The William Floyd School District recently caught up with Kwasi Enin (William Floyd High School Class of 2014), the former William Floyd wunderkind and current Yale junior who made worldwide news in 2014 when he was accepted to all eight Ivy League schools – Harvard, Yale, Cornell, Columbia, U. Penn, Princeton, Dartmouth and Brown – quite possibly (and likely) the first ever feat of this kind. His inspiring story was first featured on the cover of the April 1, 2014 edition of USA Today followed by a whirlwind of coverage by hundreds of outlets around the world including Newsday, CNN, the BBC, CBS This Morning, CBS Evening News, Good Day NY, and more. Enin also had the opportunity to deliver the “top 10” list on the Late Show with David Letterman.

It’s been three years since the story of you being accepted to all 8 Ivy League schools became worldwide news. How does it make you feel knowing that your achievement has inspired others to attempt this feat?

It’s been pretty amazing to see that I’ve inspired new generations of high schoolers to aspire higher than they might have before my story came out. As you know, I really did not enjoy the spotlight placed on me, mostly because of the newfound burden of expectation everyone has for me. But, the reason I stuck through it and the reason I am happy today that I made that decision, was so that students like Harold Ekeh, Victor Agbafe, and others, could get the opportunities that I now have.

You are about to finish your third year at Yale. Please tell us about your time there? What have you been involved in? How are your classes going? Experiences? Travel abroad? Major/minor? Etc.

It’s been a little whirlwind of a time! I’m a Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (MCDB) major at Yale. I’ve taken various courses such as Psych Stats, Cell Biology, Microbiology, General/Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, etc., etc., related to my major and overall have done a good job. That’s not to say I always have though, since the beginning of Yale was a bumpy transition into the new level of academic rigor. Otherwise, I’ve also gotten involved in pre-medical affairs. I was a research assistant to the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Unit as well as the Cardiology Department of the Yale School of Medicine, where I studied how exercise affected hyper cardiomyopathy and Long QT syndrome. Last summer after sophomore year, I got to lead my first independent biology research under a professor in my major’s department. I studied how stem cells differentiate in planarians, also known as flatworms, because these worms – at less than an inch long – can regrow completely from being cut down as small as 1/300th of their size! I’ve been an active member of the Yale Society of Orpheus and Bacchus, the nation’s oldest collegiate underclassmen all male a cappella group, as well as the Yale Glee Club, the oldest collegiate choir in the nation. Between these groups, I’ve gotten to travel to 25 states, Costa Rica, and Moscow without using a cent of my own money! In addition, I spent the summer after freshman year learning French in Paris for five weeks, and visited Provins, Lyon, and Amsterdam in addition to experiencing some of the coolest places (and more importantly, food) Paris had to offer.

So what’s next?

Now, I’ll be taking next year off of classes at Yale to sing with the Yale Whiffenpoofs of 2018! They’re the first a cappella group in the country (maybe the world?), and they’ll promise me travel to 25-30 countries next summer, and lots of domestic and South American travel during the academic calendar year. I hope to get the group to perform on some news channels or radio stations, and I’ve already confirmed that we’ll be singing for the President and Secretary of Ghana next summer in July. Otherwise, I’ll be studying for the MCAT this summer while working for a New Haven-based tech start up called Resume Gem as a marketing intern. As soon as I come back for the 2018-2019 academic year, I’ll be applying to medical school so wish me luck!

What are your plans/hopes after you graduate from Yale?

My main goal that I’ve had ever since I was young is to become a physician and hopefully still be happy along the way! I’ve also taken an interest in health care policy and biotechnology, so I could potentially also get a relevant master’s degree in Public Health or Business Administration to better understand the scope of these two areas. And you know, get married, have kids, and live the whole domestic life aesthetic somewhere warm.

What advice or words of encouragement would you give to current William Floyd students?

The underdog can win! I know going to Floyd can [sometimes] make students feel as though they aren’t good enough for the world beyond its doors, but we do get an excellent education. Our AP and Honors teachers are amazing and have so much to offer you in terms of learning and support. It’s also important to expand your horizons beyond our towns, and probably beyond our good ol’ Long Island and maybe the state! I am ever so glad to have become exposed to cultures I didn’t think I would ever experience while in high school. The world is too large for the potential in each of you to go wasted, so start volunteering in the community, work hard for your mind, body, skills and your grades, and try to step into cultures you haven’t experienced before. You are capable!

