The sun was shining bright over Leo F. Giblyn Elementary School, as 130 fourth grade students were celebrated by their families and teachers during the annual moving up ceremony.

Principal Amanda Muldowney kicked off the festivities by welcoming family and friends. Throughout the ceremony, students displayed beautiful performances of “We Won’t Stop Dreaming,” “Ready to Go,” and “Giblyn Superstars.”

Freeport High School Class of 2019’s valedictorian Leah Hochman attended the celebration, as she graduated from Giblyn in 2011. Ms. Hochman reminisced on her moving up ceremony from the school and congratulated students on this accomplishment.

“As you look forward, please do not forget the moments that have shaped you into the successful young people that you are,” she said. “Do not lose sight of all that you want to achieve. Do not create limits for yourself based on doubt or pessimism. Be aware that it is indeed possible to reach for the stars and dream big. Seek inspiration from your peers and the world around you and never forget where you come from.”

Prior to announcing the names of those moving up, Mrs. Muldowney and Assistant Principal Amy Lederer presented several students with awards, including the Nassau County Music Educators’ Recognition Award, NYSSMA, All-County Art Award, Principal’s Award for Student Leadership, YES I CAN award, Triple C Awards, Giblyn All-Star Awards, and Perfect Attendance. 

Mrs. Muldowney took the opportunity to offer some final words of advice to the students. She encouraged them to work hard, smile, be courteous and respectful, get involved and do unto others what you would have them do unto you. “Fourth graders, you leave here having learned a lot, but you have much more to learn in the years ahead,” she said. “Be willing to keep on learning from your teachers, coaches, parents and friends. Maintain a positive attitude, a helpful disposition, a willingness to try new experiences. Keep reading, be helpful, clean your rooms, practice your instruments, be good to each other, and keep smiling.”

The gymnasium at the Freeport High School was filled with excitement and anticipation, as J.W. Dodd Middle School family, friends and district staff and members of the board of education witnessed eighth grade students transition into ninth graders during the moving up ceremony.

The event provided beautiful performances by the Dodd Middle School Symphonic Orchestra and Select Chorus. Led by Director Dr. Sherill Spruill, the Select Chorus performed the national anthem and a riveting rendition of “A Million Dreams.” 

Dodd’s master and mistress of ceremonies, Jayden Easy and Ana James, delivered heartfelt speeches to their peers and recognized teachers who were instrumental throughout their journey at Dodd.

Board of Education President Michael Pomerico addressed the graduating class and inspired students to set their goals high. “It is fine if you have to struggle to get there. Don’t be discouraged when your path takes detours. Be determined, put in the effort and get yourself back on course. You have not made it to this point without the assistance of many supporters. Your families, teachers, administrators have all been there for you and they will continue to make your next giant leap to the high school.”

Prior to the ceremonial presentation of graduates, Dodd Principal Johane Ligondè urged students to enter the high school level with a plan. 

“If you have big dreams, you will create new paths. Your job is to start with your dream. Every single one of you should have some ideas of what it is that you would like to explore at the high school,” she said. “We have amazing opportunities at the high school. However, you have to decide to take them. You must advocate for yourself…and all the people around you will absolutely help you succeed.”

The program concluded with the Symphonic Orchestra performing of “Sine Nomine” by Ralph Vaughan Williams under the direction of ensemble directors Candice Mordhorst and Adam Rubin.

More information to follow.

The Board of Education had an eventful night at its June 19 Board of Education meeting at New Visions School with a variety of recognitions to close the 2018-2019 school year. In addition to its annual Celebrating Success Employee Recognition tradition, the district honored outgoing board members President Michael Pomerico and Vice President Anthony Miller for their years of service to the community, and highlighted the staff members who were granted tenure.

For the Celebrating Success Employee Recognition, eight employees were honored for their individual accomplishments and for demonstrating values that helped positively advance the district organization, along with their contributions to the goals and objectives of the district, individual school and work unit. School principals introduced the recipients and board president Michael Pomerico presented each of them with a celebratory plaque.

This year’s honorees included Kerri Albarano, Barbara Crespi, Maria DiBlasio, David Gordon, Nelson Holland, Laura Lund, Raquel Marmol and Beth Rugolo. 

