William Floyd varsity football player D’Andre Primus referees a play by some future William Floyd Colonials.

Earlier this spring, William Floyd High School varsity and junior varsity football players volunteered their Saturday afternoons to coach and referee fifth and sixth grade touch football games as a way to interact with and mentor the younger students. Head varsity coach Paul Longo said that they will host the fifth and sixth grade champions during halftime of the first home varsity football game this upcoming season where they will be presented with championship sweatshirts.

The students involved were: varsity players D’Andre Primus, Tim Clougher, Rob Taiani, Brandon Zack, Mike Vitta, Mike Parris, Ezekiel Torres, Nick Golde, Dom Latkowski, Alex Deluca, Anthony Pizzuti, Anthony Gonzalez, Greg Amato, Joe D’Amato, Keith Bererich, Raqell Davis, John Berry, Rudy Sunderman, Andrew Lever, Jaizon sohl-Zelaya, Brandon Coonan, Daniel Torres, Keith Winfrey, Nick Silva, Mack Driver and Cameron Rossi. For the JV team: Dario Molina, Matthew Wagner, Matt Galassa, Joe Pisano, Matt Pisano, Devin Brown, Kyle Colver, Arthur Reilly, Brandon Brachthie, Nathaniel Jackson and Andrew Bilotti.

Scroll through the album below to see more photos!

Recently, a team of 10 William Floyd students from William Paca Middle School and William Floyd Middle School had a great time competing in the Special Olympics.

Participants included Tori Tagliavia, Sarah Maisano, Kate Lopez, Frank Ugilaro, Linda Matthews, Amber Zweip, Jake Steinbach, Loretta Amato, Zachary Trelfa and Rehoboam McPhee.

Congratulations to the each of the athletes, all of whom finished in the top four in various events: Linda Matthews, first place; 50 meter run and third place, softball throw; Sarah Maisano, first place, 100 meter run; Frank Ugilaro, first place, softball throw and second place, 50 meter run; Tori Tagliava, second place, softball throw and fourth place, 50 meter run; Amber Zweip, second place, softball throw; Kate Lopez, second place, softball throw; Jake Steinbach, second place, 50 meter run; Rehoboam McPhee, third place, 50 meter run; Loretta Amato, fourth place, 50 meter run; and Zachary Trelfa, fourth place, 50 meter run.

Special thanks to all of the William Floyd volunteer coaches: Kate Archer, Steve Dorn, Sue Piraino, Lisa Borak, Veronica Gallo, Debby Turchiano, Jennifer Engmann and Donna Lauria.

The Suffolk County Lacrosse Coaches Association Coach of the Year Desmond Megna talks to his team.

L-R: Desmond Megna and Jonathan Germer.

The Suffolk County Lacrosse Coaches Association has selected William Floyd boys varsity lacrosse coach Desmond Megna and junior varsity lacrosse coach Jonathan Germer as their “Coaches of the Year” as voted upon by fellow Suffolk County lacrosse coaches.

Under the leadership of Coach Megna, the varsity Colonials overcame a 1-5 start to finish with an 8-8 overall record (7-7 League), earning themselves the “Crosse Award” for the “Most Improved Team” in Suffolk County. They also fielded two All-County players in Matt Murphy and Trevor Church; and John Bilotti took home the Eric Sopracasa Scholarship Award given to the player who through determination and character serves as a role model and inspiration to his fellow athletes.

“Suffolk County lacrosse is easily the best in the country, so it is quite an honor to be recognized by my peers,” said Coach Megna, who teaches fifth grade at Moriches Elementary School and is  a 1993 graduate of William Floyd High School.

Coach Germer instructs one of his players.

Additionally, the junior varsity team, led by Coach Germer, had their best season ever finishing with an 11-5 overall record (10-4 League).

“Being named coach of the year is amazing,” said Coach Germer, who teaches fourth grade at Nathaniel Woodhull Elementary School and is a 2009 graduate of William Floyd High School. “This award is a true testament of how great this district is. My time here as a student and now as a teacher, I have been afforded incredible coaches, teachers and mentors. It is now my responsibility to pay it forward.”

