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Newsletter

Service, Support & Advocacy

August

2024

Summer Excellence

At School Districts Across The Island

Hauppauge pep band, kickline and color guard prepares

for 2024-25 season 

The Hauppauge High School pep band, kickline and color guard’s annual weeklong summer camp began Aug. 12 in preparation for the fall’s upcoming performances. 

Led by band director Andrew Monsen, students in grades nine through 12 met to learn marching drills and the show music for the season ahead. Led by drum majors Matthew Barshay and Joel Mathew, the instrumentalists, drum line, kickline and color guard excitedly practiced their modern pop show, featuring songs from artists Daft Punk and Fall Out Boy.

Throughout the fall season, the students will continue to practice weekly and will perform at the home football games, including the homecoming game and the annual Kicks 4 Cancer event. 

College Tour Camp brings Levittown students to educational institutions

Several high schoolers from the Levittown School District explored a variety of college campuses from July 22-24, sparking inspiration for their future educational endeavors after graduation.

Incoming ninth to 12^th graders enjoyed stops at multiple large state schools featuring different campus styles to help gauge students’ interests. Visits included Villanova University, University of Delaware, Lehigh University, Temple University and Pennsylvania State University. The group, which traveled via coach bus, also had a thrilling day at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom.

The exploration of each campus was a memorable and influential experience for students, who are looking ahead to the many opportunities in store for them post-high school. 

‘Giving back’ packs in North Babylon

Community organizations came together at North Babylon High School on Aug. 14 for a backpack distribution. The event, which was held in partnership with News 12, Optimum, Stop & Shop and Staples, handed out more than 350 backpacks to community members.

Students and their families were invited to the school to pick up a backpack and other school supplies donated by members of local organizations.

Thanks to the support of Island Harvest, there was also a food distribution for families. A mobile hairdresser was also on hand to get students back-to-school ready with free haircuts.

News 12 and Optimum provided the North Babylon School District with a donation of $30,000 in gift cards to be distributed to its teachers and used for their classrooms this coming school year. 

Lynbrook High School students dive into STEM-based summer programs

Lynbrook High School students recently attended two exciting and engaging STEM-based summer programs that provided challenging learning opportunities for more than 40 students. 

Developed and taught by Stanford University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduates, the artificial intelligence education program helped students gain a deeper understanding of the fundamental concepts of AI, including how it is used to build generative AI such as ChatGPT, fight the COVID-19 pandemic and power self-driving cars.

The second program was an introduction to science research designed for rising freshmen. The students participated in hands-on laboratory activities relating to several aspects of scientific research. This enrichment program allowed students to perform advanced laboratory investigations such as isolating their own DNA, genetically engineering bacteria to glow and using molecular biology tools to study disease outbreaks.

Connetquot High School band marches into the 2024-2025 season

July 29 began the Connetquot High School marching band, kickline and color guard’s annual weeklong summer camp, preparing the 175 students for the school year’s many performances.

Led by band directors Greg Johnson and Stacy Stollberger, the student-musicians practiced their fall show titled, “T-Bird Land” for the year’s upcoming football games, homecoming and Newsday’s marching band festival. As part of the show, the students will be performing three songs, “Malagueña,” “Hey Pachuco” and “Bird Land.”  



“We’re super proud that they worked so hard and are appreciative that they give up a week of their summer to do this,” Band Director Greg Johnson said. “I also want to thank the parents, Connetquot’s administrators and our board of education for supporting us and allowing us to do what we do. We’re excited for a great 2024-2025 school year.”  

New Hyde Park-Garden City Park offers brand-new library program

New Hyde Park-Garden City Park Union Free School District launched its first Summer Library Program in July. Interested students signed up for hourly sessions held in either the Manor Oaks School library or the Garden City Park School library.

During the program, students partake in daily centers with Legos, Jenga and other building blocks, board games, drawing, paper airplane creation and more. They can also relax with a book and are encouraged to check-out books to take home.

The program was held for 10 days in Manor Oaks School for Manor Oaks and Hillside Grade School students and is now being held at Garden City Park School for 10 days for Garden City Park and New Hyde Park Road School students.

The summer librarian assisting with the program is Michael LaRegina. 

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N-SSBA in the News

From the N-SSBA Archives

Executive Committee Meeting

August 21, 1975

Note item #6 declining enrollments