Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School students in Drawing and Painting 1 classes took a field trip to the Brooklyn Museum of Art. The students in Damin Gomes and Krystof Lipinski had the opportunity to sketch and view the Soul of a Nation exhibit.

After reading the book “Flat Stanley” by Jeff Brown, Nancy Csorny's second-graders at Deauville Gardens East Elementary School made their own Flat Stanley. Students will be writing letters and mailing them to relatives or friends that live in another community, state or country. They are hoping to get letters back and pictures of Flat Stanley in various places in their community. When Flat Stanley returns, the class will use his journey to study places in the United States and all over the world.

Kindergartners in Maritza Benavides’ class at Susan E. Wiley Elementary School recently completed a lesson on heritage and shared information about the different countries and cultures from which they came. The students learned about the culture, dance, foods, music and flags from the different countries and compared their differences and similarities.

First-graders at Deauville Gardens West Elementary School are literally smashing their math skills. Using Play-Doh during “Subtraction Smash,” the students are practicing their math lessons using making a number of balls out of the Play-Doh and smashing the ones used in their subtraction equation to get the answer.

Students in Maria Ostrovsky’s adventures in art and literature class at Copiague Middle School recently read “Keith Haring: The Boy Who Just Kept Drawing” and then collaboratively created a Haring figure as the new middle school art installation. 

Two seniors from Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School – Abigail Romero and Jackson Bright – were presented with the New York State Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Suffolk Zone Award on Nov. 28. The two students were awarded certificates and gold medals for their outstanding achievement as physical education students, scholars and citizens. From left: Bill Bennett, Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High school physical education teacher; Jackson Bright, Abigail Romero, Toni Spencer, physical education teacher, and Athletic Director Pete Cesare. 

Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School held a guest lecture for science research students in the library on Nov. 30.

Organized by science teacher Tracy Wenzler and coordinated by science chairperson Renee Locker, guest lecturers Luke Gervase and Dr. Steve Pearson presented a seminar on invasive species to the group of more than 50 students. Mr. Gervase works with Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management, while Dr. Pearson is part of the Long Island Invasive Species Management Area. After speaking about research, the two conducted a training on iMap, a website and software application used to track invasive species introductions and spreads.

Junior science-researchers Kiara Bennett and Nolan Johnson, who are part of the advanced science research program at Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School, are currently conducting research surrounding the effects of certain invasive species. Kiara has attained high honors in three local competitions. This year, she teamed up with Johnson to expand their research surrounding  “The Effect of Helianthus angustifolius on the Invasive Species Eleocharis dulcis.” Kiara and Nolan were responsible for making initial contact with the Invasive Species Management program.

In the advanced science research program, students are taught a multiplicity of skills including conducting research, writing scholarly papers and networking. Under the supervision of Locker, in conjunction with advisers Ms. Wenzler and Minnett Hall, students reach out to professional experts in the field to authenticate and assist in the development of their research. According to Ms. Locker, who works with the research students alongside teachers, “This seminar is teaching students instructional enrichment, application and how to effectively utilize the superior district technology.” Consequently, Ms. Wenzler said, “It opens up an opportunity for them to pursue a popular area for research studies.”

Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School presents its Golden Eagle Awards for the fall 2018 sports season to eight deserving student-athletes in late November. 

The award is presented to the top scholar-athlete in each sport for the quarter. The district congratulates the following students: Jackson Bright (boys soccer), Aleksandra Bugajczyk (girls tennis), Christopher Canenguez (cross-country), Isabella Galarza (girls soccer), Victor Gamarra (football), Faith McCombs (volleyball), Abigail Romero (field hockey) and Gianna Torres (gymnastics). 

The Copiague Middle School Chamber Singers, under the direction of teacher Courtney Folan, ushered in the holidays at the Copiague Chamber of Commerce’s tree lighting ceremony – on the corner of Dixon Avenue and Great Neck Road – on the evening of Nov. 30. The group provided a backdrop of carols for the event. 

In an effort to get a hands-on experience in the schools, the Copiague Board of Education spent a day touring all of the buildings on Nov. 30. Board of Education president Laura Gavey, vice president Doris Fischer, second vice president Rosemary Natoli, trustee Brian Sales and trustee Christopher Madden were joined by Copiague School District’s Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kathleen Bannon and Assistant Superintendent for Student Services Karen Sheridan to visit the new electronic music laboratory at Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School, observe ENL learners at the middle and elementary level and get an inside look at elementary classroom activities.

