The district hosted its end-of-year district awards ceremony on June 8, where students from Woodland and W.T. Clarke middle schools and East Meadow and W.T. Clarke high schools were recognized for their outstanding accomplishments in various competitions this school year.
Superintendent of Schools Louis R. DeAngelo, central administrators, Board of Education members, and faculty and staff from the middle and high schools were on hand to congratulate students on their achievements in art, athletics, business, creative writing and poetry, journalism, PTA Reflections, and math and science.
As their names were called in their respective categories, the students were officially recognized. The district congratulates these students on a successful school year.
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A year of top honors
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Red Nose Day for a good cause
Kindergarten students in Pamela Tobin’s classes at Parkway Elementary School recently donned red clown noses in recognition of National Red Nose Day.
Red Nose Day is a campaign dedicated to raising money for children and young people living in poverty by simply having fun and making people laugh.
A donation was made to the sponsoring organization on behalf of the kindergarten students to help transform and improve the lives of children living in poverty in the U.S. and overseas. Students were happy to make a difference for a good cause.
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EMHS senior athletes recognized
East Meadow High School Class of 2015 senior athletes were honored for their successes both on and off the field at the school’s Senior Athletic Awards Night on June 9. The evening, hosted by the school’s athletic department staff, celebrated individual and team achievements. Families of senior athletes, district officials and members of the East Meadow High School Parent Athletics Club attended the event, moderated by Athletic Director Kevin Regan.
Mr. Regan, along with members of his coaching staff, presented students with scholarships and awards as well as participation certificates, and applauded students for their hard work throughout their high school careers. The evening also included the annual announcement of the Athletic Wall of Fame inductees. The district congratulates the students on their successes.
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At the top of their game
W. T. Clarke High School Class of 2015 senior athletes and their families united at the Chateau Briand in Carle Place on June 10 to celebrate individual and group accomplishments during the Parents and Booster Club’s annual Senior Athletic Scholarships and Awards Dinner.
During the event, students were lauded for their contributions to the community both scholastically and on the playing field. W.T. Clarke High School Athletic Director Josh Friedman commended students for their commitment to their athletic program and their school, and encouraged them to continue to strive for excellence in all they do after their time at Clarke High School.
The district congratulates all athletes on their accomplishments and wishes them success in the years to come.
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A day of health, fitness and patriotism
In promoting a healthy lifestyle among students, Barnum Woods Elementary School held its first ever health walk, “Walk in the Woods,” on June 11.
The event was developed by the school’s Planning and Management Team, which consists of teachers, administrators, staff, parents and community residents.
The event commenced outside on Barnum Woods’ front lawn, where those in attendance participated in a Flag Day tribute. Students sported small flags, American flag headgear and other patriotic attire. There was the pledge of allegiance, followed by the singing of the Star Spangled Banner.
Principal Gregory Bottari offered celebratory remarks and thanked the PMT for its efforts in developing the health walk event.
Afterward, kindergarten and first-grade students participated in a half- mile walk, and second- through fifth-graders engaged in a one- mile walk.
Parents, siblings, friends and relatives lined the streets to cheer and support the participants on for a good cause.
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Parkway supports Sunrise on Wheels
Students at Parkway Elementary School recently collected new arts and crafts items to benefit the Sunrise on Wheels program.
Sunrise on Wheels hosts crafts and interactive activities for children receiving chemotherapy at local hospitals. The Parkway Elementary School Peer Leaders Club spearheaded the collection by researching the Sunrise Organization's mission and then visiting each classroom in the school to explain how Sunrise on Wheels works and how students could help other children by donating new craft items.
The outpour of support from students and families was tremendous, and as a result, the club was able to receive a number of donations all for a worthy cause.
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Clarke HS students receive academic awards
Members of the W.T. Clarke High School Class of 2015 were honored with academic, special and scholarship awards at the school’s senior academic awards ceremony on June 22.
The event was attended by parents, teachers, school administrators, community leaders and scholarship sponsors. Students were acknowledged for their accomplishments and academic achievements over the past four years. The district and W. T. Clarke High School administration congratulates these honorees on their years of academic excellence.
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East Meadow High School Honors Seniors at Awards Night
East Meadow High School highlighted the accomplishments of several students at its Senior Academic Awards Ceremony Tuesday night. Assistant Principal Robert Hardwick welcomed guests to the packed auditorium, calling it a “celebration of their [students] accomplishments.” “Collectively, this is a great group of students,” he added.
Hardwick also acknowledged parents for their “support and dedication” throughout the school year. “Thank you for loaning them to us for a few hours a day,” he quipped.
Future Interim Superintendent of Schools Leon J. Campo also addressed the crowd, noting how much hard work the honorees have put into their academic careers. “Hard work is going to be crucial for you to be successful,” he added.
