Summer 2012 - Rocky Point High School

Summer 2012
www.rockypointschools.org
N ewClassBof 2012
eginnings
Celebrates
It was a day filled with reflection and pride as the
250-member Class of 2012 at Rocky Point High School marched
into the gymnasium to the triumphal tune of “Pomp and
Circumstance” to participate in the district’s commencement
exercises and celebrate a milestone in their educational careers.
Student vocalists Zachary Krase and Megan Viglione led the district
staff, family and friends in the singing of the national anthem.
In her opening remarks, exhortation speaker Casey Heely told
her peers that it is time to find their place in the world. Salutatorian
Alan Rozet then quoted singer Taylor Swift’s song about everything
in the world changing, but declared that his parents, family and
teachers have been a constant in his life and have helped to make
him a better person.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael F. Ring spoke about
perseverance, individualism and the journey ahead. He also
bestowed honorary diplomas upon High School Principal William
Caulfield, High School Assistant Principal Susan Sullivan and
Joseph A. Edgar Intermediate School Principal Carol Tvelia, all of
whom retired this school year.
In his last commencement address, Mr. Caulfield told the
graduates that the way to be happy is to like and respect yourself.
“Do not waste time living someone else’s dream,” he stated.
“Always listen to your inner voice.”
During the ceremony, several students received departmental
awards and scholarships, and 16 students were honored for perfect
attendance during their tenure at the high school.
Valedictorian Alison Gohn told her classmates that they
have matured and become more responsible since enrolling in
kindergarten 13 years ago. “We will now have ultimate control over
the decisions we make,” she stated. “We are all equipped with an
arsenal to accomplish things in the world.“
After Board of Education President Michael Nofi and
Mr. Caulfield handed out every diploma, the graduating Class
of 2012 threw their mortarboards in the air in celebration. The
graduates then recessed out of the gymnasium to the traditional
“Golden Eagle March” to join their proud parents and families.
The district would like to extend its congratulations and warm
wishes to the Class of 2012.
A Message from Your Superintendent
Dr. Michael F. Ring
During these waning days of summer, I hope you and yours are
enjoying a relaxing season filled with family time together. Although
our schools do not resume regular session until after Labor Day, we
have been busy during the months of July and August with several
capital projects as well as annual maintenance, all in preparation for
the return of students and staff in September.
As we look forward to the 2012-13 school year, we continue to
focus on our overarching goal of improving academic outcomes for
all students. Although the demands put upon our school system grow
while resources remain constrained, the district has begun to realize
the benefits of our efforts toward improving academic achievement.
During the 2011-12 school year, average achievement levels on
New York state assessments improved in a number of grade levels
and academic disciplines. Although we continue to have significant
opportunities to further improve achievement and close achievement
gaps, our progress to date is encouraging, and we will continue to
implement key strategies and tactics detailed in the district’s Next
S.T.E.P. long-range plan in order to maintain this forward momentum.
Reflecting upon our progress in the most recent school year,
I am reminded that all of our successes are the product of our
community’s support and the dedicated efforts of our students,
their parents, and our exceptional instructional team. Without these
elements, our opportunities for success would be greatly diminished.
With the support of our stakeholders, our success is assured.
Toward that end, in the year ahead we will continue to support
existing initiatives, such as the academic intervention strategy
known as ICARE (Individual Comprehensive Academic Response
for Excellence), during the regular school year and continuing into
the summer months. We will also seek to expand academic support
programs, implement more opportunities for increased academic
rigor, and balance resources to fund opportunities for students to
succeed.
While the past school year has provided evidence of the benefits
derived from many of our Next S.T.E.P. initiatives, our efforts on
behalf of the students of Rocky Point Schools will continue to
develop and grow. Since there is no limit to academic excellence,
our work will continue indefinitely as we build on the past in pursuit
of always improving outcomes for all of our students. With the
support of our community, and with an understanding of the mutual
societal benefits we share when our students are successful, we will
continue to exceed all of our expectations.
FJC Teacher Aide
Wins Mentoring Award
FJC teacher aide Kathy Torriero received a Mentoring Achievement Award from the Mentoring
Partnership of Long Island for her efforts in promoting the goals of the school’s Mentor and Mentee
(M&M) program. Kathy was nominated for this prestigious award by M&M co-coordinators and
school counselor Jamie Adamski and Assistant Principal Dr. Courtney Herbert, who started the
program in 2006.
The M&M program encourages students to establish and maintain friendships with caring
adult mentors, who may include teachers, school counselors, administrators, secretaries and other
district staff. The program provides social and recreational development between 40 mentors and
their mentees, who meet once a week during a lunch period and in individual and small groups for
conversation and fun activities. The mentees are chosen based on physical or emotional need or as
students who can benefit from extra adult attention.
