Month: May 2022

Laddie A. Decker Sound Beach School launches virtual Suffolk County math tournament with 30 teams competing

To close out its Math Olympiad season, the Laddie A. Decker Sound Beach School launched the first Virtual Suffolk County Math Tournament for fourth and fifth-grade students from schools across the county.

Math Olympiad Coordinator Evan Curran, who teaches fourth grade at LADSBS, created and organized a challenging and engaging full day competition that included 30 teams made up of both group and individual participants.

“The first county-wide virtual math tournament was a huge success and our students were outstanding with the effort and passion they displayed throughout the competition. I’m so happy with how it turned out and I appreciate every student who was involved out of a love for math and friendly competition,” said Mr. Curran.

Teams participated in the competition through Google Meet, where students could share their ideas with their teammates or meet teams from other schools as they took on  various problem-solving activities throughout the day. Students representing LADSBS were chosen based on how they performed throughout the Math Olympiad season. Those who ranked among the top five in their grade level were the first invited to participate.

Fourth grade competitors included Zoe Brown, Liam McGrath, Joey Poerio, Anna Thompson and Luke Vogt. Fifth-grade competitors included Madison Chacon, Emmanuel Dada, Kellen Davidson, Lexis Goldberg and Conrad Lindemann.

The fifth-grade team representing LADSBS finished the competition in first place, with the highest overall score of all competing teams. The fourth-grade LADSBS team finished in third place. Fourth grader Zoe Brown finished in third place in the individual competition, with fellow fourth grader Liam McGrath finishing in seventh place. Fifth grader Emmanuel Dada finished the individual competition in third place, with fellow fifth graders Kellen Davidson in fourth place and Lexis Goldberg in tenth place.

“I want to congratulate everyone who competed from Miller Place and thank Mr. Curran for organizing such a phenomenal event. I’m thrilled that it was a success and everyone had a great time participating,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marianne Cartisano. “We are looking forward to hosting next year’s competition again in Miller Place.”

Miller Place High School students in Michael Stano’s Design and Drawing for Production course were tasked with designing and constructing a chair out of cardboard that could support at least 120 pounds or be used by a student without breaking. Students were only permitted to use cardboard – meaning they needed to come up with a way to construct their chairs without using tape, glue, staples, nails or any other adhesive.

“This was such an exciting and challenging task for my students and I’m very impressed by the results. Not only did they listen to and apply the lessons we discussed in class, but they used their own creativity and innovation to create amazing final products,” said Mr. Stano. Prior to being assigned the task, students reviewed information related to the strength of certain materials and methods of construction, such as using tabs or slots in their cardboard to create a chair without other supplies. Students also took a deep dive into ergonomics, or the study of how someone’s working environment affects their performance. One example includes how a chair without proper posture support could impede someone’s pace or concentration. Using all that they were taught, students created various cardboard chair designs that some even used during class to work from their computers.

Board of Education recognizes outstanding athletes, community service and science club accomplishments

Student excellence was celebrated at a recent Board of Education meeting in the Miller Place School District, where several students were recognized for their accomplishments in areas including athletics, community service and science.

The Board recognized the athletic achievements of Justin Klein, a senior on the Miller Place High School wrestling team; Liam Preston, a senior on the MPHS swimming team; and Danielle Cirrito, a senior on the MPHS girls’ basketball team who was also named News 12’s Scholar-Athlete. Mary Fleckenstein, a retiring MPHS swimming coach, was also honored for her dedication to the district.  

The Board also lauded the community service of the North Country Road Middle School family for their launching of a food pantry to feed local families in need. The Parent Teacher Organization was acknowledged for inspiring the idea, middle school students in Boy Scout Troop 204 were recognized for their role in collecting and replenishing the pantry with food, and eighth-grade student Quinn Cantone received a special thank you for coordinating donation pick-ups in her neighborhood.

The Miller Place High School Science Club earned praise from the Board for bringing home two medals from the recent Regional Science Olympiad, where the Miller Place team participated in 12 of 21 events.

“Our students dedicate themselves and devote their time and energy to their passions while focusing on their academic careers. The Miller Place community would like to acknowledge their achievements and extend our congratulations,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marianne Cartisano. 

For more information about the Miller Place School District, please visit the District’s website at www.millerplace.k12.ny.us. To read more about the great things happening in Miller Place schools, visit www.millerplaceinthemedia.com and ‘like’ our Facebook page.

Troop 960 Scouts plant flower beds outside elementary school

Rows of pink tulips and multicolored pansies adorn the entrance to Andrew Muller Primary School thanks to a group of the school’s students in Girl Scouts/Daisy Troop 960.  The young Scouts planted the spring flowers, which were donated by local garden center GardenWorx LI, at the entranceway of their elementary school to celebrate spring and spread joy to their teachers and classmates as they enter and leave the building.

“I’m so proud of these girls for creating such a beautiful display for staff and students to see as they come and go to school. What a great way to welcome the new season and give back to the Miller Place community,” AMPS Principal Laura Gewurz said.    

The project is part of the Girl Scout’s commitment to make their community and the world a better and more beautiful place. Through the beautification effort, the Scouts completed their Flower and Garden Journey badges.  Earning the Flower and Garden Journey badge includes exploring the world of gardening, starting a mini garden at home, learning about composting and learning how insects like ladybugs and bees help flowers grow. Daisy Scouts also take a field trip to a public garden and talk to a gardener or beekeeper.

Once all the above is completed, Scouts earn three leadership awards – the Watering Can Award, Golden Honey Bee Award and Amazing Daisy Award. Then, Scouts plan a “Take Action” project that involves bringing what they learned to their community through a beautification project.

Students who contributed to the project at Andrew Muller Primary School and earned their badges included Molly Samonas, Jessie Maldonado, Delaney Kruse, Ellie Jackowski, Hailey Fisher, McKenna Stingo, Sadie Pachter, Elaina Giannino, Lylah Anschel, Lilah Ebert and Addie Lafler.

For more information about the Miller Place School District, please visit the District’s website at www.millerplace.k12.ny.us. To read more about the great things happening in Miller Place schools, visit www.millerplaceinthemedia.com and ‘like’ our Facebook page.