NEWS FROM AROUND THE DISTRICT

NEWS, NEWSLETTERS, VIDEOS AND SLIDESHOWS

REMINDER
SCHOOL WILL BE HELD ON MAY 28TH due to WINTER storms.

MAY, 2013 NEWS NEWSLETTERS, VIDEOS AND SLIDESHOWS

THIRD QUARTER HONOR ROLLS AT RHS AND RMS
RHS THIRD QUARTER HONOR ROLL 5/1 / RMS THIRD QUARTER HONOR ROLL and HIGH HONOR ROLL 5/1

GRANT PROGRAM - PROJECT FIT AMERICA
(May 7, 2013) On behalf of the Riverhead Board of Education and our K-6 students, I wish to thank Bill Groth our Athletic Director, along with his staff, PBMC, and the Suffolk Lions Diabetes Education Foundation for working with us to bring Project Fit America to our K-6 schools,” stated RCSD Superintendent of Schools Nancy Carney. “We are excited to be chosen as the first school in the state of New York to receive this grant, and we are looking forward to working with our partners for the health and benefit of our students.”
   RCSD Athletic, Health and Physical Fitness Director Bill Groth worked with the staff at the Peconic Bay Medical Center to win this grant that will include state-of-the-art outdoor fitness equipment, indoor fitness equipment, mentor teachers and training, a comprehensive Core Curriculum for the PE teachers, lesson plans, and support materials. Equipment will be put in place over the summer, and the program will start in September of 2013.
   Peconic Bay Medical Center hosted its Annual Garden Festival May 9-12 at the Staples Shopping Center in Riverhead. The proceeds from this event will help finance the Project Fit Program. Saturday, May 11, was Kids Day with contests for kids to win prizes. >MORE

Riverhead CAP’s 28th Annual Say NO to Drugs March
rhead CAP's 28th Annual Say NO to Drugs March will take place on Friday, June 7th. The Stony Brook University Women’s Lacrosse Team, winners of the 2013 America East Championship, and their coach will lead the march this year.

FIRST GRADE DUAL LANGUAGE PROGRAM PERFORMANCE
Who:  The First Grade Dual Language students of rooms 23 & 24
What:   We are putting on Two Dual Language shows entitled The Very Hungry Oruga and The Lady Bug Gruñon.
When:  Thursday, May 23rd  @ 10:00 a.m. (doors will open at 9:45a.m.)
Where: On stage in the Phillips Avenue Cafetorium
Why:    To entertain our families and show them how much we have learned this year in our Dual Language classrooms.

MAY IS “GET CAUGHT READING” MONTH AT PULASKI
(May 20, 2013) The “Got Books?” campaign at Pulaski Street School is in full swing.  The culminating event for this campaign will be a Book Exchange for students.  The book exchange will be held during lunch periods on May 29th, May 30th, May 31st, and June 3rd. On the day of the exchange students will be able to take books, leave books or swap books.  Our goal is that every student in Pulaski Street School has books for summer reading.  

GREAT SEASON GIRLS!

The RHS BLUE WAVES WON THE FIRST ROUND OF SOFTBALL PLAYOFF GAMES AGAINST SMITHTOWN!
The Blue Waves lost their second round game to Bay Shore.Great Season, Girls -- GO BLUE WAVES!

GRAZIANO SIGNS
(May 14, 2013) RHS Pitcher AMANDA GRAZIANO signed papers recently to play softball in college next year at Mercy College, a Division II College in Dobbs Ferry, NY. This is not the only signing that Amanda had this year. In the spring, she also signed to play field hockey at Mercy College. It is quite an accomplishment for a student to sign to play two sports in college.

RHS BLUE WAVES GIRLS’ TRACK TEAM WINS LEAGUE TITLE
(May 13, 2013) Riverhead's girls’ track and field team won the League IV championship in its final dual meet of the season with an 84-56 victory at East Islip. Rachel Conti led the way for the Blue Waves, posting wins in both the 1,500- and 3,000-meter races. (Conti was named Newsday’s “Athlete of the Week”). Her times were 5 minutes 18 seconds in the 1,500 and 12:26 in the 3,000. Another Blue Wave, Denise Brunskill, finished first in the 100-meter high hurdles in 17.9 seconds. Undefeated, Riverhead completed its dual-meet season with a 6-0 record. Girl's Varsity Track & Field defeated East Islip and in doing so clinched the second straight League IV Championship! They finished the season with an undefeated record of 6-0 and have gone 12-0 the last two seasons.

ANNUAL ART-IN-ACTION CELEBRATION
(May 17, 2013) The District’s art teachers once again hosted the annual Art-In-Action celebration on Friday, May 17th.  It was wall-to-wall art at the high school. We congratulate the art teachers and their assistants on the quality of this massive display of art and for engaging our students and their families in this celebration of the arts annually.

ANN COTTON-DEGRASSE CHOSEN AS “WOMAN OF THE YEAR” BY THE EAST END WOMEN’S NETWORK
(MAY 20, 2013) Ann Cotton-DeGrasse was honored on Monday, May 20, at Giorgio's in Baiting by the East End Women's Network for being chosen “Woman of the Year”.
COUNCIL FOR UNITY THANKA SUFFOLK COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY THOMAS SPOTA FOR HIS SUPPORT
(May 14, 2013) Riverhead High School was the first school on Long Island to form a Council for Unity program. Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota has consistently been a strong supporting voice and has helped with funding for the COUNCIL FOR UNITY. The RHS COUNCIL FOR UNITY thanked him in person during their class period this morning for his support. Representatives from the Central Islip Council for Unity also brought a message as well.

"We wanted to give District Attorney Spota a large sword because we see him as the "ULTIMATE DRAGON SLAYER", stated Theresa Drozd, K-12 Violence Prevention Coordinator, E.S. BOCES/Riverhead School. (The "Dragon Slayer" in the Council for Unity curriculum is used to illustrate how members can overpower their fears.)

ROANOKE AVENUE RECEIVES A $2,250 GRANT FROM TANGER OUTLET
(May 20, 2013) Roanoke reading teacher Georgette Keller applied for and received a Tanger grant. Roanoke Avenue Elementary School was awarded $2,250.00.  The grant will be used to purchase new sets of books for their Kindergarten classes to assist in developing reading acquisition skills through guided reading in Roanoke’s kindergarten reading push-in program.

NJROTC EARNS DISTINGUISHED UNIT WITH HONORS
for the School Year 2012-2013. Only 11 schools out of the 52 in Area Four achieved this distinction.
(May 20, 2013 - Riverhead, NY) This is the first time since 2007 that the Riverhead NJROTC Unit has earned the Distinguished Unit With Honors award. Everything that a unit does during the year (April 2012 - April 2013) is considered during the selection process. This year the Riverhead NJROTC Unit excelled in many areas. >MORE

YOUNG SCIENTIST AT RILEY AVENUE WINS HONORABLE MENTION AT BNL SCIENCE FAIR
Honorable Mention
Riley Avenue student Josh Pokorny received an HONORABLE MENTION at the BROOKHAVEN NATIONAL LAB's SCIENCE FAIR. Josh's experiment was entitled "Rubber Band Rumble". CONGRATULATIONS to all our young scientists who entered! There were more than 500 projects from 114 Suffolk County schools entered. >READ MORE

RIVERHEAD ROWING DUO HEADS TO NATIONALS
(May 13, 2013) Danny O’Neill and Hunter Bingham, the Boys Senior Varsity Double team for the East End Rowing Club located in Flanders, have made the nationals in the sculling (two oar) event after completely dominating in the New York State Scholastic Rowing Championships. >MORE

RIVERHEAD ROWERS MEDAL AT STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
(May 13, 2013) Thirteen of Riverhead's rowers took part in the New York State Scholastic Rowing Championships at Saratoga Springs this weekend, racing against 73 different teams, bringing home a total of four medals — two silver and two bronze. >MORE

RHS SOFTBALL TEAM - TIED LEAGUE TITLE - MADE PLAYOFFS
(May 4, 2013) The Riverhead Blue Waves varsity softball team has secured a spot in the playoffs for the first time in three years. The Waves earned the playoff berth with a 11-10 come-from-behind win in West Babylon. Pitcher Amanda Garcia has signed to play both lacrosse and softball at Mercy College, a Division II college in Dobbs Ferry, NY. MORE / RIVERHEADLOCAL.COM

HAPPY NATIONAL HISTORY DAY!
( May 9, 2013) There are math contests, science contests, Rube Goldberg contests, art contests, Latin contests, and on and on. Contests are often a great incentive for students to use as a motivator in the creation of special projects and to focus their studies. RHS history teacher Justin Cobis’ 9th Grade AP World History class at Riverhead High School got into the contest frame of mind this year through their observance of National History Day, which is not really a “day” at all but a program for guiding and inspiring the study of history.  The RHS 9th graders used National History Day and the contest rules for the National History Day Contest to guide their research. >MORE

COMM. SERVICE - ANNUAL “RIDE FOR LIFE” AND AGAINST ALS
(May 6, 2013) The RHS Student Government Officers walked with Chris Pendergast, an amazing man with a rare disease, ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease, as he once again rode his power wheelchair through the streets of Riverhead in the 16th annual ALS “Ride for Life”, which started in Montauk and will end in Manhattan. The Student Government met Mr. Pendergast at Town Hall, donated $300 to “Ride for Life”, and then walked with the students from Mercy High School and Mr. Pendergast in this leg of his journey. RHS was the first school to sponsor an assembly at which Mr. Pendergast, a former teacher, shared his story and encouraged them to persist in the face of the difficulties that they are bound to face in life. >More

RILEY STUDENT WINS HON. MENTION AT BNL SCIENCE FAIR
(May 4, 2013) Riley Avenue student Josh Pokorny received an HONORABLE MENTION at the BROOKHAVEN NATIONAL LAB's SCIENCE FAIR. Josh's experiment was entitled "Rubber Band Rumble". CONGRATULATIONS to all our young scientists who entered! There were more than 500 projects from 114 Suffolk County schools entered. >More

FAMILY NIGHT UNDER THE STARS
(May 3, 2013) The RMS National Junior Honor Society and the MS Environmental Club hosted a “Family Night Under the Stars” at the Middle School last Friday night. There were telescopes set up in the field outside the gym hosted by Camera Concepts of Patchogue, which enabled the students were to observe sun spots and later in the evening stars. In the gymnasium, there was entertainment by the RMS Jazz Band, a STARLAB that projected constellations onto its roof, crafts for kids of all ages, and a viewing of the movie “October Sky”.  Kristen Realander, Michelle Reed & Alyson Grossman coordinated this effort. >More

TURN OFF YOUR TV . . . TURN ON ALTERNATIVE ACTIVITIES
April 29 – May 5, 2013 was National “Screen-Free Week”, an evolution from the original “Turn Off Your TV Week”, which has been celebrated by the Roanoke Avenue School for the past six years. Roanoke encouraged their students to turn off their TV and other digital devices and interact as a family. On Monday the school offered a “Milk and Cookies Family Reading Night” and on Thursday evening there was an “Outdoor Family Fun Night”.  This effort was sponsored and coordinated by the Literacy/Reading teachers at Roanoke. >More

SPORTS – CARRERA CHOSEN FOR LI METROPOLITAN TEAM
(May 7, 2013) Carolyn Carrera, a junior midfielder on the RHS Varsity Girls Lacrosse Team, has been chosen to play on the Long-Island Metropolitan Team to compete in the 2013 US Lacrosse Women’s Division National Tournament, May 25-26 at Lehigh University. Carrera is the first Riverhead lacrosse player to be selected to a team of this national significance. The tournament features high school-aged players representing the US Lacrosse region in which they live and play. The Long Island Metropolitan Team is selected from the best high school women’s lacrosse players in Nassau and Suffolk County. The National Tournament began in 1933 as a tournament to showcase the best post-collegiate and club women’s lacrosse players. Since that time, it has grown into one of the largest women’s lacrosse events in the nation.

