VOLUME 38, NUMBER 1 A REPORT ON OUR SCHOOLS FALL 2014

COLDSPRINGHARBOR

FALL 2014VOLUME 38, NUMBER 1 A REPORT ON OUR SCHOOLS

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A Message from the Superintendent….Dear Community Member:

There is no website or document that encapsulates a “slice of life” in theCold Spring Harbor Public Schools more fully than the district’s “Report onour Schools” which arrives in your mailbox five times yearly. We appreciatethat you put aside some time to learn of the accomplishments, programs and

opportunities that our students experience fromKindergarten through 12th grade – all which aremade possible through your support!

While these pages depict the excitement andenthusiasm of “new beginnings,” our mission con-tinues to build upon the initiatives of previousyears. Our teachers have spent the summer writingcurriculum to align instruction more closely withthe Common Core standards for the purpose ofengaging students more deeply in critical thinkingand problem solving. In addition, technology con-tinues to provide opportunities for teachers to per-sonalize student learning goals, allow for more

effective communication between home and school, and extend both timeand opportunities for learning.

While “new” is more likely to gain attention, there are those traitsindigenous to a Cold Spring Harbor education that we strive never to lose – a care and concern for each child, every day that they enter the school. JayMatthews, long time educational reporter for The Washington Post, under-scored the power of the personal relationship and lauds those school systemswho work to ensure that there is a strong home-school connection.(www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/12-ways-to-identify-a-good-school/2014)

Please take advantage of all that the schools offer families and residentsof Cold Spring Harbor - an exciting athletic competition, an entertaining the-atrical production or musical concert, an impressive art exhibit, an adult edu-cation class or a seminar on contemporary issues. The campuses are vibrantand alive with activity – and we invite you to be a part of it!

Sincerely,

Judith A. Wilansky, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools

Join Us at the

HomecomingFootball GameOct. 18th @ 3.00 pmSeahawk Field

Noreen CambriaRetires

It is with a sense of deep gratitudethat the Board of Education membersbid farewell to Director of Guidance,Noreen Cambria, who will be retiringeffective December 31, 2014 afterover seven years in the district. At theSeptember Board meeting, President,Anthony Paolano expressed, “Youwere hired at a crossroads in ourguidance department, and because ofyour great concern and devotion to

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Noreen Cambria, cont’d

our students, you set us on the rightpath, and I thank you.” AmeliaBrogan said, “It has been a pleasureworking with you through the collegeprocess, and financial aid seminars;you continue to be so helpful in somany ways, we are very fortunate.”Dr. Janice Elkin also thanked Ms.Cambria for her years of contributionto our community of students, “Thankyou for fostering the approach thatevery student is unique, with his or herown path to follow, and that our job isto help find the best match.” Ms.Cambria broadened our vision, andmade us realize there is a right collegefor everyone, and many great choicesout there. Her grade assembliesbrought relief and insight to parents,replacing panic with knowledge andwisdom from her many years devotedto this industry. You will be missed,and we wish you well in your futureendeavors. Ms. Cambria smiled andshared, “It has been my privilege towork here.” �

Alumni CornerNicole Sganga

CSH alumni, Nicole Sganga, iscurrently a senior at Notre DameUniversity. She entered a NY Timescontest seeking a candidate to travelabroad to report and raise awarenessin the developing world. She submit-ted a video featuring a wide array ofher experiences as a journalist, includ-

ing her unique oppor-tunity at last year’sBowl Championshipseries game in Miami,where she was theyoungest sidelinereporter. Lo andbehold, Nicole wonthe contest and trav-

eled this summer alongside esteemedNew York Times columnist, NicholasKristof, to Myanmar to report onissues of poverty, health care accessand education. She created blogs andvideos on her trip, “We are interestedin uncovering the voices that often gounheard,” Sganga shared, “I expectthe unexpected, and I am trying tokeep an open mind with regards to ourtravels.” Congratulations Nicole, welook forward to reading your blogs atKristof.blogs.nytimes.com. �

A Message from the Board….Dear Neighbor:

On behalf of the Board of Education, I welcome you to a new schoolyear! You will note many new initiatives on the pages throughout this letterand they are but a small representative sample of the work that the faculty,staff, and administration have engaged in throughout the summer monthstoward the goal of continually improving the student experience in ourschools. This is quite a daunting challenge, given the fact that public schoolsare grappling not only with the economic constraints of the “tax cap” andsluggish economy, but also with sweeping regulatory changes, most notablyin the areas of curriculum and teacher evaluation.

