Author: MillerPlace

Students in LADSBS Promote ALS Awareness with Ride for Life Founder

Miller Place, N.Y. (November 2019)—Miller Place School District (MPSD) recently welcomed back Ride for Life Founder Chris Pendergast for a special assembly at Laddie A. Decker Sound Beach School (LADSBS). Mr. Pendergast, a beloved member of the community and courageous fighter of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), returned to the District to speak with elementary students about his journey over the last several years and inspiration behind founding Ride for Life, a charity that raises money and awareness for ALS/Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

“Every year, we welcome Mr. Pendergast for his heartening story of perseverance and commitment,” said Dr. Marianne Cartisano, superintendent of Miller Place School District. “He is a special member of the Miller Place-Sound Beach community, and it’s an honor to have him speak to our students and inspire them to play their part in raising awareness for such an important cause.”

Students at LADSBS listened attentively to Mr. Pendergast’s story about his advocacy efforts and how his devotion and perseverance inspired the Ride for Life organization. The presentation relayed an important message for students to never give up and overcoming the odds. Students were also amazed by Mr. Pendergast’s ability to utilize advanced technology equipment to type using his eyes and speak through a computerized voice.

Ride for Life is an annual public awareness and fundraising campaign to spread ALS awareness. Each year, ALS patients ride their electric wheelchairs across Long Island as they are escorted by hundreds of students from local schools and community groups.

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Miller Place, N.Y. (November 2019)—As the Star-Spangled Banner played in the background, Mrs. Shaw’s second grade class at Andrew Muller Primary School (AMPS) in Miller Place opened its doors to United States military veterans to thank them for their service. After the students and military veterans began the day by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, the class’s special guests then taught the students about the importance of respecting the flag as a symbol of America and the freedoms they enjoy daily. The second-grade students then participated in a fill-in-the-blanks exercise by completing the phrase, “I think veterans are ____ because ____.” Following collection and sharing of their responses, the students and military veterans read “Veterans Day,” by Jessica Hawkins.  Near the end of the visit, one of the veterans gave the students a demonstration of how he played the bugle during his time in the military. Before the veterans departed, the students presented letters of appreciation and showed their respect by saluting them.

This event is part of the District’s initiative to teach students the meaning of Veterans Day and raise student awareness about what it means to be a member of the military during Veterans Day.

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Local Elementary Students Learn How Every Day Materials Can Conduct Science Experiments

Miller Place, N.Y. (November 2019)—Students at Miller Place School District’s Laddie A. Decker Sound Beach School recently learned how household items can teach lessons in science. The “Dirtmeister,” Steve Tomecek, taught students how materials such as coffee cans, soda bottles, mixing bowls and a toilet plunger can help students explore the science behind gravity, air pressure and sound. Students participated in the experiments during the assembly and were challenged to repeat them at home with the help of their parents.

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Miller Place, N.Y. (November 2019)—Miller Place School District recently hosted representatives of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office to discuss the effects of vaping with sophomore and junior students in Miller Place High School’s auditorium. Deputy Sheriff Investigator Michael Kern and Public Relations Assistant Kelly Mazzotta educated students on the implications of nicotine and illicit drug use on human brains and bodies, the long-term effects of nicotine and drug use, and emphasized the various laws surrounding substance use and minors.

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Miller Place, N.Y. (November 2019)—Miller Place students at North Country Road Middle School (NCRMS) proudly participated in Red Ribbon Week, a week dedicated to promoting drug awareness and empowering each student to live drug-free lives. This year, the District welcomed representatives of the Suffolk County Police Department and the Long Island Drug Enforcement Administration.

“Red Ribbon Week serves as a call to action for our students and community members to become empowered to make healthy life decisions,” said Dr. Marianne Cartisano, superintendent of Miller Place Schools. “As role models and educators, our staff members and administrators are dedicated to informing our students about the importance of choosing drug-free lifestyles through initiatives like Red Ribbon Week, as well as several other programs and guest speakers the District provides throughout the year.”

