The William Floyd School District’s goal is to achieve career and/or college-readiness for all students. To emphasize that goal, the district is hosting its annual College and Career School Fair on Thursday, April 14, 2016, from 6 pm to 8:30 pm at William Floyd High School. Representatives from more than 90 colleges, universities and technical schools will be on hand to talk to students and families about the admissions process, academic offerings, financial aid, campus life and more. There will also be age appropriate activities and a scavenger hunt for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. We hope to see you there!

Iliana Barcenas with her orchestra teacher Christopher Shaughnessy. (click to enlarge)

William Floyd High School violist Iliana Barcenas, was selected as the recipient of the Suffolk County Music Educators Association competitive Robert Padgett Scholarship to study for seven weeks during the summer at the prestigious Usdan Center for the Creative and Performing Arts in Huntington, NY.

Iliana, a sophomore, studies under orchestra teacher Christopher Shaughnessy who described her as a talented, hardworking student who is consistent in her application. “She has a promising future,” he said.

The Usdan Center, a not-for-profit summer arts camp, is now in its 48^th season and enrolls 1,600 students in more than 40 different programs of study, including orchestra. Usdan alumni include actors Natalie Portman and Lisa Gay Hamilton, singers Jane Monheit and Mariah Carey, Tony-Award winning playwright Michele Lowe, Grammy-Award winning producer Adam Abeshouse, Juilliard Pre-College Orchestra conductor Adam Glaser, and members of major American orchestras, dance and theater companies.

Members of the William Floyd Robotics team in Utah.

Dear William Floyd Board of Education:

My trip to Utah for the First Robotics Regional will be a cherished memory that I will remember for the rest of my life. Looking back on high school years from now, I will think back to spending five days of anticipation and enjoyment with my closest friends and mentors who led me along the way to make the best memories of my junior year of high school.

Although getting the word that we would be competing in Utah made me nervous, I was filled with excitement for the new expedition I would be going on. Being [only] my second time going on a plane, I was nervous, but knowing I had my friends and mentors with me gave me comfort for the journey that was ahead. When we got to Utah the sight was amazing – seeing the mountains and how different the world was on the other side of the country was shocking. The view made me feel like I was dreaming.

After landing we went to Cracker Barrel where we ate food that was fantastic! Nothing like you would ever get from Long Island. Afterwards, we went to our hotel which was another unbelievable sight, seeing our rooms and how big they were, made us even more excited knowing we would be staying there for almost a week. From day one, I was having the time of my life between going out to eat, swimming at the hotel pool, walking around Salt Lake City, and most importantly spending time with my friends and mentors, including Dr. Watkins and her husband, which made my trip even that much better.

William Floyd Robotics team drivers Kaylee La Spisa and Edward Garner III hold their trophy as they celebrate their title at the SBPLI-FIRST LI Robotics Regional.

We competed at the Maverik Center which was this huge coliseum that made me star struck on the entirety of the place we would soon be competing in. Between the four days of competing, we worked our hardest to get our robot, “Sherman,” to the top of the rankings competing against robots from all over the country and world trying to win one for William Floyd High School. Through all of our hard work we came in fourth place and are very proud that we came that far in our first regional this year. Without the help of Mr. Carpinone, Mr. Fried, and Mr. Ryon, we would have never come that far. They helped us understand and become confident in what we were doing with Sherman and have the ambition to rise above the rest to show our Floyd Pride for Team 287! Especially helping us, Mr. Carpinone taught Kaylee LaSpisa and I (the drivers) that it takes hard work and determination to win and become better, as well as strive for what we were doing and especially have fun, because without fun you are not learning. Even at our toughest times in the arena between either being defeated, having to fix our robot, and/or battling against other robots, he let us know how excited and proud he was of us and our learning abilities, to work under pressure and accomplish the goals we set for us and our team.

The only way our trip would have been greater was if you would have come along with us and enjoyed the things we did that we all so much appreciated. Thank you for letting us take the trip and for the opportunity. My fellow classmates and I now have wonderful memories to look back on and we could not ask for more in having experienced this in our high school robotics career. Thank you again.

Sincerely,

Edward Garner III
Driver- Team 287
11th grade

The William Floyd Colonials varsity baseball team will battle Patchogue-Medford on Thursday, April 14 at 4:30 pm in a league game at Ducks Stadium in Central Islip.

Entry into Ducks Stadium for this event is free and begins at 4 pm.

Please note there is no outside food allowed in the park and seating sections may be limited to one side of the stadium. This is not an open-seating event. Spectators will not be guaranteed to sit on the same side of the field as their team.

