In an effort to minimize traffic congestion, the high school will be running on a truncated bell schedule for the next two days, Thursday, September 13 and Friday, September 14, with dismissal taking place at 1:01 pm. Ninth- and 10th-grade students will continue arrival and dismissal in the north lot; 11th- and 12th-grade students will continue arrival and dismissal in the south lot. If parents have multiple children at different locations, please conduct drop-off and pick-up at one location. For those students who cannot be picked up at that time, the high school library will remain open under teacher/administrator supervision until the last child is picked up. Thank you for your patience as we navigate through the next couple of days of school until large bus transportation returns on Monday, September 17. The temporary bell schedule is below.

William Floyd High School Temporary Bell Schedule for Thursday, 9/13 and Friday, 9/14
Warning Bell:       7:20 am
Period 1:              7:25 am – 8:03 am
Period 2:              8:07 am – 8:49 am (includes morning announcements)
Period 3:              8:53 am – 9:31 am
Period 4:              9:35 am – 10:13 am
Period 5:              10:17 am – 10:55 am
Period 6:              10:59 am – 11:37 am
Period 7:              11:41 am – 12:19 pm
Period 8:              12:23 pm – 1:01 pm

Large bus transportation will be operational on Monday, September 17. Below are some key points to remember for Friday, September 14, and Monday, September 17.

• Schools will follow the same drop-off and pick-up procedures currently on the website for Friday, September 14.
• The last day for before-school and after-school childcare will be Friday, September 14.
• Effective Monday, September 17, schools will be back to their normal schedules. The times are listed below.
• Students should be at their bus stop 40 minutes prior to their school’s start time.
• Bus stop locations for both elementary and secondary levels have not changed since the first notification in August.
• At the elementary level, if your bus number has changed, your child will receive a letter home in his/her backpack.
• At the secondary level, please check the Parent Portal for any updates.
• Please anticipate normal “first day of school” transportation delays as it is not unusual for buses to run late during the first few weeks of school.

Thank you all for your patience during this situation and we look forward to a wonderful school year!

The William Floyd Transportation office can be reached at (631) 874-1305 or through email at transportation@wfsd.k12.ny.us. Each specific school’s main office phone number is listed below.

School Start and End Times
Nathaniel Woodhull Elementary: (631) 874-1302
School day: 9:05 am – 3:05 pm

Moriches Elementary: (631) 874-1398
School day: 9:05 am – 3:05 pm

John S. Hobart Elementary: (631) 874-1296
School day: 9:05 am – 3:05 pm

Tangier Smith Elementary: (631) 874-1342
School day: 9:05 am – 3:05 pm

William Floyd Elementary: (631) 874-1257
School day: 8:10 am – 2:10 pm

William Floyd Learning Center: (631) 874-1718
School day: 9:05 am – 3:05 pm

William Paca Middle School: (631) 874-1414
School day: 8:10 am – 2:23 pm (extra help beginning October 1: 2:23 pm – 2:50 pm)

William Floyd Middle School: (631) 874-5505
School day: 8:10 am – 2:23 pm (extra help beginning October 1: 2:23 pm – 2:50 pm)

William Floyd High School: (631) 874-1120
School day: 7:25 am – 1:33 pm (extra help 1:37 pm – 2:10 pm)

Floyd Academy: (631) 874-1795
School day: 10:32 am – 4:28 pm

NJROTC cadet officers for the 2018-19 school year recite the “Cadet Creed” at the William Floyd Estate.

The William Floyd Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) recently held their “pinning” ceremony in which the slate of cadet officers is named for the 2018-19 school year. The ceremony was held on the grounds of the William Floyd Estate, the ancestral home of William Floyd, a Revolutionary War general and one of only 56 men to sign the Declaration of Independence.

Under the leadership of Senior Naval Science Instructor Commander Jay Tweed (USN/Ret.) and Senior Chief Dwight Becherer (USN/Ret.), the nine new cadet leaders recited the “Cadet Creed” as they gathered around the flagpole at the Old Mastic House. Commander Tweed preached the importance of honor, courage and commitment – core values that the Navy lives by. The commitment to academic and physical prowess to meet the high standards of a cadet officer was also discussed.

“The new cadet officers have the experience to meet the challenges they now face as they already have two to three years of naval science studies, academic excellence and extracurricular activities,” said Commander Tweed. Under the leadership of Commander Tweed and Senior Chief Becherer, the cadets are ready to meet those high expectations.

Congratulations to the new cadet officers: Samantha Badzo, Alexander Beere, Kelly Bohling, Joseph Cortes, Humberto Diaz, Rasheed Rhames, Michael Russitano, Xander Shirley and Savannah Smith.

In addition to regular classroom instruction, NJROTC cadets participate in a number of extracurricular activities throughout the school year and during summer months that are designed to stimulate learning by hands-on experiences and to reinforce the program’s curriculum. Cadet extracurricular activities include community service projects, attending drill meets, academic competitions, visits to naval installations and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) training.

The Navy Junior ROTC, a Citizenship Development Program, is currently under the direction of Rear Admiral Michael Bernacchi, Commander of the Naval Service Training Command, headquartered at Naval Station Great Lakes, Illinois. NJROTC is a program that instills the value of citizenship and service to the United States in high school students.

William Floyd High School “Meet the Teacher” Night is scheduled for Thursday evening, September 20 at 6 pm. Parents who attend will assemble in the high school auditorium for a welcome address from Principal Philip Scotto and then follow a shortened version of their child’s “even day” schedule. Please be sure to print a copy of your child’s schedule on the Parent Portal and please bring in your completed medical emergency forms! We look forward to seeing you on Thursday evening!

