Take a moment after the winter break to read up on the incredible moments and student achievements from the fall in the latest edition of Soundwaves. Go to the Newsletters section in Student & Parent Resources tab to read it today!
https://www.locustvalleyschools.org/page/newsletter
https://www.locustvalleyschools.org/page/newsletter
Locust Valley High School DECA club members competed in the regional competition at Plainview-Old Bethpage High School in December, with three earning a spot in the state competition in March.
Club members participated in role play events from a variety of career clusters including entrepreneurship, hospitality and tourism and marketing, where they had mere minutes to prepare a response to a business scenario. Students thought on their feet to provide a solution to the judges. Locust Valley junior Mia Lu and seniors Vito Ricciardi and Wyatt Thorgramson distinguished themselves in the regional and will spend the winter preparing for the state competition in Rochester this March.
Club members participated in role play events from a variety of career clusters including entrepreneurship, hospitality and tourism and marketing, where they had mere minutes to prepare a response to a business scenario. Students thought on their feet to provide a solution to the judges. Locust Valley junior Mia Lu and seniors Vito Ricciardi and Wyatt Thorgramson distinguished themselves in the regional and will spend the winter preparing for the state competition in Rochester this March.
The Locust Valley High School research department has compiled information regarding summer enrichment opportunities in the areas of science and engineering. Many of these programs offer exciting collegiate and professional-level experiences.
To browse the research options, visit https://www.locustvalleyschools.org/o/lvhs/page/summer-research-opportunities
If you have any questions, please reach out to Mr. DeRose, Science Research Coordinator, at lderose@locustvalleyschools.org.
To browse the research options, visit https://www.locustvalleyschools.org/o/lvhs/page/summer-research-opportunities
If you have any questions, please reach out to Mr. DeRose, Science Research Coordinator, at lderose@locustvalleyschools.org.
Registration for 2026-2027 kindergarten in the Locust Valley Central School District opens Friday, Jan. 16. To apply, students must reside within the LVCSD attendance area and be 5 years old on or before Dec. 1, 2026. For more information, go to the Grades K-12 Registration page under the Central Registration Office menu tab.
https://www.locustvalleyschools.org/page/grades-1-12-registration
https://www.locustvalleyschools.org/page/grades-1-12-registration
After their awe-inspiring winter concerts, the Locust Valley Middle School and High School bands had a moment of holiday fun heading into the winter break. On Dec. 19, the eighth grade and high school bands held their annual joint rehearsal where each group played selections that the other performed in concert the week prior.
A tradition over the past 15 years, the collaborative rehearsal gives the younger students an opportunity to watch the high schoolers perform up close and see the incredible talent and cohesion that goes into their work. After playing their own selections, with the high school conducted by Vincent Guerra and the middle school by Lisa Conti, both groups played “Fiesta de los Bravos,” “Christmas at the Movies” and “Marching Song” together.
A tradition over the past 15 years, the collaborative rehearsal gives the younger students an opportunity to watch the high schoolers perform up close and see the incredible talent and cohesion that goes into their work. After playing their own selections, with the high school conducted by Vincent Guerra and the middle school by Lisa Conti, both groups played “Fiesta de los Bravos,” “Christmas at the Movies” and “Marching Song” together.
The Locust Valley High School Model UN team is heading into the winter break with plenty to be proud of. The delegates showcased their problem-solving skills and earned several awards at the MetMUNC event hosted by Plainview-Old Bethpage High School on Dec. 20 and 21.
Delegates worked in committees to resolve current day issues such as cybercrime. Locust Valley students Mia Dessner, Oliver Dostalek, Kristy Martinez and Thomas Simon earned Best Delegate honors, while Sarang Cheon, Alex DeFilippis, Durand Tchanga Mangwa and C.J. McKenzie were recognized as Honorable Delegates.
Delegates worked in committees to resolve current day issues such as cybercrime. Locust Valley students Mia Dessner, Oliver Dostalek, Kristy Martinez and Thomas Simon earned Best Delegate honors, while Sarang Cheon, Alex DeFilippis, Durand Tchanga Mangwa and C.J. McKenzie were recognized as Honorable Delegates.
