Students are pictured competing in Nathaniel Woodhull’s “Spelling Bee for EB”

Casey Neikens with classmate Brandon McNeil.

Recently, students and staff at Nathaniel Woodhull Elementary School and William Floyd Elementary School hosted spelling bees to support worthwhile causes that are close to the hearts of their extended school families – Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) and Alzheimer’s – raising more than $5,000 collectively.

Second and third graders at Nathaniel Woodhull Elementary School competed in a Spelling Bee for EB to raise money to help support the Epidermolysis Bullosa Research Partnership (EBRP) and Casey Neikens, a third grader in Kim Vecchio’s class who suffers from EB, a genetic skin disorder which is caused by the lack of a critical protein that binds layers of the skin together causing blistering and wounds that never heal. Altogether, students raised $1,935 to go toward EBRP and to assist the Neikens family, who must make frequent trips to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital for Casey’s treatment.

The top spellers from each class advanced to the Spelling Bee on June 17, with Joseph Rizzo being named Spelling Bee Champion for second grade and Jacob White for third grade. Mrs. Vecchio’s and Mrs. Jennifer Hubert’s classes were also recognized for raising the most money in each grade level.

According to EBRP, people with EB lack a critical protein which keeps the skin from tearing apart, blistering and sheering off. Those with this condition suffer from severe pain, disfigurement, and wounds that never heal. EB affects the body inside and out. Blisters occur all over the body, as well as in the eyes, mouth, esophagus, and other internal organs. It is estimated that EB affects at least one in every 50,000 births. EB is not specific to any ethnicity or gender.

Pictured left to right are the “Forget Me Not” Spelling Bee winners: Eric DiGiacomo, 5th grade; Ava Cusimano, 3rd Grade Nelson Amandola, 2nd Grade; Max Maurina, 1st Grade Justin Wood, kindergarten. Not pictured: Aidan Grover, 4th grade.

William Floyd Elementary School Spelling Bee to Benefit Alzheimer’s Research and Support
Students at William Floyd Elementary School participated in the second annual “Forget Me Not” Spelling Bee and raised $3,318 to benefit the Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Center in Bay Shore, an organization that supports research to one day find a cure for Alzheimer’s, as well as provide care, support and educational programs for families with loved ones suffering from the disease.

In two years, the spelling bee has raised $6,518. The effort was started by Krista Cusimano, a rising sixth-grader who now attends William Floyd Middle School and who lost her grandfather, Raul “Pa” Vosgerichian, to Alzheimer’s three years ago at the age of 66. Krista’s brother, Jacob, served as the president of the William Floyd Elementary School student council this past school year and spearheaded this year’s event.

Megan Walbrecker

For the second consecutive year, Megan Walbrecker, a rising fifth grader at Tangier Smith Elementary School led the way in fundraising for the school’s American Heart Association (AHA) “Jump Rope for Heart” fundraiser to benefit AHA research and efforts to reduce death caused by heart disease and stroke. Megan raised $1,825 of the $2,065 total! The fundraiser took place in Tony Mecca’s and Karen Hennessey’s physical education classes. Way to go, Megan!

Samantha Pitelli

Samantha Pitelli, a rising fifth grader at Tangier Smith Elementary School and a student in Tony Mecca’s physical education class, recently won Major League Baseball’s “Pitch, Hit and Run” Long Island Regional competition, giving her the opportunity to compete at Citi Field before a New York Mets game against the Atlanta Braves. Sam, finished in third place in that competition. Congratulations, Sam!

William Floyd High School 2016 graduate Nick Monthalvo (center) with members of his family.

Nick Monthalvo, a graduating William Floyd High School senior, recently received a $1,130.70 college scholarship thanks to Adventureland’s Helping Hands Foundation and the students at Tangier Smith Elementary School who recycled more than 11,000 bottles throughout the school year. The funds were equally matched by the Helping Hands Foundation. Adventureland also provided the team (kindergarten and second-grade lunch period) that recycled the most bottles with a free day pass at the park. Nick was a Tangier Smith Elementary School student for part of his academic career at William Floyd. He will attend Suffolk County Community College in the fall.

