Summer 2011
www.rockypointschools.org
Congratulations to the Class Of 2011!
It was a day filled with reflection and
words of wisdom as 246 members
of the Rocky Point High
School senior class paraded
into the high school
gymnasium to the
triumphal tune of “Pomp
and Circumstance” to
celebrate a milestone in their
educational careers and take part
in the District’s commencement
exercises. Graduate and student-vocalist
Brittany Bua began the celebration by leading
fellow graduates, family, friends, and staff in the national
anthem.
In his opening remarks, Exhortation Speaker Ruslan Ardashev
declared that his class had finally achieved its goal of graduating
from high school. He also advised the Class of 2011 that one of
the keys to future success is “wisdom.”
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael F. Ring’s address drew
from famous quotes in the yearbook that each student denoted as
important words to live by. The quotes surmised such words of
wisdom as the importance of hard work for success and the
importance of being unique. Dr. Ring also told the graduates,
“Your life lessons will play a crucial role in your future” and
encouraged them to strive to be unique.
Valedictorian Zachary Myslinski opened his speech with advice
that “manners” are important in everyone’s life journey and that
“respect and kindness are crucial.” He reminded the audience,
“The most useful and precious resource is the people around us.”
In addition, Salutatorian Allyson Kaleita told her fellow
classmates, “With the help of family and friends, we have the
power to be all that we aspire to.” She also pointed out the
importance of acquaintances and friendships during high school.
“We will take a little piece of each other wherever we go,” Allyson
commented.
During the ceremony, several students received departmental
awards and scholarships and seven students were honored for
perfect attendance during their tenure at the high school.
After Board of Education President Michael Nofi and
Principal William Caulfield handed out each diploma, Mr.
Caulfield certified the graduating class of 2011 and the students
threw their hats into the air in celebration. The graduates then
recessed the gymnasium as “The Golden Eagle March” was
played.
The District would like to extend its congratulations and
warm wishes for success to the Class of 2011.
detailed action plans, the district has put into place early elements of the
plan, such as the academic intervention strategy known as ICARE
(Individual Comprehensive Academic Response for Excellence) during the
regular school year and continuing into the summer months. Additionally, in
order to provide for continual improvement and enhanced alignment in
curriculum and instruction, many members of the district’s professional staff
have been engaged in curriculum development and professional growth
initiatives that started during the school year and continue through July and
August.
These examples merely scratch the surface of the efforts stemming from
Next STEP. However, Next STEP is not complete, nor will it ever reach
completion. Since it is a perpetual five-year strategic plan for the district, as
one year is completed, a new year is added. And so will be the case this
September when we once again convene a multitude of Action Planning
Teams to evaluate the accomplishments of the year just ended (a process
we have pursued on a bi-monthly basis during the school year), review and
modify, as necessary, the plans for the following four years, and put forward
action plans for the new fifth year of Next STEP.
As Next STEP is never complete, the same is the case for our efforts on
behalf of the students of Rocky Point Schools. There is no endpoint for
academic excellence and, hence, our work will continue indefinitely as we
build on the past in pursuit of always improving outcomes for all of our
students. With the support of our community, and with an understanding
of the mutual societal benefits we share when our students are successful, I
have never been more confident that we will continue to exceed all of our
expectations.
A Message from Your Superintendent
DR. MICHAEL RING
I hope this edition of Soaring finds you enjoying a relaxing and fun-filled
summer. Although our schools are not in session for students, the months
of July and August continue to be very active for the district. In addition to
several capital projects that are underway throughout our schools, as
always, we are using these months to plan and prepare for the coming
school year and beyond.
Now more than ever the Board of Education, administration and staff
are actively engaged in the process of envisioning the future of our schools
during this period of unprecedented change. With improving student
achievement always at the top of our agenda, we are working diligently to
further the initiatives set forth in Next STEP, our strategic plan
(www.rockypointschools.org/pdf/NextSTEP.pdf).
During the 2010-11 school year, collaborative teams comprised of
stakeholders from various constituencies met in planning sessions to create
the Next STEP strategic plan, in alignment with the Board’s goals of
Academic Excellence, Organizational Development, and Fiscal Sustainability.