Board members also said their final farewells to outgoing board president Mr. Pomerico and vice president Mr. Miller. As a thank you for their dedication and years of service to the community, New Visions students presented a skit and sang “This Little Light of Mine” in both English and Spanish. 

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kishore Kuncham expressed his appreciation for their efforts serving the board of education. 

“All the things we have accomplished in the district could not have been done without your support,” Dr. Kuncham said. “We thank you for your service on the school board and we wish you the very best.”

The final celebratory item included the board granting tenure to 23 staff members. This includes 17 teachers, five teaching assistants and Ruth Breidenbach, director of the Arts and Community Relations. 

The district congratulates all who were honored and thanks them for their outstanding efforts to the community. 

The district is proud to announce that Freeport High School 11th grade student Rosa Medina was awarded the 2019 Rensselaer Medal from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. In addition to this honor, Rosa has also earned a $100,000 college merit scholarship from the institution, if she decides to attend in fall 2020. The full scholarship is a culmination of $25,000 she could receive for each of the four years. 

Rosa won this medal for being named the best science student in the junior class. This is based on her performance in science Regents exams in grades 8, 9 and 10, and also being named the best student in AP Physics. She is currently taking AP Calculus and was selected by Brookhaven National Lab for their High School Summer Research Program.

The Rensselaer Medal was first presented in 1916 with the goal to recognize the superlative academic achievements of young men and women, and to motivate students toward careers in science, engineering and technology. 

Going into her senior year at Freeport High School, Rosa will officially receive the Rensselaer Medal during the Honors Convocation in the fall of her first year if she attends. The college will also be hosting an open house for all enrolling medalists on Sept. 7. 

The district is proud of Rosa’s hard work and effort that led to this prestigious honor, and wishes her well in all her future endeavors. 

The district is proud to congratulate Leo F. Giblyn Elementary School second grader Daniel Cubias on recently winning the Apollo at 50 Art Contest through the Cradle of Aviation Museum. 

Mrs. Marilyn Pignataro, teacher assistant for Daniel’s class, invited all students to enter the contest. For the activity, they were instructed to draw their own representation of the Apollo Moon Landing.  

Daniel’s drawing was the best among all second grade students who entered. For his win, Daniel received two complimentary tickets to go to the Cradle of Aviation Museum and a certificate.

Leo F. Giblyn School students raised more than $4,200 for the Freeport Educational Foundation by participating in a schoolwide Walk-A-Thon.

The students asked their friends and family to sponsor them as they walked down the Nautical Mile. During the march, local stores and restaurants came out to cheer them on and offered their own donations. 

In addition to the Walk-A-Thon, students who raised donations were entered into a drawing to be Principal for the Day. During the week of June 3, a different student was picked each day and executed several tasks as principal, such as assisting in the morning announcements, introducing the Spring Festival of the Arts, and helping around the school. Those selected included Helen Jeronimo, Anthony Kaufman, Jacob Lainez, Nicole Lopez and Ethan Rodriguez. In addition, Daniel Ramos, who raised the most money for the cause, chose to be a security guard for a day.

All students who raised money received a shoe to put on the school’s “Wall of Fame.” 

Freeport High School was filled with excitement and anticipation as members of the Class of 2019 and their families joined members of the board of education, administration and community members for the district’s 51st annual Scholarship and Honors Program held on June 10.

Community organizations and various school groups generously donated more than $96,000 in scholarships which were awarded to deserving members of the Class of 2019 who met or exceeded the criteria in the areas of academics, leadership, athletics, the arts, the ability to succeed while overcoming obstacles, and outstanding community service. 

Freeport High School Principal Joseph Mille began the program by congratulating the students and thanking those who so generously donated to make this evening a success. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kishore Kuncham expressed appreciation to all those who provided scholarships and congratulated the students on achieving their goals. “You have excelled in scholarship, character, service and leadership,” said Dr. Kuncham. “You exemplify your unwavering commitment to expand your intellectual curiosity and overcome adversity. Your scholarship sponsors have seen something valuable in you that makes you worthy of these recognitions.”