A resounding applause went to senior Ayyan Zubair after he received a $20,000 scholarship from Coca-Cola. The Coca-Cola Scholar Foundation selects 150 students nationally each year for this award. When asked by the foundation to honor a teacher that made an impact on his life, Zubair chose English Chairperson Dr. Franklin Cacciutto.
“The best advice you ever gave me was to ‘be myself,’” Zubair said, after reciting a poem he wrote about his respected educator.
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Growth and Guidance at MS Graduations
Eighth-graders at Woodland and W.T. Clarke middle schools culminated their time in middle school with special moving up ceremonies, held at each school on June 24. The ceremonies were laced with performances by school musical groups and poignant speeches by administrators.
In his address to the eighth-grade graduates, Superintendent of Schools Louis DeAngelo said, “Graduates, you have been taught well. You’ve proven to be academically competent and you’ve learned to be considerate and kind through programs here at the middle school…Just as you have flourished in middle school, I am sure you will continue to do well in high school.”
Woodland Middle School Principal James Lethbridge and W.T. Clarke Middle School Principal Stacy Breslin each spoke about the overwhelming growth that takes place in students during their middle school years, as well as the guidance they are given along the way. They also touted the many accomplishments of the eighth-grade graduating classes.
A highlight of each ceremony was the presentation of the Superintendent’s Award, given to a student at each middle school for his/her overall academic excellence. At Woodland, student Senya Huda was honored with the award, while at W.T. Clarke Middle School, the award was presented to both Joel Mathew and Elaine Xiao.
The district congratulates all eighth-grade graduates on this important milestone and wishes them much success at the high school level!
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Hats Off to the Class of 2015
The Class of 2015 took their final steps onto the fields at East Meadow and W.T. Clarke high schools on Sunday, June 28 at the schools’ annual commencement ceremonies. As a class of achievers at both schools, students walked in with their heads high to enormous applause and praise by parents, family and peers. The ceremonies were laced with special performances by senior chorus members and a number of poignant addresses.
Superintendent of Schools Louis DeAngelo addressed the students at each ceremony, imparting a sentiment to the Class of 2015. “If there could be only one thing in this life for me to teach you, I would teach you to love; to respect others, so that you may find respect in yourself; to learn the value of giving so that if there’s ever a time in your life that ever someone really needs you, you will give.”
The valedictorians and salutatorians of each class addressed their peers, sharing memories of their time in school and their best wishes for a bright and prosperous future.
At East Meadow High School, valedictorian Nicole Newberger posed the question of “What did high school mean to me” to several of her classmates. Forming lifelong friendships, exploring a multitude of opportunities and learning new skills were some of the memories shared. “The true importance of high school,” Nicole said, “wasn’t just the academic knowledge it provided…I’ll remember all the amazing people I’ve met along the way.”
East Meadow Salutatorian Allyson Clark touted the accomplishments of her class in her address, from the marching band and wrestling team to the countless hours of community service the class performed. “Being a student at East Meadow has taught me to never give up, even when defeat seems inevitable,” she said.
In his speech, W.T. Clarke High School Valedictorian Pavithran Ravindran compared the high school journey to a metaphorical train ride. Looking to the future, Pavithran said, “You have no idea where this train is going. The unknown may seem scary and although we are all taking different journeys, Clarke has trained us to be leaders by giving us the opportunity to be members of clubs, athletic teams and so much more.”
Salutatorian Rohit Bachani said, “Class of 2015, I glance at you and I see a troupe of dreamers, a group with the zeal to make all of their dreams come true…hold on to your sense of courage and willpower.”
Following the speeches, the members of each graduating class received their diplomas to the cheers of family and friends in attendance. Once officially announced as graduates, the Class of 2015 celebrated by tossing their caps into the air. Following the recessional march, graduates reunited with their loved ones as official alumni of the East Meadow School District.
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Teachers from Guatemala Visit Bowling Green
On November 3, Bowling Green Elementary School in the East Meadow Union Free School District was visited by three teachers from Guatemala. The visit was part of a partnership with the Guatemalan Literacy Project through the Nassau Reading Council (NRC), and was coordinated by reading teacher Ellen Miller, a member of NRC.
The goal of the visit was for the Guatemalan teachers to learn teaching techniques by observing and taking notes, and then bring this newfound knowledge to their schools in Guatemala to improve the education and quality of life of their students.
During their visit, teachers Gladys Alicia Fuentes Guevara, Silvia Giovanna Choc Cruz, and Maria Eugenia Escobar Lemur visited Darlene O’Hearon’s fourth-grade class and watched as the students reviewed a lesson prior to a math test. The next day they were off to a new location in Nassau County.
