During the Jan. 27 Copiague Board of Education meeting, Board President Michael L. Greb was presented with a New York School Boards Association Board Excellence Award. Board of Education members throughout New York State qualify for recognition by participating in varied NYSSBA developmental activities. Mr. Greb was honored for his participation in NYSSBA’s leadership development opportunities totaling 150 points.
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Board President Honored for Leadership
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Circus Project Stops at Deauville
Deauville Gardens East School elementary students in the Copiague School District learned a few tricks when the National Circus Project hosted a weeklong workshop. During the PTA-sponsored event, students learned skills such as juggling, balancing, acrobatics, plate spinning and walking on stilts. The lessons culminated in a Friday evening performance by the fifth-graders showcasing their new skills. To prepare for the event, physical education teachers Wendy Hrzich, Barbara Olsen and John Sack taught their annual circus unit the week prior. “The Circus Project gives the students an opportunity to try things they may never get the chance to do again,” said Mrs. Hrzich.
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Copiague to Host College Workshop for Student-Athletes
On Wednesday, Feb. 12 at 7 p.m., the Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School Athletic Department and Booster Club will host the College Admissions for the Student-Athlete Workshop. During the event, Andrew Herman, an athletic director with more than 40 years experience, will offer extensive information on the college acceptance process and a proactive approach to athletic recruiting.
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Night of Literacy
To kick off its Parents as Reading Partners program, Great Neck Road Elementary School hosted its annual Family Literacy Night. Parents and students in kindergarten through fifth grade rotated through three stations during the event, which culminated in a PTA-sponsored assembly program.
In reference to its participation as a bucket-filling school, which focuses on kindness and good behaviors, Great Neck Road’s PARP theme this year is “Books Fill Our Buckets with Knowledge.” During the evening, attendees enjoyed dinner and a free book distribution. They also took part in an arts-and-crafts activity and book read-aloud in both English and Spanish. The assembly program, Petra Puppets Reading Rampage, was a curriculum-based exploration of literacy that allowed and encouraged student participation. Through puppets, illusions, and original songs and music, ventriloquist Steve Petruzzella taught students that reading can be fun because it allows them to learn about science, history and many other things.
Taking place concurrently, members of the Great Neck Road contingent of the district’s TAG program collected toiletries as part of the Ashoka Youth Venture Project. The students are working with Project Hope and will donate the toiletries to Resurrection House, a local homeless shelter.
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BOE Recognizes Outstanding Students
Members of the Copiague School District Board of Education, administration, staff, parents and friends gathered in the Copiague Middle School auditorium to celebrate and honor outstanding students throughout the district who lead by example at the Student Recognition Awards Ceremony.
This tradition, conducted twice a year, was started by the Board of Education to honor students who make unique contributions to their school community or have succeeded despite personal challenges. Twenty-one students were recognized and presented with a certificate of achievement by Superintendent of Schools Charles A. Leunig.
The district congratulates the following award recipients:
Deauville Gardens East
Alicia Lin
Deauville Gardens West
Keyla Nunez
DaVeyah Williams
Great Neck Road
Jason Anthony
Stephanie Campos
Nicky Pena Hernandez
Susan E. Wiley
Sumaykira Almonte
Arlin Alvarez Almonte
Copiague Middle School
Brittany Faustino
Jaime Gubisch
Leslie Fuentes Iglesias
Tatiana Leftenant
Janasia Miller
Brenda Reyes
Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School
Lesly Decastro
Isabella Dusanenko
Jessi Garcia
Axel Pineda
Ashley Simon
Mimi Swenton
Zach Wilson
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Copiague School District Welcomes Teachers and Staff to the 2010-2011 School Year
While the official start of school was still a week away, the Copiague School District’s administrators, teachers, and support staff gathered at Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School on the morning of September 2 for the unofficial start of the 2010-2011 school year and the first Superintendent’s Conference Day. After enjoying a breakfast provided by the Food Services Department, the attendees processed into the auditorium for some welcoming remarks.
Board of Education President Laura Gavey, along with First Vice President Doris Fischer, Second Vice President Rosemary Natoli, and Trustee Michael Greb, were on-hand to welcome the new and returning staff. “2010 was a great year for Copiague and I know 2011 will be even better,” said Mrs. Gavey in her opening remarks.
During his speech to the staff, Superintendent of Schools Charles A. Leunig shared the many success and accomplishments of the students and staff that occurred during the 2009-2010 school year, welcomed the newest additions to the Copiague family, and spoke of the challenges that lie ahead. “The needs and challenges of our kids grow every year,” stated Mr. Leunig. “However, we have the talent in this room to get it done. No matter what the state or federal government hands us we will get it done and our students will succeed.”