RHS BLUE MASQUES PRESENT "FIDDLER ON THE ROOF"
(May 4, 2013 – Riverhead, NY) The RHS BLUE MASQUES presentation of "Fiddler on the Roof" got great reviews. Congratulations to the directors, cast and crew! >More

APRIL, 2013 NEWS NEWSLETTERS, VIDEOS AND SLIDESHOWS

MAGNIFICENT MASTERPIECES AT RILEY AVENUE
(April 29, 2013) ART TEACHER Melissa Haupt and the RILEY AVENUE PARENT ASSOCIATION hosted a MAGNIFICENT MASTERPIECES ART SHOW AND FUNDRAISER. Each classroom created art pieces based on a particular theme using a variety of mediums. The art was framed and made available to parents to buy -- a very modest $10. >More

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY INDUCTION
(April 26, 2013 – Riverhead, NY) The awards season at Riverhead High School begins with the National Honor Society Induction Ceremony to welcome the new inductees into the Honor Society. The National Honor Society is more than just an honor roll. Using national guidelines, the local chapter establishes rules for membership that are based upon a student's outstanding performance in the areas of scholarship, service, leadership, and character. >MORE

RHS GUIDANCE OFFICE OFFERS NAVIANCE PARENT TUTORIALS
(February – April 2013) The High School guidance office is always searching for innovative ways to serve our clientele, the students and parents of Riverhead School District. Over the past two months, Riverhead Guidance Director, Charles Gassar hosted 13 separate informational nights wherein parents of current 10th and 11th grade students were given the opportunity to learn about our new college selection and application software called Naviance.

Parents had the opportunity to learn firsthand in small groups how this program works and what a powerful tool it is for both their children and themselves.  They were given the opportunity to establish accounts with which they could perform college searches, research scholarship opportunities, build a student resume along with many other features. Establishing these accounts allows for parents to understand the tools and resources their children are afforded as they navigate through their college selection, and the application process.  This initiative was a resounding success with over 100 parents attending! >MORE

NJROTC CHINESE AUCTION
(April 20, 2013) Over 900 ticket cards were sold to approximately 500 people who attended. There were over 250 gift baskets and gift certificates that were donated. Local businesses in the community did an unbelievable job providing items to support this Auction, which says so much about the community spirit in Riverhead and the surrounding communities especially in such difficult economic times.

The NJROTC unit raised approximately $10,500 before deducting expenses for purchase of concession and other miscellaneous items, so they expect to clear approximately $10,000. Thank yous go out to parents who worked hard to organize and run the event. Special thanks go to Tracy Grimes, Dawn Schneider, Joan Kujawski and Dana Hubbard for being the driving force behind the great success of this event.

Fifty-four cadets worked at the auction and the money raised goes to support Basic Leadership Training camp, cadet trips to military bases, summer training academies, the Hike Bike and Kayak team building weekend at Camp Quinipet on Shelter Island, air rifle and drill team equipment as well as the Navy Ball and Awards Dinner.

Thank you to everyone who donated items and came out to support this event.

'DARE TO BE AWARE' DAY
April 19, 2013 was designated as "DARE TO BE AWARE" day in the Riverhead schools for students and staff to recognize that all people should be treated with dignity and respect, despite individual differences. Three students in Pam Argenti's second grade class made blue and white yarn necklaces that they distributed to teachers throughout the building. Many of the classes also made posters. The poster made by the 'necklace girls' read, "Everyone is Different in their Own Way".

The students at Aquebogue Elementary School dressed in blue and white as a way to demonstrate school unity and the acceptance of individual differences. Ms. Andrejack's special education class had special blue T-shirts that read, "Recognize my disabilities, Emphasize my possibilities". Teachers and staff at Roanoke Avenue Elementary School participated in Dare to be Aware Day by "Taking a Walk in Someone Else's Shoes" (see video) by teaching another teacher's class for a short time.

Three elementary schools (Aquebogue, Riley and Roanoke) participated during the week before "Dare to Be Aware" Day in a special fundraiser for the "iCan Bike" camp that is being conducted through The Down Syndrome Advocacy Foundation and The Center for Community Inclusion at Long Island University Post Campus. This camp teaches individuals with disabilities to independently ride a conventional two wheeler bike. The camp boasts a success rate of approximately 80%. The schools raised $1210.75. >MORE

SENIOR CITIZEN PROM HOSTED BY THE RHS INTERACT CLUB
(April 17, 2013--Riverhead, NY) The Riverhead High School Interact Club, a student extension of Rotary, hosted the Senior Citizen Prom in the high school cafeteria. This year's theme was Broadway musicals. The seniors enjoyed a delicious meal of turkey, mashed potatoes, carrots, and dressing with cake for dessert. Carol Kirchoff acted as the MC and coordinator of this event with special thanks going out to the Cafeteria staff, who prepared the meal. The evening featured the music of DJ Regina T. Holmes. It also showcased the talents of the middle school jazz band, the high school chamber orchestra and the high school chamber choir.
It was a wonderful evening of dining and dancing, and a great chance for the seniors to meet and greet one another and a great group of young people. >MORE

RECYCLING TEAM GETS NEW EQUIPMENT FROM NSASA GRANT
(April 15, 2013) Three teachers from Riverhead Central School District, Beth Menis (Riley Avenue), Jacqueline Andrejack (Aquebogue Elementary), and Tim Paige (RHS) won grants from the Nassau Suffolk Autism Society of America's (NSASA) 2012 Grant Program. This grant was open to all teachers on Long Island who work with students on the autism spectrum. Over 100 teachers applied by writing proposals explaining how they would use an iPad, which was one of the prizes for the grant recipients, in their classroom, or how they would use the grant to make over their classroom. Ms. Andrejack and Ms. Menis both chose to receive iPads to use in their classrooms. Mr. Paige chose to receive a "classroom makeover" rather than an iPad. He used his "makeover" money from the grant to buy equipment for the recycling program that he and Ms. Tapper have implemented as part of the Occupational Education opportunities they provde for their students at Riverhead High School. The students now have new blue T-shirts with a recycling logo, recycling bins, brooms, hoes and rakes. The recycling team has been busy reminding people to recycle bottles at school events, in the cafeteria. >MORE

Congratulations to RHS Pitcher Matt Crohan
APRIL 15, 2013--"Matt pitched his third straight shutout, and had 15 strikeouts in a two-hit performance. His 90-mph fastball and location of his curveball and changeup impressed major-league scouts who came to see him." MORE

MARCH, 2013 NEWS NEWSLETTERS, VIDEOS AND SLIDESHOWS

RHS MUSICIANS GO TO DISNEY
(APRIL 11-13) The Riverhead High School Chamber Choir, Jazz Band, & Chamber Orchestra spent the past 10 months preparing to perform in Walt Disney World on an International Stage, and all of their hard work came to fruition at the EPCOT Center's Melody Gardens on Friday, April 12th. >MORE

CRAZY SPORTS NIGHT 2013
(APRIL 12, 2013) THE SECOND ANNUAL CRAZY SPORTS NIGHT was a huge success. The crowd was massive and the teams were amazing! It was sponsored by the PTO Executive Council. The Council did a fabulous job of organizing the event. RHS Principal Dave Wicks did an outstanding job as referee, and Doc Greenberger and Lorene Custer kept the crowd cheering as Master and Madame of Ceremonies.

The crowd watched in wonder as their favorite team came onto the floor in colorful T-shirts to their theme song as it blared out over the loudspeaker. I CAN'T REMEMBER WHO WON. >MORE

PERSONAL WELLNESS PE CLASS
(April 10, 2013) "Karen Braune and I attended the Nassau Zone PEHRD Conference where I participated in a class on Drums Alive. I was completely amazed at this workout," noted Ms, Dounelis, "and so we added Drums Alive to our spring offerings. Drums Alive," she continues, "is a new type of workout. >MORE

SUFFOLK COUNTY COACHES ASSOCIATION AWARDS
( April 10, 2013) Several members of the League III Riverhead Blue Waves championship boys basketball team were honored at the Suffolk County Coaches Association awards dinner April 10. >MORE

RMS AND RHS LATINISTS PLACE 1ST AND 2ND
(April 10, 2013) THE CERTAMEN is an annual academic event hosted by SUNY Stony Brook and presented by the Suffolk Classical Society. Schools from Suffolk and Nassau participate, bringing their best students in teams of four to meet in head-to-head quick-recall varsity bowl-style competition. Questions range from Latin grammar and syntax, to word origins and derivatives, to Roman culture and civilization – everything Latin is up for grabs.

This year a dozen schools from all across Long Island sent teams to play at four different levels. Our Riverhead teams fared well, as usual: FIRST PLACE was won by Ms. Custer's Level 1 team from the Middle School (who competed against Level 1 Latinists of all ages, thus making her students' victory over high school juniors and seniors from some rather well-regarded schools in Nassau County that much more impressive); SECOND PLACE was won in the Advanced Level by the RHS team of seniors, who have competed as a team since their middle school days. >MORE

RHS NJROTC CADETS TAKE TOUR
(April 9, 2013-Riverhead, NY) Forty-four Riverhead NJROTC cadets completed a busy two day field trip April 5-6 that included visiting the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum in New York City followed by a guided tour of Eastern State Penitentiary, "America's Most Historic Prison", located in Philadelphia. The next day cadets rose early to compete in a drill competition hosted by the Army ROTC unit at Penn State. The drill competition featured a performance by the United States Army Drill Team known as the Old Guard. >MORE

TENTH ANNUAL STAR BREAKFAST
Kiwanis Club of Greater Riverhead hosted
The 10th Annual Star Breakfast on Saturday, April 13, and
Recognized these outstanding supporters of the youth in our community 2013 Honorees:
Nancy Carney
Jesse Robert Goodale III
Zona Stroy
Lucius Ware
Louise C. Wilkinson
James Wooten

MARCH, 2013 NEWS NEWSLETTERS, VIDEOS AND SLIDESHOWS

CINDERELLA, THE FINALE
(March 2, 2013) For 26 years, fourth grade teacher Jimmy Schaefer has worked his magic with a huge cast of fourth graders. He turns their raw, untested talent into a phenomenal production of a musical adaptation of Cinderella. This year's production marked the 26th and FINAL PRODUCTION. Mr. Schaefer will retire at the end of this school year. The conclusion of this year’s production featured a slideshow of past performances and was attended by a number of Cinderella alumni. In June, the entire fourth grade class is scheduled to go to NYC to see Cinderella on Broadway. >MORE

NSASA GRANT PROGRAM WINNERS
Three teachers from Riverhead Central School District, Beth Menis (Riley Avenue), Jacqueline Andrejack (Aquebogue Elementary), and Tim Paige (RHS) won grants from the Nassau Suffolk Autism Society of America’s (NSASA) 2012 Grant Program. This grant was open to all teachers on Long Island who work with students on the autism spectrum. Over 100 teachers applied by writing proposals explaining how they would use an iPad, which was one of the prizes for the grant recipients, in their classroom. Tim Paige chose to receive a “classroom makeover” rather than an iPad if chosen by the grant committee. He’s looking forward to his “makeover”. >MORE

PARRISH ART MUSEUM'S HS ART SHOW
RHS art students participated in the Parrish Art Museum's High School Exhibition. This diverse show of original works showcases talented young artists from Brookhaven, Riverhead, East Hampton and Southampton townships. The installation features student portraits as well as other works. This year recognition was given to” artists to watch” for in future exhibits—one of those “up and coming artists”, who received recognition, was RHS junior Maria Valdivia, who submitted a painting entitled “You Cannot Hide From Me”. The noted, “The handling of the confident brushwork and personal palette in this poignant portrait portrays someone who appears mature beyond her years.” >MORE