John S. Hobart Elementary School students recently participated in the 12^th annual Museum & Career Day, an event held for students to see some of the many offerings available in Long Island’s various museums, cultural and educational institutions.

Organized by school librarian Jeanne Kiesling Demmers, Museum Day featured representatives from the Children’s Museum of the East End, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, the Holtsville Ecology Site, Dolan DNA Center, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Fire Island National Seashore, the Parrish Art Museum, various artists, presentations about Native American culture, law enforcement, culinary, first responders and much more!

Additional photos from the day’s events are in the album below!

The Government Affairs Office at the Long Island Railroad informed the William Floyd School District of the following work that will be taking place Friday, May 12, 2017 through Sunday, May 14, 2017 at the William Floyd Parkway grade crossing:

WILLIAM FLOYD PARKWAY GRADE CROSSING WORK – May 12 – 14, 2017

The LIRR will install a new concrete grade pad at the William Floyd Pkwy grade crossing located on the Long Island Rail Road`s Montauk Branch in the Town of Brookhaven. The work will require the closing of the railroad crossing to road and rail traffic on Friday, May 12, 2017 at 10 pm to Sunday, May 14, 2017 at 5 am.

While the work is in progress, the Long Island Rail Road and the MTA Police will provide the necessary flagmen, detour signs and crossing protection.

William Paca Middle School student leaders recently held “Start with Hello Week,” an effort in which students were encouraged to say hello and connect with classmates whom they normally do not interact with. Different activities throughout the course of the week included wearing “Hello, My Name is…” stickers, sitting with and taking pictures with new friends in the cafeteria and purchasing kind messages to send to their classmates with all proceeds collected to be donated toward Sandy Hook Promise, an organization dedicated to preventing gun-related deaths due to crime, suicide and accidental discharge in the aftermath of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, CT, in December 2012. Special thanks to guidance counselor Ms. Laurie O’Donoghue and Ms. Melinda Santiago (intern); and social worker Ms. Rebecca Kristiansen and Ms. Kayla Muglia (intern) for their efforts in organizing the week.

The William Floyd Colonials boys varsity tennis team under the tutelage of Dave Pia, a two-time United States Tennis Association Coach of the Year, qualified for the playoffs for the sixth consecutive year with a third-place finish in their division out of 13 teams.

Their regular season performance earned them a No. 13 seed and a home playoff match against No. 20 ranked Sayville on May 3, which the Colonials won 6-1 behind victories in second-, third- and fourth-Singles and all three Doubles matches. Winners against Sayville included Kevin Jiang, Jeramie Stoessel and Patrick Barnett in Singles; and Bryan Ruales, Dawson Kropp, A.G. Chancellor IV, Will Fonseca, Brandon Bratchie and Waldo Rustrian in Doubles. The Colonials travel to Commack on Tuesday, May 9, to face off against No. 4 Commack in a second-round playoff match.

Team members include seniors Christopher Robertson (team captain), Kevin Jiang, Jeramie Stoessel, Bryan Ruales, Dawson Kropp, A.G. Chancellor IV, William Fonseca and Cole White; junior Thomas Panicola; sophomores Brandon Bratchie and Waldo Rustrian; and freshman Patrick Barnett.

Additionally, the Colonials have two top-seeded players out of 32 competitors in the upcoming Conference Individual Singles Tournament – No. 4 Christopher Robertson and No. 6 Kevin Jiang. Bryan Ruales and Dawson Kropp have received the No. 4 ranking in the upcoming Individual Doubles Tournament. All players are hoping to advance to the County Individual Tournament at William Floyd on May 17.

