Shoreham-Wading River Central School District

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Perseverance Leads to Resolution #1819-249

Perseverance Leads to Resolution #1819-249 photo

More than a year ago, a paper tree trunk and branches made from twisted brown was created on the plain cement walls of Wading River School’s cafeteria. Students, teachers and staff throughout the school were encouraged to fill out a form when they witnessed a random act of kindness or wanted to share some inspiring words to one another. The green leaves were soon filled with colorful and heartfelt messages for all who walked past to see and admire. The project, spearheaded by now fourth-grader Madeline Rizzi, was named a kindness tree and was intended for all to help cultivate kindness.

The project did not stop there.

As the many acts of kindness at the school weighed heavy on the tree, the taped pieces of paper stopped sticking and the leaves began to fall to the floor.

In November, Madeline attended a Board of Education meeting, where she addressed the Board for permission to create a more permanent painted tree on the cafeteria wall, where only the kind words would need to be added on paper slips and the painted wall itself can remain in perpetuity. When Madeline attended the March 12 meeting, she learned that resolution #1819-249 was her request and her proposal was approved. The project, which will be headed by a volunteer workforce, will lead to a new tradition at the school.

“Kindness make people feel good and special,” said Madeline. “I wanted to spread kindness in the school and community. I enjoy seeing everyone being kind to one another.”

Olympic Dreams Coming to Fruition

Senior Jason Louser was selected as a News 12 Scholar-Athlete. He is one of only 30 outstanding Long Island high school seniors to receive this prestigious award for excellence in athletics, academics, leadership and community service. In addition to receiving a $1,000 scholarship check, Jason was featured on News 12.

A gifted student-athlete, Jason’s GPA is 92 and he is a member of the National Honor Society and the Global Awareness Club. His swimming accomplishments started when he watched the 2008 Olympics and witnessed Michael Phelps’ numerous gold medal moments. From there, he wanted to accomplish that too. This year, Jason won the Suffolk County championship in the 500-yard freestyle and the 100-yard breast stroke competitions; set records in the 200-yard Individual Medley and 100-yard breast stroke at the state level; placed second at the Winter Nationals in the 400-yard IM and has been named the 18 and under National Champion.

He is now qualified to compete in the 2020 Olympic trials.

Jason looks forward to continuing his academic and athletic achievements at the University of California in the fall.

See more of Jason’s story here:

http://www.news12.com/clip/14781133/scholar-athlete-jason-louser

Three DECA Students Qualify for International Career Development Conference

As they continue to develop skills for college and careers, 12 SWR High School students had an opportunity to represent the school at the DECA – Distributive Education Club of America – state career competition, recently held in Rochester, New York. Three students now qualify for the International Career Development Conference, which will take place in Orlando Florida in April.

Participating in various business events were Josh Aliberti, Gavin Barone, Nicholas Bettenhauser, Nicholas Cacciola, Max Cavoli, Phil Deluca, Nate Donohue, Owen Donohue, Peter Flanagan, Sean Franson, Camden Sisler and Jake Vogel. They were accompanied to the competition by business teacher and adviser Melissa Cosgrove.

“They all did an outstanding job and are an excellent representation of our school district,” Ms. Cosgrove said.

International conference qualifiers are Max Cavoli in the Elevate Leadership category, Camden Sisler for Start-up Business Plan category and Jake Vogel for the Professional Selling category.

Nicholas Bettenhauser, Phil Deluca and Christopher Simonette (who did not attend the state event) were also recognized for meeting the criteria as qualified members of the DECA National Honor Society.

DECA’s competitive events help to prepare high school and college leaders and entrepreneurs in all areas of business, including marketing, finance, hospitality and management. The students also acquire key leadership skills and the professional responsibilities of ethics, integrity and high standards.

Senior Performs at SCMEA Festival

Shoreham-Wading River High School student Vanessa DeRosso was invited to perform at the Suffolk County Music Educators’ Association Eugene Reichenthal Recorder Festival on March 16 at Brentwood High School.

Vanessa, a senior, led an alto recorder sectional with the students and performed a solo piece on recorder – Johann Sebastian Bach’s Badinerie – for a large and appreciative audience of parents and students.

“We are so proud that Vanessa was able to represent our district at this festival and congratulate her on her musical achievements,” said Shoreham-Wading River High School music teacher Ashley O’Connor.

