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I’m 100 Days Smarter!
Kindergarten students at Central Boulevard, Charles Campagne, and Kramer Lane Elementary Schools in the Bethpage Union Free School District celebrated the 100th day of school with a variety of activities geared toward sorting, counting, reading, and writing.
Students brought in plastic bags with items totaling 100, among which were Cheerios, gummy bears, beads, mini marshmallows, dried lima beans, and more. They counted out and divided the items into groups of ten. Prior to this activity, they made posters, artwork, placemats, and Froot Loops necklaces, color sorting them into groups of ten. Some of the students even made age progression self-portraits, depicting how they might look at the age of 100.
The kindergartners rounded out their 100th day of school by enjoying a “100 Day” snack mix, reading many “100 Day” stories, such as “Miss Bindergarten Celebrates the 100th Day,” walking 100 steps, and completing writing activities based on the number 100.
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CBS Students Celebrate Groundhog Day
Kindergarten students at Central Boulevard Elementary School celebrated Groundhog Day in a variety of ways that tied in with math, science, literature, and social studies.
Some of the activities included reading books and poetry on the subject of Groundhog Day, making a prediction chart to see if Punxsutawney Phil or Malverne Mel would see his shadow, learning about Groundhog Day legend and lore, and making Groundhog Day hats.
The CBS students were fully immersed in the spirit of Groundhog Day!
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Got Paninis?
John F. Kennedy Middle School introduced a new lunch menu featuring a panini press, which is able to produce four delicious and nutritious sandwiches. Students were given a choice of a buffalo chicken, Chicken Cordon Bleu, Monte Cristo, or Italian panini. All of the sandwiches were served with roasted potatoes, raw carrots, and a selection of fruit, milk, and juice to provide a well-balanced meal.
Whitson’s Food Service Director Tricia Reed, along with special guests Principal David Schneider and Assistant Principal Kevin Fullerton, assisted Whitson’s guest chef Harold Kavo by helping to serve the students.
New lunch selections are on the horizon at JFK, with many more options to choose from. The students will be conducting taste tests on these new menu items. Some of the latest items include sliders, wings, nachos, and fajitas. Who says school lunch has to be boring?
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Read Across Bethpage
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BHS Full of Cheer
Congratulations to the Bethpage Cheerleading team which hosted a major cheerleading competition! It was a huge undertaking. Congratulations to all the participants from the many schools that joined us. Thanks to Coach Tavolacci for all the hard work as well as all the parents who assisted with day!
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21st Century: Career Corner
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Memory Sculptures
On January 23, 2012, a group of JFK students met with Ms. Maloney and Ms. Okita to create memory sculptures. These sculptures were three dimensional pieces that represented a special memory that they have. Among these memories were family vacations to Disney World, going to NYSSMA, family cruises, and winning trophies. Students used only white paper and glue or tape to create these sculptures. They shared their memories with eachother through writing as well. Everyone had a great time and showed just how creative JFK students are!
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Young Author’s Contest
On January 11th, 12th, 18th and 19th, students at JFK participated in the Nassau Reading Council Young Authors’ Contest for 21st Century. With over 25 students participating, students had to write a personal narrative completely on their own. Judges, Mr. Kramer, Ms. McCarthy and Ms. Zito had a hard time choosing only 5 entries for each grade. All entries will be displayed on the principal’s wall of fame bulletin board over the next few weeks. Thank you to all who participated.
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ARTS ALIVE
On Jan 26th, 2012 Ms. Cooper and Mrs. Saur went on a field trip to "Arts Alive" which is a program that focuses on music and art. There were 20 students in 6th, and 7th grade that attended. The day was filled with music and art workshops including musical theatre, water coloring and so much more. It was a great learning experience!
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KINEX TOYS and DNA
Students in Ms. Bennardo and Ms. Labriola’s classes used Kinex toys to construct a model of DNA. This model was then used to study the different parts of DNA and DNA replication.
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CSI Bethpage
On January, 31st students from JFK attended a field trip to the NY Times Dsicovery Center in NYC. Students participated in the CSI: Experience exhibit where they used their detective skills learned in their 21st Century CSI Bethpage activity. Students were first given time to view a crime scene and gather evidence. Later in the day they were able to analyze the evidence in the lab using toxicology, forensic entomology, DNA analysis as well as latent prints and impression evidence. JFK students cracked the case and gathered enough evidence to issue warrants for the arrest of the accused.
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The Pencil Project
Mrs. Parascondola's class collected pencils for a program called "The PencilProject." This program aims to place pencils in the hands of students all over the USA. The pencils collected were donated to a school in Long Island City, New York.
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Adult and Continuing Ed Update
Spring into spring with new and exciting courses offered by the Adult and Continuing Education Department.