As a result of Ms. Torriero’s award, FJC received a cash donation to the M&M program from the
Mentoring Partnership of Long Island.
Welcoming In
the New Year
Bidding Farewell
This June, the district bid farewell to several exceptional staff
members, who retired this school year. The district extends a sincere
thanks to the following professionals for their years of service to
students and the community.
Al Abbato – Special Education – 33 years
Joyce Abbato – Elementary Teacher – 31 years
John Agoglia – Social Worker – 26 years
Janet Bachert - Lead Food Service Worker – 13 years
William Caulfield – High School Principal – 14 years
Joyce Connolly – Art Teacher and Art Chairperson – 17 years
Carl Heise, Jr. – Custodial Worker – 11 years
Henry Hults - Custodian – 11 years
Bruce Mirabito - High School Special Education Teacher – 33 years
Joan Noonan – FJC School Nurse – 23 years
Susan Sullivan – High School Assistant Principal – 40 years
Carol Tvelia – JAE Principal – 12 Years
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Mentor Kathy Torriero and mentee Cailyn Gallant.
The Board of Education held its reorganization meeting on July 12,
swearing in reelected trustees John Lessler and Scott Reh for an additional three-year term. The evening’s business also included the election
of Board officers. Michael
Nofi was elected and
sworn in as president
and Diane Burke as Vice
President for the 20122013 school year.
The district would like
to thank the trustees for
their past and present
volunteer service to the
students and community
and wish them luck in the
2012-2013 school year.
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Continuing on the
Path to Success
Approximately 280 members of the Rocky Point Middle School’s eighth-grade class were honored with
certificates of merit during the school’s annual moving-up ceremony. Principal Dr. Scott O’Brien and faculty
members commended the graduates for their commitment and dedication, and select students were presented with
more than 20 scholastic and character awards, including the New York State Comptroller’s Achievement Award, the
Triple “C” Award and departmental awards.
In his address to the students, Dr. O’Brien
spoke of their outstanding efforts that would
help them “continue on the path of success” to
high school. He also encouraged the students
Sixteen district seniors enrolled in the BOCES
Regular Alternative High School Program at Rocky Point
to remember their time at Rocky Point Middle
High School marched with their peers on graduation day.
School and to “look back on the past three years
Principal Bruce Wolper explained that this was the greatest
fondly.” Immediately following the ceremony,
number of students who have graduated through the
students received their yearbooks for signing.
program, now in its fourth year, in a single school year.
“These fine young men and women really deserve
credit,” Mr. Wolper stated. “It warms our hearts to know
that the district is providing these programs and services
for individuals who might not otherwise have been able to
acquire a diploma or GED certificate.”
The alternative high school provides a high school
education for students who are considered “at risk” or who
Joseph A. Edgar Intermediate School fifth-graders celebrated their academic
have not been successful in a day program. School meets
accomplishments during the school’s annual moving-up ceremony and joined their
from 3 to 7 p.m. each weekday, and students are required to
classmates and teachers on the bleachers for a class photo.
enroll in and pass the same courses as day students,
Retiring Principal Carol Tvelia commented that the students, like herself, are
including physical education and art, as well as passing
getting ready to embark on a new journey. “We are both coming to an end of one part
Regents examinations. Not only does the program provide a
way for at-risk students to acquire a diploma, the counselors
of our lives and moving on with great expectations for the future,” she stated.
also work with the students on post-secondary training.
The atmosphere was punctuated with music performed by the High Notes Select
“Words cannot begin to express how thankful I am to
Chorus, under the direction of conductor Craig Knapp. Teacher Mark Yashowitz
have had the opportunity to be a part of this very special
also recognized members of the student council for their participation in community
program,” stated graduate William Erato. “Because of the
service projects throughout the school year.
teachers and staff here I was able to reach my ultimate goal
of graduation. If it were not for this program I don’t know
where I would be now and I wouldn’t be able to be
graduating with my class.”
Echoing William’s message, fellow graduate Amber
Weber noted that it was the program’s alternative schedule
that enabled her to acquire her degree. “The staff helped me
through so much and if it wasn’t for them, working around
my schedule with my son, I probably would not be
graduating today,” she stated.
Students from neighboring high schools are also
enrolled in the alternative high school and graduates attend
their home district’s commencement ceremonies.
Marching with Their Peers
JAE Graduates
Excel Onward
Moving Up to the Next Chapter
The Rocky Point School District administration and Frank J. Carasiti Elementary School (FJC) staff could not have wished for a more picturesque day
as second-grade students joined their teachers for the annual moving-up celebration.