We will once again be adopting annual goals during the fall that willcontinue to focus on continuing the alignment of our instructional programwith the new Common Core Standards; providing authentic and challengingexperiences in the classroom and integrating tools of technology to facilitatestudent achievement via digital learning. The overarching challenge is to con-tinue to review and revise student programs while remaining fiscally prudentand in compliance with the tax cap.

The Board has remained mindful of the struggling economy and is gratefulfor the community support in passing this year’s school budget which was withinthe state mandated tax-cap. We will continue to grapple with economic challengesas we work toward a resolution of “open” labor contracts with the knowledge ofincreased economic constraints as a result of the anticipated effect of the AffordableHealth Care Act and the likelihood of a projected tax cap below 2%.

Our mission remains expansive and focuses not only on fostering acade-mic success but also on the qualities that make for good citizens – sociallyresponsive and responsible students who will leave our care well-equipped fortheir futures. I am honored to, once again, be serving as the President of theBoard of Education. The Board is the decision-making body for all con-stituents in our district and we truly welcome your input. Please join us at themonthly business meetings which take place on the second Tuesday of eachmonth at 8:00pm at the Francis Roberts Community Center and check theDistrict website or calendar for scheduled work sessions which review theprogress of different initiatives taking place in the District. I also invite you tocontact us by email: [email protected].

Sincerely,

Anthony Paolano, President, CSH Board of Education

We welcome our two newBoard members: Mr.Mark McAteer continueshis service as trusteeafter replacing JoeMorante’s mid-year res-ignation. He resides inLloyd Harbor with hiswife and two young chil-dren, and is the owner ofa landscaping firm, TheLaurel Group. Mr. MarkFreidberg is also a LloydHarbor resident, and ismarried to Kerith, a for-mer CSHHS graduate,

with two young children as well. He is the General Manager and Vice President of KaplanInc. (back row) Robert Hughes, Mark McAteer, Mark Freiberg, (front row) AmeliaBrogan, James Robins, Anthony Paolano, Janice Elkin.

Fall 2014 Page 3

• Collegial Teacher Leaders Award:At the August Board of Educationmeeting, four teachers were honoredfor their unique contribution to ourdistrict learning community. Theiryear-long work leading collegial cir-cles with their LH and WS col-leagues has resulted in an importantcontribution to our elementary liter-acy curriculum. At their monthlymeetings, they collaborated, cri-tiqued, and challenged teaching prac-tices and curriculum resources. Theircollective thinking has contributed toa school culture that reflects 21stcentury learning. Thank you forsharing your knowledge and ideas,but most important, for your passionfor teaching and learning on behalfof our students and the teaching pro-fession. (photo left to right; Super -intendent, Dr. Judith A. Wilansky,teachers Christine Terry, WhitneyStahlberg-O’Donnell, Terry Craco,(Kristen Sewell, missing from photo) and Board President,Anthony Paolano)

• West Side Reward School Award2014-2015 – Dr. Wilansky presentedWest Side School with the NY StateDepartment of Education “RewardSchool” Award for the 2014-2015school year. Congratulations!

• Town of CSH Ranks Nationally inthe TOP 10: CBS news reportedCSH School District ranks third inthe Top 10 most attractive schooldistricts in the nation. According tothe article, “Parents are flocking to10 small towns around the country,all located on the outer rings oflarger cities, to raise their children.But it’s not the low crime rates, bigbackyards and white picket fencesthat bring them here, it’s theschools.” Data was compiled by thereal estate site Trulia and the ratingson GreatSchools.org (a nationalschool resource site).

Dr. Helen Browne; Assistant Principal CSHHS, Dr. Judith A. Wilansky; Superintendent,Robert Hughes, Mark Freiberg, Dr. Janice Elkin (Board of Education) Jay Matuk;,Principal CSHHS, Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci, Anthony Paolano, Amelia Brogan andMark McAteer (Board of Education).

Honors . . . Honors . . . Honors . . . Honors . . . Honors . . . Honors . . . Honors . . . Honors . . .

PHOTO CREDIT: JANE LEE BOCK

• CSHHS was Awarded a Proclama -tion by Assemblyman ChadLupinacci: Designated as one of US News & World Report’s Top 20High Schools on Long Island, Mr.Lupinacci recognized the schoolwith the NY State Assembly’s high-est honor – the Proclamation. Hepresented it at the July Board ofEducation meeting, saying “It is with

great honor that I am able to recog-nize CSHHS with this outstandingacademic achievement. It is upliftingto see what an extraordinary job theteachers, administrators and stu-dents have been able to accomplishwith the resources at hand. I com-mend the CSH School District fortheir continued success in educatingour communities’ future leaders.”

congratulate the entire music staff,along with students: (left to right)Timothy Sherlock (Voice), EmilyGallagher (Voice), DanielKazenoff (Strings), John ThomasSepanski (Bassoon AND Clarinet),and Christine Collins (Flute). staffin photo: (left) Andrea GalenoTimothy Jenks, Dr. Gerald Felker,and Phil Gray (far right).

