During the two years since he emigrated from Türkiye, Locust Valley High School sophomore Nevzat Arda Agir has used his love of swimming to make friends and a name for himself. Already an accomplished long-distance swimmer, Agir arrived just in time to take part in the high school’s inaugural varsity boys swimming season in 2024, setting several records that will be difficult to beat event as the program grows. On top of these accolades, Agir has set his sights on challenging marathons, including one around Manhattan in July.
Swimming helped Agir settle into his new home. He made a splash at the county championships in February, setting the new program’s record for the 200-yard individual medley at two minutes and 17 seconds. He swims six days a week and is always looking to improve. In summer 2024, Agir made his first foray into long-distance swimming, navigating the 4.3-mile Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swim off the coast of Istanbul in just 56 minutes.
“The first time it is scary, but when you finish when I finished it I felt like it was easy,” Agir said. “In the ocean, you need to find the current and once I did it was easy for me.”
For his next challenge, Agir is hoping to become the youngest Turkish swimmer to complete the 28.5-mile Manhattan 20 Bridges Swim on July 27. The event is part of the triple crown of open-water swimming that includes traversing the English Channel and the Catalina Channel. Agir is excited for the unique and exclusive 20 Bridges event because he will deal with strong currents, tides and boat traffic, which make for an incredible test on his endurance and mental toughness. Agir has been hard at work preparing for this challenge.
“I never miss a practice and we practice six days a week with the Long Island Express team,” Agir said. “When the weather is good, I also swim long distances in the sea.”
Seeking advice for the 20 Bridges event, Agir went to Instagram and messaged Turkish national team swimmer Bengisu Avci, who set a new world record in the 200-meter medley at the Ice Swimming World Championship in early 2025. Not only did Avci respond to Agir, but she also set up Zoom calls throughout the past year to give him tips and tricks on how to push through the event.
After the 20 Bridges, Agir will set his sights on the 6.2-mile Swim Across America event at Cold Spring Harbor Beach, where he will raise money for cancer research, on August 1. In 2026, he will take part in the English Channel Relay on behalf of UK charity The Alexa Trust, a non-profit that supports parents with babies in neonatal care.
The end-of-year celebrations started last week, with Bayville Intermediate School’s fifth graders and Ann MacArthur Primary and Bayville Primary School Pre-K students celebrating their moving up ceremonies. Students were recognized for their academic dedication and personal growth by their teachers and principals. They also sang songs that delighted the families and friends in attendance.
Please review the letter from the superintendent for next week's moving up and graduation ceremonies.
After a week of hard work, honing new skills and learning different acts, Locust Valley Intermediate School fifth graders entertained family and friends at the annual circus on June 13.
The Locust Valley Elementary Parents’ Council and school administration again welcomed National Circus Project performers, who helped students discover exciting new talents in devil sticks, diablo, hula hoops, juggling, plate spinning and stilts. In addition to the discovery of new individual skills, students learned how to work better as a team, putting on a fun show for all in the recess yard.
Locust Valley High School seniors enjoyed each other’s company for one of the last times as a group during their prom at The Swan Club on The Harbor in Rosyln on June 13. Attendees took in the incredible view of the water from the courtyard before heading into the ballroom to eat, dance, take pictures at the photo booth and have fun with their classmates.
Students in Ms. Bluestein, Ms. DiPardo, Ms. Galligan and Ms. Garrison’s classes welcomed friends, family and classmates to the middle/high school auditorium for an end-of-year music and art celebration on June 12. Student performers sang songs and used rhythm sticks, drums, and xylophones to keep the beat. After the showcase, audience members also viewed art pieces the students created throughout the school year.
Locust Valley Intermediate School teacher Wendy Carswell was honored as a Nassau Association of School Technologists Award Recipient at the Seventh Annual NASTECH NASTAR Celebration at Hofstra University on June 12.
Carswell goes above and beyond every day to craft engaging learning experiences with the technology available to her. She exemplifies the qualities of innovation, leadership and support of technological initiatives that NASTECH seeks in its awards winners.
