Commack Courier March 2017

March 2017

Regeneron Scholars Honored

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Science scholars are congratulated by the team of science research teachers and administrators. From left to right: Dr. Daniel Kramer, Principal Leslie Boritz, Director of Science Dr. Alison Offerman-Celentano, Richard Kurtz, Jordan, Abby, Andrea Beatty, Jeanette Collette, Dr. Lorraine Solomon, and Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Donald James.

Two Commack seniors are semifinalists in the prestigious Regeneron Science Talent Search (formerly sponsored by Intel): Abbigayle and Jordan.

More than 1,700 students entered this prestigious competition; only 300 are selected for the “scholars” level. Each scholar receives a $2,000 award with an additional $2,000 going to our school.

Abby’s project is titled, “A Study of Westward Recurving Tropical Cyclone Tracks in the Atlantic.” The focus of her project was to analyze the tracks of hurricanes that recurve in the westward direction, as Hurricane Sandy did, and those that recurved eastward as they travel north to determine if there were any features that might identify the direction of recurvature for the purposes of developing a predictive model. Abby did find a pattern related to the presence of high pressure systems that could potentially improve cyclone forecasting. Abby has earned many other science honors during her high school career, including being named a national semifinalist in the Siemens Competition. She is an active volunteer, athlete, and a member of four honor societies.

Jordan’s project is titled, “The Efficacy of a Rational Combination of BCL6-BTB and Survivin Inhibitors in Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma.” Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) is a form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

and approximately 40% of patients are resistant to current chemotherapy treatments for this type of cancer. The purpose of Jordan’s study was to determine the efficacy of a combination of two types of inhibitors in DLBCLs. He analyzed drug combinations to determine the extent of the synergistic effect and found that there were combinations that were significantly more effective than either drug alone. Jordan conducted much of his research at Weill Cornell Medical College. He is multi-talented and has won awards in history, science, world language, and social studies. He also took first place at the NYS ISEF Science and Engineering Fair in Translational Medical Science.

“Our students are incredibly gifted,” said Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Donald James. “The topics Abby and Jordan chose to study led to amazing revelations and novel new approaches to medical and climatic issues. Their analytic prowess and persistence is inspiring to all of us, and we’re thrilled that their hard work is being recognized on an International level. I would also like to congratulate the entire team of professionals who supported these students throughout the research and application process: Mr. Richard Kurtz, Dr. Lorraine Solomon, Ms. Jeanette Collette, Dr. Daniel Kramer and Mrs. Andrea Beatty.”

April Ap il 20, Apri 20 20 2017 017 BOE B OE M Meeting eet eting ing & Bu B Budget udget et Ado Adoption doption at 8 8pm pm m Hubbs H ubbs A Administration dmini mi istra st ation Center May May y 4, 2017 201 01 17 BOE BOE M Meeting eeting g&B Budget udget et Hea Hearing eari ring ga att 8p 8pm pm Burr B urr Intermediate Inte ermed diate e School School May M ay 16, 16 6, 2017 20 Budget Vote B ud dget V ote & Trustee Trustee e Election Ele ectio on 6am-9pm Commack School Commack Middle Mid ddle S ch hool & Commack k High School Hig gh S ch hool Can’t C an’t make make itit to o a meeting? mee e ting? Watch it live livve on on our our website website e or or watch watc t h a recording of the the e meeting meetin et ng att your you o r convenience. con nvenience.

Visit Visitt www.commackschools.org

Commack’s Ambassador Program Invitational Education You’re invited!

Visit our schools and experience some of the wonderful programs we offer to our students. All the info is on the Commack Website!

Upcoming Dates: Burr April 4, 2017 - 10am Sawmill April 4, 2017 - 9:30am Commack High School April 4, 2017 - 8:45am

U.S. Presidential Scholars at CHS Four Commack High School students were named Presidential Scholar Candidates, who are recognized as some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors.

Congratulations to Zack, Christine, Joshua, and Matthew (not in photo), whose academic achievement and exceptional scores on the ACT or SAT exams qualifies them to seek finalist status as one of 161 United States Pres-

idential Scholars.