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Kathleen Bannon’s PowerPoint presentation also touched upon the challenges faced in the coming year by the dramatic changes to cut scores (percent accuracy needed to pass state assessments). “Our number one District goal is student achievement and we will hard to see that happen,” said Dr. Bannon. Added Mr. Leunig, “Eleven years ago the State Education Department challenged us to raise our Regents Diploma rate. We rose to the challenge then and we’ll do it again.”
After the presentation, the staff members returned to their buildings to begin preparing for the first day of school.
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A Snapshot of Excellence
Copiague School District Orientation for New Staff Members
The Copiague School District conducted a three-day orientation meeting for new staff members prior to starting the 2010-11 school year. Administrators from the District Office and five school buildings, as well as Board of Education trustees Michael Greb and Everett E. Newman III, were present to welcome the new staff and speak on the behalf of the District.
Executive Director of Human Resources Todd J. Andrews began the orientation by explaining that this meeting was the start of the relationship between the staff and the District. Mr. Andrews emphasized the idea that success in this career is based on positive personal relationships between administrators, colleagues, parents, and most importantly, the students. To better understand this relationship, the new staff were given two books, The First Day of School by Harry K. Wong and Rosemary T. Wong, and A Framework for Understanding Poverty by Ruby K. Payne, Ph. D.
“Welcome to the Copiague Family!” proclaimed Copiague School District Superintendent Charles A. Leunig, as he addressed the special group of incoming staff members. He spoke about the tough economic times across the globe, while encouraging the staff to take pride in knowing that they were the exceptional people who were hired by a district that is economically and financially stable. Mr. Leunig explained the relationship between the success of the District and the low staff turnover. “People who come to work here, tend to stay,” he said.
Mr. Leunig went on to speak about the supportive Board of Education that makes important decisions regarding the District and its students. He emphasized the sole agenda of the Board is to ensure student success. The result of the Board’s efforts has been represented by the students’ continued and improved academic achievement.
On day one of the orientation the staff was shown a slideshow of what Copiague has to offer and participated in a bus tour of the District, which helped provide the staff better insight into the achievements and challenges the students face. Additionally, throughout the three days, workshops that included “What We Believe In,” “Setting the Stage for Success,” “School Safety and Technology” and “Our Children in Your Hands” were presented by administrators to best prepare the staff for their first day in the Copiague family.
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School is in Session
School is back in session for students and staff in the Copiague School District. Students returned with enthusiasm, excitement, and in some cases, a little apprehension.
Before immersing themselves in the lessons of the day, students at Deauville Gardens, Great Neck Road, and Susan E. Wiley elementary schools, waved goodbye to their parents, became reacquainted with friends they hadn’t seen over the summer, and met their new teachers.
At the middle and high schools, it was business as usual as students rotated to their various new classes. Having been through orientations earlier in the summer, the sixth and ninth graders found their way around the buildings with ease.
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A Sneak Peak to the New Year
Students entering grades six and nine and Copiague Middle School and Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School received a sneak peak of the 2010-2011 school year as they participated in the annual Sixth-Grade and Freshman Orientations and BBQs.
During the orientation and barbecue at the middle school, each of the homeroom teachers gave their students and parents a tour of the entire school so that the students would be familiar with the location of their classes prior to the first day of school. The tours concluded in the students’ homerooms, where they were given their new course schedules and locker combinations.
At the high school, students had an opportunity to meet with administrators, receive their schedule, test out their lockers, and participate in a period-by-period walk through of their first day. Each orientation also included a barbecue featuring hamburgers, hot dogs, soda and chips, and the chance for parents to join the PTA and register to vote and students to register for a library card at the Copiague Memorial Public Library.
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Back to the Music
Entering their twenty-sixth year as a competitive organization, the members of the Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School Marching Band prepared for their upcoming season during band camp. At the completion of camp, parents, band members, alumni, and community residents came together to enjoy the Annual Band Family Barbecue. The highlight of the evening was the band's first performance of the season, which provided a sneak preview of their new program, American Faces.
The Marching Band is directed by John Wevers, with assistance from Assistant Director David Abrams, as well as the members of the creative staff - Peter Blake (music arranger), Brent Paris (drill designer), Tom Anderson (percussion arranger), Tracy Bapst (colorguard writer), and Gene Bennett (visual coordinator); field staff – Sherrick Harris, Alex Price, Pete Robinson, Jessica Sherman, Nicole Volpe, and John Meyer; percussion staff – Mark Carman, Cesar Papetti, Justin Nickell, and Jeremy Wexler; and the guard staff – Becca Meyer, Nick Ashley, and Gina DiPalermo.
In their 26 years, the Band has earned more than seven hundred awards, citations, and proclamations, including five New York State Field Band Championships, and seven USSBA titles.