28 Locust Valley High School alumni who took part in the International Baccalaureate program returned to their old stomping grounds on Dec. 22 to participate in roundtable discussions with current students to help guide them into their own futures.
The alumni ranged from the Class of 2021 to the Class of 2025 and took this opportunity before the holidays to share their insights into the IB program, the college application and admissions process and the transition from high school to college. Current juniors and seniors were excited to see old friends, get advice on their college searches and to start or grow their job network with students who have gone through the same coursework together.
Alumni also had an opportunity to reconnect with IB teachers Coleen Comerford and Anthony Vitale to discuss the ways the program has helped them succeed in college, such as the emphasis on critical thinking, writing, research, proper citation time management.
The alumni ranged from the Class of 2021 to the Class of 2025 and took this opportunity before the holidays to share their insights into the IB program, the college application and admissions process and the transition from high school to college. Current juniors and seniors were excited to see old friends, get advice on their college searches and to start or grow their job network with students who have gone through the same coursework together.
Alumni also had an opportunity to reconnect with IB teachers Coleen Comerford and Anthony Vitale to discuss the ways the program has helped them succeed in college, such as the emphasis on critical thinking, writing, research, proper citation time management.
Locust Valley High School seniors Liam Baker and Sophia Georgiopoulos have been recognized as the winners of the Nassau Zone Award for their exemplary efforts in their physical education classes.
Baker and Georgiopoulos checked off every box of the award’s criteria, demonstrating a physically active lifestyle both during and outside of school, responsible personal and social behavior, leadership and being a positive influence on their peers. Beyond the gymnasium, both students excel academically, with Georgiopoulos earning a place on the honor roll and Baker achieving high honor roll distinction.
Though not a requirement for the award, Baker and Georgiopoulos are also known for their dedication playing varsity football and baseball and flag football, respectively.
“Sophia and Liam are the true embodiment of the student leadership and exemplify excellence in physical education,” Locust Valley Athletic Director Danielle Turner Cosci said. “Their peers naturally look to them for guidance, motivation and support, as Sophia and Liam model respect, responsibility and perseverance both in individual activities and team environments.”
Baker and Georgiopoulos checked off every box of the award’s criteria, demonstrating a physically active lifestyle both during and outside of school, responsible personal and social behavior, leadership and being a positive influence on their peers. Beyond the gymnasium, both students excel academically, with Georgiopoulos earning a place on the honor roll and Baker achieving high honor roll distinction.
Though not a requirement for the award, Baker and Georgiopoulos are also known for their dedication playing varsity football and baseball and flag football, respectively.
“Sophia and Liam are the true embodiment of the student leadership and exemplify excellence in physical education,” Locust Valley Athletic Director Danielle Turner Cosci said. “Their peers naturally look to them for guidance, motivation and support, as Sophia and Liam model respect, responsibility and perseverance both in individual activities and team environments.”
December 23, 2025
Dear Locust Valley school community,
I hope this letter finds you all in good spirits and health ahead of the holidays. As I reflect on the past several months in our district, it is clear to me that our community is highly invested in our students’ success and their growth as individuals.
I am thankful that our students and staff have taken to the Leader in Me program and are showcasing their leadership skills throughout the district. I have seen students find their voice and look for ways to help their peers find theirs, as well. I saw evidence of this during our winter concert season, as high school music honor society students helped behind the scenes to run the middle and intermediate school shows. I also saw it in the incredible generosity our Falcon family showed during Pack the Pantry, donating so much to our local food shelters to ensure that their neighbors can have a special holiday season. I certainly saw it in the alumni who visited us this week, returning with news of their incredible college and career achievements. I am confident I speak for the entire school community when I say how proud I am of these students and their achievements this year.
I know that this is just the beginning and that 2026 will see more of these amazing moments, but for now, I encourage you to rest, relax and enjoy the company of your loved ones. I cannot wait to see what is in store for next year.
Sincerely,
Dr. Kristen Turnow
Superintendent of Schools
Dear Locust Valley school community,
I hope this letter finds you all in good spirits and health ahead of the holidays. As I reflect on the past several months in our district, it is clear to me that our community is highly invested in our students’ success and their growth as individuals.