Notification will be made in April of this year.

Since 1964, this unique federal program has honored more than 7,000 students who have demonstrated scholarship, leadership, artistic excellence, and selfless service to others.

In photo, from left to right: Director of Guidance Jonathan Macaluso, Zach, Christine, Josh, and Principal Leslie Boritz.

Don’t Poo-Poo This Invention!

Regional Winners in

Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision Competition Four of our students are regional winners in the 2016-2017 Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision competition. Ninth graders Louis, Kimberly, Christine, and Michael won for their team project, “Scat Scan: The Future of Microbiome Analysis.” The team was one of 24 Regional winners, chosen from thousands of entries from across the United States and Canada. As regional winners, the school will receive a Toshiba laptop, an engraved plaque, and a banner. Each team member and science teacher/ mentor Richard Kurtz receive a portable hard drive and framed certificates.

“Having one of the six top teams for the Toshiba Exploravision competition is mind boggling to me,” said science teacher

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and mentor Richard Kurtz. “These four ninth grade students were totally dedicated, independent, and creative in developing a method that projects a technology twenty years into the future. The project idea envisions modifying the commonly used toilet to enable it to check a person's natural internal bacterial populations by analyzing human waste, allowing the information to be used as a strong indicator of a person's health.”

While the subject may be a bit off-putting, the idea relies on the study of DNA and genetics. The device envisions a retractable arm that sends a sample to a miniature glass microfluidic computer chip, which will extract DNA, then isolate the prokaryotic 16S ribosomal RNA gene using PCR amplification and sequencing. Results are sent to the user’s smartphone, providing “fast, clean, and convenient data about their microbiome health.

The team is advancing to the Nationals, and the next round of the competition requires creating a proThe Commack Courier

totype of their project and a website for a chance to compete in Washington, D.C. in June for additional prizes totaling up to a $10,000 savings bond.

In addition to our regional winners, two other teams at Commack High School also received Honorable Mention (top 10%) in the competition: ninth grade students Theresa, Sarah, and Maheen for their project: “3D Regeneration of Body Parts and Organs,” and tenth graders Aria and Yeil for their project: “ActiveBrain - A Wearable Device to Monitor Brain Activity.”

“We commend our teams of young scientists and inventors for the caliber and depth of the research that went into the creation of these concepts,” said Dr. Donald James, Superintendent of Commack Schools, “and congratulate them on receiving recognition for their work in such a prestigious competition.”

Dear Friends and Neighbors, After a recent trip to Albany to advocate for funding, less testing, and curriculum reform, the whirlwind of budget season is upon us. As we pursue our long-term fiscal planning, we continue to review and improve the process. Our budget workshops and informal budget hearing (dates listed on page 1) are open to the public. We hope you can attend, and we welcome your input and involvement.

The Board of Education and administration have well-defined goals that focus on developing new programs to foster student academic growth, social and emotional development, and student success. We are moving away from one-size-fits-all, state-developed curriculum and programs, and creating opportunities and programs designed for the students of Commack - programs that are age appropriate, well rounded, and lead to achievement, as we define it.

Our monthly “State of the District” presentations at the Board of Education meetings are posted on our website. From academics to cyber-security to technology, you can view a snapshot in time of where we stand, as well as the advancements we have accomplished in our schools. Just click the “District Office” button to locate the Board of Education section.

As we welcome spring and longer days, we encourage you to take part in the many upcoming school and community activities listed on the school calendar. Please feel free to contact me with any concerns or just to say hello!

Sincerely, Donald James, Ed.D. Superintendent, Commack School District

BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETINGS Thursday, April 20, 2017 Commack High School at 8:00 p.m.* Thursday, May 4, 2017 Burr Intermediate School at 8:00 p.m.* *The Board will convene at 6:30 p.m. and is expected to adjourn into Executive Session. Public meetings will commence at times stated above.

SPRING RECESS-SCHOOL CLOSED April 10-17, 2017 VOTER REGISTRATION May 4, 2017 at Commack High School May 10, 2017 at Commack Middle School 9:00 a.m - 3:00 p.m.