Members of the Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School senior class recently attended the Malcolm Bernard Historically Black Colleges and Universities College Fair at Riverbank State Park in New York City. Historically Black Colleges and Universities from around the country were represented at the fair. Students met with admissions counselors and received dozens of college acceptances.

“Coffee and Cake with the Board – Come down and meet the members of the Board of Education in a more informal atmosphere. 

Hear from the Board about some of the things going on in the district this year, while learning more about what the board does and what it’s like to be a Board member. 

All residents are invited to meet with the Board of Education on January 22, 2019 at 7:00 pm in the Middle School west cafeteria.”

“Café y pastel con la Junta- Venga y conozca a los miembros de la Junta de Educación en un ambiente más informal. 

Escuche de la Junta sobre algunas de las cosas que suceden en el Distrito este año, mientras aprende más de lo que la Junta hace y lo que es ser miembro de la Junta.
 
Todos los residents están invitados a reunirse con la Junta de Educación el 22 de Enero del 2019 a las 7:00 PM en la cafetería oeste de la Escuela Intermedia.”

Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School held a Sports Leadership Conference for students on Nov. 20 in the school’s library.

Students were nominated by the coaches to attend the conference. Leadership was the main focus and students were chosen because their coaches have witnessed their leadership potential. Essential questions about how to lead, what leaders look and act like, and the passion/desire to succeed were just some of the topics the students discussed.

Chris Pettit, director of college scouting for the New York Giants, was the keynote speaker. Other presenters included Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School Principal Joseph Agosta, cross-country coach and social studies teacher George Schroeder, baseball coach and physical education teacher William Bennett and coordinator of guidance James McCabe. 

Flexible seating in the classroom encourages greater collaboration, interaction and communication between students. In Patrice Newman’s third-grade class at Deauville Gardens East Elementary School, students have the ability to choose different options – such as bean bag chairs, rugs or even the floor – and pair up for buddy reading with their classmates.

In an effort to ease fears about doctors and hospitals, kindergartners at Deauville Gardens East Elementary School participated in a teddy bear clinic on Nov. 21 sponsored by the Trauma Center at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital.

The clinic is designed as an educational injury prevention program which focuses on seatbelt and helmet safety. Nursing students spoke to the class about injury prevention and the importance of keeping safe in the car. They also demonstrated how wearing a helmet during sports and other activities can help reduce the risk of injuries. 

As part of the hands-on clinic, the kindergartners took care of their stuffed animals by taking their temperature, bandaging their wounds and nursing them back to health with plenty of hugs. 

Students, teachers, administrators and community business leaders recently met for the Copiague Industry Advisory Board’s annual “Principal's Roundtable.” The 2019 Business Olympics theme – create a mobile business – was introduced. In addition, students and business leaders worked in breakout session to brainstorm ideas and troubleshoot potential presentation problems.

Dressed head to toe in their New York Islanders hockey gear, eighth-graders at Copiague Middle School were treated to a special assembly when Islanders players Scott Mayfield and Anthony Beauvillier visited the school on Nov. 19 for Islanders School Day. Copiague Middle School was selected for its winning application on school spirt.

During School Day, select schools are visited by members of the Islanders team for an assembly. During the assembly, Beauvillier and Mayfield spoke to the Copiague students about the importance of education, staying active, eating healthy and making smart decisions in life.

Students in all grades had the chance to ask thoughtful questions and selected eighth-graders who received a “golden ticket” had the added opportunity to receiving the players’ autographs. 

Prior to Thanksgiving, members of the Future Chefs Club at Copiague Middle School baked 150 loaves of cornbread and delivered them to the Bethesda Seventh Day Adventist Church in Amityville. According to club adviser Karen Kazlauskas, the students loved learning about the importance of community service and helping those who are less fortunate.

It was a day of high-flying, hands-on activity for third-graders in Kaileen Spadaro’s class at Great Neck Road Elementary School on Nov. 20.

The students began by reading “Balloons Over Broadway” about the New York City Thanksgiving Day parade. As part of a STEM-based Thanksgiving activity, the students were tasked with constructing their own balloon floats. Working in groups, the students chose their designs and used construction papers, boxes and other materials to get them to float atop a cardboard box. 

After they completed their floats, the students marched through the cafeteria to show off their creative designs to the kindergartners. 