NYS HONOR BAND
(March 1-3) James Rios attended the 2013 New York State Band Director's Association conference, March 1-3. James was selected from over 400 nominees from 30 different districts in the state for the 2013 High School Honor Band. He was one of five alto saxophone players selected and was seated 2nd chair. The conference concluded with a performance by the NYSBDA honor band on Sunday afternoon . >MORE

NJROTC WINS DRILL MEET AT FREEPORT HS‏
(March 2, 2013 – Riverhead, NY) Riverhead NJROTC competed with four other Navy JROTC and two Marine Corps JROTC Units in a Drill Meet at Freeport High School on Saturday March 2nd and came away with 1st Place Overall. The Riverhead NJROTC Unit remains undefeated this school year and has now won 1st Place Overall in all three of their Drill Meets. >MORE

POLE VAULTERS AT STATE MEET
(March 2, 2013) An update as to the achievements of our Boy’s Pole-vaulters from the NYS Meet:
Dan Normoyle (photo attached) took home a medal by matching a personal best of 14’6” which was good for 5th amongst all public schools and 6th in the NYS Federation…
Jonah Spaeth also had a strong day with a vault of 14’0” which was good enough for 7th among NYS Public Schools! >MORE

CELEBRATING DR. SEUSS' BIRTHDAY TOGETHER VIA SKYPE
(March 4, 2013) Stacy Hubbard's fifth grade class read Dr. Seuss'poem OH THE PLACES YOU'LL GO via SKYPE to Joanne Niebergall's second grade class at the Aquebogue Elementary School IN celebration of Dr. Seuss's birthday and as part of the "READ ACROSS AMERICA" Program. >MORE

JAMES RIOS ATTENDS HONORS BAND
(March 8, 2013) James Rios attended the 2013 New York State Band Director’s Association conference, March 1-3.  James was selected from over 400 nominees from 30 different districts in the state for the 2013 High School Honor Band.  He was one of five alto saxophone players selected and was seated 2nd chair.  The conference concluded with a performance by the NYSBDA honor band on Sunday afternoon. >MORE

COLLEGE FAIR FOR JUNIORS AT RHS
(March 4, 2013) THE RHS GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT sponsored a "Mini College Fair" for juniors. Almost 100 college reps talked with students and shared written information and advice about getting accepted to their colleges. >MORE

“BIG BANG THEORY” PLACES THIRD IN REGIONAL RUBE GOLDBERG CONTEST
(March 9, 2013) Five teams from RHS competed in the Long Island Regional Rube Goldberg competition on Saturday, March 9th, at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City. Riverhead’s teams competed against teams from all over Long Island and New York City, and one of the teams, the "Big Bang Theory", placed third. The “Big Bang” team included: Aakash Gandhi, Brianne Corwin, Joann Yeung and Karla Vanston. The teams were coached by Riverhead High School science teacher Gregory Wallace. For two years running Riverhead High School teams have placed second and third in the regional contest. >MORE

‘COLORS OF LONG ISLAND” ART SHOW
(March 11, 2013) It is with great pride that the Pulaski Street School announces that students Matt Hubbard, Sarah Gustufson, and Christine Yakaboski have had their creative works accepted into the “Colors of Long island: Student Expressions Art Show” at the Long Island Museum in Stony Brook, NY. Their drawings and paintings were selected from hundreds of entries from throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties. >MORE

ROANOKE READING WEEK
(March 4-8, 2013) Mr. Payton issued his "A-Maze-ing" reading challenge. Mr. Payton promised that if the students read over 65,000 minutes (outside of school), he would walk blindfolded through a maze of students while they bombarded him with the gooey, sticky item of their choice.

After a reading week that began with a celebration of Dr. Seuss’ birthday with a Dr. Seuss Read Aloud, and included “Read a T-Shirt Day,” Team Up and Read Day, Hats Off to Reading Day, Poem in Your Pocket Day, A Reading Roundabout, it concluded with the students having read 65,794 minutes in four days, and a very “messy” Mr. Payton as he was pelted with whipped cream, Kool Aid, strawberry sauce, silly string, bird seed, paper airplanes, noodles, tiny marshmallows, water, and more by 370 students and their teachers. >MORE

PARENTS AS READING PARTNERS
Reading week Thursday & Friday, March 14/15th—with the Atlantis Marine World Whale Exhibit
Atlantis Marine World will bring their life size whale to Riley.  All students will have the opportunity to explore this exciting exhibit, and will be led through four hands-on centers in the midst of a full size whale.It will be a tremendous end to a whale of a week. >MORE

THE “ICKYBUGMAN”, AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR RALPH MASIELLO
(March 13, 2013) This Thursday, March 13th, Author/Illustrator Ralph Masiello will be visiting Aquebogue Elementary School.  Ralph Masiello, is also known as the “Ickybugman”. He entertains students and teachers nationwide with the humorous tale of his life and work. He’ll give a drawing demonstration and give the students a sneak preview of upcoming books. He is twice the recipient of the Society of Illustrator’s Award of Merit. You can see his work at www.ickybugman.com. >MORE

TEEN ART SHOW AT THE RIVERHEAD FREE LIBRARY
A reception for RHS student artists featured in the Teen Art Show in Memory of Vincent Nasta at the Riverhead Free Library, which was scheduled for Friday, 3/8/13, 5-7pm, had to be postponed because of the storm last Friday. The rescheduled date has yet to be determined, but will probably be Friday, March 22. Watch the website for this event. >MORE

PHILLIPS AVENUE LIBRARY RIBBON CUTTING
On March 14th a RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY was held at the Phillips Avenue Elementary School Library. This event marked the first project in phase one of the school bond plan to be ready for student use. >MORE

NJROTC WINS DRILL MEET AT NORTH ROCKLAND DRILL MEET
(March 18, 2013) The Riverhead NJROTC Drill Team remains undefeated this year after its 4th consecutive victory on Saturday at the North Rockland Area 4 Northeast Regional Drill Competition. >MORE

POETRY JAM AT THE POETRY PLACE
(March 19, 2013) Rita Moloney's second grade class celebrated the conclusion of their poetry unit by inviting their parents to the "Room 12 Poetry Place," complete with microphone and stage. On the day of the poetry jam, these little poets, harking back to the first poetry jams, dressed in black, perched on a stool in front of their audience, and shared their original poetry. A jazz recording by Miles Davis provided background music to set the mood. >MORE

RMS ROMAN BANQUET
(March 22, 2013) The Riverhead Middle School cafetorium annually goes through a metamorphosis into a spectacle of Roman splendor as the 7th and 8th grade Latinists host their annual Roman Banquet. The RMS Latin program has approximately 125 students, and 100% of them participate in this annual banquet as mappa creators, actors, writers, servers or in all four aspects of the program. >MORE

IT'S A SMALL WORLD AFTER ALL AT AQUEBOGUE SCHOOL
(March 25, 2013-Riverhead, NY) As part of their social studies curriculum, first graders study families and communities. Through their studies, stories, folktales, oral history, research, and nonfiction sources, the students begin to recognize that culture is "learned behavior that includes customs, beliefs, rules, language, food and clothing." They also learn to appreciate the diversity of their classmates and the beliefs, customs and traditions they bring into the classroom and into their communities that enrich them all. >MORE

AQUEBOGUE TAPESTRY PROJECT IN ART CLASS
Students at Aquebogue Elementary School received a first-hand lesson on the history of weaving and the place of weavings in world and art history from Aquebogue artist, Marta Baumiller, and Aquebogue art teacher, Maureen Ahern. The students in the fourth grade are participating in the TAPESTRY PROJECT. >MORE

FOURTH GRADE SPEAKERS SERIES
(March 24, 2013) 4th Grade Speaker Series was Thursday, March 21, 2013.  The speaker was Felicia Wilson. >MORE

BLACK HISTORY PROGRAMS AT PULASKI STREET SCHOOL
(March 21, 2013) The 6th grade program was a  small skit about Sojourner Truth and then Jenny Corbin presented the "I Have a Dream" speech.  The 5th grade program was a short skit about Harriet Tubman and then Jenny Corbin presented the "I Have a Dream" speech. >MORE

STAR LAB AT RHS -- EARTH SCIENCE CLASS STUDIES THE STARS
(March 25, 2013) Star Lab used by Earth Science Class at the HS.

FEBRUARY, 2013 NEWS NEWSLETTERS, VIDEOS AND SLIDESHOWS

TARGET FIELD TRIP GRANT SENDS MUSIC STUDENTS TO BROADWAY
(February 26, 2013) On February 26th, a Target Field Trip Grant made it possible for 27 RHS music students and four chaperones to travel to NYC to see the Broadway production of "The Phantom of the Opera".  The day the group attended, it happened to be “Kids Night On Broadway" evening, so the actor playing the Phantom spoke to the audience after the performance about using this experience as an inspiration to "follow their own dreams". >MORE

3RD ANNUAL JOHN MENDRESKI STUDENT/TEACHER BADMINTON TOURNAMENT
(February 27, 2013) The Class of 2013 would like to extend a HUGE thank you to all students and staff who participated in this year’s 3rd Annual John Mendreski Student/Teacher Badminton Tournament.  Mr. Burke and Michael Scheffler were crowned the 2013 champions.  Mrs. Beyer and Anthony Mannina won for best costume.  The money raised from the tournament is used to fund the John Mendreski Scholarship. >MORE

AUTHOR / ARTIST JOYCE RAIMONDO
(February 28, 2013) Author and artist Joyce Raimondo from the Pollock House visited the Riley Avenue School to talk to the students about Pollock and other contemporary artists.  Ms. Raimondo uses a slideshow to help the students learn skills of observation, description, analysis, and how to summarize ideas, but more importantly they learn how art can help them experience or express feelings and emotions that they might not otherwise be able to express in any other way. At the conclusion of the workshop, the students get to create a piece of art using Jackson Pollock’s painting technique.

THE HEARTIST PROJECT AT RILEY – “FROM OUR HEART TO YOURS”
(February 27, 2013) In November, Sheila Davies, a Nurse Practitioner at North Shore University Hospital LIJ and a parent of a first grader at the Riley Avenue School in Calverton, NY, volunteered to teach a unit on heart health to the first graders at Riley Avenue Elementary school through a program she created and called the “Heartist” (Heart + Artist) project. First students learned about heart health from Ms. Davies and then they created art to share with heart patients at the hospital. In February, the HEARTIST PROJECT concluded with a video presentation featuring the staff and patients in the cardio wing of the hospital where the students' art was hung. >MORE

LONG ISLAND ELITE TRACK MEET

(February 22, 2013) Most high schools don't have one pole vaulter who can clear 14 feet. Riverhead had three of them reach that height on Friday, February 22, at the Long Island Elite Track Meet. Dan Normoyle, Charles Villa and Jonah Spaeth all reached 14 in the Long Island Elite Track Invitational, which attracts many of the top athletes in Nassau and Suffolk counties and is seen as good preparation for the state meet.

Riverhead's pole vaulting coach, John "Doc" Andresen, said it is the first time in the school's history that three Blue Waves cleared 14 feet in the same meet. "It's never been done on Long Island, I don't believe, certainly not in Riverhead," he said.

Dan Normoyle and Jonah Spaeth will compete at the State Track Meet. >More

Blue Wave athletes that placed at the LI Elite Track Meet:
Marcus Moore – 6th Place Triple Jump
Charles Villa – 2nd Place Pole Vault
Jacob Robinson – 1st Place Frosh/Soph 300M Run
Dan Normoyle – 1st Place Pole Vault***
Jonah Spaeth -3rd Place Pole Vault***
Davion Porter – 5th Place High Jump
***State Meet

BOYS AND GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAMS MADE THE PLAYOFFS
Both the boys and girls varsity basketball teams made the playoffs, but were nudged out in second round games. The Boys Varsity Team was the Suffolk League III Champs! Congratulations to both teams on an exciting year. >More

RHS BLACK HISTORY / UNITY CELEBRATION
(February 25, 2013) The RHS Black History / Unity Celebration was held on Monday, February 25, included presentations by Pulaski Street students, Aquebogue students, Council for Unity members, high school music groups, a community dance group, community poets, and more.

