Leo F. Giblyn Elementary School’s fourth-grade students displayed high-energy and enthusiasm, as they used math and movement mats to review fractions and other topics.

The mats, which included place value mat, clock hop floor mat, add/subtract mat (hundreds chart), and equivalent fraction mat, encouraged students to roll large dice, jump, hop and line up to solve problems and carry out the activities.

The mats were purchased through a grant called “Leaping to Math and Science Success” through the Freeport Education Foundation. The purpose is to deliver multisensory learning approaches that sharpen student skills to succeed in the respective subject. 

Students at Bayview school were hard at work during the holidays, crafting notes, cards and pictures for troops overseas. Their efforts brought smiles to many soldiers who were stationed in Afghanistan during the holiday season.

The Freeport High School Human Relations Club hosted inspirational events to honor International Human Rights Day. The day kicked off with a presentation from Holocaust survivor and Long Island native Werner Reich presenting, “Werner Unplugged.”

Later that afternoon, students participated in the Speak Truth to Power, an International Virtual Field Trip and Online Discussion with host Kerry Kennedy, daughter of Robert F. Kennedy and president of RFK Human Rights, and Kailash Satyarthi, 2014 Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Other guests included Van Jones, social entrepreneur, CNN political contributor, Jazz Jennings, LGBTQ rights activist and star of TLC’s “I am Jazz;” Darrick Hamilton, Executive Director of the Ohio State University’s, Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity; and Ibtihaj Muhammad, Olympic Fencing Bronze Medalist. 

In alignment with these special events, the Human Relations Club is implementing their annual initiative to raise awareness and advocate to fight bullying and Antisemitism by selling bracelets with the phrase created by Holocaust survivor Werner Reich, “Be J.U.S.T.” J- (Judge Situation) U- (Understand the problem) S- (Solve the problem) T- (Take action).” The proceeds will go to the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County.

The Atkinson Leadership Team held their annual holiday food drive throughout the month of December. They collected thousands of non-perishable food items that were delivered to students in need, as well as The Inn in Hempstead that serves the Freeport community. The students all took a sense of pride in their efforts knowing that they were helping their community.

The Bayview Avenue School spread holiday cheer in December, while visiting Meadowbrook Care Center in Freeport. Fourth-grade students interacted with senior residents and filled the center with delightful melodies for the senior citizens at the facility by performing select numbers from the holiday program.

The High School Select Chorale have experienced a whirlwind tour performing at multiple prestigious venues under the leadership of choral director Monique Retzlaff. 

They opened their tour performing for tourists at the Empire State Building on Nov. 27, and then received the honor of singing the national anthem at the Kentucky vs. Seton Hall college basketball game held at Madison Square Garden on Dec. 8. They also entertained shoppers at Roosevelt Field Mall on Dec. 14 with a set list that consisted mostly of holiday music. 

The group ended their tour with an impressive performance at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Dec. 19, where they were selected to perform their own hourlong concert of beautiful repertoire. The packed cathedral was most appreciative of their professional-quality execution of fine choral music and gave the talented group a standing ovation. Attending the impressive performance were members of the Freeport Board of Education, administrators, community members, Select Chorale parents, friends and alumni. It was a memorable afternoon showcasing the finest in Freeport.

Ms. Velez and Ms. Appel’s third-grade Dual Language students at Archer school joined together to do something special for soldiers that are thousands of miles away from their families by donating 100 golf balls to Bunkers in Baghdad during the holiday season. 

Founded in 2008, the nonprofit organization collects new and used golf balls and golf clubs and then ships them overseas to soldiers stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Third-graders learned a great deal about the organization and about the importance of giving back. Students enjoyed collecting and decorating the golf balls, knowing that they’re actions will bring smiles to many. 

Students at Giblyn school are kicking off their school day with a warm good morning greeting after the school introduced “Kindness Ambassadors” for the first time during its annual spirit week, where each student was greeted in a special way when starting the school day. 

Each classroom received a choice greeting board that was hung outside of the room and as the students entered, they chose how they wanted to be greeted, whether that’s by a handshake or a hug. The first day was demonstrated by the teachers and then students took the lead in the days that followed. Since the activity was a huge success, teachers will be continuing the movement throughout the school year.

Holiday cheer was spread throughout the district, as each school hosted its annual Winter Festival of the Arts. 

Students took to their respective stages to showcase their creative and musical talents by performing classic holiday melodies for their families, district staff and administrators and members of the board of education.

Students added to the festive ambiance at the schools by exhibiting their holiday-themed artwork for attendees to view. 

