Shoreham-Wading River Central School District

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Wading River School students Lola Costello, Daniel Laieta and Branon Smith share a sneak-peak at the school’s fifth-grade production in today’s Newsday/Kidsday. Read here and save the date for this perennial favorite – Wednesday, Jan. 30 and Thursday, Jan. 31 at Shoreham-Wading River High School!

https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/family/kidsday/elementary-school-wading-river-play-1.26019810

Furthering the groundwork for careers in agronomy and sustainability

Furthering the groundwork for careers in agronomy and sustainability photo

Shoreham-Wading River High School has been selected to receive a $6,750 grant from the New York State Agriculture Education and Outreach for School-Based Agriculture Programs. Science teacher Kevin Nohejl was among more than 60 high school educators who applied for the incentive grant for new programs and will use the grant funds for the school’s new course Long Island Sustainability.

The course, which began in September of this academic year, acclimates students to the dynamic science of agronomy, an agricultural science of soil management and field crop production, with consideration given to horticulture and sustainability. They are learning various aspects and the science behind conventional and organic crop production, as well as sustainability and trends in modern agriculture such as agri-tourism, farm-to-table dining and Community Supported Agriculture.

“We are very excited for the opportunities and resources this grant will provide for our students and Mr. Nohejl,” said Dr. Amy Meyer, District Director of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. “From curriculum and program development and coordination, to resource acquisitions and professional development, we look forward to witnessing the success and interest in this high-quality education program as a result of the work of Mr. Nohejl and his students.”

As part of the program, a number of science students will be selected to represent the district at the 2019 New York State Future Farmers of America Convention in May in Syracuse to participate in the program’s workshops and presentations.

VIDEO: Yoga!

School-to-Community

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Shoreham-Wading River High School hosted its School-to-Community Program meeting on January 10. Numerous community partners provided a mock job interview experience for students in Ms. Melissa Cosgrove’s Career and Finance class. Some special education students took part in the experience as well. The District’s community partners offered students feedback on their interview before working with them on mini presentations in which they generated a set of action plans to increase community involvement with students and vice versa. According to Amy Meyer, Director of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics, the successful event was another indication of building momentum and a positive move forward with the collaborative efforts.

Superintendent's Office Hours

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Office Hours Information

Nonfiction Reading Experts!

Nonfiction Reading Experts photo

As a culmination of their study of reading nonfiction, first-graders in Mrs. Ronnie Malave’s and Mrs. Theresa Marino’s class prepared and taught Mrs. Joan Jacobs’ kindergarteners about their nonfiction books. The older students spent time reading through their chosen books and identifying important details, key words, and wonderings to share with their younger buddies. They marked their books with post-its and notes. They visited Mrs. Jacob’s classroom and spent time teaching their new friends about their nonfiction topic. It was a great way for students to put together all of the strategies and share what they learned during the unit!

SWR Pride

Booktalk

Booktalk

Albert G. Prodell Middle School’s Booktalk is an enriching literary experience for sixth-graders that provides a variety of book titles that students choose from. Here, Superintendent of Schools Mr. Gerard Poole discusses plot, character development and story summary in a lively discussion with students. According to librarian Ann-Marie Kalin, the goal of the two-week program is to encourage even the most reluctant reader to embrace literature as well as the art of conversation.

Public Notice of Audit Committee meeting - January 15, 2019

Attachments:

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Historic Simulation at Prodell

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Dressed in Colonial attire, students from Albert G. Prodell Middle School acted out the Second Congressional Congress before classmates and family members.

During the simulation, students presented arguments and speeches from the Radical and Tories sides, asking their peers to vote for independence or loyalty. This year, Loyalists won and the 13 colonies voted to remain loyal to King George III and their mother country.

As classmates, family members and administrators arrived at the event, the middle school chamber orchestra, led by music teacher Fred Volz, performed. The debate was led by students Matthew Cerniglia and Kathryn Winters.

“Both students showed leadership skills as they controlled the excited group of colonists and led each speaker to the podium,” said social studies teacher Danielle Senneca, one of the organizers of the event. “The speeches were exceptional. A serious moment ensued when two sisters, Reese and Nina Nelson, spoke about how they were torn apart by the two sides of the debate.”

According to Senneca, the debate was intense; when each colony stood to vote, the crowd was anxious for each verdict and erupted in cheers.

The simulation, which also included students from Corinne Fallon’s and Katie Peters’ classes, has taken place annually for more than 40 years at the middle school.

Holiday Video

Ugly Sweaters Galore!