Upon adoption by the Board of Education, Next STEP became the official
roadmap for the district in pursuing the achievement of these worthy goals.
Indeed, already the benefits of Next STEP are being experienced
throughout our school system. Through a focused approach based on
FJC Teacher Receives
Mentoring Award
Quality in Instruction
The District would like to congratulate the following faculty
members who were granted tenure during the 2011-2012 school year:
Frank J. Carasiti Elementary
School teacher Catherine
Conner recently received a
Mentoring Achievement Award
from the Mentoring
Partnership of Long Island for
her efforts in helping to
continue the goals of the
Mentor and Mentee (M&M)
program since its inception in
the 2006-2007 school year.
Under the direction of
Assistant Principal Dr. Courtney Herbert and school counselor Jamie
Adamski, the M&M program continues to flourish each year. It
encourages students to establish and maintain friendships with caring
adult mentors, who may include teachers, teacher aides, secretaries, and
district staff. The program provides social and recreational development
through the companionship of a caring adult and fosters increased selfexpression and improved self-esteem in the student. Once a week,
approximately 40 pairs of mentors and mentees meet during a common
lunch period and in individual or small groups for conversation and fun
activities.
As a result of Ms. Conner’s award, FJC received a $100 donation
from the Mentoring Partnership of Long Island to the M&M program in
her name.
Katerina Daly – MS and HS Foreign Language
Deborah Elcik – FJC Special Education
Jacqueline Hunt – MS Speech Language Pathologist-Education of
Speech and Hearing Handicapped Children
Mara Lopez - JAE English as a Second Language (ESL)
John Mattia – MS and HS Health and Physical Education
Guy Reid – HS Science
M. Treewolf West – JAE and FJC Art
Athletic Office Secretary
Honored as the Best
The Rocky Point School
District would like to
congratulate high school
athletic office secretary Rose
Monz, who is the recipient
of the Judith Martens
Secretarial Award of
Excellence. The New York
State Athletic Administrators
Association annually
recognizes one secretary from
each section who exemplifies
the high standards required
to assist a well-tuned athletic
department. Ms. Monz was
recently recognized during a
Section XI awards luncheon
and by Director of Health,
Physical Education,
Athletics, and Intramurals
Amy Agnesini (right) during
a Rocky Point Board of
Education meeting.
Bidding Farewell
This June, the District Bid farewell to five exceptional staff
members who retired this school year. The District extends a
sincere thanks to the following professionals for their many years
of excellent service to the school district.
Nancy Ford – Middle School nurse – 12 years
Cynthia Krejci – High School – 34 years
Elena Lynch-Dobert - School Lunch Manager – 10 years
Patrice Perreca – Middle School – 24 years
Joseph Spina – District Communications Coordinator – 23 years
Maureen Strauch – Middle School – 20 years
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Moving Up The Academic Ladder
Student-scholars throughout the District reflected on their academic careers and celebrated a move up the
academic ladder during commencement exercises at Frank J. Carasiti Elementary School, Joseph A. Edgar
Intermediate School, and Rocky Point Middle School. Principals Kenneth Crawford, Carol Tvelia, and Dr. Scott
O’Brien dispensed words of wisdom before handing each student a certificate and wishing the graduates best of luck
in their new levels of study. The District would like to congratulate all of the students who will begin new academic
chapters in the 2011-2012 school year.
Solid Gold!
A Breakfast Of Champions
The District congratulates
the fourth and fifth-grade
Intermediate Chorus and the
fifth-grade Select Chorus
“High Notes,” who received a
Gold Rating by the New York
State School Music Association
(NYSSMA) during the annual
NYSSMA Major Organization
Evaluation Festival held at
Newfield High School in
Selden. Under the direction of choral instructor Craig Knapp, the Intermediate
Chorus and High Notes performed at Level II and III respectively and were
evaluated on tone, intonation, balance, technique, accuracy/execution, diction,
interpretation, and influencing factors.