The Board of Education convened for the last meeting of the school year on June 11, welcoming new staff members and saying goodbye to hardworking trustee Margaret Marchand who leaves after six years of service to the district.
The district is excited to have Amanda Basedow, Jessica Caracciola, Kole Castro, Amanda Hanham, Melissa Matovic, Melanie Popovits and Ian Walsh join the team. These new faculty and staff members will take on a diverse array of roles that will support students’ academic and personal growth.
Trustee Margaret Marchand has served the district since 2019 as a vocal advocate for students, spending part of that time as Board president. She took part in the prestigious Educational Leadership Program at Stony Brook University during the 2024-25 school year.
“Her deep understanding that education is about the whole child – focusing on curriculum and instruction alongside social-emotional and physical well-being – has helped foster a thriving environment where every student can flourish,” Superintendent of School Dr. Kristen Turnow said of Marchand. “On behalf of the Board and the entire district, I thank you for your dedicated service and wish you the very best on the exciting path ahead.”
Thank you to the community for your school spirit and engagement!
The high school’s Fine Arts Department celebrated the end of the school year with two showcases of our incredibly talented students. On June 6, theater students organized the department’s first theater revue with a combination of hilarious and dramatic scripted skits, as well as improvised bits. On June 9, performers returned to the mini-theater to entertain family, friends and classmates with their incredible vocal and instrumental acts. Tri-M Music Honor Society members helped make the night a success.
Thank you to all who came out to support these talented students, and to coordinator AnnMarie Buonaspina and music teacher Brianna Blake for supporting these students and taking part in their performances!
Last week, a musical ensemble of fifth graders from Bayville Intermediate and Locust Valley Intermediate performed at the Long Island Music Festival held at Suffolk County Community College. The band and chorus each earned Superior ratings – the highest level of recognition at the event – while the orchestra received an Excellent rating.
Congratulations to all the students and dedicated teachers Mrs. Kelly, Mr. O’Flanagan and Mrs. Ruffo-Scott on achieving these feats!
To celebrate their hard work and achievements, Locust Valley Middle School students enjoyed exciting end-of-year events last week.
The festivities kicked off with awards night on June 3, where the middle school administration celebrated student achievements from the classroom and extracurricular activities.
To close out the last two periods of the day on June 5, Italian class teachers welcomed back Incanto Productions to teach students authentic dances such as “La Pizzica” and “La Tarantella.”
Finally, on June 6, the eighth-grade students enjoyed a beautiful day for their annual picnic, organized by class coordinators Susan Beers and Elizabeth Bressel and the middle school parents’ council. There, students played games such as cornhole, volleyball, spike ball and wiffle ball, enjoyed the company of their classmates and enjoyed some delicious frozen treats from a Gooseberry Grove ice cream truck.
Last week, Locust Valley Middle School honored its final group of “Caught Being Kind” students for the year. Zoe Bamba, Griffin Bathie, Jack Capobianco, Jack Fernandes, Lucas Garcia, Henry Gianatasio, Brayan Nolasco, Anderson Soto Castro and David Vasquez Lemus were recognized for helping classmates and teachers around the building.
The Locust Valley Middle School Parents’ Council invites all district students for a fun-filled day at Adventureland on Wednesday, June 18, from 5:30-9:30 p.m. The park will only be open to LVCSD community members, and there is no school on Thursday, June 19. Food and beverages will be available for purchase at the park. All attendees must have a ticket. The park will not honor season passes at this event.
Tickets are $44 per person. Attendees can also purchase tickets on the night of the event at the entry gates for $60. Make sure you purchase your ticket at the link below before the deadline on Thursday, June 12. If the event is canceled due to weather, a park voucher will be offered.
If you have any questions, please contact Lori Minicozzi at lvmspcpresident@gmail.com or 516-448-7872.
https://my.cheddarup.com/c/lvcsd-toa2025/items
Locust Valley Central School District is adding two new special education positions for the 2025-2026 school year in an effort to ensure consistency and continuity in its services. Tina Messina and Jennifer Masa will take on new roles at the Assistant Director of Elementary Special Education and Assistant Director of Secondary Special Education, respectively.