Principal Virginia Gibbons first thanked the parents for their support of education,
then the students for giving her lasting memories of her first year at FJC. “It has been an
honor to introduce your children to their first experiences as students,” Ms. Gibbons told
the parents. “This is more than a goodbye – it is a beginning.”
Students Aneesh Deshpande, Avery Gennaro and Brenna Roth were selected as
“moving-up authors” and were invited to read their essays about favorite memories and
hopes for their schooling at Joseph A. Edgar Intermediate School. Ms. Gibbons and
Assistant Principal Dr. Courtney Herbert also announced that the school ranked first
statewide in the National Geography Bee Challenge and recognized the school’s top
scorers in the contest.
Each student then received a blue sash to symbolize his or her graduation to the third
grade. The ceremony culminated with the children singing “The Farewell Song” for their
parents and teachers, who later joined them for refreshments on the school’s lawn.
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Alan Rozet
Salutatorian
Alison Elizabeth Gohn
Valedictorian
Top in her
class, Alison Gohn
has demonstrated
hard work and
determination
throughout her
high school
career to obtain
a weighted
academic average
of 104.88. In
addition to being
a member of both the National Honor Society
and New York State Math Honor Society,
Alison was named an Advanced Placement
Scholar with Distinction and was placed on
the Principal’s Honor Roll every semester.
The 2012 valedictorian also excels at music
and was president of the concert band, a
member of the marching and jazz bands, and a
performer in the pit orchestra for high school
musicals. In addition, Alison served as a peer
tutor in math, chemistry and physics and was
a Friends of Music assistant. She will pursue a
degree in nursing at the University of Scranton
this fall.
Casey Angela Heely
Exhortation Speaker
As second in
his class, Alan
Rozet finished his
academic career
with a weighted
academic average
of 104.03 and
a $100,000
Proton OnSite
Scholarship,
which will be
used to further
his education at Harvard University this
fall. Rozet was designated a National Merit
Scholarship Program Commended Student
as well as an Advanced Placement Scholar
with Honor. He was a member of the
National Honor Society and vice president
of the Math Honor Society, captain of the
Long Island Challenge team, president of the
science club, president of Students Against
Destructive Decisions, a member of the math
team and tech team, a high school journalist
and a member of the varsity tennis team.
As the third-ranked
student of the Class
of 2012, Casey Heely
graduated with a
weighted academic
average of 103.75.
Casey was designated as
an Advanced Placement
Scholar with Honor
and a New York State
Association for Health,
Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Suffolk
Zone Outstanding Senior Physical Education
Student. She was vice president of the National
Honor Society and a member of the New York
State Math Honor Society. Casey also served as
senior class president and participated in a large
number of extracurricular activities, including
Athletes Helping Athletes, Leaders Club, science
club and the math team. Futures Field Hockey
also named Casey among the top 13 percent of
the nation’s field hockey players. She will attend
Fairfield University this fall.
Rocky Point High School 2012 Graduates
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William A. Erato Jr.
Emily Ruth Errante
Kamaal Daniel Fils
Jeneva Rose Fischetti
Kevin Christian Fitzpatrick
Ryan Thomas Flatley
Ryan Tyler Fleitman
Adam Joseph Franks
Christopher Stephen Friello
Nicholas Anthony Friello
Jessica Concetta Frisina
Ryan James Galasso
Robert Michael Gallino
Jake Michael Gambino
Jacob Vincent Giordano
Pauline Girzadas
Conor Patrick Gleason
Patricia Eileen Glossza
Alison Elizabeth Gohn
Jessica Ann Goldstein
Allyson Joan Gonzalez
