A BRIGHTER FUTURE BEGINS
Summer isn't over yet, but parents and children are certainly getting ready for the upcoming school year. We have you covered with informative back to school themed editorial pieces, along with other pieces that will spark your interest in having some more end of summer fun! We look forward to bringing you many more upcoming issues, but until then, enjoy the rest of the season and have a fun and safe 2024-2025 school year!
How Families Can Get Ready For A New School Year
Childrenwill soon be trading in the chimes of neighborhood ice cream trucks for the bells of school as summer vacation gives way to the start of a new academic year. August through September is prime back-toschool season, with children all across the country stocking their backpacks and shopping for new school wardrobes. There is more to getting ready for the start of school than making sure pencils are sharpened and tablets are charged. Parents and children can work together to ensure the transition back to the classroom is as seamless as possible.
Adjust sleep and wake times
Summer vacation often means letting loose of schedules for a while, and that may translate into later-than-normal bedtimes and rising a little later in the morning. Everyone in the household will have to reacquaint themselves with schedules that ensure kids get to school on time. A few weeks before the first day of school, start incrementally going to bed at an earlier time and start waking up earlier each morning. Try to plan out the increments so that by the time the last few days of summer vacation wind down, the family is on target with a waking schedule that mirrors the school schedule.
Prep for school lunches
Children and adults can work together to map out healthy eating options for school lunch. Many school districts have lunch plans that can be purchased through an online account. Participating students simply enter a number or swipe a code at checkout. School lunches are built to be nutritionally diverse and have options that even picky eaters will like.
Acclimate to being around people
Although summer vacation may involve trips that bring children in contact with other people, it may have been some time since they’ve spent five or more hours per day around 20 to
30 people their age. It may take a transition period to get used to being around a bunch of peers, so families can visit places where there tend to be crowds of kids, such as zoos, aquariums, parks, and trampoline centers. These can be lowpressure locations to dust off social skills.
Know the route or plan for school transportation
Students may be driven independently, ride the school bus, walk or bike, or carpool with others to and from school. Families can establish plans so that getting to and from school is not something kids need to worry about. Practice routes and timing, taking into consideration that when schools open there will be much more traffic. Parents can reassure children that there will be a learning curve, but all of the kinks generally get worked out during the first week.
Avoid “summer slide”
Most students don’t want to think about studying, homework and testing while on summer break, but it can be beneficial to stay current on some lessons. Summer slide refers to the loss of some of the learning achieved during the previous school year over the summer break. Some experts say summer slide is overstated, but it can’t hurt for students to refresh their memories on some math, science and language arts concepts over break so that they will be ready to hit the books when the new school year begins.
School is right around the corner, and families should get ready for the routine and needs that go with the academic year.
Did You Know?
TheOregon-based Gap Year Association notes that the exact number of students who take a gap year between high school and college is unknown. However, an overwhelming majority of students who have taken a gap year reported positive experiences. In a collaborative survey with the Institute for Survey Research at Temple University, the GYA Research Committee found that 92 percent of gap year alumni reported gaining life experiences and experiencing personal growth during their year away from formal schooling. Forty-four percent of respondents indicated they used a gap year to explore career options, while 41 percent indicated they learned a new language during their gap year.
Neighborhood News: Stony Brook University Hospital Recognized For Excellence In Emergency Nursing
TheStony Brook University Hospital (SBUH) Emergency Department has been selected as a recipient of the Emergency Nurses Association’s (ENA) 2024 Lantern Award for demonstrating excellence in leadership, practice, education, advocacy and research performance.
The Lantern Award showcases our emergency department’s accomplishments in incorporating evidence-based practice and innovation into emergency care. As part of the application, Emergency Departments are encouraged to share stories that highlight a commitment to patient care, as well as the well-being of nursing staff. The award serves as a visible symbol of its commitment to quality, safety and a healthy work environment.
“I am proud of our team of nurses who play a central role in delivering Stony Brook University Hospital’s high-quality care,” said Carolyn Santora, MS, RN, Chief Nursing Officer and Chief of Regulatory Affairs at Stony Brook University Hospital. “The patients that receive treatment at our hospital can expect to experience the highest level of nursing care delivered by the exceptional group of nurses that walk our halls.”