Click the Community Events link on the Commack Website for more events www.commackschools.org Follow us on Twitter @Commack Schools

If you would like to see what goes on in our schools on a daily basis, follow us on Twitter @commackschools.

You don’t need to have an account to see our Tweets - just click the blue bird on the top of the Commack Website’s home page!

Two of Mrs. Lally’s second grade art classes at North Ridge participated in the Wyland Foundation’s “Water is Life Challenge.” Jake, a student in Mrs. Castaneda’s class, won the contest and was awarded a $50.00 gift certificate for art supplies.

The contest encouraged students to explore the issues and wonders of conservation by painting classroom murals and individual works of art. The hope is that this will lead students to a greater understanding of their role as future caretakers of our water resources.

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Science and Humanities Symposium Commack High School’s science research students competed in the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) on Sunday, February 5th. This is one of the most competitive fairs that students enter to apply for a spot to present their research.

Congratulations to Daniel, who earned second place in Engineering, and to Abbigayle for her second place win in Earth and Environmental Sciences.

In photo, our winners with their mentors and supporters, from left to right: Principal Leslie Boritz, Director of Science Alison Offerman-Celentano, science teachers Richard Kurtz, Daniel Kramer, Jeanette Collette, Lorraine Solomon, and lab assistant Andrea Beatty.

Western Dancing and Do-Si-Do at Indian Hollow Continuing a twelve year tradition, Indian Hollow Primary School hosted a First Grade Western Night. Physical Education teacher Cory New took the children through the square dancing moves, after practicing the previous weeks during gym classes.

Parents and students alike totally enjoyed dressing for the occasion, with flannel shirts, neckerchiefs, cowboy hats, boots, and danced around the gym with each other.

Making a Positive Impact Through Good Deeds The students in Ms. Goldman’s fifth grade class at Sawmill Intermediate School are paying it forward to help others through their “good deeds.” They were assisted and motivated by John Feal and his FealGood Foundation.

The children worked in teams to perform their good deeds, planning and soliciting parental support for their projects.

Landon, Nick, Ilana, Crystal and Shubhan tied on their aprons and baked goods to sell at a bake sale. They used the money raised to buy pet supplies and donate them to Little Shelter in Huntington.

Emily, Michaela, Julian, Bobby, Lindsay, Talia, Keira, Madison, Billal, and Sebastian also donated money and supplies to Little 4

Shelter, raised by operating a donation station outside of Pet Friends in Commack one cold winter day.

Vasili, Luca, Jadyn, Isabelle, and Manik walked their neighborhood collecting non-perishable food items. They then deThe Commack Courier

livered their donation to Island Harvest Food Bank, which is Long Island’s largest hunger relief organization.

Carson, Emily, James, Nick, Taylor, and Adriana decided to work with special needs children at Sawmill.

They spent every lunch period for three weeks eating and playing with the students in one of the special education classes. Even though the project is over, the friendships forged have lasted!

We would like to extend a special thank you to the families of our students who gave of their time to help us contribute to our community and to Pet Friends, Island Harvest, and Little Shelter who helped the students get this done!

ools h c S r u O Music in

March is National “Music in Our Schools” month month. Students at Sawmill Intermediate School took part in a series of fun activities and talked about the importance of music in school and in their everyday lives.

Third grade students made posters about what music means to them; fourth Looking over the clues in the scavgrade students creenger hunt. ated new acronyms to remember the notes

o of the staff by writing m music stories, and the fifth grade students participated in a musician scavenger hunt.

School-wide, all students listened to a musical selection each week and were invited to “Name That Tune.”

A winner was chosen each week for their correct answer and a musical prize was awarded.

We hope everyone realizes how important music is in our lives!

Third graders made “What Music Means to Me” posters during their music class with Mrs. Thompson.

Global Issues

We Can Change Things Commack Middle School Student Government members explored the Museum of Natural History, had lunch at Planet Hollywood, and experienced a Broadway show.