Come on out and support your Colonials!

SkillsUSA top three finishers (l-r) Jose Bravo, Evelyn Peralta, Joe Lovett and Dena Sladky.

Four William Floyd High School Career and Technical Education (CTE) students – Evelyn Peralta, Joe Lovett, Jose Bravo and Dena Sladky – all finished in the top three in their respective categories at the SkillsUSA Area VI Long Island Regional held at the Brentwood Campus of Suffolk County Community College. With their efforts, Evelyn, Jose and Dena qualified to compete in the 2016 SkillsUSA New York Leadership Conference and Skills Championships in Syracuse in late April.

Evelyn Peralta and Joe Lovett, finished second and third, respectively, in Medical Assisting (only one school can be represented at States for this category, so Evelyn will represent William Floyd); Jose Bravo finished third in Building Trades & Construction (carpentry); and Dena Sladky, Hospitality Services Academy (culinary/food prep) also finished third in her category. Congratulations also goes out to their teachers, Rhonda DeTrano, LPN, Medical Assisting; Matthew Van Horne, Building Trades & Construction Academy; and Rich Daly, Hospitality Services Academy.

Virtual Enterprise cosmetology students.

In other CTE news, Eclectic Essentials, a CTE Virtual Enterprise (VE) Cosmetology class is in its third year of business, recently received a top 25% rating at the VE 2016 National Website Competition, a competition that received 400 firm submissions and 7,000 ratings from judges making it one of the largest in VE history.

William Floyd High School business teacher Jacqueline Giacalone explained that the students created a virtual business that sells “on the go kits” and provides at home services for hair make up and nails. You can check out the website at www.eefloyd.com.

Pictured are William Floyd art teachers (l-r, back row) Linda Francis, Erin Almeida, Dale Luongo, Susan Plunket, Erika Licausi, James Carson, Jill Berner and Sharon Papp; (front row) Linda Tucci and Theresa Bianco. Not pictured: Marco Antenucci, Timothy Kosta, Stephanie Taisler, Eileen Randazzo, Elizabeth Samperi and Debra Zorn.

Recently, more than 400 people attended the William Floyd School District Art Department’s successful District Wide Art Show, which displayed art work from students in each of the district’s eight schools.

A mom and her daughter enjoying the artwork (scroll below for more photos).

“The art show was not only a celebration of our children, but an appreciation for creativity and the unique qualities that they possess,” said Theresa Bianco, Chairperson, Visual Arts, William Floyd School District. “The projects that were on display demonstrated self-expression, literacy, cultural and historical discoveries, complex problem-solving and respect for the environment.”

William Floyd High School art teacher Erika Licausi added, “This show was a unique experience for our younger artists to see the different types of artwork and opportunities open to them as they get older in art, and also for the older students to reminisce about their past.”

Additionally, high school students from the National Art Honor Society served refreshments and provided face painting for the younger children while members of Michael Cordaro’s Jazz band provided music entertainment for the evening.

This event was a collaborative effort by all of the district’s art teachers. Special thanks to Jill Berner for creating the original poster and invitation design and the banners that were created by Linda Francis.

Students at Tangier Smith Elementary School recently participated in the annual school-wide science expo with first-place winners earning the opportunity to have their projects entered into the Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) Elementary Science Fair this May. Student work will also be displayed at the William Floyd School District annual STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Symposium later this spring.

Congratulations to the following students who were selected as the overall winners for their grade level (pictured above):

Kindergarten: Charles Pimentel for his project, “The Great Blubber Experiment.” (Mrs. Casey/Mrs. Wagner’s class)

1st Grade: Greg Ross for his project, “Egg Count.” (Mrs. LaMar’s class)

2nd Grade: Colin Smith for his project, “Can a Meteorite Land in Mastic Beach?” (Mrs. Dhyne’s class)

3rd Grade: Hunter Rivera for his project, “The Potato Test.” (Mrs. Zadrazil’s class)

4th Grade: Isabella Gawlowski for her project, “Sun Luvin’ Oven.” (Mrs. Elarde’s class)

5th Grade: Brooke Gilhauley for her project, “The Ice Challenge.” (Mrs. Robertson’s class)

The winners and the honorable mention recipients along with Tangier Smith Principal Toni Komorowski (back left) and Assistant Principal Ed Schneyer (back right).

Suffolk County Community College photo

Two William Floyd graduates, Kayla Clements and Bridget Reiffert, both from the Class of 2014, recently celebrated the 2015 NJCAA Division III Cross Country National Championship as members of the Suffolk County Community College cross country team!