Our Distinct program offers a variety of classes from Computers to Zumba. Get into shape with Pilates, Kickboxing or Yoga. Learn the fundamentals of cooking with Chef Paul. You can also brush up your dance skills and be ready for those June weddings with Ballroom Dance lessons.
Join us for registration on February 6 and 8 in the BHS lobby between 7:00-8:30 p.m.
SPECIAL NOTE: There has been a change in pricing of the Italian, Main Course and Mediterranean Cooking classes. The fee will be $50.00. A “materials” fee will not be charged.
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CCS Students Explore the Night Sky
Third-grade students at Charles Campagne Elementary School were introduced to the beauty and wonder of the night sky as they stepped into another dimension with Star Lab. Star Lab is a portable planetarium, which is inflated with a household fan and seats up to 28 students.
While inside Star Lab, the students learned about the phases of the moon, the alignment
of the planets, the earth’s rotation, eclipses, comets, and meteors. They also viewed constellations with two different interpretations – the Greek sky and the Native American sky.
A special thank you to BOCES naturalist Brett Curlew for presenting Star Lab to the third graders at Charles Campagne.
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Have A Heart
Fourth and fifth-grade students participating in the 21st Century Program at Central Boulevard Elementary School took on the special activity of creating Valentine’s Day cards for senior citizens residing at The Bristal in Lynbrook.
Under the direction of fifth-grade teacher Patricia Tierney and social worker Sarah Glassman, the students met after school to brainstorm creative ideas for messages to be written in the cards, and then gathered art supplies to design their valentines. The students used construction paper, markers, crayons, foam stickers and hearts, pipe cleaners, googly eyes, and glue to construct their cards, then wrote positive messages for Valentine’s Day.
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JFK Geography Bee
Students in grades six through eight at JFK Middle School competed in the school’s annual Geography Bee, sponsored by the National Geographic Society. All classroom winners were provided a certificate for their accomplishments.
Philip Atkins, a seventh-grade student from Andrea Mastellone’s social studies class, won the schoolwide bee. The runner-up was Jason Maund from Monica Klein’s social studies class. Philip also took a written exam to determine whether he will qualify to move on to the state finals.
Congratulations to all of the students who participated in this event.
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A Million Thanks
Fourth and fifth-grade students in the 21st Century Scholars program at Kramer Lane Elementary School participated in a letter-writing activity by sending messages of thanks to those in the military.
Under the direction of librarian Andrea Swicord and fourth-grade teacher Sara Dionne, the students used the library’s SMART Board to log on to A Million Thanks, an organization whose goal is to send messages of appreciation to those in the military, both past and present.
The students viewed samples of letters that students from other areas had sent to soldiers and veterans, and then created their own letters of appreciation with individualized messages and artwork.
“I think it’s nice that we are doing this because they do so much for us, and it makes me feel good to do something for them,” stated student Taylor Galgano. “Soldiers are risking their lives to keep us safe. This is our way of saying thank you,” added student Jack Kemperle.
Newsday’s FutureCorps Community Affairs Coordinator Elizabeth Dysart and NEFCU Branch Manager Nancy Duffett attended the activity.
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Geography Bee
All 6th, 7th, and 8th graders competed in JFK’s Geography Bee. This annual event is run through the National Geographic Society. All classroom winners were provided a certificate for their accomplishments.
Philip Atkins, a grade 7 student from Ms. Mastellone’s social studies class won the school-wide Bee and the runner up was Jason Maund from Ms. Klein’s social studies class. Philip Atkins also took a state qualifying exam to determine whether or not he will move on to the state finals.
Congratulations to all of the students who participated in this event.
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21st Century: Team Gale vs. Team Peeta vs. Team Katniss Change Drive
Hunger Games Change Drive
Over twenty eighth graders participated in the kick-off event for the Team Peeta vs. Team Gale vs. Team Katniss Change Drive for the Lustgarten Foundation. All eighth grade students are reading The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (http://www.scholastic.com/thehungergames/) in English class. The main characters, Peeta, Gale and Katniss exhibit the character trait of courage throughout the book. In class, students discussed how each character demonstrated courage by their actions. Afterwards, students contributed change to the collection jar representing their favored character. All money raised will be donated as part of JFK's ongoing efforts to support the Lustgarten Foundation (http://www.lustgarten.org/). During the 21st Century kick-off event, students decorated t-shirts and change collections jars in the Library with Ms. McCarthy, Ms. Phillips and Ms. Zito. The t-shirts were worn the next day in order to create enthusiasm among classmates for the change drive. See the photo gallery for pictures.