Michael Gonzalez
Anthony Salvatore Grossmann
Maria Rose Guerrisi
Fabian Sebastian Guevara
Elizabeth Gugler
Theresa Gugler-Vogel
Cassandra Sarah Hackett
Alexander Thomas Hansen
Miranda Harris Johnson
Thomas Joseph Hayduk
John Francis Hearne
Amanda Lauren Brooks
Anthony Gasper Bua
Christian Michael Burawa
Daniel Steven Capell
Samantha Rose Carey
Alyssa Marie Cassar
Vincent James Cavalieri
Jessica Ana Coello-Zichittella
Emily Grace Coleman
Alexander Mark Collesidis
Charles Thomas Conti
Chrisanna Rose Coon
Joshua Robert Corrice
Nicholas Christopher Costantini
Paige Taylor Cotrone
Brendan Thomas Craig
Rachel Marie Cunningham
Carolyn Joy Cwik
Rachael Ann Czerwinski
Patrick J. D’Amico
Victoria Marie D’Aquila
Nicole Anna Danisi
Matthew Scott Darmiento
Allison Rose Dascalopoulos
Jordan Eleanor Delesparra
Matthew E. Dell’Aquila
Michael Vincent Deyak
Shaun R. Diffley
Nicholas Vincent DiPrima
Matthew Thomas Dutton
Matthew Ryan Eagar
Alyssa Marie Edgerley
Jonathan Michael Adler
Daniel Lee Alkon
Alexa Rae Alotta
Hasan Alp
Jaclyn R. Altebrando
Nicholas Michael Altieri
Daniel Anthony Amato II
Bryce Anthony Anderson
Rebecca Lynn Antici
Angalina Rose Anzalone
Anthony Vincent Anzalone
Brianna Marie Archer
Samantha Marissa Ayers
Luis Jamie Bahler
Justin William Bakewicz
Lawrence Cedric Bancroft IV
Lorraine Nicole Baptista
Tyler J. Barbarite
Jessica Lynn Barber
Thomas John Bartling
Emily Hope Behringer
Francesca Florence Valeria Belanich
Kirsten Lynn Best
Kerri Ann Biondo
Jennifer Eleanor Blakley
Brenda C. Blandon
Shawn Ian Blasberg
Stefanie Nicole Bohlert
Jayde Bonghi
Jaimie Elizabeth Bornemann
Taylor Paige Borrmann
Dakota Janine Brandi
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Casey Angela Heely
Michael Joseph Heinz
Thomas Michael Hellen
Angela Rose Henriksen
Ryan James Hilbert
Brianna Nicole Hill
Christopher John Hill
Cori Jean Iacopelli
Stephanie Ann Iberger
Mark Albert Infranco
Amy Rebecca Innes
Alexander Phillip Jannace
Desiree Elizabeth Jaramillo
Elizabeth Sarah Johannesen
Mackenzie Annicka Nathlia Johansson
Emma Mallory Johnson
Alexandra Lynn Johnson-Karp
Nicholas John Kalavanos
Megan Nicole Keane
Ashley Nicole Kind
Dylan Robert King
Matthew Robert King
Megan Kircher
Thomas Christian Klemm
Kyle Korf
Samantha Rose Kraemer
Caroline Elizabeth Krapf
Zachary Donald Krase
Cathleen Lynn Kundrat
Amanda Caitlyn Lang
Heidi Elizabeth Lebens
Alexander Jaymes LeBrun
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Class of 2012 Facts:
Graduate Receives
Proton OnSite
Scholarship
• 48% of graduates will attend four-year colleges
• 39% of graduates will attend two-year colleges
• 3% of graduates will attend technical schools
• 3% of graduates will join the military
• 7% of graduates will enter the workforce
• 89% of graduates received a diploma with Regents designation
• 53% received a Regents Diploma
• 1% received a Regents Diploma with Honors
• 24% received an Advanced Regents Diploma
• 11% received an Advanced Regents Diploma with Honors
Class of 2012 graduate Alan Rozet was one of three
recipients and the only recipient in New York State of a
Proton OnSite scholarship totaling $100,000 to pursue a
four-year undergraduate degree in science or technology.
Tom Sullivan, founder and chairman of the board
for Lumber Liquidators and SunHydro and chairman
of global gas generation leader Proton OnSite, is the
scholarship benefactor.
At the Head of the
Class of 2012
Alison Gohn – The University of Scranton
Alan Rozet – Harvard University
Casey Heely – Fairfield University
Rebecca Wade – St. John’s University
Corey Richards – Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Matthew Dutton – Cornell University
Victoria Trapani – Stony Brook University
Megan Viglione – Wagner College
Travis Wheeler – SUNY College at Geneseo
Erika Magnuson – St. Joseph’s College
Alan is pictured with High School Principal William Caulfield, left, and
guidance counselor Mike Conlon, right.
Graduates Continued...
