Shoreham-Wading River Central School District

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Sparking Energy Efficiency

Sparking Energy Efficiency photo

Using live performance as an education tool was a powerful way for students at Miller Avenue Elementary School to learn about energy and ways to conserve it when The National Theatre for Children presented “The Conservation Caper.”

Sponsored by PSEG, actors from the theater company entertained the students while teaching them how their energy choices can help or harm the environment. The interactive show was a supplement to the school’s lessons in science, literacy and the arts.

In the News!

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Championing Abilities and Strengths

Championing Abilities and Strengths photo

Members of the High School’s Best Buddies program held a “Match Party” to match students who have intellectual or developmental disabilities with a peer to help become integrated into the school community. Using riddles such as “this is where you would use your artistic skills,” or “this is where you are greeted when you are hungry,” students set off in the school to head to the art room or cafeteria to meet their match. Commended for their uniqueness and kindness, this year’s Best Buddies will strengthen their friendships throughout the year.

HS Boosts 2 Mathematical Scholars

HS Boosts 2 Mathematical Scholars photo

As a result of their dedication and high performance in mathematics, two students from the high school have each been named a Long Island Scholar of Mathematics.

Sophomore Mika Misawa and freshman Selene Tan were accepted into a special program by the Institute of Creative Problem Solving for Gifted and Talented Students at SUNY Old Westbury.

The duo will join 85 students selected by the Institute out of approximately 500 top-ranking student applicants. Their placement was earned by the recommendations of math teacher Ellen Fraser, a written statement from each student and high scores on a rigorous entrance exam.

Students in the program attend 50 hours of instruction over the course of 20 Saturday mornings. The curriculum covers topics including algebra, geometry, discrete math and number theory.

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American History Live at SWR HS

American History Live at SWR HS photo

Pride and patriotism were part of an early Veterans Day assembly, when social studies students welcomed USCG Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Delaney, who is now a Suffolk County corrections officer and an advocate for mental health funding for veterans with PTSD. The assembly was coordinated by teacher Ruth Squillace with assistance from her third period Participation in Government class. The seniors helped secure breakfast food donations for the guests, decorated for the event and created the educational materials for the 11th grade US History and Government students in attendance. Members of the Long Island Chapter of the Patriot Guard, Long Island Chapter of Rolling Thunder, Operation Veronica, Congressman Lee Zeldin and local VFW members were invited guests.

In a cross-curricular endeavor, the junior class, under the coordination of English teachers Jean Branna, Sara Trenn, and Ed Storck, read “The Things They Carried,” about American soldiers in the Vietnam War and in turn collected and carried to the assembly approximately 200 shoeboxes of items including M&Ms, K-Cups, hand and foot warmers and Power Bars for Operation Veronica, which ships them to American troops who are serving overseas.

Red Ribbon Promises at Prodell

Red Ribbon Promises at Prodell photo

With a week of activities, pledges, clothing themes and a poster contest, Prodell Middle School students put great effort into this year’s Red Ribbon Week, a nationally observed alcohol, tobacco, drugs and violence prevention awareness campaign.

Student council members created an informative PowerPoint presentation with information on Red Ribbon Week’s history and anti-bullying references, resiliency and choices in life, and clothing themes for the event included red clothing or hearts for “I Love Me, I am Drug Free Day,” favorite jerseys for “Team Up Against Tobacco/Vaping Alcohol and Drugs Day,” Halloween costumes for “Spook Away Day” neon colors for “Too bright for Drugs Day” and hats/caps for “Put a cap on Tobacco/Vaping, Alcohol and Drugs Day.” They also attended lectures by guest speakers Dr. Andrew Clair, who spoke on the dangers of tobacco and vaping, and Nancy Ward, an officer with the Suffolk County Police Department.

Musical Mastery

Musical Mastery photo

The High School’s exceptional music program caught the attention of SUNY Fredonia School of Music faculty members who contacted music teacher Ashley O’Connor and inquired about working with the orchestra students. Three members of Fredonia’s string faculty – Natasha Farny, David Rose and Maureen Yuen – were welcomed to SWR where dozens of students enjoyed a performance by the guest artists, along with master classes for violin, viola, cello, and bass led by the professors. Several high school students performed in the master class and received constructive feedback and helpful comments on how to improve their performance technique.