The district extends its congratulations to high school seniors Shannon Quinton and Justin Lescouflair on their outstanding Physical Education Awards from the Nassau Zone of New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance. 

Nassau Zone selects one male and one female who demonstrate New York State learning standards for Health and Physical Education. These NYS standards include living a physically active lifestyle, high level of fitness during testing, leadership, and exceptional achievement within physical education class. 

The district commemorates both students on this outstanding achievement. 

Kindergarten students’ senses at Columbus school were alive with a variety of different spices and seasonings, as they explored the ingredients for making gingerbread cookies. The lesson prepared students for when they’ll craft the gingerbread cookies themselves in January. While executing the technique for making these delectable treats, students will also write down the steps in their how-to books.

Columbus Avenue School students and their families were decked out in pajamas for the school’s first Annual Snuggle Up and Read Night. 

During the event, students and families visited three classrooms, while teachers read stories that reflected the holiday and winter season. 

At the end of the day, each student received two books and a bag of cookies to take home. The district’s ROTC students joined to help direct families and translate when needed.  

Bayview school’s PeaceJam Junior members were hard at work throughout the month of December collecting canned food items for the school’s Caring Compassionate Citizen Canned Food Drive.

A total of 800 food items were collected and donated to Island Harvest and the Nassau County Food Pantry to help local families in need.

Every five students that brought in canned foods wrote their name on a heart, which was then displayed on the bulletin board in the main hallway. Along with the food drive, students also learned about historical figures that demonstrated actions of a caring compassionate citizen. 

New Visions School was filled with holiday spirit, as staff members, students and parents participated in holiday themed STEM activities. The festive and educational event, which has been dubbed De'STEM'ber day, kicked off the holiday break.

With help from teachers and parents, students executed hands-on activities and worked as a team by crafting a structure using Legos, designing a trap for gingerbread man, manufacturing snow, making holiday cookies, building Christmas trees and more.

Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students at Columbus Avenue School were beaming with joy as they received a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

During their visit, Santa and Mrs. Claus gave an exciting reading of the book “Chicken in Mittens” by Adam Lehrhaupt. After that, students lined up to meet the iconic Christmas couple, where they sat on Santa’s lap to tell him what they wanted for Christmas this year.

Each student was given a copy of “Chicken in Mittens” and completed the meet and greet with a class photo. 

Throughout the month of November, students and staff of Archer Street and Leo F. Giblyn schools brought in donations of canned and packaged foods, paper goods, plastic ware and other non-perishable items that were then donated to Our Holy Redeemer Parish Outreach of Freeport.
 
Archer school hosted its holiday “Giving Tree,” where each person who donated had their name written on a "Giving Tree" bulletin board that was on display outside the principal's office. At Giblyn, the presidents and vice-presidents of the fourth-grade classes made announcements every afternoon about which classes brought in the most donations each day.

Archer donated 20 cartons of food and Giblyn raised a total of 2,466 of food items to help provide meals for the needy and the homeless.

Wings were flying and faces were beaming at Archer school, as representatives from the Long Island Children’s Museum presented its “Up in the Air” lesson to third-grade classes.

The program allows students the opportunity to explore the science of flight by enabling them to participate in several hands-on activities and teamwork initiatives, including crafting their own gliders, paper wings and parachutes.

Students were eager to put their projects together, which they brought home with them after the lesson. 

The high school Student Government held the Breaking Borders Symposium and Holiday Gift Wrap for Adopt-A-Family on Dec. 12, under the leadership of Joshua Levitt and Josè Ortiz.

This year, Freeport hosted five high schools across Nassau County, including Syosset, Amityville, Elmont and Oyster Bay. Levittown and Hicksville school districts sent principals to observe.

Breaking Borders began four years ago with seven students from Freeport High School and Syosset High School, who met together to discuss different topics that focused on differences and similarities. Students also shared opinions on issues of topical interest. This year, a total of 115 students participated in the event.

Seventh-grade students at J.W. Dodd Middle School received some valuable insight from Freeport High School seniors, during the school’s Early College Awareness Breakfast. While enjoying some refreshments, the mission for seventh-graders was to interview seniors regarding their college preparatory process. A list of questions regarding the college process were given to each seventh-grader, which each student used while interviewing the seniors. During the interview, which included questions such as what classes should I be taking when I’m at the high school?,  students took down notes and reflected on the information provided. The seniors were eager to provide recommendations and tips on what would make students successful during their transition to the high school level and their ongoing preparations for college.