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All Cracked Up
On a cold Saturday afternoon, students gathered with Mrs. Klein, at Dr. Reiss' Chiropractic office in Plainview for All Cracked Up. We learned the difference between chiropractic and medical care. Dr. Reiss showed us X-Rays, demonstrated how our nerves send messages throughout our body; by having kids represent the brain, the nerves and the body part. He mentioned the benefits of being a chiropractor: making your own hours, meeting many different people, healing with his hands and being able to do what he loves anywhere he wants. Dr. Reiss informed us that exercise, nutrition, sleep, a proper mental attitude and chiropractic care all lend to good health. The kids watched a chiropractic adjustment of the spinal cord. They left with a handful of products.
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Annual Train Show
The Bethpage High School PTSA held its annual Train Show for kids of all ages! It was a fantastic event! Thanks to our PTSA parents for being so involved!
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Wrestling Alumni
The Bethpage Wrestling Alumni honored those past BHS wrestlers who went on to state competition. It is quite an accomplishment. Thanks to the Candito brothers for organizing the event!
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Tenement Museum
21st Century Scholars visited NYC's Tenement Museum to see living conditions for America's immigrants. Thanks to Ms. Smith, Mr. Brace, and Ms. Mastellone for making the arrangements! Everyone had a great time!
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Mentoring Program
The Mentoring Program at BHS did a great job getting toys for kids in need. Congratulations to all of them along with Advisor Ms. Kennedy and to Santa!
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Working Even More Efficiently
The District has partnered with the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) to identify and achieve significant energy-efficient upgrades throughout the District, which will result in additional energy cost savings of approximately $68,000 annually.
Through this initiative, the District has upgraded the lighting systems, installed occupancy sensors in all buildings, and replaced or retrofitted more than 3,780 fixtures with energy-efficient high-performance lighting equipment. It is estimated that through these enhanced measures, the District will save up to 366,000 kilowatt hours per year and reduce its peak electric demand by an estimated 147 kilowatts. By reducing energy usage and lowering the cost of electricity, the District will be doing its fair share to help improve the environment. In addition to the projected annual savings, the District has also received $187,870 in LIPA rebates and incentives, which were used to help defray the cost of the improvements.
“The Bethpage School District is grateful to LIPA for working with us through this process and guiding us toward these energy savings and the resulting rebates,” stated Superintendent of Schools Terrence Clark. “LIPA has been incredibly helpful and they have enabled us to lower operating costs, increase efficiencies, and reduce our carbon footprint for our five schools. It has been a win-win for us on many levels for our schools and our taxpayers.”
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Children Know Peace
The Plainview-Bethpage Lions Club sponsored students at JFK Middle School in a Lions Clubs International Peace Poster Contest. This year's theme was "Children Know Peace.” The JFK students created posters and briefly explained their interpretations of this theme.
The Bethpage Library will exhibit the creative work of the overall winner, Jamila Vasi, and runners-up Manisha Kalia and Julie Gryzbowski, who received certificates of achievement and prizes. The winning poster was sent to the Lions Club District 20K2 for further district judging.
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BHS Challenge Day
Check out the video made by Mr. Benjamin!
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Child Psychology Class
On Friday December 16th, Mrs. Chiddo came and spoke to the students of the Child Psychology classes. She has 35 years of experience as a nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Long Island Jewish Hospital in New Hyde Park.
She brings not only her stories, but many props to show the students how fragile a premature babies life is. She also touched on topics such as Safe Havens, and Shaken Baby Syndrome, which the students just learned about this week. We thank her for her expertise and time.
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Trip to Museum of Natural History - Spanish Club
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Holiday Sing Along
On Thursday, December 22nd fourth and fifth graders from Kramer Lane Elementary School enjoyed a 21st Century event as they traveled to The Sunrise Assisted Living facility in Plainview for a holiday sing-a-long. Accompanying the students were Kramer Lane teachers Mrs. Caliguri, Mrs. Cavallo, and Ms. Sarube. The children sang holiday songs and gave the residents candy canes. The holiday spirit was felt by all!
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Toys for Tots
The Kindergarten classes at Kramer Lane once again sponsored a school wide toy drive. The donated toys were forwarded to Toys for Tots to be distributed to needy families on Long Island. Pictured here with their classes are kindergarten teachers Mrs. Peggy Cahill, Mrs. Cynthia Cavallo, Mrs. Deborah Sarube and Mrs. Carrie Kenney (not pictured).
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Winter Caroling
A group of JFK students participated in a winter caroling activity for the 21st Century Scholars Program. The carolers met three nights in December to walk through Bethpage and visit the homes of some of our neighbors. Students sang winter songs in order to spread holiday cheer to all. They really showed the true meaning of the holidays!
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Denny's Field Trip
The JFK Academy recently took a field trip to the restaurant Denny’s for brunch. This trip was the culmination of a speech project on restaurant vocabulary, procedure, adding tax and tip. Mrs. Keller, Ms. Jennings, Mrs. Pizzuto, Mrs. Fetner and Mr. Schneider all joined the students for the delicious brunch. A good time was had by all.
