The William Paca Middle School cohort of the Stony Brook STEP (Science & Technology Entry Program) Club recently spent a day exploring the Shinnecock Bay aboard the Research Vessel “Peconic” chartered through Stony Brook University’s School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences. According to William Paca Middle School science teacher Paula Kluse, Captain Brian Gagliardi and his crew introduced the group to many of the tools and methods used by marine scientists to study the local marine environment. “We learned about the various research studies currently being conducted through the facility and their impact on our ecosystems,” said Ms. Kluse. “It was a wonderful hands-on experience and many of our kids will recall this trip as a motivating factor in choosing their future science careers!”

The Stony Brook STEP program is a science outreach program which runs off a grant through Stony Brook University. The main goal of the program is to ignite an interest in the science, technology and engineering fields for secondary students. Students accepted into the program continue to participate in activities both within the district and at Stony Brook University throughout their secondary education. Students will also have the opportunity to continue STEP participation in the collegiate level version of the program after high school graduation.

William Paca Middle School recently participated in “Pennies for Patients,” a fundraising program created by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society which helps fund blood cancer research and works to provide help for patients and their families going through treatment. Throughout the three-week collection period, William Paca Middle School students and staff brought in their spare change – pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters – resulting in a donation of $1,316.54.

“The goal of the program was to raise money and awareness for blood cancer research, as well as to show the students that even if they brought in a little, working together it would become a lot,” said Alyssa Cabrera, William Paca Middle School social worker. “It was amazing to see how the teachers and students really worked together to make a difference in the lives of others.

The class that collected and donated the most amount of money was rewarded with a pizza party by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – Michelle Mannix’s and Gisella Prado’s class which raised $196. All classes donating more than $100 received bronze pennants – the remaining three classes were Charles Cabrera’s and Deirdre DeFranco’s class with $123, Vanessa Verni’s class with $121 and Michelle Deitch’s and Dawn Kuntzsch’s class with $120.

Recipients of the Century 21 Cor-Ace Realty Scholarship are pictured with Tony Coraci.

William Floyd High School recently held their annual scholarship night to recognize the achievements of graduating seniors and present them with numerous scholarships from the very generous William Floyd community. In total, 133 students were presented with scholarships totaling more than $200,000! Special thanks to all who donated their money and time to help students along in their pursuit of the American dream. Please click here to see the program and all of the organizations and individuals that presented scholarships and click here for a list of recipients! A gallery of downloadable images is available below!

Nathaniel Woodhull Elementary School recently honored “Rosie,” a goldendoodle and trained therapy dog, and her owner, Tom Kveton, for her one millionth “read,” a feat that she has accomplished in just under 10 years by visits to schools, libraries and hospitals. Rosie first started visiting Elizabeth Caffrey’s class in 2015 and has since been visiting children weekly throughout the school year. During the ceremony, Rosie was presented with an honorary William Floyd faculty identification badge, an original book, “Rosie Goes to School” written by Principal Monica Corona, along with gifts of artwork, song, a green Nathaniel Woodhull tutu (a gift from the PTO) and a $350 donation to Therapy Dogs International. Each and every day, Rosie continues to provide a relaxed atmosphere  for students to practice their reading and build their confidence. Please enjoy the album of images below along with various media coverage from the day’s event!

The Rosie Song:  The Nathaniel Woodhull Elementary School original “Rosie Song” performed by the Nathaniel Woodhull second- and third-grade students with music by Chris Miranda, lyrics by Sharon Kitzis and accompanied by fifth grader Joshua Crespo on the flute.

Rosie’s Celebration in the Media:
Newsday
Fios1 News
News 12

WFHS senior softball player Jayna Rios is pictured with head coach Fred Luhrs.

In what has been a tremendously successful William Floyd softball career, senior shortstop Jayna Rios capped off her final season as a Colonial earning several accolades including Suffolk County League I Large School Player of the Year, League I Player of the Year, New York State Sportswriters Association’s All-State (first team) and Newsday’s All-Long Island (first team). Rios, a five-year varsity player, helped lead the Colonials to two playoff victories in 2018.

In her five seasons, Rios has helped her team reach the playoffs each year. During that time, she has hit 36 home runs, driven in 123 runs, and hit for a .443 batting average. For her All-State senior season, Rios registered 34 hits, 13 home runs, 35 RBIs, and finished with a batting average of .486 and an on base percentage of .581.

“It has been a great experience. I came up when I was younger and got to see the older players and learn from them. The players, the coaching staff, the whole environment has been great,” said Rios as she reflected on her William Floyd softball career. “I won’t forget when Molly Peymann (2014 graduate), who was a senior at the time, told me to switch positions with her and move to second base from left field. I was only in eighth grade at the time but that made me realize that you have to be a team player and keep your head up to help better the team.”