 

More than 500 seventh-grade students at Dodd Middle School packed the school’s gymnasium to witness a special presentation from American Paralympian and motivational speaker Rohan Murphy.

A graduate of East Islip High School, Murphy shared his story about how he adjusted in life after losing both his legs at birth. He highlighted the importance of overcoming adversity and living life to the fullest. 

“You all have a choice and you only live once. You get one life, so you might as well make it count, with or without legs,” Murphy said to the crowd. “Every single person eventually has to overcome something in life, some type of hardship, struggle or adversity. Just because you’re dealt a bad hand, it doesn’t mean you have to fold and it doesn’t mean you have to give up. You have to persevere and you have to keep on going in life.”

Murphy spoke about finding his purpose in life through wrestling and demonstrated his skills to the crowd with seventh-grader Landon Daley, who volunteered for the demonstration. 

Along with motivating hundreds of students, Murphy also inspired seventh-grader Wesley Capellan, who also lost both his legs and is currently waiting for his prosthetics. 

District Board of Education President Michael Pomerico, Vice President Anthony Miller, and Trustee Vilma Lancaster also attended the presentation.

Murphy is a nationally recognized youth speaker who has spoken in more than 40 states. After successfully completing his high school wrestling career, Rohan went on to wrestle at Penn State University. He is also an accomplished powerlifter, competing in international competitions representing the U.S.A.

The FHS varsity cheerleading team earned their bid to the National High School Cheerleading Championship in Orlando, Florida after vying in a high-intensity competition at the Pocono Regionals in Kutztown, Pennsylvania.

The competition was fierce, as Freeport tied fourth place in the Small Division 1 with a former National Championship team and beat two other top 10 ranked teams in the nation. Coaches Laurie Kolodny and Erica Groover are so happy with their team’s performances.

The girls will head down to Orlando for the National Championships in February 2019.

The gymnasium at FHS bellowed with the roars and stomps of the high school’s Navy Junior ROTC, during the annual Inspection and Battalion Parade.

With 220 members this year, students performed their drills before the board of education, administrators, local war veterans and families. Students passed their inspection, which was conducted by Christopher Kendrick, U.S. Navy Commander and U.S. Navy Executive Officer of Navy Recruiting District, New York.

“To all the cadets, thank you so much for stepping forward to be part of this organization,” said Commander Kendrick said. “Your involvement is going to set you up for success, whatever that may be, whether that’s in the military or in your community.”

Commander Kendrick joined retired U.S. Marine Corps. Major Donald R. Moore Jr. and retired U.S. Navy Chief Louis Lopez, both current members of the high school’s department of naval science, to present various awards to the programs outstanding cadets. 

High school Principal Joe Mille expressed how proud he was of the students.

“You are the backbone of this school. You’re reliable, dependable, professional and you do what is best for this school,” Mr. Mille said. “There is not another group of men or women that I would be prouder to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with. You are what makes this school so great.”

Faces were beaming in the FHS cafeteria during the Board of Education’s November meeting, as Board members recognized the top 10 students of the Class of 2019, and its Red Devils varsity football team for bringing home the Long Island I Championship title. 

“It’s a very exciting evening for all of us, a night of celebration for many things,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kishore Kuncham said. “The accomplishments of our students at the high school is quite amazing and I’m overwhelmed to be here this evening with all of you.”

Dr. Kuncham went on to congratulate the top 10 students, which he acknowledged are all girls. “This is the first time we have total girl power here, and not only the top 10 but the top 17 students are all girls. Congratulations to all.”

The top 10 includes Leah Hochman (valedictorian), Laura Chumpitaz (salutatorian), Dehandra Blackwood (3), Selah Rose (4), Hailey Brown (5), Clara Petta-Gonzalez (6), Valentina Vinasco (7), Daisy Abello-Reyes (8), Savanna Natoli-Alabre (9) and Elizabeth Hastings (10).

The board also honored the Red Devils football team, after completing its 2018 fall season undefeated and as the reigning Long Island Conference I Champions. The Red Devils are also ranked number one for large schools in New York State.

“They were undeterred, they were disciplined, they were committed and they continued doing what they were supposed to do on that field, which led them to the championship title,” Dr. Kuncham said. “I know you will continue those same efforts in your everyday lives and we’re very proud of you. You are our superheroes and I know that more championships will come in the future for you.”

“The football team brings the community together and what this football team did is pretty amazing,” said Board President Michael Pomerico. “It was a wonderful feeling to be there and watch these students win that championship game and bring it back to Freeport. It was tremendous.”

