Nick Tokman from Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch Speaks to MPHS Students
MILLER PLACE, NEW YORK (OCTOBER 2021) — Miller Place High School recently hosted guest speaker Nick Tokman, also known as “Sunshine” on Discovery Channel’s Deadliest Catch, to speak to students about accomplishing their goals.
Nick delivered a message that empowered students to overcome all of the distractions and obstacles that get in the way of owning who they are so that they can achieve their definition of success. Conquering negative influences, connecting with your voice, creating your success and becoming your own captain were a few of his ideas that were threaded into his presentation.
The Miller Place School District actively encourages students to discover their passions and to work hard to achieve success. Bringing guest speakers like Nick Tokman in to speak to students reminds them that life is not always going to be easy but if you put your mind to something you can accomplish amazing things.
LADSBS 5th Graders Raise Awareness and Support Peace on International Peace Day
MILLER PLACE, NEW YORK (SEPTEMBER 2021) — The Miller Place School District’s Laddie A. Decker Sound Beach School’s (LADSBS) 5th grade students recently celebrated International Peace Day. The day began with a showing of “The Day After Peace,” an uplifting film that follows peace activist Jeremy Giller as he puts the notion of peace into practice on a typical day.
Following the film, students were divided into small groups to discuss how they may achieve personal peace. During recess periods, the 5th grade class gathered on the playground blacktop to build a big peace sign to support the day’s theme.
As part of its commitment to provide an exceptional academic and character education for all students, the Miller Place School District organized this event to further demonstrate to students the significance of having a global perspective on conflict and conflict resolution. Students at LADSBS are encouraged to “think globally and act locally” in their daily activities and aspirations.
MPSD Began the 2021-2022 School Year on September 1st
MILLER PLACE, NEW YORK (SEPTEMBER 2021) — The Miller Place School District (MPSD) officially welcomed students back for the 2021-2022 school year full time and in-person. Friends were reunited and those new to the District were warmly welcomed as the newest members of the MPSD community. Despite quite a bit of rain, students of all ages were eager to begin a new year of learning and fun experiences.
“The Miller Place School District is ready to welcome students for another exciting year for both new and returning students alike,” said Dr. Marianne Cartisano, superintendent of the Miller Place School District. “From our graduating class of 2022, to our youngest students starting kindergarten, we are confident that this year will be one of growth, knowledge and discovery.”
Students had their backpacks and masks on and were eager to head into the building for the year ahead. Adhering to District protocols, students arrived at school and had their temperatures taken prior to entering the building for the day. After they received the approval to proceed, they headed to their new classrooms that feature sneeze guards and desks that are socially distanced.
At Miller Place High School, the driveway leading up to the building was lined with signs of yellow ribbons to honor their former classmate, Thomas Scully, who passed away from pediatric cancer in 2016 at the age of 12. Students entered the building through a golden balloon arch in Thomas’ honor as this would have been his senior year.
At the elementary level, students at Andrew Muller Primary School (AMPS) and Laddie A. Decker Sound Beach School (LADSBS) ran off their buses with joy as they greeted their principals and found their way to their new classrooms. Students at North Country Road Middle School (NCRMS) were ecstatic to be reunited with their friends and peers as they entered the building together.
MILLER PLACE, N.Y. (JULY 2021) – Miller Place School District Board of Education member Noelle Dunlop has advised the District of her resignation from the Board on July 7, 2021, effective immediately, due to family and professional reasons. Dunlop was elected to the Board in 2013. Her term was slated to end at the conclusion of the 2021-22 school year.
“I have been happy to serve the Miller Place community in this volunteer capacity for the past 8 years and feel that it has been a worthwhile endeavor,” said Dunlop. “I wish my fellow board members well as they welcome new board member Bryan Makarius and I thank them all for their continued service in this difficult but also rewarding and extremely important role.”
Keith Frank, who did not run for re-election in this past May school board election, was appointed by the Miller Place Board to complete Noelle’s term at its July 7, 2021 organization meeting.