As a recipient, SBUH will be recognized in upcoming ENA
publications, on the ENA website and during Emergency Nursing 2024, the association’s annual conference in Las Vegas, September 4-7.
For more information on this year’s Lantern Award recipients, visit the Emergency Nurses Association website.
About Stony Brook University Hospital:
Stony Brook University Hospital (SBUH) is Long Island’s premier academic health center. With 624 beds, SBUH serves as the region’s only tertiary care center and Regional Trauma Center, and is home to the Stony Brook University Heart Institute, Stony Brook University Cancer Center, Stony Brook Children’s Hospital and Stony Brook University Neurosciences Institute. SBUH also encompasses Suffolk County’s only Level 4 Regional Perinatal Center, state-designated AIDS Center, state-designated Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program, state-designated Burn Center, the Christopher Pendergast ALS Center of Excellence, and Kidney Transplant Center. It is home of the nation’s first Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Center. To learn more, visit www.stonybrookmedicine.edu/sbuh.
About the Emergency Nurses Association:
The Emergency Nurses Association is the premier professional nursing association dedicated to defining the future of emergency nursing through advocacy, education, research, innovation, and leadership. Founded in 1970, ENA has proven to be an indispensable resource to the global emergency nursing community. With nearly 50,000 members worldwide, ENA advocates for patient safety, develops industry-leading practice standards and guidelines and guides emergency health care public policy. ENA members have expertise in triage, patient care, disaster preparedness and all aspects of emergency care. Additional information is available at www.ena.org.
Photo courtesy of Stony Brook Medicine
Demand Is Rising For Career And Technical Education
Afour-year college degree is not necessarily the next step for students after they graduate from high school. The rising cost of college tuition has revitalized interest in career and technical education (CTE).
According to data from the National Student Clearinghouse, enrollment at community colleges rose 2.6 percent in 2023 compared with a year earlier, enhanced by a 16 percent surge at schools with a focus on CTE. Similarly, a survey by Edge Research commissioned by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation found on-the-job training seems to be more valuable to both high school students and non-enrolled graduates than a four-year degree, with 83 percent of the former stating it is excellent or good in value, compared to 80 percent for college. Favor for CTE schools is up 63 percent from the previous year.
The New England Association of Schools and Colleges says CTE has evolved from a traditional vocational school model to one that offers academics and skills for higher education and careers in skilled trades, technology and applied sciences. Demand for this type of education continues to grow, with various state superintendents and directors of CTE programs indicating they can only accommodate a fraction of the applicants they get for CTE programs.
“Since 2004, Vermont has seen a decrease in its overall student population, however we have had an increase in CTE students in that same period,” says Jay
Ramsey, Vermont State Director for Career and Technical Education.
While a traditional four-year university might be the right path for some individuals, CTE has proven ideal for many others. New York City schools Chancellor David Banks has said it’s a sentiment being shared across the nation, that there is another way and another track for students to be successful. CTE may help students get more excited about school and view themselves in careers they may not otherwise be exposed to.
The National Center for Education Statistics puts the average annual tuition for a four-year degree at a private institution in the United States at roughly $35,000 (and public at approximately $10,000. Room and board costs also must be considered, and those can increase the overall cost by a significant amount. The average tuition for a trade school can be around $17,600 a year, but rates vary based on the trade. Most of the CTE schools do not require students to reside on campus, which helps to save money.
Exploring the Career and Technical Education route can be highly satisfying and financially rewarding. Careers are diverse, and students can find a track that enables them to start training and working by investing less than they would if they were to attend a traditional college.
Did You Know?
Interest in career and technical education (CTE) programs continues to grow as students look for alternatives to the high tuition costs and rising student loan debt associated with four-year degree programs. CTE certifications and degrees typically do not cost as much as four-year degrees, but still provide students with a valuable education in fields that are in high demand. In fact, certain trades are among the highestpaid occupations. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, here is the average salary expected and grow rate of these five high-paying trade jobs expected from 2022 to 2032.
1. Ultrasonographer: $131,161 per year; 10 percent job growth rate
2. Respiratory therapist: $104,437 per year; 13 percent job growth rate
3. Dental hygienist: $99,013 per year; 7 percent job growth rate
4. Construction manager: $88,319 per year; 5 percent job growth rate
5. Aircraft mechanic: $82,476 per year; 4 percent job growth rate
Happenings At The Emma Clark Library
AUGUST EVENTS
• Bluey Family Fun (Families with children up to Grade 2)Friday, August 16, 10:30 - 11:45 a.m. - Drop by for Blueythemed crafts, games, & activities.