As a way to honor veterans, Copiague Middle School created a Wall of Heroes in early November in the school’s lobby. As an optional social studies assignment, students created a tribute to a veteran they know, featuring a photo, name/branch of service, their relation to the hero and accomplishments/years served. From left: Mykelle Moore (sixth grade), Hailey Santana (eighth grade), Anthony Santos (eighth grade), Simeon Cooper (eighth grade) and Social Studies Chairperson Francis Salazar.

Kindergartners at Great Neck Road Elementary School started preparing for the Thanksgiving holiday by participating in Thanksgiving centers on Nov. 19.

After learning different facts and the history of Thanksgiving, the three kindergarten classes rotated classrooms for different hands-on activities. In one station, the students colored three feathers and glued them to create a headband. A second classroom station featured turkeys made out of folded paper, while the students in another classroom made their own patterned necklaces out of Fruit Loops. 

Students in Lorraine Ciccotto’s digital photography and graphics class at Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School visited Old Bethpage Village Restoration on Oct. 19 to take pictures and explore the site. Students will use the images in upcoming projects. “Taking students to a live experiences is invaluable for them,” said Ms. Ciccotto. “It gives them an opportunity to develop their artistic eye.”

Students at Susan E. Wiley Elementary School are working together to make their school a more welcoming place. This year, as part of a districtwide character education effort, the school is participating in “Start with Hello,” an initiative for students in grade 2-5 to become more inclusive. The “Start With Hello” campaign, which is part of the Sandy Hook Promise, encourages students to make small but powerful actions and gestures of kindness to promote connectedness. Susan E. Wiley recognizes students each week who have received a character card for their kind gestures.  

Whether its geometry, algebra, pre-calculus or calculus, math students at Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School are working hard to stay ahead of the learning curve by using their analytical and technological skills.

In Scott Kuhn’s pre-calculus class, 11th- and 12th-graders are working on analyzing quadratic functions, finding roots, intercepts, vertex, domains and range and rewriting absolute values.

Ninth-graders in Timothy Montera’s elective math research class are working to put together a research paper and presentation for the Long Island Math Fair at Hofstra University in March. Students are conducting their own research, reaching out to industry experts for guidance on their topics. 

Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School has announced the top 10 students for the graduating Class of 2019. With a weighted GPA of 103.39, Aaron Eng has been named the valedictorian. Abigail Romero has been named salutatorian with a weighted GPA of 103.13.

Valedictorian Aaron Eng is an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction and a member of the National Honor Society, Global Ambassadors Club, Quiz Bowl, and Rotary Youth Leadership Awards. He has been a member of the marching band for five years and volunteers with the Key Club and Tri-M Music Honor Society. Aaron plans to major in civil engineering but is still undecided on a college.

Salutatorian Abigail Romero is an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction, a National Hispanic Scholar and vice president of the National Honor Society. She has participated in the Farmingdale State College STEP Program since sophomore year. She has participated in the independent science research program and her research has been recognized and honored with awards. Abigail is also on the varsity winter track team and was a member of the varsity field hockey team. She is in the wind ensemble, plays in the jazz band, is a member of the pit orchestra for the musical productions and was vice president of the Tri-M Music Honor Society. Abigail plans to major in pre-med but is still undecided on a college. 

The district congratulates the Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School graduating Class of 2019 top 10 students: Aaron Eng (valedictorian); Abigail Romero (salutatorian); Aleksandra Bugajczyk (third); Owen Rosenberg (fourth); Liam Mahabir (fifth); Jackson Bright (sixth); Jonathan Conlon (seventh); Jahnay Cuffy (eighth); Melinda Mercedes (ninth); and Kailee St. Angelo (10th). 

Dawn Masure’s third-grade class at Deauville Gardens East Elementary School highlighted the importance of responsibility during their monthly character education assembly on Oct 12.

Each month, the school chooses one character education trait to recognize. As a culminating activity, the students presented a skit during a schoolwide assembly to teach about the importance of responsibility, taking action for one’s own well-being, and treating others how one would want to be treated. 

To recognize the importance of responsibility, teachers use character education books and lessons for each grade level. Students who are caught showing off their good character trait receive a character counts card.

Students in Danielle Bishop’s class at Susan E. Wiley Elementary School worked as engineers to design devices that could help them pick up fall leaves. They worked in teams to design and build their devices. After testing them out in the classroom, they made improvements to their designs. When the designs were finalized, the class took a nature walk and used their devices to pick up colorful leaves.