Pictured are kindergarten and second-grade students at Tangier Smith Elementary School along with principal Toni Komorowski and assistant principal Ed Schneyer. These students are representing the lunch period that recycled the most bottles.

Superintendent of Schools Kevin M. Coster congratulates April Coppola, William Floyd’s newest Board of Education trustee.

BOE Trustee April Coppola and Superintendent Kevin M. Coster.

This morning, newly-elected Trustee April Coppola took the oath of office to serve a three-year term on the William Floyd Board of Education. Ms. Coppola is a lifelong community resident and a graduate of the William Floyd School District with two school-aged children. She is an active community member and volunteer who has served in various roles with the William Floyd Elementary School PTO, the William Floyd Community Summit, the Chamber of Commerce of the Mastics and Shirley, as well as the William Floyd State Aid Advocacy group.

Ms. Coppola was administered the oath by District Clerk Jennifer Schildkraut and congratulated by Superintendent of Schools, Kevin M. Coster. “I look forward to working with Ms. Coppola in her new role as trustee,” said Mr. Coster. “She is a wonderful asset to the district and community. We are fortunate to have her on the Board.”

William Floyd Board of Education Trustee April Coppola takes the oath of office administered by District Clerk Jennifer Schildkraut.

Please enjoy this video highlight reel showing just a snapshot of some of the great things that occurred throughout the William Floyd School District during the 2015-16 school year!

The William Floyd Colonials girls lacrosse team, spring 2016, 95.31 GPA.

William Floyd School District Athletic Director Mark Mensch is pleased to announce that three William Floyd High School athletic teams received the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Scholar/Athlete Team Awards for excellence in the classroom during the spring 2016 season. They are the girls and boys varsity lacrosse teams and the softball team. Congratulations to the student athletes and their coaches!

Spring sports
Girls Varsity Lacrosse, 95.31 combined grade point average, Coach Brian Midwinter
Boys Varsity Lacrosse, 91.97 combined grade point average, Coach Desmond Megna
Girls Varsity Softball, 91.14 combined grade point average, Coach Fred Luhrs

The William Floyd Colonials boys lacrosse team, spring 2016, 91.97 GPA.

The William Floyd Colonials girls softball team, spring 2016, 91.14 GPA.

The Family Service League is offering a free support group for adults who have lost a family member to drug addiction. The group will take place on Thursday evenings at 5 pm at the William Floyd Family Center, which is attached to William Paca Middle School. The first meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 21, 2016. For more information, please call Donna Altonji at (631) 874-1318.

John S. Hobart Elementary students at the starting line of the “Fun Run.”

Recently, the John S. Hobart Elementary School PTO hosted their first “Boosterthon Fun Run,” a program focused on fitness, leadership and character education, designed to raise money for various PTO events, field trips, extra assemblies and more to support events throughout the school year. The Fun Run raised nearly $11,000 for the John S. Hobart Elementary School PTO.

“The students loved this event from day one!” said Barbara Mehmel, President, John S. Hobart Elementary School PTO. “Getting ready for the big day, they watched daily videos of children around the world focused on several character traits such as endurance, humility, teamwork, curiosity, practice and confidence.”

“The Boosterthon Fun Run was a great character-building experience for our students and an opportunity for them to raise money to help support our school,” said James Westcott, Principal, John S. Hobart Elementary School. “Our amazing PTO worked side-by-side with our faculty and staff to lead the charge, create excitement and assist with the organization on every aspect of the event.  This was an example of the great things that can happen when a dynamic and strongly committed PTO and the school work together to plan learning experiences for our students.”