UP, UP AND AWAY WITH THE MAD SCIENTIST

(February 15, 2013) The "Mad Science" program came to Riley Avenue on February 15th. Will, the Mad Scientist, demonstrated concepts such as air pressure, lift, weight displacement and more in a show called "Up, Up and Away". A few volunteers even got to ride on a hovercraft!

The elementary schools also celebrated the 100th Day of School on February 15th. >More

TEA AND MANNERS

(February 14, 2013) Catherine Kent's Annual Tea Party is always a bright spot in the school year. In addition to the cucumber sandwiches, strawberries dipped in chocolate, heart-shaped cookies accompanied by the apple juice (i.e., tea), which is politely poured--by the hosts and hostesses--from silver teapots, Mrs. Kent uses this event to teach her students manners. 
>More

RAZ-KIDS, READ ON!

(February 13, 2013) As of January, teachers throughout the district have begun to login to a new computer-based reading program that allows their students to access leveled reading books both at school and at home. Many of the district's teachers are using their computer lab time to acclimate their students to the RAZ-Kids.com website and are encouraging them to continue their reading during the evening, on weekends, vacations and during winter storms.

There are lots of intrinsic rewards built into the program. It tracks how many minutes students spend reading, both at school and at home, whenever and wherever they log on. The students can earn stars for every book read and listened to, and quizzes and assignments completed. They can then use these stars to increase their rank on the Rocketship and can also use the stars to buy items from the RAZ Rocket Catalog to personalize their rocket. But what's most exciting to the teachers is that it is improving their students' reading performance. Students are assigned a certain level, read the books in that level, take quizzes, and can then move up to a higher reading level. The teachers love it. The students love it, and their parents love it! >More

IPADS IN THE CLASSROOM

(February 12, 2013) The special needs students in Gene Siller's classroom at the Phillips Avenue School, a K-4 school in the Riverhead Central School District, recently received a very special gift —15 iPad2s! The iPads were purchased with a monetary gift from a local business and matching funds from the school district. 
>More

NYSP TROOPER AND INVESTIGATOR ARE "COMMUNITY ROLE MODELS"

(February 5, 2013) Mr. Robert Brown, an alumnus of RHS, a retired Brookhaven Labs employee and a resident poet, helped organize the RHS "Community Role Models" speakers series for fourth graders to inspire students to "never give up on their dreams" and to overcome any obstacles in their lives that may threaten to keep them from being all they can be in life. Each of the community role models chosen to speak has a story to tell that demonstrates how they had to overcome challenges in life to become the people they are today.

The most recent speakers in this series were NY State Police (NYSP) Senior Investigator Michael Stephens and NYSP Trooper Richard Gantt. Both work and live in Riverhead. Each gave a short summary of his background, his education, and how and why he chose to enter into a career in law enforcement. They both emphasized the importance of staying out of trouble and refusing to be discouraged. >More



CHARACTER STUDIES IN KERI STROMSKI'S CLASS

(February 1, 2013) On February 1st, characters jumped out from under the covers of early reader books and paraded through the main office and down the hallways of the Aquebogue Elementary School. 



The spontaneous parade of pint-sized characters dressed in crazy disguises turned out to be a READING CELEBRATION! "Fancy Nancy" (aka first grade teacher Kerri Stromski) from the book Every Day is Earth Day led her little "characters" through the office and down the halls in a reading workshop celebration at the conclusion of their--WAIT FOR IT--Reading Workshop Character Unit, entitled "Readers Meet the Characters in Books". Parading characters were later identified as Fly Guy, Frog and Toad, Elephant and PIggie, Henry from Henry and Mudge, Rex from Pinky and Rex, Fancy Nancy and McDuff the Dog. >More

JANUARY, 2013 NEWS NEWSLETTERS, VIDEOS AND SLIDESHOWS

RIVERHEAD MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS ARE APP INVENTORS



(January 31, 2013) Middle School Computer Technology teacher Chris Malanga has tapped into free software from MIT to expose his computer technology students to a unit on Android App Invention. Inventing apps is a hot new field in the real world, and app inventor clubs are starting to pop up at schools around the country.

>More

CANDLELIGHT VIGIL FOR DIMITRI HAMPTON
(January 31, 2013) A candlelight vigil for 2010 RHS alumnus Demitri Hampton was held Jan. 31 at RHS. Prayers, poetry, an offering of song, and short presentations by Sup't. Nancy Carney and Principal Dave Wicks reflected, along with the candlight, the love his family, friends and school community held for Demitri. Our sympathy goes out to Demitri's family and friends for their loss.

ROANOKE 2ND GRADERS CELEBRATE THEIR NONFICTION UNIT
(January 23, 2012) Stacy Tuohy's second graders celebrated the conclusion of their Nonfiction Writing Unit with a Nonfiction Fair. Each of her students set up his or her desk to exhibit their nonfiction book, and then the students added props and a poster naming their expertise and the topic of their writing. >More

ART FROM AQUEBOGUE
(January 23, 2012) Aquebogue hallways are like an art gallery.

VARSITY CHEERLEADERS WIN WINTER CHEER CLASSIC AT EAST ISLIP

(January 27, 2013) The Varsity Cheerleaders won FIRST PLACE at the Winter Cheer Classic in East Islip on Sunday, January 27. Eight varsity cheerleading squads (including Newfield, Patchogue-Medford, West Hampton Beach, Ward Melville, Holy Trinity, Carle Place, St. Anthony's and Riverhead) competed. The RHS Blue Waves Varsity Cheerleaders will now go on to compete in the National Cheerleading Championships in Orlando, Florida on February 8th.

RIVERHEAD RELAY TEAM DEFENDS LEAGUE TITLE

(January 26, 2013 - Riverhead News Review) The Blue Waves' quartet succesfully defended their title, running 10 minutes 46.56 seconds to hold off Hauppauge, the team that won the overall League III title, by just under four seconds.

The trio of junior Rachel Conti, sophomore Maria Dillingham and freshman Meghan Van Bommel were all apart of last year's league title team. The addition this year was freshman Megan Carrick, who ran varsity last year and was an alternate on the relay. >MORE

COACHES VS. CANCER - GIRLS BB FUND-RAISER

(January 24, 2013 - RiverheadLocal.com) The Riverhead Blue Waves girls basketball program and booster club raised $766 for the American Cancer Society at the Waves' annual Coaches vs. Cancer night at Riverhead High School. The program honored JV assistant coach Katelynn DeLuca, a 2006 RHS grad and cancer survivor. >MORE

RHS POLE VAULTERS TURN IN RECORD PERFORMANCE

(January 15, 2013 - Riverhead News Review) At the prestigious Molloy Stanner Games, there was no better place to be for Riverhead. Three Riverhead pole vaulters posted personal bests, led by senior Jonah Spaeth, who set the school indoor record with a top mark of 14 feet 6 inches. Spaeth finished second while junior Charles Villa and senior Dan Normoyle tied for fifth with personal-best marks of 13-4. >More

RHS Language Teacher Selected to Participate in International AP Scoring Conference
(January 18, 2013) Penelope Boerum has been officially invited to serve at the College Board's 2013 AP® Reading of Advanced Placement Spanish Language Examinations (scoring). This is the second year in a row that Ms. Boerum has been offered this honor. As a "first round" invitee for the 2013 AP scoring conference, Ms. Boerum will have the opportunity to work with university faculty and AP teachers from around the world and participate in sessions related to the new Spanish language AP test which will be given next year. Her curriculum was chosen last fall as one of four model curricula for schools. Congratulations, Penelope!  >MORE

Inspection and Pass-In-Review

(January 18, 2013) The RHS N.J.R.O.T.C. under the direction of Naval Science instructors Lt. Col. Peter G. McCarthy and Gunnery Sergeant Mahala and under the command of c/LCDR Thomas Koop underwent its Annual Inspection and Pass-In-Review on January 18th. This year's reviewing officer was Navy Officer Commander John Skarin. >MORE

Roanoke Students Participate in "The Great Kindness Challenge"

(January 18, 2012) Students at the Roanoke Avenue Elementary School participated in "The Great Kindness Challenge" (GKC), a "Kids for Peace" experience, during the week of January 14-18. >MORE

The RHS Spanish Club Visited the Hispanic Society of America

(January 12, 2013) Approximately 30 current members of the HS Spanish Club and their advisors, Diana Acosta and Kelly Ann Parlato, spent Saturday, January 12, in NYC at the Hispanic Society of America. The club members were given a guided tour of artwork by El Greco, Velazquez, Goya and Joaquin Sorolla, which they had studied in class. >MORE

The Power of One

(January 11, 2013) As part of an on-going anti-bullying effort within the district, anti-bullying assemblies given by "The Power of One" were presented at both the Riley Avenue and Roanoke Avenue Elementary Schools. The Power of One uses dramatization and role-playing to model for the students what bullying is 
and how they should respond to it--by speaking with "One Voice Against Bullying"
and by telling their teacher or parent (or some other adult) what is happening when bullying occurs. >MORE

EVENTS:

RHS Art Club is Recycling Electronic Products

The RHS Art Club is collecting (until February 1st) used electronic products as a fund-raiser to earn money for a field trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. If you have cell phones, apple iPods, digital cameras, laptop computers, iPads and tablets, inkjet cartridges, and broken or mismatched jewelry that they'd like to donate, bring them to Room 114 in the high school.

RMS MIDDLE MASQUES PRESENT "A HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL"
Approximately 45 student performers at Riverhead Middle School are proud to present, the Disney Musical, "High School Musical." Scheduled performances are Friday, February 1st, 8th and Saturday, February 9th at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday February 2nd at 2:30 p.m. This musical was chosen by the student body because its central themes – that family, friends, community, and compassion are the most important things in life; and that change and redemption are always possible—which they believe will appeal to audience members of all ages.

Performances will be in the Riverhead Middle School Cafetorium, which is being transformed into the "Home of the Blue Waves" by crew members and adult advisors. Tickets will be $8.00 in advance and $10.00 at each performance making it a night of affordable fun for the entire family. Tickets will be sold before the show, and at the door, but tickets do go fast.

NAVIANCE OVERVIEW FOR the Parents of JUNIORS

The Director of Guidance, Charles Gassar, would like to invite 11th grade parents to join him at the high school for workshops on the Naviance software system. Due to computer availability, the classes are limited as to how many people can be accommodated for each session, so he is requesting that parents contact the guidance office to reserve a seat. Parents are asked to please call 369-6728 to select the date and time that fits their schedule. Training is being offered: February 6 (6:30PM), February 11 (4:00PM), February 28 (6:30PM), and March 6 (4:00PM) in Room 12 at the high school.

SPORTS NEWS
THE ALL-TIME LEADING GIRLS BASKETBALL SCORER AT RHS
(January 4, 2012) Shanice Allen scored 36 points to lead the scoring in the Blue Waves 72-50 win over Centereach. Allen's points total is now 1,208, surpassing the previous record of 1,195 set by Felicia Hobson in 1991. Shanice has signed to play basketball for Pace University next year. >RL / NR

DECEMBER, 2012 NEWS NEWSLETTERS, VIDEOS AND SLIDESHOWS

FIRST QUARTER HONOR ROLL AT RMS AND FIRST QUARTER HONOR ROLL AT RHS
Congratulations to the students at the high school and the middle school who made the first quarter honor roll.

