Join the Locust Valley Jesters for Peter and the Starcatcher on Nov. 20 and 21 at 7 p.m. in the Locust Valley MS/HS Auditorium.
Based on the best-selling novel, this Tony Award-winning play reimagines the story of how an orphan boy becomes the legendary Peter Pan.
Tickets are $10 online and $12 at the door. Student tickets are $5, with student ID verification required at the door.
Purchase your tickets here, and share the link with family, friends and neighbors!
Join the Locust Valley Central School District for our Job Recruiting Fair! Explore hourly and per diem opportunities to make a difference in our school community.
Monday, Nov. 23
9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Registration is required for entry: REGISTER HERE
Our Falcons are headed to the FINAL FOUR!
The Falcons will face Jamesville-Dewitt High School in the state semifinals on Friday at 3 p.m. at Middletown High School.
Congratulations to the Falcons and their coaching staff on reaching the state semifinals!
The Locust Valley High School Athletic Hall of Fame will be held on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2027.
The event is sponsored by Falcon Pride Booster Club.
Journal Opportunities:
All Journal artwork must be received by 01/11/2027.
Please provide information or high-resolution PDF
Artwork can be emailed to lvfalconpride@yahoo.com
PAYMENT INFORMATION
WE’RE HIRING! 📣
Join the Falcon family! LVCSD is hiring Teaching Assistants and Teacher Aides for our elementary and secondary schools.
Help our students learn, grow, and thrive. 💚
Safe Halloween Event: Hosted by the LVHS Student Government, our annual Safe Halloween event will take place on Thursday, Oct. 29, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Admission is $8 at the door.
Pizza, baked goods, and LV merchandise will be available for purchase.
High school students wishing to volunteer should complete the Google Form posted on their grade's Google Classroom.
Dear Locust Valley Families,
Please be aware that the Town will be paving Ryefield Road (between Bayville Road and Birch Hill Rd) tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 15. This section of the road will be closed while paving is underway and is expected to reopen around 2:30 p.m. for dismissal. It will close again at 3:30pm.
School buses will have access for normal arrival and dismissal procedures. Families and other drivers should plan for delays and allow extra travel time.
For everyone’s safety, please follow posted detours, use caution near the work area, and keep clear of paving equipment and crews.
All afterschool clubs will be cancelled and rescheduled. This does not affect SCOPE.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
Kind regards,
Kurt Simon and Jonathan Zaratin
Please be aware that the Town will be paving Ryefield Road (between Bayville Road and Birch Hill Rd) tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 15. This section of the road will be closed while paving is underway and is expected to reopen around 2:30 p.m. for dismissal. It will close again at 3:30pm.
School buses will have access for normal arrival and dismissal procedures. Families and other drivers should plan for delays and allow extra travel time.
For everyone’s safety, please follow posted detours, use caution near the work area, and keep clear of paving equipment and crews.
All afterschool clubs will be cancelled and rescheduled. This does not affect SCOPE.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
Kind regards,
Kurt Simon and Jonathan Zaratin
Dear Bayville Families,
Please be aware that the Town will be paving Mountain Avenue (between Bayville Avenue and Godfrey Avenue), Tuesday, Oct. 13.
This section of the road will be closed while paving is underway and is expected to reopen around 2 p.m.
School buses will use School Street as an alternate route. Families and other drivers should plan for delays and allow extra travel time.
Work is expected to wrap by 2 p.m., and the road is expected to reopen for normal afternoon dismissal and bus routes.
For everyone’s safety, please follow posted detours, use caution near the work area, and keep clear of paving equipment and crews.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
Kind regards.
Scott & Ross
Please be aware that the Town will be paving Mountain Avenue (between Bayville Avenue and Godfrey Avenue), Tuesday, Oct. 13.
This section of the road will be closed while paving is underway and is expected to reopen around 2 p.m.
School buses will use School Street as an alternate route. Families and other drivers should plan for delays and allow extra travel time.
Work is expected to wrap by 2 p.m., and the road is expected to reopen for normal afternoon dismissal and bus routes.
For everyone’s safety, please follow posted detours, use caution near the work area, and keep clear of paving equipment and crews.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
Kind regards.
Scott & Ross
In the same school year when Locust Valley Intermediate will celebrate its 100th anniversary, the community will also welcome its new principal, Dr. Jonathan Zaratin. Dr. Zaratin is a lifelong educator who joins the district after much success in the Hampton Bays school district.
