Huntington UFSD Enjoys Smooth Opening of Schools

Classes have resumed in Huntington UFSD. All eight school buildings opened on Tuesday as more than 4,000 students flooded classrooms for what everyone hopes will be another great year in one of the oldest school districts in New York State.

“It was a beautiful, sunny morning as we welcomed back our wonderful students and staff to a new school year,” Superintendent Beth McCoy said. “Smiles were noted, pictures were taken, and students have settled into their new classrooms. We are looking forward to another great year in Huntington!”

This week’s school opening continues an unbroken line stretching back more than three centuries. A few years after the town was settled a group of community members came together to hire Jonas Holdsworth as the first school teacher in Huntington. Given a four year contract, he commenced class on February 11, 1657 in a private home. Huntington UFSD traces its origins to that day more than 368 years ago.

“Opening Day was such a success,” Flower Hill Principal Cindy Siegel said. “The kids came in with smiles, excitement, and a little bit of first-day wonder. The positive energy filled the halls! We can’t wait to see all the learning and laughter this year will bring!”

Transportation issues were being dealt with as quickly as possible as district officials were on the phone with Huntington Coach Corp. in an effort to solve problems fast.

“The opening day at Woodhull Intermediate School was a wonderful success,” Principal Stephanie Campbell said. “Staff welcomed our students as they arrived with big smiles, and we came together for a whole school assembly to celebrate the first day, review The Woodhull Way and shake our Woodhull pom poms. It was a strong start to an exciting year ahead.”

Cafeterias were all up and running, serving breakfast and lunch to the hungry. All aspects of school life were in place as months of planning paid off. Dozens of new teachers hired over the summer to replace departing faculty members were in classrooms, ready to work with students.

“STEM was a sea of smiling faces this morning,” Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School Principal Donna Moro said. “Both staff and students were eager to meet their new students and teachers. We loved the sidewalk chalk inspirational messages left by our PTA! We look forward to a wonderful school year.”

Small numbers of students at J. Taylor Finley Middle School and Huntington High School required adjustments to their schedules and these issues were handled quickly by guidance department staff members.

“Opening Day at Huntington High School in my second year as principal has gone extremely well,” Principal Rochelle C. Brown said. “It has been a joy to welcome our returning students and our incoming freshmen. This morning there was excitement from our seniors as they celebrated having parking spots on campus and their last first day of high school. There was some nervousness around the new cell-phone policy; but our students have risen to the occasion and are being very responsible. With such a great first day, I anticipate that this will be a beautiful school year.”

Teachers outlined for students their respective class policies and provided an overview of the curriculum and assignments. School libraries were open and special area classes were held throughout the district.

“It’s been a wonderful first day of school,” Jefferson Primary School Principal Valerie Capitulo-Saide said. “The sunny weather was the perfect backdrop as we warmly welcomed both new and returning Jefferson students. Today, we introduced our school expectations: being safe, kind, respectful and responsible, which we will continue to practice every day in all learning areas. Students enjoyed outdoor recess and began learning school routines. I look forward to a successful year filled with teaching, learning, and growth.”

The district’s technology services were all functioning as expected for teachers and students. Huntington High School’s fall athletic program continues in full swing with both games and scrimmages scheduled daily throughout the week.

“Our first day went well as students found their way around the building with help from the faculty and staff, locating classes and opening their lockers,” Finley Principal Traci Roethel said. “The seventh graders were excited for lunch when they were able to sit with new and old friends and with having so many familiar faces in their classes. The eighth graders are happy to be back and having their classes upstairs this year.”

Everyone associated with the district believes that 2025/26 is going to be a great year in Huntington UFSD’s history.

“The first day of school at Southdown was nothing short of magical,” Southdown Primary School Principal Jill Amott-Erwig said. “Students arrived with big smiles and eager hearts, filling the building with excitement and energy. From the moment they walked through the doors this morning, the joy of a new school year was felt all around.”

Attention is already being given to Huntington’s annual Homecoming Celebration. A bonfire and festival is planned for Thursday, September 25 in the high school parking lot. A girls’ and boys’ soccer doubleheader is set for Friday, September 26 at Alumni Field under the lights following an afternoon pep rally. The Homecoming Day parade and football game will be held on Saturday, September 27.