• NYSSMA All-State Conference inRochester, NY: For the first time in51 years, the Music Department has atotal of “five” students accepted torepresent CSH School District Dec.4-7, 2014. Thousands of studentsauditioned for this honor last springat solo and ensemble festivalsthroughout the state. K-12 MusicCoordinator, Phil Gray, would like to

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Opening Day . . . For CSH Schools . . . Opening Day . . . For CSH Schools . . . Opening Day . . .

Within minutes of their arrival, they were busy unpacking

their backpacks, talking and laughing with classmates,

and getting ready to start the day.

Goosehill ReportFrom Mrs. Herschlein…

We opened our doors to 173 stu-dents, with 11 new families andmany sets of twins! All of the chil-dren entered the building happily andconfidently on Wednesday, Sept. 3rd.Within minutes of their arrival, theywere busy unpacking their back-packs, talking and laughing withclassmates, and getting ready to startthe day. Teachers and staff wereespecially sensitive tothe hot weather the firstweek of school, andeased their students intothe routines anddemands of the schoolday. Our first SpiritDay Assembly was onSeptember 10th. Itsfocus was to teach thechildren about being amember of a schoolcommunity and ourSocial-EmotionalLiteracy (SEL) pro-gram. Our School Charter wasshared, which reminds children abouttreating one another with respect andkindness throughout theday. On Friday, thanks tothe GPFA, we had ourfamily Welcome-BackPicnic; a beautiful sum-mer evening with childrenenjoying bounce houses,slides, and dancing withthe DJ. Please visit ourbeautiful new playground,where the children havebeen receiving instructionfrom Physical Education teacher,Rory Malone, on how to use theequipment safely. Over the summer,Mr. Margolies and his crew werebusy preparing our building with newcasework and cabinets, floor and ceil-ing tiles, and of course the new play-ground – thank you! Teachers werevery busy attending professionaldevelopment seminars, planning toimplement eSpark (an Internet-basediPad program) and exciting mathlessons, and readying their class-rooms for a successful year. I wit-nessed firsthand a very sweet

moment on the second day ofschool, when one first grader putinto action the lessons of our SchoolCharter by greeting a nervouskindergartener off the bus, taking herby the hand, and leading her to herclassroom. It was a great way tobegin the year together! �

Getting to knoweach other….

Ms. Riggles relaxes studentswith yoga!

The new playground . . .

Fall 2014 Page 5

Lloyd Harbor ReportFrom Valerie Massimo….

On Wednesday Sept. 3rd we wel-comed a total of 430 students, includ-ing 17 new children and three sets oftwins! The PTG organized programsover the summer, which includedmatching new families with an ambas-sador family to help welcome them toour community. At the New FamilyOrientation back in August, familiesattended a presentation in the LittleTheater and were taken on a tours,ending with a goodie bag! On the firstday of school, our second graderswere led to the cafeteria by sixth gradeStudent Council volunteers and parentshadows, where they met their newteachers. The day began with our firstbroadcast of LHTV Morning News.During the “Special Report” segment Iread the children a poem I had writtenin celebration of the start of a newyear. We were also proud to announcethat our Student Council School Storeis open for business, just in time forour first Spirit Day.This past Friday theentire school com-munity (studentsand staff) engagedin a SummerConnections activ-ity based on whatthey read over sum-mer vacation. Inaddition to high-lighting literacy, itwas another way forus to build connec-tions between students and staff.During the first two weeks ofschool, Mr. Gray and I held gradelevel assemblies to review rulesand expectations. We had a Q&Asession, during which many of thestudents had questions about tech-nology – a sign of the times! Thisyear’s bus assistants have also beenintroduced to the student body. In thearea of instruction, we are excited tounveil our new dedicated FLES roomwhere upper grade students travel to alanguage institute rather than receivinginstruction in their classrooms. Wenow have iPads for every grade level,and we are looking forward to using


“Our teachers worked tirelesslyover the summer planning

for the upcoming year and attending professional

development seminars.”

them to enhance learning. Our teachersworked tirelessly over the summerplanning for the upcoming year andattending professional developmentseminars. Our instrumental music andintramural programs are starting thismonth, and the halls are buzzing withlife and enthusiastic staff and kids! It’sbeen a great start to the school year! �

Arriving by busand bicycle!

