Miller Place, N.Y. (September 2019)—In honor and remembrance of the lives lost 18 years ago, several teachers at North Country Road Middle School (NCRMS) in Miller Place took the initiative to educate students and encourage dialogue about the horrific attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001.

Mrs. Saulle’s 7th grade English classes listened to and discussed several recorded interviews from the 9/11 Memorial Museum’s oral history collection. The videos captured the different perspectives and emotions of individuals who experienced the 9/11 attacks firsthand. Students then reflected on each person’s perspective and touched upon what they found most shocking or moving in each person’s story. They also took pen to paper to write about a memory from their past and share with their teacher. Mrs. Saulle’s classes also gained a new perspective while reading the article “Growing Up Muslim” and the first chapter of Tahereh Mafi’s A Very Large Expanse of Sea, a novel that depicts the life of a Muslim-American girl following the tragedy of 9/11. To conclude the lesson, Mrs. Saulle had her students analyze Laureate Billy Collin’s poem, “The Names.”

Mrs. Hibbard, a 6th grade social studies teacher, used a lesson on artifacts to educate students on the 9/11 attacks. The lesson taught students about their significance and how they provide us insight into our past. The class also viewed a video about 9/11 which showed students real-life artifacts, including artifacts recovered from Ground Zero.

Mrs. Luchsinger’s 6th grade classes paid tribute to September 11th with a series of writing and literacy activities. Students wrote friendly letters to heroes, poems that express their thoughts on September 11th, and drew pictures that showcased patriotism.

In Ms. Suppa’s 7th grade classes, students read and analyzed the lyrics to Alan Jackson’s “Where Were you When the World Stopped Turning?” Together, the class discussed the events that occurred on September 11th and emotions attached to the day.

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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. (September 2019)—Miller Place School District’s North Country Road Middle School is thrilled to announce that six of its finest musicians have been offered positions in the Suffolk County Music Educators’ Association All-County Jazz Ensemble. The SCMEA All-County Jazz Ensemble presents an opportunity for musically inclined students across Long Island to join together to advance and hone their musical abilities.

“The District is immensely proud of these students for putting forth the work and effort to earn a spot in this esteemed organization,” said Dr. Marianne Cartisano, superintendent of Miller Place School District. “By encouraging students to become involved outside of the classroom and to further pursue their passions, the District hopes to instill a sense of independence in the students, as well as a level of self-confidence. The District believes that a diverse curriculum results in a knowledgeable and well-rounded student body. It is of great importance that we lay the foundation to help our many students grow into successful, well-adjusted individuals.” 

To audition for the SCMEA students are given a composition to rehearse and learn, performing it in front of a set of judges who evaluate each participant based on skill and ability to read music. Those who qualify to move on are instructed to become familiar with the pieces selected for the performance. Shortly before the day of their performance the ensemble rehearses as a group for the first time. This year, these talented young jazz musicians will be performing on November 2.

Miller Place’s SCMEA All County Jazz Ensemble participants this year are Nick Vallary, saxophone; Michael Drago, trumpet; Evelyn Paul, trumpet; Wyatt Shattes, trumpet; Carrie Davis, low brass; Noah Samonas, low brass.

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. (September 2019)—The Miller Place School District is thrilled to announce that Mr. Domenico Lo Re and Dr. Elizabeth Bradshaw will assume the role of Dean of Students at North Country Road Middle School (NCRMS) throughout the 2019-2020 school year. Dr. Bradshaw and Mr. Lo Re will succeed the previous dean of students, Mr. Christopher Cherouvis, who was recently appointed by the Board of Education in August as Assistant Principal of Miller Place High School.

“During their careers both Mr. Lo Re and Dr. Bradshaw have been instrumental in nurturing and mentoring middle school and high school students,” said Dr. Marianne Cartisano, superintendent of Miller Place School District. “Each will act as dean of students part time while continuing their current teaching positions. We are confident Mr. Lo Re and Dr. Bradshaw will help propel student achievement and continue improve the quality of education in the District.”

Mr. Lo Re has dedicated his professional life to education, spending nearly two decades as a teacher and the coach of multiple interscholastic athletic teams within the District. Mr. Lo Re is currently, and is expected to remain, a health education teacher at Miller Place High School, junior varsity wrestling coach, junior varsity girl’s lacrosse coach, and middle school football coach. Previously, Mr. Lo Re was a health education teacher at Oakdale Bohemia Junior High School and a special education teacher’s assistant in Sachem Central School District.