According to NYSSMA, a Gold Rating is awarded to organizations that have
demonstrated an outstanding level of technical and artistic skill in each
evaluative category. Any weakness in the musical performance will have been
minimal. Mr. Knapp stated that the students performed very difficult musical
selections and that he is extremely proud of their accomplishment.
The Rocky Point Middle School’s administration honored 207
students in grades 6-8 for their display of leadership qualities during a
Breakfast of Champions held in the school cafeteria. Students were
nominated by their teachers and commended for showing respect,
compassion, and equity toward their peers during the 2010-2011 school
year. “You were invited here today because you do not bow to peer
pressure and are looked up to as leaders in the school community,”
Principal Dr. Scott O’Brien told the students in his opening remarks.
Middle School students (l-r) Kayle Bryan, Jessica Hunsucker, Rebecca Holter, and Jill
Countess were four of 207 students honored at the Breakfast of Champions.
Thumbs Up
for Safe Driving
Parlez-Vouz Français?
Thirteen Middle School and High School students participated in the annual
Long Island Suffolk County High School French Poetry Contest hosted by the
American Association of Teachers of French and held at Brentwood High School.
Each student recited a French poem aloud and was judged on memorization,
pronunciation, intonation, and interpretation. The District would like to
congratulate the students who earned six of the top honors.
First Place:
Daniel Infranco – 7th grade level
Second Place:
Erin Michelitsch – 8th grade level
Emily Rosman – 9th grade level
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High School students and faculty pledged not to talk on cell
phones or to text while driving during the “Thumbs Up to Safe
Driving” campaign. The program was sponsored by Students
Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) and was funded by a
$1,000 Allstate Insurance grant.
Participants were encouraged to stick their thumbs in ink and to
make a thumbprint on the hallway sign to symbolize a conviction
to prevent texting, phone use, and the drinking of alcoholic
beverages while driving. Everyone who signed the pledge vowed
not to participate in these unsafe activities while behind the wheel,
and also pledged to speak to others who violate these driving laws.
Third Place:
Gina Kruzic – 8th grade level
Elizabeth Healy – 9th grade level
Honorable Mention:
Abigail Frosina – 9th grade level
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RUSLAN ARDASHEV
Exhortation Speaker
ZACHARY MYSLINSKI
Valedictorian
ALLYSON KALEITA
Salutatorian
Top in his class,
Zachary Myslinski
has demonstrated
hard work and
determination
throughout his
high school career
to obtain a
weighted 107.14
academic average.
Zachary was
named an
Advanced Placement (AP) Scholar with
Distinction and received the designation as
Finalist in the National Merit Scholarship
Program competition. He was president of the
Science Club, vice president of the school’s
chapter of the National Honor Society, captain
of the high school’s mock trial team, and drum
major in the marching band. Zachary also
excelled as captain of the boys varsity tennis
team. In addition, he received his Eagle Scout
designation from the Boy Scouts of America.
Zachary will pursue a career in neuroscience at
Dartmouth University this fall.
As second in
her class, Allyson
Kaleita finished
her high school
career with a
105.24 weighted
academic
average. She was
recognized as an
Advanced Placement Scholar with
Distinction and was a member of the
school’s chapter of the National Honor
Society. Allyson was a captain of the school’s
nationally recognized cheerleading team.
She was also a member of the Leaders Club
and Athletes Helping Athletes. Allyson
played the flute in the high school’s band
and volunteered as a youth cheerleading
coach. Allyson intends to study psychology
at Boston University this fall.
Third-ranked
academic member of
the Class of 2011,
Ruslan Ardashev,
graduated with a
104.52 weighted
academic average. He
was named a
Commended Student
in the National Merit
Scholarship Program
competition last fall and was an Advanced
Placement Scholar with Distinction. Ruslan was a
member of the National Honor Society and New
York State Math Honor Society, captain of the boys
varsity tennis team, vice president of Students
Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), and
president of the North Shore Library’s Teen
Advisory Group. Ruslan entertained the
community with his acting roles in the school’s
Pocket Theater and as the Phantom in “Phantom
of the Opera.” He will study engineering and
economics at Duke University this fall.