Due to limited availability, a maximum of 32 students will be selected for summer 2017 Driver Education on a first- come, first-serve basis. The application is available to print at the bottom of this page or by CLICKING HERE. Interested students who are at least 16 years of age and have a valid NYS learners permit may apply at William Floyd High School Library. Registration will be Friday, June 9th from 2:15pm to 4:00pm in the William Floyd High School Library. Please note: The deadline for all applications and payment ($400.00 cash, check or money order) is Friday, June 9th @ 4pm; NO applications will be accepted after that date and time. Students will be notified at the time of registration of their lecture and drive times. Once assigned to a day and time for class, it cannot be changed.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AND PRINT THE APPLICATION AND PROCEDURES

Giovanni Marks

Giovanni Marks, a William Floyd High School senior enrolled in the Building Trades & Construction Academy under the tutelage of instructor Matthew Van Horne, recently took third place in the Carpenter’s Assistant competition at the 2017 SkillsUSA New York Leadership Conference and Skills Championships held in Syracuse, NY. For this competition he had to demonstrate skills in the field of carpentry and the ability to support a carpenter on a job site.

Also qualifying for the state competition with outstanding performances at the local and regional competitions were Cassandra Negron, Culinary Arts; Joshua Fredricks, Automotive Service Technology; Edward Markhorst, Carpentry; Charlize Gonzalez, Cosmetology (junior); Dena Sladky, Food Prep; and Maya Coleman, Cosmetology (senior).

The Career & College School Fair held at William Floyd High School on April 20.

Students in Janine Baumiller’s third-grade class in their future career outfits. (Check photo album below for additional classes)

Recently, the William Floyd School District held its annual College and Career School Fair, an event designed to provide students and their families with the opportunity to begin thinking about college and their future careers. Approximately 700 students and parents attended over the course of the evening and had the opportunity to meet with representatives from more than 95 colleges, universities and technical schools, as well as the Career and Technical Education program at William Floyd High School for the younger students in attendance.

The College and Career School Fair was held to coincide with College Awareness Day throughout the district which included many school events, a sampling of which is below and includes third-grade students at William Floyd Elementary School dressing for the career they would like to have some day.

Tangier Smith Elementary School counselor Toni Rose Taddeo wore a graduation cap and gown while reading Dr. Seuss!

Tangier Smith Elementary School first graders and future members of the class of 2028 attended presentations about colleges and universities that their teachers graduated from. Students rotated between classrooms and were able to get better acquainted with each institution. In preparation for the day, students decorated their classroom doors with the help of art teacher Deborah Zorn. School counselor Toni Rose Taddeo, wearing a graduation cap and gown, kicked off the event by reading excerpts from Dr. Seuss’s classes, “Oh the Places You’ll Go!”

At Moriches Elementary School, the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) Club took a virtual tour of an active lab at the Koch Institute for Integrated Cancer Research at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). Research scientist Dr. Rob Kimmerling, a 2007 William Floyd graduate and Moriches Elementary School alumnus, explained how his passion for science was sparked in the same school.

Moriches Elementary School STEM Club members are pictured virtually with MIT research scientist Dr. Rob Kimmerling.

Dr. Kimmerling demonstrated a device he helped design which is used to measure the mass of a single cell. STEM Club teachers Mr. Joshua Haight, Mr. Tom Short and Dr. Rich Kimmerling helped students draft questions about his research and his experiences in college and as a scientist. After graduating from William Floyd High School, Dr. Rob Kimmerling earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering at Stony Brook University. He was accepted into MIT for his graduate work, where he recently earned a PhD in Bioengineering.

Scroll through the album below to see additional photos!

The William Floyd boys varsity track team.

On Saturday, May 6, the William Floyd Colonials boys varsity track team competed at the St. Anthony’s Invitational, with more than 50 schools represented from Nassau, Suffolk, and the Catholic leagues. The Colonials finished first overall as a team led by outstanding performances from the following student-athletes: Nigel Green, 1st place in the 100 and 2nd place in the 200; Trevor and Tyler Wilkins, who finished 2nd and 4th in the triple jump, respectively; and the 4×100 team of Wilkins, Green, Wilkins, and James Taitt finished 2nd. According to head coach Ed Noll, it was a top-level varsity meet in which qualifying standards were very high. William Floyd also fielded several 9th and 10th graders including Rolando Banks, Zach Manns, Greg Lobalsamo, Anthony Auciello, Christian Banks and Michael Muir.   ​

Pictured with Ms. Gleason (left) and Ms. Gunderson right are essay winners (l-r) Katie Tirotta, Jamel Buchanan, Tia Berrios, Jack Meyer and Liam Hoag.