Kayla and Bridget’s former cross country coach, Jillian Sanders, reflected upon the girls’ time at William Floyd.  “I am so proud to say that Kayla and Bridget ran 12 seasons throughout their careers at William Floyd High School. They were very accomplished runners in both cross country and track and field. Bridget received All-League honors in cross country numerous times and was captain of both the cross country and track teams during her senior year. Kayla also received All-League and All-County honors in numerous events. Her performances during her high school career and ability to compete at a high level in numerous events on the track have been astounding. I miss coaching them tremendously and I am overjoyed to see them continue their successful running careers at the collegiate level.”

A video montage of the William Floyd Distinguished Alumni Class of 2016.

The William Floyd School District, in collaboration with the William Floyd Alumni Association, recognizes the William Floyd Distinguished Alumni Class of 2016 for making a positive difference in society through their careers and in their lives. 2016 honorees include: Paul Casciano, education, Class of 1970; Monica Corona (née Sica); education, Class of 1981; Sam DeMarco aka Chef SammyD, renowned culinary artist and restaurateur, Class of 1983; Brookhaven Town Councilman Dan Panico, government and public service, Class of 1996; and Tara Fogarty, an Emmy-nominated producer for the Rachael Ray Show, Class of 1999.

A limited amount of tickets are still available, please be sure to get your ticket reqeusts in by Wednesday, April 13!
Click here for the ticket order form!

Paul Casciano (1970)

Paul Casciano has been a public school educator for 41 years, all in the William Floyd School District. He was our Superintendent of Schools for nine years.  Key among our achievements during Paul’s tenure were the establishment of educational and financial integrity in the operations of our district.  He also served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent and deputy superintendent. Paul was named a National Distinguished Principal, New York State’s highest honor for Principals. Moriches Elementary School received multiple State and National awards during his tenure as Principal. He remains active in our community through various organizations. Paul is currently teaching college courses in school leadership.

Monica (Sica) Corona (1981)

Monica Corona has been employed at William Floyd for the past 28 years and currently serves as principal of Nathaniel Woodhull Elementary School, a position she has held for the past 13 years. She was the new principal when Nathaniel Woodhull was transformed into a K-5 school in 2003, and unified teachers, staff and students from the other four existing elementary schools to form a new school. Monica began her career at William Floyd as an elementary teacher at Tangier Smith Elementary and later became an assistant principal at John S. Hobart Elementary. She is co-president of the Suffolk County Elementary Principals Association. Monica is very involved with the ALS Foundation and has raised thousands of dollars for this worthy cause.

Sam DeMarco (1983)

Chef Sam DeMarco, William Floyd High School Class of 1983, appreciates his start in Ms. Green’s “Home Ec” class, which inspired him to continue cooking. He graduated from NYIT Central Islip in 1987 with a certificate in Culinary Arts. At NYIT, he received the inaugural “Chef Award” for Most Likely to Succeed – and that he did. Chef DeMarco rose through the ranks in the most prestigious kitchens of NYC during the 1980s, when the American culinary scene was on the brim of exploding. Chef Demarco has since developed, and opened numerous large projects – FIRST, Rattlecan, SammyD’s, Merrywell(s), the Travel Channel show Chow Masters and much more! He and his wife, Ellen, have three children, Dakota, Delilah and Mossimo. Keep It Hot!!!

Tara Fogarty (1999)

Tara Fogarty is an Emmy-nominated television producer for the nationally syndicated Rachael Ray Show. During her time at William Floyd, she was a Rockette, chorus member, NYSSMA honoree and theater participant. She graduated from SUNY Oneonta with a Bachelor’s in mass communications and a concentration in production. Throughout her successful career, she held positions with MTV Beach House, Project Runway, Wife Swap, The Doctors and the Rachael Ray Show. Tara is engaged to Joseph Graziano and has planned their wedding for June 2016. She credits her success to her loving family, especially her mother, Eileen, who has been her biggest source of inspiration and strength.

Daniel J. Panico (1996)

Dan Panico currently serves as Councilman and Deputy Supervisor for the Town of Brookhaven. He has authored landmark legislation including the tax cap, anti-nepotism law and sweeping ethics reform. A pioneer in the areas of land use, zoning and planning, he has preserved hundreds of acres of farmland and open space, worked to prevent over development, and has emphasized redevelopment of our existing developed lands. He is credited with spearheading the most aggressive crackdown on illegal housing and blighted structures in the history of Brookhaven Town. Raising the quality of life for all has been the hallmark of his tenure.

