The District News
The Newspaper of the Center Moriches School District
Volume 15 Number 5 Volume 15 Number 5
http://www.cmschools.org June 2009
New Programs Maintain High Standards
Dr. Donald James
Superintendent
Second grade update
page 3
Where are they now?
page 5
As I have said on other occasions, we here in the Center Moriches District maintain very high academic standards and the expectation that every student accept the challenge of performing at an exceptionally high level academically. Therefore, for the 2009-­2010 school year, we have made some major changes to our program in an effort to continue to develop a higher degree of rigor in our schools. Below are several examples of added support, shifts in program and examples of program development at each level. Please be aware, that the list below is simply a sample and is by no means comprehensive.
Program Changes:
High School: Trisha Kutkiewicz (Center Moriches Class of 2005) gradu-­
ated from the United States Naval Academy. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Oceanography and was Commissioned as an ENSIGN and will serve as a Surface Warfare Offi cer aboard the USS BUNKER HILL, a Ticonderoga class guided missile cruiser, stationed in San Diego, California. See the full story, along with an update of another alumnus, on page 5.
College Board Advanced Placement Courses TAG completes mural
page 10
v English Language & Composition
v English Language & Literature
v Calculus AB
v Statistics
v Art History
v U.S. History v Government & Politics
v Biology v Environmental Sciences
v Physics B
v World History
Center Moriches UFSD
529 Main Street
Center Moriches, New York 11934
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v
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College Accounting
Spanish V
Intermediate Algebra
Finite Mathematics
Pre-­Calculus
Psychology
and administrators will receive training this summer during an intense four (4) day institute in preparation for implementing the program. Elementary School:
Professional Learning Communities Syracuse University Project Advance (S.U.P.A.) Foreign language soccer game
page 12
credit that can be transferred to SUNY school
Middle School:
SUPA courses are taught by adjunct Syracuse University Professors. Therefore, upon completion students are eligible to receive an offi cial transcript from Syracuse University
College Board Pre-­Advanced Placement Program “SPRINGBOARD”
Beginning in 2009-­2010, v Chemistry
the Center Moriches Middle School v Participation in Government
will be one of the fi rst schools in v Introduction to Sociology
Suffolk County to offer the College v Intermediate Spanish
Board’s pre-­advanced placement v Intermediate French
program “Springboard.” The program was designed by the College Board SCCC Excelsior specifi cally to prepare students for Excelsior courses are taught by teachers from CM who have become SCCC adjunct success in Advanced Placement courses professors Therefore, students will earn SCCC and in college. A team of 24 teachers Postal Customer Center Moriches, New York 11934
Teachers in the school will continue to engage in conversations about the practice of teaching and learning with the focus being: “What do the best teachers do to captivate and motivate students, to help them reach unusually high levels of accomplishment?” Teachers continuously explore the fi ndings from literature on Teaching for Understanding and work to transform these ideas into practical, classroom Story cont’d on page 2
Non-­Profi t Organization
BULK RATE
US Postage Paid
Center Moriches, NY 11934
Permit No. 7
2 The District News Page 3 -­ CH News
Page 4 -­ MS News
Page 6 -­ 8-­ Class of ‘09
Page 9 -­ 11 -­ HS News
Page 12 -­ Sports
The District News
Contact:
Center Moriches Union Free School District 529 Main St. Center Moriches, NY 11934
Tel: (631) 878-­0052
Fax: (631) 878-­1796
Superintendent: Dr. Donald James
Board of Education:
Mr. Joseph McHeffey -­ President
Mrs.Wendy Turkington -­ Vice Pres.