Mr. Scotto’s letter and the high school bell schedule are available by clicking here.

William Floyd High School senior and bass trombone player Zachary Neikens is pictured with his band teacher, Michael Cordaro.

Zachary Neikens, a senior and student-musician at William Floyd High School (bass trombone), has been selected by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) as a member of the All-National Honor Ensembles Concert Band, a prestigious honor reserved for the “best of the best” student-musicians across the nation. Zachary is one of only 121 instrumentalists from 49 U.S. states and territories selected to perform with the Concert Band and one of only 550 student-musicians selected overall in one of five categories – concert band, jazz ensemble, mixed choir, symphony orchestra and guitar ensemble. The All-National Honors Ensembles will take place from November 25-28 at the Coronado Springs Resort at Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL.

Zachary, who practices between three and four hours per day, was selected for this prestigious honor through an audition process among and against top student-musicians across the nation, as well as for qualifying and earning All-State recognition from the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA). Zachary is no stranger to accolades as he has been recognized for his talents by NYSSMA, the New York State Band Directors Association, the Suffolk County Music Educators Association and the International Trombone Association, which awarded him an “Honorable Mention” as a sophomore essentially placing him in the top six in the world among high school and college trombonists.

Zachary started playing tenor trombone in third grade at Nathaniel Woodhull Elementary School and switched to the bass trombone about four years ago during his time at William Floyd Middle School. He has performed with the North Shore Community Band, the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of New York and the Juilliard Pre-College program. He is a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society and performs in the jazz band, wind ensemble, orchestra, trombone quartet and brass quintet at William Floyd High School under the direction of Director of Bands, Michael Cordaro.

Zachary, who said he is “extremely honored” by this selection, will have an opportunity, along with his peers from across the nation, to perform a challenging repertoire under the baton of Dennis Glocke, the Director of Concert Bands at the Pennsylvania State University.

About the William Floyd Music Department
The award-winning William Floyd Music Department was inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame in 2018 for its rich history of excellence in music education, an awards program designed to identify Long Island high school music programs that are creating notable music experiences for their students and are incorporating the national and New York State standards for the arts in creative and meaningful ways. William Floyd was the only 2018 recipient to receive districtwide honors. Additionally, the department was named a “Best Community for Music Education” in 2017 and 2018, a designation that recognizes outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders who have and continue to make music education part of a well-rounded education. William Floyd is now a five-time recipient of this honor. The department educates students in elementary, middle and high school, making music an integral part of the educational process at William Floyd. Student performing groups regularly receive honors and accolades at various levels and competitions, staff is oftentimes sought after as experts in their field, and the department contributes to the community through a variety of performances both in and out of school in an effort to spread the joy that is William Floyd music.

About the National Association for Music Education (NAfME)
NAfME, among the world’s largest arts education organizations, is the only association that addresses all aspects of music education. NAfME advocates at the local, state and national levels; provides resources for teachers, parents and administrators; hosts professional development events; and offers a variety of opportunities for students and teachers. The Association orchestrates success for millions of students nationwide and has supported music educators at all teaching levels for more than a century. With more than 60,000 members, the organization is the national voice of music education in the United States.

Pictured are the two William Floyd 7th & 8th Grade Bellport Youth Summer League basketball teams who played in the championship game against each other.

The William Floyd basketball program saw tremendous success during this year’s Bellport Youth Summer League season with seven teams competing in grades three through 10, four of which reached the title games in their respective divisions and two teams the 5th & 6th Grade team along with one of the 7th & 8th Grade teams – taking home championships.

The William Floyd 5th and 6th Grade Bellport Youth Summer League basketball team won the championship in their age group.

“Summer league is very important to our program,” said Darrell Sumpter, boys’ varsity assistant coach. “It’s great for team chemistry for our student-athletes to play together all year,” he added. “The chemistry we now have in our program is starting to show as our middle school teams went a combined 17-3 last year.”

Live game situations, as opposed to simulated games, provides the student-athletes the in-game experience necessary to help bring their skills to the next level. “The biggest area of improvement has come on the defensive side of the ball as we were able to hold teams to lower scores,” added Coach Sumpter.

Boys’ varsity head coach Rob Hodgson also plays a key role during the summer league. Hodgson directs each coaching staff and observes the student-athletes competing to learn about the up-and-coming talent as well as each student-athlete’s strengths and weaknesses before they get an opportunity to play at the varsity level.

Congratulations to Coach Sumpter, Coach Hodgson and all the student-athletes who were involved in the success of William Floyd’s 2018 summer basketball season.

Special thanks to the coaches and volunteers who helped guide each team for a successful and fun season! 3rd & 4th Grade (Coach Darrell Sumpter); 5th & 6th Grade (Coach Darrell Sumpter and Jay Johnson) 7th & 8th Grade Team 1 (Coach Darrell Sumpter and Lamarr Wooten); 7th & 8th Grade Team 2 (Coach Darrell Sumpter and Lamarr Wooten); 7th & 8th Grade Team 3 (Coach Daymond Dawson); JV 9 (Coach Dejiah Sumpter and Shawn Piazza); and JV 10 (Coach Darrell Sumpter and Lamar Wooten).

Additional photos are available in the flickr album below!

