Huntington School Briefs
As the 2013/14 school year neared its close, Jefferson Primary School held its final “spot” assembly. Huntington High School Class of 2014 members Alexa Antonucci and Naomi Medina-Jaudes addressed Jefferson students about their own experiences at the school many years prior. The two teenagers highlighted good character and what it means to be safe, responsible and respectful citizens.
“ ‘Spot’ is when we spot students for being good citizens,” Jefferson Principal Valerie Capitulo-Saide explained. “We are the Jefferson Jaguars so we use the spots to reward students for good behavior.”
Ms. Antonucci will begin studies at Nassau Community College in the fall. Ms. Medina-Jaudes is headed to Williams College to study psychology and mathematics.
Trustees Appoint Committee Members
Huntington School Board members have appointed parent members of the district’s Committee on Pre-school Education and Committee on Special Education for the 2014/15 school year.
Trustees appointed parents Lynnette Bavaro, Christine Biernacki, Hillary Hess, Nancy Levine, Carrie Nikodem, Cindy Reilly, Kathy Shea, Melinda Weissman, Irene Vanderschuyt and Norman Vanderschuyt to serve on the CPSE and CSE.
Flower Hill’s Principal for a Day
First grader Danny McClellan sampled what leadership is all about when he served as principal for the day at Flower Hill Primary School in late June. The youngster led the school in the Pledge of Allegiance, recognized students with summer birthdays by presenting them with special pencils, distributed Star Student certificates and tackled a variety of other tasks.
“Danny was outstanding,” Flower Hill Principal Marlon Small said. “He displayed some of the qualities any leader must possess. It was a pleasure working with him.” Mr. McClellan is looking forward to beginning second grade in September.
Finley Middle School Awards
The J. Taylor Finley Middle School PTA Good Character Award was presented to eighth grader Roodjerry Geneus. The Lucy Sammis Award for Passion for Education was given to Nicole Muszynski. The Lions Club Good Citizenship Award went to Herver Rivera and Cailan Polishook. Natale Amato and Amber Stieve earned the Physical Education Zone Award.
Ethan Copp, Ryan Gaines and Alexie Benitez were presented with the Principal’s Award for their “unwavering commitment.” The Matthew Marcazzolo Band Award went to Daisha Melendez-Stokley.
Stacar Awards were given to Gaia D’Anna, Dariana Cruz, Peter Ciccone, Jamie Rosenbauer, Hector Martinez, Taylor Haberkern, Matthew Wildermuth, Cristina Nigro and Erica Vazquez for their “effort and passion for the Spanish language.”
Flower Hill’s Stars
It was a late June day that these Flower Hill Primary School students will always remember. Anais Moreira, Jack Gustav, Khanan Speight, Aaron Kaufman, Alexander Morris, Aidan Pepe, Sean Posillico, Charles Fuller, Anisah Garcia, Andrew Viola, Thomas Girimonti, Daniela Colon, Allison Lagrone, Dominic Roldan, Gavin Lefebvre, James Viola, Khamiyia Elliott,
Jake Cordes, Cynthia Contreras, Katie Maldonado and Yanira Rivera-Ronquillo were recognized as Star Students for their exceptional performance in class and all around the school during the month of June.
“These young people are a credit to the entire community,” Principal Marlon Small said.
Jefferson Moving-up Ceremony & Party
Jefferson Primary School’s fourth grade class was given a sensational sendoff during June’s moving-up ceremony, which included the presentation of certificate of completion and various awards. A festive outdoor party followed the event.
Principal Valerie Capitulo-Saide presided over the moving-up ceremony, which attracted a large crowd of parents and other family members. The party included pizza, cotton candy, popcorn, a DJ and plenty of dancing. Personalized Jefferson t-shirts were distributed and students took turns signing each other’s yearbook.
HHS Art Teacher Surprised
Huntington High School art teacher Amy Worth will never forget the surprise birthday party her intern helped organize in late June. The veteran educator and her intern, Taivon LaPalmer really hit it off with each other in the high school’s fashion program.
“My birthday is in late July and so this was an early celebration,” Ms. Worth said. “I’d mentioned to Taivon, a very long time ago when we were on the topic of birthdays, that being born during the summer meant, for me, not celebrating with my friends back when I was in school. So she gave me my first in school birthday celebration and it was quite a party, with lots of good food, my favorite flowers (peonies), my favorite music (Ms. LaPalmer made a CD), gifts, creative decorations, a beautiful speech and my wonderful students from the fashion program.”
Art department colleague Kim Valerio pitched in and helped Ms. LaPalmer coordinate the party for Ms. Worth. “The party was a total surprise,” Ms. Worth said. “It was a day that I’ll never forget.” A member of Huntington’s Class of 2014, Ms. LaPalmer is headed to the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising in Manhattan in the fall.
Ms. Worth and her husband, Tom Payne own The South Street Gallery located at 18 South Street in Greenport. The gallery’s show for July features artist Wendy Prellwitz. Printmaker Dan Welden will be showcased in August.
PTA Council Officers Set
The Huntington School District’s PTA Council is ready for the 2014/15 school year. The organization will be led by President Christine Biernacki. The executive board includes Vice Presidents Julie Porzio and Alice Marie Rorke, Treasurer Michele Kustera and Secretary Kristin Kanzer. Huntington School Board member Bari Fehrs, a past president of the PTA Council, administered the oath of office to the group during the organization’s annual June luncheon.
Election Personnel Appointed
Huntington School Board members have appointed district election personnel for the 2014/15 school year. Elizabeth Troffa has been appointed to serve as chief inspector. Margaret Creighton was tapped to head the board of registration.
Trustees named Carol Andreski, Patricia Antico, Catherine Bender, Christine Bene, Lori Bennett, Lori Brett, Emmagene Brown, Mary Lou Brown, Concetta Cagnino, Fran Cangemi, Rita Carino, Patricia Cavuoto, Anne Connell, Margaret Creighton, Edith DeGennaro, Madeline Emmons, Joan Esposito, Margaret Florio, Gordon Goldsmith, Marion Guilfoy, Gretchen Hannon, Diane Judd, Regina Kelly, Phoebe Krane, Janet Lentini, Fran Lewandowski, Mildred Lombardo, Wendy McLean, Jill Miranda, Virginia Mirando, Judith Murphy, Rosemarie O’Rourke, Gladys Palacios, Mary Ann Sarsfield, Elizabeth Troffa, Betty Jo White, Dorothy Young, Kim Zelman and Regina Zorn as election clerks and inspectors.