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Bethpage Varsity Cheerleaders
The Bethpage Varsity Cheerleaders traveled to Kutztown University in Pennsylvania this weekend to attend the UCA Northeast Regional Qualifier Competition. This is where each team must compete in order to attempt to earn a bid to UCA Nationals in February. Each division winner receives an automatic bid and all other teams have an opportunity to receive an at-large bid based upon their scores. The Bethpage cheerleaders won their division and received an automatic bid to Nationals in February. They are the 2011 Northeast Regional Champions! Congratulations to all of the girls.
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Cohen’s Children’s Medical Center (formerly Schneider’s Children’s Hospital)
This Life and Career skills activity provided an opportunity for students to be educated about the functions of a stand alone children’s hospital directly from one of its staff members. Dr. James Schneider, attending Pediatric Intensive Care Unit physician and Director of the Hofstra Medical School Fellowship program visited students at JFK to describe the functions and team members of the various supports encompassing the health care available at the hospital.
Additionally, this activity provided a way for our students to show their appreciation to the staff at Cohen’s Children’s Medical Center who work effortlessly to improve the lives of children in this area. The students created gift baskets with homemade cookies and wrote hand made thank you cards to the staff members. Principal David Schneider and Family and Consumer Science teacher Tom Scarola visited the hospital and delivered the baskets on behalf of their students.
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BHS Winter Concert
Congratulations to all the BHS performers in the Annual Winter Concert! It was a terrific evening for everyone involved!
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Poe House
21st Century Scholars visited the home of Edgar Alan Poe in Connecticut thanks to Ms. Green, Ms. Klein, Ms. Robb and Ms. Ahronheim. Everyone had a great time learning about the life of one of our greatest writers!
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A Christmas Carol at BHS
The Masquers Guild of BHS did a fantastic job with their production of A Christmas Carol! Congratulations to all the performers and their authentic accents! Thanks to Stage and Lighting Crews! And special thanks to Mr. DeStefano and Ms. Lishansky for all their hard work!
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Blue Bloods
On Friday, December 2nd a group of writing/drama students visited the set of the TV show "Blue Bloods". The students first spoke with Tom Kelly, a writer and producer on the show. Then they toured the stage area, visiting several of the sets where the show is filmed. As an added treat, the students were able to visit a set during a break in filming and saw many of the show's stars, including Will Estes, Bridget Moynahan, Donnie Wahlberg and Tom Selleck.
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Taking Responsibility for Your Community
During the month of November the character education trait emphasized at JFK was “Responsibility.” The JFK Middle School took responsibility for the community by collecting non-perishable food items. The 7th grade Blue team demonstrated the greatest sense of responsibility as they donated the most amount of food. As a “thank you” to the students of the 7th grade Blue team a pancake breakfast was provided by the administration and character education committee. Over 1000 pounds of food was collected for the community. It was a great opportunity to teach the meaning of responsibility for others, as well as sharing and caring for members of our community.
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New York Aquarium Adventure
Students from JFK had an amazing time at the New York Aquarium. They enjoyed a Sea Lion Show, had the opportunity to talk to trainers at the Walrus, Sea Otter, Penguin, and Shark feedings, and participated in a fun Scavenger Hunt through the exhibits such as the Coral Reefs, Sea Cliffs, Alien Stingers, Explore the Shore, and the Shark Tank.
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Peace Mentoring Program
On Monday, November 28, 2011 JFK Middle School and Bethpage H.S. students combined to make history. This was the first session in our P.E.A.C.E. Mentor Program. (P.E.A.C.E stands for Pride, Empathy, Acceptance, Compassion, and Empowerment)
The High School students working with Ms. Padalino’s 8th grade health classes are members of Mrs. Kennedy’s SADD Program. The students have been working with Mrs. Kennedy to fine tune their mentoring skills. The goal is to have our high school student’s model and practice with our middle school students situations they may be facing in their teenage years. So far the program is off to an amazing start; the students were broken up into small groups and participated in ice breaker activities. In the future we will be dealing with topics such as: peer pressure, conflict resolution, relationship issues, as well as social communication.
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Child Study Workshop
Mr. Scarola's 7th and 8th grade Family and Consumer Science Classes had their first lab in the kitchens. They didn't cook something they could eat. Instead they cooked something to give away. They made play dough for the Child Study Workshop class run by Mrs. Schneider in the High School. The play dough will be used to help create lesson plans for the 4 year olds in the community. He delivered the huge box himself and surprised the high school students. Thanks JFK and Mr. Scarola for keeping the community connection strong.
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Nassau County Football Dinner
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Thanksgiving Craft
Close to a hundred students participated in this year's Thanksgiving craft activity in the JFK Library. Students were able to come during their lunch to create a Turkey Luminaria using paper bags and tissue paper. For the full instructions to make your own, visit http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/turkey-luminarias-783823/. See photo gallery for pictures of the event.