Board of Education President Michael Pomerico addressed the students and the scholarship donors. “You are our shining stars and examples of all the good things happening in Freeport Public Schools. We have enjoyed watching you grow into successful young adults,” said Mr. Pomerico. “Parents, family members and our community are all instrumental in our students’ success. Thank you to those scholarship donors who made this evening possible.”

The Class of 2019 valedictorian Leah Hochman and salutatorian Laura Chumpitaz were introduced and both were awarded medals for their outstanding achievements.

A special aspect of this event, is that the students did not know who the scholarship recipients would be until their names were announced. As each scholarship was announced, the donor presented the award to the student recipient who was applauded for his or her accomplishments.  

A team of 20 Dodd Middle School seventh graders took an oath in front of their parents and teachers during the annual swearing-in ceremony for the 2019-2020 school year’s Peer Mediation Program. Officiated by the Hon. Joy Watson, the ceremony came after the group successfully completed sixteen hours of training for the organization. 

One of the goals for the program is to help student volunteers develop relationships and communication skills that will transcend other areas of their lives. 

As peer mediators, they are trained under adult supervision to listen and help their classmates talk out and resolve interpersonal conflicts. Mediators do not take sides or make decisions for their peers; instead, they help them create their own resolutions when confronted with disputes. 

The Dodd team is on call to mediate these struggles and they look forward to working together to resolve any disagreements.

Archer school hosted its annual Family STEAM Night event, where students teamed up with their families to brainstorm and complete tasks that focused on science, technology, engineering, art and math. They enjoyed a variety of activities to explore different STEAM phenomena. This included the LEGO challenge, cardboard challenge, arts and crafts, and more. 

Life skills students from Freeport High School, Atkinson School and Dodd Middle School teamed up with students from the high school’s advertising and media class to create fun and interactive stories through computer science.

They used Google CS First Storytelling for the collaborative project and worked together in a virtual pen pal setting. With that, they saw their stories transformed into animation pieces through coding achieved by high school students.

Once their work was complete, they came together for the first time during a celebratory party and showcased their videos. They also handed out thank-you cards to the high school students who helped bring their stories to life.

This is the first time the district implemented this program and hopes to continue in the future. 

The district was proud to officially open the Freeport High School Based Health Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The brand-new establishment is in partnership with Family Health Centers, which is part of the LI Federally Qualified Health Clinics.

The center is equipped with three staff members, two exam rooms, a lab and mental health office. It provides a wide variety of services to students, including checkups, physicals, vaccines, sports physicals, productive health, behavioral health and referrals to specialists. All services are provided to students free of charge. 

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kishore Kuncham welcomed everyone to the open house and expressed the district’s excitement to officially open the center.

“This is a culmination of a plan we’ve had for several years. Freeport is proud of the amazing opportunities we offer to our students, as well as our focus on the whole child approach. The well-being of our students is of paramount importance to us. This clinic is one more way that we can meet the physical and mental health needs of our students, offering both medical care and the ability to meet with a clinical social worker,” Dr. Kuncham said. “Since its soft opening in January, the clinic is becoming busier and receiving positive feedback. We are grateful to have been afforded this opportunity and look forward to the continued growth of this wonderful clinic.”

During the ribbon-cutting, the clinic received proclamations and certificates from New York State representatives, including Sen. John Brooks, Assemblywoman Judy Griffin and Assemblywoman Taylor Raynor. 

The district is excited to announce that Bayview first grader Sherry Ann Andrews was selected as a winner for an annual poster contest hosted by the Long Island Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

This goes hand in hand with Better Hearing and Speech Month, which raises awareness about communication disorders and available treatment options that can improve the quality of life for those who experience problems speaking, understanding or hearing.  

Sherry’s win came after Bayview’s speech language pathologist Mrs. Jamie Rasulo invited all of the students to participate in the program. For the contest, she crafted a poster that exemplified communication. She was recognized by the organization and received a gift card for her win. 

The district congratulates Sherry on her hard work in the contest.

It was an exciting evening at Atkinson School, as the Board of Education and administrators honored staff members who will be retiring from the district during a special ceremony. 

Joined by their families and friends, the retirees celebrated a collective 797 years of service to the district, students, community and public education, and were presented with commemorative plaques, flowers and gifts.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kishore Kuncham said district members will miss their professional expertise, personal touch and friendship.