RUBE GOLDBERG CONTEST WINNERS

(December 21, 2012) Riverhead High School held its third annual Rube Goldberg competition Friday morning before the holiday break. The goal of this year's projects was to make a hammer hit a nail as the final act in a process that involved at least 20 steps. >More

GINGERBREAD HOUSE DESIGN CONTEST WINNERS

(December 21, 2012) Janice Szczesny's students teamed up to make gingerbread houses for the this annual event at RHS. The winner (by only 10 points more out of a possible 500 perfect total) was 4F. It was the lighthouse with the green wreath on the front. The other lighthouse took second place trailing only by the 10 points. The two students who created the first place winning structure were seniors: Kaitlyn Doherty and Mikeyia Stanfield. Congratulations! >More

SANTA VISITS PHILLIPS AVENUE DURING "FIVE DAYS OF PEACE AND GOOD WILL"

(December 21, 2012) This Santa drove a semi instead of a sleigh. His elves all had one thing in common--they have a soft place in their hearts for kids--and love to see their faces light up.

"The gifts that we received, notes Principal Debra Rodgers, "are from some amazing organizations and people that embrace the spirit of giving. On Thursday, December 20, Santa and some of the nicest elves in New York arrived at our school with a tractor trailer full of items for our children. This group of people have supported our school in the past with the gift of both a Phillips Avenue T-shirt and a sweatshirt for every student and by being a platinum sponsor ($100.00 donation) of our annual Community Festival, but they really out did our wildest expectations today." >More

MS LATINISTS MAKE AN ARBOR FAMILIAE

(December 21, 2012) This year just prior to the holiday break, the Middle School Latinists, who chose to participate (and almost all of them did), made an "Arbor Familiae" (Family Tree). During the holiday season, people often flock to see houses and trees decorated for the season. Not to be left out of this annual trek to view trees, Middle School Latin families came to the Middle School to enjoy some refreshments, music by the MS Chamber Orchestra, and wander from room-to-room to view the exhibit of each Latinist's family tree or "Arbor Familiae", which visually outlines the unique history of his or her family. In addition, the students wrote a short description of a story they shared with the class about one of their family members (or in some cases a favorite pet). The holidays often bring families together, and this event did a beautiful job of doing that AND teaching the students Latin vocabulary words with which they can address their family members over the holidays. >More

ROANOKE: KIDS HELPING KIDS

(December 17, 2012) Brian and Daniel and their mom, Marie, made a "special delivery" of toys and other gifts (from Debbie Spinelli's second graders at the Roanoke Avenue School in Riverhead, NY) to the children at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. In all, the Roanoke second graders in Mrs. Spinelli's class collected over 200 items for this annual holiday toy drive. This year marked their third annual toy drive for kids with cancer. >More

jASON GEVINSKI SPEAKS TO ENGLISH CLASSES AT RHS

(December 2012) HS English teacher Sharon DiGiuseppe iteaches a unit entitled "War and Peace in Literature" to her 12R English classes in Deember. This unit encompasses three important works of literature (The Things They Carried, an HBO film "Taking Chance", and The Kite Runner).
        Fortuitously, after a webquest and prior to reading The Kite Runner, SPC Jason Gevinski, an airborne MP in the U.S. Army and a 2010 alumnus who is currently home on leave, agreed to speak to her class about his experience at the Combat Outpost Bowri Tanah, located on the Pakistani border, in Afghanistan. (Jason is currently stationed at Fort Richards in Anchorage, Alaska following his tour in Afghanistan.) He gave the students a bird's eye view of his experience with slides taken from the observation points where he provided overwatch throughout his deployment in Afghanistan. He also shared with the class his knowledge of the people, the culture, food, religion, political and social issues of Afghanistan. >More

NJROTC UNIT WINS FIRST OVERALL AT REGIONAL MEET

SUFFOLK ZONE AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED

(December 11, 2012 – Riverhead, NY) CONGRATULATIONS to this year's recipients of the prestigious New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance – Suffolk Zone Award, MEGAN WEISS and BRIAN FUNFGELD, both seniors at Riverhead High School. The Suffolk Zone Award criteria demand a high level of physical fitness, strong participation in school and community activities, evidence of leadership roles, community involvement and academic excellence. Megan Weiss and Brian Funfgeld were both honored with NY Suffolk Zone Awards during a dinner Wed., Dec. 5. >More

CAREER PATHWAYS CLASS AT RHS

(December 7, 2012) The Career Pathways Presentation Series at Riverhead High School had its second speaker. Kendra McCarrick, a graphic designer for the News Review and owner of "Moka Graphics", spoke about her career path into the world of art and technology.

Over the past 12 years, Ms. McCarrick has worked with GE, Standard & Poors and many local businesses. She has created various logos, websites, marketing materials and packaging for products as well as wedding invitations. She also designs the layout for our local newspaper supplements such as the "Wine Press".

"While fielding questions from the students, Ms. McCarrick showed images of her work, discussed the creative process, and encouraged students to explore the field of graphic design," notes Lisa Lindsay. "She believes her success has been fueled by her passion for what she does and by doing it "locally". Ms. McCarrick stressed the importance of doing what you love throughout her presentation. "Love what you do and do what you love" are words to live by, but this is especially important for the students of RHS to consider as they begin their journey into the work force." >More

GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL TEAM WINS "SPIRIT OF RIVERHEAD" AWARD
(December 6, 2012) The Chamber of Commerce presented seven awards to recognize businesses and individuals who have made a significant contribution to the town of Riverhead in 2012. THE RHS GIRLS VARSITY CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM 0F 2012 WERE THE RECIPIENTS OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE'S "SPIRT OF RIVERHEAD" AWARD!
From RiverheadLocal: "The 2012 Riverhead Blue Waves girls basketball team received the Spirit of Riverhead Award, honoring the girls and their coaches for the magical season and a historic playoff run that captivated the entire community. The team won the Long Island Championship for the first time ever, in addition to league, county and Section XI titles. "Their teamwork, talent and heart reminded our community of just how much we can accomplish when we support each other and devote ourselves to a common goal." >More

GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT EVENTS

NCAA / Financial Aid Night
On December 5th at 6:00 pm, the RHS Guidance Department hosted an informational evening for parents and students concerning the NCAA clearing house and rules of recruitment. Mr. Marissa Perry, from the NCAA was on hand to answer questions and help students and parents better understand the NCAA Maze of rules and regulations.

A second presentation—concerning financial aid—was offered at 7:00 pm by Ms. Terri Krammer, the Director of Financial Aid for St. Joseph's College. Ms. Krammer offered an insightful and practical workshop regarding college costs and financial aid. She also discussed the new rules and regulations recently enacted by congress.

On Site College Application Day
On Thursday, December 6th, the Riverhead High School Guidance Department hosted its second annual On-Site College Application Day for seniors. The event ran from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm in the RHS library. Five local private colleges including: St. John's University, Mercy College, St. Joseph's College, Dowling College and Briarcliff College were in attendance. For this special event, all of the schools attending agreed to waive application fees!

On-Site Application Day Benefits
More than 150 students participated in Riverhead High School's 4th Annual On Site Application Day on December 6th in the library. Our students saved over $15,000 in application fees from five private colleges! >More

UPDATE ON BOND PLAN AT RILEY AVENUE SCHOOL

(December 4, 2012) Residents had an opportunity to hear a detailed overview of the upcoming bond plan construction and renovation that will occur at Riley Avenue Elementary School in the upcoming weeks. On December 4, the architects, construction managers, and RCSD administration gave a presentation and fielded questions about the plans at Riley during the Riley Avenue RAPA meeting.

The $5.7-million program at the Riley Avenue Elementary School includes two new, 825-square-foot classrooms; a new, 559-foot, state-of-the-art theatrical stage in the expanded, 4,000-square-foot multi-purpose cafeteria space; and renovations to a a1,840-square-foot library, a 927-square-foot computer room, a 200-square-foot speech room, a literacy coach's room, the school psychologist/social worker room, and two 413-square-foot reading rooms. The facility will also receive a new roof, reconfigured driveways and re-surfaced parking, as well as ADA improvements to its playground. >More

SECOND ANNUAL "COMMUNITY ROLE MODELS" FOR 4TH GRADERS

(December 3, 2012) Mr. Robert Brown, an alumnus of RHS, a retired Brookhaven Labs employee and resident poet, once again helped organize the RHS "Community Role Models" speakers series for fourth graders designed to inspire students to "never give up on their dreams" and to overcome any obstacles in their lives that may threaten to keep them from being all they can be in life. Each of the community role models chosen to speak has a story to tell that demonstrates how they had to overcome many difficulties in life to become the people they are today. Most of the presenters are also graduates of Riverhead High School.

Phillips Avenue Principal Debra Rodgers kicked off the first meeting of the fourth graders by creatively presenting the theme for this year's presentations: "GOOD ENOUGH IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH--WE NEED TO STRIVE TO DO OUR VERY BEST!"


DOCTORS Marilyn McLAUGHLIN and SID WERE THE KICK OFF SPEAKERS in the 4th Grade Community Role Models Series. They shared their stories of how they NEVER GAVE UP on the dream of becoming a DOCTOR. During the question and answer period, Dr. McLaughlin shared that she grew up in "Jamaica—West Indies not Queens," she noted, "in a one-room zinc house, with kerosene lanterns for lights, and no indoor plumbing. But I loved reading," she added, "and I worked hard in school. I'm here to share with you that you can overcome the obstacles in your life--never give up on yourself and do your very best."
>More

THE HEARTIST PROJECT AT RILEY AVENUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
(December 5, 2012) Wearing their "Heartists" hats, the first grade students at Riley Avenue have begun working on their art projects with Melissa Haupt, Riley's art teacher. The art the students create will be professionally framed and hung throughout the Cardiothoracic unit at the North Shore University Hospital. This is the second part of a program on heart health and community service initiated by Sheila Davies, a nurse practitioner at North Shore and a parent of a first grader at Riley Avenue. In the spring, she and an associate will return to show the little "Heartists" a slideshow of photographs of their art in the hospital hallways with slides of some of the patients and staff enjoying their contributions. >More

FIRST QUARTER HONOR ROLLS AT RMS AND RHS
Congratulations to the students at the high school and the middle school who made the first quarter honor roll. >RHS HONOR ROLL / >RMS HONOR ROLL

RHS RIPTIDE ONLINE AND "A CHRISTMAS CAROL"

There is a link to RIPTIDE ONLINE on the front page of the district website in the Today's News section. There will be a review of the recent production of the recent Blue Masques production of an adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic, "A Christmas Carol". Congratulations to the cast, crew and directors (Jessica Guadagnino and Dena Tishim) on an outstanding production.

RHS BLUE WAVES ARE SUFFOLK COUNTY DIVISION II CHAMPS

(Dec. 1, 2012) THE BLUE WAVES HAD AN AMAZING SEASON. The BLUE WAVES made Riverhead proud as they once again took our team all the way to the LI Championships. Garden City, however, won the Class II LI CHAMPIONSHIP 29-16.

ENERGY PERFORMANCE CONTRACT
(November and December, 2012) Update from Mark Finnerty--Energy Performance Contract work that has started in the district. Work will continue into the summer. >More

SPORTS NEWS

GIRLS FIELD HOCKEY TEAM

The Field Hockey girls had a terrific season winning 6 of their last 7 games to make the playoffs and end the season with a 10-4 league record. 
Winning awards were: Amanda Graziano - All Conference; Corinne Kimmelman - All Division; Maria Dillingham - All Conference; Danielle Napoli - All Division; Christina Sacchitello - All Tournament, and Christy Brewer - All County. Coach Cheryl Walsh-Edwards also was selected Division III Coach of the Year. >MORE

COMMUNITY SERVICE NEWS

INTERACT AND NJROTC TEAM WITH ROTARY

(December 21, 2012) Interact Club members and NJROTC cadets helped the Riverhead Rotary assemble and deliver over 200 holiday food and gift baskets to community members.

KIDS HELPING ANIMALS
(December 21, 2012) Students, staff and community members at the Phillips Avenue School donated items to Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation and R.M.T.A.S. (Riverhead Move the Animal Shelter).

MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS REACH OUT DURING THE HOLIDAYS

(December 2012) RMS French student Ali Ziegler made over 40 Christmas cards (in French) for students and families at the Long Beach Middle School, which was affected 
by Hurricane Sandy.