Five Moriches Elementary School – Tia Berrios, Jamel Buchanan, Katie Tirotta, Liam Hoag and Jack Meyer – were selected as winners in the Oasis Rehabilitation and Nursing annual essay contest. This year’s topic was, “The funniest experience I had with a grandparent or elderly family member.”

For their achievements, the five students, members of their families, their principal, Mrs. Eileen Filippone, and teachers, Ms. Susan Gleason and Ms. Madison Gunderson, attended a celebratory reception in their honor. Congratulations to the students!

The William Floyd High School girls varsity lacrosse team and the varsity cheerleading team recently participated in “Out of the Darkness,” a 5K walk held at the Suffolk County Community College Ammerman Campus in Selden designed to increase awareness about suicide and raise funds to combat it. Working together, the two teams led the 5K walk and raised the highest total, $1,957, which will benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Great job by all the student-athletes and their coaches, Brian Midwinter and Alyssa Cabrera!

William Floyd High School student artists who were recognized at the Bay Area Friends of the Fine Arts exhibit.

William Floyd student artists have been decorating the landscape of Long Island with their artwork with successful adjudications, exhibitions, competitions and more.

WFHS student artists are pictured in front of the high school before the NYSATA Portfolio Project adjudication.

NYSATA
Recently, more than 90 fifth- through 12th-grade students earned “Distinguished” portfolio ratings, the highest available, at the annual New York State Art Teachers Association Portfolio Project Adjudication. William Floyd also had the most students it ever has receive a “perfect score,” which is an indication of a highly-effective and successful program. Students provided their professional portfolios that included a self-portrait, a cultural connection piece, drawing from life and several “student choice” pieces based on the level of each student. For the adjudication, students had to present their work and discuss the inspiration behind the pieces, as well as their visual choices.

“Experiences like these help develop self-confidence and independence, while at the same time providing invaluable lessons for college and career readiness,” said Theresa Bianco, Chairperson, Visual Arts, William Floyd School District.

Pictured with William Floyd Elementary School art teacher Linda Francis are NYSATA honorees Jacqueline Sutherland, Jaysen Pommells and Natalie Zavala. (Click the photo above to see the full album of photos).

Congratulations to all the students and their teachers Erin Almeida, Marco Antenucci, Jillian Berner, Theresa Bianco, Tina Eccleston, Linda Francis, Erica Licausi, Dale Luongo, Timothy Kosta, Susan Plunket and Stephanie Taisler! These students and their teachers were also recognized at a recent Board of Education meeting for their accomplishments.

Bay Area Friends of the Fine Arts
William Floyd had several winners in various categories at the annual Bay Area Friends of the Fine Arts (BAFFA) Student Invitational Art Exhibit held at the Gillette House in Sayville.

William Floyd students won two first place ribbons: junior Jennifer Suarez for her drawing/charcoal, titled “Looking at Old Things Differently” and senior Victoria Lentz for her watercolor painting “Dreaming All The Time.”  There were also three second-place winners: junior Seyma Ayyildiz for her oil painting on wood, senior Jasmine Edwards for her ceramic painting piece and senior Tatum Gross who created a beautiful portrait in charcoal; and three third-place winners, Traivon Trent, Tylee Trent and Madison Hangley, and Mrs. Susan Plunket’s painting student Dabney Villasenor who received an honorable mention. (Pictured above)  Click here for additional photos!

Pictured are William Floyd art teacher Tina Eccleston and William Floyd Elementary School student Aisha Barrie. (Click the photo above to see the full album of photos).

Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge
William Floyd student artists in grades kindergarten through 12 from all schools were invited to participate in a “nature inspired” exhibit at the Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge in Shirley. Wertheim kicked off the exhibition with a student reception and unveiling. More than 50 works of art in different mediums are on display in Wertheim’s educational room. Pieces include ceramics, Sumi landscape paintings, koi fish watercolors and detailed animal ink drawings. The artwork will continue on display throughout the month of May.

Please enjoy an album of additional photos of the NYSATA Portfolio Adjudication!

The WFHS NJROTC has been named a Distinguished Unit for the second time in three years.