NCRMS kicked off Red Ribbon Week this year with a visit from Officer George Lynagh of the Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD). Officer Lynagh met with each grade level to discuss his career working in NYC law enforcement prior to SCPD, the dangers youth face on a daily basis, and the destructive implications of drug abuse.

Officer Charles Bernard, Long Island Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Agent, spoke to NCRMS’s 7th and 8th grade students about the dangers and effects of drug abuse. He utilized real-life scenarios to depict the local drug issues on Long Island. While sharing a powerful message, Agent Bernard encouraged positive decision making for the District’s adolescents.

Throughout Red Ribbon Week students showcased their artistry and creativity during a building-wide poster contest. Students with the most informative posters promoting important messages of Red Ribbon Week were selected as winners. This year’s winners of the poster contest are Amelia Avalos, 6th grade; Emily Darragh, 7th grade; and Mary Duffy, 8th grade.

Red Ribbon Week was established in 1985 to honor Enrique Camarana, a drug enforcement officer who gave his life in the fight against drugs. The Red Ribbon became a symbol of awareness to reduce the use of illegal drugs and violence. As the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the country, Red Ribbon serves as a vehicle for communities and individuals to take a stand for the hopes and dreams of our children through a commitment to drug prevention and education.

Miller Place Sixth Graders Launch Self-Made Rockets for Science Class

Miller Place, N.Y. (November 2019)—Sixth grade students at North Country Road Middle School in Miller Place recently sent their science knowledge sky-high during the culmination of the school’s recent science unit—rockets!

“The District strives to provide an engaging curriculum that enables students to utilize their creativity while taking part in interactive lessons,” said Dr. Marianne Cartisano, superintendent of Miller Place School District. “Classroom projects like the rocket launch provide enhanced learning experiences for our students by allowing them to bring their textbook lessons to life. Well done, NCRMS!”

Over the last several weeks, Mrs. Cuba’s science classes performed a comprehensive science experiment to learn how a rocket works and demonstrate Newton’s third law of motion. After designing and constructing their own rockets from scratch, the sixth graders joined for a class wide rocket launch where students had the opportunity to watch their science knowledge take off! 

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NCRMS Students Give Back for Adopt a Shelter Dog Month

Miller Place, N.Y. (October 2019)—A round of a paws to students at North Country Road Middle School in Miller Place for their community service! During lunch periods, the middle schoolers did their part to give back during Adopt a Shelter Dog Month by visiting the library during their periods to make dog chew toys out of recycled t-shirts. Collectively, NCRMS’s students made 33 dog chew toys, which will be donated to Kent Animal Shelter in Calverton.

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Miller Place, N.Y. (October 2019)—A total of 75 extraordinary students in Miller Place were recently inducted into the National Junior Honor Society at North Country Road Middle School. Dr. Marianne Cartisano, superintendent of Miller Place School District, addressed the inductees and congratulated them on this momentous achievement. Also in attendance at the annual ceremony were club advisors Mrs. Nicole Farley and Mrs. Rose Ferro, family and friends of the inductees, and several District administrators and staff.

“Congratulations to these 75 distinguished students who have demonstrated excellence in scholarship, character, leadership, citizenship and service,” said Dr. Cartisano. “This honorable membership is an ongoing responsibility to continue demonstrating these outstanding qualities and also challenges all of our inductees to develop further through academics and active involvement in service. On behalf of the District, we are excited to see what our newest members of the NJHS accomplish as they grow into leaders of their generation.”

To be considered for membership, students must maintain a grade-point average of 92.5% or higher and excel in the five pillars of NJHS: scholarship, service, leadership, character and citizenship. They must also submit an essay, letters of recommendations and a comprehensive list of activities and organizations in which they participate.

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: @MillerPlaceSchoolDistrict.