I am thankful that our students and staff have taken to the Leader in Me program and are showcasing their leadership skills throughout the district. I have seen students find their voice and look for ways to help their peers find theirs, as well. I saw evidence of this during our winter concert season, as high school music honor society students helped behind the scenes to run the middle and intermediate school shows. I also saw it in the incredible generosity our Falcon family showed during Pack the Pantry, donating so much to our local food shelters to ensure that their neighbors can have a special holiday season. I certainly saw it in the alumni who visited us this week, returning with news of their incredible college and career achievements. I am confident I speak for the entire school community when I say how proud I am of these students and their achievements this year.
I know that this is just the beginning and that 2026 will see more of these amazing moments, but for now, I encourage you to rest, relax and enjoy the company of your loved ones. I cannot wait to see what is in store for next year.
Sincerely,
Dr. Kristen Turnow
Superintendent of Schools
Last week, the Bayville Intermediate and Locust Valley Intermediate bands, choruses and orchestras closed out the district’s winter concert season with beautiful performances for elementary school students during the day and the community in the evening.
The fifth graders made the short trip over to Locust Valley High School’s Howard A. Schmock Auditorium and performed on the same stage as their inspiring peers. Once again, these groups and the conductors and instructors showcased the incredible hard work they’ve put in since the start of the school year and inspired the younger elementary school students to join the amazing music program in the near future.
Thank you also to the Tri-M Music Honor Society students who supported the middle and elementary school students all concert season, running the sound and lights and emceeing and organizing the stage.
The fifth graders made the short trip over to Locust Valley High School’s Howard A. Schmock Auditorium and performed on the same stage as their inspiring peers. Once again, these groups and the conductors and instructors showcased the incredible hard work they’ve put in since the start of the school year and inspired the younger elementary school students to join the amazing music program in the near future.
Thank you also to the Tri-M Music Honor Society students who supported the middle and elementary school students all concert season, running the sound and lights and emceeing and organizing the stage.
As part of the Pack the Pantries initiative throughout the district, each school collected a particular set of items to help stock The Village Church and St. Gertrude’s Church before Thanksgiving. Each school donated dozens of items such as canned fruits, vegetables and soups.
Over at Bayville Primary School, students and staff found a way to make their cereal collection a fun event. In late November, students filled the gym and were in awe of the sight of the over 350 cereal boxes they collected lined up and ready to be set down like dominos. As spirited second grade students Patrick McGoldrick and James Stiso got ready to push down the respective sides, Bayville Intermediate School student Parker Merten got the gym crowd hyped with a drumroll.
“We want every family in every house to be able to enjoy a breakfast together,” Principal Ross Cohen said. “When we work hard and try our best it is important to celebrate each other and say thank you to everyone who helped to support our community members this holiday season!”
Over at Bayville Primary School, students and staff found a way to make their cereal collection a fun event. In late November, students filled the gym and were in awe of the sight of the over 350 cereal boxes they collected lined up and ready to be set down like dominos. As spirited second grade students Patrick McGoldrick and James Stiso got ready to push down the respective sides, Bayville Intermediate School student Parker Merten got the gym crowd hyped with a drumroll.
“We want every family in every house to be able to enjoy a breakfast together,” Principal Ross Cohen said. “When we work hard and try our best it is important to celebrate each other and say thank you to everyone who helped to support our community members this holiday season!”
The Locust Valley High School Interact Club took home second place in the Fourth Annual Recycling Bin Design and Painting Contest for Rotary Interact Clubs from the Evan R. Libit Memorial Scholarship Fund Committee.
The Locust Valley club submitted their design showcasing the beauty of New York waterways. For their work, the club was awarded a plaque and presented with a $300 donation to support the club’s efforts this year.
The Locust Valley club submitted their design showcasing the beauty of New York waterways. For their work, the club was awarded a plaque and presented with a $300 donation to support the club’s efforts this year.
Locust Valley Middle School students stepped into the spotlight on the mini-theater stage on Dec. 15 to test their mettle and showcase their hard work studying for the annual spelling bee. The 17 students did an amazing job handling the pressure and helped make it a memorable competition. Seventh grader Sailor Esteves emerged as the winner after 26 rounds, earning the right to continue into the Scripps regional competition in early February.