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CHS Valedictorians & Salutatorians for the Class of 2011
The East Meadow Union Free School District is pleased to announce the selection of Valedictorian Neha Sahni and Salutatorian Dominika Swieboda from East Meadow High School, and Valedictorian Jennifer Meade and Salutatorian Daniel Taylor from W. Tresper Clarke High School, for the Class of 2011.
Neha Sahni is an active member of the World Hunger Action Club, Pre-Med Club, and A World of Difference Club. She is also a Varsity Tennis player, a writer for the Jet Gazette school newspaper, and a member of the school’s Math Team, National Honor Society, and Spanish Honor Society. Neha was honored as the recipient of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Math and Science Award for outstanding achievement in the fields of math and science. She was also the recipient of the Humanitarian Award for pursuing a career in medicine after graduating high school.
Dominika Swieboda is an exceptional student in both math and science. She is the recipient of the University of Rochester Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award for outstanding achievement in science as well as the RIT Medal for strong community involvement, exemplary academic performance, and a great interest and ability in computing. Dominika’s kindness, generosity, humility, and huge sense of responsibility make her an extraordinary young woman.
Jennifer Meade is a conscientious, hard working, determined, and compassionate leader. She serves as the student body vice president and is a member of the National Honor Society, as well as the Science, English, Spanish, and Business Honor Societies. Jennifer is also a member of the Nassau County Champion Mock Trial Team, the Key Club, Environmental Club, Peer Mentoring, Book Club, SADD, and Friends of Rachel Club. In addition, she is the president of the Red Cross Club.
Daniel Taylor is an exceptional individual who has demonstrated a strong commitment to his academic development and the community at-large. He is a member of the National Honor Society, as well as the English, Spanish, and Science Honor Societies. Daniel is also involved in the Key Club, Red Cross, and is captain of the Varsity Tennis Team.
Congratulations to these outstanding students!
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Jazz Ensemble Performs at the NYSSMA Winter Conference
The East Meadow High School Jazz Ensemble performed at the New York State School Music Association’s Winter Conference in Rochester on Friday, December 3rd. Under the direction of Stephen Engle, the Jazz Ensemble was one of eight ensembles from across the state of New York selected for this honor. It is the second time in five years that the Jazz Ensemble performed at the NYSSMA Winter Conference. Their performance was truly outstanding and enjoyed by music educators and parents in attendance.
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A Young Artist Exhibition
On November 30, the East Meadow Union Free School District held their Young Artist Exhibition at the Leon J. Campo Salisbury Center, with more than 140 entrants.
The exhibit featured artwork from students in kindergarten through twelfth grade, representing all schools in the district. Among some of the featured artwork were photography, papier-mâché, pencil drawings, pastels, watercolors, acrylics, ceramic/clay sculpture, Monomagic sculpture, fashion design, and jewelry.
Clarke High School’s Tri-M Music Honor Society, under the direction of Chairperson of Music and Tri-M advisor Kevin Scully, provided musical entertainment throughout the event.
Many thanks to the tireless efforts of Abby Behr, Director of Music and Art, and Heather Anastasio, Art Chairperson, for another successful exhibition.
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Clarke High School’s JANY Business Plan Competition Students Make the Cover of NASDAQ’s Annual Report
For the past two years, students in Joe Pavia's business classes at W. T. Clarke High School have been encouraged to participate in the Junior Achievement of New York (JANY) Business Plan Competition (BPC). In accordance with the guidelines established by JANY, teams of three or four students develop an original business concept, conduct research, create a marketing plan, and present such to a panel of corporate executives. To say that Mr. Pavia's students have met with success would be to minimize their accomplishments.
Prior to 2009, no Long Island high school had entered the competition, which is open to schools throughout New York. With the support of corporate sponsor, Fed Ex, the students at Clarke High School took the competition by storm. Following a "regional" competition at Clarke, students from Mr. Pavia's class represented Long Island in the 2009 JANY Business Plan Competition Finals at Columbia University. The team walked away with the top prize, including $2,000 and an iPhone for each for the four-team members. In 2010, the Clarke High School team of Samantha Difilippi, Samantha Wendorf, and Kareema Roushdy set out to match the achievement of their peers from 2009. The trio did not disappoint, winning the JANY Competition with their original concept, Infinity Hosiery. The team competed in the NYS Finals at Columbia University, earning top honors and a cash prize of $3,000 and an iPhone for each member of the team. In addition, the students and Mr. Pavia were invited to ring the closing bell at NASDAQ on Friday, June 4, 2010.
Last week, Junior Achievement of New York announced that the 2010 winning team from W. T. Clarke High School would adorn the cover of their annual report. This is a tremendous honor and tribute to the hard work and effort of the students and Mr. Pavia.