2019-2020 National Junior Honor Society Inductees:

Malak Abumusallam

Madison Adler

Gabrielle Alexander

Madison Amendola

Emma Anderson

Jack Anderson

Christopher Barton

Analynn Bisiani

Rayna Bruno

Kiera Bussewitz

John Caccavale

Nicolette Capocci

Marissa Carleo

Molly Caufield

Olivia Coffey

Catherine Connolly

Ava Conti

Bernard Creedon

Gregory Cutrone

Kamran Dimsuyu

Sarah DiPersio

Lucas Donohue

Mary Duffy

Ryan Ebert

Chet Eichler

Declan Folliard

Casey Gilbert

Michael Giugliano

Connor Glozek

Liam George

Madison Hall

Mari-Rose Holmes

Payton Horan

Ava Johnson

Gisela Killary

Jake Knoth

Logan LaMountain

Seth Law

Rachel Leonoff

Sophie Lin

James Loughlin

Isabella Luisa

Maris Lynch

Logan Mancini

Emily   McErlean

Jacob Miller

Anthony Morano

Patrick Murray

Nicholas Nania

Scott Newman

Brian Piecora

Russell Platt

Sean Polak

Ava Rado

Jacqueline Reduto

Mia Riley

Joseph Ritieni

Isabella Romero

Emma  Rosequist

Jake Ryan

Riley Scheuermann

Emily Serva

Wyatt Shattes

Evan Skoblicki

Lauren Soreil

Finnegan Starr

Kylie Taylor

Michael Tremblay

Alexander Trocchio

David Tumminello

Emma Venegoni

Aaron Wang

Kiera Witherell

Sofia Wyllie

Alan Yue

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Miller Place, N.Y. (October 2019)—The Miller Place School District is pleased to announce Jenna Ely, library media specialist at Laddie A. Decker Sound Beach School (LADSBS), has been recognized by the Suffolk School Library Media Association with the Fresh Start award. This award is presented to a school librarian after their first year in the profession or their first year in a new school.

“Jenna has been a tremendous asset and contributor to the educational excellence we have in the District,” said Dr. Marianne Cartisano, superintendent of Miller Place School District. “This award is representative of her forward thinking, diligence and ability to integrate her digital media background with classroom learning styles. Jenna has been instrumental in enriching our students’ library experiences and helping to enhance the District’s educational offerings. Congratulations, Jenna!”

Since joining the District for the 2018-2019 school year, Jenna has created a welcoming, safe space for students at LADSBS where they can feel free to learn, explore and grow. With a comprehensive background in digital media, Jenna has worked closely with classroom teachers to align library lessons with grade level curriculums and foster a passion for reading and learning. Jenna has also helped spearhead updating the library collection for the building’s students and staff.

Founded in 1890, the New York Library Association (NYLA) leads, educates and advocates for the advancement of the New York library community.  The NYLA Section of School Librarians was organized in 1944 to lead the advancement of the librarian profession; to encourage, promote, and advocate the interest of school library programs; school librarians and school library systems; and to ensure that each student becomes an active reader, responsible information seeker, and critical thinker.

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: @MillerPlaceSchoolDistrict.

Miller Place, N.Y. (October 2019)—Evan Curran, fourth grade teacher at Laddie A. Decker Sound Beach School (LADSBS), was among 228 educators from across the state selected for the New York State Master Teacher Program.

“Throughout his 13 years here in the District, Evan’s keenness and dedication as an educator have been instrumental in his professional growth and the success of the District’s students,” said Dr. Marianne Cartisano, superintendent of Miller Place School District. “This well-deserved honor will continue to encourage Evan to be a thought-leader in our District as a STEM educator and enhance our students’ experiences and skills. Congratulations, Evan, on this prestigious recognition!”

The New York State Master Teachers Program is comprised of 1,200 steadfast professionals who teach courses for grades K-12 in science, technology, computer science, robotics, coding, engineering, math, and integrated STEM. This also includes Advance Placement, Honors, Regents and International Baccalaureate levels. During the four-year program, Mr. Curran will share his passion for STEM learning and collaborate with colleagues throughout the state to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders.

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: @MillerPlaceSchoolDistrict.