During the Fun Run, students ran 30-35 laps in different ways, among them running, walking, hopping like a kangaroo and more. Students also received free t-shirts sponsored by local business and organizations including Mastic Beach Ambulance, Applebee’s, Shirley Feed, Shirley Sleep Shoppe, Greek Bites, Empanadaville, Island Dollar, Joe’s Pizza, Sky Zone and Mastic Sports Deli. Faculty and staff marked off each lap completed on the back of their t-shirts.

“There was so much excitement in the air from the students as they ran out on the field,” said Mehmel. “Their smiles were contagious and they put all they learned about into running their laps. At the end of each run all the kids had to say was it was so much fun. That’s all we need to hear to know it was a successful event!”

Pictured with the ceremonial check are (l-r) physical education teachers Chris Mocera, Teresa Carrozzo, principal Monica Corona and William Floyd School District athletic director Mark Mensch.

Nathaniel Woodhull Elementary School recently took second place in the third annual New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (NYS AHPERD) Suffolk Zone “Get Moving NY” contest as selected by the Suffolk Zone Executive Board and voters in an online contest held earlier this year. For their efforts, Nathaniel Woodhull will receive $750 in physical education and health supplies from Flaghouse, a sporting equipment company.

The video, “Woodhull Moves,” submitted by physical education teachers Chris Mocera and Teresa Carrozzo, highlights all of the fun and exciting ways students stay active in gym class.

“The physical education staff, students and community, demonstrated great support for this contest,” said Drew Walker, President, Suffolk Zone, in a letter congratulating Nathaniel Woodhull on its achievement. “Congratulations to the physical education staff and students for promoting the physical education program. Job well done!”

Superintendent of Schools Kevin M. Coster along with Tangier Smith Elementary School kindergarten teacher Wendy Gross (right) at last year’s Teachers’ Story corner at the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library.

In an effort to keep children excited about literacy during summer vacation, William Floyd teachers, in collaboration with the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library, are offering the “Teachers’ Story Corner” Summer Reading Program on Wednesdays and Thursdays through August 18.

The Teachers’ Story Corner takes place in the Community Library’s Children’s Department floor on Wednesdays from 6-7 pm and Thursdays 10 am to 11:30 am (30-minute sessions). The first session is July 13 at 6 pm. All pages read count toward completion of summer reading clubs. Additionally, teachers and librarians will also work with parents and children to help select age-appropriate books for reading at home. The events are free and all are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is not necessary. Program dates are July 13-14, July 20-21, July 27-28, August 3-4, August 10-11 and August 17-18. For more information please contact Wendy Gross at wgross@wfsd.k12.ny.us.

Pictured with NYS Senator Tom Croci, who administered the oath of office to the new slate of officers, are William Floyd Board of Education President Robert Vecchio, Vice President Jeananne Dawson, District Clerk Jennifer Schildkraut and Superintendent of Schools Kevin M. Coster.

Senator Tom Croci administers the oath of office to William Floyd Board of Education trustees April Coppola and Robert Guerriero.

At the William Floyd Board of Education’s annual reorganization meeting held on Tuesday, July 12, 2016, New York State Senator Tom Croci administered the oath of office to April Coppola and Robert Guerriero, two of the newly re-elected Board of Education trustees who will serve three-year terms. Senator Croci also administered the oath to the slate of officers for the 2016-2017 school year, they are: Robert Vecchio, President, Board of Education; Jeananne Dawson, Vice President, Board of Education; Kevin Coster, Superintendent of Schools; and Jennifer Schildkraut, District Clerk. Trustee Anthony Speruta and District Treasurer Michelle Romanosky will be sworn in in the near future.

The Board of Education also adopted its meeting dates for the 2016-2017 academic year. All meetings will be held in the high school library, 240 Mastic Beach Road, Mastic Beach, with public session beginning at 8 pm, unless otherwise noted. The dates are: August 16, 29; September 13, 27; October 25; November 15; December 13; January 10, 24; February 7; March 7, 21; April 19 (7:15 pm, also Budget Adoption); May 9 (7 pm, Annual Budget Hearing), 23; and June 13, 27. The Budget Vote and Election will be held on May 16.