District Profile Video

11/21 Early Dismissal Drill

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Promoting Positive Perceptions

Promoting Positive Perceptions photo

Wading River School students welcomed a special guest when internationally known motivational speaker and advocate Becky Curran visited the school as part of the District’s DASA initiatives.

Ms. Curran grew up participating in many sports such as sailing, skiing, soccer and swimming, graduated college and lives an inspired life. Born with achondroplasia, a genetic disorder that results in dwarfism, she was taught from a very young age to keep a positive outlook on life.

Her visit to the school was voluntary and she encouraged an open dialogue with the 4-6 grade students. She answered some heartwarming questions – including issues with bullying, if she has difficulties driving or watching a movie and even the scientific name of her genetic disorder. She encouraged the students to establish goals and work hard to accomplish them and to accept others for their perceived differences.

Her lifelong independent spirit was evident when she suggested that if they see someone struggling, to not just assume that they need to do something for them.

“Just offer to help,” she said.

VIDEO: Chess In Concert

Smart School Investment Plan

Below is a presentation on the District’s proposed Smart School Investment Plan. Community residents are invited to share feedback on this proposal through Nov. 27. Messages can be addressed to Mr. Alan Meinster, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment at ameinster@swr.k12.ny.us.

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Click here to view the Plan

Strategic Planning Survey

The Shoreham-Wading River Central School District Board of Education has begun a strategic planning process. It is intended that this process will result in a succinct set of measurable goals for improving the school district over five years beginning in 2019-2020, which reflect the input of school district stakeholders.

YOUR ASSISTANCE IS REQUESTED BY COMPLETING THIS BRIEF SURVEY BEFORE NOVEMBER 30, 2018.

Survey Link
www.surveymonkey.com/r/swrplan

Your responses will be anonymous. Thank you for taking the time to help plan a successful educational future for Shoreham-Wading River students.

Following this initial survey approach to gaining such input, focus groups and/or open meetings will be held to gain more specific input on the development of goals for the five-year plan. If you are interested in participating in these meetings, please email Mary Luhrs @ mluhrs@swr.k12.ny.us from the Superintendent’s Office with your contact information.

Middle School Math Master

Middle School Math Master photo

As a result of her dedication and high performance in mathematics, eighth-grader Anja Minty has been named a Long Island Scholar of Mathematics. She was accepted into a special program by the Institute of Creative Problem Solving for Gifted and Talented Students at SUNY Old Westbury.

Her placement was earned by the recommendation Prodell Middle School math teacher Robert Mancuso, a written statement and a high score on a rigorous entrance exam.

Anja will be among just 85 students selected by the Institute and attend 50 hours of instruction over the course of 20 Saturday mornings. The curriculum covers topics including algebra, geometry, discrete math and number theory.

“Anja is, and will be, a life-long learner,” Mr. Mancuso said. “She is incredibly dedicated to her studies and is always looking for ways to push herself. I am very proud of her selection and participation in this program.”

Color-coded Character Counts!

Color-coded Character Counts photo

The weeklong colorful “Character Counts,” encouraged good deeds from the students at Miller Avenue and Wading River as they showed off their respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship by wearing yellow, green, orange, red and purple, respectively, each day to reinforce those character traits. They ended the week by wearing mismatched socks in recognition of the national “Million Misfit Sock Match.”

A Heartfelt Thanks to Our Board of Education

A Heartfelt Thanks to Our Board of Education photo

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The Shoreham-Wading River High School auditorium was filled with parents, children, administrators and community members to celebrate the tireless efforts of members of the Board of Education during the New York State School Boards Association’s School Board Recognition Week.

Student representatives and principals from all schools in the district were in attendance. Gifts and a poem from students from Miller Avenue Elementary School were presented to the Board members; Wading River Elementary School students created a large poster that read “THANK YOU;” Prodell Middle School students joined librarian Ann-Marie Kalin to share their excitement and appreciation for the completion of the Middle School library and two students from the High School gave their thanks when they spoke of their positive experiences and important programs and services that the Board supports for the District.

Realtors Breakfast Success

Realtors Breakfast Success photo

Thank you to all of our students and staff who joined us at the Realtors Breakfast. A special thanks to talented Wading River School students Gianna Ruggero and Charles Tacke for bringing their patriotic voices to the event and Prodell musicians (in photo) eighth-graders Sean Dany and Anja Minty, both on violin; sixth-grader Kerrin McGuire on cello and eighth-grader Shiqi Cheng on viola. They performed Bach’s Gavotte 1 & 2 for our guests.

