Locust Valley Central School District

Students throughout the Locust Valley Central School District held Patriot Day ceremonies in remembrance of the lives lost in the Sept. 11 attacks 23 years ago. At the middle and high school, the Back the Blue Club and social studies department commemorated the solemn occasion with readings of patriotic poems and beautiful renditions of Taps and The Star-Spangled Banner by juniors Sara Nearenberg and Sarah Paulus, respectively. Bayville and Locust Valley elementary schoolers gathered at events at Bayville Primary School and Ann MacArthur Primary School where students read about heroes in their lives and placed small American flags into the ground to honor those lives lost two decades ago.

As a reminder, the District will be hosting a presentation of our Districtwide Safety Plan and other security precautions tonight at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium. If you cannot attend, the meeting will also be livestreamed on the Locust Valley Board of Education YouTube channel. We hope that this presentation will answer many of your questions and reassure you of the seriousness with which we take safety and security.

Four Locust Valley High School students were recognized by state and Long Island organizations for their incredible achievements in music and media and overall academic excellence. The Long Island Arts Alliance named seniors Abigail Maselli and Sara Nearenberg Long Island Scholar-Artists for the media arts and theater categories, respectively. Maselli is a consistent fixture in the Locust Valley High School Film Festival and was invited to the Long Island International Film Festival in 2024. Nearenberg consistently takes the stage for the Locust Valley High School Jesters’ drama productions and performed at Radio City Music Hall in December 2023. Juniors Grace Araoz and Abigail Vuong were recently invited to be participants for the 2024 New York State School Music Association’s All-State Performing Ensemble in Rochester from Dec. 5-8. Araoz (chorus) and Vuong (symphonic band) were among the thousands of students throughout the state who auditioned for this honor last spring. “It is incredibly rewarding to see our students receive prestigious accolades such as these,” Coordinator of Instructional Technology and Fine and Applied Arts AnnMarie Buonaspina said. “These achievements reflect their hard work, talent and the strong support from our teachers and community.” Locust Valley Central School District was honored as one of the Best Communities for Music Education from the National Association for Music Merchants Foundation once again in 2024.

The Board of Education is asking for community feedback on future facilities projects. Parents/guardians with students in the district received an email this week with a link to the survey. All residents can access the link on the homepage of the district website at locustvalleyschools.org.

Locust Valley Central School District welcomed over 1,800 students back for the first day of classes on Sept. 4. Students from pre-K to grade 12 excitedly returned to see their friends and teachers and embark on another year of growth on their academic journey. “We’ve been so excited to be reunited with our Falcon Family once again,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kristen Turnow said. “I cannot wait to see how our students, staff and teachers continue to progress as people throughout the school year.”

Teachers and staff returned to the halls of our schools on Tuesday to reconnect after the summer and get ready for the new school year at Superintendent’s Conference Day. After a breakfast in the middle/high school cafeteria, the educators congregated in the auditorium for Dr. Turnow’s general session before heading over to their schools for trainings and meetings to help set our students up for success this year. We will see our wonderful students tomorrow for a fun-filled first day.

The Locust Valley Central School District community provided over 100 local students with backpacks loaded with school supplies ahead of the 2024-2025 school year. Headed by district interpreter Cyndy Ergen and community member Paola Diaz, the program Give Backpacks has been a successful venture in the district for 13 years. This year, students from grades K-12 and their parents and guardians picked up their backpacks and a free water bottle at the Bayville Free Library. Supplies were collected at the Bayville Library and Locust Valley Library throughout the summer with the generous support of the school community. “This is all about teamwork from our patrons in our amazing community and district and the support of our local library directors,” Ergen said. “We will keep helping our students and make sure all their dreams come true.”

Fred Smith Field at Locust Valley Middle/High School has gotten several new upgrades this week with more on the way. New bleachers and a large press box have been installed to provide an amazing gameday atmosphere for fans. Once again, thank you to the community for enabling these improvements through capital projects in last year’s budget vote. Keep an eye on our social media for more project updates in the coming weeks.

The girls varsity tennis team has spent the first few days of the fall sports season breaking in the brand-new turf courts. Thank you to our community for approving this capital project. Keep an eye out for other exciting updates in the coming weeks.

The district’s newest teachers took part in their first orientation on Monday. We look forward to seeing them work with students throughout our schools. Please join us in welcoming Andy Bhasin, Jennifer Bluestein, Elizabeth Byrne, Daniella Castellanos, Jessica Coules, Stacey Langer, Tina Messina, Joseph Migliano, John Pawluk, Michaela Pawluk, Dr. Jane Shnayder and Taylor Sivacek.

While classes have not started yet, our schools were abuzz over the past few days with meet and greet events for each elementary school. Students reconnected with old friends and made new ones while playing on the playgrounds. Bayville Primary School students also met their new principal, Ross Cohen, for the first time while enjoying bagels and arts and crafts.

