The Miller Place School District welcomed students, staff, alumni and friends to its annual Homecoming celebration on September 17. Throughout the week, students and staff members at all school buildings displayed their school spirit for “Spirit Week” in preparation for the celebratory weekend parade and football game. Although the Miller Place Panthers put up a tough fight on the gridiron, the Kings Park Kingsmen ultimately won with a final score of 31 to 20.
“The community showed tremendous Panther Pride this homecoming weekend and our students displayed their enthusiasm representing themselves and the District in typical Panther tradition – colorful, creative and uniquely Miller Place,” said Superintendent of Schools Seth Lipshie. “The energy from those in attendance was palpable and it was great to reunite with alumni.”
To kick off Spirit Week, students celebrated Pajama Day, coming to school dressed in their coziest pajamas. On Tropical Tuesday, the hallways were full of students ready for a luau in Hawaiian shirts and leis. On Wacky Wednesday, students sported their most imaginative and funky outfits wearing mismatched socks, neon colored clothing, and silly hairstyles. On Throwback Thursday, students dressed in various decade-themed apparel from the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s eras. The week concluded with Spirit Day, highlighted by students donning their favorite Miller Place School District merchandise and a Pep Rally at the High School.
For the Homecoming parade, Panther cheerleaders, members of the MPHS pep band, and students from each building in the District marched alongside the handcrafted floats. The parade began at the Miller Place Fire Department South and navigated to the high school’s Stadium Field where the Miller Place Panther’s football team played against the Kings Park Kingsmen.
Before the game, the newest class of inductees of the District’s Athletic Hall of Fame walked onto the Stadium Field to be honored by the community. Inductees included Andrew Stafford, Class of ’77; Jacqueline Curtiss, Class of ’79; Marion Mastrangelo, Class of ’84; Ellen Moorehead, Class ’85; and Greg Gaillard, Class of ’96. Two coaches were also inducted: Salvatore Passamano and Liz Borsetti. Ms. Borsetti, or Coach B, was honored posthumously.
North Country Road Middle School students showed their school spirit during the Miller Place School District’s annual homecoming parade on September 17. Senior class officers rode along the parade route in a “float” representative of the Class of 2023. The Miller Place Panther greeted fans in the bleachers ahead of the football game.The Miller Place Panthers ran through a celebratory banner and onto the field as the high school cheerleading squad celebrated the first game of the season.The Panthers took the field for their game against the Kings Park Kingsmen.The football team gathered at their endzone for a huddle.The Miller Place High School marching band led the parade from the Miller Place Fire Department South to the high school’s Stadium Field.
Districts recognizes the legacy of five alumni and two coaches
The Miller Place School District recently inducted a new class into its Athletic Hall of Fame, including five alumni and two former coaches – one of whom was honored posthumously.
The Miller Place High School Jazz Band performed and volunteers handed out breakfast as guests took their seats for an intimate ceremony the morning of the District’s Homecoming Game. Following the ceremony, the inductees walked through a giant panther arch and through two rows of cheerleaders to be honored on the District’s Stadium Field.
“Each inductee has left an everlasting impression on the District on and off the field or court,” said Superintendent of Schools Seth Lipshie. These athletes and coaches were chosen by their peers for having such a great impact on the Miller Place Community and it’s an honor to celebrate them this way.”
Andrew Stafford, who played baseball and went to the University of Wyoming, was introduced as an ambassador of the Miller Place community for being a successful and versatile player on the field and an exceptionally kind and compassionate person off the field.
Marion Mastrangelo was a field hockey goalkeeper who was referred to as a tangible threat, not just a target in the goal. Ms. Mastrangelo, who also played volleyball and softball, was named the number one goalkeeper on Long Island in 1983 and went to play at Long Island University Post.
Ellen Moorehead played tennis, basketball and softball at Miller Place and played European handball and bowling after graduating. She went to Dowling College on a full basketball scholarship and was the first female to score 1,000 points. This is the third hall of fame in which she has been honored as she was previously inducted into Dowling’s Hall of Fame and the Long Island Bowling Association’s Hall of Fame.