In discussing Mr. Frank’s appointment, Board President Johanna Testa stated, “The District decided not to hold a special election to fill the seat of Noelle Dunlop due to the financial burden it would put on our taxpayers – a special election could cost the District upwards of $20,000. We felt it was the correct decision to ask Mr. Frank to serve our community for one final year as a member of the Board and not have our taxpayer’s incur such a large expense.”
Along with being a father of three children, Keith’s 30 years of high level experience in both the government and private sector in counseling, representing businesses, unions, and other groups as a labor and employment attorney, and his knowledge of our District and Board operations make him the perfect choice to serve out the final year of Noelle’s term.
Miller Place High School Students Celebrate Commencement at Stony Brook University
MILLER PLACE, N.Y. (JUNE 2021) – The Miller Place School District recently held its annual commencement ceremony for Miller Place High School graduating seniors at Stony Brook University. The Class of 2021 was celebrated collectively for their hard work and perseverance throughout all four years of their high school careers, but especially for their resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic.
One by one, graduates were called up on stage to receive their diplomas and commendations for all of their hard work during the past four years. Members of the Miller Place School District Board of Education, superintendent and high school administration congratulated each student and offered best wishes for the future.
“You learned to live on the edge of change, with the constant shifts and unexpected turns, the likes of which we have never experienced,” said Dr. Marianne Cartisano, superintendent of the Miller Place School District, while addressing the graduating class. “To say as a class that you are amazing individuals is an understatement. Our community looks forward to watching you succeed in the future as your journeys help you grow into the fine and respectful people you are destined to be.”
During the ceremony, Valedictorian Kyla Bruno and Salutatorian Jason Cirrito 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. Principal Kevin Slavin also shared motivational words of encouragement to the graduates as they begin the next chapter in their lives.
Kyla Bruno and Jason Cirrito Named Valedictorian and Salutatorian of MPHS
MILLER PLACE, N.Y. (JUNE 2021) — Kyla Bruno and Jason Cirrito have been named the valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, for the Class of 2021 at Miller Place High School. Kyla earned the highest grade point average (GPA) of the 2021 graduating class with a weighted GPA of 102.34, with Jason having the second highest GPA of 101.30. Finishing at the top of the class academically is testament to the intelligence and dedication possessed by Kyla and Jason.
Kyla has achieved many academic awards including Advanced Placement (AP) Scholar with Honors, Performing Arts Teeny Award for Outstanding Instrumentalist, and has been recognized by the College Board National Hispanic Recognition Program. She has consistently achieved High Honor Roll and is enrolled in the maximum number of AP/honors courses. Kyla has received Special Recognition of Excellence in language arts, geometry, Spanish, orchestra, and was named an All-State Musician.
Kyla is currently serving as the vice president and founding member of the Tri M Honor Society. She also is an active member of the National Honor Society, Service Club, and the Foreign Language Honor Society. She is a very active athlete and has won the Scholar Athlete Award for tennis and track, being a member of both the winter and spring track teams. She has been recognized as All-League and All-County on her tennis team.
Kyla plans to attend Northwestern University and major in mathematics with a minor or double major in music.
Jason has also achieved High Honor Roll for every marking period since 9th grade and has received multiple academic awards such as Advanced Placement (AP) Scholar with Honors, as well as the Geometry Honors Award. In addition, Jason was awarded the Outstanding Acts of Kindness (OAK) Award for helping others in need without expecting any reciprocation.
Jason is currently a member of the National Honor Society (NHS), Service Club, Foreign Language Honor Society, and Mathletes. In addition, Jason volunteers to help coordinate events at the Port Jefferson Library and was an assistant coach for the Miller Place Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) basketball team. Jason has been an involved student athlete as a member of the cross country, soccer, PTO basketball, and winter and spring track teams. He was captain of the spring track team and cross country team and recognized as All-League for both teams.
Jason will be attending Vassar College in the fall and plans to major in math education and become a secondary math teacher.