This past summer, students participating in the Life Skills program under the tutelage of Susan Piraino had a great time working and tending the vegetables growing in the Paca Garden. Students worked cooperatively with their peers and staff to weed, water and harvest the crops in the garden, which have since been donated to the local food pantry to help community members in need. Teaching assistants Vanessa Garcia, Penny Kane and Jackie Patanjo were instrumental in working alongside the students, helping to guide them in their tasks.

Pictured with the supplies are district-wide clerical staff members Stephanie Breines, Almetta Hunter, Dawn Mitterando, Catherine Owens, Maria McGevna and Michele Tuthill.

William Floyd’s District-wide clerical staff CSEA Unit # 8766-02 recently held a school supply drive to benefit William Floyd students. Members collected donations that went toward the purchase of brand new backpacks, pens, pencils, notebooks, folders and more. Supplies geared toward the younger grade levels will be divided equally and donated to each school within the district. Great job!

Attention William Floyd High School students and parents:

The deadline to sign up for the November 3, 2018, SAT at William Floyd High School is fast approaching!

Register online at www.collegeboard.org before October 5, 2018, to avoid late payment fees.

Please note that it is recommended for 11th-grade students to take the SAT in the spring and early fall of their senior year. Please log onto www.collegeboard.org for details.

Now that school is in full swing, Aramark Food Services and the William Floyd School District are offering school lunches in all buildings for $1 for the week of September 24-28!

Follow this link to the Food Services page for additional information such as menus, free/reduced applications and much more!

Remember, beginning this school year, parents can use “My School Bucks” to pre-fund school meals at no additional charge!

Tylee Trent, a 2018 William Floyd High School graduate, is pictured with Fine Arts Chairperson, Theresa Bianco (center); and Deborah Gurney, Director of Student Services, William Floyd School District, near the new painting adorning the wall outside of the Central Registration office waiting area.

Tylee Trent, a 2018 graduate of William Floyd High School and current student at the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan, was recently commissioned to create artwork for the hallway outside of Central Registration in the district’s main offices as a way to exhibit a more relaxing and welcoming atmosphere for families registering their children for school.

“When I first met with Tylee about my vision, I gave him the freedom to sketch what he felt would make people feel welcome while also incorporating some aspects of our community as well as our school,” said Deborah Gurney, Director of Student Services, William Floyd School District. “Tylee thought the beach would be a good example of a community spot,” she said, adding how she “loves” the finished product as it has “brought the wall to life.”

Tylee, who achieved so much during his time at William Floyd, explained the artwork. “I wanted the mural to represent diversity due to the different cultures within the district so using two children from different backgrounds was one thing I incorporated within the piece,” he said, adding how he wanted to also include Smith Point County Park as it is a community treasure and an area where students like to gather.

Some of Tylee’s accolades at William Floyd include earning “Best in Show” in the Mixed Media category for his “Aquarius Painting” at the Suffolk County Art Leaders Association (SCALA) All-County and Scholarship Show in 2017. He also received an Honorable Mention award at the 2018 show. Additionally, Tylee regularly received the highest rating of “Distinguished” on his art portfolio at the New York State Art Teachers Association Portfolio Project adjudication throughout his time in high school. He also received a perfect score on his AP Advanced Art exam during his senior year.

“I had an amazing experience as an artist at William Floyd,” said Tylee. “I became so close with the art teachers, I looked at them as mother figures and that was something I truly value. The skills I learned were what made me become successful and the love and openness of every classroom was so important to me. The teachers really love what they do and they never fail to show it. Ms. [Erin] Almeida and Ms. [Theresa] Bianco were my family and without them I don’t think I would have loved being an artist as much as I do now.” Ms. Bianco, who also serves as the Fine Arts Chairperson for the district, helped facilitate the project and oversaw Tylee’s work from start to finish.

Credit: Thomas McKibbin/631 Films

Credit: Thomas McKibbin/631 Films

William Floyd Elementary School will be hosting their second annual “Color Run” event on Saturday, October 20, at 9 am, the event is rain or shine. WFE’s newest tradition, dubbed “Color Me WFE,” is a five kilometer untimed run in which participants or “Color Runners” are doused from head-to-toe in different colors at each kilometer mark. Color runners are encouraged to run, jog or walk around William Floyd Elementary School at their own pace. The event is hosted by the fifth-grade class of 2018-19 and all proceeds will go toward fifth grade field trips and other educational experiences. All students and families from across the district are welcome to participate.

Last year’s first ever “Color Run” event was a tremendous success. Approximately $6,000 was raised and the majority of it went toward funding a Broadway trip for the fifth graders. Remaining funds were used to purchase class t-shirts at no cost to students and families as well as to lower the price of the fifth-grade yearbook.

Register for the “Color Run” by Wednesday, October 3 to receive a t-shirt, race bib and an individual color packet for the color celebration that will take place at the end of the event. The cost is $30 per person. There will also be refreshments, snacks, music and more, so sign up today!

P.J. Cinque, a William Floyd High School alumnus (Class of 2005) and a double-bassist with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra (SDSO), recently visited his high school alma mater to work with students in master classes and catch up with his former teachers and mentors. P.J. visited with Chia Ling-Chien, the associate principal cello of the SDSO. Together, they met with approximately 180 orchestra students for an in-depth question and answer session, as well as later separated into master classes to focus on smaller group instruction.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for students to work with a musician of P.J.’s caliber who knows what it is to stand exactly where they are now [as high school students at William Floyd],” said Dr. Amy Mason Sckipp, P.J.’s former orchestra teacher at William Floyd High School, who added that he visits and offers to work with students every time he comes home. “For students to see that they too can strive for and achieve excellence will help them truly believe that they too can make a life of music.”