Happy Thanksgiving from the JFK Library!
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Get Your Game On @ Your Library
JFK celebrated National Gaming Day on Monday, November 14th during all lunch periods. Students played computer games or chose from a variety of board games like Apples to Apples, Monopoly and Battleship. For mroe information about National Gaming Day, visit http://ngd.ala.org/. Check out the photo gallery for pictures from the event.
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Cabaret Night
Students performed some great numbers at our Annual Cabaret Night! Thanks to all involved!
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Astronomy Night
It was another great Astronomy Night at BHS! Hundreds of students participated at all levels along with dozens of teachers and administrators. Highlights included Starnival and Big Bang: The Musical! Thanks to everyone for helping out!
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Metropolitan Opera
On November 19th, students from Central Blvd. Elementary School, Charles Champagne Elementary School, Kramer Lane Elementary School, and JFK Middle School attended the Metropolitan Opera: Live in HD Program. Accompanying the students for this 21st Century trip were Mrs. McGrath and Ms. Austin. We saw Glass’s Satyagraha at the Westbury UA Theater. For many of the participants it was their first Opera. We were all truly captivated by this performance despite the lack of subtitles. Many audience members complimented the Bethpage students on their spectacular behavior and interest in opera. They were also thrilled to hear that we are the only school district in Long Island that participates in the Metropolitan Opera partnership. Everyone is looking forward to the next Opera, which will
be held in December.
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Alice in Wonderland
The JFK Drama Club put on a fantastic production of Alice in Wonderland! The acting, the singing, the choreography, the set design and the staging were all fabulous! Congratulations to the cast and to Ms. Cooper and Mrs. Shresta for all their hard work! Thanks to all the stage crew folks led by Ms. Kruzynski and Mr. Scarola!
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TGIF November
We had some great singers at karaoke and great dodgeball tournaments at our TGIF event!
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Giving Thanks
All first graders at Kramer Lane Elementary School enjoyed a wonderful celebration at their Annual Thanksgiving Feast held on Friday, November 18, 2011. The students, under the direction of Kramer's very own music teacher Mr. Wibben, performed three Thanksgiving songs with movement and enthusiasm. Dressed in costume, all students then had the opportunity to feast on the traditional foods served on Thanksgiving Day. A very special thank you to first grade teachers Mrs. Siegel, Mrs. Seewald, and Ms. Schmidlapp for their help in organizing such a wonderful celebration and all of the families who donated their time in preparing the foods. A wonderful time was had by all. Happy Thanksgiving!!!
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CSI
On the 15th and 16th of November 109 Forensic Science students visited the CSI: Discovery Times Square exhibit. There were three different crime scenes scenarios for the students to explore and solve. A special thanks to the teachers and parents that made this trip possible.
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Junior Forensics Trip
Participants in the 21st Century Junior Forensic workshops facilitated by Mrs. Sciglibaglio and Vultaggio, recently attended the Discovery Expo Center - CSI exhibit in Times Square. Three teams of investigators worked to gather evidence to solve three different crime scenes. After gathering evidence, they worked in the laboratory to analyze the data. Finally, they submitted their results to present their culprit. Afterwards, we dined at Dallas BBQ...where the food was delicious and the portions were huge!
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BHS Receives Optimum Grant
Bethpage High School has today been awarded $10,000 as one of eleven Long Island schools recognized by Optimum Lightpath as part of its Transforming Education with Technology grant program. The program was created to award $100,000 in grants to Long Island schools to fund technology-driven learning programs in the classroom. With more than 150 grant applicants, Bethpage High School was selected based on how it would use technology in innovative ways to enhance education. The $10,000 check was presented on November 16th at an education technology themed event held at Cablevision Headquarters in Bethpage, NY. Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano spoke at the event and presented award checks to the grant winners.
Bethpage High School will use the $10,000 grant from Optimum Lightpath to create a new course that explores the use of Geographic Information Systems that combine maps and statistics to visually represent societal trends. A key focus of the program is local projects that connect students to technology and their communities. The result is improved spatial thinking and project management skills through real world applications and simulations as they begin the transition to higher education. Professional GIS software will be used to drive the program.
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Letters to Soldiers
Students at JFK worked hard to compose letters to American troops in Iraq, Afghanistan and Qatar during the “Letters to Soldiers” program on November 2nd. With the help of Ms. Grothmann, Ms. Zito and Ms. Fitje, twenty members our military overseas, including friends and family of the staff and even some Bethpage grads will receive notes of gratitude and appreciation before the holidays. Thank you to all of the students and teachers for their efforts.
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Bethpage Places Third in Moorestown Bio-Ethics Bowl!