Greg Gaillard was a top scorer on the Boys Basketball team under Coach Seth Lipshie and scored 237 points in his freshman year and 1,414 by the time he graduated. He led the team to 28 victories, three county play-offs and a League Championship as a junior. Mr. Lipshie recalled his lightning-fast first step as being a staple of his athletic career at Miller Place.
Football Coach Sal Passamano started in 1975, became head coach in 1979 and retired in 1995 after 68 wins. He was named the Suffolk County Coach of the Year in 1984 by the Daily News and the New York State Coach of the Year in 1988. Ron Petrie, the District’s Director of Athletics, said “Mr. Passamno received numerous nominations to the Hall of Fame because his players truly wanted to see him there because of how much he did for them.”
Liz Borsetti, or Coach B, was honored posthumously and her daughters Danielle and Cathy accepted her award on her behalf. Ms. Borsetti, who died in 2017 at 70, coached field hockey and finished her career with 330 wins and 5 loses. She also coached softball, where she finished her career with 60 titles. Her daughters said that they were overwhelmed to hear about how much their mother impacted the lives of her players because they impacted her just as much.
The Miller Place School District recently inducted a new class into its Athletic Hall of Fame, including five alumni and two former coaches. Pictured from left are inductees Andrew Stafford, Greg Gaillard, Liz Borsetti’s daughters Danielle and Cathy accepting her posthumous award, Ellen Moorehead, Marion Mastrangelo, Jacqueline Curtiss and Sal Passamano.The inductees were recognized by the community on the District’s Stadium Field before the Homecoming Game.They each walked through a giant inflatable panther and through two rows of cheerleaders to be honored on the District’s Stadium Field ahead of the game. Above, Andrew Stafford waved to the community as he was recognized.Judy Walsh Campo, left, introduced Marion Mastrangelo, who was recognized for being an exemplary field hockey goalkeeper during her time at Miller Place.Superintendent of Schools Seth Lipshie recognized the athletes and coaches for their success and achievements. Jackie (Jacy) Curtiss was remembered for her time at Miller Place by shocking and impressing her coaches and peers when she won tennis matches with one arm in a sling.Football Coach Sal Passamano started in 1975, became head coach in 1979 and retired in 1995 after 68 wins.Greg Gaillard was a top scorer on the Boys Basketball team under Coach Seth Lipshie and scored 237 points in his freshman year and 1,414 by the time he graduated.Liz Borsetti, or Coach B, was honored posthumously at the ceremony and her daughters Danielle and Cathy, pictured above, accepted her award on her behalf.
As part of the District’s restructuring plan, the Board of Education is pleased to announce appointments that have been approved for the 2022-2023 school year. Nicholas Corleto, most recently a Chemistry Teacher at Miller Place High School, has been appointed as the District Curriculum Specialist for Math and Science. Evan Curran, a member of our Laddie A. Decker Sound Beach School faculty, has been appointed as a Teacher Trainer for Math and Science. Diana Tufaro, who many of you know as the Dean of Students at Miller Place High School, has been appointed High School Assistant Principal. Finally, Matt Nicoletti, a teacher at North Country Road Middle School, will now assume additional responsibilities as a part-time Dean at NCRMS.
These talented individuals have already made significant impacts on Miller Place students and the Miller Place/Sound Beach communities. They bring with them a wealth of experience, great enthusiasm and long-standing relationships with our students and staff that will allow them to seamlessly move into their new roles.
Nicholas Corleto has worked in the Miller Place School District since 2010 as a high school Chemistry Teacher. He is known as a great motivator of students, inspiring them to always strive for new heights in their studies and in life. One of Mr. Corleto’s professional highlights with the district was his development of a groundbreaking scientific computing course with Brookhaven National Lab to introduce students to the fundamental mathematical and computer programming techniques employed by scientists, using programming examples from scientists at Brookhaven National Labs. Mr. Corleto is a veteran who has served as a reservist in the United States Air Force, giving support during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Noble Eagle.
Evan Curran began teaching in Miller Place in 2007. He has been a fourth and fifth grade teacher during his 15 years at Laddie A. Decker Sound Beach School and was appointed as the K-5 STEAM Lead Teacher in 2018. Mr. Curran was named a New York State STEM Master Teacher in 2019. During his time at LADSBS, he has served on the School Improvement Team, written elementary math curriculum, and presented multiple local and statewide professional development sessions on the Best Practices for Classroom Instruction. Mr. Curran has served on statewide committees to write content for the New York State Math Assessments, while also serving as a regional scoring leader. Mr. Curran started the Math Olympiad program at LADSBS in 2015, launched the first Miller Place STEAM Night in 2017, and, last year, organized the first Virtual Suffolk County Math Tournament for 30 schools across Suffolk County.