“To come back and jam with students and give back a little bit of what William Floyd music provided me means a lot to me,” said Cinque.

Mr. Cinque joined the San Diego Symphony in 2015. Prior to his appointment to the SDSO, he was a member of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and performed regularly with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra. As an educator, he served as the double bass professor at Capital University in Columbus, OH. He earned both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in double bass performance from The Juilliard School. He has performed in major venues around the world, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Alice Tully Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, Cincinnati Music Hall, Suntory Hall, the Beijing Concert Hall, and the Shanghai Grand Theatre. A committed chamber musician, P.J. participated in Denmark’s Thy Chamber Music Festival and the Kennedy Center’s fifth anniversary of the Conservatory Project. Outside of the classical music realm, he passionately explores music of different genres through arranging and performing with bands and other small ensembles, including the double bass duo, “Low Bros.” In San Diego, he also plays in a 1980s cover band called “The Modern Appliances” with fellow players from the San Diego Symphony Orchestra.

During his time at William Floyd, he attended John S. Hobart Elementary School, William Paca Middle School and William Floyd High School.

Listed below are the William Floyd athletic contests that will be taking place during the 2018 fall season from JV 9 on up. Contests are listed with their date and time and are sorted alphabetically by sport. Cross country, golf, gymnastics and swimming special locations are also listed below. The schedule is courtesy of Section XI. Best of luck to all of the William Floyd teams competing in the fall. Go Colonials!

*Indicates home field

Cross Country

Girls’ Varsity
9/6/2018 4:00 PM William Floyd – Invitational at Indian Island County Park
9/15/2018 9:00 AM William Floyd – Suffern at Bear Mountain State Park
9/20/2018 4:00 PM William Floyd – Crossover Meet at Sunken Meadow State Park
9/25/2018 4:00 PM William Floyd – Crossover Meet at Sunken Meadow State Park
9/29/2018 9:00 AM William Floyd – Coaches Meet at Sunken Meadow State Park
10/2/2018 4:00 PM William Floyd – Crossover Meet at Sunken Meadow State Park
10/4/2018 4:00 PM William Floyd – Westhampton Beach In at Red Creek Park
10/9/2018 4:00 PM William Floyd – Crossover Meet at Sunken Meadow State Park
10/13/2018 4:00 PM William Floyd – Manhattan at Van Cortlandt Park
10/16/2018 4:00 PM William Floyd – Crossover Meet at Cathedral Pines County Park
10/23/2018 1:00 PM William Floyd – Division at Sunken Meadow State Park
10/26/2018 1:00 PM William Floyd – Frosh/Soph Meet at Sunken Meadow State Park
11/2/2018 1:00 PM William Floyd – State Qual Meet at Sunken Meadow State Park

Boys’ Varsity
9/6/2018 4:00 PM William Floyd – Invitational V at Indian Island County Park
9/15/2018 9:00 AM William Floyd – Bear Mt at Bear Mountain State Park
9/20/2018 4:00 PM William Floyd- Crossover Meet at Sunken Meadow State Park
9/25/2018 4:00 PM William Floyd – Invitational at Sachem North High School
9/29/2018 11:00 AM William Floyd – Coaches Meet at Sunken Meadow State Park
10/2/2018 3:30 PM William Floyd- Crossover Meet at Sunken Meadow State Park
10/5/2018 4:00 PM William Floyd – Invitational at Firemen’s Field in Brookhaven
10/9/2018 4:00 PM William Floyd – Crossover Meet at Sunken Meadow State Park
10/9/2018 4:00 PM William Floyd – Brentwood at Sunken Meadow State Park
10/13/2018 9:00 AM William Floyd – Manhattan at Van Cortlandt Park
10/23/2018 1:00 PM William Floyd – Division at Sunken Meadow State Park
10/26/2018 3:00 PM William Floyd – Frosh/Soph Meet at Sunken Meadow State Park
11/2/2018 1:00 PM William Floyd – State Qual Meet at Sunken Meadow State Park

Field Hockey
Varsity
9/5 – William Floyd at Connetquot (4pm)
9/7 – William Floyd* vs Commack (4pm)
9/13 – William Floyd* vs Smithtown East (4pm)
9/15 – William Floyd at Centereach (12pm)
9/20 – William Floyd at Riverhead (4pm)
9/21 – William Floyd at Copiague (4pm)
9/24 – William Floyd* vs Patchogue-Medford (4pm)
9/27 – William Floyd* vs Newfield (4pm)
10/3 – William Floyd at West Islip (4pm)
10/5 – William Floyd at Lindenhurst (4pm)
10/9 – William Floyd at Walt Whitman (4:45pm)
10/12 – William Floyd* vs Bay Shore (4pm)
10/15 – William Floyd* vs North Babylon (4pm)
10/17 – William Floyd* vs Half Hollow Hills (4pm)

Junior Varsity
9/5 – William Floyd at Connetquot (5:30pm)
9/7 – William Floyd* vs Commack (5:30pm)
9/13 – William Floyd* vs Smithtown East (5:30pm)
9/15 – William Floyd at Centereach (2pm)
9/21 – William Floyd at Copiague (5:45pm)
9/24 – William Floyd* vs Patchogue-Medford (5:30pm)
9/27 – William Floyd* vs Newfield (5:30pm)
10/3 – William Floyd at West Islip (5:30pm)
10/5 – William Floyd at Lindenhurst (5:45pm)
10/9 – William Floyd at Walt Whitman (6:15pm)
10/11 – William Floyd* vs Riverhead (4pm)
10/12 – William Floyd* vs Bay Shore (5:30pm)
10/15 – William Floyd* vs North Babylon (5:30pm)
10/17 – William Floyd* vs Half Hollow Hills (5:30pm)