The 1st annual Moorestown Bio-Ethics Bowl took place at Moorestown Friends Academy in New Jersey on Saturday, October 22nd. Sixteen teams from the tri-state area matched wits over ethical cases whose topics included “win-a-baby,” NFL disclosure of concussion dangers, forced vaccinations, and convicts donating organs for a lesser sentence. After three rounds, four final teams were announced and Bethpage’s team consisting of Lauren Birck, Usman Asif, Michelle Mason, Jeremy Roller, and Chang Jeong took on Moorestown Friends Academy from New Jersey in the final round After an hour of intense commentary and rebuttal Bethpage ultimately took third place. Congratulations! An Ethics Bowl is a collaborative yet competitive event, in which two teams are presented with a series of wide-ranging ethical dilemmas and are asked to analyze them; they are then judged on the basis of their analyses.
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Bethpage Philosophy Club Holds Discussion at the Long Island Ethical Humanist Society
The BHS Philosophy Club was invited by the Long Island Ethical Humanist Society in Garden City to discuss their experiences competing in ethics bowl. The discussion began with Ms. Roberta Israeloff, director of the Squire Family Foundation, who discussed the importance of high school students participating in ethics bowls and asking the audience to consider being “ambassadors” for their schools to create an interest in ethics and forming teams to compete in future ethics bowls. Next, Ms. Way spoke about the philosophy program at Bethpage H.S. and introduced the members of the ethics bowl teams that had just competed in a bowl the day before. The students discussed their experiences competing, what they like about it, what they have learned from it, and the types of cases that they have debated. The discussion was followed by a lively question and answer period and a meet and greet over pizza and salad.
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BHS Philosophy Club Experiences Socrates Last Day!
Students from the BHS Philosophy Club took part in a Plato Study Day at the School of Practical Philosophy in Manhattan on Sunday, October 30th. The school sponsors this event twice a year which allows participants and professors to do an intensive study of one of Plato’s works. This year the focus was on Plato’s Phaedo which deals with Socrates last day on earth before he drinks the poison hemlock. The students looked at the dialogue in depth by breaking into small groups led by two instructors and followed Socrates’ discussion of how, facing death, Socrates imparts how to live a good life to his students. After the study day was over the students enjoyed a catered Greek lunch, watched the 1950s episode of You Are There: The Death of Socrates (hosted by Walter Cronkite), and enjoyed a humorous piano and song parody of events from Plato’s writings. The professors were very impressed with the students (they were the youngest people in attendance) and gave them a special introduction during the summary portion of the event which was a wonderful way to end a wonderful day!
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Students Visit Northrop Grumman
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JFK Spooktacular
Close to a hundred students participated in the JFK Library Spooktacular. Librarian Mrs. Phillips and Library Aide Mrs. Quinn hosted the event during lunch periods on Halloween. Students were treated to popcorn and candy and played a trio of ghoulish games: Minute-to-Win-It Witches Brew, Pin the Face on the Jack o' Lantern and the Great Costume Race. Ghost and horror story books were on display. Check out the photo gallery for pictures from the event.
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Spare Change Drive
JFK Middle School’s PTA held a Giants vs. Jets Spare Change Drive during the recent Book Fair. After purchasing a book, students donated their spare change in the box of their favorite New York football team. In a narrow victory the Giants won the challenge over the Jets. This meant that Mr. Schneider and Mr. Fullerton each had to wear a New York Giants jersey for the entire school day. The PTA raised $150 for the students of JFK. Thanks to all of the students who donated and for the PTA for holding the Spare Change Drive.
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Statue of Liberty 125th Anniversary
Friday, October 28th marks 125 years since the Statue of Liberty was dedicated to the U.S. from France. In celebration of Lady Liberty's Anniversary, JFK students met after school on Tuesday, October 25th. Students researched the history and symbolic meanings of the statue. They also created a bulletin board for all JFK students to view!
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Choices and Consequences
On Friday, October 28th, Nassau County Assistant District Attorney, James Cole, presented the program
Choices and Consequences to the 11th grade. The program highlighted for students the dangers of drugged, drunk and reckless driving. The assistant district attorney described in great detail actual cases on Long Island and the tragic results. As part of the program, a Nassau County police officer explained to students the consequences associated with driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This program delivered a very powerful message to students to be safe and wise behind the wheel of an automobile.
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Lions Club Dictionary Project
Kramer Lane third graders recently received personal student dictionaries from the Vice-President of the Plainview-Bethpage Lions Club, Mr. George Hannau. In cooperation with Astoria Federal Savings Bank, Mr. Hannau helped to secure the books for our students. The dictionaries were presented to each student by Mr. Clark, Mr. Hannau, and Ms. Kaur from Astoria Federal Savings Bank. Students were extremely excited and expressed their gratitude for Mr. Hannau's gift.