Mr. Lo Re received a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education from Ithaca College. At Stony Brook University, he received a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies as well as a NYS Permanent Certification in School District Administration.

With nearly two decades of experience in the education field, Dr. Bradshaw brings a seasoned background at the middle school and high school levels, including her current position as an English teacher at North Country Road Middle School and Miller Place High School. Previously, she served as Literacy Collaborative Coordinator at NCRMS as well as an English teacher at M.S. 210 Elizabeth Blackwell in Queens.

After receiving a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Villanova University, Dr. Bradshaw received a Masters of Education from Hofstra University and a Doctor of Education from St. John’s University. Dr. Bradshaw also holds a NYS Certification in Coaching, NYS Certification in School Building and School District Leader, and a NYS Permanent Certification in Secondary Education Grades for 7-12.

Mr. Lo Re and Dr. Bradshaw will be available to the NCRMS community as they transition into this new dual role within the building. We encourage parents to contact the building principal or the dean of students directly if they can be of assistance regarding their middle school child.

For more information about the Miller Place School District, please visit the District’s website at ww.millerplace.k12.ny.us. ‘Like’ our Facebook page: @MillerPlaceSchoolDistrict.

Miller Place, N.Y. (August 2019)—Miller Place’s faculty and staff at North Country Road Middle School (NCRMS) recently hosted orientation for the building’s sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students to help them become more acquainted with school routines and prepare for the 2019-2020 school year. Students were offered an overview of the middle school’s academic and social philosophies and were given an opportunity to meet some of the middle school staff. The event is an annual initiative organized by the Miller Place School District to help students seamlessly settle back into their school routine after summer vacation.

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.

The Miller Place School District recently announced for the 2019-20 school year two building leaders will begin new roles within the District to continue serving our school community and fostering an environment of educational excellence. Ms. Christine Mangiamele has accepted the position as Assistant Principal of North Country Road Middle School (NCRMS) beginning on August 19, 2019 and Mr. Christopher Cherouvis has been appointed by the Board of Education as Assistant Principal of Miller Place High School (MPHS) beginning on August 19, 2019.  

With more than 13 years of experience in the education field that includes serving as an educator in Spain, Ms. Mangiamele has served the Miller Place learning community as an effective leader supporting our students, staff and community. Ms. Mangiamele most recently served as Assistant Principal of MPHS. Throughout her time in the high school, Ms. Mangiamele has served as a teacher mentor, conducted teacher observations, participated in instructional rounds, coordinated character education programs, was a member of the School Climate Committee, assisted in the daily operations of the building and has encouraged community involvement in the school.

After receiving her Bachelor of Science in Adolescence Education in Spanish in 2004 from SUNY College at Cortland, Ms. Mangiamele completed a Masters of Art in Liberal Studies at SUNY Stony Brook in 2008, and earned a Post Master in Educational Leadership from SUNY Stony Brook University in 2011.

With more than 8 years of experience in the education field that includes serving as an educator in New York City, Mr. Cherouvis has utilized his diverse experiences to best meet the needs of middle school students in our District. He most recently served as Dean of Students at NCRMS. Throughout his time in the middle school, Mr. Cherouvis has supported our instructional and non-instructional programs by conducting faculty observations, supporting intervention programs for at-risk students, supervised the academic eligibility program, was an active member of the School Improvement Team, and an integral member of the school’s mental health team.

After receiving his Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics with a Secondary Education Concentration in 2007 from St. Joseph’s College, Mr. Cherouvis completed a Masters of Math/Advanced Graduate Certificate Program in Coaching at SUNY Stony Brook in 2008, and earned an Advanced Certificate in Educational Leadership, SBL/SDL Certification from The College of St. Rose in 2015.

The District looks forward to beginning the 2019-2020 school year with two familiar faces who will bring a dedication to students, support of staff and strong sense of community to their respective new schools. In the coming weeks Ms. Mangiamele will be readily available to the NCRMS community as she transfers from MPHS to NCRMS, as will Mr. Cherouvis to the MPHS community while he transitions from NCRMS to MPHS.

Miller Place, N.Y. (August 2019)—The Miller Place School District recently announced that it has appointed Christopher Herrschaft as the new principal of Laddie A. Decker Sound Beach School (LADSBS), effective August 9, 2019. He will succeed Catherine Honeyman, who recently accepted a new position as Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction at Plainedge Public Schools beginning August 12, 2019.