“It’s bittersweet as I think of the tremendous impact you have made on the lives of our children in Freeport and certainly the impact you made for all of us who work here with you. We are happy for you and thankful for all your years of outstanding contributions to the organization’s goals, but, most importantly, shaping the futures of young minds and hearts. You have put in place the very foundations that have made this organization such a great success,” Dr. Kuncham said. “It is not possible to measure what each of you have meant to our district. You are leaving a lasting legacy with many giant steps that you have taken here. Best wishes to each of you on your new career as retirees. You have been our superheroes. Be the superheroes in your retirement. Let new days be adventurous, healthy, happy and everything beyond your expectations. Congratulations to each of you.”

Fourth grade classes from New Visions along with Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kishore Kuncham were invited to the Freeport Memorial Library to cut the ribbon at the unveiling ceremony of the Village of Freeport mural.

Artist Ji Yong Kim was selected by the Long Island Arts Council in Freeport to paint a mural on the library building that would reflect the history of the Village of Freeport. This was part of an AARP Community Challenge Grant.

The library held a ceremony on the lawn outside the front entrance to officially unveil the completed mural. Prior to the ribbon-cutting, fourth grade students attended a history of Freeport learning session, which was then followed by light refreshments in the memorial room.  

ALS Ride for Life made a stop at Leo F. Giblyn School during their crusade to raise awareness about ALS. This is the sixth year the nonprofit organization included the school in their tour.

Christopher Pendergast, ALS Ride for Life founder who is battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, led the excursion. He also visited the students in November 2018 in preparation of the special event. He educated them about the disease and how the organization works to raise awareness and funds to find a cure.

This is one of the school’s most treasured events of the year. For the day, students and staff all wore blue, white or Yankees shirts to honor Lou Gehrig, who also had ALS, and displayed their signs of support for those battling with ALS. 

Music teacher Ms. Shannon Abramovitz had two moving songs prepared, one by the fourth grade, and one by the entire school of more than 600 students. This year, families generously raised $2,300 to support the cause.

The Freeport High School’s ninth grade select chorus participated in its annual spring trip to Detroit, Michigan. 

Under the guidance of director Tim Warner, students returned to Mr. Warner’s hometown and visited several historic sites. They toured the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, where they viewed the chair of President Abraham Lincoln and the limousine where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. They also walked on the bus and sat in the seat where Rosa Parks once sat.  

In addition to their adventures, they competed and earned second place in the High School Class AA Choral Division at Cedar Point. They also performed for the eighth graders at Pierce Middle School in Waterford, Michigan.

The students had a wonderful time throughout the trip, where they expanded their knowledge of history and shared their award-winning musical talents. 

Archer Street school hosted its Archer Children Exercise Simultaneously (ACES) event, where they raised $700 for the Freeport Educational Foundation (FEF).

During the event the entire school went outside to the playground while gym teachers led warm-up exercises. After that, everyone joined together and walked a few laps around the school building. Funds were collected leading up to the day and parents were notified that the event was intended to raise money for the FEF.

Freeport High School’s junior and senior students were recognized for their hard work and determination throughout the school year during the school’s Academic Awards Breakfast.

During the celebration, 21 awards and scholarships were distributed to students who demonstrated academic excellence, achievement, community service, leadership and educational growth in a variety of areas. These subjects included science, social science, American history and more.

Awards were presented to students from representative from New York State, Town of Hempstead and Nassau County. Several institutes and universities also provided awards, including George Washington University, Rochester Institute of Technology, Saint Michael’s College and University of Rochester.

The district is proud of its students and congratulates them for their accomplishments.

Freeport High School’s journalism and AP English students had the exciting opportunity to witness an interview of American participatory adventure journalist and author Jim Clash. Stacey Severn of StarTalk Radio conducted the interview, which took place in front of students in the school’s library.

While answering Ms. Severn’s questions, Mr. Clash shared his experiences as a journalist and writing for Forbes Magazine, where he has engaged in the world’s most daring exploits, including bobsledding with the U.S. Olympic team, piloting a super-boat at 140 MPH, flying to 84,000 feet at Mach 2.6 in a MiG, bull fighting, and climbing the Matterhorn mountain. He informed students that his next adventure will take place in outer space, after purchasing a ticket to fly with Virgin Galactic. 

