Christine Mangiamele appointed to new role leading NCRMS
The Miller Place School District is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Christine Mangiamele as the new principal of the North Country Road Middle School.
“The Miller Place community has gotten to know Ms. Mangiamele very well over the past 19 years and we are excited to see her excel in her new position leading North Country Road Middle School,” said Superintendent of Schools Seth Lipshie. “She has served the district with pride and dedication in many roles and we are confident in her ability to foster an environment for student success.”
Ms. Mangiamele has served the Miller Place community since 2005, when she began her educational career as a World Language teacher at Miller Place High School. She furthered her career at Miller Place High School in 2010 when she became the school’s assistant principal and dean of students. In 2019, she became the assistant principal at North Country Road Middle School and, this past year, she was appointed the curriculum specialist for Humanities.
Board members are sworn in as district prepares for the year ahead
The Miller Place School District recently held its annual organizational meeting, at which time Brian Makarius was sworn in for his new term as a trustee.
Lisa Reitan was re-elected by the Board of Education as President and Bryan Makarius was re-elected by the Board of Education as Vice President. Lisa Reitan was first elected President by the Board two years ago for the 2022-2023 school year and served as the Board’s Vice President in the 2021-2022 school year. Bryan Makarius was first elected Vice President two years ago for the 2022-2023 school year and served as a trustee in the 2021-2022 school year. The 2024-2025 Board of Education also includes trustees Johanna Testa, Andrea Spaniolas and John Galligan.
“Our District is excited to go into another year with such a dedicated and enthusiastic group of people leading the Board of Education,” said Superintendent of Schools Seth Lipshie, who was also sworn in at the meeting for his third year.
The District wishes a warm welcome to the 2024-2025 Board of Education as it prepares for the school year ahead.
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.
Bryan Makarius was sworn in as Vice President of the Miller Place School District Board of Education.Seth Lipshie was sworn in for his third year as Superintendent of Miller Place School District.Lisa Reitan was sworn in as President of the Miller Place School District Board of Education at its annual organization meeting.
Jean Marie D’Aversa joins the Miller Place School District community
The Miller Place School District is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Jean Marie D’Aversa as the new principal of Laddie A. Decker Sound Beach School.
“I am grateful and excited to serve the Miller Place community,” Dr. D’Aversa said. “Miller Place is where I was born and raised, which laid the foundation for who I am today. I look forward to guiding our young learners during this crucial time in their development as well as creating a positive and effective learning environment that is safe and secure for all.”
Dr. D’Aversa is a distinguished educator and administrator with extensive leadership experience. She began her professional career as an elementary world language teacher. Her administrative career includes serving as the coordinator of ENL K-12 across four elementary schools in the East Islip School District.
Dr. D’Aversa has six years of experience as a building administrator, most recently as assistant principal at Islip Terrace Middle School.
Additionally, she was the principal and assistant principal of the Eastern Suffolk BOCES summer school program. Dr. D’Aversa earned her doctoral degree in educational administrative and instructional leadership from St. John’s University. She earned her master’s degree and an advanced degree in school building/school district leadership from Long Island University Post College and her bachelor’s degree in Spanish and history from Hofstra University.
Community Holds a Dedication Ceremony for the Don Pranzo Field, Named After Beloved Former Coach
Following a March 2024 resolution by the Miller Place School District Board of Education,theMiller Place High School Varsity Baseball Field has been renamed Don Pranzo Field, in honor of the legendary former Miller Place baseball coach who launched the district’s first athletic program in 1969. Recently, the District community gathered for a dedication ceremony, during which Mr. Pranzo shared words of inspiration to the current varsity baseball team.
“As a District and a community, we are honored to recognize the impact Mr. Pranzo has had on our athletic program,” said Superintendent of Schools Seth Lipshie. “As a pioneer for athletics in Miller Place, Mr. Pranzo coached and mentored so many athletes during his time as coach of the varsity baseball team. His determination and dedication paved the way for our future successes and established Miller Place as a baseball powerhouse in Suffolk County. It was a pleasure to have him back for the dedication ceremony. He shared his wisdom and insight before generations of Miller Place athletes. His legacy will live on forever in our community.”
Mr. Pranzo started his career at Miller Place in 1955 when Miller Place was a K-8 school district and during his time here he coached twelve different sports at the junior high level, became the first Athletic Administrator for the Miller Place School District in 1969, and served as the first coach of the varsity baseball team for 20 years. He coached the team starting in the early 1970s through 1989 and again from 2003 through 2006. Under his leadership, the team won seven league titles, two county championships, one Long Island championship, and finished second in the state in 1985. Mr. Pranzo was also named Coach of the Year seven times for his unwavering dedication and coaching successes.