Mr. Daniel Finnegan -­ Trustee
Mr.Wayne Vitale -­ Trustee
Mr. Thomas Hogan -­Trustee
Mrs. Patricia Galietta -­ Clerk
Mrs. Carol Sarames-­ Treasurer
Editor-­in-­Chief:
Dr. Donald James x117
Advisor/ Executive Editor:
Mr. Michael Gerhauser x511
Student Reporters:
Jordan Markle -­ Senior
Caroline McHeffey -­ Senior Brooke Wesche -­ Senior
Victoria Rasso -­ Senior
Jason Schilling -­ Senior
Nicolette Broda -­ Senior
Sam McBee -­ Sophomore
Nick DelliPizzi -­ Sophomore
June, 2009
The Student Council sponsored a fund raiser for a worthy cause. Money was collected to donate to the Make-­A-­Wish Foundation. The art club and student council worked together on the project by making coffee filter flower magnets to sell for Mother’s Day. Stars that were created by a wish child were also sold. This venture was a huge success. On June 3rd, $555 was donated to the Make-­A-­Wish Foundation in the name of the Clayton Huey Elementary School. The school received a plaque that will be displayed in the front office. Thanks to all who donated generously to this cause. What’s Inside
The Newspaper of the Center Moriches School District New Programs Maintain High Standards
From page 1
ready to use tools and methods used by highly successful teachers;; people with phenomenal success in helping their students achieve remarkable learning results. The program will emphasize both improving one’s teaching and developing ways to share insights with colleagues on a consistent and continual basis. As you can see, there is a great deal of work going on here in the District which calls for significant levels of support. Therefore, the Board has reconfigured two existing positions in the District in order to lend that additional support. At this time, we have reconfigured and realigned the Curriculum Coordinator and Associate Principal positions. Each will now be “Directors of Curriculum, Instruction The Clayton Huey Elementary School 5th Grade Art Club entered a poster contest sponsored by Suffolk County. The poster had to display the rules of water safety especially around pools. Jillian McMahon, a fifth grader from Clayton Huey won third place in the poster contest. On June 9th, Jillian, her mother, Laura with Mrs. Seitelman, the art club advisor went to the Suffolk County Legislature Building to be honored for her winning art work. At the presentation, Edward Romaine the legislator from the Center Moriches area presented Jillian with a proclamation declaring June 9th Jillian McMahon Day. Jillian’s winning poster will be on display in the elementary office. Please stop by to see it. Congratulations, Jillian for a job well done. and Assessment.” In an effort to fill these positions, the District conducted and extensive search for candidates and conducted a thorough screening and interview process. The committee responsible for the process consisted of teachers, community members (each with educational backgrounds), administrators and me. The process called for the screening of the more than 60 resumes that were submitted, subcommittee interviews, writing samples, full committee interviews, a “fishbowl” activity where finalists had to perform a task cooperatively while being observed by the committee, extensive reference checks and culminating with a Board of Education interview. Out of the process rose two VERY exceptional candidates. For the Pre-­K to Grade 8 position, Nicole Theo was selected. Mrs. Theo has served as a teacher, principal and professional developer for Australian United States Services in Education (AUSSIE) – one of the leading literacy development groups in the world. For the Grade 6 to 12 position, Lynda Adams was selected. Mrs. Adams too has served as a teacher, principal and staff developer -­ her primary expertise being in the sciences. These positions will work in tandem district-­wide bringing their particular expertise to teachers and students grade pre-­kindergarten to grade 12. As you can see, the Center Moriches School District is on the move, building on an already very strong program in an effort to make it great!
June, 2009 Clayton
Huey
Corner
The District News 3
Students Get W.A.R.M. in Literature Circles
Lori Mellina & Sandy Larsen
Elementary Teachers
During W.A.R.M. (We Are Reading More) week in March, Mrs. Larsen’s second grade class and Mrs. Mellina’s fifth grade class were paired to read together. However, the fifth grade decided to teach the second grade how to run their own literature circles for reading.
We chose the book White Bird by Clyde Bulla. This level N book was perfect for the second grade. After the fifth grade read the book over the weekend, they selected four jobs that would help the students generate discussions about the book’s content. The jobs included discussion director, investigator, vocabulary enricher, and illustrator. All the students had their own literature circle journals to record the work for their jobs. We worked together for five weeks, thirty minutes for each session. After completing the eight chapter book, we chose a final project to remember the book and experience by.
Mrs. Laura DeJohn, the art teacher from the middle school, came to the elementary school to help us make our “white birds” out of clay. She was able to fire them in the kiln and invited the classes to come to the middle school to paint them once they were ready. On June 11th, we walked to the art room in the middle school where Mrs. DeJohn instructed us on the use of acrylic paints. Her regular middle school students who came in after we left, commented on the beautiful birds, noting the many different personalities expressed in each piece. After a brief tour of the school we began our walk home to the elementary school, with a “W.A.R.M.” feeling of a great place to continue our education.
The second grade asked Mrs. Larsen to choose a book that they could do for literature circles on their own, after the fifth graders left. The fifth grade enjoyed the chance to share the experience and fun in reading and conversing about a wonderful piece of literature.
Second Grade Update
While studying tadpoles for a number of weeks, the second graders had a visit from the staff at Kaler’s Pond. Pam Musk and Adam McHeffey brought in pond water and mud and allowed the students to dig through and find little creatures. The students had fun discovering what lies beneath the pond waters at Kaler’s Pond. Students in Ms. Kunsch’s second grade class collected dimes as a part of a fund raising effort for The American Cancer Society. Four groups competed to fill their bottle with dimes first. Pictured above are Tyler, Brianna, Thomas, Hannah, Taylor, and Dakota. Together, the class raised over $300. They were rewarded with an ice cream sundae party. Great job everybody. 4 The District News Middle School Makings
June, 2009
Students Meet with Local Heroes
Mr. Voelger & Mr. DiGregorio’s Foundations of Learning class
Center Moriches 7th graders took the time this week to invite local veterans into the classroom and interview them on the stories of their lives and military experience. Veterans from foreign wars, such as World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and Iraq sat down with groups of five students who had prepared an hour’s worth of questions and insights. The stories ranged from Tom and Joan Nittreich’s experiences as an Air Force pilot and M.A.S.H nurse during the Korean War, Nicholas Stoia’s days in the Navy in World War 2, and Bill Pettit’s service as the President’s guard in the Coast Guard, and that’s to only name a few. Messages of bravery, regret, loss, and peace resonated through the discussions as the students journeyed back through time with the vets.