When asked about one memory that stands out to her, Rios said that when the varsity team made the playoffs in 2014 during her eighth-grade season, breaking a long playoff drought, is one that she will cherish the most.

“I would like to say thank you to all my coaches for a great five years. To my assistant coaches over the years and head coach Fred Luhrs who has done a great job of coaching and preparing me during the summers and given all of us the time and drive and putting in the many hours for us,” said Rios.

Jayna Rios

Fred Luhrs, head varsity softball coach, has had a front row seat watching Jayna develop as both a player and person. “Her work ethic and her drive have been great to watch,” said Coach Luhrs. “She understood the lessons behind my speeches. Her maturity both as a player and as a person has really been impressive, she’s an outstanding young lady who has and will continue to achieve so much in her life. Her work ethic and the time she has put into this game has rewarded her.”

Regarding her teammates, Rios said, “We had a great run. I will cherish the memories we got to share with each other. This past season was the best we all ever had.”

Rios will be attending LIU Post next fall, where she will major in physical education and suit up for the Pioneers on a full athletic scholarship. She has aspirations of coming back to William Floyd to be a gym teacher.

When asked how Jayna has represented the William Floyd School District during her playing career, coach Luhrs said, “She has listened to every word I have said to her. She has represented the program, her family, her name, and the district with the utmost professionalism. I tell all my players that when you wear the jersey, you represent more than just yourself and the team. I have received many compliments from others about Jayna. Whenever something didn’t go her way, whether it was a strikeout or a bad call, she never acted immature or out-of-line. That’s what we look for and that’s what she has represented.”

Jayna said that she is most proud of putting William Floyd softball back on the map. “When I first saw the banners in the gym I thought to myself ‘I have to make William Floyd softball known again.’ That is what helped drive me.”

Jayna Rios’s accolades:
2014 – 8th grade: League I Rookie of the Year
2015 – 9th grade: All-County
2016 – 10th grade: All-Division (League I & II)
2017 – 11th grade: League I Player of the Year, All-County, Newsday All-Long Island Second Team
2018 – 12th grade: NYSSWA All-State First Team, All County, Newsday All-Long Island First Team, League I Player of the Year, Large School Player of the Year

Jayna attended William Floyd schools K-12 – John S. Hobart Elementary School, William Paca Middle School and William Floyd High School.

Due to the weather, graduation has been postponed until Sunday, June 24 at 10 am. All previous plans will take place at the same times as previously scheduled. Click here for the full graduation checklist and guidelines. Congratulations to all of our graduates and their families!

Please click the photo to see some of the positive news stories featured about the William Floyd School District from May 30 through June 25, 2018. You can also view it by clicking here!

Previous monthly recaps below:

May 1, 2018 – May 29, 2018

March 27, 2018 – May 1, 2018

February 19, 2018 – March 26, 2018

January 19, 2018 – February 16, 2018

December 8, 2017 – January 18, 2018

November 10, 2017 – December 7, 2017

October 5, 2017 – November 9, 2017

September 1, 2017 – October 4, 2017

July 2, 2017 – August 31, 2017

May 5, 2017 – June 26, 2017

March 14 – May 4, 2017

January 3 – February 13, 2017

November 20 – December 22, 2016

October 20 – November 17, 2016

September 16 – October 17, 2016

August 11 – September 15, 2016

July 1 – August 10, 2016

Summer School Registration

Registration Dates and Hours:

Tuesday, June 26, Wednesday, June 27, and Thursday, June 28

7:30 am – 11:30 am

Registration Process:

1. Register Student in Central Registration Office (by District Office) by 11:00 A.M.
2. Meet with School Counselor in WFHS Counseling Center (South Lobby) to schedule courses and necessary State Exams.

   (It is strongly recommended that parents accompany students for Summer School Registration.
   For students under 18 years old, a parent/guardian must sign the summer school attendance agreement.
   Students with a signed agreement on file by July 9th will be given scheduling priority.)

Summer is here. 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. Breakfast will be served from 7:00 am to 9:30 am; and lunch between 11:00 am and 1:30 pm in the William Floyd High School cafeteria, 240 Mastic Beach Road, Mastic Beach, Monday through Friday between July 9 and August 24 2018. Please use the south entrance.