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The festivities of the holiday season continue at Prodell Middle School as students, staff and administrators wore their ugliest sweaters! Congratulations to students Anna Minetta, Emmalee Ruta, Sasha Selectskaya and Jake Smith, for showcasing your ugly wear and winning the ugly sweater contest. The Student Council, under the leadership of Ms. Andrea Monz, chose special education teacher Brian Ferguson for best staff winner.

Greetings from MOMA!

Greetings from MOMA photo

This past week, families of Miller Avenue students visited MOMA (Museum of Miller Avenue). The hallways of the school were turned into an art gallery with framed artwork created by the students. In addition to enjoying the student artwork, families took pictures in a photo booth, made holiday arts and crafts, ate cookies and shopped at the book fair.

Sounds of the Season

Sounds of the Season photo

Albert G. Prodell Middle School eighth-grader Carter Rubin was one of the winners of News 12 Long Island’s Sounds of the Season series. Click here to hear his song:

http://longisland.news12.com/story/39644626/shoreham-singer-carter-rubin-sings-holiday-hits

Swimming Success for Senior

Swimming Success for Senior photo

Congratulations to senior Jason Louser who placed second at the Winter Nationals in the 400 Individual Medley recently. In the 18 and Under category, he holds the national champion title. His excellent time in the race qualifies him to compete in the 2020 Olympic Trials!

Olympic Trial Qualifier Visits HS GSA

Olympic Trial Qualifier Visits HS GSA photo

The High School’s Gay-Straight Alliance welcomed USA Swimming National Champion Tom Luchsinger as a guest speaker recently. A 2013 World Championship finalist, 10 time NCAA All-American, and 2008, 2012 and 2016 Olympic Trial Qualifier, Mr. Luchsinger spoke to students about his experience being the first openly gay USA national team member, informed students about LGBTQIA terms, and provided advice about building positive, healthy relationships and having a presence on social media that students can be proud of years later.

Alternative Agricultural Methods

Alternative Agricultural Methods photo

Students in the high school’s inaugural Long Island Sustainability course taught by Kevin Nohejl have been learning about and researching alternative production methods in agriculture. In this project, students have researched and are currently designing and engineering their own aquaponic system, a bridge of alternative production methods in agriculture-hydroponics and aquaculture.

Stimulating STEM Concepts

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Third-graders from Wading River School recently took part in a stimulating field trip to Brookhaven National Laboratory Science Learning Center.

The interactive exhibits and hands-on opportunities helped the students connect to cutting-edge science, technology, engineering and mathematics topics, an extension of their classroom learning.

Focused on the physical sciences, the inquiry-based learning environment included exhibits on sound waves, engineering concepts and an air cannon where students learned that air has mass and takes up space, among other opportunities for them to investigate and explore.

Kindergarten Registration by appointment: Jan 7-10 & Jan 24

Click here to visit the Registration page

Promoting a Positive Lifestyle

Promoting a Positive Lifestyle photo

In their year-round efforts to promote healthy habits and to stay away from drug and alcohol use, Prodell students created posters to share with the school community.

Working within their Advisory Program, students decided on a theme for their posters and worked hard to convey their positive messages. “I was very impressed by their creativity and effort. I look forward to future projects with them,” adviser Amanda Riccio said.

Congratulations to Prodell student leaders Teresa Adams, Michael Baran, Nicole Conforti, Gavin Feren, Jake Feren, Jacob Formisano, Owen Garee, Alec Gregorek-Ali, Emily Hiney, Dierdra Maloney, Ryan Menno and Alexandra Perez Flores for your good work!

Our SWR Leader in Lincoln History

Our SWR Leader in Lincoln History photo

SWR High School social studies teacher Ruth Squillace recently attended the 23rd annual Lincoln Forum, which took place in Gettysburg, PA. One of the leading history organizations in the county, it attracts some of the most revered historians in the Lincoln and Civil War fields as speakers, panelists and guests from all over the world. Mrs. Squillace is a member of the Advisory Board and Coordinator of their Teacher Scholarship Initiative.

Mrs. Squillace delivered her annual remarks on the opening evening of the symposium, at which time she presented the winners of the prestigious Virginia Williams Teacher Scholarship. She also conducted a dramatic reading with acclaimed author George Saunders who wrote “Lincoln on the Bardo,” a book which has been optioned for a forthcoming movie and is being adapted for an upcoming opera at the Met. In a moderated Q & A with author Joe Fornieri in which she asked a key educational question that launched numerous inquiries in sharing it to develop educational materials and resources for teachers nationwide. Her additional contributions to the symposium included speaking at “The Lincoln Forum at 23: Looking Back and Looking Forward.” At this moderated session, she discussed the inception and evolution of the Teacher Scholarship Initiative, an effort that assists social studies teachers nationwide, which she developed and has coordinated for the past nine years.