Each group will prepare “Local Hero” articles about their interviews with the vets. Pictures of Students in 7th grade had an opportunity to interview local veterans from the VFW. They learned about their experiences as pilots, M.A.S.H. nurses and even guarding the president. memorabilia and medals were taken and the interviews were recorded to be placed on the Center Moriches Local History Website created by the students at Center Moriches (http: world and has shown them a glimpse //www.cmschools.org/localhistory/). of what life is like outside of the This project has given the students Moriches Bay areas. a wonderful sense of place in the Sixth Grade Not Slowing Down
Ellen Kingston
English Teacher
The school year may be winding down, but the level of involvement in learning activities has sixth grade students performing at the top of their games.
Our study of the medieval period came to life during our trip to Medieval Times. Students witnessed knights jousting in full regalia while scullery maids served lunch to the cheering crowds. Underlying conspiracies to overthrow the throne kept the audience on the edges of their seats.
In science sixth grade students addressed the inquiry question, “How does something as heavy and an airplane fly?” After researching in both English and science classes, students constructed their own paper planes. They competed against one another to see whose airplane would stay in the air the longest and fly the farthest. The competition was fierce with students adjusting folds and flaps in their paper planes until the last minute. Michael Speed had the winning plane. He explained how his construction aided the plane’s lift. Nick Guereirra, a close second, told that the thrust and lift of a plane has to surpass the forces of drag and gravity.
Students in Ms. Kingston’s English classes completed their first formal research paper, complete with outline and bibliography. Students picked any topic they were interested in and successfully completed this complicated task. They completed written reports and gave oral presentations, as well. Topics were more varied than one could imagine, from the innocence of ladybugs and Hello Kitty to the sometimes frightening topics of the Holocaust and the Taliban. Some students chose such seemingly mundane subjects as shoelaces and ice cream, while others researched wind turbines and global warming. Some students ventured into areas that prompted major class discussions, such as Andrew Schlosberg’s report on “Why Kids Use Drugs,” and Cassidy Whelan’s research on the important work of the “Special Victims Unit.” Through their oral presentations we all learned more about these topics. Some interesting tidbits included John Gerdik’s research on shoelaces. He uncovered the legend that during WWII British soldiers wore straight laces on their boots, while the enemy criss-­crossed their bootlaces, hence the possible origination of the phrase “being straight laced.” Kaitlyn Guteres’s research on lady bugs informed us of the origin of the insects’ name. According to her findings, “Ladybugs were named back in the Middle Ages. Insects were destroying the crops. Catholic farmers prayed to the Virgin Mary for help. Soon the lady bugs came and ate the pests. The crops were saved and the farmers began calling the bugs ‘The Beetles of Our Lady.’ Eventually they came to be known as Lady Beetles or Ladybugs.” Erin Creen’s report on Play-­Doh informed us that the product first started out as a wall paper cleaner. (Who would have thought?) Rebecca Baron’s report on Crayola Crayons let us know that even crayons have to be politically correct. The color “flesh” had to be renamed “peach,” “Indian Red” was changed to “chestnut,” and “Prussian blue” was renamed “midnight blue.” In this technological age where information is only a click away, learning how to narrow a topic and evaluate sources was significant in the students’ research experience. For some the task of constructing an outline seemed quite challenging. However, it proved vital in organizing their information into a cohesive piece of writing. Having students choose their own topic was key to making this a motivating and meaningful learning experience for all.
June, 2009 Where are they now?
The District News 5
Kutkiewicz Graduates Naval Academy
Trisha Kutkiewicz, 2005 Center Moriches graduate, was congratulated by President Obama as she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Oceanography and was Commissioned as a Naval Officer. Trisha is one of 1,036 Midshipman to graduate the prestigious and demanding United States Naval Academy to become Naval or Marine Corp Officers. Also among her classmates graduating was Jack McCain, Senator McCain’s son. Tr i s h a ’s a c c o m p l i s h m e n t s during her very challenging years at the academy include: CAPTAIN of the Navy Varsity sailing Team, two-­time winner of the “Fair American” Trophy (Woman Sailor of the Year), representing Navy at four National Collegiate Championships and one of only two sailors to receive four Varsity Letters. Trisha attained the rank of Midshipman Lieutenant at the academy as a result of her leadership skills and performance. She was also appointed Executive Officer of the incoming class of 2012. Trisha has been commissioned as an ENSIGN and will serve as a Surface Warfare Officer aboard the USS BUNKER HILL, a Ticonderoga class guided missile cruiser, stationed in San Diego, California. The BUNKER HILL has served in the Persian Gulf and Arabian Gulf in support of Desert Shield and Desert Storm, as well as being in Somalia performing anti-­terrorist operations. Following the attack on the USS COLE, BUNKER HILL deployed to provide support and protection to US Navy Ships stationed there. Since her Commission, BUNKER HILL has earned 15 Battle “E” Awards. As a side note, USS BUNKER HILL was featured as “Bravo” in Tom Clancy’s 1986 novel Red Storm Rising.