Menus:
July Menu
August Menu

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FREE SUMMER FOOD SERVICE FLYER

William Floyd High School held its 59th annual Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, June 24, 2018. There were 647 graduates who turned their tassels to the left and became the newest alumni of William Floyd High School (not including January graduates – 53). Approximately 80% will attend a two- or four-year college or trade school this upcoming fall with the rest either entering the workforce or the armed forces. Fourteen are entering military service, 96 graduated with a Career and Technical Education Endorsement recognition, 39 were in the Senior National Honor Society, 14 were in the Senior Art Honor Society and 29 were in the Senior Tri-M Honor Society. Overall, 129 received the President’s Award for Educational Excellence and 238 received High Achievement Awards. The valedictorian, Asma Asghar (Barnard College), and salutatorian, Michelle Lara (Harvard University) both gave addresses to fellow graduates, along with Board of Education President Robert Vecchio, Superintendent of Schools Kevin M. Coster, William Floyd High School Principal Philip Scotto and Floyd Academy Principal John DeBenedetto. The Brookhaven and Mastic Fire Departments also provided a wonderful backdrop with a large American flag adorning the area just behind the stage. The William Floyd school community provided scholarships exceeding $200,000 for graduating seniors. Congratulations to the graduates of the Class of 2018!

Please enjoy a gallery of images and the Facebook Live video of graduation below!

William Floyd teachers are once again hosting the Teachers’ Story Corner Summer Reading Program at the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library. The program, held twice per week on Wednesday evenings from 6-6:30 pm and Thursday mornings from 10-11:30 am, beginning July 5 through August 16, features the district’s elementary teachers reading some of their favorite stories to preschool and school-aged children. The Teachers’ Story Corner is held in the Children’s Department at the Community Library. Children of all ages are welcome to stay for one or more stories and must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is not necessary. We hope to see you at the library!

The first session is Thursday, June 5 from 10-11:30 am, following by the following dates and times:
Wednesday, July 11, 6-6:30 pm
Thursday, July 12, 10-11:30 am
Wednesday, July 18, 6-6:30 pm
Thursday, July 19, 10-11:30 am
Wednesday, July 25, 6-6:30 pm
Thursday, July 26, 10-11:30 am
Wednesday, August 1, 6-6:30 pm
Thursday, August 2, 10-11:30 am
Wednesday, August 8, 6-6:30 pm
Thursday, August 9, 10-11:30 am
Wednesday, August 15, 6-6:30 pm
Thursday, August 16, 10-11:30 am

The 22nd annual William Floyd Scholarship Fund Golf Tournament is scheduled for Monday, August 27 at the Bellport Golf Club in Bellport, a wonderful community event that, since its inception, has raised more than a half million dollars in scholarships for deserving William Floyd High School seniors.

The event, sponsored by Century 21 Cor-Ace Realty and hosted by Tony Liberti, Tony Coraci and Tony Alfano, features 18 holes of golf bordering the picturesque Great South Bay followed by a dinner reception with prizes and raffles. Golf registration includes breakfast and lunch. For those who do not play golf, tickets are also available for the dinner only. Please call (631) 878-3400 for more information. The registration flier is linked here.

We hope to see you for a great day of fun for a wonderful cause!

Michael Barba and Mark Mensch overseeing the elementary students in basketball camp.

Two-time US Tennis Association Coach of the Year Dave Pia oversees the tennis camp.

This year marks the seventh summer of the William Floyd Summer Sports Camps hosted by the William Floyd Athletic Department. The camps provide a great opportunity for student athletes to learn the fundamentals of the sport they are aspiring to play from the knowledgeable coaches here at William Floyd. Sports camp offerings include basketball, baseball, softball, tennis, track, speed and strength, lacrosse and wrestling. Although the basketball and wrestling camps ended in late June, many other camps are active throughout July and August per the schedule. There are spots still available. All students ages five through 18 are eligible to join.

“The William Floyd Sports Camps provide a fun and safe environment for our students with instruction that is second to none,” said Mark Mensch, Athletic Director, William Floyd School District. “All camps are run by our varsity and junior varsity coaches so our athletes learn the William Floyd system for both offense and defense,” he said, adding, “the drills are all top level.”

Any camp proceeds go back into the athletic department to help offset the cost of supplies and equipment. Please click this link for additional details.

William Floyd’s annual Teachers’ Story Corner Summer Reading Program has begun, featuring some of the district’s elementary school teachers reading their favorite books to preschool and school-aged children at the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library each Wednesday night and Thursday morning through August 16.

The program, created six years ago, was formed with the intention of increasing and improving contact with children and their families over the summer. It is also designed to promote and offer literacy experiences for children entering school and for those who are already in school. Parents can meet with teachers and librarians to receive assistance regarding the location of books within the library and how to pick out developmentally-appropriate books and materials.