The varsity team is also one of three William Floyd teams, along with girls lacrosse and softball, to win the NYSPHSAA (New York State Public High School Athletic Association) Scholar Athlete Team Award during the spring season with a collective grade point average of 91.97.

Recently, members of the William Floyd High School National Art Honor Society recently had a great time working with fellow high school students creating special tie-dye t-shirts! Please enjoy a gallery of images below!

William Floyd High School Principal Barbara Butler recently conferred the Principal’s Award upon the top 10 students from this year’s graduating class – a talented group of young men and women planning to attend college next fall with varying majors including biology, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, biomedical engineering, international relations, accounting, international business, finance and psychology.

Congratulations to the top 10 and the entire graduating Class of 2016!

William Floyd High School Class of 2016 Principal’s Award Recipients
Valedictorian: Shannon Beattie, Harvard University, chemistry/environmental science
Salutatorian: Allison Johntry, American University, international relations

Additional Principal’s Award recipients are:

Jasmine Samot, Suffolk County Community College/Stony Brook University, biology
Ricardo Larios, Northeastern University, mathematics/computer science
Emma van Nieuwenhuizen, Stony Brook University, biomedical engineering
Allison Conn, Queens University of Charlotte, finance
Patrick Moloney, Pace University, accounting/international business
Mya Hutchins, Stony Brook University, biology
Gary Bharath II, Stony Brook University, psychology
Onyekachi Isiofia, St. Joseph’s College, biology

Valedictorian Shannon Beattie (far left) with NYS Senator Kenneth P. LaValle, Salutatorian Allison Johntry and Superintendent of Schools Kevin M. Coster at a reception honoring the top graduates in the First Senatorial District.

Moriches Elementary School kindergarten through fifth graders have been practicing origami art throughout the school year. Under the direction of art teacher Linda Lee Tucci, students began with simple folding lessons leading to more complex ones. Drawn backgrounds were created by students with their origami creations attached. The elements of art, language terminology, cultural links, dexterity, writing, mathematic and sequential skills were used in their lessons. Some of the origami projects also had action movements. “Pre-packaged origami or recycled paper works well when creating this form of art,” said Ms. Tucci. “Students know that origami is fun, portable, inexpensive and can be very impressive!”

Recently, 48 William Floyd Middle School students under the guidance of science teachers Robert Mozer, CPG, Ezia Gillan and Christina Nugent, as well as Principal Carolyn Schick, had the opportunity to participate in in a project to seed the Shinnecock Bay with 36,000 hard shell seed clams in an effort to help restore both the water quality and fisheries of the bay.

Partnering with the Stony Brook University School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS), students boarded two Research Vessels – the RV Peconic and the RV Shinnecock – for an afternoon of real hands-on science. The project will be monitored by the students and staff of SoMAS who return to the clam sanctuary locations to collect data on the water quality and health of the clam population. Clams act as natural filters helping to cleanse water with too much nitrogen and are expected to remove some of the harmful algae that results in red, brown and rust tides.

“It was a great experience for both the kids and the adults to actively participate in a ‘hands-on’ science experiment to see if the clams can do the job,” said Mr. Mozer. “With the forthcoming William Floyd Middle School science research club, I plan to have students follow-up with the SoMAS team to look at the data and see if there have been any changes to the water quality over time. We couldn’t have picked a better day to be ‘in the field’ conducting real science.”

The William Floyd School District recently held a tree planting ceremony in honor of the late James Visconti, a longtime Nathaniel Woodhull security guard and U.S. Navy veteran who passed away earlier this school year. The ceremony kicked off with the Nathaniel Woodhull Fourth Grade Chorus singing patriotic songs under the direction of Terese Heins, choral director, and accompanied by Christopher Miranda on the guitar.

Members of the William Floyd security department, in an effort led by security guard John Kohler, raised money for a Japanese maple tree and a memorial plaque which states, “James Visconti, Devoted to our Children’s Security, Proud Service Member of the U.S.S. Missouri.” Visconti’s former colleagues, including Superintendent of Schools Kevin M. Coster, Nathaniel Woodhull Elementary School Principal Monica Corona, security guard John Kohler and members of his family reminisced and shared a few personal stories about him.