Dr. Zaratin says his mother believed he was going to be a teacher from the time he was in fifth grade, but that was not apparent to him that early in his life. In high school, Dr. Zaratin started noticing the incredible role models his teachers were, especially a math teacher who recognized that he was falling behind in the class and tried to help him not only survive but thrive.
“He really took the time to make sure that I got it, and things really did start to click,” Dr. Zaratin said. “I think me wanting to be a teacher was because of him taking the extra time and the extra steps when I was struggling.”
Dr. Zaratin began his career in education, spending nine years as a first-grade special education teacher. To directly support his district’s expanding ENL (English as a New Language) community, he earned an Advanced Certificate in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) alongside a master’s degree in literacy from St. John’s University.
Dr. Zaratin also branched out to teach science and started an afterschool club called “Little Wizards,” which became extremely popular for students from grades K-5. After five years of the club, he was approached to build out the district’s STEAM program. For six months, Dr. Zaratin traveled from district to district on the east end of Long Island and attended conferences to learn best practices, then constructed a STEAM program that exists to this day. In 2020, Dr. Zaratin wrote his dissertation about the rigorous process.
“I felt fortunate enough that I was entrusted to do it, and I took a lot of pride in making sure that we were choosing and picking things that were well vetted,” Dr. Zaratin said. “I really wanted to ensure that we were investing in engaging and hands-on materials not only to excite, but to ensure academic success.”
In 2021, Dr. Zaratin jumped at the opportunity to fill the role of leave replacement for the assistant principal at Hampton Bays Middle School. What was expected to be a five-month stay, turned into four incredible years. The leap into administration was made easier because Dr. Zaratin was working with students he had taught in elementary school.
“I had a really strong connection with families and that’s so important to me,” Dr. Zaratin said. “I’m really looking forward to building that here, and I can tell how tight-knit Locust Valley is already.”
Recognized as the 2024 Administrator of the Year by the East End Counseling Association, Dr. Zaratin revolutionized academic scheduling with his innovative ten-day model. By centering the master schedule around student needs, he dismantled access barriers to ensure every student benefits from equitable, high-energy programming and electives.
After nearly a decade shaping young minds and growing with his student body, Locust Valley presented a great opportunity for Dr. Zaratin to advance his career as a full-time principal. He seeks to instill a student-centered approach in his principal-style, knowing that the needs of children are constantly evolving. He hopes to give students as many opportunities as possible to express themselves.
“I really love that Locust Valley has embraced the Leader in Me program,” he said. “I think it really helps to identify the passions that kids have, and it’s not just about being in class because you have to be there, it shows students that they have choice and voice and anything is possible.”
Working with local organizations for field trips and special events for students is a priority for Dr. Zaratin, as it was for him in his prior district, when he brought in experts to help students take part in activities such as rebuilding dunes to prevent erosion.
“Partnering with your local community to bring forth new learning and real-world opportunities for kids was my favorite part of the STEAM program,” Dr. Zaratin said.
Dr. Zaratin is excited to build relationships with the community at the fall fair and back to school night. While things are still quiet in the building for now, he is eager for the energy that the students and faculty will bring in September.
“As a first-year principal, I really want to just embrace Locust Valley and what traditions already exist,” Dr. Zaratin said. “I feel like coming in and being new, you have to be a steward to the tradition that exists already here, and I really want to take that on and learn from my colleagues and the community here what is important to them.”
Dr. Zaratin says his mother believed he was going to be a teacher from the time he was in fifth grade, but that was not apparent to him that early in his life. In high school, Dr. Zaratin started noticing the incredible role models his teachers were, especially a math teacher who recognized that he was falling behind in the class and tried to help him not only survive but thrive.
“He really took the time to make sure that I got it, and things really did start to click,” Dr. Zaratin said. “I think me wanting to be a teacher was because of him taking the extra time and the extra steps when I was struggling.”
Dr. Zaratin began his career in education, spending nine years as a first-grade special education teacher. To directly support his district’s expanding ENL (English as a New Language) community, he earned an Advanced Certificate in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) alongside a master’s degree in literacy from St. John’s University.
Dr. Zaratin also branched out to teach science and started an afterschool club called “Little Wizards,” which became extremely popular for students from grades K-5. After five years of the club, he was approached to build out the district’s STEAM program. For six months, Dr. Zaratin traveled from district to district on the east end of Long Island and attended conferences to learn best practices, then constructed a STEAM program that exists to this day. In 2020, Dr. Zaratin wrote his dissertation about the rigorous process.