The Miller Place School District recently named its varsity baseball field after former coach Donard A. Pranzo, who is considered the founder of the district’s athletic program. The Miller Place School District recently named its varsity baseball field after former coach Donard A. Pranzo, who is considered the founder of the district’s athletic program. The Miller Place School District recently named its varsity baseball field after former coach Donard A. Pranzo, who is considered the founder of the district’s athletic program. The Miller Place School District recently named its varsity baseball field after former coach Donard A. Pranzo, who is considered the founder of the district’s athletic program. The Miller Place School District recently named its varsity baseball field after former coach Donard A. Pranzo, who is considered the founder of the district’s athletic program.
Students excel at Long Island Regional Trade Show and Business Plan Competition
Students in the Virtual Enterprise class at Miller Place High School recently excelled at the Long Island Regional Trade Show and Business Plan Competition. Students worked in groups to showcase their businesses, each of which generated over $100,000 in sales and won multiple awards throughout the competition.
“Our Virtual Enterprise students did an amazing job and were part of a very successful field trip. Everyone who participated represented Miller Place with pride and enthusiasm and exceptional skill,” said Superintendent of Schools Seth Lipshie. “Congratulations to all of the students who participated at the trade show for the professionalism and passion they demonstrated while promoting their ideas to investors.”
Student CEO Lindsey Galligan and student COO Grace Flammia presented their company Fits4Fans, a celebrity-inspired clothing line with a goal of boosting the confidence and styles of their customers. The company had a successful trade show and placed gold in multiple categories, including “LI Regional Trade Show Sales Material Competition” and “LI Regional Trade Show Best Booth Competition.” The company saw 90 sales transactions and generated over $100,000 in sales.
Student CEO Jake Ryan and student COO Lucas Damon ran Memory Lane Toy Co., a retro toy store that sold rare and exclusive toys from across past generations. The company aimed to combat the negative effects of social media and overstimulation of technology by providing a means of re-engaging in real world play and connections. The toy firm placed gold in the category of “Booth Design,” silver in the “Newsletter Competition,” and silver in the “Sales Pitch Competition.” The company generated over $170,000 in sales and showcased exceptional networking skills with their fellow entrepreneurs.
Technology LLC AI Aid, led by student CEO John Leen and student COO Samuel Cangelosi, sought to assist individuals through the implication of AI. They placed gold in the category of “LI Regional Trade Show Best Booth Competition” and silver in “LI Regional Sales Pitch Competition.” The company brought in $105,609 in sales presented their business plan to judges for a chance to advance to the next level of Virtual Enterprise competition.
Miller Place High School Virtual Enterprise students showcased their business Fits4Fans at the Long Island Regional Trade Show and Business Plan Competition.Students displayed their retro toy store company Memory Lane Toy Co.Another student-run company that excelled at the trade show was Technology LLC AI Aid.
Students honored for exceptional character and academic excellence
Miller Place High School recently recognized a group of outstanding students at its 23rd annual OAK (Outstanding Acts of Kindness) and OAR (Outstanding Academic Recognition) ceremony. Students were recommended by staff members for performing inspiring acts of kindness or demonstrating excellent work ethic in their classes.
“Students chosen to be honored at our OAK and OAR ceremony have shown exemplary behavior through their compassion and kindness or through remarkable academic progress and performance,” said Superintendent of Schools Mr. Seth Lipshie. “They represent our community with outstanding pride and are excellent role models for their peers. We are so proud to honor them at our OAK and OAR ceremony.”
OAK award recipients are recommended for performing gestures of kindness and displaying compassion without expecting anything in return. OAR award recipients are recommended for achieving academic excellence by maintaining high scores, improving their scores or taking harder courses and rising to educational challenges that may be outside of their comfort zone.
Miller Place High School recently recognized a group of outstanding students at its 23rd annual OAK (Outstanding Acts of Kindness) and OAR (Outstanding Academic Recognition) ceremony.Miller Place High School recently recognized a group of outstanding students at its 23rd annual OAK (Outstanding Acts of Kindness) and OAR (Outstanding Academic Recognition) ceremony.Miller Place High School recently recognized a group of outstanding students at its 23rd annual OAK (Outstanding Acts of Kindness) and OAR (Outstanding Academic Recognition) ceremony.Miller Place High School recently recognized a group of outstanding students at its 23rd annual OAK (Outstanding Acts of Kindness) and OAR (Outstanding Academic Recognition) ceremony.
Marc Lindemann is named a Newsday Top 10 Boys Fencer, Michael Giugliano and Brian Schreck are named Newsday Top 100 Wrestlers
Three Miller Place High School student athletes were recently recognized by Newsday for their achievements throughout the 2023-2024 season. Marc Lindemann was named a Newsday Top 10 Boys Fencer and Michael Giugliano and Brian Schreck were named Newsday Top 100 Wrestlers.
“Being named a Newsday top athlete is an incredible achievement and we’re so proud of Marc Lindemann, Michael Giugliano and Brian Schreck. This is a testament to the dedication, hard work and passion they each display in their athletic careers,” said Superintendent of Schools Mr. Seth Lipshie.