Rocky Point High School 2011 Graduates List
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Douglas Charles Heck
Christopher James Heege
Jade Sabina Herbstman
Sendy Suleyma Hernandez-Flores
Taycan S. Hoban
Thomas Hondropulos
Nicholas W. Huber
Jenna Lee Hudson
Jake Paul Iadanza
Cassandra Leigh Iberger
Vincent Izzillo
Alora K. Jimenez
Ian D. Jiranek
Collin C. Kaiser
Friedrich S. Kaiser
Allyson Nicole Kaleita
Michelle L. Katz
Okan Can Kazdal
Kimberly Vail Kennedy
Jessica Marie Kenyon
Brendon Thomas Killean
Chanel Anne Kimball
Brian Klemm
Kevin Daniel Kramer
Monica M. Landisi
Brandon B. LaRosa
Zachary Michael LeCates
James Alexander Leonard
Nicholas James Leone
Dana Evelyn Leuffen
Rebecca Noelle Farley
Jason Paul Fischetti
Colleen Erin Flanagan
Peter Nicholas Florio III
Faye Naomi Forman
Hansley Franco
Jonathan Connor Freund
Nicolette Lynn Galante
Paul Alexander Galetti
Sarah Anne Galit
Caitlin Erin Gargan
Johnathon William Gaudet
Laura Gabrielle Germaine
Michael R. Giambrone
Christopher J. Gibaldi
Brine A. Gill-Garguilo
Jessica Lynn Gilmartin
Joseph Brian Gilmartin
Robert Charles Giordano
Russell H. Goldbach
Dylan Marcus Gonzalez
Robert Grempel
Shannon Brianne Grodotzke
Nicolas Glenn Grossmann
Deanna Lynn Grudier
Anthony Louis Guidice Jr.
Samantha Marie Guido
Heather Lynn Haas
Jessica Nicole Hassett
Taylor J. Hatzel
Victoria Danielle Ceccio
Michael Edward Charmack
Emily Lynn Cincotta
Raymond Christopher Circo
Vivienne N. Condemi
Victoria Skye Conigliari
Brian Coveney
Michael Lee Coward
Nicholas James Cretella
Rachel Marie Cunningham
James E. Daisy
Kathleen Elizabeth Dallon
Ryan Conner Danielsen
Charlotte Elizabeth Davis
Joseph J. DeFrank
Brianna Patricia DeLeo
Justin Angelo Delesparra
Chelsea Taylor DeRosa
Sirena Celeste Desposito
Christian L. Diaz
Robert John DiCandia
Austin William Dick
Gina T. Diebel
Alexandra Grace Dorsi
Matthew B. Dozier
Peter Thomas Duggan
Christine A. Egebo
Blake R. Ekstrom
Amanda Hope Emert
Troy Charles Estabrook
Christopher John Aanonsen
Ruslan Khamitovich Ardashev
Cassandra Lynn Austin
Alyssa Marie Balint
Davina Leila Bhandari
Matthew Bilella
Paisley Elizabeth Bittner
Kevin William Blake
Joseph Francis Bloom
Daniel Patrick Bonneville Jr.
Joseph Peter Bradley
Sean Francis Brennan
Justin Shawn Brewer
Brad Russell Brown
Joseph Browning
Ryan Bruccolli
Brittany Lee Bua
Jonathan Adam Burns
Kendell Taren Butler
Kevin Peter Cain
Nicholas Matthew Cambria
Richard Michael Cambria
Maximilian Patrick Campbell
Davon A. Carangelo
Vincent J. Carasiti
Gina Teresa Carrara
Joshua A. Carratala
Andrew James Casey
Ryan L. Cassar
Madison Faith Cavalieri
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Graduate Receives
Principal’s Leadership
Award
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Graduate James Leonard was one of seven Suffolk
County recipients of the Principals’ Leadership Award by the
Suffolk County High School Principals’ Association during a
luncheon at the Bourne Mansion.
