During the board of education meeting on June 7, the board and administration recognized the district’s retirees for the 2016-2017 school year. Mixed emotions filled the room, as colleagues, families and friends gathered to congratulate these dedicated professionals for their combined 757 years of service to the Freeport School District, students and community.“Thank you for the goals that you have accomplished and for creating the foundation that has made our school district a success,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kishore Kuncham. “Each of you have affected and inspired our students and your colleagues, so we salute you. You are leaving a lasting legacy. The best part of your life is just beginning.”
Thirty-one retirees were individually recognized for their accomplishments and personal memories were shared as each was presented with a plaque to commemorate this momentous event. Congratulations to the following retirees shown with their years of service:
Laura Baines, teacher, 16 years; Joyce Beckford, security, 10 years; Nancy Berg, teacher, 29 years; Wanda Braxton, clerical, 10 years; Linda Carter, principal Freeport High School, 12 years; Joseph Cinquemani, custodial, 21 years; Maria Duran, teacher, 34 years; Marilyn First, clerical, 23 years; Brenda Floyd, security, 8 years; Carolyn Geraci, clerical, 15 years; Carlos Goday, custodian, 12 years; Nancy Hanrahan, teacher, 33 years; Mary Ann Helfrich, cafeteria, 33 years; Linda Hendrickson, teacher, 48 years; Mary Anne Keane, teacher, 30 years; Barbara LaPlaca, teacher, 16 years; Rosa Lienhard, teaching assistant, 10 years; Janine Martorano, teaching assistant, 27 years; Susan McNulty, clerical, 18 years; Cathy Montuori, teacher, 28 years; Ruth Muniz, teaching assistant, 31 years; Bonnie Murphy, teacher, 32 years; Diane Notti, teacher, 36 years; Susan Reinke, teacher, 34 years; Lisette Santiago, teacher, 31 years; Lisa Scicchitano, teacher, 29 years; Fara Strekas, teaching assistant, 17 years; Judith Summers, teacher, 36 years; Carmen Tarantino, teacher 16 years; Randolph Thomas, custodian, 32 years and Odette Wills, principal, Bayview Avenue School, 30 years.
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Recognizing 757 years of dedicated service to Freeport students
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Splendid Stetson
High school junior Zoe Stetson was presented the Rensselaer Medal Award
by Principal Linda Carter and Director of Science Dr. Vincent Pereira
for her exceptional achievement in Advanced Placement Physics. The
award, which Stetson was nominated for by teacher Dr. Robert Capalbo,
guarantees a $25,000 per year merit scholarship for four years if
Stetson decides to enroll at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute following
high school.
The district extends its congratulations to Stetson for her outstanding work and wishes her continued success.
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FHS Journalist Awarded Scholarship
High school junior Maya Brown has been selected as the 2017
recipient of The Press Club of Long Island’s Hank Logeman/News12 High
School Journalism Scholarship. The $2,000 scholarship, in memory of
United Press International reporter and Mineola pressroom veteran Hank
Logeman, is presented annually to a high school journalist who has
demonstrated outstanding efforts to promote high school journalism on
Long Island.
Brown is co-editor of the student-run school newspaper,“Flashings,” and has participated in Stonybrook University’s Robert W.
Greene Summer Institute for High School Journalists.
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Splendid STEAMers
Archer Street hosted Family STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art
and Mathematics) Night for its second-, third- and fourth-grade
students and their families. The event, which was funded through a
Freeport Educational Foundation grant, was comprised of a series of fun
and educational workshops led by teachers and student volunteers —‘Techsperts’ — who demonstrated their knowledge of particular workshops
by offering their assistance.
The workshops featured a variety of activities, including
coding, creating jitterbugs using circuits and motors, robotics, making
instruments from recycled materials and a Makerspace room. The goal of
each session was to offer students and their families many opportunities
to work together and hone important skills.
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May 2017 Points of Pride
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Business Brilliance
The high school’s Distributive Educational Clubs of America club hosted a
special installation ceremony for new officers who will lead the team
for the 2017-2018 school year under the direction of adviser Nela
Hawthorne.
DECA is an international association of high school and college students
and teachers of management and entrepreneurship, business, finance,
hospitality and marketing sales and service. The ceremony featured the
team’s current officers speaking about the wide array of skills they
have acquired and honed as a result of their membership, and how their
experiences have shaped them as they prepare to begin their college
careers. The new officers — co-presidents Jaidiver Morales and Sadiki
Skeete; co-vice presidents Justin Budhu and Jhon Sandoval; historian
Audrey Arias; treasurer Krystel Chombo; secretary Miranda Perez; and
Parliamentarian Jennifer Perez — raised their right hands and pledged to
represent the team with pride and dignity.
