Huntington School Briefs
The Huntington High School science research program held its annual symposium earlier this month. Students participating in the program displayed and presented their projects in the smaller of the two high school cafeterias. Also on display were a bevy of awards earned by science research students during the past two school years.
Senior Jacob Roday served as master of ceremonies, introducing seniors Matthew Angeliadis, Andrew Mollitor, Eric Sze, Frank Yeh and Emaad Khwaja, each of whom presented their research findings in the large cafeteria. Intel competition presentations were made by Amber Lindner, Robert Scott, Megan Hansen, Jacob Roday and Richard Hermer-Fried.
Mr. Roday and Ms. Lindner presented grade level awards and announced the winners of the distinguished Giraffe Awards. Students praised teachers Dame Forbes and Lori Kenny for their dedication to the program.
William Hannon, James Sosa, Mr. Scott and Mr. Roday served as interns with the program this year. A crowd of about 125 parents and students turned out for the symposium. A light dinner and refreshments were served.
HHS English Pride Awards
Huntington High School English teachers presented Pride Awards to students last Thursday afternoon during a ceremony held in the library. "Each month teachers within a selected department honor students whose academic progress, effort or example should be acknowledged," Principal Carmela Leonardi said.
Trustees Approve & Certify Lead Evaluators
In accordance with state education law, Huntington School Board members voted to approve and certify the district's "lead evaluators" for teacher annual professional performance review purposes.
"APPR regulations require evaluators [to] be appropriately trained consistent with standards prescribed by the [state education] commissioner," Assistant Superintendent Joseph Giani said. "Specifically, the commissioner outlines nine training elements a lead evaluator must show evidence of training in in order to receive certification as a lead evaluator. Ultimately, each board of education must approve and certify district lead evaluators."
Trustees approved and certified James Polansky, Joseph Giani, Kenneth Card, Carmela Leonardi, John Amato, Mary Stokkers, Michelle Marino, Marlon Small, Marsha Neville, Valerie Capitulo-Saide, Kitty Klein, Joan Fretz, Georgia McCarthy, Marybeth Robinette, Jarrett Stein, Nancy Wilson, Linda Costello-Roth, Joseph Leavy, Carmen Kasper and Rae Montesano.
"Throughout this school year, district personnel have participated in a variety of trainings, workshops and conferences in our continued effort in implementing the Common Core learning standards, data-driven instruction, evidence-based observation techniques and lead evaluator training," Dr. Giani said.
Next BOE Meeting
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Huntington School Board will be held on Monday, June 3 at 7:30 p.m. in the Jack Abrams School auditorium. The public will be given two opportunities to address the trustees. An agenda and related materials will be posted on the district's website at www.hufsd.edu prior to the meeting. A reception honoring those faculty members who are receiving tenure this year will precede the meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the Jack Abrams School rotunda.
Bus Transportation Facts
This year's Huntington School District transportation budget reflects the costs associated with transporting 5,308 eligible students residing within in the district, primarily to the seven district schools, but also to 30 parochial/private schools and 21 special needs schools on Long Island as required by law. The district currently contracts for 56 large buses and 79 vans to transport students. The 2013/14 budget maintains all current mileage limits for student transportation.
Energy Cost Avoidance
A campaign to save energy continues to provide results in the Huntington School District. Since February 2001, the district avoided $4,023,241 in energy costs through concerted conservation efforts. The drive has not impacted classroom instruction, according to district officials. After school hours, weekends and vacation periods have been targeted and energy awareness efforts have raised the consciousness of all employees. At Huntington High School alone, $1,893,932 in costs was averted.
HHS Honors Ensemble Concert
Several hours of beautiful music was enjoyed by hundreds of parents and family members at the recent Huntington High School honors ensemble concert in the school auditorium.
The evening included performances by the wind ensemble, jazz ensemble, chamber orchestra, a capella vocal ensemble and a capella choir.
Students under the direction of teachers Veronica Mainville, Lisa Leonardi, Jason Giachetti and Brian Stellato shined.
Choir members Jacqueline Contino, Josh Stickell, Alexa Gorczycki and Stephanie Shea were the student directors of the a capella vocal ensemble.