On September 26, beginning at 11:00 am, the Band will host its annual Tournament of Bands. Sixteen bands from around New York State and Long Island will compete on the Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School Athletic Field. Admission is $6 and may be purchased at the gate.
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District Welcomes New Administrative Appointees
This year, the Copiague School District welcomed several new administrative appointees, some new to the District and some familiar faces in new positions. To facilitate the process, the District hosted a New Administrator Reception. The District’s fall newsletter, Copiague Connections, will highlight the new administrators
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Books and Bagels
Over the summer more than 30 students at Copiague Middle School participated in the school’s Summer Reading Program. The volunteer initiative encouraged students to read at least five books and create reports on those books; reports ranged from written essays to art projects. The program was organized by middle school Librarian Dawn Koziarz and Reading Specialist Dr. Julie Tedeschi in conjunction with the Copiague Memorial Library.
To celebrate the successful completion of the program, the PTA sponsored a “Books and Bagel” breakfast for the students, and each child received a $5 gift card to purchase books at the school’s book fair. The school also held a raffle for all participants and randomly selected five students to be a “Librarian for a Period” during Teen Read Week in October.
In addition, three students – eighth grader Natalie Korba, seventh grader Adrian Chochorek, and sixth grader Corinne Palin – competed in the Suffolk County Library-sponsored reading contest “Battle of the Books.” This contest culminates a summer reading program designed for teenagers entering grades six through nine. In the program, teens compete in a series of trivia contests about novels they have read over the summer weeks leading up to the event.
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Making a Difference Together
Students at Great Neck Road and Susan E. Wiley Elementary Schools in the Copiague School District were treated to a three-screen multimedia presentation that stressed the importance of creating unity out of diversity and coming together to foster a healthy, positive community. Using humor, familiar pop culture characters and actors, popular music, and clips from sporting events ranging from the X Games to the NFL, students learned the significance of making healthy choices, building positive relationships, and working together. Following the presentations, teachers were encouraged to speak with their students regarding the message of the assembly and what the students had learned.
The program, entitled Together, was created by Motivational Media Assemblies from Burbank California and ties into the monthly character education themes of each building.
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Copiague School District Boasts Record Number of Advanced Placement Scholars
The Copiague School District is proud to announce that 27 current and former Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School students have qualified as Advanced Placement (AP) Scholars, the largest number in District history.
The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program provides motivated and academically prepared students with the opportunity to take rigorous college-level courses while still in high school, and to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both for successful performance on the AP Exams. The College Board recognizes several levels of achievement based on students’ performance on AP Exams.
At the high school, ten students qualified for the AP Scholar with Distinction Award by earning an average of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on five or more exams. These students are:
Darryl Bethay (Class of 2010)
Emily Hall (Class of 2011)
Daniel Handy (Class of 2011)
Mariusz Kreciewski (Class of 2010)
Eric Maratta (Class of 2010)
Jacob Ohrnberger (Class of 2011)
Justin Roethel (Class of 2010)
Marta Sulima (Class of 2010)
Monika Sulima (Class of 2010)
Maxwell Woelk (Class of 2011)
Three students qualified as AP Scholars with Honors by earning an average grade of at least a 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on four or more exams. Congratulations to:
Nicole Mangels (Class of 2011)
Shanice McKenzie (Class of 2011)
Michael Vandermark (Class of 2010)
Fourteen of our students qualified for the AP Scholar Award by completing 3 or more AP Exams with grades of 3 or higher. The AP Scholars are:
Alex Attanasio (Class of 2011)
Jhante Collins (Class of 2010)
Sherley Demetrius (Class of 2010)
Stephanie Diegue (Class of 2011)
Amanda Espinal (Class of 2011)
Eduardo Hernandez (Class of 2010)
Joel Osorio (Class of 2011)
Andrew Preda (Class of 2011)
Elvira Razzano (Class of 2011)
Jessica Schweit (Class of 2010)
Purvi Shah (Class of 2010)
Jessica Tavarez (Class of 2010)
Statia Thomas (Class of 2010)
Lyndsay Vollmer (Class of 2010)
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High School Musicians Selected for Prestigious Music Ensemble
The Fine Arts Department in the Copiague School District is proud to announce that out of the thousands of students who auditioned for the All-County festival this year, seven Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School student-musicians have been accepted to perform in the prestigious festival.
Selection to NYSCAME/SCMEA All-County performing organizations is extremely competitive and is based on a student’s rating at the annual New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Solo Festival each spring.
The District congratulates the following students on this exceptional achievement and wishes them luck during their performances in the festivals:
Dilara Altuner, Women’s Chorus
Brooke Barbarino, Mixed Choir
Ramon Carcoma, Mixed Choir
Matthew Edlind, Mixed Choir
Shakira Miles, Mixed Choir
Elvira Razzano, Mixed Choir
Allison Tamburello, Mixed Choir
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What is Peace?