“I felt fortunate enough that I was entrusted to do it, and I took a lot of pride in making sure that we were choosing and picking things that were well vetted,” Dr. Zaratin said. “I really wanted to ensure that we were investing in engaging and hands-on materials not only to excite, but to ensure academic success.”
In 2021, Dr. Zaratin jumped at the opportunity to fill the role of leave replacement for the assistant principal at Hampton Bays Middle School. What was expected to be a five-month stay, turned into four incredible years. The leap into administration was made easier because Dr. Zaratin was working with students he had taught in elementary school.
“I had a really strong connection with families and that’s so important to me,” Dr. Zaratin said. “I’m really looking forward to building that here, and I can tell how tight-knit Locust Valley is already.”
Recognized as the 2024 Administrator of the Year by the East End Counseling Association, Dr. Zaratin revolutionized academic scheduling with his innovative ten-day model. By centering the master schedule around student needs, he dismantled access barriers to ensure every student benefits from equitable, high-energy programming and electives.
After nearly a decade shaping young minds and growing with his student body, Locust Valley presented a great opportunity for Dr. Zaratin to advance his career as a full-time principal. He seeks to instill a student-centered approach in his principal-style, knowing that the needs of children are constantly evolving. He hopes to give students as many opportunities as possible to express themselves.
“I really love that Locust Valley has embraced the Leader in Me program,” he said. “I think it really helps to identify the passions that kids have, and it’s not just about being in class because you have to be there, it shows students that they have choice and voice and anything is possible.”
Working with local organizations for field trips and special events for students is a priority for Dr. Zaratin, as it was for him in his prior district, when he brought in experts to help students take part in activities such as rebuilding dunes to prevent erosion.
“Partnering with your local community to bring forth new learning and real-world opportunities for kids was my favorite part of the STEAM program,” Dr. Zaratin said.
Dr. Zaratin is excited to build relationships with the community at the fall fair and back to school night. While things are still quiet in the building for now, he is eager for the energy that the students and faculty will bring in September.
“As a first-year principal, I really want to just embrace Locust Valley and what traditions already exist,” Dr. Zaratin said. “I feel like coming in and being new, you have to be a steward to the tradition that exists already here, and I really want to take that on and learn from my colleagues and the community here what is important to them.”
Middle school assistant principal Kathleen Graham joined the district midway through the 2025-2026 school year and quickly made a mark with students and staff alike. As the summer concludes, she is excited for her first full year as part of the Falcon family.
“Everyone was so kind, and really welcoming,” Graham said. “It’s always nice to go into a school district that already has well-established protocols.”
Graham comes to Locust Valley by way of Lawrence, where she served as Assistant Principal of the Middle School, Principal of the Lawrence Early Childhood Center and Director of Special Programs.
“Coming to Locust Valley, I was just really impressed with how kind both the staff and students are,” Graham said. “They were really respectful, kind and welcoming of me.”
Graham highlighted the middle school social-emotional learning events as some of her favorite moments of her first year, especially P.S. I Love You Day, because of the hard work and enthusiasm from the counselors and students.
“You had the Falcon mascot come out and play music in the hallways in between periods, and they just did a lot to make it fun,” Graham said. “Looking at our mental health is an important part of school and beyond.”
An Adelphi University alumna, Graham had a love for history and took part in the STEP Accelerated Teaching Degree Program to start her on the path to becoming an educator. After completing her master's degree, she taught as a Middle School Social Studies teacher as part of the New York City Department of Education. During that time, Graham also excelled in the Teacher Leader Program, earning the Peer Collaborative Teacher designation.
Looking forward to 2026-2027, Graham is excited to build new relationships with the incoming sixth grade, continue to grow the ones she cultivated last year and support teachers’ individual needs. In the long term, Graham is ready to help implement the Leader in Me program into the middle school, as she did in Lawrence during her time there. Graham will also use her previous experience to help build the Branching Minds program at LVMS to identify students who need extra support and give them the tools to succeed.
“Everyone was so kind, and really welcoming,” Graham said. “It’s always nice to go into a school district that already has well-established protocols.”
Graham comes to Locust Valley by way of Lawrence, where she served as Assistant Principal of the Middle School, Principal of the Lawrence Early Childhood Center and Director of Special Programs.
“Coming to Locust Valley, I was just really impressed with how kind both the staff and students are,” Graham said. “They were really respectful, kind and welcoming of me.”
Graham highlighted the middle school social-emotional learning events as some of her favorite moments of her first year, especially P.S. I Love You Day, because of the hard work and enthusiasm from the counselors and students.