Putting on their Thinking Caps

Putting on their Thinking Caps photo

High School students in Dr. Sherry Neff’s Human Physiology class have created models of brains as an introduction to the structure of this intriguing and complex organ. The visual creations will help in the learning process as the students have a more tangible way to understand the functions of the human brain.

BOE Honors Varsity Athletes

BOE Honors Varsity Athletes photo

The Shoreham-Wading River High School’s winter varsity sports teams were celebrated for their accomplishments at the March 12 Board of Education meeting in front of proud parents, siblings, administrators and community members.

Four out of seven winter varsity teams were recognized by New York State as Scholar-Athlete teams, designated by a team’s average GPA for 75 percent of the roster being greater than or equal to 90 percent. There were 124 varsity winter athletes and 61 of them maintained a 90 or higher GPA.

Students were named by Mark Passamonte, the district’s director of health, physical education, athletics and nurses, and each one present was gifted with a congratulatory Shoreham-Wading River School District commemorative pin by Superintendent of Schools Gerard Poole.

The Shoreham-Wading River School District commends the following students:

Girls Winter Track, Scholar-Athlete Team

* All-League: Nicole Garcia, Torre Parrinello and Lexie Smith.
* SWR MVP: Nicole Garcia.
* SWR Most Improved: Alicia Lopez.

Boys Winter Track

* All-League: Damien Caputo, Mike Casazza, Tyler Friedlander, Dylan Jung, Joe Tonetti, Blake Wehr and Adam Zelin.
* SWR Most Improved: Joe Tonetti.
* Co-SWR MVPs: Blake Wehr and Dylan Jung.

Boys Basketball

* All-League: Thomas Bell.
* All-Academic: Matt Cook.
* SWR MVP: Matt Cook.
* SWR Most Improved: Adam Gawreluk.

Girls Basketball, Scholar-Athlete Team

* All-League: Michele Corona, Abby Korzekwinski and Melissa Marchese.
* League V Rookie of the Year: Grace Ann Leonard.
* SWR MVP: Hayden Lachenmeyer.

Wrestling

* All-County: Jake Ekert, Craig Jablonski, Sean Miller, Wes Pase, Tristan Petretti and Eddie Troyano.

* SWR MVP: Eddie Troyano.
* SWR Most Improved: Sean Miller.

Cheerleading, Scholar-Athlete Team

* All-Division: Madison Borkowski.
* Academic All-County: Elizabeth Holden.

Boys Independent Swimming, Scholar-Athlete Team

* Jason Louser: All-County, All-State, All-American.
* Jason is the 200-yard individual medley and 500-yard freestyle county champion.
* Jason is the state champion in the 200-yard individual medley and 100-yard breast stroke (second year in a row winning state titles in these events).
* Jason has won five state titles in his career.

The district also congratulates scholar-athletes Rachel Biemer, Benjamin Carrier, Michael Casazza, Eilis Casey, Matthew Cerniglia, Matthew Cook, Michele Corona, Sophia Costello, Carlie Cutinella, Jack D’Andrea, Katelyn Dawson, Connor DeLumen, Eric Di Lisio, Tyler Friedlander, Nicole Garcia, Nicholas Giordano, Jacqueline Gosman, Megan Greene, Tyler Hawks, Elizabeth Holden, Connor Hughes, Craig Jablonski, Nina Kelban, Destiny Keshner, Tyler Kitchen, Abigail Korzekwinski, Hayden Lachenmeyer, John LaValle, GraceAnn Leonard, Jenna Lesiewicz, Francesca Lilly, Kelly Logan, Paul Loscalzo, Jason Louser, Austin Manghan, Melissa Marchese, Katlynn McGivney, Brooke McGuire, Kara McGuire, India McKay, Grace McMillan, Isabella Meli, Sean Miller, RoseMarie Minneci, Connor Mullahey, Colleen Ohrtman, Danielle Ohrtman, Margaret Panasci, Torre Parrinello, Sean Reagan, Erin Reilly, Tesia Roth, Stephanie Searing, Annie Sheehan, Camden Sisler, Alexandra Smith, Selene Tan, Eleanora Undrus, Christopher Vedder, Jacob Vogel and Adam Zelin.

