Huntington Expects 4,200 Students on the First Day of School
After more than two months of summer vacation, about 4,200 students are set to return to Huntington School District classrooms next Wednesday, September 3 as the doors to eight school buildings swing open. District officials said everything is in place for the youngsters to dive right into their studies and related activities.
“Our buildings and staff members will be ready,” Huntington Superintendent John J. Finello said. “It should be an excellent year.” The district has several dozen new teachers support staff members, along with a new director of science. Each building has been completely cleaned from floor to ceiling and a long list of renovation projects has also been finished.
Huntington expects to have about 420 teachers filling classrooms and over 360 support staff members in its ranks. Students will be transported by more than 125 large buses and small vans.
District officials are emphasizing their determination to improve the overall academic performance of Huntington’s students. There will be new courses, new textbooks and a “highly competent and motivated staff,” said Joseph Giani, assistant superintendent for personnel and general administration.
The district’s kindergarten program will once again feature a full-day of instruction with students spread among Huntington’s four primary level buildings. Mr. Finello said that on the elementary level a strong commitment to developing reading, writing, math and science skills will be evident with block time set aside each day during which classes will not be disturbed. The practice of teaming will continue at J. Taylor Finley Middle School.
Huntington High School will be a hub of activity with well over 100 courses and an impressive lineup of academic and extracurricular activities. The district will sport an array of Regents, honors and Advanced Placement courses, along with special education classes. A full complement of academic intervention services and extra help will be provided to students who need additional assistance.
“Our efforts will be directed toward helping each of our students reach their full academic potential,” Mr. Finello said. “Our goal is to graduate everyone on time.”
In addition to the classroom instructional program, students will have an opportunity to participate in many other activities. Beginning at the intermediate level, students have access to an extracurricular club program, including student council activities that provide various leadership and community service opportunities. “We have a wonderful club program and every student should consider getting involved,” Mr. Finello said.
Students are also able to participate on one of 68 athletic teams fielded for grades 7-12. Blue Devil athletic coaches are optimistic that teams will once again be highly competitive with several expected to be state ranked.
“We have a superb group of students in the district,” Mr. Finello said. “Our diverse student population brings so many different talents to our schools. We also continue to benefit from a very supportive community.”
High school students will have access to about three dozen vocational and technical programs of study at any one of five BOCES Wilson Tech campuses. Half-day and full day programs are available through Huntington High School. An alternative high school program will be available during the late afternoon and early evening hours to allow students to take classes needed for graduation.
A comprehensive college counseling center will be available to high school students and their parents. In addition to a full-time college counselor, the center has hundreds of college guides and books, speedy Internet access to college sites, on-line application capabilities and it hosts college visits throughout the year. “The center is really an essential destination for every junior and senior,” Mr. Finello said.
“We are continuing our efforts to improve every aspect of the district and we believe our students will experience an exceptional academic program this year,” Mr. Finello said. “All school age residents are welcome to attend school in our district.”
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