“It was my privilege to have worked with James Visconti,” said Mrs. Corona. “His strong work ethic, patriotism and kind demeanor made him a role model for all of us here at Nathaniel Woodhull. His absence is felt daily.”

Related: William Floyd Remembers Security Guard James Visconti

William Floyd High School students in Derek Robinson’s Spanish 4 class recently had an opportunity to visit “El Reportorio Español,” a New York City theater focused on Latin American, Spanish and Hispanic American productions. In addition to Mr. Robinson, students were accompanied by teachers Joseph Brand and Kimberly Massa Chairperson, Language Other Than English (LOTE). During the visit, the students experienced Puerto Rican culture by watching Carmen Rivera’s “La Gringa,” a play following a young woman traveling from New York to Puerto Rico to visit her relatives all the while on a journey discovering and understanding her Puerto Rican roots. She finds that her culture has a very deep spirit and her journey truly touches her heart.

“Students had a great time interpreting the 90-minute live comedy, and had the chance to further enhance their Spanish skills, since the entire cast spoke in Spanish,” said Mr. Robinson. “Students agreed that the play was an eye-opening experience that provided a better understanding of Puerto Rican cultural practices through food, dance, music and the historic setting of the play. Many students here at William Floyd High School have ancestors that were born in different countries throughout the world. One of the great things about this play was that it was something the students could relate to and connect with.”

Pictured left to right: Mary Siano, Kate Devenney, Luisa McHugh and Stacy Callan.

Lisa Incantalupo

The William Floyd Board of Education recently recognized five teachers who have completed the requirements to become Distinguished Teachers in the William Floyd School District, a milestone achieved by excelling in the areas of professional growth, communication, curriculum implementation, contributions to all students, collaboration and leadership.

“These five individuals are teacher leaders who are exceptionally dedicated to the William Floyd school community,” said Kevin M. Coster, Superintendent of Schools. “Our students, families, faculty and staff are fortunate to benefit from their expertise, commitment and compassion.”

Congratulations to the recipients: Stacy Callan, Nathaniel Woodhull Elementary School; Kate Devenney, William Floyd High School; Lisa Incantalupo, William Floyd High School; Luisa McHugh, William Floyd Middle School; and Mary Siano, William Floyd Elementary  School.

Students in Louisa Markewitz’s kindergarten class and Chanda Zadrazil’s third-grade class at Tangier Smith Elementary School recently collected more than 100 pounds of crayons for recycling as part of The Crayon Initiative, a program that recycles used and broken crayons into new ones and disburses them across the country to various schools, hospitals, arts programs and other organizations invested in children!

Students in Kimberly Bahr’s kindergarten class at William Floyd Elementary School recently took a virtual field trip to “Kamp Kenan,” a reptile conservation and breeding facility located in south Florida run by former professional BMX rider Kenan Harkin. Students learned about amphibians and various types of reptiles including lizards snakes, tortoises, turtles, a baby rhinoceros iguana, a monkey-tailed skink and more!

The William Floyd Fine Arts Department recently held its annual Art Auction and Arts Alive Night with special musical performances by the William Floyd High School Jazz Band. Members of the William Floyd High School National Art Honor Society re-created famous paintings such as (above left to right) Edouard Manet’s “The Bar at the Folies Bergere,” Rene Magritte’s “The Son of Man,” J. Howard Miller’s iconic “Rosie the Riveter,” “Self-Portrait” by Frida Kahlo (monkey on shoulder) and more. Students also donated their own paintings which were auctioned off to attendees raising nearly $500 for student scholarships for this year’s National Art Honor Society graduating seniors!

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!

William Floyd Middle School student musicians and teachers celebrate their Long Island Music Festival performance.