While at the museum, students explored exhibits concerning current world issues including climate change, space exploration, and other environmental topics. A discussion ensued on how these topics are addressed by our current government representatives and how Student Government can initiate activities and events to make changes in our community.

Save Those Used Gift Cards!

Giving a gift card is an increasingly popular way to show you care. While they may be great for the giver and receiver, they are not a great gift for the environment. Each year over 75 million pounds of recyclable PCV enter our landfills as a result of gift cards.

Commack Middle School’s Nature Explorers and Earth Protectors Club initiated a Gift Card Recycling Drive. With the help of Starbucks locations in Elwood, C o m m a c k , and East Northport, the students collect-

ed over 2,000 empty and used cards. A local Dunkin’ Donuts also got involved by saving the cards. Club members repurposed approximately 500 cards into guitar picks and offered to staff, the music department, and clubs. The remaining cards were sent off to be recycled and used to create hotel keys, other gift cards, signs or luggage tags.

So when you use the remaining balance on your gift cards and they ask, “Do you want the card back, or should I throw it out?” think about recycling or repurposing the card. CMS Nature Explorers and Earth Protectors will always

accept your empty gift cards. As Club Advisor Debra Lindquist stated, “We are making a change one store at a time. Please do your share to help save our planet.”

In the photo, club members with some of the cards collected.

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The Science Olympiad club competed in the annual regional competition in January. The competition features over 40 teams comprised of the brightest science students from schools throughout Suffolk County. Students compete in pairs in a wide variety of events ranging from study type events such as Anatomy and Physiology, to STEM based events such as Robotic Arm. Two Commack teams of 15 students each entered the competition. The teams were coached by Renata Arceri, Justin King, Andrea Beatty, Jeanette Collette, and Kathleen Corbisiero. It was an exciting day of rigorous competitions starring at 8am and ending at 4pm, followed by an award ceremony. Awards are given to the 10 best performances in each event.

Commack students received awards (medals) in the following events: Anatomy and Physiology, Chem Lab, Dynamic Planet, Remote Sensing, Micobe Mission, and Rocks and Minerals.

Science Olympiad Honors

Partners In Reading at Wood Park

During the month of January, Wood Park Primary School participated in the Partners in Reading (P.I.R.) Program. Students were encouraged to complete nightly reading activities at home with their families.

School-wide activities such as “Poem in Your Pocket Day” and “Belly Laugh Wednesday” were also incorporated into the monthly calendar.

As a culmination to the P.I.R. program, Wood Park’s reading department and PTA 6

hosted a Literacy Night in January. Students dressed as their favorite book characters, participated in a shared reading activity with teachers, had special reading time with their families, and watched a special performance sponsored by the PTA called, “On the Inside.” New and gently used books were collected to be donated to a non-profit organization on Long Island for distribution to underprivileged children so that they may also experience the joy of reading.

Souper Bowl Success at North Ridge

The eighth annual “Souper Bowl” at North Ridge Primary School was a huge success again this year! The children collected a total of 5,368 cans and bags of soup, which were donated to Long Island Cares, one of the region’s most comprehensive hunger action organizations.

Physical education teacher, Lorraine Esposito, “sculpts” the cans into different shapes each year. This year, she

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formed the cans into the school’s initials - a giant “NR.” As the “sculpture” took shape each day in the gym, the children were motivated to bring in more donations. Donations were charted and Mrs. Serxner’s second grade class (in photo) won the “Souper Bowl” by donating over 1,000 cans of soup. The class received extra gym time as a reward for helping others in need.

What What Is Is Your Your Story?

Story? PTA PTA Reflections Reflections

The National PTA Reflections Program is America’s oldest and largest arts education program of its kind. The program was developed in 1969 to encourage students to explore their talents and express themselves. This year, over 350 Burr students submitted entries and 75 students were

recognized at a special Burr PTA Showcase for bringing this year’s theme, “What is Your Story,” to life through film production, dance choreography, literature, music composition, photography, and visual arts.