Bayville Primary School families are invited to a meet and greet with new principal Ross Cohen on Saturday, Aug. 24, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Please use the main entrance. There will be bagels and arts and crafts! The Locust Valley Central School District is thrilled to welcome Ross Cohen into our Falcon Family as the new principal of Bayville Primary School for the 2024-2025 school year. Mr. Cohen brings strong leadership qualities from his time as a program administrator, assistant principal and principal in New York City and Nassau and Suffolk counties. In his 20 years in education, Mr. Cohen has fostered partnerships with families, parent-teacher associations and communities with a diverse range of backgrounds. Additionally, Mr. Cohen brings unique teaching experiences working as a special education teacher in a variety of settings, including Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s hospital school in New York City, where he developed curricula and delivered instruction to in and outpatient school-age children and facilitated communication between families, the school and the medical team. Mr. Cohen has worked also as a building and district-level administrator with a focus on special education and elementary curriculum. Most recently, Mr. Cohen served as the assistant principal at Hewlett Elementary School in Hewlett- Woodmere, a position he held since 2019. Mr. Cohen was inspired to become an educator by helping his sister during her middle school writing assignments. “Supporting her in articulating her voice and nourishing her confidence to share ideas passionately helped lay the foundation for my two-decade journey as a teacher and administrator,” Mr. Cohen said. “To this day, guiding and protecting the voices of our children and staff, while actively learning from their unique perspectives remains at the core of my work.” Mr. Cohen attained his Bachelor of Science in communications at Boston University, his Masters of Science in secondary English education from New York University and certifications in English language arts education and educational leadership from CUNY Queens College and CUNY Hunter College, respectively. “I am honored to step into the role of principal at Bayville Primary and excited to partner with our exceptional staff, students, families and neighborhood partners to carry on the extraordinary work in our classrooms and throughout our dynamic and treasured Bayville community,” Mr. Cohen said. “I am eager to bring our team together as we continue to nourish the well-being and development of our children, fostering a school environment that they consider home and where all children may thrive socially, emotionally and academically.” Please join the district in welcoming Ross Cohen into our community.

The varsity football team took to the practice field for the first time today as they get set for the 2024 fall season.

Locust Valley Summer Recreation campers had fun in the sun over the final days of this year’s program. On Aug. 1, campers took to the Ann MacArthur Primary School field for Splash and Dash Day, running through sprinklers, tossing water balloons back and forth and traversing the playground. The next day, campers danced the morning away with a DJ in the gym and created their own tie-dye shirts with the help of counselors. Thank you to all the campers, counselor-in-training, counselors and staff for creating another memorable summer program.

Students from grades K-5 have had an amazing time at the district’s summer recreation program at Ann MacArthur Primary School. Throughout July, campers have engaged in fun activities such as arts and crafts, bowling, cooking and jiujitsu. They have also welcomed guests such as Magic Jeff, Glen Cove company Claynation and Hollyrock Entertainment’s traveling game show.

Extended school year students took part in their own Olympic Games on July 25 in the Locust Valley Intermediate School gymnasium. Students engaged in friendly competition in creative events such as bowling, floor hockey, obstacle courses, relay races and a soccer shootout. Each student took home a gold medal for their incredible efforts.

Read about graduations, moving-up ceremonies and amazing end-of-year activities throughout the district in the summer edition of Soundwaves.

The Locust Valley Board of Education extends heartfelt thanks to Superintendent Dr. Turnow for her exceptional efforts in building a strong and talented administrative team. The district is incredibly fortunate to have administrators who are continuing their dedication to our school district, students, families, and staff. Dr. Turnow’s leadership has been pivotal in creating an environment where the strengths and interests of its staff are recognized and nurtured. Her vision is to harness their incredible talent and streamline roles, while maintaining all existing responsibilities, to build the most successful educational organization for all our students. Throughout her tenure, her willingness and patience in collaborating with our staff have been evident, culminating in successful negotiations and agreements with unions. The district is delighted to announce the confirmation of the following individuals who have shown unwavering commitment to the district: • Ms. Lisa Czerniecki: Director of Counseling, Advanced Studies, Careers and Research. • Mr. Joseph Enea: Coordinator of History, English, & Business. • Dr. Kim Ferina: Coordinator of Mathematics and Science. • Mrs. Karen Horoszewski: Assistant Superintendent for Business. • Mr. Ken Packert: Executive Director of Administrative Operations and Technology. • Ms. Michelle Villa: Executive Director of Human Resources. • Ms. Amy Watson: Assistant Principal at high school (supervising World Languages and ENL). The exceptional administrative team has long been a cornerstone to the district’s educational community. As they transition into new roles, they will continue to collaborate, enhancing their ability to serve the students. These talented individuals bring a wealth of experience, invaluable skills, and expertise to their positions, fostering an educational environment centered on the students’ successes. The board of education is confident that with their extensive capabilities, these administrators will continue to drive excellence within Locust Valley schools, elevating the district to new and exciting heights. The district extends its congratulations to its wonderful staff and look forward to the continued success and growth of the district under their guidance.

Throughout June, elementary and middle school students celebrated graduations and moving-up ceremonies. Students took center stage at each ceremony, reciting poems and speeches and singing songs about their experiences at each school. The students may be leaving their schools behind, but they will carry their memories with them forever. Thank you to all faculty and staff for helping these students learn and for preparing them for the next chapter of their lives.

Locust Valley Central School District honored staff who retired and others who achieved tenure in May and June. In May, the district honored Sharon DiLeo, Pat Fitzgerald, Laraine Giovanniello, Concetta Grella, Mary Henninger, Cathy Kemp, Maxine Loze, Lisa McNamara, Maribeth Miller, Jacqueline Monaco, Joan Parenti, George Pinkney, Chris Schmid, Charles Wheeler and Shari Zindman at a ceremony in the high school courtyard and during an afterparty at The Crescent Beach Club in Bayville for their years of dedicated service to help the district operate. At the final board of education meeting of the year, members of the district celebrated Julianna Caputo, Jessica Colombini, Magda Larounis, Jennifer Masa, Margaret McDermott, Jennifer Pagan, Ashley Pisanti, Gabriella Preto-Marshall, Vanessa Sherry, Michelle Villa and Allison Warfield for achieving tenure. Thank you to all teachers and staff for leaving your mark on the district and helping shape the next generation of Falcons!