Jefferson Primary School’s PTA Reflections contest participants are a talented group. The students vied in half-a-dozen categories and submitted sensational pieces.
Principal Valerie Capitulo-Saide recently recognized Lucas Biancardo, Bella Bernzweig, Ruby Hoffman, Emily Hotine Logan Tine, Taylor Ranft, Karina Rodriguez, Benjamin Shreetrit, and Jonathan Soviero for participating in the initiative.
Students across the country on every grade level are eligible to participate in six categories: literature, dance choreography, film/video production, musical composition, photography and the visual arts, including such forms as drawing, painting, printmaking and collage.
The Jefferson PTA’s executive board consists of Jen Biancardo (president), Kelly Donovan (co-vice president), Wendy Naborre (co-vice president), Stacey Fiore (corresponding secretary), Ken Guandique (treasurer) and PTA Council delegates Jennifer Carillo and Jasmin Garcia.
Linda Kohan Works Her Magic
Huntington UFSD social worked Linda Kohan has once again worked her own particular brand of magic. The veteran educator is devoted to her job, although it often leaves her exhausted.
Mrs. Kohan annually spearheads the “adoption” of several dozen local families for the holidays. It’s one of her traditions. This year there are more than 50 such families split between Washington and Southdown Schools that will enjoy a much more festive experience because of the energetic faculty member.
The families are adopted anonymously by those assisting with the project, but Mrs. Kohan knows how much they need help. She devoted many days to shopping for nearly 200 children from the families, acquiring more than 750 individual gift items. The social worker received support from faculty and staff members, school district families, friends outside the district, PTAs and local organizations concerned with the welfare of those residing in the community, especially children.
Mrs. Kohan organizes and wraps all of the gifts. Colleagues have been known to lend a hand during the project. Day by day the piles of gifts grow larger. Washington Principal Marsha Neville and Southdown Principal Scott Oshrin are quick to compliment the social worker for her tireless efforts.
HFEE Community Award Honorees
Main Street Nursery co-owners Bob and Rich McKean will be honored at the Huntington Foundation for Excellence in Education’s annual gala at OHEKA Castle on March 15, 2018.
Widely known for its expansive and impressive array of botanical offerings, Main Street Nursery is a destination for horticulturists, weekend gardeners, landscapers and the community at large. With its koi ponds, petting zoo attractions and endless unique aspects to explore, the McKean brothers have made their nursery one of New York’s finest.
The two community-minded brothers have maintained some of the most prominent and highly trafficked areas in town, beautifying spaces that might otherwise be overlooked or left in disarray, all as a gift to Huntington. The traffic circles near the US Post Office on Gerard Street and by Mill Dam are just two of the locations they maintain with attentive weekly care and seasonal updates that inspire and impress all who pass by.
Main Street Nursery also welcomes the publics at numerous events from hosting holiday BBQs and fall festivals to inviting those attending Huntington High School prom to take spectacular pre-prom photos with a scenic backdrop.
The McKean’s involvement with local charitable organizations is also extensive and driven by a passion to give back to the greater Huntington community. They make it a priority to try to fulfill as many charitable requests as possible, donating their support to raffle tables and floral arrangements throughout the year. Some of the organizations they have backed include the Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum, Caumsett Foundation, Huntington Historical Society, Cinema Arts Centre, Family Service League and especially the Huntington Foundation’s annual gala, where they have donated all the floral centerpieces and table displays with the same care and attention they would a VIP client.
“The Huntington community has long appreciated the contributions of the McKean brothers and Main Street Nursery,” said Alice Marie Rorke, president of the Huntington Foundation. “We are so incredibly grateful for their generosity to the community and for supporting our great town and school.”
The Reach for the Stars gala is the main fundraising vehicle for the Huntington Foundation, which in the 2016/17 school year donated $80,000 to the Huntington School District through its two grant programs.
Holiday Sweaters at Jefferson School
Jefferson Primary School faculty and support staff members came decked out in holiday sweaters one recent day. It was an impressive and colorful sight to behold; some might have even called it “dazzling.”
Sweater styles, patterns, colors and designs ran the gamut, but all were festive. The fashions caught the eyes of students, too, with more than a few complimenting their teachers, teacher assistants, aides and monitors.
Principal Valerie Capitulo-Saide and dozens of faculty of staff members posed for a group photo in the main lobby.
HARTE Stays Busy
The Huntington Association of Retired Teachers & Employees (HARTE) is planning a busy 2018 with a full list of activities and adventures for its members.
The group is led by its President Debra Haskins Mead, Secretary Mary Pisacano, Treasurer Sue Hartman, adventure coordinator Martha Ironman and newsletter editors Patricia Dillon and Martha Ironman.
The group is holding a luncheon for its members on January 3 at Nocello’s Restaurant on 25A in Northport.
District Receives Donations
Huntington School Board members accepted four donations to the district at a public meeting in the Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School auditorium on Monday, December 11.
The donations include:
• Sean Brady donated a 60-inch Sony HDTV-Ready LCD rear projection television and stand to Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School.
• The Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School PTA donated $3,450 to offset the cost of upcoming field trips.
• Joan Kuver donated $2,000 to the Alan Kuver Memorial Fencing Scholarship Fund.
• The Southdown Primary School PTA donated $300 to offset the cost of upcoming field trips.