After the interview, Mr. Clash answered student questions about his journey and provided words of advice on pursuing dreams.

“You guys can do anything you want. I’ve done all these things because I was aggressive, I was motivated but I’m a regular guy,” he said. “I created this dream job and any of you can do the same thing. Pursue your passion and work hard at it and don’t give up. If I can inspire one of you to do something like that, we’ve done our job here.”

District staff and administration presented Mr. Clash with a framed photo thanking him for his visit and then enjoyed lunch and refreshments. 

Congratulations to newly elected Board of Education Trustees Maria Jordan Awalom and Gabriela Castillo.

Bayview school students rocketed into space travel to explore and experience the 1969 Apollo 11 moon landing for its Discovery Day.

Several stations were set up throughout the school that provided hands-on educational exercises. These included astronaut training, mission control, lunar landing collection, lunar maker spacer, a virtual reality coloring experience and a planetarium. In addition, they also ventured to the school’s auditorium to view a clip of the Apollo 11 spaceflight landing on the moon. 

During mission control, students had the amazing opportunity to listen to space sounds and, by using Google Expedition goggles, witness the moon as astronauts did when they landed on the moon.

Students had a blast and were kept engaged throughout the day in this unique learning experience.

The district is proud to announce that Benjamin Roberts has been appointed as the new assistant superintendent for personnel and special projects. The Board of Education appointed Mr. Roberts to this position effective April 27, 2019, following the retirement of Dr. Mary Bediako. Before joining the district, Mr. Roberts served in the Glen Cove Central School District as an elementary principal and in the Shenendehowa Central School District as an elementary principal. 

He holds a master of liberal studies from Stony Brook University, a school district administrator certificate from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and a Bachelor of Science in elementary-early secondary education from SUNY Cortland. 

Trial was in session at Bayview school, as the fourth grade Mock Trial team hosted a dress rehearsal on May 9 in preparation for its Mock Trial Competition at Suffolk County Community College. The assigned case was the people of the State of New York against Michael Walker.

With a prosecution team and a defense team, each student was assigned different roles of either a lawyer, witness or alternate. With that, they showcased their skills in front of their families and sharpened their roles before the big competition. 

Both Bayview’s prosecution team and defense team contested against other districts, with the prosecution team winning the trial against North Shore Glen Head’s fifth grade defense team.

The judges were very impressed with their performances and look forward to seeing them again next year.

New Visions was alive with exciting entertainment for the 2019 New Visions Talent Show.

The annual event features students from kindergarten to fourth grade and is produced by fourth grade teacher Tiffany Grimes and music teacher Crystal Leotaud. This year, the show offered 26 talented acts of dancing, singing and gymnastics, as well as students playing the piano and violin. 

 

 

The FHS Human Relations Club has won first place in the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights National Speak Truth to Power Video Contest High School Category from over 1,000 entries. 

The video was created by Christopher Bastida, president of the Human Relations Club, teacher Mr. Dan Ciamaricone and teacher and club adviser Ms. Pamela Mary Schmidt. Students learned about human rights and became champions of change and social justice while creating the video. In addition, the film was recently showcased at the Tribeca Film Festival.

The development of this video adds to the club’s other initiatives that help raise awareness and advocate the fight against bullying and anti-Semitism. The club also sold bracelets with the phrase created by Holocaust survivor Werner Reich “Be J.U.S.T. a Ripple of Hope.”

To view this outstanding video, click here https://www.viddler.com/v/c58abf05.

Freeport High School sophomore Mia Sorrentino took third place in the New York State Association for Bilingual Education Student Essay Contest. Ms. Michelle Rendon, world languages department teacher, encouraged her students to participate in this valuable writing activity.  

Mia received a medal, a certificate and $50 gift card at the NYSABE’s Awards Luncheon.

For the contest, students from grades 9-12 were tasked to write an essay about the importance of being biliterate based on several questions, including why is being biliterate a valuable asset to our society? What are the advantages of being biliterate for you personally? And how will these skills open new doors and provide opportunities for you as a member of our global society?

The district is very proud of Mia’s accomplishments.

Archer school students took a virtual tour of various monuments in the United States using Google Expeditions. 