For the second time in the past three years, the William Floyd Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) has been selected as a “Distinguished Unit” for NJROTC Area 4, among the highest designations a unit can receive. William Floyd is one of only 17 Area 4 units receiving this honor for the 2016-17 school year. They were selected based on superior performance and outstanding achievement in academics, competitions, cadet involvement and community service during the school year.

“Competition is always extremely tight,” said Commander Jay Tweed, Senior Naval Science Instructor, William Floyd High School, noting how proud he is of the cadets. Commander Tweed added that this latest award brings the number of “streamers” to nine that the unit has earned over the past 11 years, including the two Distinguished Unit Awards (2015 and 2017) and seven Unit Achievement awards (2006, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2016).

Senior Chief Dwight Becherer, Naval Science Instructor, William Floyd High School, had the privilege of announcing this award to cadets in class, stating, “We have been recognized for having a great year,” he said, adding, “and it’s all because of you!”

There are 59 JROTC units in Area 4, which comprises the northeastern part of the United States – Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont – as well as units in Italy and Spain.

The 2017 William Floyd Colonials softball team.

Danielle D’Angelo #3 hits an RBI triple in a 2-1 victory over Sachem North. She later hit the game-winning walk-off home run.

The William Floyd Colonials varsity softball team under the leadership of head coach Fred Luhrs just finished an outstanding regular season which saw them post a 14-6 record and a second-place finish in League I falling just one win short of taking home a share of the League title. This is the fourth consecutive year that the team has qualified for postseason play. The No. 10 Colonials look to carry their strong play into the postseason with a first-round playoff match at No. 7 Walt Whitman today, Monday, May 15 at 4 pm. The softball playoffs are double elimination.

The Colonials ended the season in dramatic fashion last Wednesday with a 2-1 extra inning walk-off victory over Sachem North. With the game tied 1-1, Danielle D’Angelo hit a game winning walk-off home run over the left field fence to seal the victory. Macy Kane pitched the complete game by striking out six en route to her 10th win of the year. Key plays on defense were made by Jenna Klaus, Julia Mastrup, Brianna LoMonaco and Tristan Santiago.

Macy Kane #1, who won 10 games on the season, pitches in a 2-1 victory over Sachem North.

“The team is out on a mission to complete ‘unfinished business,’” said Coach Luhrs. “They got a taste of playoff success [last year] and are looking forward to game play this week. Also they feel slighted for not hosting a game in the opening round, which adds even more motivation to this team.”

This year’s roster includes student athletes Jayna Rios, Danielle D’Angelo, Chloe DeGrauw, Brianna LoMonaco, Julia Mastrup, Kiera Horan, Abigail Toranzo, Delaney Kane, Macy Kane, Talia Dongvort, Jessica LaGuerra, Tristan Santiago, Jenna Klaus, Alyssa Currao and Johanna Metz.

Some key stats this year include Danielle D’Angelo leading the team with a .500 batting average and 29 RBIs (second on the team); Jayna Rios second on the team with a .391 batting average, a team-, league- and county-leading 10 home runs and 31 RBIs (first on the team). Overall, the Colonials are batting .315 on the season with 15 home runs and 132 RBIs. Macy Kane also leads the Colonials pitching staff with 10 wins on the season.

Congratulations to all the student-athletes, Coach Luhrs, assistant coaches Pete Recupero, Mike Barba and volunteer coach Ed Mass on a great regular season. Best wishes in the tournament!

Residents passed the 2017-18 Budget. Thank you to all who voted!

2017-18 Budget Vote Results

Yes votes: 1149
No votes:   478

Result: Budget Passed

2017-18 Board Election Results (two seats up/three-year terms)

Uncontested: Jeananne Dawson: 1160 votes
Uncontested: Robert Taiani: 1090 votes

Due to limited availability, a maximum of 32 students will be selected for summer 2017 Driver Education on a first- come, first-serve basis. The application is available to print at the bottom of this page or by CLICKING HERE. Interested students who are at least 16 years of age and have a valid NYS learners permit may apply at William Floyd High School Library. Registration will be Friday, June 9th from 2:15pm to 4:00pm in the William Floyd High School Library. Please note: The deadline for all applications and payment ($400.00 cash, check or money order) is Friday, June 9th @ 4pm; NO applications will be accepted after that date and time. Students will be notified at the time of registration of their lecture and drive times. Once assigned to a day and time for class, it cannot be changed.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AND PRINT THE APPLICATION AND PROCEDURES

Pictured are students who placed at the top of the Elevator Pitch competition: (l-r) Terence Jackson (honorable mention), Isabella Harkin (first place), Joshua Soto (second place) and Kaitlyn Hedges (honorable mention). Not pictured Jarod Scott (third place).