Ensign Trisha Kutkiewicz is proud to join her brother Lieutenant JG Todd Kutkiewicz (2002 CM Graduate) in the service of her Country.
Trisha shakes hands with President Obama at her gradua-­
tion from the U.S. Naval Academy
Anthony Parlato (Class of ‘87) Helps Build Community
Jordan Markle
Senior
Center Moriches graduate Anthony Parlato, class of 1987, has never stopped giving back to the community that raised him. After graduating from Center Moriches High School, Anthony went to Boston College for his undergrad and then received his masters in social work at SUNY Stony Brook. Owning his own house in Center Moriches and having two kids of his own allowed Anthony to become very involved in the community. He started helping his father, Tony Parlato, by coaching MYO teams. In early 2000, Anthony was among several community members who acted on what they saw as a need to target youth between the ages of 12 and 19 with safe, healthy alternatives to drugs, alcohol, and gang related activities. In March of that year, the Moriches Community Center was incorporated.
According to Mr. Parlato, the purpose of the Community Center is to help kids stay out of trouble. There are currently 12 programs running including the 2nd Annual Olympic Camp, after school tutoring, Camp Creativity, Community Outreach, Open Recreation night, Peer Leadership, and Theatre Arts Camp, town clean ups, and dodge ball tournaments. Organizing all of these programs is hard work with little pay, but it is still very rewarding to Anthony. “I do it out of passion,” he said. “It’s a labor of love.” The enjoyment Mr. Parlato gets out of helping others is enough pay he says. The Moriches Community Center is always looking for volunteers. Being a volunteer looks great on college resumes for teens also. If interested, you can call Mr. Parlato at (631) 909-­1455.
The Center Moriches Computer, Math, and Science Zone Summer Camp 2009
 The 2009 Center Moriches Computer Zone Camp is here! Learn and explore topics that involve technology, math, and science. All lessons taught are aligned with New York State Standards.
 Students will be able to use various programs to explore computers, math, and science. We will explore topics such as the meteorology, sports, music, video gaming, current events, television, and much, much more!
 Directed by Mr. Brad Turnow and Mr. Timothy Clancy, the design of this camp is to have each student discover the purpose of computers, math, and science and how each impacts their daily lives.
Each 4 day week will be designed for different grade levels
July 6 -­ 9 Students Entering Grades 4 and 5
July 13 -­ 16 Students Entering Grades 6 and 7
 Each Camp day will be from 8:30am -­ 11:30am with a class maximum of 27 children for session. The Summer Camp takes place in a state-­of-­the-­art air-­conditioned room at Clayton Huey ES.
 Rate $150.00 per week per student. EARLY DISCOUNT FEE OF $125 IF YOUR CHILD SIGNS UP BEFORE JUNE 30, 2009. NO EXCEPTIONS.
 For more information and an application, visit www.claytonhueytechnology.cm.site.eboard.com and click on the Summer Camp link.
You can contact Mr. Clancy or Mr. Turnow at: tclancy@cmschools.org or bturnow@cmschools.org
6 The District News V
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Congratulations
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Nicole Sportiello
See interview on page 8
Kathryn Connolly-­Smithwick
Rounding out the Top Ten
Nicolette Broda
Shayna Allen
Nichole Shore
Ashley Stabile
Paige Ryan
Taylor Borrill
Samantha Ferrante
Gavin Rodgers
June, 2009 The District News 7
s Class of 2009!
MICHAEL ADAMS, plans to attend Suffolk County Community College. His major is undeclared.
CHARLOTTE ALLEN, plans to attend the University at Albany and major in both Political Science and History.
SHAYNA ALLEN, plans to attend Drexel University and major in Computer Science.
attend SUNY Maritime
KATHRYN CONNOLLY-­
SMITHWICK, plans to attend Wesleyan University and major in Neuroscience.
CHRISTOPHER COOPER, son of Frederick and Lois Cooper plans to attend SUNY Oswego and major in Business.
SHANNON CROCE, plans to attend Suffolk County Community College. Her major is undeclared.
RICHARD HARKIN, plans to enter the workforce.
CHRISTOPHER STORM HARRISON, plans to attend Suffolk County Community College. His major is undeclared.
CEIRA HENDERSON, plans to attend Clark Atlanta University. Her major is undeclared.
CAROLINE McHEFFEY, plans to attend Northern Kentucky University. Her major is undeclared.
JOSEPH MONROIG, plans to attend Suffolk County Community College. His major is undeclared.