Special Congratulations to Madeline (photo,left), who won an Award of Merit

for Film in the Grades 3-5 Division in the Suffolk PTA Regionals. In the photo on the right are the students who won first place in the various categories at Burr Intermediate School. Many thanks go to the PTA Reflections committee chaired by Mrs. Shikarides and PTA President Mrs. Heimink.

Transforming Gym Into Movie Land The students at Wood Park Primary experienced a new and exciting adventure this January when Mrs. Pugh, PE teacher, turned their gym into “Movie Land.”

Students were able to climb and swing through “Jungle Book,” race their scooters in “Cars,” bounce like Tigger in “Winnie the Pooh,” fly through the air in

“Peter Pan,” fish for Ariel’s precious treasure in “The Little Mermaid,” try and feed Dory and Nemo with hockey sticks in “Finding Nemo/Dory,” and try to get their highest score in “Angry Birds.”

The children increased their strength, coordination, and endurance all while having the time of their lives!

You Are Never Too Small To

Make a Difference

Kindergarten students, their parents, and the staff at Rolling Hills Primary School purchased new books for a great cause to benefit pediatric patients at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital.

One of the students in Mrs. Gandolfi’s kindergarten class was recently diagnosed with cancer and is receiving treatment at the hospital. She is not able to attend school this year but her classmates conThe Commack Courier

tinue to make cards and videos for her to lift her spirits.

Each of the 150 new books that parents and members of the Rolling Hills staff donated include a sticker with a special message, “Thank you for taking care of our Rolling Hills friend.” The books were distributed to both the clinic and the hospital to help brighten the difficult days for the pediatric patients who are dealing with cancer.

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Sharing the Love!

At Sawmill, Janet Schoenemann’s class made beautiful and creative Valentine mailboxes. Maria Kalonaros’ class joined them for a party and to decorate Valentine picture frames to donate to their friends at Gurwin.

Valentine’s Day was a real hoot for Mrs. Gallagher’s second grade students at Rolling Hills! The children sent warm wishes to each other and had fun making this craft.

Burr Honors Veterans

The staff of North Ridge had a busy Valentine’s Day! They prepared 36 lunches of big sandwiches, chips, fruit, cookies, water, and granola bars for homeless men in Huntington. . They also prepared 18 quarts of soup to be shared with a local food pantry. All in all, a lot of buckets got filled on Valentine’s Day by the staff at North Ridge!

Mrs. Sandak and Mrs. Nichols classes were greeted by many “grandmas and grandpas” who were so glad to see them when they took a trip to Bristal Assisted Living in East Northport. They sang many songs, danced to the old favorite, “LOVE,” and they made an adorable Valentine’s Day craft. The classes perform a monthly service learner project.

Veterans from all five branches of the military visited Susan Rosner and Amy Mazur’s classes at Burr Intermediate School.

Student Veterans who are attending college at Stony Book University described their various roles in the service, the places they’ve been, and how they feel about their experiences. They answered questions, and the children were inspired by their tales of bravery, courage, and dedication to freedom. Burr’s Principal, Paul Schmelter, also spoke about his own personal experiences in the military. The veterans and students then worked together to create valentines to distribute to all the veterans attending the university. Thanks to class parent, Mrs. Voss, for arranging such a great afternoon for both students and veterans!

In photo with Mrs. Rosner, Mrs. Mazur and some of their students are veterans Glenn Holt, James Smith, Eric Cipriani, Marquis Cunningham, and Colin Limbach.

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Imaginative Ways to Count to 100 Although the 100th day of school was delayed by a February snowstorm, it was celebrated with excitement and in some very creative ways! Each of our four primary schools hosted special 100th Day events, as you can see in the photos below.

At Rolling Hills, one class was challenged to build a 100 cups tower, and other creative ideas including a 100 pipe cleaner stylish hat.

Wood Park children were all adorned in the 100th Day glasses they decorated.

At Indian Hollow, projects included a 100 cup snowman and a 100 pipe cleaner caterpillar,, that were on display at the annual 100th Day Museum.

North Ridge counted off the students as they entered school in their 100th Day T-shirts.