Eight District Retirees Were Honored for Their Commitment to Student Excellence
MILLER PLACE, N.Y. (JUNE 2021) — The Miller Place School District recently took the opportunity to recognize eight staff members who have served the Miller Place School District community and will officially be retired at the end of this school year. During the most recent Board of Education meeting, District retirees were celebrated for their commitment to the students, parents and staff of the Miller Place School District.
“We are extremely grateful for the years of dedication and commitment that our retirees have provided to our District,” said Dr. Marianne F. Cartisano, Superintendent of the Miller Place School District. “These staff members helped make a positive difference in the lives of our students, and our school community. We wish all of them the very best in the next chapter in their lives.”
The eight retirees, which include teachers and clerical staff members, collectively totaled 174 years of service to the Miller Place School District, with the most experienced retiree starting in 1990.
The Board of Education extends their thanks and well wishes to this year’s retirees including special education teacher, Donna Doherty; social studies teacher, Thomas Moran; elementary teacher, Eva Marie Pere; teacher aide, Debra Fiore; teacher aide, Jo-Ann Hegeman; clerical, Nancy Lepre; teacher assistant, Joanne Parrella; and central office clerical, Linda Lee.
Three MPHS Business Students Receive Top Honors in 2021 LIBTA Competition
MILLER PLACE, NEW YORK (MAY 2021)—Students in Miller Place High School got down to business this year at the 2021 Long Island Business Teachers’ Association (LIBTA) contest. Three students—Matthew Niemczyk, 1st place, accounting; Zoe Bussewitz, 1st place, business law; and Alessandra Dimtchev, 4th place, personal finance—calculated the means to earn top honors.
The annual competition, hosted by LIBTA, serves as an opportunity for students to build upon their business knowledge and challenge themselves through friendly competition. Students compete in the following business topics: accounting, business calculations, business law, business principles, college accounting, entrepreneurship, fashion marketing and merchandising, personal finance, sports marketing, and elevator pitch.
Miller Place Theatre Students Present: Les Misérables
MILLER PLACE, NEW YORK (APRIL 2021)—The Miller Place Panther Players returned to stage with an all-star cast for its spring production of Les Misérables: School Edition. While students took the stage, patrons opened their devices at their convenience to enjoy a pre-recorded streaming beyond the walls of Miller Place High School.
Throughout the last six months, Miller Place’s theatre students dedicated their time after school in small groups, divided by cohorts, to rehearse their lines and become accommodated to new safety guidelines on stage. One month prior to production, the Panther Players were able to begin full cast rehearsals with its cast, crew and pit orchestra.
The Miller Place School District is incredibly proud of its 78 students; TinaMarie DeFalco, director; Terrie Troyano, musical director; Katherine Butera, vocal director; Kristin Laudicina, assistant director; and Jenna Ely, stage manager; for streaming the production and giving the Miller Place community the opportunity to enjoy their performance virtually.
The tickets and streaming were facilitated through ShowTix4U, an online ticketing solution for education entities, theatre and dance productions. For more information, please visit: https://www.showtix4u.com/#streaming.
AMPS Students in Miller Place Learn to Perform MedicalAssistance from Local Frontline Heroes
MILLER PLACE, NEW YORK (APRIL 2021)—Miller Place’s kindergarten students at Andrew Muller Primary School (AMPS) recently transformed their classrooms, in-person and virtual, into an emergency care facility—for stuffed animals! The Teddy Bear Clinic, a free injury prevention program sponsored by the Trauma Center at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, provides a hands-on learning experience for young children to better understand how to provide medical assistance.
With their surgical caps on, AMPS’s students worked as medical professionals to diagnose their bears’ illnesses or injuries and determine the appropriate treatment procedures. The student-doctors even filled out medical forms to reflect on their roles as providers. Stony Brook nurses discussed important safety initiatives the young students can proactively take to protect themselves from injury like wearing a seatbelt while in a moving vehicle and a helmet when riding a bike or scooter.