“We are thrilled for Mr. Herrschaft and are confident his leadership at LADSBS will continue to advance our elementary school, and our District, forward in delivering an exceptional educational experience,” said Dr. Marianne Cartisano, Superintendent of Miller Place School District. “Mr. Herrschaft will be reaching out to the LADSBS community in the coming weeks as he transitions from NCRMS to LADSBS.”

With more than 15 years of experience in the education field, Mr. Herrschaft has contributed to improving teaching and learning for Miller Place’s students as both an educator and administrator in the District. Throughout his time working in the high school, Mr. Herrschaft served as a business education teacher beginning in 2007 and was later named Dean of Students in 2015. A Miller Place High School graduate, Mr. Herrschaft brings a comprehensive understanding of the community to the position. 

After receiving his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 2001 from Bryant University, Mr. Herrschaft completed a Masters of Science in Secondary Education at Dowling College in 2006, and earned a Masters of Science in Educational Leadership from Niagara University in 2016.

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.

As you may have heard, Catherine Honeyman, Principal of Laddie A. Decker Sound Beach School, has recently accepted a new position as Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction at Plainedge Public Schools starting August 12, 2019. During her 13 years at LADSBS, Mrs. Honeyman’s countless contributions to curriculum development have been advantageous for the District’s third through fifth grade students. Her leadership has added to our District’s reputation for educational excellence, and educating the whole child socially, emotionally, and academically. We are grateful to have had Mrs. Honeyman work on our team and wish her the very best in her new endeavor.

Following a search process, which included interviews of both internal and external candidates by an administrative committee and members of the Board of Education, the Board has appointed Mr. Christopher Herrschaft as the new principal of LADSBS beginning on August 9, 2019.  

With more than 15 years of experience in the education field, Mr. Herrschaft has contributed to improving teaching and learning for our students as both an educator and administrator in the District. A Miller Place High School graduate, Mr. Herrschaft most recently served as Assistant Principal of North Country Road Middle School. Throughout his time working in the high school, Mr. Herrschaft served as a business education teacher beginning in 2007 and was later named Dean of Students in 2015.

After receiving his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 2001 from Bryant University, Mr. Herrschaft completed a Masters of Science in Secondary Education at Dowling College in 2006, and earned a Masters of Science in Educational Leadership from Niagara University in 2016.

The District is excited for Mr. Herrschaft, and are confident his leadership at LADSBS will continue to advance our elementary school, and our District, forward in delivering an exceptional educational experience to the children of the Miller Place School District community. Mr. Herrschaft will be reaching out to the LADSBS community in the coming weeks as he transitions from NCRMS to LADSBS.

The Miller Place School District (MPSD) is proud to announce that it will be saving nearly $2.3 million dollars over the next 11 years by refinancing its 2010 space bond. The savings were made possible by Miller Place’s planning, budgeting practices and consistently strong Moody’s Bond Rating of Aa2.

“The District’s refinancing of the outstanding bond debt is reflective of our strong financial stewardship and continued trajectory of success,” said Dr. Marianne Cartisano, superintendent of Miller Place School District. “We have worked diligently to improve our short and long-term financial outlook while effectively maintaining and advancing our high-quality educational programs and services.”

MPSD received a total of eleven bids and Mesirow Financial, Inc. was the winning bidder. This resulted in the District’s original 3.92% interest rate on the bonds being lowered to a true interest rate of 1.63%.  The District’s Moody Bond Rating of Aa2 will allow the District to experience $2,289,950 in total budgetary savings over the next 11 years. Moving forward, the District will continue to monitor its outstanding debt to take advantage of any budgetary savings that can be achieved through refinancing.

For more information about the Miller Place School District, please visit the District’s website atwww.millerplace.k12.ny.us.

Miller Place School District (MPSD) would like to commend the excellence of its senior student athletes, Ryan Salvia and Ava Burns, who were selected to represent the District as nominees for the Butch Dellecave Award at the 19th Annual Butch Dellecave Outstanding Athlete banquet.

Hosted by the Butch Dellecave Foundation Inc. and The Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk, Inc, the event honored scholar athletes from every Suffolk County school district for their athleticism, character and integrity. With their friends and families, Ryan and Ava joined 55 other nominees for an honorary breakfast at Villa Lombardi’s in Holbrook. Nominees were individually recognized and presented with a plaque to commemorate their honor on this special day.

In the fall, Ryan will be attending SUNY Maritime where he will run cross country. Ava will be heading upstate to Syracuse University where she will play on the women’s lacrosse team.

For more information about the Miller Place School District, please visit the District’s website at www.millerplace.k12.ny.us.

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