William Floyd Middle School science teacher Mario DiDomenico shows an owl to students.

William Floyd Middle School recently held their annual Showcase Night as a way to show parents and members of the community the great opportunities that are available to students and to highlight the great things that happening throughout the school on a regular basis from academics, music, art, sports, clubs and more. At the event, attendees also enjoyed performances by the 6th Grade Orchestra, the Jazz Band, the Select Choir, the 6th Grade Band, the Latin Dancers, the WFMS cheerleaders and the Colonial Volunteers. Presentations included informational sessions on academic achievement, the road to college and a “Birds of Prey” show featuring live hawks and owls, which was a great success.

See below for a sampling of photos from the event!

Recently, William Floyd girls varsity soccer player Amber Birchwell had the opportunity to train and compete in the U. S. Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program during a 10-day international event in Spain. As one of only about nine juniors competing in the girls division, Birchwell tallied three goals and one assist. In addition to being named one of the “Top 50 Girls Soccer Players on Long Island” by Newsday, the All-State and All-Long Island junior also led Suffolk County’s League I in scoring this past season with 15 goals and four assists. According to her head coach, Matthew Sanders, Birchwell has verbally committed to play in the Big East Conference for Providence College in the fall of 2017.

The U.S. Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program is a national identification and development program for high-level players, which identifies and develops youth players throughout the country to represent their state association, region and the Unites States in soccer competitions.

Pictured left to right: Dr. Keith Fasciana, Michael Goodwin, Wendy Gross, Robert Guerriero and Elizabeth Hamid.

The William Floyd School District Board of Education recently recognized five members of its school community – from the staff, faculty, administration and the board of education – who were recently honored as “Shining Stars” by SCOPE Education Services at the 15th annual School District Awards Dinner. Honorees are chosen based upon their exemplary service to education and to the William Floyd School District.

This year’s class of honorees includes, Robert Guerriero, trustee, Board of Education, receiving the School Board Service Award; Elizabeth Hamid, transportation coordinator assistant, receiving the Support Staff Award; Wendy Gross, teacher, Tangier Smith Elementary School, receiving the Teacher Service Award; Mike Goodwin, teacher, William Floyd High School, receiving the Teacher Service Award; and Dr. Keith Fasciana, principal, William Floyd Elementary School, receiving the Administrator Service Award.

“On behalf of the William Floyd School District, I congratulate the honorees on this well-deserved recognition,” said Kevin M. Coster, Superintendent of Schools, William Floyd School District. “These five individuals are truly deserving of this award and are representative of the wonderful faculty, staff, administration and Board of Education that do so much for our students and community on a daily basis.”

Scroll through the images above!

About William Floyd’s Shining Stars:

School Board Service Award recipient
Robert Guerriero, a trustee on the William Floyd Board of Education, has served in this capacity since his appointment to a vacant position in 2011. He was then elected in 2012 for the remainder of the vacancy and again in 2013 to a full three-year term. Mr. Guerriero has served and continues to serve in various school and community groups including school district budget advisory committees, the Rotary Club of Shirley and the Mastics, the William Floyd Scholarship Fund Golf Tournament, which has raised almost $500,000 in student scholarships, and more. Bob and his wife, Karen, have two daughters, Karen and Kristie, both of whom are William Floyd graduates. He has been a devoted William Floyd community member since 1986.

Support Service Award recipient
Elizabeth Hamid joined the William Floyd School District in 2009 and quickly became an integral part of the transportation department. She was instrumental in implementing new and more efficient routing software. Her in-depth understanding of the transportation department along with excellent customer service skills has been well recognized and received. She continues to go above and beyond when dealing with both internal and external parties. During the economic downturn, Elizabeth managed the complete overhaul of the transportation department from a three- to a four-tier system and back again. She did it with incredible professionalism and precision. During the 2015-16 school year she helped to develop a transportation request for proposal and bid to provide the district with the most cost-effective transportation solution. She is an incredible example of a shining star.

Teacher Service Award recipients
Wendy Gross’s contribution to the William Floyd School District transcends the four walls of her kindergarten classroom at Tangier Smith Elementary School. She is highly instrumental with parent involvement initiatives, such as empowering parent volunteers in the classroom and fostering participation in their child’s education. She assumes an instructional leadership role within the building, working with teachers to increase student achievement. In a tireless attempt to deepen the interdependence of the community’s resources, Wendy serves on the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library Board of Trustees and broadens her role by finding opportunities to merge the school community with the library. In addition, Wendy has freely worked with our local resources to support the needs of the community, particularly her students.