Principal, Valerie Massimo, welcomes her studentsback to school.

2nd graders meet their newteachers in the cafeteriaupon their first day at theirnew school!

West Side ReportFrom Kurt Simon….

As I reflected upon West Side’sopening week of school, I couldn’thelp but remember my first day as ateacher in Cold Spring Harbor. Nowin my fourth year as Principal, open-ing week felt more like just anotherweek in January; we were so gearedup, and so prepared; walking the hallsfelt normal, and the kids smiled withenthusiasm and confidence to be backin session. We welcomed 243 stu-dents, and six new familiesto West Side. We rang inWest Side’s 225th schoolyear with our eager studentsas we held our traditionalringing of the school bellceremony during morningassembly. Student CouncilPresident, JohnnyMaccarone, formerPrincipal, Ted Hilton, andformer teacher, ScottBowden, helped lead ourstudent body in this tradi-tional event. Students sat inthe Hilton Gymnasium qui-etly as the sound of the original schoolbell echoed throughout the halls of ourschool….it was truly a great moment.Throughout the week, students partici-pated in a number ofactivities as they setgoals, created class andgrade level charters,participated in DASA(Dignity for AllStudents Act) work-shops, and collaboratedduring book talks at ourannual SummerReading Celebration. Thank you tothe PTG for the purchase and installa-tion of two new school signs. In honorof our 225th year, the signs denote thedate of our school’s establishment in1790 and also recognize our NationalBlue Ribbon Award. Thank you alsoto the DiScala and Vitagliano familiesfor their generous donations whichhelped the PTG install a rock wall intothe Hilton Gymnasium this summer.We have already begun auditions forthe school musical, Suessical, and thekids are very excited about the addi-


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“We rang in West Side’s 225th school year with our

eager students as we held our traditional ringing of the

school bell ceremony duringmorning assembly.”

tion of many new iPads for our con-tinued eSpark program. Thank youalso to Mark Margolies for the manysummer projects installed. In sixclassrooms, we have new sinks, newcubbies, new bookshelves, and anewly installed cargo net in the gym!I look forward to my “Lunch with thePrincipal” dates starting soon, wherestudents share their ideas and feelempowered to improve their schoolfor the better. �

The annual traditionof Ringing the Bell –225 years later!

Principal, Kurt Simon, welcomes students back to school.


Fall 2014 Page 7

Jr./Sr. High SchoolReport From Jay Matuk…

I would like to thank my fellowcolleagues for their humbling presen-tations tonight (at the SeptemberBoard of Education meeting), to hearall that goes into opening up theschools, and I am so appreciative ofwhat we all do together to make ithappen. We welcomed 970 studentsback, with 28 new students who par-ticipated in our orientation days. It wasa quiet opening, where buses were ontime, and teachers were very energizedand ready. We have a number of newprograms and initiatives. We have twonew student-assistance drop in roomslocated in the JHS Library and inroom H-1. These facilities, staffed bya social worker, will hopefully makestudents more comfortable in “findingtheir own space” in thebuilding. When adoles-cents feel they can shareconcerns with an adult, itcan help reduce stress andpoor decision making. Iwould like to personallythank our Superintendent,Dr. Wilansky for support-ing us in these new initia-tives to help students. The“new” Gottshalk ArtGallery has beenrevamped with a new lookto showcase our talentedstudents. I would like topersonally thank Christine Oswald fortaking it upon herself, to restore the911 memorial, with assistance fromour chief custodian Mr. FrankChanning. In 2001 all staff and stu-dents signed their names, but it haddeteriorated and faded. It is now inperfect condition and beautifullyrestored. We are in the process of get-ting more security cameras, and alarm-ing our doors. Campus Securityremains a high priority every year, andwe continue to utilize evolving tech-nologies to make this a safe campusfor students and staff. The 8th gradersspent a day at Caumsett Park on LloydNeck; it was a wonderful day with 177students engaged in a series of low-

ropes and trust building activities. Weare offering several new classes thisfall including Extreme Internship,Animation, and Theater Workshop.Our annual Safe Driving Night washeld on September 15th mandatory forsenior drivers and parents. It is a nightof great reflection and repeated lessonsthat never get old when it comes to thesafety of our children behind thewheel. It’s a great feeling to be back toschool and up and running again witha smooth and seamless transition. �

“We are offering several new classes this fall including

Extreme Internship,Animation, and Theater

Workshop.”

Principal, Jay Matuk makes sure studentsand buses arrive safely and on schedule.