The Principals’ Leadership Award recognizes academic
excellence, community service and tenacity in overcoming
difficult circumstances. This is the second year that a Rocky
Point student has achieved this distinction. James will apply
the $1,000 scholarship to his enrollment in Stony Brook
University’s Honors Program this fall.
Class Of 2011 Facts:
50 percent of the graduates will attend four-year colleges and universities
38 percent of the graduates will attend two-year colleges
Two percent of the graduates will attend vocational school
Five percent of the graduates will enlist in the military
Five percent of the graduates will enter the work force
91 percent of the graduating class received a diploma with Regents designation
• 50 percent received a Regents diploma
• Three percent received a Regents diploma with Honors
• 24 percent received an Advanced Regents diploma
• 14 percent received an Advanced Regents diploma with Honors
Meet The District’s Top Ten
The District would like to congratulate the following students who, because of their
hard work and determination, have been designated as the Top 10 Students from the
Class of 2011.
Zachary Myslinski – Dartmouth College
Allyson Kaleita – Boston University
Ruslan Ardashev – Duke University
James Leonard – Stony Brook University
Kathleen Dallon – Boston College
Joanna McDonnell – SUNY Plattsburg
Catherine Swiderski – Franklin Pierce University
Fhad Yazdanie – New York University
Jessica LoSasso – SUNY Albany
Davon Carangelo – Cooper Union
Graduates List Continued...
Elizabeth Caroline Olszewski
Victoria Suzanne Ortolani
Brittany Pabo
Philip Andrew Pachinger
Debbie Padilla
Jaclynn Marie Paduano
Tyler William Palun
Michael Vincent Pantori
Sarah Ann Parrish
Ryan Michael Peacock
Oleni Elizabeth Perez
Rachel Diane Peruggi
Amanda Emily Pfister
Nicholas Robert Pieloch
Lara Beth Piganell
Charles William Prechtl
Kristen Nicole Putko
Johnathon Edward Ramos
Nicole Christa Reinhard
Klaudia Anna Remiszewska
Kimberly Ann Riffle
Todd D. Rinaldo
Alexandra Marie Riske
Keyri Romano
Jennifer Elizabeth Romero
Connor Roosa
Matthew Sean Ross
William Rubin
Alyssa Marie Rudolf
Michelle Rachel Rusek
Christopher Jordan Levy
Scott Robert Loeser Jr.
Casey W. Loiacono
Anthony Joseph Lopez
Derek Joseph Lopez
Robert Lorandini
Alexander Kyle Loredo-Stone
Jessica Lynn LoSasso
Nicholas Loscalzo
Kodi John Lubkeman
James Joseph Lyons Jr.
Christopher Anthony Marciano
Kevin Anthony Marino
Mark A. Masterson
Devan A. Mayor
Rebecca Katelyn McDonald
Joanna Rachel McDonnell
George McKee
Stephen Fredrick Meier
Kaitlynn Elizabeth Messina
John Mark Mitarotondo
Kathleen Elizabeth Moran
Cassidy Louise Morgan
Elizabeth Anna Motolinia
Nikki Motta
Michelle Mary Musantry
Zachary Joseph Myslinski
Julie Ann Nolan
Brianna Marie Norbury
Katharine Elizabeth O'Brien
Sheree Jane Obeso
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Brianna Michell Umanzor
Andrew Peter Vaccaro
Crystal Noel Vaccaro
Malen Valencia
Stephen Richard Valente
Adam Luke Varland
Kevin Edward Vasko
Janine Vassallo
Amanda Kay Vogel
Brian Robert Walsh
Carly Marie Walsh
LinYue Wang
Marvin Pieter Washington
Donald Andrew Weisse
Julianna Patricia Weitekamp
Karl R. Wetter
Jessica Marie Whelan
James E. Williams
Jeremy T. Williams
Ashley Christine Wolf
Michael Daniel Wood Jr.