Fourth-graders in Elizabeth Baird’s class at Susan E. Wiley Elementary School recently completed “The Great Candy Corn Experiment,” learning about the steps in the scientific method during a hands-on lesson. The students put candy corns in eight different solvents and created a scientific question. They then formed a hypothesis, deciding which of the solvents the candy corn would dissolve in first. The experiment lasted three days and the students were excited to come to class each day and check on the results.  

Fifth-graders at Great Neck Road Elementary School celebrated World Kindness Day on Nov. 13. The students brainstormed different ways to spread kindness and wrote letters to some of the unsung heroes at their school such as cafeteria aides, security guards and bus drivers. 

Members of the digital photography and graphics classes at Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School recently had a visit from a representative from the College of Art in Maine. Students had the opportunity to see varied projects developed during a collegiate study of art as well as sampled pieces from portfolio submissions.  

Throughout October, faculty, staff and students at Susan E. Wiley Elementary School have been raising awareness and funds to benefit breast cancer. Pink ribbons were sold throughout the month and staff wore pink every Friday. Four students – Anthony Genao (fifth grade), Danilsa Espinal (fourth grade), Serenity Woods (fourth grade) and Julian Watkins (second grade, not pictured) – were recently recognized for their efforts in contributing to the fundraiser, which included donations received from an ice tea stand. They each received certificates of appreciation from Principal Cynthia Florio (left) and Assistant Principal Janine Proulx.  

Students in Ms. Nicolini’s class at Deauville Gardens East Elementary School are combining their art and literacy skills for a Thanksgiving Day project. After making their own turkeys using dot markers as the colorful feathers, the students completed a writing lesson on why they are thankful and what they are doing with their families this Thanksgiving. 

Students at Susan E. Wiley recently participated in Thanksgiving STEM activities. Check out the video of the day’s events.

Third-graders in Ann Marie Byrnes’ class at Deauville Gardens East Elementary School are reading “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” as part of a class read aloud. The class discussed the different character traits of the individuals featured in the book. They learned about the “Golden Ticket” given out in the book and each student decorated their own ticket for the class bulletin board. After they complete the book, the class will watch the original movie and compare the differences between the two.

To recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of its student-athletes, the Copiague School District held its 19th annual Fall Sports Awards Night on Nov. 13 at Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School. Sponsored by the Booster Club, student-athletes in gymnastics, girls soccer, boys soccer, field hockey, girls tennis, volleyball, cross-country and football were recognized for their dedication to their sports by coaches, Copiague School District administrators and members of the board of education.

Throughout the night, coaches praised the student-athletes for their success and distributed individual awards, including the Coaches’ Award, Most Improved and the MVP award, to worthy receipients. Seven special memorial awards were handed out to outstanding athletes for demonstrating leadership on and off the field. Robert Elias (cross-country) was presented with the Christopher Urban Award, Emily Korba (gymnastics) was the recipient of the Dolores Sandefur Award and Jonathan Panameno (boys soccer) was presented with the Richard Lombardo Award. The Barbara Day Award was given to Nicole Hernandez (field hockey), Melinda Harris (volleyball) received the Debra Tekosky Award, Tamara Washington (girls soccer) was presented with the Michael S. Cohen Award and Gabriela Ordonez (girls soccer) was the recipient of the Brittany Walsh Memorial Award. 

Members of the Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School senior class recently visited Farmingdale State College as part of the College: Yes You Can program. They had the opportunity to go on a campus tour, meet with members of the Farmingdale faculty, admissions representatives, financial aid officers and current Farmingdale students.

On Nov. 2, five Copiague student-musicians attended the Suffolk County Music Educators’ Association’s Day of Tuba/Baritone at Central Islip High School. The students from Susan E. Wiley Elementary School and Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School – Anastasia Brzozka, Christopher Tejada, Kasper Sztabinski, Jeremiah Moya and Christina Cross – were joined by Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School band director Brian Genua. They performed with more than 150 other student-musicians from throughout Suffolk County and meet and work with world-renowned clinicians and musicians.

Using their imaginations, students in Dayna Clair’s first-grade class at Great Neck Road Elementary School completed a literacy lesson based on the book “It Looked Like Spilt Milk.” After making their own abstract paint splatter creation using white paint, the students described what their paint looked like to them. 

Copiague Middle School’s Builders Club participated in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk at Jones Beach in October. Despite the cold weather, the club came out in full force and so far, has raised $2,600 for breast cancer research in October through various efforts. 

On Oct. 29, more than 125 representatives from colleges and universities across the United States visited the Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School. High school students met with admissions representatives regarding a various topics ranging from college admissions, majors, careers, financial aid, activities and residential life.