Middle School students in Nancy King's and Jan Szczesny's Home and Careers classes made 
ornaments for and sent holiday greetings to middle school students and their families at 
Long Beach Middle School, whose school was damaged by Hurricane Sandy.

Ali Ziegler and the MS French class is making a quilt for the SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL", 
continues Ms. Ruotolo. "We want to give the students there something cheerful and inspirational to hang 
in their new school. Our class will be starting it after the break…… Amelia Lantz, from our Board of Ed.,
is going to help – her husband is a carpenter and will make the quilt hanger. 
Maybe we could somehow put a shout out on the website…. for anyone who is good with quilting….. 
Ali's grandmother will help us put the quilt together… but we are looking for experienced quilters, 
who might be willing to help with it! We will start it after Christmas". Call Betsy Ruotolo at the Middle School if you'd like to help (Phone: 631.369.6757)

NOVEMBER, 2012 NEWS NEWSLETTERS, VIDEOS AND SLIDESHOWS

LEADERS CLUB SPONSORS BLOOD DRIVE AT RHS

(November 30, 2012) The RHS Leaders Club responded quickly to an urgent need for blood by organizing a blood drive with only a couple weeks of notice for the LI Blood Services. The group opened up the opportunity to give blood to the entire school community, and the response was heart warming.

"There was a line out the door at 7:45AM," noted Leaders Club AdviserSharon DiGiuseppe, who also teaches English at RHS. "We had 176 people sign up, and so far we've collected over 75 pints of blood. We want to thank the students and staff for their enthusiastic response and hope they will give again in the spring." >More

ROANOKE STUDENTS SIGN A PLEDGE TO STOP BULLYING
Students in the Anti-Bullying Club at Roanoke take their effort to prevent bullying to their schoolmates.

(November 29, 2012) Working with the principal, the Anti-Bullying Club set up a time to read The Juice Box Bully, to each class in the school. After the reading, the visiting team gives the students in the class an opportunity to sign the Promise, in which the students who sign pledge to speak up instead of being a bystander, participate in activities that don't involve teasing, forgive others for poor choices, model good behavior, include others, talk to an adult when they need help, and make a difference in their school and community. Morgan and her classmates have all signed "The Promise", and now almost everyone in the school has signed on. >More

PARTNERS IN SCIENCE

(November 28, 2012) Four RHS students, Nolan Renshaw, Kaity Talmage (Not Pictured), Josh Rosenbaum and Gabriel Rodrigez, along with the Science Research teacher Lance Mion and Library Media Specialist Kim McGurk, attended Brookhaven National Labs “Partners in Science” program on Wednesday, November 28.

“BNL makes the day an experience that the students will not soon forget,” notes Librarian Kim McGurk. “They were given a tour of the Labs and then treated to an interesting lecture entitled “Weather and Clouds” from an actual BNL scientist.”

In addition, the students get to meet and speak with scientists from various disciplines over lunch.  Finally, the students are given full access to the BNL library with its extensive electronic resources, and are allowed to spend the remainder of the day researching topics of their choice. >More

'LET'S MOVE" FITNESS CHALLENGE AT PULASKI STREET SCHOOL

(November 27, 2012) In November, Dr. Alexis Hugelmeyer and four of her colleagues from Peconic Medical Center challenged the students at the Pulaski Street School to participate in the “Let’s Move” Fitness Challenge, a national program designed to get kids thinking about moving more and eating mindfully. During the first two weeks of December, the students, who participate in the "Let's Move!" Fitness Challenge, will pledge to log their physical activity over a two week period. The class that logs the most activity in-school and at home will win a trophy and the title of "Fittest Class". We should find out next week which classes won the challenge. >More

RHS BLUE WAVES ARE THE Suffolk County Division II Champs

(November 25, 2012) The Riverhead Blue Waves are the Suffolk County Division II champions after a 52-20 win over North Babylon Sunday, November 25th, at LaValle Stadium in Stony Brook.

In the game against the North Babylon Bulldogs, quarterback Ryan Bitzer ran  for 291 yards and threw three touchdown passes to wide receiver Quinn Funn and a 60-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jeffrey Pittman. Funn also scored on a fumble recovery and Bitzer ran for a touchdown after Funn, who had seven receptions for 153 yards) carried a pass to the 1-yard line. Jeremiah Cheatom rushed for 95 yards.

“The victory was not only a triumph for our football team, but also for all of Riverhead,” notes Superintendent of Schools Nancy Carney. “It was so gratifying to see so many parents, students and community members in the stands Sunday night cheering our team on. I offer my congratulations to Coach Shay, his staff and his players for their dedication, hard work and talent on and off the field. These fine student athletes and the people who support them represent what is so great about Riverhead!”

For the second time in five years, Riverhead has a chance to take home the LI Championship. In 2008, Riverhead became the first team in Long Island history to finish with a 12-0 record. The Blue Waves captured the Long Island Class II championship with a 42-6 win over Elmont HS. GO BLUE WAVES.

VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM'S PLAYOFF GAME
(November 17, 2012) The Blue Waves scored three touchdowns in the first 18 minutes en route to a 36-13 Division II playoff win over Walt Whitman Saturday, November 10. Riverhead will now host West Babylon (5-4) in the semifinals next Saturday, November 17, after the Eagles shocked previously unbeaten and top-seeded West Islip, 20-19. Teams are re-seeded after the first round, so the Blue Waves are now the No. 1 seed, playing the No. 4 seed West Babylon. The Blue Waves opened the season with a 42-0 victory over the Eagles.

THIRD ANNUAL COMMUNITY CAFÉ AT PHILLIPS AVENUE

(November 21, 2012) More than 750 people from the Phillips Avenue Elementary School community attended a pancake breakfast hosted by the administration, teachers and staff at Phillips Avenue on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. >More

AQUEBOGUE GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY

On Tuesday, November 20, 2012, the Board of Education, administrators, Principal Phil Kent, CPR committee members, and representatives from Triton and BBS ceremonially broke ground at Aquebogue Elementary School, kicking off the second phase of construction in the school bond plan.

Aquebogue Elementary School, which houses students in Grades K-4, is scheduled to receive a newly expanded cooking kitchen, new parking lots, reconfigured small group instructional spaces and a variety of other improvements that will modernize the building, the earliest portion of which was built in 1928.  "Cooking our lunches on site is such an important goal," Superintendent Carney said.  "By expanding our kitchens, we will be able to improve the food we offer students and provide more nutritious meals to them."

Other work includes the reconfiguration of some classrooms to create specialized learning centers and renovated playgrounds that will place rubberized surfaces around the play equipment. 

The project at Aquebogue has already begun and will continue during the school year and into next summer. 

Work will also begin in earnest very soon at Riley Avenue Elementary School. An overview of the project at Riley will be presented at the Tuesday, December 4th meeting of RAPA, which begins at 7:00PM. >More
 
AQUEBOGUE STUDENT ARTISTS HONORED AT ASSEMBLY

(November 20, 2012) The New York State Art Teachers Association sponsors the New York State School Boards Association’s Art Exhibit each October.  It is housed at the convention center at the same time the school board members have their annual convention. District leaders and school board members usually have an opportunity to view the art, which is on display during their convention. Three Aquebogue artists, whose work was on display at the convention, were honored at the November assembly at Aquebogue. The artists honored were: Kevin Kulakowski (second grade), Olivia Goodale (third grade), and Eduardo Duran (who is now in 5th grade) was also recognized in absentia via his painting. >More

NJROTC WINS FIRST OVERALL IN VARSITY DIVISION

(November 19, 2012) The Riverhead NJROTC Drill Team travelled to Bethel High School in Connecticut on Saturday November 17th, where 12 schools and approximately 500 cadets from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut competed in a Regional Drill Meet. When the smoke cleared the end result was 1st place Overall in the Varsity Division and 3rd place in the 1st year cadet division. >More

RILEY AVENUE FIRST GRADERS BECOME “HEARTISTS”

(November 20, 2012) Students at Riley Avenue Elementary School are learning about heart health in a creative way. Sheila Davies volunteered to teach a unit on heart health and the healing properties of art to the first graders at Riley Avenue in a program she calls the “Heartist” project.

Davies is a nurse practitioner at North Shore University Hospital LIJ and a parent of a first grader at the Riley Avenue School. She and two colleagues shared information with the children about what they need to do to maintain a heart healthy lifestyle. They discussed elements of a healthy diet, exercise, and behaviors that can interfere with heart health.

“This is a fantastic parent-initiated program,” Riley Avenue Principal David Enos said. “The program works on so many levels, and it is a great example of character education and community service of the highest order. We’re very thankful to Ms. Davies and the North Shore University Hospital for initiating this program for our students.”
The first graders worked in small groups to learn about how the heart pumps, making the sound of a pumping heart as Davies pumped a sponge heart. The students got their own hands-on time by working together to assemble and examine plastic models of the heart. They also paired up to use a stethoscope to listen to each others' hearts before and after vigorous exercise.

After Thanksgiving, the school’s art teacher, Melissa Haupt, will work with the first graders to make art projects that will be displayed at North Shore University Hospital. The art that the students create will be professionally framed and hung throughout the cardiothoracic unit of the hospital. >More

FIVE SCHOLAR-ATHLETES SIGN TO PLAY IN COLLEGE

(November 14-16) FIVE RHS SCHOLAR-ATHLETES accepted scholarships and signed to play a sport in college during the week of November 14th:  Sabina Dorr (Lacrosse-St. Francis Univ.), Ryan Bitzer (Lacrosse-Stony Brook Univ.), Matt Crohan (Baseball-Winthrop Univ.), Bree Ristau (Crew-UMASS), and Shanice Allen (Basketball-Pace Univ.). >More

RHS LI Challenge Team Competes Today in NYC

(November 13, 2012) The RHS LI Challenge team competed today, November 13, in their first round of the LI Challenge sponsored by News 12 in partnership with Cablevision's education initiative, Power to Learn. The Challenge began as a Long Island effort 13 years ago and now includes the entire tri-state area - Long Island (with Nassau and Suffolk as two distinct regions), the Bronx, Brooklyn, Westchester/Lower Hudson Valley, New Jersey and Connecticut. This season, 184 high schools will be participating with the goal of becoming the Tri-State Challenge Champion and winning $10,000 for their school and $500 for each team member competing in that final round. >More

Division I Rowing Signing Ceremony
(November 14, 2012) Bree Ristau will have a signing ceremony on Wednesday, November 14, in the RHS Library to celebrate her Division I Rowing scholarship. She will be rowing for UMASS Amherst.

NCAA Baseball Signing Ceremony
(November 15, 2012) Matt Crohan and his family will participate in an NCAA Baseball signing ceremony in the Riverhead High School Library, on Thursday, November 15.

According to Coach Rob Maccone, "Matt is a talented left-handed pitcher with a 92 mph fast ball. He throws a very good change-up and a knuckle drop. His record on varsity was 3-1 as a junior, with an ERA in the 1.00. Matt also plays in the outfield. Matt will pitch for Winthrop University." Matt plans to study business management or marketing at Winthrop University. >More

RMS Clubs are Pitching In
(November 10, 2012) The RMS Student Government is sponsoring the Middle School's Annual Community Food Drive Competition—7th Grade is currently leading the competition. The 7th grade students have donated the highest number of canned food items so far. The competition will continue until November 15th.

The Student Government held a Mock Presidential Election on Monday, November 5. Votes were cast electronically and Mitt Romney won with 70% of the votes cast. >More

Operation Gratitude AND RMS CLUB ACTIVITIES
(November 10, 2012) In remembrance of Veterans' Day, the National Jr. Honor Society sponsored "Operation Gratitude". RMS students donated candy they collected on Halloween to Operation Gratitude. The candy will be mailed to our soldiers in Afghanistan. >More

It Was Graduation Day at RHS for Robert

(November 8, 2012) It's only November, but Robert, who has been attending classes at RHS since September 2011, is graduating early from Riverhead High School. Like the majority of RHS grads, Robert will continue his education after graduation. Robert's career goal is to become a Canine Companions assistance dog, a graduate of Canine Companion for Independence (CCI) training school. Principal Dave Wicks presented Robert with a certificate of achievement.