“I get a chance to talk with parents of incoming kindergarten students and new district residents and answer questions they may have about their new school,” said Wendy Gross, program founder and a kindergarten teacher at the William Floyd Learning Center, who also serves as a member of the Library Board of Trustees. “This program is also a great way for special education students to integrate with their typically developing peers.”

The program has been a tremendous success and continues to grow and reach more students each summer, averaging approximately 50-75 students per week.  “I became a member of the library board six years ago with the goal of helping the community, which includes working closely with the library staff and school district to find ways to collaborate,” added Mrs. Gross.

Children of all ages are welcome to come and stay for one, a few or all of the stories. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is not necessary.

William Floyd Teachers’ Story Corner Program remaining schedule:
Wednesday, July 11, 6-6:30 pm
Thursday, July 12, 10-11:30 am
Wednesday, July 18, 6-6:30 pm
Thursday, July 19, 10-11:30 am
Wednesday, July 25, 6-6:30 pm
Thursday, July 26, 10-11:30 am
Wednesday, August 1, 6-6:30 pm
Thursday, August 2, 10-11:30 am
Wednesday, August 8, 6-6:30 pm
Thursday, August 9, 10-11:30 am
Wednesday, August 15, 6-6:30 pm
Thursday, August 16, 10-11:30 am

Daniel Guastella in front of the newly-filled planter at the entrance of John S. Hobart Elementary School.

John S. Hobart alumnus Daniel Guastella Jr., a rising junior at William Floyd High School and a Life scout, recently completed a special project that gives back to his former school. Guastella has earned the rank of Life Scout by serving more than six months in Boy Scout Troop 414 and completing numerous hours of service for his community. He, along with the help of friends and family, recently filled the vacant planter that surrounded the John S. Hobart Elementary School sign with fresh plants, bushes and soil for his Eagle Scout project.

“I wanted to give back to Hobart for all it has done for me when I went there,” said Guastella. “The school means a lot to me as it was the first school I attended and I had many great times there. I hope the project makes the school look even better and even more welcoming to students.”

This project was years in the making for Guastella, who said that the fundraising for it initially started back in 2016. “It took about two weeks or so to actually gather the materials needed and complete the project,” said Guastella. He added that the idea for this project came to him as he was reflecting back upon his time at Hobart and how he felt that it was time to help beautify the entrance.

“I have known Daniel for many years and he has always been the type of person that is looking for ways to help those around him,” said James Westcott, Principal, John S. Hobart Elementary School. “He takes pride in the community and put a lot of effort into this project which drastically improved the aesthetics of our school’s entrance. It does not surprise me that Daniel has achieved this level in scouts. I’m sure it’s just a preview of many wonderful future accomplishments and contributions to the William Floyd school community.”

As a Life Scout working his way toward the rank of Eagle Scout, Guastella prides himself on giving back to his community any way he can. “I believe that it is important for scouts to enhance and preserve their communities. The better the community looks, the better we all look.”

Christine Rosado

The William Floyd School District recently appointed Christine Rosado as the new Director of Secondary Education and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) for the William Floyd School District. In this role, she will develop and monitor the integration of STEM curricula into the core content, monitor academic content which supports the district’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, monitor and implement the Next Generation Science Standards and Next Generation Mathematics Standards and provide leadership in all district CTE and STEM initiatives, among her numerous responsibilities. In this role, she will report to Kathleen Keane, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education. She is taking over for Dr. Donna Watkins who recently retired after six years of service to William Floyd in that role.

Ms. Rosado has spent nearly 15 years at William Floyd High School as a mathematics teacher including the past three years as the Mathematics Department Chairperson. As a teacher, she has instructed students in various courses such as Integrated Algebra, Geometry, Algebra 2/Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus Honors and Advanced Placement Calculus BC.

Ms. Rosado has achieved various accolades in her career including earning the prestigious National Board Certified Teacher designation from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, which is the most respected professional certification available in teaching. This voluntary and rigorous certification process signifies that she has voluntarily gone much further; and has developed and demonstrated the advanced knowledge, skills and practices required of an outstanding educator.

Additionally, Ms. Rosado was named a New York State Master Teacher in 2014, the first year of Governor Cuomo’s program recognizing New York’s best teachers. She was selected in the first round of this program, and is one of only 70 teachers in the Long Island region to achieve this honor. William Floyd has five New York State Master Teachers.

“Ms. Rosado’s expertise in instructional practices and use of data to drive departmental improvements make her an invaluable addition to the secondary leadership team,” said Ms. Keane. “She has tremendous respect among her colleagues and vast institutional knowledge, so she is hitting the ground running.”