Diana Tufaro has been part of the Miller Place School District for over 14 years, beginning her tenure in the District as an AIS and Special Education Teacher at Laddie A. Decker Sound Beach School. After earning her Master’s degree in TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages), Ms. Tufaro became the District’s ENL Teacher, serving our ELL population in all four buildings. She was appointed as the Dean of Students at Miller Place High School in 2016, after completing her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. As an administrator, Ms. Tufaro has provided professional development to her colleagues, has served as a member on several school-based committees, and has been an adviser to the National Honor Society, Yearbook and Student Government clubs. Ms. Tufaro is a member of New York State Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages, the New York State Association for Bilingual Education and the New York State Association of World Language Administrators.
Matt Nicoletti grew up in the Miller Place community and is a 2007 graduate of Miller Place High School. He studied English Education at SUNY Oneonta and spent his summers at Eastern Suffolk BOCES as a Teacher’s Assistant for students with special needs. Upon graduating college, Mr. Nicoletti returned to Miller Place to assume a temporary district position, which led to his full-time district employment the following year. Over the decade of his career with us, Mr. Nicoletti has earned the respect and admiration of his students and faculty colleagues. This past year, Mr. Nicoletti was a driving force in the fundraising efforts to build the Chris Prendergast Memorial Garden at North Country Road Middle School. A man of many talents and interests, Mr. Nicoletti also directed the MPHS drama production this past year.
District holds Flags for Freedom fundraiser for 9/11 charities
The Miller Place School District supported the Flags for Freedom fundraiser to commemorate on the 21st anniversary and honor those impacted on September 11th.
The Miller Place High School Student Government launched the effort, through which members of the community were invited to purchase American flags to be displayed along Memorial Drive from September through the end of October.
“The Miller Place community has displayed tremendous dedication and respect for those who were affected by the tragedies of September 11th. I applaud the staff and students engaged in this effort to recognize and support in remembering this tragic event,” said Superintendent of Schools Mr. Seth Lipshie.
The fundraiser raised money for organizations working to help those impacted by the tragedies of 9-11, including Tunnel to Towers and the Wounded Warrior Project. To date, 130 flags have been sold. The Student Government will be selling flags during homecoming on September 17.
Operations Staff installed flags along Memorial Drive in Miller Place as part of the district’s Flags for Freedom fundraiser.American Flags displayed along Memorial Drive. The flags will remain up from September through the end of October.American Flags displayed along Memorial Drive. The flags will remain up from September through the end of October.American Flags displayed along Memorial Drive. The flags will remain up from September through the end of October.
Students wear big smiles on an opening day more similar to pre-pandemic times
The Miller Place School District officially opened its doors for over 2,400 students across its four schools for the start of the 2022-2023 school year. Students embraced their peers, high-fived their teachers and displayed beaming smiles on a first day that more closely resembled a traditional opening.
“Our staff did a wonderful job welcoming students on their first day. The District is excited and eager to start the new school year and we are prepared to continue building on our student successes,” said Superintendent of Schools Mr. Seth Lipshie.
Our Elementary students at Andrew Muller Primary School and Laddie A. Decker Sound Beach School entered school with enthusiasm as they greeted their principals, teachers and staff as they found their way to their new classrooms. Students at North Country Road Middle School and Miller Place High School were able to be reunited with their friends and peers as they entered the building together. 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.
Students at Andrew Muller Primary School displayed beaming smiles as they got off their buses on the first day of school in the Miller Place School District on September 1. AMPS teacher Joshua Jackowski welcomed a group of students to his classroom.Superintendent of Schools Mr. Seth Lipshie helped students find their way to their classrooms on the first day of school. Assistant Superintendent Susan Craddock greeted students on the first day of school.Students radiated enthusiasm as they greeted their principals and found their way to their new classrooms.