Football
Varsity
9/8 – William Floyd* vs Longwood (2pm)
9/14 – William Floyd at Patchogue-Medford (6pm)
9/22 – William Floyd at Commack (1:30pm)
9/29 – William Floyd* vs Sachem East (2pm)
10/6 – William Floyd at Central Islip (2pm)
10/13 – William Floyd* vs Ward Melville *Homecoming* (2pm)
10/19 – William Floyd at Sachem North (6:30pm)
10/27 – William Floyd* vs Connetquot (2pm)

Junior Varsity
9/7 – William Floyd at Longwood (5pm)
9/15 – William Floyd* vs Patchogue-Medford (9am)
9/22 – William Floyd* vs Commack (9am)
9/29 – William Floyd at Sachem East (9am)
10/6 – William Floyd* vs Central Islip (9am)
10/15 – William Floyd at Ward Melville (4pm)
10/20 – William Floyd* vs Sachem North (9am)
10/26 – William Floyd at Connetquot (4pm)

JV/9
9/13 – William Floyd at Northport (4:30pm)
9/21 – William Floyd at Easthampton (6:30pm)
9/24 – William Floyd* vs Commack (4pm)
10/4 – William Floyd* vs Northport (4:30pm)
10/26 – William Floyd* vs Elwood/J Glenn (4pm)

Golf
Varsity
9/12 – William Floyd at East Hampton (4pm) South Fork Country Club
9/25 – William Floyd* vs Westhampton (4pm) Rock Hill Country Club
9/27 – William Floyd* vs East Hampton (4pm) Rock Hill Country Club
9/28 – William Floyd* vs Pierson/BH (4pm) Rock Hill Country Club
10/2 – William Floyd at Pierson/BH (4pm) Noyac Golf Club
10/3 – William Floyd at Westhampton (4pm) Westhampton County Club
10/4 – William Floyd at Southampton (4pm) Southampton Golf Club
10/5 – William Floyd* vs Southampton (3:30pm) Rock Hill Country Club
10/9 – William Floyd at Center Moriches (4pm) Rock Hill Country Club
10/11 – William Floyd* vs Center Moriches (4pm) Rock Hill Country Club

Gymnastics
Varsity
9/17 – 4:30pm at Smithtown East High School
9/24 – 4:30pm at Babylon High School
9/28 – 4:30 pm at Patchogue-Medford High School
10/3 – 4:30pm at William Paca Middle School
10/9 – 4:30pm at William Paca Middle School
10/11 – 4:30pm at Copiague Middle School
10/16 -4:30pm at William Paca Middle School
10/22 – 4:30pm at Walt Whitman High School
10/24 – 4:30pm at William Paca Middle School

Soccer
Girls’ Varsity
9/5 – William Floyd* vs Riverhead (4pm)
9/7 – William Floyd at Longwood (4pm)
9/13 – William Floyd* vs Comsewogue (4pm)
9/20 – William Floyd* vs Patchogue-Medford (4pm)
9/22 – William Floyd at Connetquot (10am)
9/25 – William Floyd at Bay Shore (4pm)
9/27 – William Floyd* vs Copiague (4pm)
9/29 – William Floyd* vs Centereach (10am)
10/2 – William Floyd at Ward Melville (4:15pm)
10/6 – William Floyd* vs Central Islip (2pm)
10/9 – William Floyd at Bellport (6pm)
10/13 – William Floyd at Lindenhurst (10am)
10/16 – William Floyd at Deer Park (6pm)

Boys’ Varsity
9/1 – William Floyd* vs Commack (10am)
9/5 – William Floyd at Sachem East (4pm)
9/7 – William Floyd* vs Patchogue-Medford (4pm)
9/13 – William Floyd at Longwood (4pm)
9/15 – William Floyd* vs Sachem North (10am)
9/17 – William Floyd at Ward Melville (4:15pm)
9/21 – William Floyd* vs Central Islip (4pm)
9/27 – William Floyd at Brentwood (4pm)
9/29 – William Floyd at Commack (12:30pm)
10/1 – William Floyd* vs Sachem East (4pm)
10/3 – William Floyd at Patchogue-Medford (6pm)
10/5 –William Floyd* vs Longwood (4pm)
10/8 – William Floyd at Sachem North (10am)
10/10 – William Floyd* vs Ward Melville (4:15pm)
10/12 – William Floyd at Central Islip (4pm)
10/17 – William Floyd* vs Brentwood (4pm)

Girls’ Junior Varsity
9/5 – William Floyd at Riverhead (4pm)
9/7 – William Floyd* vs Longwood (4pm)
9/13 – William Floyd at Comsewogue (4pm)
9/20 – William Floyd at Patchogue-Medford (4:30pm)
9/22 – William Floyd* vs Connetquot (10am)
9/25 – William Floyd* vs Bay Shore (4pm)
9/27 – William Floyd at Copiague (4pm)
9/29 – William Floyd at Centereach (10am)
10/2 – William Floyd* vs Ward Melville (4:15pm)
10/4 – William Floyd at Walt Whitman (4:30pm)
10/6 – William Floyd at Central Islip (10am)
10/9 – William Floyd* vs Bellport (4:30pm)
10/11 – William Floyd* vs Lindenhurst (4pm)
10/16 – William Floyd* vs Deer Park (4pm)