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Nicholas Steven Strano
Emily Ann Sugarman
Daniel Patrick Sullivan
George John Sullivan
Kayla Marie Swensen
Jasmine Tavarez
Victoria Rose Trapani
Frederik Marie Tremblay
Adam Marcel Trilling
Christian Anthony Umanzor
Sarah Marie Vaden
Nicholas Vicedomini
Megan Christine Viglione
Katelyn Elise Viola
Rebecca Lynn Wade
Kristopher Kenneth Walker
Susan Walsh
Tyler James Washeim
Amber Lynn Weber
Kalin Frances Welch
Thomas Johnathan Wheeler
Travis Robert Wheeler
Andrew David Whitman
Deanna Frances Whitney
Austin Glen Whyte
Ryan Matthew Wienckowski
Nancy Marie Wiggs
Peggy Ann Wiggs
Rachel Lynn Wooley
Samantha Rose Wooley
Jamie Alexandra Zimmer
Sonia Margarita Rodriguez
Maria Alicia Romero
Denise Antionette Rotondi
Connor John Rowan
Alan Rozet
Matthew James Ruquet
Samantha Meral Russ
Cynthia Marie Russell
Melissa Ann Rutt
Brittany Judith Ann Salvatore
Katelyn Rose Sanchez
Joseph Richard Sanossian
Joseph Claude Santiago
Stephanie Blake Savage
Samantha Rose Scavetta
Katherine Marie Schaefer
Kenneth William Scheidt Jr.
Lindsey Marie Schick
Sarah Katherine Schimmel
Christopher Arthur Schuchman
Kelly Schuchman
Krystle Ann Scicutella
Muhammad Usman Shahid
Amanda Yossarian Silvers
Salvatore James Sinacore
Peter Baldeo Singh
Simone Katherine Sojka
Steven Edward Soltysik
Victoria Pearl Sotcheff
Alex Charles Spoleti
Jason Thomas Squatriglia
Myles Stephen Stankiewicz
Courtney Joanne Staudt
Krystal Tammy Ney
Domenica Margaret Nociforo
Kyle Mackenzie O’Connor
Erin Kathleen O’Malley
Neil Obeso
Kimberly Alexis Oliver
Vincent Daniel Ortolani
Whitney Taylor Owensby
John Paul Ozegovich
Benjamin James Pabo
Ashley Nicole Pachinger
Ryan Patrick Palasek
Nicholas Scott Pantori
Katelyn Grace Paquette
Nicholas Thomas Peterson
Nicholas James Petrozza
Samantha Marie Picciotti
Leeanne Victoria Piccolo
Michelle Diane Piediscalzo
Payton G. Pietramala
Chloe K.C. Pillus
Jonathan Robert Popko
Timothy Allen Przybylinski
John Anthony Przybylo
Ryan Roy Rado
Paul Richard Rausch Jr.
John Daniel Reilly
Courtney Patricia Rennee
Alexander James Reyes Jr.
Corey Allan Richards
Kelsey Elizabeth Riffle
Scott William Ritzmann
Kenneth Lee Rodriguez
Amanda Dolores Lee
Dylan Christopher Lehr
Brianna Anne Lent
Thomas Luigi Lettieri
Evan David Levine
Katelyn Ann Leyva
Nicholas Daniel LoPiccolo
Vincent Loscalzo
Jessika Nichole Losee
Erika Michele Magnuson
Daniel Harrison Mallin
Robert Gregory Maloney
Michael Manginello
Rachel Marie Mannetta
Daniel Maraviglia
Amber Rose Markiewicz
Kyle Christopher Martello
Erik George Martinsen
Michelle Bernadette Mayer
Ashley Nicole McCabe
Brendan Michael McDonald
Rebecca McDonald
Charles James McLaughlin
Fallon McManus
Ashley Dawn McNabb
Daniel Patric McQuade
Cody Michael Meola
Kimberly Sue Messina
William Mioducki
Corey John Munzing
Genna Marie Murphy
John Nash
Angela Marie Nelson
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National Sports Elite
Rocky Point alumni Brandon Escobar (Class of 2008) and Melissa Salerno (Class of 2004) have
placed the district in the international limelight with their quest for a spot on two Olympic teams.
Brandon, pictured right, has earned a place on the Honduran Olympic wrestling team in London
this summer. He was a member of the high school wrestling team and is seeded in the world’s top ten
in his weight class.
Melissa (pictured below) qualified for the semifinals in Eugene, Ore. in June, but her time of
14:16:33 fell short of securing a position on the U.S. team. During the semifinals, Melissa secured a
12th-place ranking and a 24th-place national ranking overall. Not only is Melissa a world-class runner,
she is a graduate of Fordham University and currently works full-time as a breast cancer research
analyst at Manhattan’s Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
The district would like to wish Brandon the best of luck in the Olympic Games and congratulate
Melissa on her overall quest to make the U.S. Olympic team.
A Peek at
Rocky Point’s
High Achievers:
• U
nder the direction of choral instructor Craig
Knapp, JAE’s fourth and fifth-grade intermediate
chorus acquired a “Gold with Distinction”
rating for their Level 2 performance, and the
High Notes Select Chorus received a “Gold”
rating for their Level 3 performance at the New
York State School Music Association (NYSSMA)
Organization Evaluation Festival.