More than 400 students from William Floyd Middle School and William Paca Middle School recently participated in the Long Island Music Festival (LIMF) held at the Brentwood Campus of Suffolk County Community College. Created and overseen by music educators, the goal of the LIMF is to bring students and adjudicators together in a positive learning environment. Student groups performed in front of adjudicators and also had the opportunity to participate in clinics after their performances.

William Floyd Middle School results: 7th and 8th Grade Band, Superior rating, Dawn Conefry, director; 7th and 8th Grade Orchestra,  Superior rating, Rich Harris, director; 6th, 7th and 8th  Grade Mixed Choir, Superior rating, Debora-Ann Tomko, director.

William Paca Middle School student musicians and teachers who performed at the Long Island Music Festival.

William Paca Middle School results: 7th and 8th Grade Band, Superior rating, Joseph Cordaro, director; 7th and 8th grade Orchestra, Superior rating, Donna Visone-O’Brien, director; 6th, 7th and 8th Grade Mixed Choir, Excellent rating, Michelle Seifert, director.

Additionally, William Floyd High School student-musicians performed admirably at both NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) and the Music in the Parks competition held at Dorney Park in Pennsylvania. NYSSMA results are: Chamber Orchestra, Gold with Distinction; Colonial Band, Gold with Distinction; 9th and 10th Grade Orchestra, Gold with Distinction; Women’s Choir, Gold with Distinction; 11th and 12th Grade Orchestra, Gold; 11th and 12th Grade Full Orchestra, Gold; Jazz Band, Gold; Mixed Choir, Silver; and Wind Symphony, Silver.

Music in the Parks results: 9th and 10th Grade Concert Orchestra, 1st Place and Overall Superior Orchestra; Colonial Band, 1st Place; 9th and 10th Grade Symphonic Orchestra, 1st Place; and Women’s Choir, 1st Place.

Congratulations to the students and their teachers: Michael Cordaro, Barbara D’Orio, Ryan Feldscher, Donia Rivera, Amy Mason Sckipp and Christopher Shaughnessy.

Congratulations to the graduates of the Class of 2016!

We are pleased to announce the 20th Annual William Floyd Scholarship Fund Golf Tournament.
Thanks to your continued support, we have been able to present more than $455,000 in scholarships to deserving William Floyd High School students!
Please join us on Monday, August 22, 2016, for a fun-filled day of competition among friends and new acquaintances.
For additional information, please contact the committee members at (631) 878-3400.

Summer School registration will take place at the HS on 6/28, 6/29, and 6/30 from 7:30-11:30 am.  Any questions about summer school eligibility should be directed to your child’s guidance counselor. General summer school questions can be directed to the summer school office, (631) 874-1463.

Summer is coming soon. You may be thinking about what your child will do for meals while school is out. The good news is that the William Floyd School District has once again partnered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to serve free breakfast and lunch to our community, even their guests! It’s food that’s in when school is out. There are no income requirements and any child ages 18 years old and younger may come to eat at no charge. This program is completely self-sustaining and there is no cost to local residents.

Pictured left to right Superintendent of Schools Kevin M. Coster, Board of Education Trustee Joseph Barone and Board of Education President Robert Vecchio.

At the June 21st William Floyd Board of Education meeting, fellow trustees along with Superintendent of Schools Kevin M. Coster, recognized Joseph Barone, a nine-year veteran Board member who is retiring from Board service on June 30. Members of the Board thanked him and his wife, Linda, for dedicated service to the school and community, presenting him with a plaque and a special t-shirt containing his name and the names of his colleagues.

“On behalf of the William Floyd School District, I would like to thank Mr. Barone for his nine years of dedicated service to the district in his role as trustee,” said Mr. Coster. “For those that have had the privilege of working alongside Mr. Barone, words such as ‘honest,’ ‘ethical’ and ‘devoted’ resonate. Throughout his tenure, he has been steadfast in the Board’s collective goal of ensuring the success of our students and school community.”

Mr. Barone is a 1975 graduate of William Floyd High School, a William Floyd Athletic Hall of Fame inductee and a Board member on the William Floyd Alumni Association. Mr. Barone and his wife, Linda, a William Floyd graduate, have four children who are also William Floyd alumni.