Boys’ Junior Varsity
9/1 – William Floyd at Commack (10am)
9/5 – William Floyd* vs Sachem East (4pm)
9/7 – William Floyd* vs Patchogue-Medford (4pm)
9/13 – William Floyd* vs Longwood (4pm)
9/15 – William Floyd at Sachem North (10am)
9/17 – William Floyd* vs Ward Melville (4:15pm)
9/21 – William Floyd at Central Islip (4pm)
9/27 – William Floyd* vs Brentwood (4pm)
9/29 – William Floyd* vs Commack (10am)
10/1 – William Floyd at Sachem East (4pm)
10/3 – William Floyd at Patchogue-Medford (4pm)
10/5 – William Floyd at Longwood (4pm)
10/10 – William Floyd at Ward Melville (4:15pm)
10/12 – William Floyd* vs Central Islip (4pm)
10/13 – William Floyd* vs Sachem North (10am)
10/17 – William Floyd at Brentwood (4pm)

Swimming
Girls’ Varsity
9/12 – William Floyd* vs West Islip (4pm) Brookhaven Aquatic Center
9/17 – William Floyd* vs Central Islip (4pm) Brookhaven Aquatic Center
9/20 – William Floyd at Deer Park/NB (4pm) Deer Park High School
9/27 – William Floyd at Sachem North (4pm) Sachem North High School
10/2 – William Floyd at Ward Melville (4:15pm) Ward Melville High School
10/15 – William Floyd* vs Lindenhurst (4pm) Brookhaven Aquatic Center
10/17 – William Floyd at Sachem East (4pm) Sachem East High School

Tennis
Girls’ Varsity
8/30 – William Floyd* vs Longwood (4pm)
9/1 – William Floyd at Ward Melville (10am)
9/7 – William Floyd* vs EH/BH/PIER (4:30pm)
9/8 – William Floyd at Southold/Greenport (9am)
9/12 – William Floyd* vs Southampton (4pm)
9/13 – William Floyd at Center Moriches (4pm)
9/14 – William Floyd at Shoreham WR (4pm)
9/15 – William Floyd at Westhampton (9am)
9/17 – William Floyd* vs Eastport/S Manor (4pm)
9/20 – William Floyd* vs Westhampton (4pm)
9/21 – William Floyd at Ross (4pm)
9/24 – William Floyd at EH/BH/PIER (4pm)
9/25 – William Floyd at Hampton Bays (4pm)
9/26 – William Floyd at Southampton (4pm)
9/28 – William Floyd* vs Shoreham WR (4pm)
10/2 – William Floyd at Eastport/S Manor (4pm)

Girls’ Junior Varsity
9/5 – William Floyd* vs Westhampton (4pm)
9/12 – William Floyd at Southampton (4pm)
9/14 – William Floyd* vs Shoreham WR (4pm)
9/17 – William Floyd at Eastport/S Manor (4pm)
9/20 – William Floyd at Westhampton (4pm)
9/24 – William Floyd* vs EH/BH/PIER (4pm)
9/26 – William Floyd* vs Southampton (4pm)
9/27 – William Floyd at Miller Place (4pm)
10/2 – William Floyd* vs Eastport/S Manor (4pm)
10/3 – William Floyd at EH/BH/PIER (4pm)

Volleyball
Girls’ Varsity
8/31 – William Floyd* vs Patchogue-Medford (4pm)
9/5 – William Floyd at Ward Melville (4:15pm)
9/12 – William Floyd at Sachem East (5:45pm)
9/14 – William Floyd at Longwood (4pm)
9/17 – William Floyd* vs Commack (4pm)
9/28 – William Floyd* vs Brentwood (4pm)
10/2 – William Floyd* vs Ward Melville (4pm)
10/5 – William Floyd at Patchogue-Medford (4pm)
10/9 – William Floyd* vs Longwood (4pm)
10/12 – William Floyd at Commack (4pm)
10/17 – William Floyd* vs Sachem East (4pm)
10/22 – William Floyd at Brentwood (6pm)

Girls’ Junior Varsity
8/31 – William Floyd* vs Patchogue-Medford (5:45pm)
9/12 – William Floyd at Sachem East (4pm)
9/14 – William Floyd at Longwood (5:45pm)
9/17 – William Floyd* vs Commack (5:30pm)
9/28 – William Floyd* vs Brentwood (5:30pm)
10/2 – William Floyd* vs Ward Melville (6pm)
10/5 – William Floyd at Patchogue-Medford (5:30pm)
10/9 – William Floyd* vs Longwood (5:30pm)
10/12 – William Floyd at Commack (6pm)
10/19 – William Floyd at Ward Melville (4:15pm)
10/22 – William Floyd at Brentwood (4pm)

Both the girls’ and boys’ varsity soccer teams are in the middle of the playoff picture with each team vying for a playoff berth over the stretch run.

Makayla Willets

Girls’ varsity currently holds a 4-2 league record (5-3 overall). Led by head coach Kayleigh Sidaras along with senior goaltender Makayla Willets (23 career shutouts) and center forward Brianna Ditillo, the Colonials have so far notched victories over Port Jefferson, Riverhead, Longwood, Comsewogue and Bay Shore. They have outscored their opponents this season by a remarkable 29-7. The goal for Coach Sidaras and her team is to finish strong over these next five games, qualify for the playoffs and make some noise in the postseason.