Scroll through the album below of the swearing in ceremonies and Senator Croci with the Youth and Government club!

Student schedules (grades K-12) for the upcoming 2016-17 school year will be posted on the Parent Portal by close of business on Thursday, August 25, 2016. Please follow the instructions below to access the Parent Portal!

Here you will find instant access to accurate, current and confidential information about your child’s school attendance, grades, class assignments and more!

The Infinite Campus Parent Portal is a parent-specific login to the shared, community-wide Infinite Campus student database. The Parent Portal presents information about students to authorized parents or guardians in real time with secure socket layer (SSL) encryption of the information that is being transmitted.
*Please note that at this time, data is not available for students that attend full time out of district placements since those facilities do not subscribe to Infinite Campus.

Spanish Directions – Instrucciones De Inicio Portal Del Estudiante 

Instructions for accessing the Infinite Campus Parent Portal for the first time. Read all steps before entering the portal.

1. Log on to the secure Internet address for the Parent Portal and click HELP or enter the portal through the link below:
http://icampus.wfsd.k12.ny.us/campus/portal/williamfloyd.jsp?section=activate

2. Enter the Portal Activation Key provided in the letter you received into the appropriate boxes exactly as it is written in the letter.
Click on the Submit Button when you are done.

3. You now must create a User Name and Password.
a. Type your desired User Name in the area indicated.
b. Type your desired Password in the area indicated. (It must be a minimum of 6 characters.)
c. Retype your password.
d. Click on the Create Account button when you are done. [Note: It is important that you keep your access information private and do not share it with anyone.]

4. You are now ready to log into the system! Click on the link to the Parent Portal..

5. Type in the Username and Password you created in step 3. Click on Log In.

6. You are now in the Parent Portal.

7. In the interest of security, make sure to click on the Log Off link when you are done.

Instructions for obtaining a Parent Portal Activation Key.
Email a request for a parent portal activation key at ParentSupport@wfsd.k12.ny.us
Be sure to include your name, your child’s name, your child’s birthday and the school they attend.
After you receive your activation key, follow the steps above.

Frequently Asked Questions 

 What exactly is Infinite Campus Parent Portal?
The Infinite Campus Parent Portal is a parent-specific login to the shared, community-wide Infinite Campus student database. The Parent Portal presents information about students to authorized parents or guardians in real time with secure socket layer (SSL) encryption of the information that is being transmitted.
How do I access the new infinite campus parent portal?
The new Infinite Campus Parent Portal is located at: http://icampus.wfsd.k12.ny.us/campus/portal/williamfloyd.jsp. We recommend you “bookmark” this location after you get your account enabled and working.
Do I need any special software?
To effectively access your Infinite Campus Parent Portal account you will need:
Internet Access. A minimum dial-up modem speed of 56Kbs – a slower connection will work but not as well
Computer with a processor speed of 500Mhz or better (MAC or PC)
Web Browser – we suggest Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 or better for PC and Firefox for Mac
Adobe Reader
What happens if I forget my id/password?
Send an email to ParentSupport@wfsd.k12.ny.us with your full name, your child’s full name, your child’s date of birth and the school they attend. If you enter the wrong password 5 times the system will automatically lock you out and you will have to contact the parent support email to re-enable your account.
I didn’t receive or lost the letter with the activation key. What should I do?
Send an email to ParentSupport@wfsd.k12.ny.us with your full name, your child’s full name, your child’s date of birth and the school they attend.
How often is information updated in the parent portal?
Information is updated in real time. However, the attendance office generally takes 48 hours to collect data from various sources to reconcile the student attendance record.
Can I access parent portal from anywhere (home, work, library …)?
Yes. As long as you meet the minimum computer and Internet access requirements.
How do I make changes to the information posted on the parent portal?
Add/Change eMail Address: You can do this right on the Portal
Change home address: Contact Central Registration at 874-1390
Add/Delete contacts: Contact Central Registration at 874-1390
What if a report card shows an incorrect grade(s) for my child/children?
Contact your child’s Guidance Counselor for the secondary students and your child’s teacher for elementary students.
Who can I talk to regarding Attendance related issues?
Contact the Attendance Office at your child’s school.
How do I interpret scores on the assessments tabs?
• For State exams grade 3-8:
o Level 1, not meeting learning standards
o Level 2, partially meeting learning standards
o Level 3, meeting learning standards
o Level 4, meeting learning standards with distinction
• For Regents exams, a score of 65 or higher is passing.
• For RCT’s – RCT scores are “raw score” entries. The following indicates a passing raw score:
o Math – 39
o American History – 46
o Science – 46
o Writing – 65
o Global Studies – 46
o Reading (please contact counselor since this score varies from year to year.)
What does the small envelop next to the teacher name on my child’s schedule mean?
If you click on the teacher’s name, an e-mail box will open for you to correspond with the teacher. If you are not using Outlook as your e-mail program, you can copy the teacher’s e-mail address into your own e-mail account.
Please allow 48 hours for a response and do not use this system for any correspondence which requires same-day attention or to send absence notes. Use the school’s main office or attendance office for such issues.
What information can I download?
Under reports, you can see and print your child’s schedule, progress reports (grade 6-12) and report cards.
Why do I see messages in the in-box once I enter the portal?
Most, if not all, of these messages are from the 2006-07 school year. They are dialer messages sent over the course of the year regarding attendance and announcements related to your child (children). Simply open them and delete the old ones and attend to the ones for this school year if you have not yet done so.