The student council at Copiague Middle School sold pens, keychains and bracelets for Alex’s Lemonade Stand to benefit childhood cancer. The organization raised $385 for the charity. Shown here are members of the student council’s executive board. 

Kindergarten students at Deauville Gardens East Elementary School are settling into their new daily academic routines, learning numbers, shapes, letters and all about the seasons.

In Cynthia Ruiz’s class, students are learning their letters and brainstorming different words that begin with the letters, while Ashley Marazzo’s class is focusing on new shapes. Students in Caren Steiger and Kevin Beach’s class are using different adjectives to describe pumpkins. They are also drawing their own pumpkins and labeling them with descriptive words. 

On Nov. 4, the Madrigal Choir from Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School, under choral director Gina Occhiogrosso, performed at the Veterans Day Remembrance held at the U.S. Postal facility in Melville. The group sang several patriotic selections. 

Fifth-graders at Susan E. Wiley Elementary School held an assembly to honor and recognize local veterans on Nov. 7 in the cafeteria.

Parading in and waving their American flags, the students welcomed three Navy veterans – Leonard Oglesby, Kevin Nolan and Yohanny Hidalgo – to the school, who spoke about their experiences serving in the military and shared their personal stories. The fifth-graders created an acrostic poem, “Honor a Hero,” and student-musicians performed a patriotic tribute to heroes. 

Principal Cynthia Florio and Assistant Principal Janine Proulx presented the three veterans with certificates and participated in a question-and-answer sessions with the honorees. 

In Ms. Embleton’s art class at Deauville Gardens East Elementary School, fourth-grade students made Native American wampum belts.

Great Neck Road Elementary School recognized the hard work, dedication and sacrifice of veterans during a Veterans Day breakfast hosted in the school’s gymnasium on Nov. 2.

Joined by district administrators and board of education members, the invited guests were treated to a breakfast served by student-volunteers as well as performances. Each place setting featured a note of thanks written by a Great Neck Road student as well as colorfully decorated placemat. A photo booth with props was set up for the friends and families to enjoy a memory from the day.

After enjoying their meal, the veterans listened to three fifth-grade students recite their essay submissions from the Town of Babylon Veterans Day essay contest. The school also created an ABC poem video about veterans featuring students in all grades.  

The Great Neck Road chorus serenaded the attendees with “America the Beautiful” followed by a performance by the Great Neck Road dance team. To close out the morning, the kindergartners paraded into the room waving their flags to “Yankee Doodle Dandy” led by 10th-grader and Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School marching band member Morgan Weeks playing the piccolo. 

The Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School student council and the Zumba Club partnered together to host a Pinktober Zumbathon to raise money for breast cancer research on Oct. 23.

The two clubs had six certified Zumba instructors – including Spanish teacher and club adviser Gabrielle Romanelli – who danced the evening away with many students and community members. Baskets were donated and raffled off and pink cotton candy was served.
 
“It was great to raise awareness for an amazing cause,” said student council advisers Cheryl Feldman and Neil Schweitzer. “It was a feel good evening knowing we are bringing awareness and ensuring that all people suffering with this disease receive the care they need.” 

Their joint efforts raised $1,000 for the Susan G. Komen organization to help save lives by finding research breakthroughs for breast cancer. 

Nicole Davidson, music teacher at Susan E. Wiley Elementary School, was selected to present her research at the New York State School Music Association’s All-State Conference on Dec. 1 in Rochester, New York.

She will present her action research project at the research poster session. The project was completed as a part of her graduate coursework at the Crane School of Music. Her research topic was the examination of the most effective methods to teach beginning instrumental music students how to read musical notation. Through surveying, interviewing and conducting research on best practice of other elementary instrumental music teachers, she developed an action plan to use in her own classroom. 

In addition to the poster presentation at the conference, her abstract will be published in “School Music News,” the New York State magazine for music educators.

First-graders in Cristina Ayala’s class at Great Neck Road Elementary School are learning all about families and how each one is unique and special. To work on their writing skills, the students are creating an “All About My Family” booklet. They are drawing photos of their home and families, writing facts about where they live and why their families are special and important.

Copiague Middle School inducted 29 eighth-grade students into the National Junior Honor Society during a ceremony on Oct. 23. Advised by Copiague Middle School teachers Paul Harvey and Francesca Walker, the new inductees pledged their commitment to character, leadership, scholarship and community service in front of family and friends.