Michael Goodwin has been a teacher-leader with the William Floyd School District since 1992. He has contributed greatly to the math department and has supported and facilitated the integration of mathematics into our Career and Technical Education Automotive Technology and Building Trades & Construction programs. He has been a teacher in our Center for Interim Instruction program and has mentored many new teachers during his tenure. He recently led the initiative for the development of a Math 12 course, which was designed to help facilitate college and career readiness. He worked with a district team to understand the needs of our college-bound students and align the curriculum to college expectations. He has been a leader in the teacher’s union and has facilitated productive discussions between district leadership and teachers. His easygoing style and attitude make him a true pleasure to work with, even during the most challenging discussions. His contribution to the William Floyd School District reaches beyond his classroom and department. He is a true teacher-leader.

Administrator Service Award recipient
Dr. Keith Fasciana, principal of William Floyd Elementary School, has served the William Floyd School District in many capacities, including in the roles of coach, teacher and nearly 10 years as an administrator. Within his building, he has led initiatives such as the integration of instructional technology, as well as developing and piloting the departmentalization of math and English language arts in grades 3-5. He works diligently with the outside community to access resources for his students, and provides a safe and nurturing environment for both students and staff. Dr. Fasciana mentors and empowers teachers to embrace innovation as they face the academic challenges of preparing students to become effective learners.

William Floyd School District “Our Community Salutes” honorees along with district officials, veterans and elected officials at the 2015 Brookhaven Town Our Community Salutes recognition ceremony.

The “Our Community Salutes” Brookhaven Town is hosting its second annual Enlistee Recognition Ceremony on Thursday, May 19 from 6-10 pm at Sunset Harbot in Patchogue, NY.  Our Community Salutes or OCS ceremonies are designed to honor the high school students who have chosen to serve our country in the armed forces and defend the freedoms we all enjoy.

Newsday article about the first Brookhaven Town OCS event. (Printed May 14, 2015)

Last year’s ceremony, the first in Brookhaven Town, recognized students from William Floyd and four other local school districts; and this year’s event expects to be even bigger. This is our community’s opportunity to be the first to say “thank you” and give the enlistees and their families a night they will remember and cherish. OCS ceremonies are conducted all over the country and each is as unique as the communities that hold them.

Tickets and sponsorships are available. Information is below! We hope to see you there!

Students in Melissa Dunbar’s class at Moriches Elementary School welcomed Officer Ashley Appice, a three-year veteran of the NYPD for a special Career Week presentation. In class, she discussed the characteristics of a police officer, the training that is required and the different aspects of her job. Students were excited to have her in class!

Matthew Klein left to right voted “Most Artistic” for the WF Class of 1999, during one of his tours in Iraq, as a New York City Police Officer and as an NYPD forensic artist.

Matthew Klein, a William Floyd High School graduate Class of 1999 and a forensic artist with the New York City Police Department (NYPD), was recently featured in the regional and national news for being one of only about 100 full-time forensic artists left in the United States. The article, “Sketchy work: NYPD sketch artists nab bad guys,” was written by the Associated Press and featured in Newsday, the New York Daily News and more than two dozen other media reports across the country, focused on this little-known trade that is still a necessity in this age of cell phone and surveillance cameras. For those cases when the surveillance footage is either unclear or there is none, forensic artists step in to interview witnesses in order to construct a likeness of a suspect which is then used in widely disseminated “wanted posters.”  Just last month, Officer Klein’s drawing was instrumental in capturing a suspect who allegedly slashed a woman in Brooklyn.

Matthew Klein with Chief Robert Boyce of the NYPD Detective Bureau.

Klein grew up influenced by art as his father was a professional artist and animator for Walt Disney and Warner Brothers. At William Floyd High School, he was voted most artistic for his graduating class and remembers fondly two of his art teachers Susan Hersh and Maureen Campbell. Although he continued to draw as a hobby, Klein did not consider it as a potential career until much later.

After graduation, Klein joined the U.S. Army and served in the 3rd Infantry Division as a machine gunner and a squad marksman. He conducted two tours in Iraq, receiving the Combat Infantryman’s Badge and a Purple Heart for shrapnel wounds inflicted upon him as a large IED (improvised explosive device) was detonated in close proximity to him. Klein was honorably discharged in 2006 after completing more than 400 combat missions during his two tours of Iraq.