Through her scholarly devotion and passionate work for the organization, Shoreham-Wading River High School was named a Lincoln Legacy School – one of the few in the nation – an honor bestowed on the school from the Lincoln Bicentennial Commission when the district hosted the first of two Lincoln symposiums. The first, in 2009 was for Lincoln's Bicentennial and the second was in 2014. That symposium’s theme was Lincoln’s Legacy and the funding was secured through a grant she wrote and for which she was awarded through the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission.

Seniors Commit to College Sports

Seniors Commit to College Sports photo

As a result of their academic commitments and unwavering athletic dedication, 12 seniors have been selected to continue their athletic journeys at the collegiate level this fall.

To commemorate the momentous occasion, the distinguished students wore team caps and shirts from their school of choice and were surrounded by proud family members, coaches, faculty and Mark Passamonte, the District’s Director of Health, Physical Education, Athletics and Nurses during a recent recognition ceremony.

Congratulations to the following Shoreham-Wading River High School seniors who have committed to participate in collegiate athletics:

Nicolette Constant - University of Vermont - soccer
Mason Kelly - Furman University - baseball
Emma Kirkpatrick - SUNY Oneonta - soccer
Francesca Lily - Hamilton College – soccer
Melissa Marchese - University of Hartford – softball
Katlynn McGivney - Hamilton College – softball
Jake Meeker - Pace University - lacrosse
Isabella Meli - Binghamton University - lacrosse
Joy Papagianopoulos - Queens College – softball
Alexandra Smith -Wagner College - cross-country/track
Everett Wehr - Penn State Altoona - baseball
Tyler Widercrantz - St. Anselm College – baseball

The district is proud to recognize these student athletes who will compete at the collegiate level.

In the News!

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Click here to view the district's latest news.

Giving Thanks at Miller Avenue

Giving Thanks at Miller Avenue photo

Miller Avenue Elementary School students shared in numerous grateful Thanksgiving festivities throughout the building. One of the hallways was set up as a very long table with a paper tablecloth and decorated with cornucopias and pilgrim hats for first-graders who enjoyed sharing their snacks and a fun time with their classmates. Second-graders joined the celebration by having a grade-level sing-along, and students in Mr. Robert Korchma’s second grade class used their artistic skills to create colorful, hand-printed Thanksgiving wreaths.

SWR Student Voices

SWR Student Voices photo

Five Shoreham-Wading River High School students recently attended the Erase Racism “Student Voices Campaign,” held on the campus at Stony Brook University. Juniors Angelina Anderson, Raymond Colon, Megan Greene, Fatou Ndiaye and Samantha Rutkowsky, accompanied by science teacher Dr. Christine Rubenstein and English teacher Edward Storck, participated in youth leadership development workshops, and panel and group discussions with other high school students on Long Island to create action plans to bring positive change to school communities. The regional organization leads public policy advocacy campaigns and related initiatives to promote racial equity in areas such as public school education and community development. At the conference, the students had the opportunity to gain the tools, platform and confidence to become social justice advocates and leaders. They now look forward to partnering with neighboring school districts that were also in attendance to put their ideas into action.

Compassion Without Borders

Compassion Without Borders photo

Ten student members of Shoreham-Wading River High School’s Natural Helpers along with school social worker Jaclyn Anci, health instructor Mary Mitchell, and Principal Frank Pugliese recently attended the annual Compassion Without Borders conference. Kevin Beagen, Michele Corona, Madison Dimpflmaier, Ethan Eisenberg, Brennan Gorman, Andrew Liguori, Rianna Lotito, Noah Minarik, Sydney Rassner and Reghan Truesdell worked with their peers across Suffolk County to further develop their social and emotional leadership skills and help make a difference in their school communities.

Musical Motivator

Musical Motivator photo

Shoreham-Wading River School District music faculty members participated in a unique professional development program at the Suffolk County Music Educators Symposium Day, a day-long event that addressed current topics in music education that they were able to bring back and share with their students.

Music Coordinator Dennis Creighton presented a workshop at the symposium titled “What about the Text? Poetic and Musical Imagery,” which focused on the convergence of musical and poetic imagery in choral music.