Lisa Reitan, who served as the Board’s vice president in the 2021-2022 school year, was elected by the Board as its president for the 2022-2023 school year. Bryan Makarius, who served as a trustee in the 2021-2022 school year, was elected by Board members to serve as their vice president in the current school year.
The 2022-2023 Board also includes trustees Johanna Testa, who served as the Board’s president for the 2021-2022 school year and Keith Frank.
“I’m thrilled and honored to be starting my first year as superintendent alongside such a supportive Board of Education. We’ve gotten a significant amount of work done during the month of July and we are looking forward to the start of the 2022-23 school year,” said Superintendent of Schools Seth Lipshie.
The reorganization meeting was also Mr. Lipshie’s first official meeting as the District’s superintendent. The agenda also included several new appointments as part of the District’s administrative restructuring plan, including Nicholas Corleto as the District Curriculum Specialist for Math and Science, Evan Curran as a Teacher Trainer for Math and Science, Diana Tufaro as the Assistant Principal of Miller Place High School and Matt Nicoletti as a part-time Dean of Students at North Country Road Middle School.
The District wishes a warm welcome to all Board of Education members and Administrators in new roles as it prepares for the 2022-23 school year.
The Miller Place School District recently held its annual reorganization meeting, at which time the Board elected Lisa Reitan as its president.The Board elected Bryan Makarius as its vice president for the 2022-2023 school year.New BOE Member Andrea Spaniolas was sworn in at the reorganization meeting.The 2022-23 Board also includes Keith Frank, left, and Johanna Testa, center, as trustees.
The Miller Place High School football field became a sea of navy blue and white caps and gowns as graduating seniors walked through an inflatable Panther arch to receive their diplomas at Miller Place School District’s 48th annual commencement ceremony.
The Class of 2022 was celebrated collectively for their achievements and dedication through all four years of high school. The graduates were particularly noted for their resilience in overcoming COVID-19 obstacles such as remote learning and social distancing. The senior class capped its final year with an enthusiastic return to many of the in-person events, performances and activities that were put on hold or held at limited capacity during the height of the pandemic.
“Parents and family members, we appreciate your ongoing support and your guidance that has contributed to your child’s ability to excel and receive this honor tonight. Thank you for entrusting your children to us and allowing us the opportunity to assist with their developing into the young adults they are today.” said outgoing Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marianne Cartisano in her last commencement address for the district. Dr. Cartisano concluded her remarks by imparting advice on the graduating class and encouraging them to “…Remember, acts of kindness last longer than the moment. You matter to someone. You are the difference in someone’s life. You have the tools to succeed – now go live your best life. Thank you and enjoy this very special milestone.”
One by one, graduates were called up on stage to receive their diplomas and commendations for their hard work during the past four years. Dr. Cartisano, Principal Kevin Slavin and members of the Miller Place School District Board of Education and High School Administration congratulated each student and offered best wishes for the future. “The class of 2022 will indeed be a class we will always remember, one who’s story is unlike any others. And you will be remembered for a specific reason, because over the past 13 years this class has proven time and time again to be a group of students that can handle any adversity with maturity and grace. You are a united class, united with your classmates and well beyond,” said Principal Kevin Slavin.
During the ceremony, Valedictorian Emma LaMountain and Salutatorian Diya Saini also took the podium to reflect on the last four years of their journey in high school and to wish their fellow classmates well and encourage them to continue to work hard and to follow their dreams.
Graduating seniors at Miller Place High School walked onto their school’s football field to receive their diplomas at a commencement ceremony for the Class of 2022.Family and friends cheered and showed support as their loved ones crossed the stage and received their diplomas. Salutatorian Diya Saini took the podium alongside Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marianne Cartisano and shared words of encouragement to the Class of 2022. Valedictorian Emma LaMountain addressed her class and reflected on their educational career.One student embraced her loved one with her diploma in hand.Students simultaneously moved their tassels across their faces to signify their commencement.Students threw their graduation caps in the air at the close of the ceremony.Dr. Cartisano shared a poignant address to the Class of 2022 for the final time as Superintendent.
Students received several nominations and performed at East End Arts High School theater award show
Miller Place High School actors, set designers, musicians and more followed the “yellow brick road” from their hometown stage to that of the East End Arts’ 20th Annual Teeny Awards, where they were nominated in several categories and performed a number from their spring production of The Wizard of Oz.
