longwood High School on May 3. Students who qualify for the award are recognized for their achievements in physical education, leadership, character and academics.
Honored at the ceremony was Copiague Middle School eighth-graders Sarah Manzanarez and Kenneth Tejada; Deauville Gardens East Elementary School fifth-graders Ava Reichelt and Zachary Rosenzweig; Deauville Gardens West Elementary School fifth-graders Stanley Buissereth and Stefana Lipari; Susan E. Wiley Elementary School fifth-grade students Brian Gonzalez and Jordana Jagnarine; and Great Neck Road Elementary School fifth-grade students Nicole Araujo and Kamar Birthwright.
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Empowering Words During Women’s Breakfast
The Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School Industry Advisory Board held a women’s power breakfast on May 24 featuring district administrators, local businesswomen and community leaders along with Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School students.
Assistant Principal Tamika Eason offered opening remarks, encouraging students to find their voice. “Ask yourself how you want to be perceived,” she said. “Women are faced with many different challenges in the workplace; the playing field isn’t always equal. Know your craft, identify your passion and goals and turn that interest into your professional goals.”
District administrators and community leaders shared their career experiences and obstacles with students in an effort to prepare them as they enter the workforce. Each shared stories of how they navigated through their career paths. Attendees included: Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kathleen Bannon; science chairperson Renee Locker; Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School teachers Linda Aims, Allie Stanton and Allison Stritzl; Lasheca Lewis (New York State Assembly); Danika Hall (Teachers Federal Credit Union); Linda Penuela Rannazzisi (Bethpage Federal Credit Union); Melissa Firmes (Kids Need More); Sharon Fattaruso (Copiague Chamber of Commerce); Stacy Screiber (Professional Physical Therapy); and Tammie William (New York State Senate).
Students had the opportunity to ask questions and seek advice from the professional attendees. The following Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School students participated in the breakfast: Katherine Abreue, Sully DeLaCruz Brito, Alexandra Bugajczyk, Jennifer Diaz, Catherine Gonzalez, Jeanine Gulee, Cameren Jackson, Carla Jackson, Kriyal Patel, Tiana Roe and Sarah St. Jean.
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Key Club Members Honored at Kiwanis Breakfast
Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School students received accolades and scholarships from the Kiwanis Club of Copiague during their annual breakfast on May 31.
Members of the Key Club were recognized with scholarships presented by Kiwanis Club president elect Phil Guerra. The Anthony Iannotta Scholarship of $1,000 was awarded to Lyndsey Wilson. The Robert McIntosh Scholarship was presented to Jackalyn Gonzalez and Sofie Wilson won the Warren Gumbs Scholarship, both for $500. Additionally, six Key Club members were awarded $250 scholarships each: Ashley Burgos, Jenna Langan, Nicole Mikolajczak, Amorelle Penick, Tiana Roe and Nilsu Yildiz.
Key Club president Alexandra Saczawa and vice president Joshua Taveras spoke about the many volunteer activities in which the club participated this year. Sophie Bright, president of the Middle School Builders Club, the junior version of the Key Club, also shared some of the various community service activities completed this year.
The cast of the recent production of “The Little Mermaid” treated the audience to a special performance of some of the favorite hits from the show.
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