The final days of the 2025-26 school year have included many beautiful moving-up ceremonies cerebrating our students’ hard work as they prepare for the next chapters in their lives. Kindergartners and fifth graders put smiles on the faces of their guests with musical performances alongside teachers Nicole Kelly and Mark Yavoski.
At the middle school moving-up ceremony, students received their diplomas and took in performances from the select chorus and band.
“During your middle school career, you’ve navigated challenges, celebrated successes and built a vibrant community within these walls,” middle school principal Michael Cestero said. “This milestone is a testament to your hard work, dedication and the positive energy you bring every day.”
Thank you to everyone who worked to make these days so special, and congratulations to our students for your successes this school year!
At the middle school moving-up ceremony, students received their diplomas and took in performances from the select chorus and band.
“During your middle school career, you’ve navigated challenges, celebrated successes and built a vibrant community within these walls,” middle school principal Michael Cestero said. “This milestone is a testament to your hard work, dedication and the positive energy you bring every day.”
Thank you to everyone who worked to make these days so special, and congratulations to our students for your successes this school year!
Congratulations to the Locust Valley High School Class of 2026! You will always be Falcons!
Earlier this month, students in Ms. Bluestein, Ms. DiPardo and Ms. Garrison’s classes welcomed family and friends to the mini-theater for their annual art and music showcase. There, they discussed the art projects they worked on throughout the school year with their guests and performed some of their favorite songs. These students once again demonstrated their immense talents alongside the lifelong friends they have made in the middle and high school.
As the Class of 2026 prepares to go off and share their incredible talents with the world, they took a moment to return to see the people and places that shaped them. On Monday, seniors donned their caps and gowns and visited their elementary schools in Bayville and Locust Valley where they were cheered on by our faculty and younger Falcons. In Bayville, the seniors were joined by the fifth graders who will say goodbye to the intermediate school at the end of the week.
Locust Valley High School students will soon be relaxing on the many beautiful beaches on the north shore of Long Island, but in late May many of them did their part to keep those beaches clean in partnership with local environmental organization, Friends of the Bay.
The 31 students spent the day at Stehli Beach in Bayville, where the group collected trash to help get the beach ready for the summer season. Assisted by their teacher, Donna Fredericks, and Friends of the Bay program coordinator Marianna Eades, the students also collected water data using chemical indicator tests and air quality data using a multipurpose digital sensor. They practiced ecology fieldwork techniques that are used to collect data about the distribution of species along the intertidal zone of a rocky beach.
The 31 students spent the day at Stehli Beach in Bayville, where the group collected trash to help get the beach ready for the summer season. Assisted by their teacher, Donna Fredericks, and Friends of the Bay program coordinator Marianna Eades, the students also collected water data using chemical indicator tests and air quality data using a multipurpose digital sensor. They practiced ecology fieldwork techniques that are used to collect data about the distribution of species along the intertidal zone of a rocky beach.
The Locust Valley Central School District’s Summer Recreation Program is back at Bayville Primary School, again offering crafts, on-site field trips, themed events, science adventures and sports from June 29 to July 31. Private and public school students who live in the district are eligible to register.
Register here: https://www.parentsquare.com/feeds/82202142?district_id=2462
For more information, go to the Summer Recreation Program page on the district website.
https://www.locustvalleyschools.org/page/summer-recreation-program
Register here: https://www.parentsquare.com/feeds/82202142?district_id=2462
For more information, go to the Summer Recreation Program page on the district website.
https://www.locustvalleyschools.org/page/summer-recreation-program
On June 9, Bayville Primary School revealed a new mural at the entrance of the building depicting the beauty of Bayville’s beaches and waters and honoring a former student’s life.
Over the past few weeks, every student in the school had an opportunity to contribute to the mural, which was inspired by the original school mural created in 2006 as a memorial to former student Matthew Fetzer. Fetzer passed away in April of 2005 after a courageous battle with cancer, but his memory remains a strong in the community. The Matthew Fetzer Foundation, run by his family, works with the community to bring clothing, financial support and toys to children fighting cancer.
Matthew’s parents, Ann and William, were present at the mural opening ceremony and thanked the school community for constructing the new mural and for its support through donations every year.