Lauren Michelle Wright
Natalie Wroblewski
Christopher Peter Yannucci
Kaitlyn Danielle Yates
Fahd A. Yazdanie
Michael Anthony Zarzana
Kevin Michael Zimmer
Marissa Mariana Zimmer
Anthony Michael Zitaglio
Geana Marie Salerno
Haley Alexandra Sanchez
Parbattie Lisa Sayrange
Evelyn Scavetta
Sabrina Marie Scavetta
Anne Katherine Schindler
Alexandra Marie Schmitt
Pauline Josephine Schuchman
Brittany Nicole Schultz
William Schulz
Jonathon George Shea
Brianne Marie Simone
Nicole Michelle Smith
Daniel Christopher Staker
Alyssa Ann Stanisci
Gianna E. Stanzione
Nicole Jeanne Stephens
Megan M. Stuhlmuller
Anthony Joseph Suchan
Autumn Nicole Sugrue
Chelsey Marie Sullivan
Edward J. Sullivan
Courtney Joy Supper
Catherine Anna Swiderski
Alex Ali Tarchoun
Kaitlynn Marie Thomas
Paige Lise-Anne Thomsen
Amanda S. Tilley
Desiree Angeles Toldo
Michael Robert Tomanelli
Edward C. Torriero
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Healthy Lessons
JAE Students are
Health Smart
This is an Announcement!
Six Rocky Point High School students celebrated the debut run of student-created public
service announcements (PSAs) at the Brookhaven Technical Center in conjunction with
students from Shoreham-Wading River School District, the Alcohol Coalition of Eastern
Suffolk (ACES), and Eastern Suffolk BOCES. The PSAs were created in collaboration with
the Brookhaven Technical Center’s TV, Video, and Digital Film Production Program and
demonstrate the dangers of underage drinking and legal liability posed by the Social Hosting
Law.
The following students worked on the creation of the PSAs:
Francis Belanich
Kim Kennedy
Michelle Rusek
Davon Carangelo
Jessica LoSasso
Crystal Vaccaro
The District is participating in the ACES Project under the direction of Eastern Suffolk
BOCES. This three-year initiative is comprised of two evidenced-based prevention programs
to reduce the incidence of underage drinking. Components of the program include Project
Success (Schools Using Coordinated Community Efforts to Strengthen Students) and
CMCA (Communities Mobilizing for Change in Alcohol). Eastern Suffolk BOCES received
a grant from the U.S. Department of Education to implement the ACES Project in the
Rocky Point and Shoreham-Wading River School Districts.
Fourth graders at Joseph A. Edgar Intermediate School
have increased their general knowledge about health through
participation in the Health SMART program supported by
Suffolk County tobacco funds. The students have been
learning about dealing with stress, self esteem issues, peer
pressure, healthy habits, taking good risks, and body changes.
In addition, the students have been discussing family issues
with tobacco and alcohol and how to turn a friend down if
offered an alcoholic drink or cigarette.
At the end of the year, the students compiled a class book
in which each student filled out and decorated a page on
how to be alcohol and tobacco-free.
Students in Ms. Mitchell’s fourth-grade class are Health SMART.
JAE Students Named
State Winners in National
Dental Video Contest
Digging in the Garden
For a second year, students involved in the Frank J. Carasiti Garden Club
boasted about the delicious fruits and vegetables harvested in the school’s
courtyard garden. The Garden
Club met before school on
Fridays to plant and tend the
garden, as well as to learn about
healthy food choices and plant
science. Some of the gardening
projects included a Be Happy
garden, an Edible Garden, a
vegetable garden and a
wildflower patch.
The Garden Club project
materialized during a shared
decision-making meeting amid a
discussion about how to improve
student health and increase
performance. Through grants
provided by the PTA and parent
and teacher volunteer hours, the
garden took form and students
began planting. In fact, the
club’s membership has grown
from 40 to more than 150
aspiring gardeners!
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Joseph A. Edgar
Intermediate School
students in Joy Abbato’s
third-grade class
succeeded in writing and
filming a positive dental
health message for their
peers. Under the
direction of Technology
Integration Specialist
Laurie Varriale, reading
teacher Peter Costa, art teacher Katerina Kyriakakis, and
Executive Director of Educational Services Susan Wilson, the students
wrote and filmed a video entitled “Pearly Whites.” The students were
first-place award recipients in the New York State Dental Health
Association Contest for their age group.