Learning About
Career Options
• F our high school students were inducted into the
Rocky Point High School Chapter of the Business
and Marketing Honor Society of New York State.
Thirty guests talked to eighth-grade middle school students about
possible future careers during the school’s fifth annual Career Day,
hosted by the guidance department. Prior to the event, the students
were asked to list four top career choices from a list of professions.
During the career fair, the students rotated through three of their
choices, at which time they were able to ask questions about careers
in veterinary medicine, the military and police force, medicine
and nursing, photography and film, and many other areas. As an
assignment, the students were instructed to write about what they had
learned.
• T
hirty-four students in Kristin Coen’s Personal
Finance classes scored in the top 20 percent of
the 2012 National Financial Capability Challenge
examination sponsored by the U.S. Departments
of the Treasury and Education and three
students earned a score of 98 percent, which
automatically entered them into a drawing to win
one of twenty $1,000 scholarships.
• U
nder the direction of technology teacher Laurie
Varriale, fifth-grade technology club students
submitted a video about the assassination of
Abraham Lincoln to Next Vista for Learning, and
it was accepted as part of the video library on
the Next Vista website.
• T
hree JAE students won highest honors in
the language arts competition called the
WordMasters Challenge. One student was among
the 14 highest-scoring fifth-grade competitors,
two were among the 16 highest-scoring fourthgrade competitors, and two earned perfect
scores in the third meet this past April.
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A Display of
Art and Technology
JAE students lined the halls with their best artwork
and demonstrated their technology skills during the
school’s annual Art and Technology Show for students
and families.
Not only was the event an opportunity for students to
showcase their best projects, but it afforded participants
the chance to explore a number of the district’s
programs, such as Virtual Zoo and Smile Box, and to
read and observe student projects that utilized technology
throughout the school year.
Songwriting with
Rick Charette
Second-grade students in Maria Liantonio and Elisa DiGennaro’s class and
first-grade students in Cecelia Doolittle’s class received an outrageous opportunity
to co-write a song with beloved children’s songwriter and singer Rick Charette.
During a workshop, Mr. Charette also taught the students about rhyming
words and choosing meaningful words for poems and songs. The students then
performed their new song, “Monkey on the Chandelier,” for their friends and
family during an assembly and concert in the afternoon.
Class of 2012 Graduate
Receives Farm Bureau
Scholarship
Class of 2012 graduate Justin Bakewicz was recognized by
Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker for receiving first place
in the New York Farm Bureau’s scholarship competition. Justin,
whose family owns and operates a local vegetable and fruit
farm, won a $1,500 scholarship for his essay on Long Island
farming. He will attend SUNY Cobleskill to pursue a degree in
agricultural equipment technology.
Recognized by
ACES Project
Class of 2012 graduate Matthew Dell’Aquila was one of two
recipients of the Don MacKay Scholarship, bestowed by the Eastern
Suffolk BOCES Student Assistance Service (SAS) program. Matthew has
been involved in the ACES Project’s “Not on Your Life” campaign, a
youth alcohol and tobacco use reduction program aimed towards keeping
these substances out of the hands of children.
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Eagles Sports Wrap-Up
INDIVIDUAL HONORS
BOYS LACROSSE (Scholar-Athlete Team)
Nicholas Accardi – All-County and All-Division
Vincent Loscalzo – All-Division
Ryan Palasek – All-County and All-Division
Justin Reh – Rookie of the Year
Matthew Ruquet – All-Division
Nicholas Strano – All-County and All-Division
BASEBALL
Frank Moscatiello – All-League
Tyler Piccolo – All-County and All-League
Ryan Rado – All-League
Dan Soranno – Academic All-League
Brennan Strovink – All-League
MS Boys Track – Coach Jim McCormick
Scholar-Athlete Team Awards
Boys Lacrosse
Girls Lacrosse
Boys Tennis
Boys Track
Girls Track
BOYS TRACK (Scholar-Athlete Team)
Kyle Berkoski – All-League
Michael Franks – All-League
Tom Wheeler – All-League
SOFTBALL
Annie Kennedy – All-County and Pitcher
of the Year
Jessica Marcks – All-League
Alexa Mastando – All-Division
Coach Cirillo – Coach of the Year
Playoff-Bound Teams
Baseball
Softball
Boys Lacrosse
Girls Lacrosse
Boys Tennis
Boys Track
Girls Track
GIRLS TRACK (Scholar-Athlete Team)
Jennifer Blakely – All-League
Kelli Grossman – All-League
Kaitlyn McDonald – All-League
Addison Schmitt – All-League
GIRLS LACROSSE (Scholar-Athlete Team)
Shannon Abernathy – All-Division
Ashley Faulhaber – All-Division
Alyssa Guido – All-County
Kristen LoManto – All-Tournament
Kristine Loscalzo – All-County
Cindy Russell – Unsung Hero
Amanda Sanchez – All-Division
Jamie Zimmer – All-County
TEAM HONORS
SPORTSMANSHIP AWARDS
JV Girls Lacrosse – Coach Danielle Baker
MS Boys Lacrosse (white) – Coach Scott Lindsey
JV Boys Tennis – Coach Anthony Nobre
In the Zone
Rocky Point Athletes
Sign National
Letters of Intent
The New York State
Association for Health,
Physical Education,
Recreation and Dance
(NYSAHPERD) has
recognized four Rocky
Point students from
JAE and the middle
school as Suffolk Zone
winners. Joseph Costa
(pictured left) and Brianna
Carrasquillo (not pictured)
from JAE along with
Harry Lynch (pictured
center) and Jill LoManto
(pictured right) from the
middle school were nominated by their physical education teachers for this
award based on academics, leadership, role modeling and physical education
performance throughout their educational careers.