Lunch with the Principal

Lunch with the Principal photo

Lunch with the Principal photo 2

Lunch with the Principal photo 3

At the Miller Avenue School PTO annual BINGO night, several fun experiences with teachers and staff members were raffled off. Some of the prizes included breakfast or lunch with teachers, reading a book to a class, making a craft with a teacher during recess, and even having a therapy dog visit the classroom! Congratulations to those students who enjoyed sharing their lunchtime with Principal Mrs. Christine Carlson!

Kindergarten: Mia Brand, Colbie Brown, Keira Holt, Emilie Neff and Jonathan Sarcone.

First Grade: Angela Accardi, Annabelle Kustin, Gianni Privatera and Angelo Rotavera.

Second Grade: Mason Brand, Gavin Gilligan, Camryn Guinther, Brooke Lewis, Gabriella Lien and Isabella McNeill.

Resignation of BOE Trustee Erin Hunt

“I regret to inform you that earlier last week I submitted my letter of resignation from the Shoreham-Wading River Central School District Board of Education. Over the past few years, I have had the privilege of serving our community in this voluntary role and have thoroughly enjoyed working with our administration and fellow residents to develop initiatives geared toward enhancing our district’s legacy of achievement. However, as a result of recent changes in my professional life, I will no longer be able to dedicate the time that this position requires and, more importantly, that our students and community deserve. Please know that I plan to continue to advocate for what is in the best for our students from the other side of the podium. Thank you for the opportunity to serve.” - Erin Hunt

New Dimensions to Learning

New Dimensions to Learning photo

Students in Prodell Middle School are learning to utilize a new 3D printer and are supplementing classroom lessons with Google Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality Expedition kits. The items were purchased with additional state funding from New York State Assemblyman Anthony Palumbo and are part of the District’s commitment to introducing students to progressive advances in technology.

As a continuation of their classroom experiences, students are visiting the state-of-the-art middle school library. There, they learn how to turn a digital model into a physical three-dimensional object by adding material a layer at a time using the 3D printer. Using the virtual reality kits, students can take up-close looks at historical places and the natural world.

Along with librarian Ann-Marie Kalin, students recently experienced an extensive tour of the White House without even leaving the building. They are also able to visit places like ancient Egypt, Pearl Harbor and rock formations in national parks, and are amazed to explore with these new tech tools.

“These are great tools to be able to go places we couldn’t normally go,” said eighth-grader Lilly Pion. “We can imagine things in a new way and it helps to remember that information.”

Understanding Complex, Academic Sources

Understanding Complex, Academic Sources photo

More than 80 Advanced Placement Seminar students from Shoreham-Wading River High School and Sayville High School came together for a day of collaboration and critical thinking in the two schools’ second annual Advanced Placement Seminar Stimulus Material Review Day. The goal of the daylong event was to better understand a set of complex, academic sources that the College Board releases every year and that students must incorporate into their research papers.

AP Seminar students listened to a presentation from SWR High School science teacher Dr. Sherry Neff on climate change and its scientific, economic, political and social implications. They then participated in a human conditioning experiment led by SWR High School AP Psychology teacher Ann Gianfalla. In addition, students participated in a series of breakout sessions where they worked together to analyze sources to generate possible research questions.

“It was so great to have the opportunity to work with students from another school and hear their ideas,” senior Alexa Ibrahim said. “Students mentioned things that I didn’t even think of, and I know this will give me more options to consider when coming up with a research project.”

‘The Resource Force’

‘The Resource Force’ photo

Students in Prodell Middle School were recently treated to a performance of “The Resource Force” by The National Theatre for Children.

Sponsored by PSEG, two professional actors performed the play, engaging the students through a series of improvisational comedy sketches while teaching about resources and energy conservation.

The sixth- and seventh-graders learned some tips on energy conservation, renewable and nonrenewable resources, and how resources are used to create energy and electricity. They were also taught the difference between energy conservation and energy efficiency and practical things that everyone can do to save energy.

Save The Date - The Wiz

wiz

Purchase tickets here:

https://www.greateventseats.com/AlbertGProdellMS

Enhancing Science Research Opportunities

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Excellence in education continues, as Shoreham-Wading River High School students engage in some exceptional STEM educational experiences with the recent addition of DNA analysis equipment being used in the Science Research program and Living Environment classes. The items – including gel electrophoresis apparatus, micropipets, a microcentrifuge and a thermocycler – were purchased with additional state funding from Sen. Kenneth LaValle. The new equipment helps to enhance the scientific lessons that our educators use and constantly challenge and captivate our students.