During the filming of the “Pearly Whites” video, the students drew
information and skills from three key areas: science and health, writing
workshops, and technology. Dental health lessons were created to
inform students about visits to the dentist, proper brushing, flossing,
eating healthy foods, and other “teeth tips.” Students also participated
in Sugarless Wednesday, a challenge for students to eliminate sweets
for the entire day.
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Exploring Options During Career Day
Eighth-grade students at the Middle School explored
possible career options during the school’s fourth annual
Career Fair hosted by the guidance department. Prior to
the fair, the students were directed to pick their top four
career choices from a list of professions that included
veterinarian, professional athlete, photographer, nurse,
doctor, police officer, and much more. The students
were then able to rotate through three choices, where
they were able to ask questions about interesting careers.
After the event, the students were instructed to write
about what they had learned.
Teacher and coach Mike Denimarc spoke to the students about
coaching.
Raising Money
For Cancer
Rocky Point Athletes
“Dig Pink” For Breast Cancer
Under the direction of Coach Cindy Krejci & Coach John Tsavos, the Rocky Point
High School varsity and junior varsity girls volleyball teams and Leaders Club represented
by President Shannon Grodotozke have raised approximately $20,000 over the past three
years for breast cancer research during Dig Pink campaigns. Every year, the studentathletes host a Dig Pink game during a designated home game. The proceeds raised
during these events are then presented to the Side-Out Foundation.
Dig Pink is the Side-Out Foundation’s trademark name for fundraising events. All
proceeds from fundraisers benefit Side-Out, which in turn awards grants to medical
research organizations and entities dedicated to providing compassionate support to breast
cancer patients and their families. Participation in a Dig Pink fundraiser also allows the
volleyball community to make a difference in the lives of breast cancer patients.
During a recent Board of Education meeting, Coach Krejci, the student-athletes and
Shannon Grodotozke were honored for their gifts to the community.
During two packed events, students, faculty and community
members donned tennis shoes to walk the JAE parking lot and high
school track to help cure cancer. In total, the Mini-Relay for Life at
Joseph A. Edgar Intermediate School and the Relay For Life event at
the high school raised over $130,000 for research and education for
the American Cancer Society.
Honored for a Lifetime of Service
Ride For Life
Icon Visits FJC
The Board of Education acting under the authority provided through New York’s
Operation Recognition, has posthumously awarded Erasmo G. DiBiase an honorary
diploma from Rocky Point High School. Mr. DiBiase passed away in April, and his
family accepted the diploma in his honor.
As a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 6249, Mr. DiBiase, better
known as Ray, was a regular attendee at the District’s various Veterans Day celebrations.
He was drafted into the United States Army in April, 1944 at the age of 18 and was
therefore unable to graduate from high school.
During World War II, Mr. DiBiase served under General Patton’s 3rd Army in the
76th Infantry Division. From 1944 to 1946, he defended the U.S. in France, Belgium,
Luxembourg, and Germany and
was the recipient of three bronze
stars, a combat infantry badge,
and a good conduct medal.
Although not a native of Rocky
Point, Mr. DiBiase summered in
the community and took up
residency in 1991. His family has
remained in Rocky Point since
that time. Mr. DiBiase was an
active participant in many of the
District’s student events.
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Michael Kennan of Keenan’s Auto Repair speaks to students
about his industry.
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ALS icon Chris Pendergast visited students at Frank J. Carasiti
Elementary School. Mr. Pendergast was on his way to New York City
during the annual wheelchair trek to support the Ride For Life
Campaign. The reason behind this rare occasion was to thank the
students and faculty for their generous support to cure ALS.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s
Disease, is a disease of the nerve cells in the brain and spinal chord
that control
voluntary muscle
movement.
The students
welcomed Mr.
Pendergast with
posters and cheers.
The school was also
awarded a
certificate for their
support of the Ride Frank J. Carasiti Assistant Principal Dr. Courtney Herbert,
Principal Kenneth Crawford, Superintendent of Schools Dr.