Happy to be back!

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Jr. High SchoolReportFrom Joseph Monastero…

Jr. High actually started in Augustwith our annual Beautification Daywith 130 students who joined in on anhour of yoga (with Jeff Logan, Body& Soul Fitness, Huntington). The stu-dents were not aware of the surprisestart and really enjoyed it. T-shirtswere decorated and prepared to beworn on spirit day. We previewed aslide show entitled, “What CSH meansto Me” by 2013 graduate, BuckAndrews, who videoed and interviewedoutgoing seniors on their experiencehere in CSH. They LOVED it and allwanted copies of the film. The themeheld strong, “we are a family.” At ourannual 7th grade Barbecue andOrientation, over 25 student ambas-sadors could be found in bright limegreen t-shirts to help, along with 12staff members. We welcomed 147 students to the 7th grade with 6 newfamilies. We have a new socialworker, Ms. Velez, who met the stu-dents and will be making grade char-ters soon. At orientation, practicinglocker combinations, along with deco-rating lockers has turned into a bigevent. Students now have lockers withindoor/outdoor carpeting, wallpaper,mirrors and even chandeliers! �

Caumsett Park Challenge DayOn September 5th, three days into the new school year, 177 eighth

graders piled onto buses for a field trip to Caumsett Park. This wasn’t an ordi-nary field trip, but rather an initiative sparked by D.A.S.A. (Dignity for AllStudents Act) a NY state mandated curriculum which seeks to provide theState’s public elementary and secondary school students with a safe and sup-portive environment free from discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harass-ment, and bullying on school property, a school bus and/or at a schoolfunction. The Dignity Act was signed into law on September 13, 2010 andtook effect on July 1, 2012. Principal Jay Matuk explained, “We took greatpains planning this event last June, and spent several hours dividing kids intogroups, taking them out of their comfort zones and making sure that studentshad the opportunity to experience the day with peers whom that might notnecessarily have gotten to know during their 7th grade year at CSH.” Studentwere placed into teams of 15 and were required to engage in a series of activ-ities including Cooperative Games “icebreakers,” Initiatives “problem solv-ing tasks,” and Low Ropes Course “physical challenge.” All groups werefacilitated by a BOCES trained teacher as well as co-supervised by a memberof the CSH faculty. Barriers were broken as students found themselves work-ing side by side with peers who until today were just classmates but nowwere becoming friends. This also enabled our students to become more awareof the existence of cliques and the behaviors which can unknowingly excludeothers. They practiced strong communication and negotiation skills throughlistening and speaking. There were conflicts to resolve and every student hadthe opportunity to provide input into the way the team solved each of theirchallenges. Often students were heard saying, “I’m convinced this is impossi-ble!” “No one can do this.” Some who had arrived disappointed that theywere not with their friends, all spoke later about their experiences and howthey were happy to meet so many new friends and breakdown preconceivednotions about some of their classmates. It was SEL (Social EmotionalLearning) at its best. Executive Director of Special Education and PupilServices, Denise Campbell, sees this expanding into 10th and 11th gradechallenge days and comprehensive programs are being put in place to estab-lish better relationships with peers and staff. All were very grateful to thestaff at the Caumsett State Park Preserve – Nassau BOCES EnvironmentalCenter for a fabulous day! �

Fall 2013 Page 9

Athletics and Health ReportFrom Mike Bongino…

Our athletic fields are once againfilled with student-athletes. On the firstday of Jr. High sports, there was not afree space to be found! Additionally,

we have the swimteam at the YMCA,the crew team atEagle Dock, andVolleyball insidethe gym. On andoff the grounds weare going strong!Thank you to ourcoaches and their

dedication and commitment to oursports teams as they prepare for thefall season and opening game days.Scrimmages started and student ath-letes are well-prepared. Code ofConduct nights were packed with stu-dents and parents. The theme this yearwas the development of the athleticvision in CSH. The presentationincluded Phase-1 & 2 about conduct,choice and responsibility which hadbeen started by last year’s graduatingseniors, juniors and coaches. Phase-3is soon to be completed by this year’sstudents and community, and will berolled out at a future meeting. TheJunior High topic focused on theimportance of time management, howto balance competition, extra-curricu-lar activities and academics. I wouldlike to thank our Director of Buildingsand Grounds, Mark Margolies, JoeAmendolare and the entire groundsstaff. Our facilities look beautiful, andwe are very fortunate to have a cam-pus that often seems more like a col-lege setting than a high school.Everything was set and ready to go onday one without a hitch. In the areas ofHealth and Physical Education, Ms.Christine Parent has taken on a newrole as a dedicated Health teacher atLloyd Harbor and West Side elemen-tary schools. We also have rolled outthe continuation of our leisure activityclasses in Physical Education. Manymay not realize that we cross countryski, mountain bike, and roller blade –electives that are not typically taughtin high schools. Soon, we will beoffering more non-traditional classessuch as Zumba, yoga, and self-defensein our Dance Movement and Fitnessclass. Our Physical Education teachers