Catch The Wellness Wave! - March 30th

Attachments:

Click here to view the flyer

Prodell Student Leaders Address Board of Education

Prodell Student Council members had an opportunity to address the Board of Education at the Feb. 26 meeting. Introduced by Principal Kevin Vann as students who are very involved in promoting a positive school culture, Courtney Greene, Kayla Bodenburg and Matthew Cerniglia each had talking points about the monthly calendar of events they are involved with including Spirit Week and Red Ribbon Week activities, kindness programs and fundraising initiatives. Student Madison Zelin also took part in planning for the presentation.

The students work with adviser and school social worker Andrea Monz in introducing the many opportunities to other students in how to become involved in the school.

“The students are very excited to be a part of the Student Council,” Mr. Vann said. “Along with the leadership of Ms. Monz, who brings such passion and excitement to the activities they present to the school, the students add to the positive school culture and environment.”

Prodell Promotes Positive Choices During Wellness Week

Prodell Promotes Positive Choices During Wellness Week photo

Positive choices, healthy habits and a bit of fun were all part of Wellness Week at Prodell Middle School.

Coordinated by the physical education department, the week started with an assembly on cyberbullying and diversity and proceeded with daily fun activities in physical education classes, including country line dancing, mindfulness, kickboxing and yoga. PTO members brought in lunches with nutritious and healthy food. Wellness Week allows students to experience different fitness and health-related activities with the goal of having students learn to be more emotionally and physically well

According to physical education teacher Allison DeMarco, the students were encouraged by the theme of “to be healthy as a whole, mental wellness plays a role.”

To culminate the mental health unit, the students participated in hands-on relaxation stations where they worked on crosswords and other puzzles, coloring and clay work and guided meditation.

The school thanks community members Melissa DelGuidice and Michele Loesch; secretary Rosalie Burke and teachers Katie Peters and Melissa Stallone for their involvement in making the program a success.

National Foreign Language Week

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This week is “National Foreign Language” week and Shoreham-Wading River is celebrating at SWR High School and Prodell Middle School for the next two weeks! In addition to classroom activities, fun facts over the PA system, a Pulsera Project fundraiser and music from various countries, some high school students produced short videos to share with you! Visit again for more!

Monday’s SWR High School video in American Sign Language: https://safeYouTube.net/w/IB0j
Tuesday’s SWR High School video in French: https://safeYouTube.net/w/xq3j
Thursday’s SWR High School video in Chinese: https://safeYouTube.net/w/9IDj
Friday’s SWR High School video in Russian: https://safeYouTube.net/w/0XIj

Sharing Methods of Inquiry and Presentation with BOE Members

Sharing Methods of Inquiry and Presentation with BOE Members photo

Prodell Middle School students had an opportunity to share some of their classroom lessons and accomplishments with the Board of Education at the Feb. 26 meeting. Seventh-graders Alex Zhang, Alexandria Kall and Kathryn Winters spoke about the Methods of Inquiry and Presentation course under the leadership of social studies teacher Danielle Senneca. The students shared the unique curriculum and the process of G-Suite and its evolution into a robust platform for collaboration among students, teachers and school librarian Ann-Marie Kalin.

Plaque Dedication at Prodell

The District recently held a walkthrough and plaque dedication at the Middle School to provide the Board of Education, district administrators and the community with an overview of the school’s recently completed and upcoming projects.

Following an introduction by Superintendent of Schools Gerard Poole and a historical account of the school and its past updates by Director of Facilities Angelo Andreotti, Principal Kevin Vann gave a guided tour that highlighted recently completed updates and enhancements. The walkthrough was an opportunity for those present to hear about new security measures, including the double-lock security vestibule system and the protective bollards in front of the building, as well as various upgrades throughout the building.

Highlights were the newly renovated main office suite, the fully enclosed library/media center with touchscreens, an inviting makerspace and new lighting. In addition, Mr. Vann pointed out that new enclosed walls present spaces to showcase student artwork. Other highlights were the new ADA-compliant lift for students with difficulties navigating the stairway to the band and chorus stage, a revamped music room with a new ceiling, the new sound system in the auditorium, and a new floor and motorized bleachers in the gym. The tour culminated with a plaque dedication outside the new kitchen and cafeteria addition, which was also a part of the 2015 voter-approved capital project bond referendum.