“I want to thank you again for getting Matthew’s memorial back up,” Ann Fetzer told students and staff at the unveiling of the mural. “It means the world to us.”
Before the wrapping paper came off the new mural, students, staff and guests were welcomed with a thoughtful performance by Bayville Intermediate School students and music teacher Mr. O’Flanagan.
Students in Ms. McDermott and Mrs. Morales' class also wrote a poem called “Bayville” to mark the occasion and speak about their love for the Bayville community.
“Maybe when you walk into school every day and see this scene, it will help you look inside and remember those moments, those memories that make Bayville and Bayville friends so special,” principal Ross Cohen told his students.
The Locust Valley High School Class of 2026 dazzled in beautiful suits and dresses as they continued to count down their high school years at their prom at The Crescent Beach Club in Bayville on June 15. The attendees took in the incredible sunset on the beach and ate, danced and made memories in the ballroom.
The fun isn’t over, as the seniors will have their graduation rehearsal and senior stroll on June 22 before they don their caps and gowns for the real graduation on June 25.
The fun isn’t over, as the seniors will have their graduation rehearsal and senior stroll on June 22 before they don their caps and gowns for the real graduation on June 25.
Proposition 1: School Budget
Propuesta 1: Presupuesto Escolar
Yes/ Sí: 1407
No: 874
Propuesta 1: Presupuesto Escolar
Yes/ Sí: 1407
No: 874
Residents will be able to vote in the Locust Valley Central School District budget revote tomorrow, June 16, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., at Ann MacArthur Primary School, Bayville Intermediate School and Brookville Reformed Church. Voters must cast their ballot in the election district where they reside. Visit the Voter Information page on the district site to learn more.
https://www.locustvalleyschools.org/page/voter-information-revote
This revised budget reduces the tax levy increase from 2.1% to 1.78%, which is the lowest increase of the 14 school districts in the Town of Oyster Bay, without affecting any academic or extracurricular programs for our students. If this budget passes, the district will be able to continue our focus on literacy for K-5 students, give middle school students the opportunity to get high school credits with hands-on classroom activities, and incorporate safety measures recommended to the district by the Nassau County Police Department and U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Should the revised budget fail, the district will be legally required to adopt a contingency budget, which would implement a 0% tax levy increase from last school year and require $1.6 million in cuts. In addition to these cuts, many programs would not be allowed to continue as they would be deemed noncontingent under New York State law.
Please come out and vote tomorrow!
https://www.locustvalleyschools.org/page/voter-information-revote
This revised budget reduces the tax levy increase from 2.1% to 1.78%, which is the lowest increase of the 14 school districts in the Town of Oyster Bay, without affecting any academic or extracurricular programs for our students. If this budget passes, the district will be able to continue our focus on literacy for K-5 students, give middle school students the opportunity to get high school credits with hands-on classroom activities, and incorporate safety measures recommended to the district by the Nassau County Police Department and U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Should the revised budget fail, the district will be legally required to adopt a contingency budget, which would implement a 0% tax levy increase from last school year and require $1.6 million in cuts. In addition to these cuts, many programs would not be allowed to continue as they would be deemed noncontingent under New York State law.
Please come out and vote tomorrow!
The Locust Valley High School Chamber Singers delivered a beautiful rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Citi Field on Wednesday, June 10, ahead of the Mets’ game against the St. Louis Cardinals. Congratulations to Mrs. Blake and the singers on their performance.
Please join us in celebrating Gray Araoz, Max Bamba, Evie Bergman, Johny Bonilla, Rin Chan, Sarang Cheon, Max Cummo, Chris Emmerich, Grace Engel, Stella Fraser, Maya Karagiannakis, Samiyah Michalski, Scarlett Modlin, Gianna Moreano, Adriana Quijije, Alex Rivas, Skylar Seele, Hodavia Tedeschi, Avery Toscano, Julia Velez, Ava Yagudayev and John Zatwarnicki.
Thank you to everyone who came out and supported our students!