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Safe Halloween at BHS
Congratulations to the Bethpage PTA for another outstanding Safe Halloween Party! There were over 1,000 people who attended! Thanks to all our volunteers, including all the students, parents and teachers who assisted. Thanks also to our Custodial Crew which had to clean up our big mess! It was a great evening. And a little scary!
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JFK Second Step Program: Promoting Positive Behaviors and Building Good Character
JFK Middle School held their first Period 0 Second Step Day on Thursday, October 13th. All students were exposed to a Character Education lesson on Empathy and Communication during a 50 minute block in the morning. The entire Middle School staff delivered this important lesson to all of the students in the building prior to their regular scheduled classes. Each lesson included audio and visual components with video clips, group discussions, and worksheets that prompted students to apply their skills as they examined various situations. The Second Step Program aims to prevent risky behaviors among students and improve school success through skills emphasized in the classroom.
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Spirit Week
Each year, the students, staff, and faculty of JFK Middle School show their spirit for their school and community by coming together for Spirit Week. By honoring their favorite decade on Decade Day, coming to school in their craziest hat or pajamas, and wearing Bethpage blue & gold, the students of JFK work together to show their spirit.
The culmination of Spirit Week is a battle for bragging rights where each grade and a faculty team participates in team building events such as the obstacle course, basketball shoot-out, letter game, and the sentence scramble.
Thanks to all who participated and showed their school spirit!
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All County Jazz Band
Congratulations to Michael Cipolla for being selected to the All County Jazz Band Division. Only 17 students, out of hundreds who auditioned, get chosen to participate in the All County Jazz Band and Michael will be 1 of only 4 trumpets in the band!
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Pep Rally
To kick off Spirit Week and the Character Trait of Pride, JFK Middle School held a Pep Rally on Monday, October 17th. The event began with the beautiful singing of the National Anthem by 7th grade student Carly Sesti. The 7th and 8th grade cheerleaders energized the crowd with a spectacular cheer routine. All of the student athletes who are currently playing a fall sport for JFK Middle School were introduced along with their coaches. One of the highlights of the event was the Golden Eagle Mascot who distributed mini Bethpage basketballs and Bethpage t-shirts to the excited crowd. The event ended with Eagle’s Voice singing an inspirational rendition of, Don’t Stop Believing. Thanks to everyone who participated in this memorable event.
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Peace Out to Drugs
Thanks to all the students and staff members who helped out with our Peace Out to Drugs program. The students were encouraged to wear clothing of the 1960's and learned the message of how to drugs are never a solution.
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BHS Girls' Tennis: Conference Champs!
Congratulations to the BHS Girls' Tennis Team for their victory over Wantagh for the Conference Championship! We are proud of all the athletes and Coach LaRochester!
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TGIF - October
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Mayor Paul Pontieri at Bethpage High School
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BHS to Mercy Inn Soup Kitchen
While many were enjoying the Columbus Day parades or just the beautiful fall weather before school resumes again, BHS students were giving of their time, talents and smiles to help those less fortunate. How fitting on a day steeped in celebration of exploration, BHS students "discovered" a different world so close to home. Led by Ms. Rito, Kanza Ahmad, Joe Agnese, Nick Broughton, Wilfred Cheung, Deena Hadhoud, Jeanne Lavalle, Michelle Mason, John Saugy and Samantha Virgil prepared sandwiches, bagged grapes, served food to guests of Mercy Inn Soup Kitchen in Wyandanch, one of Long Island's poorest areas.
Mercy Inn is located in the basement of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Wyandanch and serves hot lunches to guests from Monday through Friday. It is an all-volunteer, not-for-profit, non-sectarian, community-based organization which believes that all human beings are interdependent and that society heals itself by caring for the least of its brethren.
The Mercy INN is an affiliate of The Interfaith Nutrition Network, Inc. operating autonomously from that organization, maintains its own bank accounts, and is responsible for its own income and expenses. The Mercy INN operates a single soup kitchen in Wyandanch, Long Island, NY, serving over 25,000 free, hot noontime meals per year to the homeless and working poor of the community. No questions are asked of our guests, and no proselytizing, counseling or outside publicity is permitted. The Mercy INN has no paid employees, except for a part-time custodian. Almost all food served is donated by local hospitals, restaurants and community groups, or purchased through annual grants.
If the smiles are any indicator of "having a good time", it's evident that BHS students spent a morning and afternoon well worth their time. If you would like to know more about what is needed or what you can do for Mercy Inn, please call 631-422-1420 or see Ms Rito at Bethpage High School.
Thank you to each and every Volunteer!