The ceremony also featured students being inducted into the Freeport
Chapter of the New York State Business and Marketing Honor Society, and a
special plaque presented by Hawthorne to Principal Linda Carter, who
was named an honorary DECA member.
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Community Supports Class of 2017
A sense of pride and anticipation filled Freeport High School during the 49th annual Scholarship and Honors Program, where families and members of the community gathered to recognize the outstanding members of the Class of 2017.
Through the generosity of the community, more than $78,000 in scholarships was presented to graduates who successfully met the criteria in the areas of scholarship, leadership, athletics, the arts, the ability to overcome adversity and community service.
Freeport High School Principal Linda Carter welcomed all in attendance and thanked the donors for their support and donations. “We are so grateful for your continued support and your amazing generosity to our students. We truly appreciate all that you do for our students each year,” she said.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kishore Kuncham also acknowledged the generosity of the scholarship donors and congratulated the students who were the recipients. “Thank you to all of our donors for making this evening possible through your generous donations,” he said. To the students being recognized he added, “You are being recognized for expanding your intellectual capacity, for your zest for life, your character and leadership, for overcoming adversity and your persistence and dedication to excellence. We commend you for your achievements.”
Before the awarding of the scholarships began, Board of Education President Michael C. Pomerico spoke to the graduates and donors. “Your hard work and commitment to success are what brings you here this evening. Your tenacity and drive will enable you to achieve much more in the future. Thank you to all of our donors, who have helped our students achieve their goals.”
The school-community partnership that has grown stronger over the years was quite evident, as one by one the scholarship recipients heard their names and their scholarships announced. It was truly an evening to remember as family members proudly applauded as the graduates were recognized.
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District Fosters Cop Connection
As part of a tradition, the district participated in an
annual Adopt-A-Cop culminating event at the Freeport Recreation Center
prior to the end of the school year. The program featured students and
staff from across the district’s schools having the opportunity to
interact with and learn about the work of police officers in the Village
of Freeport. Throughout the year, schools foster the connection among
students and local law enforcement officials; students learn about the
importance of respecting police officers and understanding their roles
to serve and protect the community.
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Learning the Power of Yoga
In celebration of International Yoga Day on June 21,
students learned about the power of mindfulness and peace by
participating in yoga-related exercises. The exercises, which were led
by seventh-graders at Dodd, were designed to give younger students an
opportunity to experience the wide array of benefits of yoga.“You can accomplish anything you set your mind to if you are
at peace with yourself,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kishore
Kuncham to students prior to the exercises. “Yoga helps you focus, it
makes you more mindful and it calms the soul. I encourage you to
incorporate yoga into your daily lives; even a few minutes a day can
work wonders.”
Under the direction of their principal Johane Ligondé and
health teachers, the Dodd students visited Atkinson, Bayview and Archer
to conduct interactive yoga lessons. They began with a ‘Get Loose’
exercise in preparation for the Sun Salutation, comprised of the 12
basic yoga poses, each of which was demonstrated by alternating Dodd
students. Following the Sun Salutation, the seventh-graders discussed
and demonstrated the Power of the Breath — also known as Straw Breath — a
breathing technique used to clear the mind.
The day’s program was a supplement to the practice of yoga
and cultivation of mindfulness in the district that is taught throughout
the year. Programs such as YES (Youth Empowerment Seminar) and YogArt,
which combines elements of art and yoga, are district staples. On
International Yoga Day, whether it was students teaching or learning
about yoga or the power of mindfulness and peace, participants were able
to unite their minds, bodies and spirits.
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View the Dodd Middle School Graduation on Livestream
Click on the link to see the 2017 Dodd Middle School on Livestream.
https://livestream.com/accounts/23787498/DODDGRADUATION
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Spectacular Chorale
Continuing a trend of astounding performances at prestigious
venues throughout the year, the Select Chorale at the high school was
invited to perform under the leadership of director Monique Retzlaff at
Carnegie Hall and National September 11 Memorial and Museum on separate
weekends. At Carnegie Hall, the group performed Ola Gjeilo’s “Sunrise
Mass” to a standing ovation by a full house, and performed remarkable
renditions of patriotic, secular and sacred selections at the memorial.
The latest invitation to perform at Carnegie Hall represents the eighth
consecutive year that the Select Chorale has had the honor of showcasing
its talents on its grand stage.
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Staff Celebrate Success
As part of an annual “Celebration of Success” tradition, the
final meeting of the Board of Education featured each of the eight
principals recognizing a faculty member at their school who demonstrates
excellence and goes above and beyond in their craft. Each month, a
theme was assigned to each school, and an extraordinary teacher who
exemplifies that theme was selected. At the board meeting, the
principals delivered speeches about the honorees, who were then
presented with celebratory plaques by Board of Education President
Michael Pomerico. The ongoing tradition is another way for the district
to celebrate the hard work and dedication of staff members throughout
its schools.