participated in the Project Adventure-type Challenge Day at Caumsett Parkfor the 8th graders, which returned

rave reviews from students whoworked together in a variety of trustchallenges. Project Adventure isanother class offered in our PhysicalEducation Department which contin-ues the development on trust, chal-lenge activities, critical thinking andproblem solving. Physical fitness hasalso recently enhanced 21st centurylearning skills with the implementa-tion of “fitness grams” on the com-puter, which is being introduced in the3rd grade, and piloted in grades 4-8. I am looking forward to seeing greatsportsmanship and exciting games thisseason. See you out on the fields! �

Jr./Sr. High opts out of National School Lunch Program

The Board of Education approved a resolution to terminate the participa-tion of the CSH Jr./Sr. High School in the National School Lunch Programeffective November 11, 2014. Board of Education President, Anthony Paolano,authorized a 60 day notice to the Commissioner of Education and CSH schooldistrict parents or guardians of the intent to withdraw from the program. The60 day waiting period is to allow parents or guardians an opportunity toaddress this matter with the Board of Education before the effective date ofwithdrawal from the program. As Director of Food and Nutrition, Gerri Tiger,(photo inset) and Assistant Superintendent, Dr. William Bernhard, explainedat the August Board meeting, this is a federally-assisted meal program that

provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches.Established under the National School Lunch Act in1946, participating school districts get cash subsidiesand foods from the U.S. Department of Agriculture foreach meal they serve. But, new guidelines have nowbeen set that will severely limit our high school pro-gram and what the school will be able to offer. (Theprogram will not affect the elementary schools). It hastaken Ms. Tiger years, following the guidelines ofWellness Policies and Nutrition committees to offerwell balanced and nutritionally sound meals. Popularfavorites in the Jr./Sr. High School cafeteria are thedeli option and salad bar. Under the new guidelines,

both of these options would have to be eliminated, and prepackaged contain-ers would replace them. After school fundraisers, such as bake sales andpizza sales would also have to be eliminated. Ms. Tiger shared, “Going for-ward the school lunch program will follow almost all the other new guide-lines to reduce sodium, increase variety and portions size of fruits and vegetableoffered and encourage whole grain breads and pastas.” Dr. Bernhard gaveone example of what would happen if the school did not opt out, “Beveragescan only have 40 calories per 8 fluid ounces. This means that in order tocomply, we could offer drinks with artificial sweeteners, which are permittedunder the new regulations but are not consistent with our district wellnesspolicy.” He also shared, “Because of our exceptionally low percentage offree and reduced lunch participation (less than 1%), we can absorb the lossof any federal revenue that we would get under the program. Any child whois now receiving a free or reduced cost lunch will still receive it even if weopt out. We anticipate that the lower participation of students buying foodbecause of these guidelines would far exceed the loss of the federal revenue.”(The school district also has the option of opting back in at any time.) �

The sports fields were buzzing with ath-letes the first day!

Page 10 Fall 2013

Elementary DedicatedHealth Classes

Our 4th, 5th and 6th graders dis-trict-wide have begun attending dedi-cating class time for Health this year!Ms. Christine Parent, a certified HealthEducator and longtime teacher in thedistrict, has enthusiastically taken onthis new role forboth Lloyd Harborand West SideSchool. Once aweek studentscome together,often in a big circle, to worktogether by learn-ing, discussing,drawing and evensinging about thethree dimensions of the HealthTriangle; physicalhealth, mental/emo-tional health and social health. Studentsare recognizing all of the healthybehaviors they enjoy, and in turn dis-covering areas they’d like to improveupon. Classes continue to use TheGreat Body Shop (GBS); a comprehen-sive health, substance abuse and vio-lence prevention program. Though thecoursework varies for each grade level(Please visit Ms. Parent’s Website), allstudents work to develop essentialhealth skills that they will need in orderto adopt, practice and maintain healthybehaviors. Students continue to receivetheir own copies of GBS issues. Eachissue includes parent/child and familyactivities that are designed to bringhealth discussions home. These activi-ties will keep families aware of what