Eighth-graders with a culminative grade point average of 92 or higher are eligible for induction. Students must also demonstrate a strong commitment to community service. 

The district congratulates the newest members of Copiague’s National Junior Honor Society: Waseem Ahmad; Matthew Arias Perea; Sanahyah Byrd; Henry Canela Hernandez; Emmylie Coreas; Jaden Gomez; Griselda Guardado; Isaiah Harris; Elifnaz Kaya; Jack Langan; Jason Majano Mercado; Alyssa Mancuso; Mohammed May; Marcel Mazurek; Anthony Meneses; Jennifer Molina Salazar; Sean Moore; Sebastian Ortiz; Edison Peguero Rosario; Tamia Roberts; Quinn Rozmus; Martin Rybka; Venessa Seguino; Mina Senturk; Madison Sims; Alice Sztabinski; Bradley Williams; Anthony Woods; and William Yanes. 

Third-grade students in Jeanie Mullins’ class at Great Neck Road Elementary School and third-graders in Nicole Antz’s class at Deauville Gardens West Elementary School had the opportunity to teleconference with third-graders from different schools recently. 

The Great Neck Road students connected with a class in Mexico Elementary School in upstate New York while the Deauville Gardens West class teleconferenced with a class in Rochester, New York. 

The students participated in a monster match by providing directions to each other’s class on how to build a monster. Each class built their own monster and the monster based on the directions of the other class. The students then showed off their creations and talked about their similarities and differences. 

The music program at Copiague Middle School is off to a successful start for the new school year. Two new staff members – Kevin Miller (instrumental and general music) and Diana Cotrone (general music) – have joined the Copiague Middle School’s music department.

This year, the instrumental and vocal programs have nominated 35 students to the Division I and II All County Festivals in March. Music teacher Courtney Folan takes on a new full-time role as director of choirs and the middle school musical.

Through the work connected to the district’s bond project, the general music and chorus rooms have been renovated and a lesson room for instrumental lessons has been established. Recent curriculum work for general music has incorporated a ukulele unit into the class.

Kindergartners at Deauville Gardens West Elementary School kicked off October with plenty of learning activities. After reading the book “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom,” students in Danielle Jacobs’ class each created their own tree with the letter of their name.

In Briana Mullady’s class, the students are learning about different shapes – such as hexagons and circles – and how to identify them. Students in Marissa Krause’s kindergarten class recently read “The Kissing Hand” and colored their own raccoons for display in the classroom. The class is also learning all about apples, using different adjectives to describe the crunchy treat. 

As part of Great Neck Road Elementary School’s educational spirit week celebration, the school participated in a teambuilding exercise. Dressed in their favorite sports team gear, the students took to the field outside the school with hula hoops in hand. The class joined hands in a large circle and worked together to try to get the hula hoop moved all around the circle. The students learned about teamwork and communication while also having fun.

Deauville Gardens West students design their own pumpkin catapults. Check out the video:

Letting their taste buds do the work, kindergarten students in Marissa Krause’s class at Deauville Gardens West Elementary School recently held an apple tasting.

After learning about all the different parts of the apple, the students had a lesson on the various types of apples as well. They taste-tested four varieties of apples and brainstormed words to describe them. Afterward, the students colored their own apple to reflect their favorite choice. As a class, they graphed the favorite colors and tallied up the results.

After spending time in the school’s pumpkin patch on Oct. 19, kindergartners in Jeannine Chaikin’s class at Susan E. Wiley Elementary School learned about the different steps in carving pumpkins. During a lesson in sequencing, the students used a flow map to chart out the different steps in carving a pumpkin. The students each had a chance to feel the inside of the pumpkin and remove and count seeds.

It’s apple picking season and kindergarten students at Great Neck Road Elementary School are getting in the spirit.

Students in Natalia Brite’s class learned about Johnny Appleseed and then taste tested different colored apples. After choosing their favorite color, they graphed the results to see which color came out on top. The class also read “Ten Apples Up” and colored and numbered 10 apples in a row.

As a special treat, the class made their own applesauce. They learned about ingredients, following directions and took turns stirring the apples in the crockpot throughout the day. By the end of the day, the students had a chance to taste Ms. Brite’s “secret” applesauce and receive a “good apple” certificate.

On Oct. 19, members of the Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School senior class visited Molloy College for the National Hispanic College Fair. Colleges from around the country were represented at the fair.