ERIC MOSOFF, plans to attend SUNY Oswego and major in RACHELLE ALVARADO, DEIRDRE HENNESSEY, plans to Computer Science.
plans to attend Suffolk County attend SUNY Cobleskill. Her major AMANDA DAGRADI, plans to Community College and major in is undeclared.
CHRISTOPHER MURPHY, attend Suffolk County Community Criminal Justice.
plans to attend the University of the College. Her major is undeclared.
BELINDA HINES, plans to attend Arts and major in Musical Theatre.
REBECCA ARROYO, plans to Johnson & Wales University and attend Suffolk County Community BENNY DAVIS, plans are major in Culinary Arts.
KRISTIE NAPOLI, plans to undecided at this time.
College. Her major is undeclared.
attend Ithaca College. Her major is CHARISE HUGHES, plans to undeclared.
JUSTIN BARONE, plans to attend SALVATORE DiSIMONE, attend Briarcliff College and major plans to attend York College of St. Joseph’s College and major in in Criminal Justice.
CHRISTOPHER NATALIE, plans Pennsylvania and major in Business English.
to attend SUNY New Paltz. His Administration.
SAMANTHA JABLONSKI, plans major is undeclared.
TAYLOR BORRILL, plans to to attend High Point University and attend SUNY New Paltz. Her major MARGARET E. DONAHUE, major in Pre-­Med.
GERARD NEDROW, plans to plans to attend Suffolk County is undeclared.
attend the University of Dallas. His Community College. Her major is GREGG LAVAZOLI, plans to major is undeclared.
ALEX BOUCHER plans to attend undeclared.
enter the workforce.
SUNY Old Westbury and major in ASHLEE O’GRADY plans BRENDEN ESTES, plans to attend THOMAS LENNON, plans to Childhood Education.
to attend the Coastal Carolina Suffolk County Community College attend SUNY Morrisville and major University and major in KAYLA BRANTMEYER, plans to and major in Criminal Justice.
in Computer Information Systems.
Communications.
attend SUNY Oneonta. Her major JOSEPH FALCO, plans to attend MARIAH MAGEE, plans to attend KEVIN O’KEEFFE, plans to is undeclared.
SUNY Geneseo and major in Suffolk County Community College attend SUNY Oswego. His major is Biochemistry.
NICOLETTE BRODA, plans and major in Fashion.
undeclared.
to attend SUNY Stony Brook SAMANTHA FERRANTE, plans HILLARY MALTZ, plans to Southampton and major in SEAN OGDEN, plans to attend the to attend SUNY Fredonia and major attend Manhattanville College and Sustainable Business.
National Guard for one year and in English Education.
major in International Relations.
than St. John’s University and major QUASCHAY BROWN, plans to in Biology.
attend Suffolk County Community JOHNATHAN FREMGEN, JORDAN MARKLE, plans to plans to attend Suffolk County College and major in Nursing.
attend Long Island University GARBRIELLE PLUGUEZ, Community College and major in -­ C.W. Post Campus and major in plans to attend Suffolk County KATHARINA BRUNER, plans to Criminal Justice.
Speech Pathology.
Community College. His major is attend Dowling College and major undeclared.
ERIN GIBNEY, plans to attend the WILLIAM McBEE, plans to in Psychology.
University of New Haven and major attend Nashville State Community ELAINA PYSARCHUK, plans in Criminal Justice.
FRANCESCA CINTORINO, College and major in Music to attend St. Joseph’s College. Her plans to attend Suffolk County Recording.
major is undeclared.
DAVID GRAHAM, plans to Community College and major in attend SUNY Oneonta and major in ROBERT McDANIEL, plans to Business.
SEAN RADIGAN, plans to Computer Art.
attend Suffolk County Community attend Suffolk County Community STEPHANIE CODD, plans to College. His major is undeclared.
College. His major is undeclared.
attend SUNY Potsdam and major in KIERAN GWINN, plans are undecided at this time.
both Psychology/Business. THOMAS McGARRY, plans to SARA RANIERI, plans to attend 8 The District News June, 2009
Graduate Plans Cont’d
Suffolk County Community College. Her major is undeclared.
CALLIE RANK, plans to attend St. Joseph’s College and major in Elementary Education.
MARIANNA SINGH, plans to attend Suffolk County Community College and major in Nursing.
KERRI-­LYNN WETTERAU, plans to attend Wesley College and major in Political Science.
BRIANA SMITH, plans to attend Suffolk County Community College. Her major is undeclared.
JEAN WILLIAMS, plans to attend JOHNNY WRUCK, plans to Suffolk County Community College attend Jacksonville University and and major in Liberal Arts/Mortuary major in Criminal Justice.
Science.
VICTORIA RASSO, plans to attend SUNY Cortland and major in EDWARD SMITH, plans to New Media Design.
attend Suffolk County Community College. His major is undeclared.
BRIAN RENZETTI, plans to attend Suffolk County Community REBECCA SPITALERI, plans to College and major in Liberal Arts/
attend Suffolk County Community Medical.