Wildcats Raise Thousands for Charitable Cause

Wildcats Raise Thousands for Charitable Cause photo

Wildcats Raise Thousands for Charitable Cause photo 2

The SWR School District community once again showed its pride and shared its generous spirit as they supported the Wildcats boys and girls soccer teams’ recent fundraiser. The event, which brought out hundreds of community members and was sponsored by many who donated raffle prizes, was held to benefit the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation and raise money for the families of the airmen of the Westhampton Beach-based 106th rescue wing who were killed in a crash in March.

More than $9,000 was raised for the organization.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation raises money to support military servicemen, first responders and their families. It was created to honor firefighter Stephen Siller who died in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The memorable story of his heroism in carrying his gear on his back through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to help others is his legacy.

Perfect Score in AP Studio Art for Alums!

Perfect Score in AP Studio Art for Alums photo

Shoreham-Wading River High School students in the Advanced Placement Studio Art: Drawing and AP Studio Art: 2D Design classes submitted their portfolios for review at the end of the 2018 academic year and all received scores of passing or better as well as college credit for the course. Two of the 2018 graduates, Olivia Acuna (front row, center) and Danielle Amato (back row, left) both received a perfect score of five out of five.

The courses, taught by art teacher Jason Andria, are designed for students who are interested in the practical experience of art and correspond to common college foundation courses. The elements and principles of design as well as the sophisticated use of all media are studied. The works involved concentrated dimensional forms as well as historical background. In addition to Olivia and Danielle, Mr. Andria worked with students Sara Benincasa, Meghan Hromada, Samantha Hunt, Meghan Logan and Sarah Parker, offering critiques and encouraging them to fully demonstrate and clarify their ideas and personal goals.

Miller Avenue Walkthrough and Plaque Dedication

Miller Avenue Walkthrough and Plaque Dedication photo

Miller Avenue Elementary School recently held a walkthrough for the Board of Education, conducted jointly by Principal Christine Carlson and Superintendent for Finance and Operations Glen Arcuri.

The Board members had an opportunity to hear about the new security measures including the Raptor system, scanning system and new phone system in place. They then toured the building and saw the newly renovated ADA compliant bathrooms, lockdown features in classrooms, casework, lighting and ceiling improvements and areas and rooms identified in the building that are in need of improvement or repair in the future.

The tour continued outside to the new bus loop and safety bollards and improved recess capacity. Mrs. Carlson made mention of the new picnic tables and bank of swings generously donated by the PTO.

A plaque unveiling for the additions and alterations that took place as a result of the 2015 voter-approved capital project bond referendum was conducted by Superintendent of Schools Gerard Poole following the tour.

A student perspective for BOE

A student perspective for BOE photo

SWR High School senior Brennan Gorman will represent his peers as the ex-officio student member of the Board of Education.

Brennan will serve a one-year term as the student board member and will attend regular meetings with the elected board members where he will present his report of activities and events at the high school. He was elected to the position by submitting an application to the administration.

As the voice of his peers Brennan is looking forward to being the student liaison.

“I want to bring a student perspective to the Board of Education,” he said. “I hope my experience will help achieve a more positive environment for our students.”

In addition to his new role as a nonvoting Board of Education representative and being a successful, well-rounded student, Brennan is the senior class president, student government president, chapter president of Best Buddies, vice president of the Tri-M Honor Society and a member of the National Honor Society. He is also part of the school’s Natural Helpers program. A musician, he plays baritone saxophone in both the pit orchestra and the jazz band. He is also a thrower on the track and field team, is on the varsity soccer team and plays club soccer with the Sound Beach Stampede team. In his spare time, he volunteers with Special Olympics and for the second consecutive year, will help out at the local annual Patriot Run.

College Connections!

College Connections photo

SWR High School students had an opportunity to meet with representatives from dozens of colleges and universities from around the country at the High School’s College Day event this week.

From state universities to private four-year liberal arts undergraduate colleges, the students were encouraged to ask questions to the admissions counselors, find out about sports and campus activities and get set on their way reach their academic and life goals.

“Safety Sally” drives an important message

“Safety Sally” drives an important message photo

“Safety Sally” drives an important message photo 2

Miller Avenue School and Wading River School students were reminded of key bus safety tips and lessons during an interactive bus program recently provided at the schools.