The district congratulates four high school athletes who have
signed National Letters of Intent this spring to continue their
sports at the collegiate level during the school’s official spring
NCAA Signing Day.
Bryce Anderson – Wrestling – College of Mount Saint Vincent
Maria Guerrisi – Field Hockey – Adelphi University
Ryan Rado – Baseball – West Virginia Wesleyan College
Matthew Ruquet – Lacrosse – Manhattan College
Raising Money
and Awareness
for Cancer
During two well-attended events, students,
parents, faculty and community members
walked the JAE parking lot and high school
track to help raise money for cancer awareness
and research. In total, the two events raised
approximately $120,000. Donations continue
to be accepted through August 31.
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Rocky Point High School senior athletes (front, l-r) Ryan Rado, Bryce Anderson, Maria Guerrisi, and
Matthew Ruquet signed National Letters of Intent and are photographed with (back, l-r) Director of
Health, Physical Education, Athletics, and Intramurals Amy Agnesini, High School Principal William
Caulfield, wrestling coach Darren Goldstein, field hockey coach Kelly Calamita (standing in place for coach
Katie Bittner), and lacrosse coach Mike Bowler.
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The Rocky Point School District
Welcomes…
John DeBenedetto
Rocky Point High School Principal
John DeBenedetto graduated from Stony Brook University with a Bachelor of
Science in biology and a minor in business management. He later earned a Master of
Education from Dowling College and professional certification in school administration
from Queens College.
Mr. DeBenedetto started his career in the Southold School District as a science
specialist and teacher for grades 3-10. He also taught Living Environment in the
Sachem School District, where he additionally served as the science chairperson,
summer school assistant principal and football, wrestling and softball coach.
Mr. DeBenedetto’s administrative career commenced upon being appointed associate
principal at William Floyd High School and supervisor of the science and special
education departments. In addition, he served as the principal of the summer school
and alternative high school.
Michael Gabriel
High School Assistant Principal
Michael Gabriel earned his Bachelor of Science in biology/pre-medicine from
Sacred Heart University in Connecticut and went on to study for one year at the
Ross University School of Medicine in Dominica, West Indies. Mr. Gabriel earned
his Master of Science in biology education from Long Island University, C.W. Post
Campus. He is certified as both a biology (grades 7-12) and general science (grades
7-12) teacher. In 2006, he earned his New York State School District Administrator
certification from Stony Brook University.
Mr. Gabriel began his teaching career as a high school biology teacher in the Valley
Stream School District. In 2002, Mr. Gabriel joined the Rocky Point School District
as a middle school science teacher. In 2006, he was appointed the district’s first math,
science and technology coordinator. In 2010, Mr. Gabriel assumed the role of PreK-12
science and advanced placement coordinator in the district.
Linda Towlen
Joseph A. Edgar Intermediate School Principal
Linda Towlen is a veteran teacher of 15 years and was a literacy staff developer. As
an administrator, Ms. Towlen served for the past seven years as both a K-12 director
of English and reading at William Floyd School District and as the director of world
studies in the Middle Country School District.
Ms. Towlen graduated from SUNY Oswego with a Bachelor of Arts in elementary
education and English and later received her Master of Arts from SUNY Stony Brook.
She also attended the Leadership Academy at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
and continued her studies at New York University and Lesley University, where
she acquired certification as both a reading recovery teacher leader and a Literacy
Collaborative district trainer.
