Excitement for New Year Abounds at Jefferson School

Jefferson Primary School is springing back to life after a summer of cleaning and polishing the building. Principal Valerie Capitulo-Saide and new head custodian Frank Gagliardi are working hard to provide students with an excellent classroom experience in pleasant surroundings.

Like all of Huntington’s primary schools, Jefferson is characterized by a terrific student body, an outstanding staff and supportive parents. In addition to a solid academic program, there always seems to be something special taking place at the school; from a Spot Assembly, Princess Ball or other seasonal event to recognition of good school citizens or outstanding student artwork. The family feel at Jefferson is always present.

“We are so excited to welcome our new kindergarten students and their families, as well as our returning Jefferson Primary School families, for the 2026–2027 school year,” Ms. Capitulo-Saide said. “We have a lot of exciting things planned for our students and families this year, including Math and Reading Nights, special events, and many opportunities for our students to learn, grow, and have fun together.”

Sensing the need to add another elementary school to meet the needs of a growing community, the Huntington School District purchased an eight acre tract of land on Oakwood Road more than 65 years ago and in 1961-62 erected what would later be named Jefferson School, in honor of Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States and the author of the Declaration of Independence.

“We are looking forward to working closely with our families and our wonderful PTA to make this a great school year for everyone,” Ms. Capitulo-Saide said. “We are excited for all that is ahead and can’t wait to make many special memories together.”

Jefferson was the fourth building in the district named for a U.S. president, with the others being Lincoln, Roosevelt and Washington elementary schools. The district had earlier decided to name any new school south of 25A in honor of a former president and schools north of that boundary after the area in which they were built.

After purchasing the land, the district engaged the architectural firm of Eggers & Higgins to design the new school. Some of the early designs were rejected in whole or part. The general contracting firm of D. Fortunato was retained to erect the new structure.

Construction began in the fall of 1961. The cornerstone was laid in 1962. J. Taylor Finley was the superintendent of schools and Louis C. Bernst was the board of education president at the time.

The design that was ultimately chosen included a central courtyard visible from the front door and main lobby, a timeless fieldstone façade, extensive interior brick walls, dynamic utilization of massive, exposed wood beams in the cafeteria and very liberal use of terrazzo-type floors.

Construction of Jefferson Elementary School completed a longtime plan to place one school in each of the four corners of the district. The project cost $1.171 million. The district extinguished the bond that funded the work in 1991. The building measures 45,400 square feet. There is no useable basement.

While Jefferson was under construction, a citizen’s advisory committee consisting of two PTA representatives from each of the district’s elementary schools was formed to help develop recommendations for a redistricting of attendance zones. Eventually students from Woodbury, Lincoln and Roosevelt elementary schools, all of which would eventually close, were placed in the Jefferson zone.

Jefferson’s founding principal was J. Allen Matthews, who served in the post through June 1967 when he went on an extended sick leave. He was succeeded by Frank J. Marlowe, who served only until October 1967. Philip Nardone, who was a fifth grade teacher on the original faculty of the school, then stepped into the post and remained as principal until June 1980. The school has had only eight principals in its 64 year history.

Jefferson’s Principals through the Years

1. J. Allen Matthews: 1962 – June 1967

2. Frank Marlowe: July 1967 – October 1967

3. Phil Nardone: November 1967 – June 1980

4. Jack Abrams: July 1980 – June 1986

5. Joan Skelly: July 1986 – June 1995

6. Anthony Barresi: July 1995 – June 2006

7. Margaret H. Evers: July 2006 – June 2012

8. Valerie Capitulo-Saide: August 2012 – present