Choruses, bands and orchestras from Locust Valley Middle School and High School showcased their abilities and growth as musicians and vocalists at the winter concerts from Dec. 4-11.
Students who picked up a new instrument for the first time in September, as well as seasoned student-musicians, showed their continued growth, mastering new selections over the past few months. The winter performances celebrated the excitement of the holiday season and brought smiles to the faces of many community members.
The music department continues to grow as a whole, with dedicated efforts from students and staff alike being highlighted with accolades such as 2025 being the seventh consecutive year the district earned the Best Communities for Music Education designation from the National Association of Music Merchants.
Students who picked up a new instrument for the first time in September, as well as seasoned student-musicians, showed their continued growth, mastering new selections over the past few months. The winter performances celebrated the excitement of the holiday season and brought smiles to the faces of many community members.
The music department continues to grow as a whole, with dedicated efforts from students and staff alike being highlighted with accolades such as 2025 being the seventh consecutive year the district earned the Best Communities for Music Education designation from the National Association of Music Merchants.
The deadline to register for the universal pre-K lottery is this Friday, Dec. 19. Forms are available on the site at the link below. Children eligible for September 2026 universal pre-K must be four years old on or before Dec. 1, 2026. Forms can be submitted electronically or physically to the administration building at 22 Horse Hollow Road, Locust Valley. Please email registrar@locustvalleyschools.org with any questions. The lottery will be livestreamed on Thursday, Jan. 22, with the results posted on the registration page of the district website the same night.
https://www.locustvalleyschools.org/page/universal-pre-k-registration
https://www.locustvalleyschools.org/page/universal-pre-k-registration
On Dec. 4, Locust Valley Middle School and Locust Valley High School students worked afterschool to create “Get Well” cards for children in local hospitals. Students hoped to inspire these children with messages of hope, admiring their perseverance and strength.
The high school’s Pre-Health Club, Italian Club, Hispanic Club, Italian Honor Society members, as well as the middle school seventh grade basketball team joined forces to work with the Cards for Hospitalized Kids nonprofit group to spread joy and hope through the uplifting, homemade cards.
The high school’s Pre-Health Club, Italian Club, Hispanic Club, Italian Honor Society members, as well as the middle school seventh grade basketball team joined forces to work with the Cards for Hospitalized Kids nonprofit group to spread joy and hope through the uplifting, homemade cards.
Locust Valley and Bayville students took part in relaxing holiday activities with the school community. On Dec. 4, Ann MacArthur Primary School students decorated gingerbread houses, which were provided by the Locust Valley Elementary Parents Council, with their friends and family. On Dec. 10, the high school’s Interact Club visited Bayville Primary School to help Ms. Murnane and Ms. Parshley’s students create gingerbread houses of their own.
Since she was in second grade, Tiffany Ruffo-Scott wanted to be a teacher; she just wasn’t sure what subject she would cover. As she progressed through middle and high school, playing the saxophone in band class, she found her calling to be a music teacher. She’s now in her 12th year as a music teacher and her ninth in the Locust Valley Central School District.
During her time in the district, Ruffo-Scott’s classes at Bayville Intermediate and Locust Valley Intermediate have been beloved by students for her passion and unique classroom staples, such as “Band Bucks,” which students can save up for good classroom work and participation and cash in for experiences like using a golden music stand, teaching the last five minutes of class or sitting in the part of the class of their choice. Her Band Karate program in the classroom shows their progress as students as they move up from belt to belt, giving her students, especially her fourth graders, more confidence in their growth.
“The special thing about music is that we’re creating this emotional bonding experience,” Ruffo-Scott said. “It’s not just memorizing something out of a textbook.”
Ruffo-Scott loves to put her music students in positions to succeed and lead. Concert preparation is one of the most exciting moments of the year, as fifth grade students progress from September to December before showcasing their efforts and growth at the winter concerts.
“We bite off little bits that we can chew and take it slow but we always get there,” Ruffo-Scott explained.
The spring concert provides a different challenge as it includes both the then-seasoned fifth graders and the newer fourth graders. To assist in acclimating the fourth graders, Ruffo-Scott pairs each of them with a fifth grader as a stand partner.
