The Cupola- Fall 2012 - Westhampton Beach School District

Westhampton Beach U.F.S.D.
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Westhampton Beach, NY 11978
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Westhampton Beach,
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revention Pilots
INDUCTED! MPentor
Younger Students
Advisor Amy Demcheck (left), inductees Samuel
Kapust, Francesco Logozzo, Nicholas Panzarino,
Gregory Horbatiuk, Rachel Rienecker and Ryan
Jaquin and Principal Christopher Herr.
The latest group of hardworking
scholars received their due at
Westhampton Beach High School on
Wednesday, Oct. 24, when six students
were inducted into the National Honor
Society. The newest members inducted
into the high achieving group included:
Gregory Horbatiuk, Ryan Jaquin, Samuel
Kapust, Francesco Logozzo, Nicholas
Panzarino and Rachel Rienecker. The
students were inducted during a special
ceremony at the high school library.
The program also included Nicolas
Monaco, who led the reciting of the
“Pledge of Allegiance;” the Chamber
Singers, who sang the national anthem;
and NHS Historian Robert Nidzyn, who
gave a visual presentation. NHS President
Nicolas Monaco,Vice President Nisarg
Dabhi, Secretary Claudia Purkis, Treasurer
Marta Sadowska gave presentations on
the four pillars of the National Honor
Society: leadership, scholarship, character
and service.
Every year for the past three years, a select group of eighth-grade
students has been chosen as Prevention Pilots—leaders who mentor sixthgraders in a broad range of life skills and good decision making. This year,
an unprecedented 33 mentors have stepped up to share their knowledge.
“It’s part of their life skills curriculum,” middle school social worker
Kate Sweezey said of the program. “We have so many students this year.
Some of them were nominated by their peers, while others were chosen
by their teachers.”
The purpose of the Prevention Pilots program is for students to learn
information and skills that they can use to make healthy decisions and
to assist their peers in making healthy decisions and promoting positive
choices. Subjects tackled include building a healthy self-image and saying
no to alcohol, tobacco, drugs and violence.
Although the program officially kicked off on October 22, the
eighth-grade mentors have been meeting and going over lesson plans
and activities every Monday during their lunch hours since the start
of school. As of the beginning of the school year, the eighth-grade
Prevention Pilots have been sharing their knowledge with their sixthgrade peers through a variety of activities, including “getting to know
you” and “positive picks” games.
Listening is also a crucial part of the leadership program. To that end,
the Prevention Pilots have been learning how to stay positive and to be
open sounding boards when needed.
WHB Board of Education
Suzanne Mensch, President
Halsey Stevens, Vice President
Bryan Dean • Dr. G. Gregory Frost
James N. Hulme • George R. Kast, Jr. • Gordon A. Werner
Michael R. Radday, Superintendent of Schools
www.whbschools.org • Phone: 631-288-3800
FALL 2012
Scholars
Recognizing
A
cademic achievement and musical ability are always celebrated at
Westhampton Beach High School. This school year, several standout
students have already been recognized for their successes, including a group of
Advanced Placement Scholars, National Merit semifinalists and New York State
School Music Association All-State musicians.
Nine students excelled on their Advanced Placement exams in May 2012
and were named AP Scholars by the College Board this September. They
included Declan Bean, Nicasia Beebe-Wang, Nisarg Dabhi, Yifeng Fu,
Francesco Logozzo, Jessica Mendelson, Nicholas Panzarino, Olivia
Percoco and Marielle Ray. To be named an AP Scholar, students had
National Merit:
to earn scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams.
Marielle Ray and
In addition to being named AP Scholars, Yifeng and Marielle
Yifeng Fu
were recognized as semifinalists in the 58th annual National Merit
Scholarship Competition. Each year, less than one percent of high
school seniors earn the honor of the title - and a shot at $32 million
in college scholarship opportunities. Students enter the National
Merit Scholarship Program contest by taking the Preliminary SAT/
National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.
“These students’ achievements are a testament to their hard work
and dedication to their studies,” said Principal Christopher Herr.
“Being chosen to such a select group nationwide is a tremendous
accomplishment.”
AP Scholars: Jessica Mendelson, front left, Olivia Percoco,
Several student-musicians were also recognized for their musical
Marielle Ray, Nisarg Dabhi, Declan Bean, Francesco
achievement by being selected for participation at the 2012
Logozzo, Nicholas Panzarino and Yifeng Fu.