Volunteer firefighters and EMS workers from Copiague Fire Department visited with students at Great Neck Road Elementary School as part of National Fire Prevention Month in October.

During two assemblies for the school, the volunteers spoke about fire safety, how to prevent fires and what to do in case of an emergency. The students were taught about smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors and why they are so important. The students learned the role of the firefighter, the tools they use and what they look like all dressed up in their gear.

Third-, fourth-, and fifth-grade students at Susan E. Wiley Elementary School recently studied line, shape and form to create individual feathers during their art classes. The feathers were then assembled to make wings.

In celebration of October as National Principals Month, every Monday in October we are spotlighting one of our building principals. Our final spotlight features, Great Neck Road Elementary School Principal, Mrs. Karla Cangelosi. Click here to learn more about Mrs. Cangelosi.

Copiague School District recognized the hard work and dedication of the members of its board of education prior to the Oct. 22 meeting. The New York State School Board Association designates the week of Oct. 22-26 as School Board Recognition Week.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kathleen Bannon thanked the board for their tireless work to benefit the students of Copiague. Members of the Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School’s Madrigal Choir performed two songs for the board. 

The Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School Honor Society designed a mural gifted to the members of the board to hang in the conference room. The PTA Council provided refreshments for the evening and both the Copiague Teaching Assistants and PTA Council made donations to the Britteny Walsh Memorial Scholarship in the board’s name. 

The Copiague Supervisors and Copiague Association of Principals donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and the Copiague Teachers Association gave to two local food pantries for their Thanksgiving outreach on behalf of the board. 

Board of Education Vice President Doris Fischer received the Board Lifetime Achievement Award from the New York State School Board Association for her participation in leadership development opportunities.

In celebration of October as National Principals Month, every Monday in October we are spotlighting one of our building principals. Our second to final spotlight features Copiague Middle School Principal, Mr. Andrew Lagnado. Click here to learn more about Mr. Lagnado.

Fourth-graders in Kate Castellano and Megan Moore’s fourth-grade class at Deauville Gardens West Elementary School are using their Chromebooks for a research project on New York State. As part of their social studies assignment, the students are creating an online brochure to highlight key elements of the state, such as landforms, water forms, the state bird, capital and flag. After creating the brochure in Google Documents, the students will print and share them with classmates. 

Third-graders in Colleen Garafola and Jennifer Smith’s class at Deauville Gardens West Elementary School are using technology to make learning both fun and interactive. Using software called Plickers, the students are each assigned their own QR code. After completing a lesson, the students will then take an online quiz as a class, holding up their unique code with the answer. The teacher can scan the QR code using a smartphone to see if it’s correct and get real-time reporting on student progress.

Copiague School District recognized its alumni who have made a difference in their community and had a positive impact during the Hall of Achievement induction ceremony following homecoming festivities on Oct. 13 at Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School.

The four new inductees – which bring the total number to 100 – are: Dawn Michelle Hardy, Class of 1992; Scott Kuhn, Class of 1990; Dagmar Groy Marino, Class of 1970; and Viscel Welch Moore, Class of 1988.

“Tonight’s inductees carry on the tradition of giving back whenever and wherever they are,” said Copiague Board of Education Vice President Doris Fischer. “It is due to their efforts and the combined efforts of the administration, staff and everyone associated with the Copiague School District that Copiague is a great place to live and learn.”

“In honoring successful past graduates of Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School, the Hall of Achievement’s primary purpose is to introduce these alumni as positive and motivating role models to our entire school community and to keep those role models connected to our school and students,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kathleen Bannon. “By the nature of their accomplishments and service, inductees in the Hall of Achievement inspire our students to reach high goals.”

Ms. Hardy is an award-winning publicist and publishing consultant who graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology. She formed Dream Relations PR and Literacy Consulting agency, where she aids authors in promoting their books. She serves as the executive director of public relations for the Love Fellowship Tabernacle and completed the NYC Marathon as part of Team of Kids.

Mr. Kuhn holds a bachelor’s degree from Bucknell University and began working at a small insurance agency in Manhattan. In 2001, he left his investment job and decided to pursue a career in teaching, enrolling in graduate classes at Dowling College. A year later, he was hired as a math teacher at Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School, where he remains today. 

Ms. Marino came to Copiague School at the age of 10 from Vienna, Austria, unable to speak English. After quickly learning the language, she graduated high school in three years and went on to attend beauty school. Shortly after, she opened her first hair salon in the community. She is an active member and has served on the Board of Directors for the Copiague Chamber of Commerce. After losing her son tragically in 2012, Ms. Marino co-founded the Copiague Community Cares organization to support and assist those who have lost loved ones or are struggling with substance abuse.