“That process is rewarding to see because they really are working together, and they see that we’re one, big team,” Ruffo-Scott said. “I know I can count on the fifth graders to step up and show leadership to guide everybody.”
That model has seen students grow as leaders and musicians, with the BI band members seeing high-level successes such as receiving a gold medal at NYSSMA majors in 2024 and earning a Superior rating with a score of 98 at the Long Island Music Festival in June 2025.
For Ruffo-Scott it is a surreal and beautiful experience to see students she taught in fourth and fifth grade continue their musical pursuits into middle and high school. Last year, she chaperoned for the high school trip to Disney World where she saw seniors who were part of her first class in the district performing and succeeding. Also, in 2025, James Martyn, one of Ruffo-Scott’s students from her demo class before she was even hired by the district, chose her to join him on stage as he was recognized as a Top 15 student.
“That’s the beauty of a small district like Locust Valley,” Ruffo-Scott said. “We get to see everybody grow up. I’m hoping to one day teach my current students’ families.”
In the meantime, Ruffo-Scott will help her own children find a love for music. She already has the trumpet and flute picked out for her 4-year-old, Bennett, and 2-year-old, Scarlett, respectively.
During her time in the district, Ruffo-Scott’s classes at Bayville Intermediate and Locust Valley Intermediate have been beloved by students for her passion and unique classroom staples, such as “Band Bucks,” which students can save up for good classroom work and participation and cash in for experiences like using a golden music stand, teaching the last five minutes of class or sitting in the part of the class of their choice. Her Band Karate program in the classroom shows their progress as students as they move up from belt to belt, giving her students, especially her fourth graders, more confidence in their growth.
“The special thing about music is that we’re creating this emotional bonding experience,” Ruffo-Scott said. “It’s not just memorizing something out of a textbook.”
Ruffo-Scott loves to put her music students in positions to succeed and lead. Concert preparation is one of the most exciting moments of the year, as fifth grade students progress from September to December before showcasing their efforts and growth at the winter concerts.
“We bite off little bits that we can chew and take it slow but we always get there,” Ruffo-Scott explained.
The spring concert provides a different challenge as it includes both the then-seasoned fifth graders and the newer fourth graders. To assist in acclimating the fourth graders, Ruffo-Scott pairs each of them with a fifth grader as a stand partner.
“That process is rewarding to see because they really are working together, and they see that we’re one, big team,” Ruffo-Scott said. “I know I can count on the fifth graders to step up and show leadership to guide everybody.”
That model has seen students grow as leaders and musicians, with the BI band members seeing high-level successes such as receiving a gold medal at NYSSMA majors in 2024 and earning a Superior rating with a score of 98 at the Long Island Music Festival in June 2025.
For Ruffo-Scott it is a surreal and beautiful experience to see students she taught in fourth and fifth grade continue their musical pursuits into middle and high school. Last year, she chaperoned for the high school trip to Disney World where she saw seniors who were part of her first class in the district performing and succeeding. Also, in 2025, James Martyn, one of Ruffo-Scott’s students from her demo class before she was even hired by the district, chose her to join him on stage as he was recognized as a Top 15 student.
“That’s the beauty of a small district like Locust Valley,” Ruffo-Scott said. “We get to see everybody grow up. I’m hoping to one day teach my current students’ families.”
In the meantime, Ruffo-Scott will help her own children find a love for music. She already has the trumpet and flute picked out for her 4-year-old, Bennett, and 2-year-old, Scarlett, respectively.
Locust Valley High School students donated 36 pints of blood during a drive on Dec. 5. The donations will go to New York Blood Center, which estimates that each pint can save up to three lives.
Thank you to all the students and staff members who gave blood or donated their time to help everything run smoothly!
Thank you to all the students and staff members who gave blood or donated their time to help everything run smoothly!
Last week, elementary school students shopped for their loved ones at the annual Holiday Boutiques. The Bayville Elementary Parents Council and Locust Valley Elementary Parents Council created stores at Bayville Primary School and Ann MacArthur Primary School, respectively, giving students opportunities to pick up unique gifts to show their friends and families that they are thinking of them during this holiday season.