The annual high school theater award show, whose name is a reference to the Tony Awards, recognized Miller Place High School among 20 other schools across Suffolk County during a ceremony on June 5 at Riverhead High School. Much like the Tony’s, the Teeny Award ceremony includes performances from participating schools and Miller Place students dazzled the crowd with their rendition of “Munchkinland.”
“Our theater productions are always a collaborative effort that would not be possible without the dedication and talent of our actors, dancers, musicians, designers and everyone involved. I’m so proud of the students who brought The Wizard of Oz to life and it’s an honor to see their efforts recognized by East End Arts and on display at the Teeny Awards,” said Miller Place High School Principal Kevin Slavin.
The Teeny Awards has been celebrating outstanding performances and remarkable behind-the-scenes work in high school theater since 2002. Anonymous volunteer judges with backgrounds in theatre attend high school productions in Suffolk County throughout the year to select nominations before the winners are decided by a judging committee.
MPHS student Kai Schiera received accolades for his portrayal of the Scarecrow, for which he was nominated for Best Lead Male in a musical.
MPHS student Julianne Donohue was nominated for Outstanding Choreography in a play or musical, specifically for her choreography in the musical numbers “Munchkinland,” “Poppies,” “Merry Land of Oz,” and “Jitterbug.”
Technical Recognition Honorees from Miller Place included Julianne Donohue, as dance captain and student choreographer, Emma Balamoti, as assistant student director and lighting designer, and Violeta Valencia, as a stage crew member.
Several pit orchestra members also received technical recognitions, including Abigail Beers on viola, Analynn Bisiani on reed 1, Brennos Blake on cello, Liliana Bosshard on cello, Lucy Chang on violin, Bernard Creedon on trumpet, Eileen Duffy on violin, Kyle Fehling on reed 2, Jacob Huwer on violin, Giovanna Kalin on piano, Grace Lassiter on viola, James Loughlin on percussion, Maura Luby on trombone, Sean Muller on percussion, Abigail O’Connor on reed 3, Nailah Rahman on bass, Kyle Reese on English horn, Diya Saini on orchestra flute, Jack Serrentino on trumpet, Emma Venegoni on oboe, and Brandon Zou on violin.
Miller Place High School students were nominated in several categories at the East End Arts’ 20th annual Teeny Awards for their spring production of “The Wizard of Oz.”The annual high school theater award show, whose name is a reference to the Tony Awards, recognized Miller Place High School among 20 other schools across Suffolk County during a ceremony on June 5 at Riverhead High School.In addition to attending the award ceremony, students performed “Munchkinland” from their spring production of “The Wizard of Oz.”
New class will be inducted during Homecoming weekend
A new group of talented athletes who have made a lasting impact on their community and beyond will be inducted into the Miller Place School District Athletic Hall of Fame during this year’s Homecoming weekend, from September 16 to 18.
First, inductees must be chosen from a pool of nominees. The MPSD Athletic Hall of Fame Committee is currently accepting nominations for graduates through the Class of 2000 and invites anyone with a candidate in mind to apply.
Forms for new applicants, or any updates to current nominees, must be postmarked by June 27. No verbal nominations will be considered. The Committee will finalize its voting process by July 15 and immediately begin notifying selected candidates.
Categories for submission include athletes, coaches/administrators, and honorary members. Honorary members are those individuals who though they were not athletes or coaches or district administrators, have supported or made a significant contribution to the Miller Place School District athletic program.
Athletes will be considered based on their athletic accomplishments and/or impact on an athletic program in high school and/or after graduation. Nominees must have character, leadership and citizenship that is representative of the Hall of Fame honor.
Coaches and administrators will be considered if they have made an outstanding contribution, shown leadership, reached an accomplishment and/or made an impact on Miller Place Athletic programs. Coaches still employed by the district are eligible for three years after separating from the sport. Retired coaches/administrators are immediately eligible after retirement.
Nomination forms are available on various social media platforms, including the MPHS Athletic Hall of Fame Facebook page, @mphs_athletic_hof Instagram page, MPSD Facebook page and MPSD Athletics Website. Good luck to all the candidates and thank you to everyone who have already submitted a nomination.
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.”
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.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.