Boys’ varsity currently has a 4-5 league record (4-5 overall). With wins over Sachem East, Longwood, Sachem North and Central Islip, Coach Paul Paniccia and his team will look to finish strong and qualify for a playoff spot for the fourth consecutive year. The boys have seven games remaining in their regular season including a big one today against Sachem East.

Click here for the fall schedule of remaining games for all teams!

William Floyd Elementary School recently hosted its 15th annual Museum Day, a fun-filled day of educational activities in which representatives from various Long Island museums, laboratories, art galleries and other institutions visit the school’s classrooms to show students the exciting and interesting activities that are available right here on Long Island.

“It was an amazing day for our students,” said Dr. Keith Fasciana, Principal, William Floyd Elementary School. “They were able to experience what it was like to visit many of Long Island’s amazing museums and educational organizations without leaving our school.”

“Museum Day is always an amazing experience for our children,” said Margaret Finne, William Floyd Elementary School librarian. “This year we had more organizations than ever before help us kick off the new school year with educational experiences. We worked with all these amazing volunteers and developed lessons that brought learning to life. Just watching the children’s’ face light up when they are participating is quite remarkable.”

The organizations presenting this year included Cornell Cooperative (Suffolk County Farms), The Children’s Museum of the East End, Holtsville Ecology Center, Dolan DNA Learning Center, Suffolk County Police Department, I FISH NY, the DEC (Reptiles and Prey/Predators), Riverhead Marine Life Foundation, Brookhaven National Lab, Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge, LIRR, the Jackson Pollack Museum, Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge, National Grid, Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center and SOFO Museum.

More pictures available in the album below!

Nick Silva barrels through for a long gain against Sachem East. He leads the Colonials in rushing with 43 carries, 382 yards and 6 touchdowns through four games this season.

The William Floyd Colonials varsity football team has topped the New York State Sportswriters Association (NYSSWA) Class AA rankings as the best large school high school football team in New York State with half of the regular season now complete. So far this season, the Colonials have featured a high-octane offense and a stifling defense outscoring their opponents 173 to 38 in four decisive victories. This is the first time that the Colonials have garnered the top state ranking since 2007, the last of their three consecutive undefeated championship seasons. Newsday’s High School Sports has also ranked the Colonials as the No. 1 large school football team on Long Island.

The Colonials are helmed by head coach Paul Longo, the legendary high school football mastermind who has engineered a program that is second to none and won 10 Suffolk County Championships and five Long Island titles. This year’s Colonials have won each of their contests in blow-out fashion in which they are averaging more than 43 points per game on offense and less than 10 points per game allowed on defense.

Stand-out individual performances so far this year include dual passing/rushing threat Mack Driver, running backs Nick Silva, Tyshaun Lopez and Zion Wellington; wide receiver Jordan Clinton and sparkling on defense Silva, Driver, Gary Anderson, PK Kite, Keith Winfrey and others.

The Colonials visit Central Islip this Saturday, October 6, before hosting Ward Melville on Homecoming Day on Saturday, October 13. They close out the regular season with games against Sachem North and Connetquot.

William Floyd High School Cosmetology Academy students along with William Floyd faculty and staff celebrate the unveiling of the new CTE Model Program banner.

The William Floyd High School Cosmetology program recently held a banner unveiling ceremony to celebrate the recent “Model School” designation bestowed upon the program by the Career and Technical Education Technical Assistance Center (CTE TAC) of New York, an honor reserved for the best CTE programs in New York State. William Floyd Cosmetology was the only program on Long Island to receive this designation.

“This honor is due to the hard work and efforts of several people including Wendy Joyce and Annie Bopp who work with the students every day to develop a quality program,” said Christine Rosado, Director of Secondary Education and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), William Floyd School District.

The two-year program, open to juniors and seniors, provides a strong entrepreneurial component in which students learn the skills required to become a licensed cosmetologist and how to operate a business. The Virtual Enterprise experience, which is included in the program of study along with several other business tie-in courses, offers the skills that help these students throughout their future careers. After successful completion of the Cosmetology program, students have the 1,000 hours necessary to qualify for NYS licensure.

The community connections within the program are also evident through an advisory board representative of the various businesses in the community, as well as the opportunities presented to students through trainings and demonstrations hosted by local salon professionals. Students regularly take top awards at the SkillsUSA competitions, including last year, which saw two William Floyd students take home first- and second-place in the Cosmetology category. Additionally, an articulation agreement with SUNY Farmingdale provides students pursuing a post-secondary education with the opportunity to earn three college credits.

“The development of this comprehensive CTE-approved cosmetology program in William Floyd High School is making a difference,” said Ellen Palazzo, Long Island field associate, CTE TAC. “It has encouraged students to actively explore career pathways, develop their passions and talents, promoted success in high school, build professional skills, and positioned dozens to earn a licensure and entry to career success. Simultaneously, this program has served to enrich the school culture and heighten community connections.”

“NYS CTE Model Programs are considered to be the best of the best,” added Ms. Rosado. “As a CTE Model Program, the William Floyd Cosmetology program will serve as an example for other schools of what a high-quality CTE program looks like.”

The William Floyd School District offers an abundance of CTE programs for students including automotive technology, barbering, business, building trades & construction, cosmetology, culinary arts, medical assisting, small engine repair and technology. Each course provides students with opportunities to earn college credits in their chosen field, gain valuable life skills and prepared for entry-level employment in their program of study.