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Canoe Trip
This past Saturday (October 8th) members of the Marine Science Club experienced the Nissequogue River by canoeing it's 5.5 miles, from "the bull" to Old Dock Road. Students began their trip from the rivers fresh water source to the Long Island Sound. The estuary that they traveled through, where salt and fresh water meet, was teeming with a rich diversity of life. They encountered great blue herons, swans and two large nesting sites; one for American Egrets and the other for cormorants. The trip ended with a riverside B-B-Q and a collection of local fish for the club's tank. The weather was spectacular and the cheeseburgers were pretty good too!
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The Preamble Challenge
In recognition of Constitution Day, JFK students participated in a Preamble Challenge contest. Seventy five students successfully memorized and recited correctly all of the words in The Preamble to the Constitution. Two students from each grade level won the contest as they recited the words correctly in the shortest amount of time. The overall grade level winners of the contest were:
Jeremy Miller – Grade 6 (7.2 seconds)
Heather Palmer – Grade 6 (7.2 seconds)
Jack Lewis – Grade 7 (6.9 seconds)
Sara Suozo – Grade 7 (6.9 seconds)
Valerie Kress – Grade 8 (7.8 seconds)
Honorable Mention – Joey Gilio – Grade 6
The students were awarded certificates for their accomplishments and Gift Cards to Pappardelle’s. Congratulations to all of the students who participated.
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Cool at School: Kramer Lane Students Make Applesauce
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600-Minute Summer Reading Contest.
Over the summer, many Kramer Lane students participated in the "600-Minute Summer Reading Contest." Upon their return to the new school year, those who participated in the contest were acknowledged with a certificate and prize, provided by the Kramer Lane P.T.A. Pictured along with the participants are Kramer Lane's principal, Ms. McCarthy, and Reading Specialist, Mrs. Tina. Congratulations to all those who participated!
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BHS Students Interview a Giant
BHS students Elaina Kuhlke and Tim Wakely interview former NY Giant and current MSG Varstiy announcer Amani Toomer:
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JFK Letters to the Military
Family & Consumer Science Teachers Tom Scarola & Theresa Schneider from JFK Middle School in Bethpage had students write letters to military personnel over seas in conjunction with Northrop Grumman & the USO.
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TGIF
Over 500 students showed up for our first TGIF event of the year! Everyone had a great time! Thanks to Mr. Schneider, Mr. Fullerton and all the JFK teachers who helped out! And thanks to the BHS Custodians and Security staff who took good care of us! Looking forward to the next one!
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Bethpage Remembers
A community remembered those lost on 9-11 with a ceremony in downtown Bethpage hosted by Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano and Legislator Rose Walker. They were joined by Supervisor John Venditto. The event was emceed by Terrence Clark, Superintendent of the Bethpage Schools. The names of the 128 Town of Oyster Bay residents who were killed on that day were read by students from Bethpage High School and JFK Middle School. Thanks to everyone who participated including our own Mr. Kevin Healy who played the bagpipes. Thanks to the Bethpage 9-11 Memorial Committee who organized the event and did a great job. Thanks also to the our own first responders, the Bethpage Fire Department, for all they do and for acquiring a piece of World Trade Center steel for our town that will reside at Rotary Circle. It was an emotional event.
Those who perished are always in our thoughts.
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Band Camp Weekend
Bethpage's outstanding Marching Band and the Kickline team all went away for Band Camp Weekend. They practiced all their numbers and routines and are ready for an exciting season! Thanks to Mr. Stehlik and Ms. Novelli as well as all the chaperones who attended.
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BHS Visits Gander
Bethpage students along with Mr. Fenster, NYC Firefighter Bill Seiter all visited Gander, Canada to help commemorate 9-11. Mr. Fenster invited a team from Gander to visit New York last December and Constable Os Fudge wanted to return the favor. The Bethpage contingent participated in the national ceremonies and met U.S. Ambassador David Jacobson during their visit. Everyone had a fantastic time. The people of Gander lived up to their reputation for incredible hospitality. Thanks to Mr. Fenster for making all the arrangements! He did an incredible job!
Here is a link to a Canadian television story on the event and the Bethpage connection: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2011/09/10/nl-rex-murphy-gift-gander-video.html
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Core at NUMC
Students in the CORE program at BHS, with great assistance from advisor Jon LaRochester, renovated the Pediatric Room at Nassau County Medical Center. The students raised $20,000 in the past two years and received a $5,000 donation from Cablevision. The students painted the room, assembled furniture they had purchased and provided lots of high tech equipment like computers and iPads. There are lots of smiling kids in the Pediatric Center as a result of all their hard work.
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Bethpage's Newest Teachers
Congratulations to the new faculty members of the Bethpage School District. They all attended the New Teacher Orientation program where they learned a great deal about our community. Then they took a bus tour narrated by Superintendent Terrence Clark with stops at Cablevision and Northrop-Grumman. The day was arranged by Ms. Lavelle, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and everyone is looking forward to the new school year!
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