• Game Time! (Ages 3 - 12 years with parent/caregiver)Saturday, August 24, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. - Stop in for free play with board games. Jenga, The Keepy Uppy Game, Checkers, Chicken vs. Hot Dog, and more!
• Perler Palooza! (Grades K - 6 with parent/caregiver. Grades K - 2 will most likely require assistance) - Tuesday, August 27, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. - Children are welcome to make a Perler bead creation of their choice. Whether they’d like to work from a template or use their imagination, each child will leave with their own work of art! Most projects will take between 40-60 minutes.
SEPTEMBER EVENTS
• Crafternoon for Kids (Ages 3 - 12 years with parent/ caregiver) - Saturday, September 14, 2:00–4:00 p.m. Make a masterpiece out of recycled materials.
• Health Insurance Assistance table in the Library LobbyTuesday, September 17, 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. - A certified Health Care Navigator from Health & Welfare Council of Long Island will be available to help you apply/or renew your health insurance plans through NYS of Health Marketplace such as Medicaid, Essential Plans, Child Health Plus and Qualified Health Plans.
• Volunteer Fair in the Library - Wednesday, September 25, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. - Meet and speak with representatives from local organizations that are seeking volunteers. Both adults and teens are welcome.
• E-Waste and Metal Recycling in the Library parking lotSaturday, September 28, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Do you have old electronics and metal cluttering up your house or workspace, collecting dust or taking up space? Are they unwanted or outdated? Arrow Scrap Metal and E-Waste Recycling, a NY State Registered Electronic Waste Recycling Facility, can help. Bring your old computers, cell phones, laptops, servers, wire & cable, scrap metal, circuit boards, batteries, printers, hard drives & storage devices, power tools, small appliances, small electronics, keyboards/ mice, stereos, flat screen computer monitors, flat screen TVs, cameras and more! Bring your hard-drives and old cell phones to the event and have them shredded on-site! If possible, please remove the hard drive from your computer before arriving at the event. Not accepted: CRT (Tube) Televisions and CRT (Tube) computer monitors, bulbs, paper, general garbage, liquids, paints, containers containing gases, medical waste, tires, glass or wood. Please do not line up early, as it blocks traffic into and out of the Library.
Emma S. Clark Memorial Library
120 Main Street, Setauket
631.941.4080
CULPER SPY DAY
Culper Spy Day is a highlight for history enthusiasts, drawing the community together to celebrate our Revolutionary War heritage. The Three Village area, steeped in hidden intrigue, played a crucial role in our nation's fight for independence.The 10th Annual Culper Spy Day will be on Saturday, September 7 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and various organizations throughout the Three Village will be holding events. The library will have:
• Live music on the lawn from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - "Tunes of the Revolution'' - Balladeers Linda Russell and Margery Cohen will present ballads, broadsides, marches and dance tunes of the 18th Century accompanied by hammered and mountain dulcimers, guitar, penny whistle and limberjack.
• An informational table.
• Spy or American Revolution-themed Children's Crafts. 12 noon - 4:00 p.m.
• A thematic display in the Library lobby.
Plus, Don’t Miss The Library Café!
EmmaS. Clark Memorial Library unveiled its new café last year. Owned and operated by Three Village native and chef Chelsea Gomez, Level Up Kitchen Library Café promises fresh coffee and healthy, handcrafted fare that meets a variety of dietary needs. The menu includes nut-free, glutenfree, vegetarian, and vegan items, avoiding cross contamination with allergens. Moreover, Ms. Gomez places importance on sustainability, working with local farms and purveyors where possible to stimulate the local economy and provide the freshest, high-quality ingredients. Ms. Gomez possesses extensive knowledge of food safety, and all of her employees are Suffolk County Department of Health-certified food managers. Stop by today and try a delicious treat! Visit emmaclark.org/cafe for hours and menu.
Neighborhood News: New Assistant Principal Named At Setauket Elementary School
The Three Village Central School District is pleased to announce the appointment of Nicole Farley as the new assistant principal of Setauket Elementary School. The Board of Education appointed Ms. Farley at its July 2 meeting.