Missing from photo: Nicasia Beebe-Wang.
NYSSMA All-State Conference taking place in Rochester the
weekend of November 29. Francesco Logozzo (Tenor II), Connor
Regan (Tenor I) and Brian Schwartz (Tenor II) were selected to
perform with the mixed chorus, while Yifeng Fu (Violin) was chosen
to play with the symphony orchestra. Kaela Murphy (Soprano II)
and Rachel Rienecker (Alto I) were selected as alternates.
“Westhampton Beach students continue the tradition of
excellence in academics and music,” said Principal Herr. “These
students have dedicated themselves to their studies and musical
ambitions, and we are fortunate to be able to offer them the
NYSSMA: Brian Schwartz, left, Rachel Rienecker, Kaela
opportunities to excel. I am truly proud of their accomplishments.”
Murphy, Connor Regan, Francesco Logozzo and Yifeng Fu
A Message from the
Superintendent
Hurricane Sandy, despite all of the devastation it
caused, brought out the best in our community and
reinforced for me why the Westhampton Beach School
District is such a special place. I saw, firsthand, neighbors
helping neighbors and school children pitching in to assist
with fundraisers and clothing drives. As a community,
people came together to take care of those in need.
The storm highlighted the communication difficulties
that can occur when we experience a prolonged period
without power, phones, and Internet service. We tried
to keep parents, students, and the community informed
about school closings through our ConnnectEd
telephone notification service, television and radio
stations, social media, and our outdoor sign. However,
we recognize that some communication challenges
persisted. We will continue to work on new ways to get
the word out during prolonged emergencies, including
the use of text messaging.
The quiet days in the District, when school was
closed in the aftermath of the storm, gave me an
opportunity to reflect on the many accomplishments
of our students and staff this fall. There is so much for
our school community to be proud of. Some of these
accomplishments are highlighted within this edition of
the Cupola, as well as below:
• Seven students were recognized in the National Merit
Scholarship Program, which is more than at any time
in recent history.
• The New York State School Music Association named
six of our students as “All-State” musicians.
• The Middle School was named an Apple
Distinguished School for the third consecutive year.
Only 43 schools nationwide received this honor for
the 2012/13 school year.
• Steve Boone, a 1961 graduate of Westhampton
Beach High School and member of the band The
Lovin’ Spoonful, was inducted as the twenty-second
member of the District’s Wall of Fame.
These accomplishments would not be possible without
the outstanding support of the entire school community.
On behalf of the Board of Education, faculty, staff, and
students - thank you for supporting our schools.
Best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season!
Keep Up with the Latest News and Information
Like us on Facebook – www.facebook.com/whbsd
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Dignity
for All Students
Treating others with dignity, respect and kindness has always
been encouraged at Westhampton Beach, but now it’s official, as the
federally mandated Dignity for All Students Act took effect this July.
The intent of this new law is to give all students in New York State an
educational environment free from discrimination and harassment.
DASA is more than an “anti-bullying” law. It protects against all
forms of harassment, particularly those based on a student’s actual or
perceived race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion,
religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender or sex.
DASA defines harassment as the “creation of a hostile environment
by conduct or by verbal threats, intimidation or abuse that has or
would have the effect of unreasonably and substantially interfering
with a student’s educational performance, opportunities or benefits, or
mental, emotional or physical well-being.”
“The district has long been committed to providing our students
with a safe, supportive and welcoming learning environment,” said
Superintendent of Schools Michael R. Radday. “We understand
that school climate and culture can have a significant impact on
academic learning.”
In response to DASA, the district has provided training to raise
awareness about discrimination and harassment in an effort to
empower students and staff to continue to foster a positive and healthy
school environment.
With the understanding that a positive learning environment helps
build happy, complete and productive people, Westhampton Beach
has adopted DASA as more than a law; for the district, it’s a way of life.
“Working together as a school community, we can ensure that
our students learn in an environment free from discrimination and
harassment,” added Mr. Radday.
For more information on DASA, please contact your child’s
principal or Dr. Robert Finn, Dignity Act Coordinator, at 288-3800.
You may also visit the New York State Education Department website
at http://www.p12.nysed.gov/dignityact.