RHS science teacher Sonja Haasper, who accepted the responsibility of becoming his "puppy raiser" when he was just eight weeks old, started bringing him to school when he turned four months old. Robert is now 18 (months), and on Friday, November 9, he entered the next phase of his education at CCI. >More

Career Pathways Class

(November 5, 2012) Transition Services at Riverhead High School has been facilitating a number of events and programs to help students (especially those with disabilities and challenges) make decisions about careers. Transition Coordinator Elva Beyer and Maryhaven Job Coach Lisa Lindsay have developed a new program called "Career Pathways" in an effort to show teens the various jobs that fall within career clusters. 



Ms. Lindsay conducted a career cluster presentation at RHS in English classes. After the presentations, students were asked to complete a survey where they indicated their interests and a "Top Ten" list was created. Professionals from the students' "Top Ten" will be coming in once a month to discuss careers in their profession. 



The first monthly presentation in "Career Pathways" was given by Dr. Alexis Hugelemeyer. Dr. Hugelmeyer shared with the class a PowerPoint presentation on possible career paths in a hospital or lab setting and talked with the students about the training that is required for those careers. >More

9 To 5, THE MUSICAL
The RIVERHEAD FACULTY AND COMMUNITY THEATER PRESENTED "9 TO 5, THE MUSICAL", FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16 AND 17, 8PM, RHS CARDONA AUDITORIUM. All profits go to scholarships for RHS.

GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY AT AQUEBOGUE
In November, the RCSD Board of Education will ceremonially break ground at Aquebogue, kicking off the second phase of construction in the school bond plan. The ceremony, which will begin at 10 am, is slated to include Board members, Superintendent Nancy Carney and representatives from BBS Architects, Landscape Architects and Engineers, the firm that designed the plans. Aquebogue Elementary School is located at the intersection of Main Road and Edgar Avenue in Aquebogue. >More

MR. HUGELMEYER PUBLISHES IS FIRST BOOK: Big Skills for the Common Core: Literacy Strategies for the 6-12 Classroom. Big Skills is "packed with engaging strategies teachers can use immediately to improve their students' literacy skills with real teaching examples" from RHS classrooms. It was written in cooperation with Amy Benjamin. Amy Benjamin, a veteran English teacher, has been a consultant to our schools, training teachers in writing across the curriculum, strategic literacy, and differentiated instruction. >More

OCTOBER, 2012 NEWS NEWSLETTERS, VIDEOS AND SLIDESHOWS

DANIEL RAYNOR
(October 3, 2012) DAN RAYNOR recently received the highest designation possible in the AP Scholar Program as a NATIONAL AP SCHOLAR, which means that he received an average score of at least a 4 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 4 or higher on EIGHT or MORE of these exams. Dan is the first Riverhead High School student to achieve the title of National AP Scholar as a junior! He has received 8 fives out of a possible 10 on AP exams taken so far. This year Dan is taking AP Chemistry, AP English Literature and AP US Government and Politicss for a total of 13 AP courses! >More

In addition Dan was named a COMMENDED STUDENT in the National Merit Scholarship Program. This honor indicates that he was among the top 5% of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2013 competition by taking the 2011 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Quallfying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

COUNCIL FOR UNITY

(October 5, 2012) The RHS Council for Unity participated in a workshop at the Calverton Recreation Center. Council for Unity representatives from NYC met with Council members to help teach the concepts of Council for Unity.

K-12 Violence Prevention Coordinator Theresa Drozd also shared that several members from the Town of Riverhead's Council for Unity Program traveled to Buffalo to help establish Council for Unity in Buffalo. Riverhead's Council for Unity Program is used as a model to help establish other councils around the state and the nation. >More

A DAY MADE BETTER BY OFFICE MAX



(October 2, 2012) To provide economic relief for teachers, who are estimated to spend approximately $1,000 per year out of their own pockets on schools supplies. and to encourage national support, hundreds of OfficeMax associates -- working secretly with school principals -- honored teachers across the nation with classroom donations of much-needed school supplies on Tuesday, October 2 at 10 a.m. That teacher in the Riverhead Central School District was Gene Siller, a special education teacher at the Phillips Avenue School. >More

HIGH SCHOOL VOTER REGISTRATION
(October 2, 2012) We'd like to thank community volunteers from the Long Island Organizing Network (LION), Thelma White and Robert Brown, who provided Riverhead High School students with the opportunity to register to vote. These volunteers visited classes and helped students fill out voter registration forms. 



THANK YOU, EAST END RETIRED TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION



(October 10, 2012) EAST END RETIRED TEACHERS ASSOC. representatives, Robert Svoboda and Carol Joyner, presented an early holiday gift to RHS student government representatives Amanda Graziano and Dan Raynor to help purchase gifts for homeless children as part of the student government's Angel Tree Project. >More

THANK YOU, WALMART 


(October 12, 2012) Riverhead Wal-Mart visited the Riley Avenue School during morning assemblies and donated $1,000 worth of gift cards to Riley Avenue Elementary School to purchase materials and supplies for Riley Avenue students and classrooms.

ANNUAL GARFIELD LANGHORN ESSAY CONTEST



(October 12, 2012) On October 13th, the Pulaski Street School revealed the winners of the 2012 Garfield Langhorn Essay Contest. The winners this year were: (R-L) Ella Malanga-Mrs. Ivins' class ;Sarah Anne Fried-Mrs. Campo's class; Kadarus Gaine- Mrs. Baumann's class; Stephanie Hayes (Hon. Mention)-Mr. Frobey class. They had 26 entries this year! >More

RHS HOMECOMING 2012

>SEE DETAILS

THANK YOU, RIVERHEAD FIRE DEPARTMENT



(October, 2012) Throughout the month of October, which is Fire Safety Month, the Riverhead Fire Department visited Aquebogue and Roanoke elementary schools to teach students about fire prevention and fire safety. Students visited the smokehouse, created a plan to exit safely from their homes in case of fire, and learned to make 911 calls, participated in fire safety demonstrations in their classrooms, and were reminded to encourage their parents to install and/or check fire and carbon dioxide alarms in their homes. >More

RHS ALL-COUNTY MUSIC FESTIVAL 


(October 20, 2012) AMANDA OSBORN (sr. / soprano) and TAYLOR BURGESS (jr. / alto) have been chosen to sing in the MIXED CHOIR at the New York State Council of Administrators for Music Education (NYSCAME) ALL-COUNTY MUSIC FESTIVAL on November 16 at Northport HS--7:30PM. In order to be chosen for this festival a musician must be among Suffolk County's very best 11th and 12th grade musicians. In addition to attending All-County, Amanda has been chosen as an alternate to the ALL-STATE MUSIC FESTIVAL. >More

HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES TOUR

(October 20, 2012) As part of a program encouraged by Natasha Volcy in the Guidance Department, four RHS students (Christopher Collins--Sr.-interested in kinesiology, Shakiyla Sykes--Jr.-who wants to be a registered nurse, Destiny McElroy--Jr.-interested in business and sports management, and Denise Brunskill--Sr.-who wants to major in psychology and become a counselor) joined HS students from throughout the northeast for a weeklong tour from LI down the East Coast to Atlanta. The students are touring historically black colleges and universities along the way from Virginia to Georgia. >More

YOUTH LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

(October 19, 2012) Ten RHS students, who are also members of the RHS Council for Unity, attended the 17th annual East End Youth Leadership Summit held October 19th at the Riverhead Campus of Suffolk County Community College. The students in attendance were from fourteen East End schools. >More

The
students attended four workshops:
- Aspects of Leadership - Presented by Debbie Slevin – A Theatrical Coach, Director and Teacher;
- Dignity and Diversity - Creating Safer Schools - Presented by Matthew Cotty, Director of Youth Services, LIGALY - This workshop addressed stereotypes, sexual orientation, homophobia, anti-GLBT bullying and ways for students to get involved in their school.
- Coping With Consequences - Presented by Peter Hawkins, Wheelchair Athlete / Motivational Speaker, who discussed how his life is affected by drinking and driving, living with a disability and taking responsibility.

- Plenary / Student Voices - Presented by Kym Laube from H.U.G.S. (Human Understanding and Growth Seminars), who helped student groups develop a public service announcement highlighting the lessons they learned at the Summit. >More

RHS GUIDANCE EVENTS

Mini-College Fair -- On October 9th, the Guidance Department hosted over 120 colleges and universities at the annual Fall College Fair. The list included nearly all of the State Universities as well many private institutions. Over 250 seniors attend the event. >More

College Information Night – On October 11th, the RHS Guidance Department presented College Information Night (exploring college options and understanding the admission process. The evening included several different presentations facilitated by counselors, teachers, administrators, and outside presenters. For the first time parents were given the opportunity to see our new Naviance software program in the computer lab. This new product allows counselors to send all student documents including transcripts electronically to over 4,000 colleges across the country.

College Night presentations included:
Marketing the Student Athlete: The NCAA Maze
The Importance of the College Essay
Parents introduction to Naviance software
Preparing for Music Auditions and Art Portfolios
Transition Planning and College options for Special Education student >More

In-School PSAT -- On October 17th all 10th, and 11th grade students were given the PSAT exam at RHS free of charge. The PSAT is wonderful resource as underclassmen begin to prepare for their college selection process. This test measures critical reading, writing, and math problem solving & reasoning. It assesses the ability to reason with facts and concepts rather than the ability to recall and recite them. The in-school PSAT also acts as a practice exam for the SAT, which most students take during the spring of their junior year. It allows students to compare their skills with others across the country who will be entering college at the same time. By taking the PSAT, students are also afforded the opportunity to qualify for National Merit Scholarships. >More

OCTOBER IS NATIONAL DENTAL HYGIENE MONTH

Children in Grades K-3 have the opportunity to participate in an oral health program being offered by the Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine at RCSD Elementary Schools. During the month of October all students will participate in an Oral Health Educational Program presented by the Pediatric Residents and Hygienists. The informational sessions will be presented on the following dates: 10/5 Roanoke, 10/12 and 10/16 @ Phillips, 10/19 and 10/22 @ Riley and 10/26 and 10/29 @ Aquebogue.

According to Bill Groth, "EDUCATIONAL/ INFORMATIONAL presentations" will be given prior to the free dental exam in November. "Exams" would begin in November and the "Dental Van" services will be administered in December.The School of Dental Medicine will provide preventive services at the school on November 8th and 29th to all children that have parental permission. There are no out of pocket costs to parents for the preventive services that will be offered: dental exam, cleaning, fluoride treatment and placement of sealants on first year molars. The fluoride treatment and placing of sealants will depend on the condition of the teeth. These services are provided by Pediatric Dental Residents, Pediatric Hygienist and supervised by a Pediatric clinical faculty member. They will use a portable dental chair and equipment for these services, which will be setup in a designated room in the school. In order to receive these serves, parents must complete and sign a Health History Permission Form to have their child receive these services. This form must be returned to the teacher by Friday, November 2nd.