Ms. Farley comes to Three Village from the Miller Place School District where she has several years of administrative experience. Most recently, Ms. Farley served as an interim principal where she fostered a collaborative work environment while leading all faculty and staff. Prior to her appointment, Ms. Farley was an assistant principal, as well as the dean of students. She began in the district as a special education teacher in 2008. In addition to her experience in Miller Place, Ms. Farley served as a principal at the Eastern Suffolk BOCES Regional Summer program.
Ms. Farley received her bachelor’s degree from SUNY New Paltz and her master’s degree from Dowling College. Additionally, she holds school building leader and school district leader certificates.
The Three Village Central School District is excited to welcome Ms. Farley. Her appointment is effective Aug. 5.
Photo courtesy of the Three Village Central School District
Parents who want to encourage their children to volunteer may find their efforts at doing so are more convincing if they volunteer themselves. A study published in the Journal of Adolescence examined the effects that parents who volunteer and talk about volunteering have on children. Researchers found that the children of volunteers were 27 percent more likely to volunteer than children whose parents did not volunteer. In addition, adolescents were 47 percent more likely to volunteer when their parents volunteered and talked about volunteering with their children. Did You Know?
Family-Friendly Destinations
Long Island is home to many destinations that the entire family can enjoy. You can find an array of attractions including water-sport activities, animal encounters, museum exhibits, world-renowned beaches and unique entertainment, along with many others. Being together with loved ones and creating lasting memories is priceless, so where will you head for your next family adventure? Here's a few places we suggest you head to!
Montauk Point Lighthouse Montauk
Head to the world-famous Montauk Point Lighthouse, located at the very tip of eastern Long Island. This lighthouse, commissioned by President George Washington in 1792, is one of the best-known and most-beloved icons of Long Island. It was the first lighthouse to be built in New York, and is the fourth-oldest working lighthouse in our country. In 2012 it was named a National Historic Landmark, one of only 12 lighthouses to be so honored.
Harbes Family Farm Mattituck
The Harbes Family has been farming for over 13 generations and their farms have evolved into North Fork destinations where families can enjoy anything from fresh-picked corn to award-winning wines. Last month marked the 35th anniversary of the founding of Harbes Family Farm, located in Mattituck. Now through October, you can visit to enjoy a musical hayride tour, pig races, kid’s activities, wine tasting and much more! Visit their website for other offerings.
Old Westbury Gardens
Old Westbury
Old Westbury Gardens is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. They welcome visitors of all ages for guided tours of Westbury House, in-depth tours of the formal gardens, children’s programs and events, family programs, museum exhibitions and much more. Spend the day with your loved ones at this special place! Visit their website for a calendar of events and much more.
Get Ready For Scholastic Sports Seasons
Studentshave plenty of reasons to participate in school sports and many of them confirm what the experts say regarding the benefits of such pursuits. The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) indicates some of the main benefits include:
• Building relationships through the team
• Developing care and empathy
• Maintaining strong physical fitness
• Understanding limitations and how to push past them
• Listening to and learning from coaches
Millions of children participate in scholastic sports and recreational leagues across the country. Young athletes can take certain steps to prepare for the upcoming season.
Get a sports physical
Most sports programs will not enroll participants without a recent sports physical. Physicals typically must be updated every year. Students and parents should check the date on athletes’ most recent physical examination and be sure that they schedule one prior to the start of the season. Remember to bring along any athletic forms that will need to be filled out and officially signed by health care professionals.
Create a portal account
Schools now rely primarily on technology to organize the acquisition of health records and other pertinent information so that students can participate in play. Services like Student Central and GoToMySportsPhysical enable schools to aggregate forms and sports clearance information in one place. Usage of these systems typically requires setting up both parent and student accounts and then populating the information and digitally signing as needed. In addition to uploading sports physical forms, the portal may ask users to sign waivers and to confirm that they have read information regarding injury risk.
Check gear
Student athletes should confirm which gear they may need for the upcoming season. Check last season’s gear to ensure it still fits and remains in good working order.
Get in shape
Some athletes continue with their training regimens all year long. Others may take breaks between seasons. It may be necessary to create a new exercise plan so athletes can start acclimating their bodies to the demands of the sport.