Joshua Soto delivers his elevator speech to WFHS business teacher, Lee Cillo.

The William Floyd High School Business Department recently hosted an “Elevator Pitch” competition in which students were tasked with coming up with a memorable presentation about themselves and delivering it to a chief executive officer (CEO) of a company in 90 seconds or less. Eleven WFHS students in grades nine through 12 competed in the competition, which is designed to help students learn essential communication and networking skills, gain self-confidence and more.

“The idea behind having an elevator speech is that students are prepared to share information about themselves with anyone, at any time,” said Karen Poidomani, William Floyd High School business teacher and Career and Technical Education chairperson. “At a career fair, students can use an ‘elevator speech’ to introduce themselves to prospective employers.”

During the competition, students tried to make a lasting first impression by telling about themselves, what they offer and more. The CEO was played by William Floyd High School business teacher and Future Business Leaders of America co-advisor, Lee Cillo, and took place in front of the judges from the WFHS Industry Advisory Board and fellow business teacher, James Rugolo. To provide the effect of a real meeting in an elevator, each “impromptu” encounter took place in front of an elevator pictured on a whiteboard complete with instrumental elevator music playing in the background.

Winning this year’s competition was freshman Isabella Harkin, who impressed the judges with her speech and composure. Senior Joshua Soto came in second and freshman Jarod Scott finished third. Also earning honorable mentions in a very close competition were senior Kaitlyn Hedges and freshman Terence Jackson.

Please enjoy a video of the top three students delivering their winning elevator pitches and an album with additional photos below!

The William Floyd Elementary School Colonial Masters pilot program participants are pictured with teacher, Rebecca Sharkey.

Pictured with Ms. Sharkey are the 10 third-grade students involved in the writing portion of the program.

William Floyd Elementary School has piloted a new program this school year – the Colonial Masters Enrichment Program – for approximately 25 students in grades three through five, with each grade level focusing on a different subject. For this inaugural program, third graders focused on writing, fourth graders participated in a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) initiative and fifth graders are participating in a mathematics-based investment game.

“The Colonial Masters program is an opportunity for students in grades three through five to challenge themselves in multiple subject areas in a healthy, competitive environment,” said Dr. Keith Fasciana, Principal, William Floyd Elementary School. Participating students are selected based upon their academic accomplishments and must pledge to continue their high standards of academics and citizenship. The program is run by resource room teacher, Ms. Rebecca Sharkey.

“The first year of this program has been a great success,” said Ms. Sharkey. “The different educational opportunities for each grade level were highly engaging. Students came prepared and motivated every day to learn something new and to challenge themselves. The teamwork and cooperation of each group was wonderful; they really supported each other throughout the learning process. I think that their participation in Colonial Masters is something that they value and will remember for a long time!”

Fourth-grade students who participated in the STEAM portion of the program.

The first phase of the program began last fall, in which 10 third-grade students participated in a writing program that focused on poetry and short stories. During the eight week program, students explored different types of poetry and writing techniques. Using the writing process, they each prepared a poem that was submitted to Creative Communication’s “Poetic Power Contest.” Eight of the 10 students were chosen to have their poems published in a newly-released poetry anthology. The students also submitted short stories to Stone Soup: Stories, Poems and Art by Kids for publication consideration. Third graders participating in this program are Claira Parente, Muhammad Saad, Hamza Cheema, Madison Heaney, Matthew Maloney, Elleesia Carcione, Gavin Coyle, Hannah Schultzer, Nicholas Powers and Sofia Peren.

Fifth graders who are participating in the mathematics portion of the program – the Stock Market Game.

During the winter months, eight fourth graders participated in a STEAM program to prepare for an Egg Drop Competition at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City, NY. During the course of this program, this “Eggcellent Eight” learned about gravity, force, motion, and other scientific fundamentals in an effort to design an egg-carrying device that had the capability of protecting a raw egg from a 30-foot drop. Students took their time to build a successful egg carrier and tested them out in school. After multiple test drops, and many adjustments along the way, the students were ready to compete.