“Safety Sally,” a program offered by BOCES transportation services, taught the students bus stop behavior, boarding and exiting a school bus properly and demonstrations in seatbelt use and proper seating while on the bus. They watched an educational video, took part in a question and answer session, also learned about danger zones, universal crossing signals and emergency bus drills before finishing their visit with an adult-assisted evacuation out of the back of the bus. Each student was also presented with reinforcement materials to share with their families and friends.

Strengthening Defenses!

Strengthening Defenses photo

SWR High School sophomores Christopher Mandleur and Matthew Sperling work on the fundamentals of chess strategies during a competitive game in the High School library’s Makerspace.

It’s a Fact – Prodell Library is a Place of Educational Engagement!

It’s a Fact – Prodell Library is a Place of Educational Engagement photo

Albert G. Prodell Middle School’s library’s internal redesign includes more instructional space, modern overhead lighting and new circulation desks. Among many others, eighth-graders Juliana Lautato, Jilianna Luck and Melanie Hagen worked with librarian Ann-Marie Kalin to help organize the space for the school year.

“Students and staff are energized to explore, learn, read, create and grow in our newly renovated space,” Ms. Kalin said. The engaging library promotes a myriad of opportunities with two TouchScreen instruction areas streamlining the school’s integration of Virtual Reference Collection databases and other technologies, enhanced MakerSpace with high-tech engineering challenges in Robotics, 3D printing and clever crafting opportunities.

Ms. Kalin is also excited that because the library is at the heart of the school, the engaging new space and the popular BIG Reads program continues to cultivate a community of readers throughout the building.

Library Lessons

Library Lessons photo

Kerri Anderson’s class were among all the Miller Avenue Elementary School’s kindergarten students who visited the North Shore Public Library recently. They learned how the library can enhance what they learn in the classroom, recited nursery rhymes with puppets and learned how to take care of books that are borrowed. Each child was also presented with a Dr. Seuss goodie bag that held a nursery rhyme book they created, and those with library cards checked out a favorite book to read at home.

Two Seniors Recognized as Commended Students

Two Seniors Recognized as Commended Students photo

The Shoreham Wading-River Central School District is pleased to announce that two high school seniors have been designated as Commended Students in the 2018 National Merit Scholarship Program.

For demonstrating outstanding potential for academic success, David Brown and Mahdi Rashidzada both received Letters of Commendation for the National Merit Scholarship Program. They, along with 1.6 million other entrants, took the qualifying Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

Both young men are very involved in all aspects of their high school careers. David, who loves an academic challenge has taken numerous AP courses. He is also an athlete, participating on both the football team and baseball team. His kind spirit has led him to become a member of the school’s Natural Helpers and NEXUS clubs. He spends time free time after school and on weekends volunteering for various local organizations including the Riverhead Animal Shelter and Shoreham-Wading River’s Patriot Run.

Mahdi has taken six AP courses since he moved to the district in his sophomore year. He is a member of the high school’s debate team, Mathletes, Quiz Bowl and track team. He is involved in his church as a Sunday School teacher, volunteers at Stony Brook University Hospital and was involved in St. Joseph’s College’s microbiology research program for high school students to help him prepare for advanced-level college work.

Congratulations Mahdi and David on this achievement!

SWR Celebrates AP Scholars

SWR Celebrates AP Scholars photo

As a result of their scholastic dedication and performance, 77 current and recent graduates of Shoreham-Wading River High School have been recognized by the College Board as AP Scholars.

The designation was given in recognition of each student’s demonstration of exceptional college-level achievement through their performance on national AP exams. Of the current seniors, 13 were named AP Scholars, five earned the recognition of AP Scholar with Honor, six were named as an AP Scholar with Distinction and two were named National AP Scholars.

To earn a Scholar recognition, students are required to score a 3 or higher on three or more AP exams; to be recognized as a Scholar with Honor, students must earn a 3.25 on all AP exams taken and grades of 3 or higher on four or more of those exams; and for a Scholar with Distinction award, students must receive an average score of 3.5 on all AP exams and grades of 4 or higher on five or more of these exams. The National AP Scholar recognition is for students who receive an average score of at least 4 on all AP exams taken.