Undergo a concussion baseline test
Some schools require a concussion baseline test prior to sports participation. It is a specific questionnaire for each player that will create baseline data regarding processing speed, symptoms, pain levels, balance, and physical abilities, according to CognitiveFx. Should a sports injury occur, the test will be repeated and the results can be compared to assess depth of injury.
The new scholastic season may be beginning shortly and student athletes need to take certain steps to ensure they’re eligible and able to play when practices start.
Tips For A Memorable Labor Day Weekend
LaborDay weekend is widely considered the unofficial swan song of summer. Though millions of children return to school prior to Labor Day weekend, the final holiday of summer still marks an ending to the season of relaxation and a return to the hustle and bustle of life when the temperatures dip and schedules fill up.
Perhaps because Labor Day has become synonymous with the end of summer, many people look to make the weekended preceding the holiday as fun as possible. People with such intentions can keep these tips in mind as they seek to plan a memorable Labor Day weekend this year.
• Wake up early if you intend to travel. Labor Day weekend should be memorable for all the right reasons and traffic is not one of them. A recent survey from the vacation planning experts at The Vacationer found that roughly 148 million people planned to travel over Labor Day weekend in 2023, which makes the three-day period a particularly busy time to be on the road or in the air. If you intend to fly this Labor Day weekend, try to book an early morning flight to reduce the risk of delays. If you’re driving, hitting the road before sunrise, particularly if you’re traveling a long distance, can help you avoid traffic jams.
• Plan the weekend. It can be tempting to fly by the seat of your pants come Labor Day weekend, but it’s still best to book excursions and even dinner reservations in advance. The popularity of Labor Day weekend and its status as the unofficial end of summer compels many
people to get up and go over the three-day period, so theme parks, water parks, restaurants, and other attractions may be all booked in advance. Purchase tickets and make reservations months in advance to ensure you aren’t left with little to do and/or nothing to eat come Labor Day weekend.
• Create a backup plan. Ideally the weather will cooperate and Labor Day celebrants will be able to spend the entire weekend outdoors if they so desire. But weather is unpredictable, so it pays to create a backup plan in advance. If you’re traveling for the weekend, look around for indoor entertainment spaces to spend the weekend if the weather is uncooperative. If you’re planning a backyard barbecue at home, arrange for some indoor activities or pick a rain date and let guests know. If the party is scheduled for the Saturday of Labor Day weekend, a Sunday rain date might work.
• Go with a summer theme. Even if the kids are already back in school and your summer family vacation is a distant memory, that’s all the more reason to revive the spirit of summer one last time. If hosting at home, a Hawaiian luau theme complete with a pig roast or a final summer pool party is a great way to send summer off before welcoming fall into the fold. Encourage guests to don summer attire and revive your summer playlist to get guests in the mood. If you’re traveling for the weekend, pick a sunny, sandy destination so you can squeeze every last drop out of summer.
Labor Day weekend marks the perfect time to send summer off with a bang. Some pre-weekend planning can ensure everyone has a memorable final few days of summer.
BUN
GRILLED
GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST BUN
Grilled
GRILLED RIBEYE STEAK BUN
Grilled
SEASONED TOFU
BANH MI
PORK BANH MI 12.00
Vietnamese
CHICKEN BANH
Vietnamese
STEAK BANH MI 15.00
Vietnamese
TOFU BANH
Vietnamese
Neighborhood News: Setauket Students Save A Seal
Setauket
Elementary School students got a firsthand lesson in marine science through a service-learning project. With the assistance of science teacher Janet Guglielmo, kindergarten students adopted a grey seal pup named Meerkat. Meerkat was found injured in Montauk, and for the past few months, he was nursed back to health at the New York Rescue Marine Center in Riverhead. The kindergarten students raised nearly $600 in addition to the $125 adoption fee by completing acts of kindness and chores at home. The funds helped with food, medication and treatment expenses while Meerkat was staying at the NYRMC facility. In the classroom, students took part in interdisciplinary projects to learn about seals. They completed art projects, learned about marine habitats and took turns bringing a Meerkat stuffed animal home to write about their adventures together.
As a culmination of the project, kindergartners and their families were invited to Tiana Beach in Hampton Bays on June 19 to watch Meerkat be set free back into the wild. A large crowd gathered to watch Meerkat and three other seals be released – an incredibly heartwarming end to the servicelearning project.
Photos courtesy of the Three Village Central School District
HAPPY HOUR