Dr. Kuncham also highlighted the efforts of the coaching staff. “Thank you for everything you do, every single day for our kids, for our schools. You are amazing.”

Students and staff of the District’s Archer Street, Leo F. Giblyn, and New Visions schools participated in the Girls on the Run, where girls and their running buddies completed a 5K race.

Girls on the Run is a nonprofit organization that works to encourage pre-teen girls to develop self-respect and a healthy lifestyle through dynamic, interactive lessons and running games, culminating in a celebratory 5K run. 

The district mission is to make girls aware of their limitless potential to boldly pursue their dreams. The 5K run gives students a tangible sense of achievement as well as a framework for setting and achieving life goals.

The Distirct Board of Education was honored to be presented with a $41,756 check from the Freeport Education Foundation during its November board meeting. 

“I’m very delighted to say that the hard work of the Freeport Education Foundation board members has resulted in many grant projects for our teachers, our students and our schools for the last three years,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kishore Kuncham said. “I’m delighted to say that over $126,000 has been raised and distributed to our schools.”

The board greatly appreciates this donation, as it will be used to support the implementation of 16 innovative grants in the District. 

The District is proud to announce that the Red Devils varsity football team won this year’s coveted Rutgers Cup, during the Nassau County Football Coaches Association banquet at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury.

This is the 12th time the Red Devils won the Rutgers Cup since 1937. Freeport holds the record for the highest number of Rutgers Cup wins across Long Island.

This recognition follows the team’s successful season, as the reigning Long Island Conference I Champions. This is Freeport’s sixth Long Island Championship win, with victories in 2016, 2010, 2009, 2003 and 2000. 

“Our football program is second to none and a constant reminder of what can be achieved through commitment and determination to succeed,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kishore Kuncham. “Congratulations to everyone on the team and to coach Cellan and our coaching staff for another outstanding and most memorable season.”

In addition, the Red Devils claimed this year’s Nassau County Conference 1 title and completed its season undefeated, with a total of 12 victories. The Red Devils has also claimed nine county championship titles as well.

As head coach of the Red Devils for 32 years, Russ Cellan was recognized for his efforts this season during the banquet and received the Nassau County Coaches Association Coach of the Year award, for his second time, and the Conference I Coach of the Year, for his eighth time. 

Students and staff at New Visions School joined together to support members of the community by arranging and donating Thanksgiving food baskets.

Fourth-grade student body president Jenae Omel, vice president Nicolas Pereira, secretary Brishell Collado and treasurer Jordin McCullough worked together in creating the food baskets for families that are less fortunate, and also included turkeys. Some of the baskets were also donated to Our Holy Redeemer Parish Outreach of Freeport. 

Atkinson school students witnessed an inspiring assembly called “NED’s Mindset Mission,” which centered around a loveable cartoon character whose name is an acronym for Never give up, Encourage others and Do your best. Students and staff had fun and related to the positive message NED brought, as it paralleled the school’s daily message: Have a meaningful day, give 100 percent and go for it!

The Dodd Middle School congratulates seventh-grader Nicholas Kemp for creating the winning library map design. Kemp designed a colorful hand-drawn library map that will be distributed during orientation classes. Kemp received a drawing pad and colored pencil set for his efforts.

Eighty Freeport High School students had the exciting opportunity to attend a production of  Broadway musical “Hamilton: An American Musical,” after being selected for the Hamilton Education Program. 

Last school year, FHS teachers Ms. Natalie Bar-Levy and Mr. Joshua Levitt submitted a grant application with the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History to take part in the Hamilton Education Program. The grant provided discounted tickets so that students could attend the Broadway performance.

Students who participated had to use primary source documents to create a song, rap or skit related to the founding era. FHS student Jordan Figueroa had the memorable opportunity to perform his original piece on stage.

In addition, students attended a meet and greet with the cast of Hamilton and submitted questions that were answered by cast members. The day was a tremendous success and all who participated had an amazing time.

Freeport High School was filled with high spirits, as the district hosted its annual National Honor Society induction ceremony, where 99 students were inducted into the program through a special candlelighting ceremony.

Adviser Eileen Shultis, who led the program, announced the six NHS officers: Gabriel Alvarado, Leah Hochman, Krystal Johnson, Yasmin Kadir, Kayla Placide and Justin Lescouflair. Character, scholarship, leadership and service are the four pillars of the NHS, which each officer highlighted during the ceremony. They spoke about what each pillar represents and how inductees can demonstrate these characteristics. 