Solar Energy
In November 2011, the Westhampton Beach School District
completed the installation of two 25-kilowatt photovoltaic solar
arrays in an effort to reduce our carbon footprint and offset our
energy costs. The project was funded in its entirety through an
Energy Efficiency Improvement Grant from the New York State
Energy Research and Development Authority.
In the first year, these solar panels have generated over
70,000 kilowatt hours of energy. That’s enough energy to save
more than forty barrels of oil and account for a carbon offset of
58,000 pounds!
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Making a Dif
When it comes to helping others, even the smallest acts of kindness
can have lasting positive effects. At the middle school, students and their
families are taking this charge to heart by implementing a “Random Acts
of Kindness” initiative.
Participation is simple: Act selflessly in the service of others in order to
enact a positive outcome at least once during a single month. To get the
ball rolling on the project, which kicked off in October, reading specialist
Kelly Russell and critical literacy teacher Kimberly Henson put together an
instructional packet and sent it home with every middle school student. Ideas for
kind acts included: make a new friend, do yard work for a neighbor, volunteer, write
thank you notes to service people, and many others. According to Ms. Russell, there is
no limit to what can be done; just about any random act of kindness will do.
Students and their families were charged with pledging
to commit a random act of kindness and then sharing
their experiences with others by filling out a “share sheet”
and providing a written, photo or video form of the act.
“This project is our chance to showcase and celebrate
the wonderful acts of charity and kindness that we know
you already do,” wrote Ms. Russell and Ms. Henson in
an address to students. “It is also a chance to try and help
each of us understand the power we all have to improve
the emotional climate, simply through the daily choices we
make to be kind.”
Anti-Bully Message Makes an Impact
The Dignity for All Students Act went into effect this July, but in Westhampton Beach,
treating others with respect is the way it’s been for many years.
According to middle school guidance counselor Tom Hoare, the district is well ahead
of the curve when it comes to delivering and instilling an anti-bullying message. He has
been working with fellow guidance counselor Tania Dutton and school social worker Kate
Sweezey for some time to make sure that all students are treated with respect and can learn
together in a safe and healthy environment.
“We’ve been addressing this issue already,” Mr. Hoare explained. “We’ve gotten a
positive vibe coming out of the program.”
In October, National Bullying Prevention Month, staff at the middle school worked on a
number of programs and activities to continue to bring the anti-bullying message home to students. A few of those
teaching moments included learning the definition of bullying, recognizing bullying behavior and knowing what to do
when bullying occurs. Among the activities were teardown and buildup exercises, group juggle activities and workshops
on cyberbullying.
Ms. Sweezey said that the impact of the comprehensive program is measurable. “Kids are a lot more apt to confide in
us now,” she stated. “And that’s a big step in the right direction.”
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Homecom
Members of the Hurricane Nation turned out in full force to support the home team during the Westhampton Beach
homecoming game on September 14, despite a tough loss of 27-20 to the Harborfields Tornadoes of Greenlawn.
Spirits were high going into the game as the team, whose record had been 1-1 prior to homecoming, handily won
its season opener at Comsewogue on Sept. 7. Before game kickoff on Friday afternoon, high school students held a pep
rally at the school and then a homecoming parade on the streets of Westhampton Beach Village.
This year’s homecoming theme was inspired by the Nickelodeon television network, with each class designing a float
based on a Nickelodeon TV show. The freshmen sported their “Jimmy Neutron” float, the sophomores displayed “The
Fairly OddParents,” the juniors featured “Rocket Power” and the seniors showcased “SpongeBob SquarePants.”
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ming 2012
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Blessings in a
Backpack
While high school
junior Aiden Kravitz
doesn’t have to worry
about going hungry, he
knows that there are
many children in the area
who are not as fortunate.
So he decided to do
something about it.
Aiden, with the
support of his family
and friends, has brought
“Blessings in a Backpack”
to Westhampton
Beach. The national
program ensures that
impoverished elementary
school children have enough food over the weekends,
not just during school days.
He estimated that his project, the first Blessings
in a Backpack program on Long Island, feeds
approximately 120 needy district-area children
each week. The 16-year-old, who was encouraged
to undertake the community service project by his
mother Joanne, has nearly met his $10,000 goal
through a series of fundraisers and letter-writing
campaigns. He noted that feeding a child for the 38week school year costs $80, or roughly $2 a week.
Fundraising isn’t all that Aiden has done; he also
shops for the food, pointing out, “You can get a
bag of mac and cheese for 30 cents when you buy
wholesale.” He enlists the aid of his fellow students
to help him fill up the backpacks, and then distributes
them to children on the free- and reduced-price lunch
program every Friday afternoon.