Messina joined the district in October 2024 as a special education teacher and subject matter coordinator. She has been an important part of communication with the Committee on Special Education (CSE) chairing meetings, serving as the primary point of contact for parents, staff and external agencies and overseeing CSE compliance. Additionally, she oversaw the implementation and evaluation of the district’s Multi-Tiered Systems and Supports (MTSS) plan in collaboration with building principals. Messina’s experience ranges from roles as a special education teacher at Longwood Central School District from 1998-2004 to time as an assistant principal, program facilitator, director of special education, administrator of pupil personnel services and principal.
Masa has been in the district since 2009, and has been a familiar and friendly face in the high school serving as assistant principal for the past four years. She, too, has served as a point of contact for CSE meetings and a liaison for the special education community, as well as working with parents on Life Skills program-related inquiries and student concerns. During her career, Masa has held such roles as administrative dean, high school special education coordinator, dean of students and special education testing coordinator.
“This strategic structure will not only strengthen support for both students and staff, but also enhance curriculum oversight, foster stronger relationships and improve communication with families,” Executive Director of Pupil Personnel Services Effie Kyvelos said. “With a dedicated point person at each stage of a student’s educational journey, we can deliver more responsive, high-quality support tailored to their unique needs.”
Both Messina and Masa will be available to meet with community members before the SEPTA elections on Tuesday, June 10, at 6:30 p.m.
Locust Valley High School hosted its annual Flags for Freedom event in partnership with local organization Operation Democracy on June 6. The ceremony gave each members of the Class of 2025 a moment to appreciate our heroes who sacrifice so much for them and acts as a lesson on flag etiquette and symbolism.
Veterans from Bayville American Legion Post 1285 and Locust Valley American Legion Post 962 demonstrated how to fold the American flag and what each fold of the flag represents. Each student met a veteran on stage, took time to get to know each other and received a flag and a copy of the U.S. Constitution to take home.
“Today, I encourage the Class of 2025 to reflect on the sacrifices and take this opportunity to speak with the veterans joining us today,” Assistant Superintendent Dr. Janine Sampino said. “It has been a privilege to see this tradition grow each year and I look forward to seeing the impact in the years ahead.”
“This event is a moment when generations meet, and the hands that once carried the weight of our nation’s freedom now passes it off to the next generation,” Operation Democracy representative Carol Cotton told the audience. This will be especially true for senior Ricardo Moran-Cruz, who will be joining the United States Marine Corps after graduation.
United States Air Force veteran Renato Spampinato, father to three children who all attended Locust Valley High School, addressed the students and faculty in attendance. He presented his son, senior Nick Spampinato with the first flag of the day.
“My military time deeply shaped my life with tough work and long hours, and also great times and lasting friendships,” Spampinato said. “Good people have given up a lot for you to enjoy this great country.”
Locust Valley High School Tri-M National Music Honor Society students will showcase their talents for the Spring Coffeehouse on Monday, June 9, at 7 p.m. in the MS/HS courtyard or the auditorium, depending on the weather. Admission is $10 for guests or $5 for performers. All proceeds will go towards supporting Tri-M activities. Come out and support these ambitious young students!
International Baccalaureate World Language students enjoyed a morning of friendly competition, competing in the fourth annual volleyball tournament on June 2. The French, Italian and Spanish classes went head-to-head in a round robin, with Team Spain winning the trophy.
As they head towards the end of their time at Bayville Intermediate School, the building’s fifth graders enjoyed a day at West Harbor Beach. The fun-filled event took place on June 3, and included games, food and desserts provided by the Bayville Elementary Parents Council. The students will celebrate their moving-up ceremony on June 17.
Last week, Locust Valley Middle School students got outside and enjoyed the beautiful gardens on campus during the eighth annual Garden to Table lesson, led by Tina Hament and volunteer high school students. The event focused on teaching students how to grow different types of fruits and vegetables, as well as maintaining the growing flowerbeds.
During the lesson, which is part of the nutritional unit of their health classes, students identified types of plants, removed weeds, created compost and went home with a seed of their choosing to grow over the summer.