College. Her major is Photography.
KENNETH RIKER, plans to attend University of Utah. His major is undeclared.
GAVIN RODGERS, plans to attend Suffolk County Community College and major in Math.
CHERYL ROSENHAGEN, plans to attend SUNY Oswego and major in Biology/Pre-­Med.
PAIGE RYAN, plans to attend SU NY Oswego and major in Biology/
Psychology.
NICOLE SPORTIELLO, plans to attend Providence College and major in Secondary Education/
Math.
ASHLEY STABILE, plans to attend Coastal Carolina University and major in Biology/Pre-­
Engineering.
JONATHAN STUART, plans to attend St. John’s University and major in Political Science/
Engineering.
JULIE STUART, plans to attend CARL SARNO, plans to attend BOCES LPN Program.
Suffolk County Community College and major in Criminal Justice.
DANIELLE SWEENEY, plans to attend Suffolk County Community ALAN SCHENCK, plans to attend College. Her major is undeclared.
Dowling College and major in Computer Information Systems.
DANA SZCZECINA, plans to attend George Mason University JASON SCHILLING, plans to and major in Global Affairs.
attend Lynchburg College and major in Physical Education/Health JESSICALYNN TANK, plans to Coaching.
attend Suffolk County Community College. Her major is undeclared.
THOMAS SCHRAGE, plans to attend Houghton College and major JAMES TIETJEN, plans to in Elementary Education.
attend Suffolk County Community College, His major is undeclared.
MICHAEL SCOTT, plans to attend Alfred State College. His IARA TRIMARCO, plans to major is undeclared.
attend Alfred State College and major in Computer Graphics and CANDICE SHORE, plans to Animation.
attend Suffolk County Community College and major in Criminal JORDAN WARD-­ADAMS, plans Justice.
to attend St. Thomas Aquinas College and major in Business NICHOLE SHORE, plans to Management/Accounting.
attend Suffolk County Community College Honors Program. Her BROOKE WESCHE, plans to major is undeclared.
attend SUNY Cortland. Her major is undecided.
PETER WINSLOW, plans to attend SUNY Oswego and major in Computer Science.
MICHAEL WINSLOW, plans to attend SUNY Albany and major in Accounting.
Making Top Honors
Nichole Shore
Senior
Senior Nicole Sportiello has recently earned the title of Center Moriches High School Valedictorian. She is honored to have accomplished this outstanding achievement through her hard work and perseverance during her four years of high school. I had a chance to sit down with Nicole and talk about this wonderful achievement. Here’s what she had to say:
How do you feel about being number one in the class?
“I’m excited and honored to be this year’s valedictorian. I’m glad that all of my work resulted in this, and I’m even happier that this title has helped in my acceptance to my top school of choice, Providence College, where I will be attending next fall.”
How were you able to achieve this goal?
“I focused and worked hard on my studies. I completed all required assignments and sought help from my teachers when the information wasn’t clear to me.”
Was it easy?
“It wasn’t easy. AP classes were especially difficult. In order to succeed in these classes I learned to manage my time and study a lot more. Once you come up with a routine, it starts to get easier.”
Were you surprised when you found out that you were the Valedictorian for Center Moriches?
“It was very close at the end;; it always comes down to the third quarter [before you find out final rankings]. I’m glad that I finished first.”
Any advice to those who hope to become Valedictorian of their class?
“You have to maintain good study habits and work all the way to the end of the school year. Make sure you manage your time wisely and know when your assignments are due. Don’t get too tied down with studying though. I was able to manage school with work and sports, while still spending time with friends.” June, 2009 The District News 9
Clayton Huey Elementary students enjoyed viewing their art and the art of others at the annual spring show on May 19.
Don’t Forget! Graduation is Saturday, June 27 at 10 am. Senior Breakfast is at 8:30 am
10 The District News High School Happenings
June, 2009
Canal Street Mural Gets a Facelift
By Sam McBee
Sophomore
The Teen Action Group has been working hard for the re-­
beautification of Center Moriches inspired by the recent graffiti in January. They have already started repainting the Canal Street mural and are planning on doing much more.
“I think its great that the school and community are working together to make center Moriches a beautiful place to live,” said Mrs. Sandberg-­DeJohn, high school art teacher and T.A.G advisor. She acknowledges that T.A.G. is a group effort and would not be possible without all of the help. Hillary Maltz is very active in the group, attending every meeting and putting in lots of work. She also won the mural design contest and now her design is being painted over the Canal Street mural.