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East Meadow Artwork Displayed at Capitol Building
The district is pleased to announce that two East Meadow High School students, Amanda Giordano and Amanda Goodman, will have their artwork displayed in the Legislative “Well” of the Capitol Building in Albany from February 28 through March 4, 2011.
An opening reception will be held on March 2 from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. The Annual Legislative Student Art Exhibition is cosponsored by the New York State Alliance for the Arts in Education (NYSSAE) and features over 200 entries from school districts across New York State.
The title of Amanda Giordano’s artwork is “Here’s to the Past,” and Amanda Goodman’s artwork is called “Big City Dreams.” Both works of art are digital photography.
Congratulations to Amanda Giordano and Amanda Goodman!
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Clarke High School Senior Selected as First Place Winner in the Global Sikh Forum Senior Essay Contest
The district is pleased to announce that Jared Atchison, a senior at W.T. Clarke High School, has been selected as the first place winner in the Global Sikh Forum Essay Contest, sponsored by the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration Committee of Nassau County, Inc.
Jared’s essay, which won him a scholarship, was about the impact Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. has had on his life. This is the first time a Clarke High School student has placed in this contest.
Congratulations to Jared!
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High School Seniors Selected as Semifinalists in the 2010-2011 Coca Cola Scholars Program
The district is pleased to announce that Christina Principato of Clarke High School and Colleen Wilkowski of East Meadow High School have been selected as Semifinalists in the 2010-2011 Coca Cola Scholars Program. This honor is a result of their outstanding leadership, academic achievements, and dedication to the community.
Christina and Colleen are eligible to become Finalists, with a chance to receive between $10,000 and $20,000 in awards. Finalists will be announced in February, 2011.
In addition, Colleen has been named among a select group of high school seniors throughout the country to continue in the 2011 competition for a corporate-sponsored Special Scholarship, administered by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). This past fall, she was named a Commended Student in the 2011 National Merit Scholarship Program based on her outstanding PSAT results.
Congratulations to Christina and Colleen!
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Woodland Hosts Workshop Led By Renowned Educator Dr. Nancy Doda
On December 15, Woodland Middle School hosted a workshop entitled “Circle of Power and Respect,” led by renowned middle school educator, Dr. Nancy Doda. This was the second in a series of five workshops that are being held at Woodland.
Dr. Doda completed her Masters and Ph.D. at the University of Florida, specializing in Middle School Teacher Education. At the workshop, she presented best instructional strategies and teaching practices, and focused on the areas of interdisciplinary learning, teaming, and the importance of Social Emotional Literacy (SEL) at the middle school level.
Participants in the workshop were part of the Nassau County Middle Level Collegial Workshop. Schools taking part in the workshop included Clarke Middle School, Long Beach Middle School, Sewanhaka Junior High School, and Woodland Middle School. The teams were comprised of teachers and administrators. In addition, 12 Woodland students, four from each grade level, participated in several character education activities that fostered social, communication, team building, and other skills, facilitated by Dr. Doda.
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Clarke Middle School Launches “RAMS LIVE”
Clarke Middle School in the East Meadow Union Free School District recently created a news studio where students air their weekly video news magazine. The show, called “Rams Live,” airs every Friday during Advisory. Each edition is between six to eight minutes long and touches on what's happening at Clarke, in the community, and in the world at large. Since launching in January 2010, they have covered a wide range of stories including field trips, school sporting events, philanthropic efforts, musical concerts, the Long Island Math Fair and the Long Island Science Congress, Halloween, school elections, bake sales, and much more.
The show provides a vehicle for teachers to showcase the innovative lessons that are going on in the classroom. Recently, for example, segments included an Archaeology Dig (sixth-grade social studies) and Musical Twister (eighth-grade general music). They have also saluted Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on his birthday, brought attention to the earthquake crisis in Haiti and raised money as a result, and covered the 2010 midterm elections, focusing on New York races. However subtly, they strive to educate students about the larger world around them. Every show ends with a birthday salute where students names and birthdays are listed, mixing them in with photos of famous people also born during that week. Additionally, because Clarke Middle School houses a deaf population, portions of the show are also signed.
Since its inception, it is estimated that well over 300 students have appeared on Rams Live in one way or another. The show is produced each week by technology teacher Elliot Oppenheim and English teacher Cindy Dale. Mr. Oppenheim and Ms. Dale also run the Multimedia Club. In addition to appearing on camera, many students are involved in the editing process, producing entire segments on their own for the show. It is Clarke’s goal to foster an appreciation of the news media in their students and to realize that, when it comes to broadcast journalism, diverse talents are needed -- from writing the news and delivering it, to editing, set design, directing and producing. Finally, “Rams Live” allows the school to connect with students in positive ways...and that is the ultimate goal!
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