their children are studying and areintended to spark discussion. Ms.Parent shared, “Teaching Health classis a dream come true for me! This is awonderful opportunity for me to shareessential health information and helpkids realize how important it is to takethe time to make the right decisionsthroughout their lives. I’m hoping toinspire students to be the best they can

be!” Mr. MikeBongino, who washired last year notonly as Director ofPhysical Educationand Athletics, butas Director ofHealth Education aswell, extended histhanks to those thathelped make thisinitiative possible.He said, “Thetremendous supportfrom the Board ofEducation, Super -

intendent, Dr. Judith A. Wilansky,Assistant Superintendent, Mrs. Bellinoand the building principals, made thisopportunity possible for our students.Elementary Health Education is a vitalcomponent of a child’s schooling.Having a certified Health Educatorinstruct our students on these topicsprovides an in depth look at every dayconcerns in the world of health andprovides valuable knowledge andawareness to topics that our childrenface every day. As the Director ofHealth, Physical Education andAthletics, I am very happy about thisprogram. I look forward to workingwith Christine Parent in a continuedeffort to develop the program to besteducate our students.” �

CSH Ed FoundationSupporting Education….

Did you know there is a non-profit that was created solely to sup-port your child’s education and ourcommunity? It’s true! The CSHEducational Foundation was formedin 2012 with the purpose of enhanc-ing the quality of our children’s pub-lic school education through fundingand collaboration of innovative andessential educational programs. Fundswhich are raised through the generos-ity of community and local businessesgo towards educational enhancementsfor the students. In 2013 over $15,000dollars was donated to equip the highschool in-house Research Lab. Inaddition, the CSH Ed Foundationpartnered with the school district tobring the global event “Hour ofCode” to Lloyd Harbor and West SideSchool students as an after schoolprogram, introducing elementary stu-dents to the concept of computer cod-ing through gaming. This year, over$84,000 dollars have been donated tosupport the addition of devices forincreased student access to personaltechnology. New this fall, the CSHEd Foundation have partnered withboth the school district and the ele-mentary PTG’s to bring a RoboticsClub to 5th and 6th grade students atboth Lloyd Harbor and West Side.This provides a STEM based afterschool opportunity which most likelyserve as a foundation for eventualparticipation in the Jr. and Sr. HighSchool Robotics Clubs. TheFoundation also partnered with theHigh School Virtual Enterprise Class by tapping the expertise of business people from our communityto consult with students as they create and market their own virtualbusiness. To learn more about theFoundation, please visit www.cshed-foundation.com. �

“Ms. Parent shared, ‘TeachingHealth class is a dream cometrue for me! This is a wonder-ful opportunity for me to share

essential health informationand help kids realize how

important it is to take the timeto make the right decisionsthroughout their lives. . . .’ ”

Fall 2014 Page 11

School Facility UpdatesOver the summer, Director of Buildings & Grounds, Mark Margolies and his

staff completed an impressive number of facilities upgrades and repairs. Asidefrom gleaming floors and sparkling hallways, the elementary schools added tennew closed circuit TV cameras while the Jr./Sr. High School added twenty. Therewere district-wide oil tank repairs and air conditioning units replaced. LloydHarbor has a new turn around road in the back parking lot. Goosehill has a beauti-ful new playground in addition to brand new classroom casework and floor tile.The Jr./Sr. High School improved the door monitoring system, replaced cafeteriaand kitchen roofs, improved the large parking lot drainage, and renovated space toserve as two new drop-in centers for students. At West Side, six classrooms nowhave new sinks, new cubbies, and new bookshelves; as well as a newly installedrock wall and cargo net in the gym. These are just a few of the many completedprojects that the school community will enjoy for years to come! �

First Fully OnlineCourse Underway...

Four states now require a manda-tory online course be taken in order tograduate high school, and it isexpected that others will follow suit.High School Seniors will notice thecommon application for colleges nowasks if students have taken any onlinecollege courses. This growing trend isa driving force toward college andwork-force readiness, and the districthas moved in this direction to betterprepare our students for the future.Last year CSH School District enlistedthe help and expertise of BruceFriend, a national leader in the cre-ation, policy development and busi-ness operations of virtual HighSchools throughout the U.S. Mr.Friend notes that online communica-tion is how the digital-native genera-tion interacts every day, and onlinecourses have gained in popularity fora variety of reasons. A recent surveyconducted among CSH high schoolstudents indicated interest in onlinelearning for reasons of flexibility in