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A Field of Fun at Columbus
Prior to the end of the school year, Columbus Avenue hosted
Field Day to teach students about teamwork and the importance of an
active lifestyle. Students participated in activities such as scooter
racing, balloon ball hopping and wiffle-ball carrying, and worked in
groups to accomplish certain goals. With staff members and parent
volunteers providing assistance, students enjoyed participating in the
outdoor tasks and learning how to work with one another.
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Fourth-Graders Move on Up
Students across the district’s four elementary schools celebrated their
successful completion of fourth grade in moving up ceremonies. With
their loved ones applauding their success, students received
certificates and awards to commemorate their advancement and
accomplishments, respectively.
At Bayview, representatives of the class graced the stage to thank
faculty members and parents for their remarkable support at school and
home, and honored retiring school Principal Odette Wills with heartfelt
words of appreciation.
“When I look into your faces, I see the next mayor of Freeport, police
officers, firefighters, senators, governors, and I see the next
president of the United States,” Wills said. “Understand that the
choices you make from this day going forward will determine the type of
life you will live. Boys and girls, you know that I love you, I
appreciate you and I respect you. There is greatness in each and every
one of you.”
In addition, students read aloud author Nancy Tillman’s book, “You’re
Here for a Reason,” personally relating it to their own experiences at
Bayview. Freeport High School Class of 2017 valedictorian and Bayview
alumna Kimberly Serna spoke to students about the fond memories she
cherishes of her elementary years, and wished them the best of luck
during their transition to Atkinson.
Teachers then announced the names of students, who proudly walked up to
receive their certificates and were met with warm congratulatory hugs by
Wills.
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Dodd Graduates Set Sights on FHS
The high school’s Class of 2021 is set to begin freshman year in the
fall following its graduation from Dodd. The ceremony, which took place
at Atkinson, included families, administrators, members of the board of
education and staff members celebrating students’ past two years of hard
work and commitment to success. Following a welcome by Principal Johane
Ligondé, Select Chorus Director Sherill Spruill led her group through a
remarkable rendition of the national anthem.
Student addresses were delivered by Aaliyah Daniels and Allesandro
Benitez Pineda, who recognized faculty members who they said were
instrumental in their progress and journey at Dodd. Superintendent of
Schools Dr. Kishore Kuncham and Board President Michael Pomerico then
spoke to the graduates about the importance of continuing their hard
work through high school and beyond, and to begin thinking about where
they would like to be in the future.
“There’s an ancient proverb: ‘The journey of a thousand miles begins
with a single step,’” said Dr. Kuncham. “You are about to take that
important step. The choices you make are going to impact your path. I
urge you to push yourselves, to do your very best, and give all you can
to your studies, as well as to any clubs, arts or sports that you are
interested in. Remember that it is the effort you put into something and
the repeated practice that move you to the next level. Set your goals
high and choose to reach them.”“It’s not going to be easy; there will be setbacks, but start thinking
now about where you want to be in four years when you’re graduating high
school,” said Pomerico. “You cannot wait. What opportunities do you
want to take advantage of? What extracurricular activities do you want
to join? What classes do you want to take? Take advantage of all that
awaits you.” Pomerico also shared the inspiring story of Freeport High
School Class of 2017 graduate Ismary Jimenez, who years ago did not
speak any English but learned the language, graduated sixth in her class
and will be attending Princeton University in the fall. “I would love
to be here in four years talking about someone sitting here right now
and about the success you have achieved,” Pomerico said.
Following a beautiful rendition of “I Believe” by the Select Chorus,
Ligondé spoke about how crucial it is for students to keep their sights
set on their goals and to never let any setbacks deter them from their
will to conquer them. She referenced the career and motivation of
National Basketball Association superstar LeBron James as an embodiment
of that advice.“Our commitment is to ensure that every child who walks through the
doors of Dodd walks out a winner,” Ligondé said. “In life, every winner
needs two types of goals: short-term goals and a long-term ultimate
goal. So I ask you first, what is your ultimate goal in life? Really
think about it. LeBron James’ ultimate goal was to win the NBA
championship. He achieved this goal, and still strives to be a champion
after winning three. Even after this year’s loss, he didn’t give up.
What would you ask yourself if you were him? Would you quit? Would you
give your 100 percent? Did you use all your resources? These are the
questions that you should ask yourself every day at the high school.”
Assistant Principal Paulette Acquavito then spoke about the heart and
character of the graduating class as a prelude to the presentation of
the graduates by eighth-grade homeroom teachers. Students’ names were
individually announced, and each proudly rose from their seat to be
recognized.
Graduation ensemble directors Candice Mordhorst and Adam Rubin led the
performance of “Sine Nomine” during the recessional, and the new Dodd
graduates walked off the Atkinson field and into the horizons of their
promising futures.