The town is showing its appreciation for T.A.G. by donating food, drinks, and snacks for all that help out. The Chamber of Commerce surprised the kids with free pizzas one Saturday while they were working on repainting the mural, along with free doughnuts from the Shining Star Bakery in town. Local painter Arthur Hackert donated paint, scaffolding, drop clothes, and other supplies for the group. The Teen Action Group is made up of students from the Middle School and the High School, as well as many teachers at Center Moriches including Middle School Teacher Mrs. Novice, High School Business Teacher Mrs. Sloan, High School Technology Teacher Mr. Roy, Elementary School Art Teacher Mrs. Blumberg, and fifth grade Teacher Mrs. Mellina. In April, students involved in the town clean up were awarded certificates of appreciation by Suffolk County Legislator Ed Romain at the CMTA Student Awards held at the Peace Garden Planned for HS
By Nick DelliPizzi
Sophomore
The courtyard will have murals for the Martin Luther King Jr. Society, one will be added Next year the Non-­Violence each year after the creation of the program, which consists of garden. Students are encouraged members of the SADD and Multi-­ to hand-­in inspirational quotes, cultural groups, will be creating a which we be written around the “Peace Garden” in the courtyard garden. Flowers will be planted and they will come back each year next to the main office. “The purpose of the peace after they are planted. “I believe it will improve garden is to have a the morale of the place were students “Students will see can have a space were something they have school” says Mrs. Lanham “Because they feel safe and can built, an area built by students will see hang out or study” students to be enjoyed something they says SADD advisor have built, an area Mr. Velotti who, with by students.”
built by students Mrs. Lanham, is in to be enjoyed by charge of the project. Construction of the garden students.” Because it is part of a joint is to start next year with a grand opening likely in spring of 2010. community service, students can It was meant to start this spring get community service hours for but weather and lack of materials things like the National Honor prevented it. Construction will be Society or college resumes. If you carried out in two phases: phase are interested in helping out the one will take one year, during Non-­Violence Program in creating which time the existing courtyard the peace garden, you can contact will be cleaned out. Phase two Mrs. Lanham or Mr. Velotti at the will be the actual building and high school. planting of the garden. Shining Star bakery provided snacks for volunteers working on the mural. Scaffolding and painting supplies were donated by Arthur Hackert.
High School. This past February, shortly after the graffiti appeared in town, the Teen Action Group repainted boarded up windows at the electronics shop that had been damaged by the fire at Buckley’s.
In the future, the group plans to paint another mural on the wall of Seasons of China at the Bank Street Square. Mrs. Sandberg-­DeJohn would particularly like to thank Sophomore Annalise Sconzo who pioneered the Teen Action Group, as well as all of the people involved in this group effort, without whom it would be impossible.
A Fond Farewell to Mr. Brunnemer
Mike Gerhauser
HS English Teacher
Over the years, my students have often asked me (themselves wondering what career they will find themselves in) if I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher. My answer is that I had a stirring that I’d like to teach sometime in eleventh grade, but it was my 12th grade English teacher who so impressed me and moved me that I decided that that was what I wanted to do. That was who I wanted to be. After earning my Bachelor’s degree and teaching for a year upstate New York, I was fortunate to get a job teaching English back at my old high school and work alongside the man who inspired me to enter the profession. For the past six years it has been a privilege to call this man my colleague. If we search our memories, most of us have a teacher whom we will never forget. A teacher who inspired us, challenged us, encouraged us, and motivated us to be our best. Lew Brunnemer is one of those teachers. If you don’t know Mr. Brunnemer, he’s hard to describe. But maybe this will help: if you ever needed to know how Greek Tragedy influenced the Modernist movement in literature, you’d ask Lew;; if you wanted to know who directed Kevin McCarthy in the 1956 version of Invasion of the Body Snatchers, you’d ask Lew;; If you were having company over and needed to know what kind of wine to serve with barbeque braised oxtails with red chili beans, you’d ask Lew. Lew Brunnemer bought a house in Center Moriches in 1979 and began teaching at the high school in 1986. He raised two boys with his wife, Terry, and has remained active in the community. Mr. Brunnemer has had a hand in teaching more than 2,300 students who have passed through our schools – many have come back after they’ve left and thanked him. This year’s graduating class asked Mr. Brunnemer to be the keynote speaker at graduation. Working in the community where he lives has given Mr. Brunnemer a unique position in our schools. He wants to see the kids at Center Moriches succeed because they’re his kids. He wants to see the community prosper because it’s his home, too. We often chide him about his position. He’s got clout;; he’s got pull;; he’s well-­liked. The truth is, Lew Brunnemer has been a valuable asset to this community for over 25 years and it will be very hard to fill those (red) shoes. June, 2009 High School Happenings
The District News 11
MCC Gets OK From NYS;; Seeks Community Feedback on Building Project
By Jason Schilling
Senior
The Moriches Community Center has finally received approval from the NY State Education Department regarding plans to build a community center. The plan is to build a 2,500 square foot community center building on secondary school property to be leased by the Center Moriches School District. This would create a safe place for kids to go and ultimately be a very good thing for the community, according to Kathleen Johnson, co-­executive director of the Moriches Community Center. The only hurdle left is the current economy. So far, the community center has depended on donations from local businesses. Unfortunately, according to Ms. Johnson, “Many of the local businesses and tradespeople are not currently in a position to donate supplies, materials, and labor to our project as they would have been even a year ago.” Moriches Community Center has some moneys saved in their building fund, but, according to Ms. Johnson, they are “now looking for community input regarding whether an intense fundraising campaign would be successful in raising the balance needed, or if it makes more sense to delay construction of the building until the economy has returned to a more favorable state.” Anyone wishing to offer comment, ideas or suggestions may send them to info@morichescommunitycenter.