Now more than 350 students are enrolled in various CTE courses at William Floyd High School and students graduating with a CTE endorsement on their diplomas have the opportunity to gain entry-level employment in various capacities including as a medical assistant, an automotive technician, an entry-level carpenter/carpenter’s apprentice/carpenter’s helper and as a licensed cosmetologist; they can also earn college credits for post-secondary education in the culinary arts, earn endorsements in business (accounting, small business management, Microsoft office specialist) and in technology (architectural drafting and engineering).

About William Floyd Cosmetology
The William Floyd Cosmetology Academy offers a two-year Cosmetology licensing course for juniors and seniors. The 1,000-hour New York State licensing course includes instruction and practical experience in hairstyling, hair coloring, haircutting, skin care, nail technology, make-up, braiding, chemical texturizing and hair extensions. The program also includes visits by guest speakers, industry shows and other events. Students are instructed in a state-of-the-art cosmetology classroom, which uses the same equipment and materials found in a professional salon. Successful completion of the program qualifies students to apply for the New York State Cosmetology written and practical exams.

Please click the photo below to see some of the positive news stories featured about the William Floyd School District from August 1, 2018 through October 4, 2018. You can also view it by clicking here!

Click here for previous recaps!

The William Floyd School District recently held its ninth annual “Unity Week” celebration as a way to promote peace, unity, diversity, tolerance, understanding and acceptance of differences throughout district schools and in students’ daily lives. The theme for this year’s event was “Peace and Gandhi,” focused on Mohandas K. Gandhi, the non-violent civil rights activist who was assassinated in 1948. This year marks the 149^th anniversary of his birth, but the Indian government has declared that they will spend two full years celebrating his legacy for “Gandhi 150.”

Students across the district participated in Unity Week activities such as second graders from Nathaniel Woodhull Elementary writing notes of kindness to students in neighboring schools to help spread the message of peace and unity. Members of the second-grade class also painted rocks with kind phrases and symbols for their “Kindness Rocks.” The completed rocks were sent home with students and distributed throughout the William Floyd community to help spread a positive message. Students from Sarah Franco’s first grade class also honored “Unity Week” by creating a “Peace Tree” to highlight random acts of kindness at home or in their William Floyd community. (Nathaniel Woodhull Unity Week album below)

At William Floyd Elementary School, students in kindergarten read Todd Parr books focused on books of love, kindness and feeling good; they also created a mural of student handprints to hang up titled “Kindergarten United!” First-grade students created their own peace books from what they learned from the books. Second-grade students created their own page where they wrote and illustrated what peace means to them. A class book, echoing Todd Parr’s book, was created by each class. Third graders wrote and described what peace means to them using their five senses and created symbols of unity. These symbols were put on display in the third-grade hallway to remind students to celebrate peace and unity throughout the year. Fourth graders participated in a daily activity called “Have you Filled a Bucket Today?” inspired by the Carol McCloud series. Students filled each other’s buckets, self-reflected on their own “bucket filling,” engaged in journal writing and learned “bucket filling” songs. Additionally, fifth graders wrote about acts of kindness that they see in everyday life. Some fifth-grade students also read peace quotes throughout the week during the morning announcements. Students throughout the whole school worked with art teacher Linda Francis to create “Gandhi Silhouette Word Clouds” murals for the hallway outside the library. Students and their families also had the opportunity to participate in the annual “Chalk 4 Peace” event in front of the main entrance after school. (William Floyd Elementary School Unity Week albums below)

At William Floyd Middle School, students in Tim Kosta’s and Stephanie Taisler’s art classes created an installation symbolizing unity through nature. A replica of mountains and fresh springs of water were put on display in the school rotunda. The artwork was inspired by world-renowned artists, Bob Ross (painter), Dale Chihuly (glass blower) and Christo Vladimirov Javacheff (sculptor). The quote pertaining to the artwork reads, “When I feel overwhelmed in some or all areas of my life, lead me to the rock that is higher than I for the right perspective. There, may I drink from the fountain where peace like a river flows. Come to the river and thirst no more.” (William Floyd Middle School Unity Week art installation album below)

At William Paca Middle School, students in Marco Antenucci and Jillian Berner’s classes created beautiful murals celebrating the 150^th anniversary celebration of Gandhi. Each section of their artwork was filled with positive and peaceful sayings from Gandhi, along with pictures created by students. (William Paca Middle School Unity Week art album below)

At Moriches Elementary, kindergarten students created a collaborative peace sign with their fingerprints that were hung up in the hallway. First graders made a friendship chain out in the hallway with each class having a different color and the links were connected. Second-grade students read The Araboolies of Liberty Street by San Swoop, a book about being different, being individualistic and accepting others despite differences in physical appearances and culture. They also completed a puzzle as a grade level to display. Each student completed their own individual puzzle piece that eventually fit together as one large puzzle. Third-grade students made a mural of doves showing “what peace feels like” for display in the hallway. Fourth graders created phrases pertaining to the meaning of peace, diversity and acceptance of all differences throughout the school and community. Some students even read their peace writings to the fourth-grade class. In fifth grade, students watched a BrainPop video on Gandhi and listened to one of his actual speeches as they worked on the fifth grade fingerprint mural of Earth. Students also completed coloring signs of peace and love. In the reading classes, students made “worlds” that open to show ways we can “unite” our world. (Moriches Elementary Unity Week album below)

At William Floyd High School, students and art department staff shared their beautiful work at the north entrance lobby for all students, staff and visitors to see. (William Floyd High School Unity Week art and faculty art albums below)