“You had the Falcon mascot come out and play music in the hallways in between periods, and they just did a lot to make it fun,” Graham said. “Looking at our mental health is an important part of school and beyond.”
An Adelphi University alumna, Graham had a love for history and took part in the STEP Accelerated Teaching Degree Program to start her on the path to becoming an educator. After completing her master's degree, she taught as a Middle School Social Studies teacher as part of the New York City Department of Education. During that time, Graham also excelled in the Teacher Leader Program, earning the Peer Collaborative Teacher designation.
Looking forward to 2026-2027, Graham is excited to build new relationships with the incoming sixth grade, continue to grow the ones she cultivated last year and support teachers’ individual needs. In the long term, Graham is ready to help implement the Leader in Me program into the middle school, as she did in Lawrence during her time there. Graham will also use her previous experience to help build the Branching Minds program at LVMS to identify students who need extra support and give them the tools to succeed.
With extended summer classes ending, students prepared a presentation of different countries and their cultures and customs for classmates, friends and family on Aug. 7. Students spent the past few weeks researching Argentina, Australia, Croatia, France and Japan and preparing presentations that focused on the unique activities, accomplishments, art, cuisine and history of these countries. The presentations served as a wonderful conclusion to the summer program, showcasing the thoughtfulness and curiosity of these students.
Three Locust Valley varsity swim team members rallied friends and family to raise over $23,000 for cancer centers and local hospitals as part of Swim Across America’s Nassau/Suffolk Long Island Open Water Swim in early August. Locust Valley High School student Matthew McCloy and teammates Michael Prokop of Glen Cove and Joey Schmitt of Carle Place swam at Pryibil Beach and worked with their friends at St. Dominic’s to raise the sixth-most funds of the participating teams. All told, the Falcons athletes helped make the event, which raised over a million dollars, a huge success.
Falcons, the 2026-2027 school year is on the horizon! You can prepare for the exciting times ahead by checking out the calendar on the district website. Go to the calendars tab in the main menu to access the full document today!
https://www.locustvalleyschools.org/o/lvcsd/page/calendars
#FalconsFlyTogether
https://www.locustvalleyschools.org/o/lvcsd/page/calendars
#FalconsFlyTogether
Locust Valley Central School District’s Continuing Education program returns this fall with exciting activities and important seminars open to all our residents. From basketball to Tai Chi and yoga classes to CPR and Social Security courses, Continuing Education offers wonderful opportunities for community members to connect and gain useful new abilities and information.
The course catalog is now available on the district website, and in-person registration will be at the middle school/high school building on Wednesday, Sept. 2. If you have any questions, please contact Wendy Pierno at 516-277-5541 or wpierno@locustvalleyschools.org.
https://www.locustvalleyschools.org/page/continuing-education
The course catalog is now available on the district website, and in-person registration will be at the middle school/high school building on Wednesday, Sept. 2. If you have any questions, please contact Wendy Pierno at 516-277-5541 or wpierno@locustvalleyschools.org.
https://www.locustvalleyschools.org/page/continuing-education
The Bayville Primary School playground will be closed for repairs from Aug. 3-7. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience.
The Locust Valley Central School District is once again partnering with the Give Backpacks initiative at the Bayville Free Library this summer. Participants can visit the library and grab a paper apple with a list of supplies to fill a backpack with and return to the library before the deadline on Aug. 7. Please join us in helping students in our community have a great return to school for the 2026-2027 school year. If you have any questions, contact Cyndy Ergen at cergen@bayvillefreelibrary.org.
Summer Recreation campers had a fun day indoors on July 16, playing bingo, coloring and constructing paper murals and using teamwork to maneuver from place to place in a game of “Long Island” at Bayville Primary School.
Campers and counselors in the Summer Recreation program at Bayville Primary School enjoyed a day of sports and play while celebrating Fitness Fun Day on July 10. Campers competed in fun games of capture the flag, kickball and soccer and took to the playground for some free time.
Images and renderings from the building projects at the middle/high school building will be available on the Summer Construction 2026 page on the district website. There, community members can see progress on the cafeteria, courtyard, library/research center and parking lot every Wednesday.
https://www.locustvalleyschools.org/page/summer-construction-2026
#FalconsFlyTogether
Locust Valley Summer Recreation campers and counselors met some furry and scaly friends during a visit from the Sweetbriar Nature Center during the first week of the program. Campers were introduced to an owl, a turtle, a snake, a groundhog and a rabbit and learned about their unique features and how each are cared for at the nature center.