org.” Currently, the Community Center runs several programs from various locations, but it has been a challenge working without a central location according to co-­executive director Anthony Parlato. The center’s open rec nights are available to everyone in the community at the Clayton Huey Elementary school every Friday night at 7 pm. Open rec nights offer events including dodgeball, basketball, soccer and more. The program is run by Anthony Parlato. “It’s a lot of fun and a great program for the kids of Center Moriches,” said Sophomore Emma Whittle, a regular attendee of this program. The Open Rec program will run until August, take a short break, and then resume again in September.
Over there summer there will be many events available. One of these events is the Olympic camp. This is available for children grades 2-­7. This is a fun-­filled week of games, light competitions, and team work challenges lead by Coach Anthony. This program is available in sessions. The dates are July 6-­10 for session 1 and August 24-­28 for session 2. The cost of a session is $125 per week. The Community Center is also offering Camp Creativity. This is a fun program for grades K-­5 offering arts & crafts, games & light recreation. Weekly half-­day sessions start July 6 the cost of this program is $40 per session thanks to a grant from the Brookhaven Youth Bureau. The last camp offered is the Theater Arts Camp. This runs during the month of August for grades 1-­10. Campers at this event can experience all aspects of theater, ending with a live, abridged performance of a musical. This program costs $60 per child with a $20 discount per child if registering more than one. 2nd ANNUAL
OLYMPIC CAMP
Sponsored by Moriches Community Center and Kids in
Control Peer Leadership
Dates: Session 1 -­ July 6-­10
Session 2 -­ August 24-­28
Times: 8:45 am-­3:00 pm
Ages: 2nd through 7th grade
Place: Clayton Huey Elem. School fields
Cost: $125 per week (includes T-­shirt)
Join us for the 2nd Annual Olympic Camp! It’s a fun-­filled
week of games, socialization and light competitions where
we promote team work, physical fitness and diversity
tolerance. Led by Coach Anthony and his staff from Kids
in Control Peer Leadership, this year’s campers are sure to
enjoy our exciting lineup of fun activities and challenges!
Campers should plan to bring lunch, fruit, sunscreen and a
hat...we’ll have water and snacks on hand!
Registration fills quickly, so sign up today by calling Coach
Anthony at 909-­1455 or visit
June, 2009 C.M. Sports
The District News 12
Spain Reigns on the Plain
Nick Dellipizzi
Sophomore
The Foreign Language Honor Society recently organized a fundraising soccer game between the language classes on Thursday, June 4. Spanish classes vs. French classes battled down at the soccer field by the right side of the parking lot. From the moment the classes hit the field the competition seemed fierce. The honor society raised over $200, which will go toward a trip they are planning for next year.
After rules and regulations were explained the games began. Spanish had an arsenal of soccer studs with most of the Spanish team also playing on a travel team. The game started with Spanish dominating ball control and possession and then one was in the back of the net. Spanish took the first half 5-­1, but the French must have had quite a pep talk at the half because they came back and scored two goals in the second half. Unfortunately, the Spanish also scored more goals. Brian Alifano was on fire as this game went on hitting a perfect volley and Jessica Bandrowski drives the ball downfield to help lead the Spanish team to victory in the first Foreign Lan-­
guage Honor Society Soccer game. scoring a hat trick. Harvey Houpe, Nick Dellipizzi, and others also contributed to the Spanish score. The game ended with a final score of 7-­4 in favor of the Spanish team. Spanish Teacher Ms.Gillete said it was “a great effort by both teams.” This game may have involved Spanish and French students, but it was a truly global affair with players from every corner of the globe: Salina Schoenholzer from Switzerland, Carlos Martinez from Ecuador, Pietro Schiano and Nick Dellipizzi from Italy, Ms. Curticapean from Romania, Mario Mayan from El Salvador, and Tayfun Turkmen from Turkey. It was a good opportunity for cultures to come together. Since the event was so successful, the Foreign Language Honor Society has already begun planning the rematch for next year. See you there. Sports Physicals 2009 -­ 2010
Survivors at the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life celebrate their victory over cancer in the “Survivor’s lap.” This year’s event was held at the high school track on Saturday, June 13 from noon to midnight. Over 500 people attended the event, raising more than $125,000.
* Sports physicals will be given on Thursday, August 13th. * Pre-­Physicals 12:00 -­ 4:00 * Physicals 5:30 -­ on * All students must see the nurse for their pre-­
physicals before they can see the doctor. * If parents prefer their child to see their family doctor, they must have their doctor fill out our sport physical form. They can be picked up at the main office.