A Dental Summary report will be sent home with the child informing the parent of the services that were provided and what follow-up treatment is required. Attached to the Dental Summary will be some forms parents must complete to have their child receive dental services on the Dental Van from The School of Dental Medicine. This "state of the art" Dental Van will be scheduled to be at the school during school hours. This is an amazing service that will be offered to our students free of charge. >More

SPORTS NEWS—
RIVERHEAD BLUE WAVES FOOTBALL TEAM
(October 20, 2012) The Blue Waves Varsity football team rolled over Smithtown West on Saturday, October 20, 23 to 16. Jeremiah Cheatom rushed for 256 yards on 19 carries. >More

EAST END TRANSITION FAIR – RIVERHEAD HIGH SCHOOL
(October 24, 2012) The Transition Fair provided parents and their children, who have disabilities and are preparing to transition into the adult world, the opportunity to meet with agencies and organizations throughout Long Island. Various agencies and organizations in the areas of Recreation, Employment and Education provided information and literature to those who attended. >More

WHAT WILL I BE WHEN I GROW UP? - CAREER PATHWAYS CLASS AT RHS

(October 26, 2012) "What will I be when I grow up?" is a critical question for high school students and that question is often compounded for students with challenges and disabilities. Riverhead High School has instituted a number of programs and classes to assist students with this and other crucial questions. Transition Services at Riverhead High School has been facilitating a number of other events and programs to help students with decisions about careers. Transition Coordinator Elva Beyer, and Maryhaven Job Coach Lisa Lindsay have developed a new program called "Career Pathways" in an effort to show teens the various jobs that fall within career clusters. >More

RHS AND RMS STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN RED RIBBON WEEK (Students Pledge to Remain Drug Free)

(October 26, 2012) Red Ribbon Week (October 23-31, 2012) is the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the nation, reaching millions of Americans during the last week of October every year. By wearing red ribbons and participating in community anti-drug events, young people pledge to live a drug-free life and pay tribute to DEA Special Agent Enriqué "Kiki" Camarena, who was murdered by Mexican drug traffickers in 1985. >More

SEPTEMBER, 2012 NEWS NEWSLETTERS, VIDEOS AND SLIDESHOWS

THANK YOU RIVERHEAD ROTARY



(September 27, 2012) The RHS Student Government and Class Officers helped Rotary members, Christine Ireland and David Catalans (Center), bring school supplies donated by Riverhead Rotary into Theresa Drozd's office. Mrs. Drozd sorted and distributed the donated supplies to all the schools in the district.

THE STORY OF A RACE AND A RESCUE



(September 29, 2012) Sanford H. Calhoun High School Coach David Heller wrote this letter to RCSD Athletic Director Bill Groth concerning the events at the Suffolk County Coaches Invitational Cross Country Meet at Sunken Meadow

"It seems (although I was not in the woods), one of my athletes--after finishing 2/3 of the race--was struggling from his asthma. Before he knew it, it was too late to take his inhaler (which he had on him) and he had fainted. At this point I could only imagine how many athletes must have run by him; however, one athlete by the name of Anthony Mammina from Riverhead High School did stop, not worried about his race--understanding the more important thing was getting this athlete help. . . .

. . . He (Anthony) ended up waking him, helping with his inhaler and getting another Riverhead athlete to help him to the proper station for first aid. For a high student, his first aid knowledge was truly amazing, and I think his act of compassion as well as his sportsmanship should not go unnoticed . . .

. . . So, Monday morning when you look at the scores from Saturday's race and you see that Riverhead didn't do as well as usual, know that as far as Sanford H. Calhoun is concerned Riverhead was the best team out there that day." 



Patrick Burke, the boys' cross country coach, concludes, "I am so proud of what Anthony did and grateful that he applied his knowledge in dealing with a situation like this. His priority to help, and his ability to remain calm and appropriately administer assistance is to be commended. He represented himself, his family and the Riverhead Community in a very positive way." >More

SEPTEMBER, 2012 NEWS NEWSLETTERS, VIDEOS AND SLIDESHOWS

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

(September 5, 2012) Rain or the threat of rain didn't interfere with the successful opening of the 2012-13 school year in the Riverhead School District on Wednesday, September 5, 2012. Schools opened with 5,111 students enrolled, and the first day went smoothly. RCSD Superintendent of Schools Nancy Carney noted, "This was one of the best openings in my tenure in the district." >More

BLUE WAVES VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM SEEDED AS #1 IN DIVISION II

(September 5, 2012) As Noted in Newsday, "The Blue Waves Varsity Football Team earned top seed in perhaps the most balanced league in Suffolk on the strength of All-County quarterback Bitzer's right arm. The three-sport star has veteran targets in Pittman, a speedster, and Funn, a leaper with good hands, Harris is a huge anchor on both lines and McCabe is another big, tough lineman." >More

BLUE WAVES VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM WINS FIRST, THIRD and FOURTH GAMES
(September 8, 2012) Riverhead opened its 2012 season in impressive fashion, shutting out No. 7 seed West Babylon, 42-0, at Coach Mike McKillop Memorial Field.

(September 22, 2012) The Riverhead Blue Waves Varsity football team soundly defeated North Babylon (42-28) in Saturday's game. The Blue Waves are now 2-1 and will play Half Hollow Hills HS on Saturday, at 2:00PM, in Riverhead. GO BLUE WAVES! RiverheadLocal / News Review

(September 29, 2012) The Riverhead Blue Waves Varsity football team rolled over Half Hollow Hills(42-9) in Saturday's game. The Blue Waves are now 3-1 and will play East Islip HS on Saturday, October 6, at 2:00PM, in East Islip. GO BLUE WAVES! RiverheadLocal / News Review

HAROLD HUBBARD RECEIVES SCHOLARSHIP / CADETS EXCEL IN SUMMER PROGRAMS:

(September 11, 2012) Cadet Harold Hubbard has been selected for the Navy ISR Scholarship. The $180,000 scholarship to the college of Cadet Hubbard’s choice was presented by Commander John Skarin this morning. ISR stands for "Immediate Scholarship Reservation"--the same type of scholarship that Amanda Gallo received last year.  Like Amanda, Cadet Hubbard was one of just six students in Riverhead's NJROTC area district, which includes Northern New Jersey, New York City, parts of Westchester and Long Island, to be chosen for this scholarship. Cadet Hubbard plans to study aeronautical engineering in college and hopes to become a pilot. >More on Cadet Hubbard and Cadets participating in Summer Programs / Newsday Story

FOCUS ON FACULTY
(September 24, 2012) As part of the Advance Review of syllabi for AP Spanish Language, a number of current AP teachers created and submitted syllabi based on the new AP Curriculum Framework. These syllabi help to inform the development of teacher resources for the AP Course Audit. Among these syllabi, four have been selected to become samples and shared with other teachers. The four syllabi were chosen by a team of college faculty and a member of the AP Curriculum Development and Assessment Committee based on the extent to which they demonstrate how the revised curricular requirements can be met as well as the variety of activities, assignments, and assessments presented. We are proud to announce that RHS Spanish teacher Penelope Boerum has received recognition and the honor of having her work chosen to be used as exemplars for the Spanish Language AP course. >More

Mike Hugelmeyer is publishing a book! He wrote a book about the Core Standards with Amy Benjamin entitled: Big Skills for the Common Core: Literacy Strategies for the 6-12 Classroom.

Liz Scaduto and Angelica Babino presented at the Learning Forward conference in Denver Colorado.

FOCUS ON ALUMNI
Alan Horn, who graduated from Riverhead High School in 1960, has been named Chairman of The Walt Disney Studios effective June 11. Horn will oversee worldwide operations for The Walt Disney Studios including production, distribution and marketing for live-action and animated films from Disney, Pixar and Marvel, as well as marketing and distribution for DreamWorks Studios films released under the Touchstone Pictures banner. Disney's music and theatrical divisions will also report to Horn. Horn has been a prominent figure in the film and television industry overseeing creative executive teams responsible for some of the world's most successful entertainment properties including the Harry Potter film franchise and the hit television series Seinfeld among others. >More / NEWS REVIEW ARTICLE / FOCUS ON ALUMNI

RFCT JR THEATER
The Riverhead Faculty and Community Theatre proudly presented its 2012 Children's Theatre Musical - "Once on this Island Jr." Performances were September 14th, 15th & 16th in the RHS Charles Cardona Auditorium. "The show was a great success," stated one of the producers, Christine Springer. Several students from the Riverhead Schools participated in this theater program that rehearsed over the summer. Congratulations! >More

HIGH SCHOOL VOTER REGISTRATION
(September 18, 2012) We'd like to thank community volunteers from the Long Island Organizing Network (LION), Thelma White, Marlando Williams, and Robert Brown, who provided Riverhead High School students with the opportunity to register to vote. These three volunteers set up a table in the cafeteria and helped students fill out voter registration forms. They will return to the high school on October 2nd to give qualifying students another opportunity to register.

CELEBRATING A PARTNERSHIP OF RENOVATION AND RENEWAL

(September 18, 2012) Representatives from the School and the Town came together on Tuesday, September 18th to celebrate the brand new sidewalks in front of the Pulaski Street School. The sidewalks are the result of a partnership in renewal and renovation undertaken by the school, the county and the town. >More

MAKING OUR FOREIGN LANGUAGE TESTS RIGOROUS AND COMPARABLE

(September 20, 2012) RCSD foreign language teachers participated in a test question-writing workshop conducted at the Riley Avenue School by FLACS. This effort was one of three workshops on Long Island coordinated by the Foreign Language Association of Chairpersons and Supervisors (FLACS). Riverhead's collaboration with FLACS allows the district to administer the Checkpoint A and B exams in French and Spanish created at the workshops. With the loss of a regents level test, it is one way for our District to ensure that our foreign language curriculum and final tests are rigorous and comparable. >More

OPEN HOUSE AND BACK-TO-SCHOOL NIGHTS
We'd like to thank all the parents and guardians who took the time to meet their child's teachers by attending the Open House and Back-to-School nights that have already taken place. A solid home/school connection is an important ingredient for student success.

Here are the upcoming Open House or Back to School Nights:
• Thursday, September 27 - 7:00 PM - Aquebogue Open House for Gr. 3-4


• Thursday, September 27 - 7:00 PM - Riley Avenue Open House for Gr. 3-4

• Thursday, October 4 - 7:00 PM - Middle School Back-to-School Night


BOARD OF EDUCATION HONORS JOSEPH GILLIAM
The Board of Education recognized employee Joseph "Bubba" Gilliam, who is retiring after 38 years of service to the district. Mr. Gilliam started working for the district in 1974 as a custodian at the Aquebogue Elementary School. >More

STUDENT GOVERNMENT OFFICERS

We'd like to congratulate this year's student government and class officers on their election (not pictured: Heather Zilnicki and Christina Sacchitello). One of their first duties is to organize Homecoming, which will begin on October 5th with the start of Spirit Week and culminate on October 13th with the parade and homecoming game. >More

AUGUST, 2012 NEWS NEWSLETTERS, VIDEOS AND SLIDESHOWS

                       Groundbreaking News: Groundbreaking ceremony on August 16th. See Progress

8/6/12 GROUNDBREAKING NEWS: On Thursday, August 16, 2012, the Board of Education of the Riverhead Central School District ceremonially broke ground at Phillips Avenue Elementary School, kicking off the first phase of construction in the school bond plan.
     The ceremony included Board members, CPR Committee members, Superintendent Nancy Carney and representatives from BBS Architects, Landscape Architects and Engineers.  Phillips Avenue Elementary School is located at 141 Phillips Avenue, Riverhead.
     “When the community gave approval to these projects in October 2011, I began anticipating this day,” Superintendent Carney said.  “We have been working diligently on all of the pre-construction work these past 10 months, and now that we have received building permits and conducted all of our bidding, we are excited to begin the physical construction.
     Phillips is scheduled to receive a new library, new roof, new parking lots, new student drop-off loops, and a host of other improvements that will breathe new life into the building, which was built in the late 1950s.”>Slideshow of the Progress at Phillips / >RAZ-Kids Reading Program

         
Elevator Project - Capital Reserve            Town: Sidewalks at Pulaski

 

SPORTS NEWS -- A summary of the 2011-2012 Sports News >More

For ALL the News, Videos and Slideshows from September, 2010 to June, 2011, GO to 2010-11 NEWS ARCHIVE / ALSO SEE: 2010-11 NEWS ARCHIVE / 2011-12 NEWS ARCHIVE / (BC)