William Floyd Athletic Director Mark Mensch.

William Floyd School District Athletic Director Mark Mensch was recently selected by fellow athletic directors to serve a two-year term as President of Conference I for Section XI, the governing body of Suffolk County high school athletics. In this role, Mr. Mensch will supervise monthly Conference I meetings in which member athletic directors will discuss important policy and procedures governing Suffolk County athletics. He will also represent Conference I as a member of the Section XI Executive Council.

“Section XI is an extremely well run and highly respected organization,” said Mr. Mensch. “Having the opportunity to lead Conference I is an honor for me and the William Floyd School District. This selection is a testament to the hard work of our coaches and student athletes, as well as our commitment to the highest level of sportsmanship.”

Mr. Mensch also serves on the Suffolk County Football Committee, as Chairman of Suffolk County Boys Tennis and as a member of the Section XI Sports Placement Committee. He has previously served as both secretary and vice president of Conference I. He has served as William Floyd’s athletic director for the past 12 years, overseeing several county and state championships in various sports.

Section XI Conference I consists of 15 of the largest schools in Suffolk County, including William Floyd, Brentwood, Longwood, Patchogue-Medford, Ward Melville, Sachem East, Sachem North, Commack, Lindenhurst, Central Islip, Connetquot, Northport, Bay Shore, Walt Whitman and Half Hollow Hills East.

Click thumbnail above to view calendar.

Click here to view the William Floyd School District calendar for the 2016-17 school year! This calendar contains dates for school events, closings, Board of Education meetings, testing dates, etc. It also provides contact information and general district information, as well as several district policies and listings, which can be found on pages one through 11. A printed version of this calendar will be sent to all homes in the community during the first week of August.

If you’re looking for the single page calendar for the 2016-2017 school year, please click here.

On Friday, July 29, representatives from the William Floyd School District and the William Floyd Retired Teachers chapter attended a Habitat for Humanity Suffolk dedication ceremony at the new home of the Ogunnoiki family in Mastic Beach, which they helped construct. William Floyd High School students enrolled in the Building Trades & Construction Academy participated in two separate builds in which they worked on rough framing (here), as well as sheathing (here); and the retired teachers (here) also pitched in to make a difference. Pictured with members of the Ogunnoiki family and friends are Karen Poidomani, Chairperson, William Floyd High School Career and Technical Education (second from left); Jean-Marie Delurey, William Floyd Retired Teachers; Olabisa Ogunnoiki (fifth from left) and her sons Tobor and Otega; Linda Mooney, William Floyd Retired Teachers; Philip Scotto, Principal, William Floyd High School; and John Bilotti, William Floyd alumnus, Class of 2016 and Student Build participant.