911 MemorialRestoration

Thirteen years ago, Ms. ChristineOswald was an art teacher at Goosehillschool when the attacks on the WorldTrade Center occurred. “I will neverforget sitting on my bumblebee chair atGoosehill, reading the students a bookand preparing an art lesson, when Iwas informed of the chaos happeningin New York City. I remember lookingdown at the children, whose wideeager-eyes had no idea what wasgoing on around them,”Ms. Oswaldshared. The days and weeks followingwere so emotionally raw for everyone.In the subsequent months, things werenot always said, but rather displayed indrawings within young sketchbooks.Drawing seemed to be an open line ofcommunication for young students toexpress themselves. That year, a 911memorial mural was created at thehigh school, signed by all students andstaff. It is located in the main hallwayoutside the guidance office. The muraldepicts the symbol of the eagleembracing a map of the United States.It became a figure of strength and unity

for students. Ms. Oswald mentioned toher students last year that the muralhad become deteriorated and compro-mised; all the signatures were fadedand many unrecognizable. She listenedto experiences and memories of stu-dents entering junior high, and themural being a lasting and powerfulmemory, as well as a figure of strengthand unity. “I knew at that point, it wasmy responsibility to bring this memor-

ial to a respectable place once again.”Principal, Jay Matuk, said, “Ms.Oswald took it upon herself to restorethis mural to perfection. She found allthe names from the 2001 yearbook,reprinted them, and shellacked andprotected the mural for years tocome.” This district will be forevergrateful for your act of kindness inrestoring this treasured mural. �

scheduling and the possibility of tak-ing a course outside of the school’scurrent offerings. This year, severalstudents have enrolled in the half yearelective “X-treme Intern” which isoffered through Nassau BOCES. Thecourse offers students an internship ina virtual global corporation where theywill assess their career interests and beassigned to departments to experiencecareers that match their interests and

skill sets. A common misperception isthat online learning is devoid of inter-action, when, in fact, online learningdemands active engagement on thepart of each student. While the goal isnot to replace a traditional classroomsetting, online learning representsadditional learning options for stu-dents, and provides them with skillswhich will be valuable as they enterthe next phases of their lives. �

NON PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE PAID

PERMIT NO.4Cold Spring Harbor, New York

COLD SPRING HARBOR CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT75 Goose Hill RoadCold Spring Harbor, N.Y. 11724

www.csh.k12.ny.us

BOARD OF EDUCATIONAnthony Paolano, PresidentJames Robins, Vice PresidentAmelia BroganJanice ElkinMark FreibergRobert C. HughesMark McAteer

Judith A. Wilansky, Ed. D.Superintendent of Schools

Karen L. Spehler, EditorSchool Tax Code 123

ECRWSS

POSTAL CUSTOMER

POSTMASTER:

DATED MATERIAL

DO NOT DELAY

Notice to All ParentsEarly Dismissal Drill Emergency Management Plan Requirement

In compliance with the regulations of the Commissioner of Education, the Cold Spring Harbor Central School District has scheduled its annual test of the Early Dismissal Drill for:

Friday, January 16, 2015All pupils in Grades K through 12 will be released ten minutes earlier than their scheduled dismissal time in order to test the early dismissal response of the district’s Emergency Management Plan. Please make appropriate arrangements for the early arrival of your children as a result of the drill. Thank you.

AttentionTaxpayers

The New York State SchoolTAx Relief (STAR) programprovides a school property taxreduction for ALL “primaryresidence” property owners.There are two types of STARexemptions: Basic STAR andEnhanced STAR (for thoseover 65 and who meet incomelimits). Suffolk residents maycall 631-351-3308 for moreinformation; Nassau residents,516-571-2490.

Gottshalk Art Gallery CSHHSThe official opening of the “new” Gottshalk Art Gallery at the Jr./Sr. High

School was held this fall where a plaque was installed dedicated to Mr. Robert L.Gottshalk, former Choral Director and Chairperson of the Music and Art Departmentin Cold Spring Harbor. After having taught for 30 years in the district, he retired inJune 1993. This unique gallery showcased the works of students as well as profes-sional artists throughout the year, and was one of the few permanent exhibits to belocated in a public school on Long Island. The “new” Gottshalk Gallery was dedi-cated this fall with the financial assistance of the Arts Booster Club, Parent GroupCFA (Citizen Faculty Association), and the graduates of the Class of 2013. �

Mama Mia West Side!

Thank you to the many WS fami-lies that tended to the West SideOrganic garden over the summer.Because of these dedicated volunteers,West Side was able to continue theirannual Tomato Sauce Day on Sept.29th where the children get to samplefresh sauce from WS garden tomatoes,along with fresh herbs too… Yum! �

Documents

VOLUME 38, NUMBER 1 A REPORT ON OUR SCHOOLS FALL 2014