This innovative virtual reality program allows teachers to guide their class through collections of 360-degree scenes and three-dimensional objects. Using headsets, students traveled anywhere in the universe and immersed themselves in places they may never get the chance to visit. 

Third grade dual language teacher Ms. Danielle Appel and school librarian Ms. Debbie Bergen worked collaboratively to design this lesson to help strengthen questioning and critical thinking skills. 

This exercise was a fascinating way to keep students engaged and visually enhanced the third grade social studies curriculum.

New York State Senator John Brooks and Legislative Director Francis Palasieski spoke with several ninth grade Freeport High School students to discuss their research on the dangers and potential health implications of vaping. With their ideas in mind, Sen.  Brooks plans to initiate a bill that he will send to the New York State Legislature to help curb the vaping epidemic that is sweeping the nation. Those who joined the discussion included Brenna Igneri, Jillian Igneri, Sameerah Lawal, Kylie Noboa, Karina Rios and Elise Smith, as well as their teachers Dr. George Anagnostopoulos and Mr. Michael Smith.

Their recommendations for the bill included the mandated reporting of underage vaping, colorful nicotine devices to make vape products more identifiable, the regulation of online purchases to prevent underage purchases, the regulation of distribution locations concerning proximity to child-friendly locations, restrictions on the advertising of vape products toward underage target markets with the use of colorful and enticing propaganda, an increase of age limit from 18 to 21 for the purchase of vape products, the regulation of nicotine levels in vape products and e-cigarettes, and the requirement that all vape product labels must fully indicate the dangers of the drugs, including both the addictive dangers and the effects on the teenage brain.  

Brooks expressed to students how impressed he was with their research and suggestions to the bill. “You’ve done a super job with this and came up with a lot of good ideas,” he added. “I think the important thing about this is the industry is going to have a hard time criticizing as it’s coming from you. The fact that this is coming from the students is one more example of your generation’s leadership. I think the senate is going to be impressed with what you’ve done.” 

Brooks will call the bill “The Red Devil Act” and hopes to get it to the Legislature by May 16 to propose as a potential law. This would be a tremendous honor for student participants if the bill passes.  

Atkinson school was packed with nearly 300 students and their families from kindergarten through sixth grade for the districts second annual Literacy Night.

Students from Atkinson, New Visions, Giblyn, Columbus and Bayview Avenue schools participated in a variety of exciting activities that were based on the works of author Kevin Henkes. He has been the district author for the #freeportreads initiative, which kicked off in January.

For the event, participants rotated to different stations in the cafeteria, front hallway, auditorium, gym and a classroom. These hands-on activities included arts and crafts, game shows, and friendship and team building. Students from Freeport High School also performed stories from Kevin Henkes’ books, including “Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse,” “Wemberly Worried,” and “Sheila Rae, the Brave.” In addition, attendees stopped by the information tables to learn more about the district’s summer reading expo.

The J.W. Dodd Middle School’s step team had the honor of performing at the 2019 New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Awards Ceremony. 

The squad was invited to perform at NYS AHPERD following their outstanding performance during the school district’s Black History Celebration. The team, led by Nina Sasso, made their debut for the first time this year. They hope to continue their endeavors and look forward to many more years of step. 

First grade students at Bayview were buzzing on the school stage dressed as dragonflies, bumblebees, butterflies and ladybugs for the school’s “BUGZ” musical. Through their melodies and amazing talent, they delivered a wonderful message about acceptance of others.

The district community continued to put its mission for peace at the forefront, as teachers, administrators, students and their families marched around Freeport High School for the 10th annual Peace Walk. 

“It is up to us to promote tolerance and strive for harmony. We are growing a culture of peace through our commitment and education,” Board trustee Ronald Ellerbe said. “Mindfulness, cooperation, conflict, resolution and respecting others are just a few of the instructional practices that can teach peace and harmony and that are happening in our Freeport community.” 

Mr. Ellerbe added, “We can use our thoughts to become peace. We are peace and peace is our true nature.”

Representatives from New York State, Nassau County and the Village of Freeport were also in attendance to show their support and appreciation for the annual event. With that, they presented the district with citations for its continued efforts to spread peace. Librada Paz, a Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights 2012 Human Rights Award recipient was in attendance as well.