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Commack Rallies Against Kid’s Cancer 50K Raised for Research

It was cold outside, but that didn’t matter to the hundreds of people who volunteered to shave their heads or cut their hair to show solidarity for children with cancer.

A good number of shavees return year after year, and teams of students from Burr, North Ridge, and Commack Middle School continued their tradition of uniting for this

worthy cause. Over the last eight years, this annual event raised almost $600,000 in Commack alone. A big thank you goes to the many volunteers that make this event so successful and generously donate their time and talents, and to the hundreds of people who came to the St. Baldrick’s event at Commack High School.

Spelling Bee at Burr

The nine top spellers from each fourth grade class at Burr Intermediate School competed in a school spelling bee in January. These nine students were chosen after winning the classroom bee held a few weeks earlier.

Each year, thousands of schools in the United States participate in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. The contest hopes to spark interest in the study of words and language, 10

and to help students develop correct English language usage.

After several rounds of the competition, Daniel emerged as the 2017 Burr Intermediate School winner. Daniel then went on to compete at a regional spelling bee held at Hofstra University. Congratulations to Daniel, and all of the 2017 participants!

Pictured, are the nine top spellers from each of the fourth grade classes at Burr.

This year, we had a number of young ladies and one gentleman who donated at least eight inches of their hair to Pantene Beautiful Lengths and four who shaved their heads. As Lee Tunick, one of event organizers always says, “Together, we can accomplish great things...and we do almost everyday!”

Robotics & Lego Teams: First in Research

The Commack Middle School Lego Research and Robotics Team competed in the Long Island Regional Competition. The Commack Wildcat Team research committee placed first overall in the research project presentation.

The research project focused on the dangers of highway roadkill. The team chose this particular topic because, “This is a global issue affecting both drivers and the animals trying to cross the road.”

After researching several solutions being used worldwide, the team narrowed their focus to underground tunnels. The tunnel are “made of cement, metal grates over the top, and a scent inside the tunnel to attract animals to utilize this means of

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crossing.”

The team reached out to Sweetbriar Nature Center for guidance, and feedback. Sweetbriar was very receptive to the idea and provided some helpful suggestions for implementation.

The judges at the competition commended the team on their extensive research and their cost effective approach.

Additionally, the Robotics Committee also competed in a Robotics Tournament that day.

The entire team learned the importance of teamwork, problemsolving, and the meaning of “coopertition,” (a robotics term).

Coaches Ed Cuff and Danielle Rogan would like to wish the entire team congratulations on all their hard work and a job well done!

Graduate Comes Back to Where Her Story Began A former student, now author/ illustrator Lori Richmond, brought her memories, her talents, photos, and her children’s stories to the kindergarten children at North Ridge Primary School. She reminisced about her time at North Ridge, and her memories of her teachers and the playground.

The children made up a character and Lori brought their imagi-

nations to life (photo), spinning a story around the character. She showed the students her original illustrations and explained the process of how her drawings morph to reflect the story.

Lori illustrated the picture book, A Hop Is Up, by Kristy Dempsey, and Lori is the author and illustrator of Pax and Blue, You can come home again!

From One Mother to Another Commack High School teacher, Tracey Passamenti, formed From One Mother To Another Inc., a grassroots not-for-profit charity. Her dedication to helping new mothers through gathering and distributing new/unused children’s essentials for newborns through five year olds is shared by the Commack High School community. Students in the IB Diploma Program are trying to help as many families as possible, filling basket after basket with donated items such as diapers, formula, clothing, toys, blankets, etc.

What initially began as simple gift baskets made at home and donated to a local church has blossomed into a wellspring of giving.

“These unique baskets are filled with a cornucopia of new and essential items that vary based upon the age of each child. FOMTA baskets are gifted with the intention of easing the burden of a new mom, or a family,” said Tracey. “By staying

community-based and oriented FOMTA is able to maintain a direct conduit from our donors straight to specific recipients.”

W i t h the help of the high school students, several events are upcoming, including a Skate Party on March 26 at United Skates in Seaford. If you’d like to help, you can designate a percentage of what you purchase online by going to Amazon (https://smile.amazon.com), or you can donate directly (info: http:// from1mother2another.org/). If you or someone you know needs assistance, please send an email to contact@from1mother2another.org.