“When working with students, pointing out how the music a composer chooses to highlight a poetic image can lead students to a greater understanding of the intent of the poet. This leads to a more expressive performance,” Mr. Creighton said. “I’m so glad the district gave every music teacher the opportunity to attend workshops that could assist them in their specific areas of music education.”

Sparking an Interest in Healthcare Leadership

Sparking an Interest in Healthcare Leadership photo

Students from Shoreham-Wading River High School’s Advanced Placement Research and Women in Science and Engineering program attended a field trip to Northwell Health’s Islandia location as part of the health’s organization’s Spark Challenge. Accompanied by English teacher Edward Storck and science teacher Lori Racaniello, the students learned about numerous aspects of healthcare, including patient care and satisfaction, economics and politics of the healthcare industry, and HIPAA laws through team activities and presentations from experienced department heads. The goal of the Spark Challenge is to engage and inspire healthcare leaders of the future. The students will collaborate further as they create an advertisement and presentation to help educate others on what they learned through this experience as part of the competition.

Promoting Diabetes Awareness at Prodell

Promoting Diabetes Awareness at Prodell photo

Albert G. Prodell Middle School students recently took part in World Diabetes Day, a campaign that draws attention to important issues, advocacy efforts and concerted actions related to diabetes. Student ambassadors Thomas Smith, Patrick Shea and Reegan Shea donned shirts gifted to them by Board of Education trustee James Smith, to promote an awareness of the escalating health threat posed by diabetes.

Way To Go Wildcats

Way To Go Wildcats photo

Last week, the Shoreham-Wading River High School football team captured their fourth Suffolk County Division IV title in the last five years. Under the impressive leadership of first-year coach Aden Smith, the team overcame an early season loss and has won nine consecutive games. They will take on Cold Spring Harbor for the Long Island Division IV Championship on Friday, Nov. 23rd at 4:30 p.m. at Stony Brook University. Best of luck to our team: Xavier Arline, Max Barone, Chris Baumeister, Dylan Blanco, DJ Brown, Mike Casazza, Davin Casey, Aidan Casey, Anthony Cimino, Kenny DeTiberiis, Jake Ekert, John German, Anthony Giordano, Connor Hughes, Jeffrey Lachenmeyer, Jack Logan, Pat Mahan, Liam Mahoney, Jake Meeker, Sean Miller, Steven Opiela, Mike Pavinski, James Provencher, Joe Puckey, Mario Rivera, Raph Roa, Zach Roff, Tyler Schwarz, Johnny Schwarz, David Tedesco, Chris Visintin, Dominic Visintin, Jake Wilson and Matt Zahn.

Baskets of Food, Hearts of Kindness

Baskets of Food, Hearts of Kindness photo

Albert G. Prodell Middle School Student Council members collected and created 25 food baskets for local families to enjoy a festive Thanksgiving meal. When they finished the baskets, they still had additional items that were donated to local soup kitchens. The tremendously successful efforts of the students and care and commitment of the Prodell staff who donated gift certificates for turkeys exemplifies the true meaning of giving. “We have the most generous staff whose hearts are filled with kindness,” adviser Andrea Monz said. “They are true role models to our students.”

Prodell’s Powerful Expression of Thanks

Prodell’s Powerful Expression of Thanks photo

Albert G. Prodell Middle School celebrated our country’s veterans with a special meet and greet, a breakfast sponsored by principal Kevin Vann, a pledge of allegiance led by guest veterans from various military branches and an eighth-grade assembly. Lt. Dan Guida of the United State Army spoke to the students about his experiences in Vietnam and Senior Master Sergeant Michael Wern (Air Force), Lance Corporal William Fitz (Marines) and Sergeant Janet Santeramo (Marines), were also in attendance.

Music teacher Fred Volz organized the middle school chamber ensemble for a patriotic entrance and students Courtney Greene and Laura Marino led the assembly. Red poppies were created by teacher Hilary Breig and staff member Cheryl Hoefler and worn by the students in remembrance of veterans. Teachers Kim Avelin, Christine Bradley, Hilary Breig, Brian Ferguson, Linda Loscalzo and Danielle Senneca organized the assembly, which was a first for the school and a collaboration of many people. She noted that Mr. Wern is a security guard in the middle school and was pleased to have a woman recognized among the veterans. The assembly day also marked exactly 50 years since Lt. Guida came home from Vietnam. “Students welcomed him with a standing ovation,” Ms. Senneca said. “Prodell has now named him the school’s official veteran.”