Beginning September 1, 2016, per New York State Education Law,  all 7th and 12^th grade students MUST HAVE proof of having been given Meningococcal vaccine (shot) in order to attend school.

• Students entering Grade 7 in 2016 must have 1 dose of meningococcal vaccine. They will be required to get a booster at age 16.
• Students entering Grade 12 in 2016 must have either:
  • 2 doses of meningococcal vaccine with the booster dose given on or after age 16
  • 1 dose if your child’s first dose was given on or after age 16

Proof of the meningococcal vaccine must be presented to the school nurse prior to starting school on September 1st.

In addition, students who have not received the vaccine cannot be cleared to participate in interscholastic sports.  Please make sure your child is compliant with this new vaccine requirement prior to submitting athletic paperwork for sports clearance. If you have questions or concerns about immunizations, please contact your child’s school nurse.

Anyone who is under-insured can receive the vaccines at no cost through the Suffolk County immunization program. Click here to visit the Suffolk County Immunization Action Program page.

In a proactive measure to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff, the William Floyd School District commissioned Enviroscience, an environmental consulting firm, to perform water quality testing, specifically for lead, in all of the district’s water fountains, classroom bubblers and kitchen faucets. Testing, which was voluntary and not mandated by law, took place during the first week of June and the final results were recently provided to the district.

The results* revealed that approximately 99% of all fixtures tested in the district (164 out of 166) were below the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommended action level of 15 ppb (parts per billion). The remaining two fixtures, located at Tangier Smith Elementary School, had levels of lead exceeding the action level. Those two fixtures are: (girls side gym water fountain with *first draw results of 23 ppb and pod 2 water fountain with *first draw results of 53 ppb). The second draw and third draw test results were well below the action level: (3.4 ppb  [second draw] and 3.1 ppb [third draw] for girls side gym water fountain; and 5.0 ppb [second draw] and 4.2 {third draw]). As a result of the first draw results, these two fountains have been removed from service.

*Please note that all samples collected were “first draw,” which means that the water tested was the first to come out of the tap after having been inactive overnight. Sampling in this manner provides results that are likely to exhibit the highest concentrations of lead.

Click here for districtwide water quality test results

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who supplies water to the William Floyd School District?

The district’s water is supplied by the Suffolk County Water Authority (SCWA), which regularly tests the water it supplies to the district and communities in Suffolk County to make sure that it is safe for consumption. Regular SCWA water quality testing reveals that the district’s water supply meets the standards outlined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the New York State Department of Health.

Why were there elevated levels?

The likely source of the elevated levels has to do with the fixtures within the building. All the samples collected were “first draw” samples, which means that the water tested was the first to come out of the tap after having been inactive overnight. Sampling in this manner provides results that are likely to exhibit the highest concentrations of lead. The district has eight buildings, most of which were constructed prior to the 1986 Safe Drinking Water Act, a law which requires that only lead-free material be used in all new plumbing and plumbing repairs. The district has undergone several capital improvement projects including plumbing upgrades since that time. Additionally, William Floyd Middle School was constructed in 2003, putting it in compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act.

Are school districts required to test for lead in water?

At the moment, testing for lead is voluntary and not mandated by law. However, this past legislative session (ending in June 2016), both the New York State Senate and New York State Assembly passed a bill requiring lead testing in all New York State schools. It is expected to be signed by Governor Cuomo in the near future. Due to recent concerns both locally and in various locations across the country, the William Floyd School District conducted the testing in a proactive measure to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff.

What if I have health concerns for my family?