For Life campaign.
Michael F. Ring and second graders are pictured with Chris
Pendergast.
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7
Eagles Sports Wrap-Up
Rocky Point athletes ended the school year on a high note with the baseball, girls lacrosse, boys tennis, and boys and girls track teams advancing to the playoffs.
In addition, six spring teams received sportsmanship awards and include varsity softball (Coach Lee Cirillo), junior varsity boys tennis (Coach Anthony Nobre), junior
varsity boys lacrosse (Coach Dave Murphy), middle school baseball 7 (Coach John Tsavos), middle school boys lacrosse white (Coach Matt Colon), and middle school
softball (Coach Anthony Vidal). In total, the District produced 15 Sportsmanship Award-winning teams. The Eagles also broke a District record by producing 14
New York State Scholar-Athlete teams and two Rocky Point Scholar-Athlete Teams (cheerleaders).
INDIVIDUAL HONORS
BOYS LACROSSE: (Scholar-Athlete Team)
Edward Torriero – All-County and All-Division
Ryan Palasek – All-Division
BASEBALL
Richard Cambria – All-League
Joseph DeFrank – All-County and All-League
Tyler Piccolo – All-League
Ryan Rado – Academic All-League
Anthony Zitaglio – All-League
BOYS TRACK: (Scholar-Athlete Team)
Kyle Berkoski – All-League
Anthony Bua – All-League
Zachary LeCates – All-League
Kevin Vasko – All-League
Tom Wheeler – All League
SOFTBALL
Annie Kennedy – All-Division
Jessica Marcks – All-League
GIRLS LACROSSE: (Scholar-Athlete Team)
Caitlin Gargan – All-American, Academic All-American, and All-County
Alyssa Guido – All-Division
Samantha Guido – Academic All-American and All-Division
Jessica Hassett – All-County
Kristine Loscalzo – All-Division
Julie Nolan – All-Division
Haley Sanchez – Academic All-American and All-County
Jessica Volpe – Unsung Hero
GIRLS TRACK: (Scholar-Athlete Team)
Jennifer Blakely – All-Division
Kaitlyn McDonald – All-Dvision
Angela Torriero – All-Division
Recognized for Sportsmanship
In the Zone
The New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation
and Dance (NYSAHPERD) has recognized Rocky Point Middle School
students Brittany Rinaldi and Michael Ferrara and Joseph A. Edgar students
Emily Bardack and
Peter LaSalla as
Suffolk County’s
Suffolk Zone winners.
These students were
nominated by their
teachers based on their
academics, leadership,
role modeling, and
physical education
performance
throughout their
Director of Health, Physical Education, Athletics, and Intramurals
Amy Agnesini congratulates (l-r) Brittany Rinaldi, Michael Ferrara,
school careers.
Emily Bardack, and Peter LaSalla.
The Boys Middle School Baseball Team, under the direction of Michael Gallo,
is the recipient of the 2011 Eastern Long Island Umpires Association
Sportsmanship Award. Long Island baseball officials voted on the team with the
qualities and behavior befitting a sportsman to the game of baseball in Suffolk
County.
During a Board of Education Meeting this spring, Brookhaven Town
Councilwoman Jane Bonner recognized the athletes and presented each team
member with a certificate.
The team members include:
Jake Alcon
Billy Barber
Marc Bruno
Michael Coleman
Christian Dick
John Drews
Jake Iberger
Brendan Kirsch
Rich Leverock
John Lorandini
B.J. Lynch
Tom Mammolito
Dan Moran
Robert Strazzeri
Austin Thixton
JT Vessichio
Joe Voight
Michael Volpe
Kody Whitton
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Michael Nofi, President
Diane Burke, Vice President
John Lessler, Trustee
Kathleen Heggers, Trustee
Scott Reh, Trustee
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS
Dr. Michael F. Ring
District Mission Statement
www.rockypointschools.org
The mission of the Rocky Point Union Free School District is to
develop each child’s full potential in a nurturing and supportive
student-centered environment that will promote a foundation for
lifelong learning.