Never Too Young to Help Others

A group of young ladies decided to help others by making beaded bracelets to sell at the Wood Park Carnival to raise money for charity. The day of the carnival they set up a table and

all took turns selling the beautiful bracelets. The “Little Beauties Bead Boutique” raised $320, and donated it to St. Jude Children's Hospital and the Guide Dog Foundation.

Pay It Forward The Sawmill Pay it Forward Club performs acts of kindness for others and expects nothing in return.

The club realized a profit after a successful T-shirt sale, and co-advisors Jacqui Rizzuto and Maria Kalonaros discussed what to do with the money with club members.

They decided to donate the extra cash to the Make A Wish Foundation.

On January 18, the club celebrated school-wide Pay It Forward Day assemblies, showing videos and explaining the plan for the school’s Pay It Forward Day. A check for $400 was presented to John DeTurris from Make A Wish, who spoke to the children about the foundation’s goal of granting wishes to children with lifethreatening medical conditions (photo).

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Commack Board of Education: Steven Hartman - President Janine DiGirolamo - Vice President Trustees: Jarrett Behar, MaryJo Masciello, Pamela Verity

www.commackschools.org

ents: m e v e i h c A c AthleƟ pions m a h C y t n u o C

Congratulations to: •

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•

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Senior Daniel, who won the Boys Singles Bowling Championship, and was recognized as Suffolk County’s best individual bowler. His achievement earned him an automatic bid to the State meet representing Section XI in Rochester. In match play, Daniel rolled a 258, 228, and 236.

Wrestler Nick, also a senior, who attained his 100th career victory, took the number one spot in the county, and sixth place (160 pound weight class) in the New York State Section XI Championship.

Amanda, senior, is the girls pole vaulting Suffolk County Champion and a State qualifier in hurdles and the uneven bars in gymnastics.

Amanda also earned the USATG’s prestigious Athlete of the Year Award.

Ryan, senior, is the County champ for boys pole vaulting. He placed 14th in the States.

s n o i p m a h C 1 League

It was another exciting season for the Lady Cougars Girls Basketball Team, who made it all the way to the Suffolk County AA Championships.

This is the third year the team has succeeded in making it to the playoffs, and we’re so proud of their tenacity, dedication, sportsmanship, and their team and school spirit!

Superintendent of Schools: Dr. Donald A. James

Scholar Athlete Receives $1000 Scholarship

Commack High School senior, Amanda McNelis, was honored as a News12 Scholar-Athlete on February 16, 2017. Amanda is an exceptional athlete, and a three season All-State winner in both track and gymnastics. She qualified to compete in the State Championships in pole-vaulting, hurdles, and the uneven bars (gymnastics).

Amanda not only excels as an athlete, but also as a scholar. She is an IB Diploma Candidate, with a GPA of over 100! She is one of only 30 young men and women to receive this honor, and was presented with a $1,000 scholarship, sponsored by Bethpage Federal Credit Union.

In photo with Amanda are, from left to right: Assistant Principal Matthew Keltos, Principal Leslie Boritz, Athletic Director Pat Friel, and Assistant Principal Michael Larson.

Employment Opportunity Security Guard - $17.47 per hr. - 3pm – 8 pm New York State Security Guard License required.

Applicants must be either active or retired law enforcement with a minimum of 5 years law enforcement experience.

Apply on the Commack Website, or email msmiles@commackschools.org or mgronowski@commackschools.org

The Commack Union Free School District does not discriminate on the basis of an individual's actual or perceived race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, age, marital status, partnership status, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, sexual orientation, gender (sex), military status, veteran status, domestic violence victim status or political affiliation, and additionally does not discriminate against students on the basis of weight, gender identity, gender expression, and religious practices or any other basis prohibited by New York State and/or federal nondiscrimination laws in employment or its programs and activities.

For more information: http://www.commack.k12.ny.us/NoticeofNondiscrimination.aspx