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Andrea Moscatiello
Director of Special Education
Andrea Moscatiello began her career in the Rocky Point School District in 1998
and later earned tenure as a special education teacher and as the coordinator of special
education. In December 2011, Mrs. Moscatiello was appointed interim director of
special education and recently developed and published the district’s first-ever special
education newsletter, Of Special Interest.
Mrs. Moscatiello earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, a Master of Science in
special education (K-12) and a professional diploma in educational administration
from Dowling College. She is also certified as an elementary (K-6) and special
education (K-12) teacher and possesses New York State School District Administrator
certification.
Paul Walia
Special Education Coordinator
Paul Walia has served in a variety of roles during the past decade. For six years, he
served as a school psychologist at South Side High School in Rockville Centre and was
most recently the special education coordinator at Lindenhurst Middle School. He is
also an adjunct professor at Alfred State University’s Downstate Counseling Program.
Mr. Walia acquired a Bachelor of Science in general psychology and a Master of
Science in school psychology from Queens College. He also received an Advanced
Certificate in School Leadership and Administration from C.W. Post, where he is
currently pursuing a Doctorate in educational leadership and administration.
Dr. Terence Reilly
CSE/CPSE Administrator
Terence Reilly comes to Rocky Point from the Levittown School District, where he
had worked as a psychologist since September 2005. Prior to his position at Levittown,
he served as a school psychologist in the Baldwin School District and as an adjunct
professor at Adelphi University’s Ruth S. Ammon School of Graduate Education.
Dr. Reilly obtained a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and special education from
Marist College, as well as a Master of Science in school psychology and a Doctorate
in psychology from St. John’s University. His postgraduate studies include a Master
of Art in educational leadership and technology leadership, as well as a certificate of
advanced graduates studies in school district leadership from Adelphi University.
Beth Apostoli
CSE/CPSE Administrator
Beth Apostoli has over 25 years of experience in the field of special education,
with previous experience including teaching and administrative responsibilities at the
Henry Viscardi School and the Long Island Infant Development Program, as well as
providing home-based early intervention evaluations and services. She was a consultant
to the Committee on Preschool Education (CPSE) for the Suffolk County Department
of Health and an adjunct instructor in Hofstra University’s graduate education
program, where she supervised student teachers in both general and special education
settings. Most recently, Ms. Apostoli served as director of educational services/principal
of the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Greater Suffolk “The Children’s Center.”
Ms. Apostoli earned a Bachelor of Science in elementary education from Adelphi
University, a Master of Education in special education from Boston College and a
Certificate of Advanced Studies in educational administration from Hofstra University.
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Michael Yannucci
Instructional Coordinator — English Language
Arts, Reading, Library Media, Art
Michael Yannucci earned his Bachelor of Science in political science from the State
University of New York, College at Oneonta and his Master of Science in childhood
education and literacy from Long Island University, C.W. Post Campus. Mr. Yannucci
holds certifications in the areas of childhood education (grades 1-6) and literacy (ages
birth-grade 6). In 2011, he earned his New York State School Building Leader and
School District Leader certificates from the College of St. Rose/CITE in Albany.
Mr. Yannucci has been a reading teacher at the Frank J. Carasiti Elementary
School since 2008. Currently, Mr. Yannucci is pursuing his Doctorate in educational
administration, leadership and technology at Dowling College. He is expected to graduate in June 2014.
Christian Bowen
Instructional Coordinator — Mathematics and
Advanced Placement
Christian Bowen earned his Bachelor of Science in mathematical science from Johns
Hopkins University, Maryland. Mr. Bowen continued his studies at Pace University in
Manhattan, where he earned two Master of Science degrees, one in adolescent education
and the other in school leadership.
Since 2003, Mr. Bowen has worked at The School for International Studies in
Brooklyn as a secondary mathematics teacher and the math department chairperson.
In addition to his teaching and administrative duties, Mr. Bowen served as the school’s
programmer and data specialist responsible for creating the master schedule for grades
6-12 and interpreting test data to help guide instruction at the grade, department and/or schoolwide level.
During his tenure at The School for International Studies, Mr. Bowen was one of 20 teachers selected to be part of the Math for
America Newton Master Teacher Cohort. This program awards outstanding New York City mathematics teachers who demonstrate
solid mathematical knowledge and have outstanding performance records.
Board of Education
Michael Nofi, President
Diane Burke, Vice President
John Lessler, Trustee
Kathleen Heggers, Trustee
Scott Reh, Trustee
Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Michael F. Ring
District Mission Statement
www.rockypointschools.org
The mission of the Rocky Point Union Free School District is
to develop each child’s full potential in a nurturing and supportive
student-centered environment that will promote a foundation for
lifelong learning.