AP Scholar
Sara Acerra, Nicholas Bettenhauser, David Brown, Kaitlyn Cassidy, Eric DiLisio, Alexa Ibrahim, Trevor Johanessen, Danielle Ohrtman, Leah Roth, Brandon Safranek, Zana Sawas, Anna Strack and Kyle West.

AP Scholar with Honor
Declan Beran, Sophia Mastrangelo, Katlynn McGivney, Erin Reilly and Zachary Roff.

AP Scholar with Distinction
Eric DiLisio, Kathleen Loscalzo, Carolyn Merced, Julia Petreczky, Mahdi Rashidzada and Joe Tonetti.

National AP Scholar
Andrew Honold and Mahdi Rashidzada.

The students recognized are current seniors Sara Acerra, Declan Beran, Nicholas Bettenhauser, David Brown, Kaitlyn Cassidy, Eric DiLisio, Andrew Honold, Alexa Ibrahim, Trevor Johanessen, Kathleen Loscalzo, Sophia Mastrangelo, Katlynn McGivney, Carolyn Merced, Danielle Ohrtman, Julia Petreczky, Mahdi Rashidzada, Erin Reilly, Zachary Roff, Leah Roth, Brandon Safranek, Zana Sawas, Anna Strack, Joe Tonetti and Kyle West.

Class of 2018 graduates were also recognized with the distinction. They are Alexander Bakos, Ethan Baumack, Noah Block, Campbell Brant, Brittany Breuer, Isabella Burke, Keyi Chen, William Christine, Jacqueline Colalillo, Jack Crowley, John Cushing, Lindsay Deegan, Jillian Dinowitz, Brian Drost, Valerie Facini, Jenna Friedman, Kara Gately, Zachary Giller, Emily Goldstein, Julia Green, Emily Hassid, Timothy Ibrahim, Sonia Joseph, Lydia Kessel, Nicole Klein, Patrick Lane, Raymond LaPorte, Katherine Lee, Maegan Letscher, Emma Loscalzo, Michelle Maloney, Kerry Mannix, Amy Marigliano, Conor McAuliffe, Alec McCarthy, Jordan McClintock, Michael Melandro, Alexandra Meli, Harry Mikros, Matthew Moran, Carley Nicoletti, Emily Niski, Cheyenne Roth, Joseph Sauerbrun, Grace Schepis, Calvin Schmalzle, Kendall Sicari, Michelle Steimel, Sarah Tedesco, Amanda Tepper, Eloise Tuell, Christian Wesselborg and Tyler Wynkoop.

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State Recognition for Student-Musicians

State Recognition for Student-Musicians photo

SWR High School students Sophia Mastrangelo and Christopher Wygonik will be among the finest musicians across New York State when they participate in the New York State School Music Association All-State Winter Conference in Rochester from Nov. 29-Dec. 2.

Sophia was selected for the treble choir and Christopher was selected for the string orchestra. Both students will perform at the All-State Concert in Kodak Hall at the Eastman School of Music.

Students selected as alternates to the various NYSSMA instrumental ensembles are Brett Callagy, viola, Edward Troyano, multiple percussion, and Christopher Wygonik, trombone. Sarah Cain, Rianna Lotito, Justin Stuart and Christopher Wygonik were selected as alternates for the choirs.

Each year approximately 6,500 high school students prepare a New York State School Music Association solo in hopes of being considered for a spot in one of the All-State Honors Ensembles. The rigorous process for selecting an All-State musician includes teacher recommendations, audition scores at the NYSSMA solo evaluation festival and participation in other performing organizations.

This concert is a culminating performance of not only the hours of work the students will spend in rehearsal in Rochester, but of years of practice and lessons in their chosen field of study.

The entire Shoreham-Wading River School District congratulates these students on this recognition.

Cultivating Compassion

Cultivating Compassion photo

Third-grade students in Jill Stevenson’s and Jennifer Simicich’s class started the school year getting to know their new routines and classmates. One of their first projects together was an introduction to the Kindness Rocks Project, a popular trend in which people paint simple messages or create festive artwork onto rocks and place them for others to find.

“This simple project for our students actually has a dual purpose,” said Ms. Stevenson, “to share compassion with others and bring joy to themselves.”

In addition to sharing them in their classroom, the students will work to broaden their reach of cultivating compassion by placing the rocks around the school building and playground. The colorful words of encouragement will also be added to their “rock garden” throughout the year.