Along with beautiful performances by the Dodd Middle School’s jazz band and members of the Leo F. Giblyn’s chorus, the district dedicated Freeport High School’s Peace Pole as part of the International Peace Pole Project. As a way to commemorate the event’s 10th year, a flock of 10 pigeons were released over the crowd to kick off the walk.

Fifth grade Dual Language students at Atkinson school honored the memory of American professional baseball player Jackie Robinson by celebrating Jackie Robinson Day. This took place on April 15, as it is the same day Jackie Robinson broke baseball’s color barrier when he made his historic Major League Baseball debut in 1947. Over the past two months, students participated in many reading and writing activities that reflected Jackie’s legacy and commended his life, values, and accomplishments.

FHS welcomed back Class of 1990 graduate Michael Berhan, an engineering expert at Ford Motor Company, who presented a seminar to students.

The discussion focused on his journey through FHS to his position with Ford. Mr. Berhan provided insight into the variety of careers in engineering and what students can do at the high school level to be proactive in pursuing a career in this field. Just as he did, he encouraged them to take advantage of the many opportunities available at the science department to reach their career goals. He credited a good part of his success to Freeport High School.

Mr. Berhan has been with Ford for the past 20 years and is currently the technical expert at the Powertrain, Gears, and Bearings Division. He received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology and went on to earn his master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. From there, he started his career with Ford Motor Company at their headquarters in Michigan.

This seminar aligned with the district’s emphasis on college and career readiness and STEAM curriculum.

Archer school kindergartners dressed up as doctors as they participated in a teddy bear clinic.

Sponsored by the Trauma Center at NYU Winthrop Hospital, the clinic is a free injury prevention program for children that covers safety topics on car and helmet safety. In addition, each student brought a teddy bear for the hands-on portion of the activity. They dressed up as doctors wearing gloves, a smock and bouffant caps and then tended to their stuffed animals’ by taping up their “injuries.” 

Throughout the program, students were encouraged to answer four important questions on safety: “Whose job is it to keep our bodies safe?” “What’s the first thing we do when we get in the car? “Where’s the safest place for kids to sit in the car?” and “How do we protect our brains?” They eagerly answered each question and enjoyed the clinic.

New Visions’ students recently paired up with furry buddies for the school’s new Pup Reading Partners program. In its first year, reading teacher Mrs. Lori Golbert created the initiative in hopes of building confidence and fluency in readers. 

The dogs and puppies are from the Guide Dog Foundation in Smithtown and are brought into the school by Mrs. Toni Pincus, a New Visions retired nurse. After selecting a book, readers sit with their new four-legged friend by their side.

The activity brings joy to students and relaxes the dogs.

Dodd’s cafeteria was transformed into an intimate performance space, as the student council held their first Student Spotlight.

Organized by student council advisers Ms. Amy Lubin and Ms. Katelyn Salisbury, the show featured a variety of performances including singing, dancing and poetry reading. 

This was a wonderful opportunity for a group of talented students to take the stage in front of more than a hundred audience members who included their peers, parents and teachers.

Additionally, the event raised $500 to be donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

The district’s music department received a generous donation from the nonprofit organization Toys for Freeport Tots, which presented more than $3,000 in musical instruments to the FHS marching band.

Organization volunteers and its president, Freeport Police Detective Patrick Franzone, visited the high school to personally deliver the instruments, which consisted of two flutes, two clarinets, two soprano saxophones and two tenor saxophones.

Mr. Franzone, an alumnus of FHS, has family members currently enrolled in the district. He has attended many Freeport football games and has always been a great supporter of the Red Devils marching band.

“I want to thank you for always supporting your football team,” Mr. Franzone said to the members of the marching band. “You do a really good job out there and you sound really good. Now, you can sound even better, look even better and maybe add some more people in the band.”

This is the second time the organization has donated to the district’s music department, providing more than $3,000 worth of musical instruments to Atkinson school last year. To show their appreciation, the high school marching band performed “Afterlife” for the volunteers, under the direction of Michael LaSorsa.

Superintendent of School’s Dr. Kishore Kuncham thanked Mr. Franzone and the organization for their continued support and their efforts in donating to the district for a second time.