After returning home, Klein joined the NYPD and was assigned to Far Rockaway, Queens, and felt that his military experience gave him a tactical edge while patrolling some of the tougher neighborhoods. Over the years, he continued to draw and practice his art. Then in 2011, he learned about the NYPD’s elite artist unit, a unit of three detectives who serve as forensic artists and use their skills to help bring perpetrators to justice. He took the test and scored extremely well and joined in January 2015 after the retirement of the senior artist. He is expected to be promoted to the rank of Detective this summer.

Klein, who still resides locally and has children enrolled in the William Floyd School District, is proud of his roots in the community. “I’ve definitely had an interesting and action-packed life and career,” he said. “I’ve been blessed with a great family and it all started in the William Floyd School District.” He hopes that his story will inspire current William Floyd students.

Derek Robinson’s Spanish 4 classes at William Floyd High School, with the assistance of Kim Massa, Chairperson, Language Other Than English (LOTE), recently visited the “A la Carte” cooking school in Nassau County. The trip aimed to enhance students’ knowledge of Spanish culture by allowing them to experience the preparation and tasting of a variety of traditional Spanish dishes. “During the field trip, students expanded their knowledge on the origins of spices and had the opportunity to learn the history behind the ingredients used in making authentic Spanish cuisine,” said Mr. Robinson. They prepared a plethora of popular dishes such as homemade tortillas, guacamole en molcajete, pico de gallo, arroz con leche, tortilla de patata, paella and cheese quesadillas.

Students gave positive feedback upon returning from the trip. Many said that they enjoyed the environment and experience and truly appreciated the hands-on approach to learning about culture and food. The interaction and teamwork that was required in order to prepare the food was an excellent way for students to get to know their classmates and better understand the Spanish culture and language. ​

There is no substitute for human blood. Statistics show that approximately one in three people will require a blood transfusion at some point in their lives. You can help remedy this situation by donating and giving the “Gift of Life.”

Nathaniel Woodhull Elementary School
Monday, April 18, 2016 from 2-6:30 pm

For questions, or to sign up, please email Erin Caglioti @ ecaglioti@wfsd.k12.ny.us

Pictured from left to right are: William Paca Middle School technology teacher Eric Sorensen, students Jacob LaRoche, Jose Ortez, Samantha Share, Jayson McLafferty holding their projects, and School Librarian, Roseann Magrane.

Recently, students enrolled in Eric Sorensen’s technology classes at William Paca Middle School were able to create and design objects to be printed on a 3D printer. With assistance from William Paca librarian Roseann Magrane who secured the printer on loan from Eastern Suffolk BOCES, students created items using Autodesk, software that is used in the architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, media and entertainment industries.

“The goal was for students to learn Autodesk and create something tangible out of nothing,” said Mr. Sorensen. “This fun STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) project was completed by the students by putting their math, logic and problem-solving skills to good use.”

Jayson McLafferty, a seventh grader, said that he was surprised to see algebra, geometry, symmetry and scaling all went into the project. He said that enjoyed being creative and thinking of his own idea – a peg board. Some of the projects that the students created were a water bottle complete with a straw, a peg board, a cable cover faceplate and a toy block.

The robotics team visit with the Army robot was featured in Newsday on Thursday, April 7, 2016.

Recently, William Floyd High School physics students and NJROTC cadets, as well as the Long Island Regional Champion William Floyd Robotics team, had the opportunity to see a demonstration of the U.S. Army’s explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) robots, the TALON, lightweight, unmanned, tracked military robots developed to protect service personnel and first responders against explosive threats.

Soldiers from the 63rd Ordnance Battalion out of Fort Drum, who are in charge of these particular robots, also brought an EOD bomb suit for students to try on. Special thanks to the U.S. Army Career Center in Selden for arranging the visit.

William Floyd Middle School recently held a PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports) Luncheon in which students and teachers dined together on a menu catered by Aramark, the school district’s food services provider.

As part of this special luncheon, students were given the opportunity to nominate a teacher that they feel exemplifies the characteristics of PBIS with their “Colonial Cash,” William Floyd Middle School currency that students receive throughout the school year for various positive acts such as showing kindness, being respectful, helping others, being responsible and more. When a nominated teacher was selected for the luncheon, the students that nominated that teacher were entered into a random drawing to eat with that particular teacher.

The menu for the afternoon celebration included summer pear salad with raspberry vinaigrette dressing, grilled balsamic chicken with bruschetta, battered New England potatoes with chives, haricot verts almondine and strawberry shortcake for dessert.