Ms. Rosado earned her Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Dowling College, a Master of Arts in Adolescent Education from Dowling College, a Master of Arts in Mathematics for Secondary Teachers from Stony Brook University and her SBL/SDL Post-Master’s Advanced Certification from Stony Brook University. She is also a William Floyd High School alumna.

National Night Out

Tuesday, August 7th 5-8PM

William Floyd High School Football Field

National Night Out is a nationwide initiative  to fight crime  by hosting community-driven,  family friendly events. The goal is for citizens  to participate in safe group activities to show  they are in control of their neighborhoods.

Last year more than 650 people attended Night  Out, and 37 community agencies participated.  There are free, fun activities for every member  of the family! We hope to see you there!

For more information and to be a vendor  contact Tara D’Amato at 631-399-1511 x 295

Click Here to download the flyer 

The William Floyd School District slate of officers for the 2018-19 school year (left to right) Kevin M. Coster, Superintendent of Schools; Carolyn Visintin, District Clerk; Michelle Romanosky, District Treasurer; Jeananne Dawson, Vice President, BOE; and Robert Vecchio, President, BOE.

BOE Trustees (l-r) Thomas Gross, Robert Vecchio and Lorraine Mentz take the oath of office.

The William Floyd Board of Education held its annual reorganization meeting held on Monday, July 12, in which the two newly re-elected Board of Education trustees, Robert Vecchio and Thomas Gross, took the oath of office for new three-year terms. Trustee Lorraine Mentz, who was appointed to her position in July 2017, was elected for the first time in May 2018 to fill out the remainder of former Trustee Anthony Speruta’s term ending on June 30, 2019.

The Board of Education also appointed the slate of officers for the 2018-2019 school year, they are: Robert Vecchio, President, Board of Education; Jeananne Dawson, Vice President, Board of Education; Kevin M. Coster, Superintendent of Schools; Carolyn Visintin, District Clerk; and Michelle Romanosky, District Treasurer.

Additionally, the Board of Education adopted its meeting dates for the 2018-2019 academic year. All meetings will be held in the high school library, 240 Mastic Beach Road, Mastic Beach, with public session beginning at 7:30 pm, unless otherwise noted. The dates are: August 14, 30; September 18; October 9, 30; November 13; December 11; January 15, 29*; February 12*; March 12*; April 16 (Budget Adoption at 7 pm); May 14 (Annual Budget Hearing at 7 pm); and June 4, 18. The Budget Vote and Election will be held on May 21, 2019.

Pictured at the Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Medical Center check presentation are left to right Hope Purcell, Director of Patient Services, BMHMC Home Care and Hospice; Olivia Horstmann, Kyle’s daughter; Jean Langan Behrens, LCSW, Children’s Bereavement Coordinator, BMHMC; Ava Cusimano; Nicolle Horstmann, Kyle’s wife; Zachary Horstmann, Kyle’s son; Joann Flick, Director of Development, BMHMC; and Dr. Keith Fasciana, Principal, William Floyd Elementary School.

The William Floyd Elementary School community recently came together to raise $1,930.68 to benefit the Children’s Bereavement program at Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Medical Center (BMHMC) in honor of Kyle Horstmann, a devoted husband, father, William Floyd alumnus and William Floyd Elementary School parent volunteer who recently passed away from colon cancer. The idea for the fundraiser, “A Mile for Kyle,” came from Ava Cusimano, a rising sixth grader, and former student council president whose grandmother is a colon cancer survivor. When she heard that her neighbor had passed from this terrible disease, she wanted to raise money and awareness in his honor. So the school and the student council organized “A Mile for Kyle,” a walk in which students were encouraged to dress as their favorite superhero and walk a mile around the school property to raise money for this worthwhile cause.

William Floyd Elementary School recently hosted its fourth annual “Forget Me Not” Spelling Bee resulting in donations of $1,268 to assist 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 three years since this spelling bee’s inception, students and staff have raised more than $9,800!

This year’s winners by grade level include: Soleil Sherrod, kindergarten; Robert Rumph, first grade; Landon Reiter, second grade; Hajaratu Barrie, third grade; Isabella Humberstone, fourth grade; and Michael Pacheco Guerrero, fifth grade. Congratulations to the winners and all the participants for raising funds and awareness for this worthwhile cause.

The “Forget Me Not” Spelling Bee was started by Krista Cusimano, a rising freshman, when she was a fifth grader at William Floyd Elementary School in memory of her grandfather, Raul “Pa” Vosgerichian, who passed away from Alzheimer’s at the age of 66.