Congratulations!

Attachments:

SWR State Swimming Champ Article

Promoting Purpose and Pride

Promoting Purpose and Pride photo

Students and staff members had an opportunity to listen to nationally recognized motivational speaker Rohan Murphy at the High School’s winter pep rally. His message was so inspiring that he also came back to the district and presented an assembly program on overcoming adversity to sixth-graders at the Middle School.

Born with a physical disability, Mr. Murphy showed his spirit and determination at a young age before becoming a star wrestler for East Islip High School and an exceptional athlete and graduate of Penn State University. He shared that his positive attitude and work to overcome many challenges in his life were powered by his goals, motivation and perseverance.

Mr. Murphy’s inspirational speeches have been featured in numerous national publications and he appeared in a Nike commercial to motivate people to create a healthy lifestyle.

Sponsored by the Wildcat Athletic Club, Mr. Murphy shared some of his daily exercise routines and winning wrestling moves. Numerous students gravitated to him after his speech to share their own experiences and appreciation for his encouraging words.

When High School Principal Mr. Frank Pugliese thanked Mr. Murphy for his talk, he echoed the sentiments that were presented to the students, reminding them to not let obstacles get it their way and to keep moving forward.

SWR Students Motivated by Music!

SWR Students Motivated by Music photo

Twenty-three string students from throughout the School District were selected to perform in the Intermediate and Secondary Long Island String Festival concerts recently held at Hauppauge High School and St. John the Baptist High School, respectively. Students were selected along with others from across Suffolk County on a competitive basis with New York State School Music Association scores as the main criteria along with teacher recommendations.

Wading River School students Jacob Adams, Maxwell Boerum, Sophie Gunther, Ray Hidaka, Emily Kall, Megan Pendzik, Branon Smith and Terence Winters were accompanied by music teacher Erin Fasano at the Intermediate rehearsals and concert, as were Albert G. Prodell Middle School student-performers Shiqi Cheng, Sean Dany, Sienna Faragasso, Yiya Hu, Kerrin McGuire, Caroline Panasci, Katelyn Schaefer and Dongkai Zhang, who were accompanied by music teacher Fred Volz.

High School student-musicians, accompanied by music teacher Ashley O’Connor, who performed at the Suffolk Secondary rehearsals and concerts are Natalie Acker, Grace Delseni, Sarah Kruzynski, Mika Misawa, Stephanie Searing, Kayee Thomsen and Christopher Wygonik.

“Congratulations to the students for showing consistent effort and putting in the hard work to be selected as Suffolk County's finest young string musicians,” said music teacher Fred Volz. “It is a real honor to play and the students and parents should be proud that their work has been rewarded.”

The district congratulates these talented students for their hard work, dedication and musical participation.

Tri-M Students Share Talents in the Community

Tri-M Students Share Talents in the Community photo

The students of the High School Tri-M Music Honor Society have been making monthly visits to AHRC Shoreham to perform music for the residents and staff.

Thanks to students Nicolette Tingo, Emma Longboat, Michael Kruzynski, Alexander Kravchenko, and Justin Stuart (in photo) as well as Daniel Julian, Mika Misawa, Joshua Stumm and Christopher Wygonik for sharing their musical talents with the greater community.

“The performances have been extremely well received, and students will continue to visit the facility each month throughout the rest of the school year,” said music teacher Ashley O’Connor.

Creativity and collaboration in High School’s Makerspace

Creativity and collaboration in High School’s Makerspace photo

High School students took some time for creative play when library media specialist Kristine Hanson hosted a day-long technology fair in the library.

The collaborative workspace encourages students to explore their interests and learn to use tools and materials to develop innovative projects. During the fair, students had the opportunity to build simple machines and apply their own ideas and imagination to create other simple, maker-inspired projects.

“We had many students using the makerspace equipment for the first time,” Mrs. Hanson said. “Our goal was simply to share what we have available to the students. We don’t have all of the equipment, gadgets and robots out all of the time, but we wanted them to know they could ask for them. We’ve already had more students requesting to use equipment like the green screen, the 3-D printer and the button maker.”

The popular place is also encouraging teamwork as students gain the skills of communication, collaboration and problem-solving, important requirements for working in makerspaces.