“We are very discreet,” he said of the distribution
of food to needy youngsters. “Being hungry can affect
their learning, so we are doing what we can to help.”
Aiden’s efforts have brought local and national
attention to the Blessings in a Backpack program.
To date, articles have appeared in the Southampton
Press, Newsday and People magazine.
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Wall of
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Westhampton Beach High School alumnus Steve Boone joined the
district’s Wall of Fame honorees on Sept. 14. Mr. Boone, a graduate of
the Class of 1961 and member of the bands The Kingsmen and The
Lovin’ Spoonful, moved to Westhampton Beach during the early part
of his senior year in 1960. Although he had aspired to join the Marine
Corps, Mr. Boone, who had attended five different schools prior to
his time in Westhampton Beach, was told by a local doctor that same
year that his dreams of enlisting in the armed forces were not possible
after he sustained a broken leg during a serious automobile crash. He
learned to play the guitar while laid up and on the mend.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member said during his induction
ceremony in the district auditorium that although he had “nothing but
the finest teachers” while at Westhampton Beach High School, he felt
he wasn’t quite ready to begin a career. He explained that the district
allowed him to come back to complete a post-graduate year in 1962.
Later that year, his brother Skip asked him to join The Kingsmen.
Those who paid tribute to Mr. Boone during his Wall of Fame
induction included his former history teacher, Pete Cuthbert.
“Poor Steve had to listen to me in high school – now he has to
listen to me again,” Mr. Cuthbert joked before going on to list his
former student’s many achievements.
Mr. Boone said that his time at Westhampton Beach provided him
a launching pad and gave him the self-confidence to become a member
of a very successful band. He added of the Wall of Fame induction,
“This is probably the most special honor I’ve gotten to date … and a
true honor.”
The program included remarks by Wall of Fame chairperson
Kathleen Masterson, a performance of “Do You Believe in Magic?”
by the band Jetty Four, the singing of the national anthem by student
Lauren Volz, and a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance by student Joe
DiBenedetto.
Welcome Back
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Fire Prevention
The heroic
volunteers of the
Westhampton Beach
Fire Department
proved their mettle
once again by coming
to the school to
teach the elementary
students vital
information about fire
safety and awareness.
This October, in
recognition of National Fire Safety Month, members
of the fire department visited students in grades K-5 to
talk about their firsthand experiences with fire safety,
awareness and preparedness, as well as to share many
valuable lessons. During the visit, all students visited the
department’s mobile smoke house to learn about things
like where to keep toxic chemicals in the home, the
importance of having a family exit plan, and how to safely
exit a burning building.
The Westhampton Beach
Elementary School Parent Teacher
Association sponsored its annual
Welcome Back Picnic on September 21.
The event, meant to foster a sense
of community and build stronger
relationships among elementary school children and the
parents of the young students, was a big success. Dozens of
families showed up to enjoy each other’s company, playtime
and slices of delicious
watermelon.
According to PTA
membership chair Jane O’Donnell, the yearly event is all about the fun. “It’s a
great back-to-school introduction for the parents, plus a chance for kids to play
with their classmates,” she said.
There were also numerous resources and handouts available for parents at
the picnic, according to PTA President Stacy Rubio, who stayed busy handing
out snacks to children and information about school activities to parents.
Upcoming events, materials about the PTA and information on how to
become more involved at school functions were just a few of the resources that
the PTA members shared with interested parents.
Walk to School Day
The threat of a few sprinkles could not keep students, their parents and a
handful of family dogs away from the annual International Walk to School Day
on October 3. Despite a cloudy forecast, approximately 100 elementary school
students and their loved ones met at the Waldbaum’s grocery store at 8 a.m. to
make the annual half-mile trek to the school.
“I’m so glad the weather held out,” said parent Karen Donneson as she
surveyed the sky.
“It’s a fun event and we still had a good turnout this year,” added
parent and PTA Wellness Committee chairperson Amy Farnan.
According to Elementary School Principal Lisa Slover, the PTAsponsored Wellness Committee event is a great opportunity for children
and their families to celebrate good health and community involvement.
For the students, the benefits were simple. “I like walking,” said
Melanie Meyer. “I like seeing all my friends,” Elizabeth Knierman added.
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