On behalf of the board of education, Board President Michael Pomerico congratulated students on the memorable achievement of being inducted into the NHS. 

“The National Honor Society is based on four pillars: scholarship, leadership, service and character. Your desire and drive to push yourself in each of these areas to go above and beyond is a testament to what can be attained when you set goals, put in effort and never give up,” Mr. Pomerico said. “It’s time for you to take the next giant leap. You are amazing leaders. It is up to you to inspire others by your own actions, to get involved and make a difference. Use your knowledge to solve complicated issues through your creativity and collaboration with others. As a Freeport National Honor Society student, your work is not done. I urge you to challenge yourselves to do more, be more, and give more than you already have.”

After the inductees received a medal from Principal Joe Mille, students then held up their right hand and took the Honor Society Oath to solidify their induction into the NHS.

In Ms. Pang’s Family and Consumer Science classes at the Dodd Middle School, students have combined their creative talents and sewing skills to successfully complete their hand-sewn pillows. Throughout the project, they learned various sewing techniques including the three common hand stitches and how to properly sew on a button.

After completing the sewing unit, the students learned about the importance of kitchen safety and how to read and follow a recipe. With their newly acquired knowledge, the students prepared their first recipe of Eggs in a Basket, while also learning how eggs are graded and stored. 

Archer school was alive with holiday spirit, as students and staff members kicked off the Thanksgiving celebrations by marching two laps around the school for its annual Turkey Trot.

Students wore decorative Thanksgiving crowns and held up crafty turkey signs during the march. Through the event, the school raised $2,000 for United Way of Long Island.

Archer Principal Paula Lein said the school was very excited to present the check to United Way of Long Island, and that the students did a beautiful job in their efforts to help the cause.

Mrs. Zegers’ sixth-grade team, Team Princeton, at Atkinson school had an adventurous experience when visiting the Nassau BOCES Brookville Environmental Education Center. It was a fun day of team building, as students participated in activities that helped them step outside of their comfort zones. Despite the freezing temperatures, all of the students had a great time working together to accomplish all of the challenges the naturalists presented.

The fourth-grade teachers at New Visions School held their annual Thanksgiving feast, where fourth-grade students gathered together to enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner with their friends and teachers. Students and staff sampled and ate various types of food, which included plantains, yellow and white rice, cornbread, turkey, stew chicken, yams, lasagna and more. Prior to the feast, students shared with the class something they were thankful for.

Archer Street School’s fourth-grade class welcomed Freeport police officers to the school, where each class officially adopted their police officer for the school’s annual Adopt-A-Cop assembly. On behalf of their individual classes, students promised to write at least one letter per month as well as invite the police officers to at least two class activities this school year.

The Caroline G. Atkinson school held its peace pole dedication ceremony as part of the district’s International Peace Pole project.

This is the third Peace Pole dedication for the district. The beautiful dedication ceremony was planned and conducted by Atkinson students. They sang the song “One Day” and wrote and shared their own thoughts about what peace means to them. Students also shared quotes on peace from activists including Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Theresa and Jimi Hendrix. Two homing pigeons were released to commemorate peace.

Fourth-grade students of the Leo F. Giblyn School received a special visit from Christopher Pendergast, the ALS Ride for Life founder who is battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Mr. Pendergast and other members of the ALS Ride for Life organization educated students about the disease and how the organization works to raise awareness and funds to find a cure. Students heard Mr. Pendergast’s story battling with the disease and learned about how he uses his wheelchair to move around and communicate with others. 

At the end of the presentation, students watched an inspiring video on how the ALS Ride for Life began, how it has grown and how it has helped others battling with the disease throughout the years. To show their appreciation and support, fourth-grade students sang “We Won’t Stop Dreaming” for Mr. Pendergast and members of the ALS Ride for Life organization.

The purpose of the presentation was to help prepare students for the upcoming event in May 2019, where participants of the ALS Ride for Life visit Giblyn during their ride. 

Bayview Avenue school hosted its annual Career Awareness Expo, where students grades K-4 received a special visit from professionals who spoke on the vast career paths students can pursue as they continue their education.

Nearly 25 presenters visited each class and inspired students while discussing their current occupations and the education and training required and shared their personal career experiences. Students heard from custom cake designer Noret Bazemore, EMT Debbie Hopkins, Registered Nurse Maya Kazanjian, and Anja and Bracey Smith who spoke on the field of Virtual Reality & Future Technology.

Students were kept engaged during each presentation and encouraged to ask questions on the various career options.