The Science and Art of Bubbles

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Students at Miller Avenue were treated to a performance of Bubblemania recently to kick off the introduction to the school’s annual Science Fair. Students learned the scientific facts and experienced demonstrations of the magic of bubbles with world-renowned professional bubble-ologist Casey Carle. The assembly event helped to reinforce science concepts including chemistry, elasticity, surface tension and light. Students had the opportunity to learn by engaging in observation, experimentation, investigation and discovery.

Exploring Technology Careers

Exploring Technology Careers photo

Shoreham-Wading River High School technology students recently attended a facility tour of Dayton T. Brown in Bohemia. The field trip was an opportunity to explore the engineering technologies used in testing the features of items such as products, vehicle seat belts, aircraft and more.

Students were provided with contact information so that they could apply for internships as college undergraduates. “They were excited to hear many of the interns who were accepted to Dayton T. Brown are currently employed by them today,” technology teacher Nicholas Vertucci said, referring to the engineers, technicians, technical writers, logisticians and production specialists and others who have productive careers at the facility.

#SWRPROUD

cheer photo

The Shoreham-Wading River High School varsity cheerleading squad recently competed at the UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship in Small Varsity Division II in Orlando, Florida. Competing against teams from all over the country, this is the third time in SWR’s program history that the team qualified for a championship bid and the first time they executed their routine with zero deductions in points, increasing their score by 20.6 from previous years. We congratulate their determination and teamwork in representing the District’s exceptional sports program! See their routine here:

Read more about their accomplishments here.

Catch the Wellness Wave!

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SWR’s Outdoor Classroom

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Shoreham-Wading River High School Science Research 2 students have a real-world laboratory right outside the school’s doors where they spent time collecting mushrooms and mosses for their work with the Barcode Long Island project, a study of Long Island’s unique, dynamic natural environment. They also worked to take a sediment core in the pond for the sediment chemistry analysis project at the Brookhaven National Laboratory’s NSLS-II to identify any heavy or trace metals that may be present in the sediment of the pond due to the runoff from the surrounding area.

Student Support Counselor Welcomed

Student Support Counselor Welcomed photo

The Shoreham-Wading River School District is pleased to welcome Nancy Kloska as the new Student Support Counselor as part of the counseling staff at Prodell Middle School and Shoreham-Wading River High School. A certified School Counselor, Ms. Kloska was the Before and After-Care Director for Shoreham-Wading River Schools, a position held through the North Shore Youth Council. Her vast experience gives her access to a wide range of resources and referrals for students and their families. She is available after school hours to meet with, counsel and advocate for Prodell students on Tuesdays and Fridays from 1:30-4:30 p.m. and SWR High School students on Mondays and Thursdays from 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Critical Thinking and Collaboration

Critical Thinking and Collaboration 1

Students in Shoreham-Wading River High School’s Living Environment course worked through breakout boxes, creating 3-D models of the DNA double helix for a DNA structure and function lesson. The students, under the guidance of science teacher Dana Schaefer, also created “mitosis cookies,” that were used as a model and an assessment on the stages of mitosis. The lesson involved students randomly choosing two stages of mitosis out of a hat and representing the chromosomes and other cellular features using sprinkles and frosting.

Talk of Tesla at Prodell History Club

Talk of Tesla at Prodell History Club photo

The Albert G. Prodell Middle School National History Club welcomed Mr. Neil Baggett from the Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe on Jan. 23. Prodell Middle School seventh-grader Carly Mulroy interviewed Mr. Baggett for her research on Nikola Tesla for her National History Day project.

Mr. Baggett serves on the Board of Directors of the Shoreham-based organization that serves as a regional science, education and technology center at the site of Tesla’s last existing laboratory.

Carly and students Allie Kall and Alex Zhang (seventh-grade) and eighth-graders Natalie Casey, Melanie Hagen, Anja Minty and Aaron Russell will take part in the 2019 National History Day competition at Hofstra University on Sunday, March 31. This year’s theme is Triumph and Tragedy.

“As the students learned of the legacy that Tesla left, they are also learning that the hard work that they are putting into their research projects will culminate in participating in this distinguished competition,” club adviser and social studies teacher Danielle Senneca said. “I am proud of their efforts and enthusiasm for the project.”