At the contest, students went to the second floor of the museum to drop their devices onto a target below. The goal was to have their device hit the target and to keep the egg from breaking. Prizes were awarded for egg survival and/or hitting the target. One student, Maria Pado, hit the target and her egg survived the drop! Five other students, Aisha Barrie, Ava Cusimano, Nadia DaGama Paes, Andrew Ferrara, and Ava Ng all kept their eggs from breaking. Julian Podstupka and Mali Roberts also participated in the contest and their efforts were recognized. The students also had the opportunity to walk around the museum and learn about the history of aviation right here on Long Island.

Fifth Grader Kei Roberts discusses a stock with his teacher, Ms. Sharkey.

Currently, several fifth grade students are participating in the Stock Market Game, a virtual program that integrates math, language arts, economics, social studies and other subjects into one. The eight students have been split into two teams: Julia Abbaticchio, Maggie Hua and Taitym Maryon calling themselves “The Money Monarchs,” and, Aiden Grover, Nicholas Hristidis, Aiden Monahan, Kei Roberts and Joshua Schultzer calling themselves “The People Who Invest in Things.” Each team started out with $100,000 in virtual money to invest in the stock market. Students have been managing their portfolios as a team by keeping track of purchases, trades and profits. Each team researched various companies and their histories, as well as economic trends to help inform their decisions. The team who has earned the most money (or lost the least) at the end of the program will win the competition.

“I am happy that we were able to design and execute this program so that our students could be challenged and experience a variety of educational competitions,” said Dr. Fasciana.

William Floyd High School students in Nicole Bernor’s English classes recently welcomed Jonathan Bernor, a former national champion power lifter, for an inspirational talk about leaving a positive legacy. Mr. Bernor, the husband of Mrs. Bernor, shared his story about how his life was headed in the wrong direction during his teenage years and early 20s and how he had traveled down the wrong path – drugs, crime and a complete disregard for those around him – until things changed. “Legacy is not about popularity and fame,” said Mr. Bernor, who has been twice ranked among the world’s strongest men. “There are many famous people that will leave bad legacies. Legacy is the impact you have on the people that are directly in your life such as your classmates, family and community. Everyone leaves something behind, so make sure you leave a positive impact because that’s a legacy that will always be remembered and cherished.”

We will be administering the New York State Regents, June 12, 2017 through June 22, 2017. As a result, we will be using a testing schedule and modified transportation schedule.  See the reverse side of this letter for details. Due to the seriousness of the testing administration, as well as the need to provide optimal test taking conditions, please reinforce with your children the following expectations:

• Students will be searched upon entering the building.
• Students should only bring appropriate test materials.  All backpacks and pocketbooks will be confiscated.
• NO cell phones and electronic equipment are allowed in the building.  All cell phones and electronic equipment that does enter the building will be confiscated.  A parent/guardian will be required to pick up any confiscated cell phones /electronic equipment in the Main Office between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. only.
• The use of any communications device is strictly prohibited.  If communications devices are used, no matter how briefly, their examinations will be invalidated and no score will be calculated for them.
• There are no make-ups for these examinations.  Students must take these examinations on the specified days and at the specified times.
• Students must remain for the entire testing period, three hours, allotted for all Regents exams.
• Breakfast and lunch will be available in the 9th grade food court prior to the beginning of these examinations. Breakfast and lunch times are noted on the reverse side of this letter.
• Students should be at their scheduled bus stop 30-45 minutes prior to arrival at the high school.

In order to receive a high school diploma, the New York State Education Department mandates a minimum requirement that students pass multiple Regents examinations.  Your child may not be eligible for graduation until he/she satisfies all Regents examinations requirements.  Therefore, attendance at the appropriate exams is expected.  Students or parents who have questions regarding state mandated testing requirements should contact their child’s guidance counselor.

If you have any concerns regarding the details of this letter, please call the high school office at 874-1795 or your child’s guidance counselor at 874-1130 or 874-1150.

To view all available information regarding the June regents exam, CLICK HERE.