Huntington School Briefs
Woodhull Intermediate School came alive when the fifth grade "yellow team" celebrated Women's History Month. The classes of teachers Elaine McKeown, Danielle Walsh and Dina Telesco presented attractive stencils and short reports on a famous woman of each students' choosing.
"The classes discussed women who have made major contributions in science, sports, medicine, government and the arts," Mrs. McKeown said. "What's more, they became pioneers in their fields and helped pave the way for future generations of women."
The students in the above photo were happy to show off their work. The group included (from left) Alexandra Gerbavsits (Sacajawea), Michael Mathews (Sally Field), Megan Byrnes (Helen Keller), Neil Jean-Baptiste (Eleanor Roosevelt), Maddie Reed (Shirley Temple) and Josie Fasolino (Frida Kahlo).
Mrs. McKeown said she looks forward to the annual project and "enjoys the creativity of the students, as well as their choices."
Finley Backs Relay For Life
The J. Taylor Finley Middle School community is four-square behind next weekend's Relay For Life at Huntington High School. The Finley PTA and the student council recently collaborated on selling Relay "feet" for $1 each during lunch periods for about three weeks, raising $500.
"Along with the money raised in October from sales of pink breast cancer bracelets, we donated everything to Relay For Life," Finley PTA President Julie LaBella said. "Finley is very proud to be a-shirt sponsor for this year's event."
Students wrote their respective names each foot purchased before they were affixed to the façade surrounding Finley's Blue Zone, as the lobby is known. "It was a friendly competition between the seventh and eighth grade," Mrs. LaBella said. The eighth graders eventually pulled ahead and won the battle.
First Exposure Film Festival
Three Huntington High School students are among 14 Long Island teenagers who have been chosen to show their short films in the eighth annual First Exposure high school best of show screening event at the Cinema Arts Centre on Sunday, May 19 at 4 p.m.
Huntington student-filmmakers Hailey Teanor (Coast Guard Petition), Samantha Carroll (Distracted Driving) and Daniel Moya (He Says, She Says) will be showing their work. The festival is sponsored by the Suffolk County Film Commission.
Each of the filmmakers included in the program will be given a DVD compilation of the 14 films and a certificate of recognition from Suffolk County Executive Steven Bellone. The students will be priority listed for any internship requests that come through the Suffolk County Film Office.
Liz Troffa Retirement Party
A retirement party honoring longtime Huntington School District secretary and district clerk Elizabeth Troffa is planned for Tuesday, June 18 at 5 p.m. at the Fox Hollow in Woodbury. The affair will include hors d'oeuvres, dinner and dessert, coffee or tea and a cash bar.
Tickets are on sale now for $65, which includes a contribution toward a gift. An RSVP by June 4 is requested.
Checks in the appropriate amount payable to Jill Miranda can be sent to either Maureen Vogel or Margie Creighton at: Huntington UFSD, Office of Human Resources, Jack Abrams School, 50 Tower Street, Huntington Station, NY 11746.
District Accepts Donations
Huntington School Board members accepted the following donations on behalf of the district during this past Monday night's meeting:
• The Aloe family, which includes two Washington Primary School students and two Huntington High School students, are donating a variety of perennial flowers that will be planted in front of Washington School.
• Jerilyn D. Bifulco is donating $1,000 to the J. Taylor Finley Middle School baseball team. The funds will be used to purchase uniforms, equipment and any related baseball needs for the current and future seasons.
• The Huntington Band Parents Assn. is donating $8,000 to the Huntington Blue Devil marching band for the purpose of purchasing a new trailer for the band program.
Washington School Pasta Night
The Washington Primary School PTA recently held a pasta night in the school gym for nearly 250 students and family members. A delicious meal of pasta, salad and bread was served, along with refreshments. An array of desserts was available in the cafeteria, along with several raffles.
Principal Marsha Neville and several teachers helped parents serve the food and also sang songs while music teacher Claude Masear played violin. Dr. Masear also led a group of strings students in a performance and music teacher Mitch Malle directed a short concert given by band members.
May 21 Election Personnel Appointed
Huntington School Board members appointed Emily Rogan to serve as chairperson for the district's annual budget vote and election on May 21. Trustees also approved the following election clerks/inspectors: Carol Andreski, Lori Brett, Lori Bennett, Fran Cangemi, Anne Connell, Marion Guilfroy, Phoebe Krane, Jill Miranda, Virginia Mirando and Kim Zellman.
Sunset and Sounds on the Bay
The Huntington School District's Special Education PTA will hold its annual fundraising extravaganza on Saturday (May 18) at 7:30 p.m. at the Bay Club in Huntington Bay.
The event will include live music by the Willie Steel Band. There will be a buffet dinner along with a live auction and raffle baskets. Tickets are priced at $75.
Contact Christine Biernacki at (631) 427-2133 for more information or send an e-mail to huntingtonsepta@gmail.com.
Wertheim to Case Western Reserve
Huntington High School senior Anna Wertheim will attend Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio in the fall. She intends to study chemistry.
Ms. Wertheim has led the trumpet section of the Huntington Blue Devil marching band, captained the fencing team, served as drama club president, studied in Israel as a junior and been involved in countless school activities.
Washington Multicultural Fair
Washington Primary School will host a multicultural fair on Friday, May 31. There will be pavilions representing a variety of countries, regions and continents. Many students are participating in a related poster project. The posters will feature a country, including its flag, map, photo of its people, famous buildings, population and foods related to the culture, a sample of its writing and other details that each respective student might want to feature.
Hannon Chooses Ohio State
Huntington High School senior William Hannon is headed to Ohio State University to study biology. He was recently honored during the Distinguished Seniors Dinner in Louis D. Giani Gymnasium. The teenager credits his family for his success.
Mr. Hannon is known for his hard work and determination. He has been a mainstay of Huntington's science research program, working closely with teacher Lori Kenny. The teenager also enjoyed time working at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
Next BOE Meeting
The next regular meeting of the Huntington School Board will be held on Monday, June 3 at 7:30 p.m. in the Jack Abrams School auditorium. An agenda and related material will be posted on the district's website at www.hufsd.edu prior to the meeting. There will be two periods of public commentary for those in attendance that choose to address trustees.
Jump Rope for Heart at Washington
This year's Jump Rope for Heart at Washington Primary School raised more than $4,000 for the American Heart Association. The figure is twice as much as last year. Dozens of Washington students turned out an hour before the start of the regular school day to jump rope and participate in other aerobic fitness activities.
During the run-up to the event, students learned about heart health and the benefits of a good diet and regular exercise. Many parents attended the early morning session along with their children.