Statistical Analysis Methods for Research Students

Statistical Analysis Methods for Research Students photo

As part of Shoreham-Wading River’s School-to-Community Program, Dr. Richard Morgan, Graduate Program Director of Stony Brook University’s School of Social Welfare and Clinical Associate Professor, presented to AP Capstone Research students on statistical analysis methods. In the course, students investigate a single, self-selected research question throughout the year, compose an academic paper, and present and defend their research to a panel. Dr. Morgan presented to the class on univariate analysis vs. bivariate analysis and returned a few days later to conference individually with students on their data collection and interpretation methods.

Authentic Language, Authentic Learning

Authentic Language, Authentic Learning photo

Shoreham-Wading River High School World Languages teacher Maryanne Agius was selected as a recipient of a New Teacher Conference Mentor Scholarship to attend the 65th annual Northeast Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. The conference – slated for Feb. 7–9 in Manhattan – will be three days of discussions, workshops, sessions, exhibits, speeches and awards, which reflect the general trends, interests and needs of its constituents. She was one of only 25 scholarship recipients for new teachers in the entire Northeast.

Providing a forum for language educators from Maine to Virginia, the conference will be an opportunity for Agius to gather resources and ideas to bring back to Shoreham-Wading River for colleagues and students.

In addition to registration and a pre-conference workshop, Agius will also be paired with an experienced teacher who is a veteran conference attendee who will support and strategize with her about what sessions to attend, etc. She will also meet with the scholarship sponsors, Vista Higher Learning and the Language Regional Bilingual Educational Resource Network at New York University, as well as network with other scholarship recipients.

“She is a dedicated and hardworking teacher, quite deserving of this award,” said Nicole Waldbauer, the district’s Director of Humanities, who recognized and congratulated her for the accomplishment at a recent Board of Education meeting.

Mindfulness in Motion

Mindfulness in Motion photo

Miller Avenue School students experienced a fresh and intriguing approach to both physical exercise and mental exercise with an interactive program with teaching artists Beth and Scott and Friends. The fun included mindful moving, yoga postures, collaborative dances, learning to belly breathe, listening to singing bowls and embodying various emotional moods with the use of world and popular music. The program’s mission is in line with the District’s Social-Emotional Learning opportunities.

An exploration of Native American History

An exploration of Native American History photo

Fourth-graders at Wading River School expanded their lessons on Native American studies in a unique hands-on arts-in-education program. The visiting program “Journey into American Indian Territory” taught them about the Iroquois culture whose lives were vividly recreated through stories and numerous artifacts.

AP Students Review Peers’ Draft Research

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Shoreham-Wading River High School students in Advanced Placement Capstone Seminar and AP Capstone Research came together recently in the high school library to peer review AP Seminar students’ draft research papers before they are submitted to the College Board.

“It was a great night of students conferencing and collaborating to help one another improve their writing,” English teacher Ed Storck said. More than 40 students worked in small teams with at least one AP Research student who completed the course last year and helped provide important insight and suggestions. Each team received specialized training so that they became experts on their assigned row of the research paper rubric.

The innovative diploma program equips students with the independent research, collaborative teamwork and communication skills that are increasingly valued by colleges.

AP Students Make Bacteria Glow

ap biopic

Students in Shoreham-Wading River High School’s Advance Placement biology class are examining many scientific topics and were excited with their latest lab project: making bacteria glow. Working with teacher Sherry Neff, they transformed the bacteria with a plasmid that contained the luciferase gene, which originates from bacteria that live in the light organ of the fish Monocentric japonicus, commonly known as the pineapple fish. According to Neff, the luciferase gene was originally cloned at Stony Brook University. A similar gene is what causes bioluminescence in fireflies.

SWaRt Café!

The Shoreham-Wading River High School art department and its students recently hosted the first SWaRt Café (SWR Art Café) before the small ensembles musical performance.

“This art show was a chance for our art students to showcase what they do best - engage in artwork with the idea of sharing what they know and love with their fellow students,” art teacher Jason Andria said.

A number of stations were set up including the “Quickdraw Challenge” inviting students to draw the first thing that came to their mind with a two-minute timer. Marbling, watercolor techniques, kinetic art, and a mini collage were some of the other stations where students could sample some new materials and produce something they could take home. There was a great turnout for the show and enthusiastic participation from the students, family members and teachers. “We plan to continue to do this each year and will consider setting up an additional art event aside from our annual art show in May,” Andria added.

In the News!

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