Around the Huntington School District
The folks at Woodhull Intermediate School are still buzzing about Congressman Steve Israel's visit last week. He accepted an invitation from sixth grader Max Robins, the school's student council president.
"Max had been in the audience at Congressman Israel's 9/11 commemoration speech and approached the congressman about coming to Woodhull to speak with the students," Assistant Principal Jarrett Stein said. "Congressman Israel asked Max to write a letter formally inviting him to Woodhull, which Max did." The congressman's staff then worked out a date and time for the visit with Mr. Stein.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Mr. Robins introduced Woodhull's special guest to more than 300 sixth graders gathered in the school gym. Mr. Isreal spoke about American government, the role of a congressman, his own daily responsibilities and his activities in Washington, DC and engaged in a lively question and answer session with students.
"Congressman Israel decided to start with a little question and answer to gauge how much the Woodhull students knew about government," Mr. Stein said. "He was amazed by the wealth of knowledge the students had about government and the law."
The Woodhull students asked and answers questions the wars in the Middle East, the economy and the No Child Left Behind law. The assembly ran about an hour, "but could have lasted much longer as the students had more questions for the congressman," Mr. Stein said.
The congressman stayed to shake hands with many of the students. As he departed the gymnasium Mr. Israel told Mr. Stein that the sixth grade audience was one of the best behaved and most knowledgeable group's he has ever visited. In response, Mr. Stein indicated "how proud we are of our students and that people coming to speak to our students must do their homework to keep up with them."
Mr. Israel asked that he be invited to Woodhull again next year. "It was an interesting and educational experience for the students that will stay with them for a long time," Mr. Stein said.
Western Suffolk BOCES Meeting
A regular meeting of the Western Suffolk BOCES Board of Education will be held on Tuesday, December 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the organization's administrative offices located at 507 Deer Park Road, Dix Hills. The meeting is open to the public.
HHS Student Panel at Finley
A group of Huntington High School students is visiting J. Taylor Finley Middle School on Friday. "They will present their perspectives on the middle to high school transition," Superintendent James W. Polansky said. "Finley students will have an opportunity to interact with and ask questions of the group during the presentations."
Brielle Blatt is Active
Brielle Blatt is one of Huntington High School's most active seniors. At one time or another during the past four years the teenager has participated in NYSSMA, the winter and spring track teams, JV and varsity field hockey, shared decision making, chamber choir, the drama club, Key club, Habitat for Humanity, National History Day, student government, National Honor Society and the science, Spanish and English National Honor Societies.
Ms. Blatt has earned a long list of awards, from honors in the National History Day competition, an AP Scholar Award from the College Board, first place in the bridge building contest during Science Olympiad Night, Women in Science Society Award from St. John's University and Swan Video Award.
The senior has performed with the chamber choir at tree lighting ceremonies, Memorial Day commemorations, Spanish heritage events and countless other community functions. She participated in the poetry café at the high school, Stuff the Bus food drive, Relay for Life, Safe Halloween, St. Hugh's Church soup kitchen, sold bracelets to support home renovations for severely injured US Marine James Byler, tutored biology and chemistry students, helped clean the Huntington graveyard and volunteered at the Huntington Interfaith Homeless Initiative.
AP Microeconomics Profiled
The Huntington High School Social Studies Department offers an Advanced Placement Microeconomics course. The class meets every other day for a full year. Upon completion, students earn one-half academic credit. To register, students must obtain a recommendation from a teacher and have attained a grade of at least an 85 in AP U.S. History or at least a 90 in Regents level U.S. History.
"This course includes an introduction to price theory, business structure, the role of government and international trade," according to a course guide description. "Students who enroll in this course must also meet the one semester requirement in Participation in Government and must also take the Advanced Placement exam in microeconomics in May. It is highly recommended that a student be proficient in mathematical computations to understand the underlying economic principles that are inherent in this course.
For more information about the course contact Joseph Leavy, chairman of humanities at 673-2079 or jleavy@hufsd.edu.