If you have any health concerns you are encouraged to contact your family’s doctor. According to the NYS Department of Health, lead in drinking water is only one possible source of lead in the body. Since the biggest concern is for small children, a New York State regulation calls for universal screening of all children at about age one and age two for blood lead levels. It is important to identify an elevated level of lead in a child as early as possible to reduce or remove the source of exposure, before any long-term health problems occur. Pregnant women should also discuss with their physicians the need for blood lead testing.

Where can I get more information?

For more information about lead testing, please click on the New York State Department of Health link below or if you want advice on how to lower the lead levels in your drinking water, contact the Suffolk County Department of Health Services (631) 852-5810. The New York State Department of Health can also provide information about lead. For more information about control of lead in public water supplies, please call the Bureau of Public Water Supply Protection at (518) 402-7650. For questions about lead poisoning prevention and education, please call the Bureau of Community Environmental Health & Food Protection at (518) 402-7600.

Additional information:

New York State Department of Health information on lead in drinking water
Environmental Protection Agency basic information about lead in drinking water

If you have any additional questions, please email waterquality@wfsd.k12.ny.us.

The William Floyd boys varsity soccer team recently clinched the championship in the Town of Brookhaven’s Summer Soccer League in which they finished with a 12-1 record and won the entire league with victories over Sachem North in the large school championship game and a shutout victory over John Glenn in the large school vs. small school championship game two days later.

The team, led by head coach Paul Paniccia, finished with an 8-1 regular season record with an impressive 24 goals scored and just six allowed, followed by a masterful playoff run in which they won four straight to secure the title, scoring 14 goals and allowing just six. Between the regular season and the playoffs, the team also recorded six shutouts. This summer championship comes on the heels of the best season in the program’s history, in which the boys varsity Colonials secured a playoff berth for the first time in 24 years and also won their first playoff game ever with a 2-0 shutout over Newfield High School. Click here to read more about last year’s team.

Congratulations to Coach Paniccia and members of the coaching staff Mike Cordaro, Jeff Cronk and Matt Schnauder; as well as the entire team including Zanetti Alberick, Elvin Carranza, Jared Collins, Joseph Ditillo, Gio Fiore, Alex Hart, Travis Knoppert, Anthony Lipp, Gabe Lizana, Ethan Loarca, Danny Lombardo, Evan Meinke, Danny Moya, Chris Muchow, Sebastian Paniccia, Nick Pantelidis, Kevin Rivera, Jacob Rodriguez, Gavin Samuelsen and Kevin Stirber.

The William Floyd School District was recently assigned an upgraded Aa3 rating by Moody’s Investor Services, the fourth highest in Moody’s Long-term Corporate Obligation Rating, signifying the district’s finances to be of high quality and subject to very low credit risk.

According to the report, Moody analysts said that the Aa3 rating reflects William Floyd’s “sound financial operations with healthy reserve levels, large tax base with average wealth levels, and manageable debt burden. The rating also incorporates the recent use of reserves to reduce the district’s debt burden.”

According to David Beggins, Assistant Superintendent for Business, William Floyd School District, a high bond rating helps to keep the interest rate low for all types of borrowing including annual tax anticipation notes (when needed) along with all types of bonds.

“Tax anticipation notes are required as bridge loans, for short periods of time, to provide funding prior to tax receipts being received from the Town of Brookhaven,” said Mr. Beggins. “These are notes normally issued by states, municipalities and local government agencies. When taxes are received, government entities such as school districts use the proceeds to pay off the tax anticipation note. Consequently, a higher credit rating means a lower interest rate which is a benefit to all taxpayers in the community.”

“We are thrilled that Moody’s Investor Services has upgraded the bond rating of the William Floyd School District,” said Kevin M. Coster, Superintendent of Schools, William Floyd School District. “With the fiscally responsible decisions of the Board of Education and the great work occurring in the Business office under the leadership of Mr. Beggins, we continue to be good stewards of the community’s resources. This upgraded rating is a validation of the work that we are doing.”