It didn’t take Marc Lindemann long to make an impact on the combined Miller Place/Newfield Fencing team by winning the Suffolk individual foil title as a freshman. He had a 33-1 record to accompany his place on Newsday’s All-Long Island team.
Michael Giugliano was a Suffolk Division I champion at 132 pounds. The Buffalo commit was sixth at the state tournament. Brian Schreck took fourth place in Suffolk Division I at 145 pounds.
Marc Lindemann was named a Newsday Top 10 Boys Fencer for the 2023-2024 season.Michael Giugliano and Brian Schreck were named Newsday Top 100 Wrestlers for the 2023-2024 season.
North Country Road Middle School students shine at the Brookhaven National Lab’s math tournament
A group of North Country Road Middle School students represented the Miller Place School District with pride at the recent MoMathlon middle school math tournament at Brookhaven National Lab.
“The District is pleased to offer our students the opportunity to participate in academic competitions like MoMathlon. This allows them to have an exciting day competing against students from different schools in an educational environment at Brookhaven National Lab,” said Superintendent of School Seth Lipshie.
Students tested their math skills and showcased their strong teamwork throughout three rounds of problems, including “Individual,” “Team,” and “Mix-Up.” The day was filled with learning, as expert educators led solution discussions alongside brain teasers and warm-up activities.
NCRMS teachers Nicholas Corleto, Deana DeRosa, Corinne D’Andrea, and Maureen Radday led the group of students and prepared them to shine at the tournament. The District congratulates all the students who participated for showing incredible mathematical prowess and team spirit.
Nine students were selected for the 13th annual winter exhibition and one Miller Place High School Student was awarded first place
Miller Place High School sophomore Maya Murphy was awarded first place at the Suffolk County Community College’s 13th annual High School Exhibition at its Sagtikos Art Gallery. This is a very prestigious award. Maya’s sculpture “Noise” was chosen by the faculty of the Suffolk County Community College Art Department to be the first-place winner. The exhibition involved many school districts and very talented high school students.
A total of nine Miller Place High School students were chosen to have their artwork displayed at Suffolk Community College’s 13th annual High School Art Exhibition at its Sagtikos Art Gallery. Joining Maya Murphy who were also featured included Senior Patrick Milord, Junior Mia Amundsen, Sophomore Amelia Avalos, Junior Samantha Selfridge, Senior Mary Duffy, Senior Gisela Killary, Junior Gavin Sanfilippo, Senior Emma Rosequist.
“These students are deserving of this honor and platform to showcase their incredible work,” said Superintendent of Schools Seth Lipshie. “They represented Miller Place with pride and demonstrated a remarkable and diverse selection of high-quality artwork. We congratulate them on their amazing achievement.”
The Sagtikos Art Gallery, on the Michael J. Grant campus in Brentwood, regularly showcases exhibitions featuring contemporary fine art, photography and craft by local artists. It regularly hosts high school exhibitions to recognize the talent and diversity of artists at local high schools. 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.
Maya Murphy was awarded first place for her sculpture “Noise.”Maya Murphy was awarded first place for her sculpture “Noise.”
Laddie A. Decker Sound Beach School launches new program to encourage students to read
Miller Place School District’s Laddie A. Decker Sound Beach School recently launched a new initiative called the Million Word Challenge. Designed to foster a love and appreciation of reading, the Million Word Challenge tasks students with setting reading goals with their classes and documenting their progress. The LADSBS School Improvement Team initiated participation in the program, which will continue through March 1st and award the class that reaches one million words first. The school recently held an assembly to introduce the rules and incentives of the Million Word Challenge. The assembly even featured a visit from Panther Bob, the District’s mascot.
“The Million Word Challenge is a program that we have in place to inspire and encourage our students to explore the world of literature and become better readers,” said Superintendent of Schools Seth Lipshie. “We aim to foster a lifelong love for reading, while teaching students about the importance of setting goals.”
During the challenge, students can meet with teachers and librarians to find book recommendations tailored to their interests and reading level. Teachers will also encourage students to discuss the books they are reading with their families. As students read, they will document their progress in a reading log and share their thoughts and reflections on each book with their classmates. Students can view the progress made by each class, which will be displayed on a large bulletin board outside of the school’s main office.
At the end of the challenge, the school will host a special reading celebration to honor the achievements of all students. The class that reads the most words will also receive a special prize.
Laddie A. Decker Sound Beach School recently held an assembly to introduce the Million Word Challenge.Laddie A. Decker Sound Beach School recently held an assembly to introduce the Million Word Challenge.Laddie A. Decker Sound Beach School recently held an assembly to introduce the Million Word Challenge.The assembly featured a visit from Panther Bob, the District’s mascot, to encourage students to get involved.The assembly featured a visit from Panther Bob, the District’s mascot, to encourage students to get involved.