In recognition of the International Day of Peace on September 21, select students in various groups at Susan E. Wiley Elementary School in Copiague worked together with school social worker Angela Greaves to create an original poem. The students recited their poem, entitled “What is Peace?,” aloud during lunch periods to spread the word of peace and acceptance.
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Sun Shines on Copiague Homecoming
The sun was shining on Copiague as the Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School celebrated their annual Homecoming on Saturday, October 9. The celebration began earlier in the week as the students and staff participated in Spirit Week leading up to Friday afternoon’s pep rally, where the fall varsity teams were announced to a cheering crowd.
Saturday’s festivities were kicked off in the morning as the high school’s marching band led the annual parade from Great Neck Road Elementary School to the Walter Reese Athletic Field. Students representing their respective grades demonstrated school spirit and creativity through their unique float designs, which highlighted the four seasons, while the high school Steppers and cheerleaders showed off their dancing and crowd pleasing talents. This year’s Grand Marshal was retired High School Principal Albert H. Voorneveld
Following the introduction of the Board of Education, local legislators, and administration, the Madrigal Choir sang “The Star Spangled Banner,” and the PTA presented to Nancy Martinez and Toni Clemmens, the Distinguished Service and Honorary Life awards respectively.
After the parade, it was on to the fair, where a carnival-like atmosphere provided music for dancing, games, and food that everyone could enjoy. The bleachers were filled to capacity, and it was standing room only when the football team took to the field.
Copiague Pride continued to shine as the Copiague Eagles took the field to test their skills against the Half Hollow Hills East Thunderbirds. Practice, hard work, and determination proved the Thunderbirds were no match for the blue and white, as the final score was Copiague 18 – HHH East 13.
During halftime, the marching band performed selections from their 2010 repertoire, and the traditional introduction of the Homecoming King and Queen and their court took place. Homecoming King Jeremiah Aponte and Queen Radybelle Taveras were announced along with their Royal Court, which included freshmen Jalen Archibald and Jennifer Ruiz, sophomores Samuel Keitt and Lizbelle Taveras, and juniors Muhammad Lewis and Robelkis Nunez.
Click Here for More Photos
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Three Copiague Alumni Inducted Into Hall of Achievement
With the induction of three members of the Classes of 1970, 1975, and 1976, the Copiague School District’s Hall of Achievement proudly boasts 72 members. This year’s induction ceremony, which capped off a successful Homecoming, welcomed Patricia M. McMahon, Class of 1975; Major Rudolph J. Purificato, Class of 1970; and Bishop Dr. Curtis S. Redmon, Class of 1976. “The goal of the Hall of Achievement is to introduce positive role models to our school community,” remarked Superintendent of Schools, Charles A. Leunig. “Such models, by their very nature, inspire students to adopt high aspirations. It is our hope that you will take on an active role – either directly or indirectly – in giving back to future generations of Copiague graduates.”
The Hall of Achievement was created 14 years ago in an effort to recognize those graduates of Copiague High School who have succeeded in their careers and lives. Inductees also include those who have distinguished themselves by virtue of their contributions to community and society. The primary goal of the Hall is to build pride for all Copiague graduates: past, present, and future.
The evening concluded with the unveiling of the wall that holds the Hall of Achievement plaques prominently displayed in the main hallway of Walter G. O'Connell Copiague High School.
To read more about each inductee, please visit the District’s website at www.copiague.k12.ny.us.
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Learning Fire Safety in Copiague
Deauville Gardens Elementary School students in the Copiague School District recently received a lesson in fire safety from members of the Copiague Fire Department during fire safety month, October. The firefighters spoke to the students about the importance of being alert and prepared if caught in a fire, invited up student volunteers to show the correct procedures for “stop, drop, and roll,” and reinforced the importance of properly-working smoke detectors and practicing fire drills at home. A firefighter dressed up in his full gear, including oxygen tank, so that students could see what a fireman would look like in a fire. Additionally, Deauville Gardens kindergarteners visited the firehouse on Great Neck Road to receive a tour of the facility.
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Tops in Copiague
To celebrate International Top Spinning Day, approximately 50 students at Copiague Middle School joined technology teacher Lauren Lefkowitz and librarian Dawn Koziarz after school to participate in the worldwide event. In preparation for the event, Ms. Lefkowitz’s seventh-grade technology students created their own tops in class using the band and scroll saws. “The top is the oldest know toy in many cultures,” noted Ms. Lefkowitz. “By participating in the event, I thought it would be a great way to honor the diverse culture of Copiague.”
In addition to spinning their handmade tops and tops from around the world, three students presented the history, various types, and science of tops.
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