Ms. Moore earned a bachelor’s degree in business management and economic from SUNY Empire. For the past 30 years, she has worked for ADP. She has been recognized as a Woman of Distinction, is a trustee at Bethel AME Church, serves as director of Bethel’s Young People’s Division, volunteers for the Youth Night program and conducts workshops on the importance of voting and civic engagement. She is a member of several PTAs, booster club, director of community relations for the Family & Community Media Group, serves on the executive committee for the central Long Island branch of the NAACP and is a member of the Copiague Chamber of Commerce. 

As part of the 2015 community-approved bond, Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School was renovated and modernized. To see a the completed work, enjoy this edition of Copiague TV.

In celebration of October as National Principals Month, every Monday in October we are spotlighting one of our building principals. Up next, Susan E. Wiley Elementary School Principal, Ms. Cynthia Florio. Click here to learn more about Ms. Florio.

Dressed in their cozy pajamas, students in kindergarten through second grade at Susan E. Wiley Elementary School celebrated their love of books with a family literacy night on Oct. 3.

The students began the evening with a reader’s theater presentation of “The Three Little Pigs,” both the traditional version and fractured fairytale, for their parents. Following the performance, students worked with their families for a STEM-based design challenge. They were tasked with building the most creative or unique structure using no more than six marshmallows and no more than 13 toothpicks. 

Using teamwork, the families each had 10 minutes to complete the structure. Judges awarded raffle tickets and prizes to teams based on their creativity. At the end of the evening, students received a book bag to take home with fairy tale readers for their grade level. The families also visited the PTA book fair in the cafeteria. 

Walter. G. O’Connell Copiague High School students Oktay Yildiz (10th grade), Cecilia Libertella (11th grade), Jessica Chochorek (10th grade), Samantha Sattler and Kyree Scott (12th grade) auditioned for the Suffolk County Music Educators Association High School Showcase “A Cappella Ensemble” at Centereach High School. “It was an amazing experience for the students and we’re excited to see if we make it,” said choral director Gina Occhiogrosso, who accompanied the students on the audition. 

Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School’s girls junior varsity and varsity volleyball teams, along with the Varsity Club, teamed up to raise money for breast cancer awareness during their annual Dig Pink game for the Side-Out Foundation on Oct. 3. The teams held a bake sale and Varsity Club members sold their pink pumpkins and together they raised $550.

Ten student-musicians from Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School have been chosen to participate in the Suffolk County Music Educators’ Association’s Division IV All-County performing ensembles. The concert will take place on Nov. 17 at Half Hollow Hills East High School.

The district congratulates the following student-musicians: Ladrea Buffaloe (mixed chorus); Aaron Eng (mixed chorus and orchestra); Jaime Kister (band); Christopher Lam (mixed chorus); Jonah Ramdas (mixed chorus); Allison Reyes (treble chorus); Kyree Scott (mixed chorus); Darley Senat (treble chorus); Taylor Sharpe-Adams (mixed chorus); and Andrew Szabo (mixed chorus). 

On Oct. 1, the Varsity Club at Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School painted pumpkins pink for its annual breast cancer awareness fundraiser. The pumpkins were donated by Hick’s Nursery in Westbury. This is the third year the Varsity Club has joined together with the girls volleyball teams to raise money for breast cancer awareness.

The community, students, staff, administration and board of education joined together to celebrate the Copiague School District’s homecoming on Oct. 13.

Kicking off with a pep rally at Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School the day before, the weekend activities began with a homecoming parade starting at Great Neck Road Elementary School. Members of sports teams, school clubs, youth organizations and the homecoming court gathered for the march to the high school. Senior class king and queen Owen Rosenberg and Kembalee Rolle waved to the crowd down the parade route. The homecoming floats – themed board games – showed off the students’ creativity and featured members of the freshman, sophomore, junior and senior classes.

Prior to the start of the football game against Newfield High School, Sen. John Brooks and Leg. DuWayne Gregory offered their best wishes for the Copiague Eagles. Despite their best efforts, the Eagles were unable to come out on top against the Newfield Wolverines.

The halftime show featured performances from the award-winning Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School marching band, varsity cheerleaders and step team. The evening concluded with the Hall of Achievement induction ceremony, honoring four Copiague alumni who have made a difference.