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FHS Seniors Celebrate Milestone
With loved ones applauding their dedication and commitment
to success throughout their academic journeys, the high school's
graduating Class of 2017 gathered at Hofstra University for its annual
commencement ceremony.
Following the Presentation of Colors by the NJROTC Color
Guard, the high school’s Select Chorale performed an outstanding
rendition of the national anthem. In his address that followed,
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kishore Kuncham spoke about his faith in
the graduates’ ability to change the world and encouraged them to use
their fearlessness as a catalyst for success.“You all have worked so hard and come so far to reach this
wonderful milestone,” Dr. Kuncham said. “As we celebrate this journey,
it is time for you to be bold, embrace risks and act with urgency. I ask
you to be fearless. Fearlessness does not mean the nonexistence of
fear; it means that fear exists, but you have tremendous energy, faith
and courage to live with it and face it. I’m optimistic about you and our
country. I have so much faith in each and every one of you, and I can’t
wait to see all that you achieve in the years ahead.”
Class of 2017 valedictorian Kimberly Serna, salutatorian
Karissa Collins and president Victoria Wright each spoke to their
classmates about the memories they have shared throughout their four
years at the high school. They attributed not only their success, but
the fondness of their experiences, to the strong support system at the
school, friendships they have formed and faculty members’ remarkable
level of instruction.
Principal Linda Carter delivered an inspiring speech in
which she quoted Nelson Mandela: “Education is the most powerful weapon,
which you can use to change the world.”“You are leaving a legacy to our underclassmen, who will
follow in your footsteps, and this will be your gift to our students,”
Carter continued. “You are leaving a legacy of character. You have
integrity, resourcefulness, strength, intelligence and determination.
You also have resilience, compassion and kindness. As you enter the
adult world, remember that your education does not stop after
graduation. Learning is a moral duty and a lifelong process.”
One by one, graduates walked onto the stage to receive their
diplomas, and collectively moved their tassles from right to left
following the announcement of all class names. With their families
giving them a thunderous ovation, they then tossed their caps high into
the air.
Twelfth-grade Assistant Principal Joseph Mille expressed his
appreciation for the Class of 2017, thanking the graduates for the
experiences they have shared together.
“I have stated over the years that we are a family, for
better and for worse,” Mille said. “The bonds that we have formed can
never be broken and will last a lifetime. This group always wanted to be
different and special, and you were and are; I knew from the beginning
of your ninth-grade years that you were. You have made me a better
administrator and a better man, and the doors of Freeport High School
will always be open to you.”
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Board of Education Annual Reorganization Meeting
On July 5, 2017, the Board of Education held its annual
reorganization meeting. Re-elected trustees Vilma I. Lancaster and
Ronald J. Ellerbe were sworn in for their new terms. Michael C.
Pomerico and Anthony J. Miller were re-elected by the members of the
board of education to continue serving as president and vice president,
respectively.
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All You Need Is Love
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Summer Reading in Full Swing
Incoming fourth-graders in the district were treated to a fun and
educational evening that encouraged students to continue reading through
the summer months.
The students, who attended the event with their parents at Freeport
Memorial Library, participated in a “Breakout” game devised by district
school media specialists. The game was based on the book “The Mouse and
the Motorcycle” by Beverly Cleary. Each student also received a copy of
the book. Tasked with finding the correct answers to higher-order
thinking questions, students worked collaboratively to uncover the
combinations of five different locks that opened a “Breakout Box.” The
object of the exercise was to find the book’s main character, Ralph, and
his motorcycle, both of which were contained in one of the boxes.
The event promoted the importance of literacy and teamwork as students prepare for another successful school year.
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District Hosts Summer Literacy Institute
In July, the district hosted its inaugural Summer Literacy Institute, a
series of literacy-based workshops for teachers, administrators and
teaching assistants.
The three-day program, attended by more than 100 staff members, featured
internationally recognized authors and educational experts Carl
Anderson, Amy Benjamin and Matt Glover as keynote speakers; they led
discussions on The Writing Conference, Infusing Grammar & Vocabulary
Instruction, and Engaging Young Readers and Writers, respectively.
Workshops included Pass the Poetry Please, Learning and the Brain, Set
the Stage to Engage, Thinking Maps, Never Too Old for Picture Books, How
to Grow a Reader and Adapting Writing Workshop for Special Education.
In his keynote address, Anderson spoke about the importance of conferring among teachers and students of writing.
“Conferring is individualized differentiated instruction,” he said.“It’s the hardest and most important part of teaching writing; it’s a
structure that allows us to work with kids one-on-one. We’re not there
to make the writing better, we’re there to make the writers better; we
are the master writers that are sharing what we know with the apprentice
writers. The success of a conference isn’t what happens that day. The
success of it is if what you taught shows up later in their writing.”
Summer Literacy Institute was a supplement to the professional
development throughout the school year as well as the summer months.
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