Please join us in celebrating Gray Araoz, Max Bamba, Evie Bergman, Johny Bonilla, Rin Chan, Sarang Cheon, Max Cummo, Chris Emmerich, Grace Engel, Stella Fraser, Maya Karagiannakis, Samiyah Michalski, Scarlett Modlin, Gianna Moreano, Adriana Quijije, Alex Rivas, Skylar Seele, Hodavia Tedeschi, Avery Toscano, Julia Velez, Ava Yagudayev and John Zatwarnicki.
Thank you to everyone who came out and supported our students!
Coming off a fantastic 10-3-1 season, the Locust Valley High School varsity flag football team had more to celebrate after taking home several awards at the Section VIII county awards ceremony.
The team boasted the conference offensive and defensive players of the year, won by Morgan Sullivan and Ava Roedel, respectively. But that wasn’t all, as senior Sophia Georgiopoulos took home the Section VIII Unsung Hero Award.
Mia Marcantonio, Ava Roedel and Morgan Sullivan earned all-county designations. Victoria Sansone received an all-county honorable mention designation. Darling Acosta, Angelina Iodice, Melanie Smith and Duran Tchange Mangwa were named all-conference players.
Congratulations to the team and coach Michael Gilbert on a great season!
The team boasted the conference offensive and defensive players of the year, won by Morgan Sullivan and Ava Roedel, respectively. But that wasn’t all, as senior Sophia Georgiopoulos took home the Section VIII Unsung Hero Award.
Mia Marcantonio, Ava Roedel and Morgan Sullivan earned all-county designations. Victoria Sansone received an all-county honorable mention designation. Darling Acosta, Angelina Iodice, Melanie Smith and Duran Tchange Mangwa were named all-conference players.
Congratulations to the team and coach Michael Gilbert on a great season!
As we head towards the end of the school year, there are plenty of students and staff members to congratulate on their hard work.
At the high school’s Senior Athlete Recognition Night in partnership with the athletic council, student-athletes were honored for their on- and off-field contributions and leadership. Thank you to all our athletes for wearing our Falcons colors with pride and to our local scholarship presenters for keeping this beautiful tradition going strong. Elliot Aramayo, Andrew Bock, Brian Lorusso, Ben Martinez and Andrew Siegel were honored as coaches of the year for their lifesaving efforts at a basketball practice in November. Wendy Tobin accepted the lifetime achievement award on behalf of her sister Cindy, who the softball field was dedicated to in May.
At the high school’s Senior Academic and Community Awards, members of the Class of 2026 were recognized for their pursuits inside and outside of the classroom. Students were honored by alumni and community organizations for doing all that they could to serve as role models for our younger Falcons.
The high school recently celebrated International Baccalaureate Candidate Recognition Night as well. Each candidate spoke about the teachers who inspired them and the essays and projects they completed along their two-year journey in the program.
The middle school held its awards night recently, showcasing the next generation of Falcons who are ready to take the reins. These students demonstrated their kindness, thoughtfulness and maturity all year long.
Congratulations to all the recognized students and staff members and thank you to our community organizations who helped lift these students up all year.
At the high school’s Senior Athlete Recognition Night in partnership with the athletic council, student-athletes were honored for their on- and off-field contributions and leadership. Thank you to all our athletes for wearing our Falcons colors with pride and to our local scholarship presenters for keeping this beautiful tradition going strong. Elliot Aramayo, Andrew Bock, Brian Lorusso, Ben Martinez and Andrew Siegel were honored as coaches of the year for their lifesaving efforts at a basketball practice in November. Wendy Tobin accepted the lifetime achievement award on behalf of her sister Cindy, who the softball field was dedicated to in May.
At the high school’s Senior Academic and Community Awards, members of the Class of 2026 were recognized for their pursuits inside and outside of the classroom. Students were honored by alumni and community organizations for doing all that they could to serve as role models for our younger Falcons.
The high school recently celebrated International Baccalaureate Candidate Recognition Night as well. Each candidate spoke about the teachers who inspired them and the essays and projects they completed along their two-year journey in the program.
The middle school held its awards night recently, showcasing the next generation of Falcons who are ready to take the reins. These students demonstrated their kindness, thoughtfulness and maturity all year long.
Congratulations to all the recognized students and staff members and thank you to our community organizations who helped lift these students up all year.
As a reminder, here are some key points for the budget revote on Tuesday, June 16. Voters can cast their ballot at Ann MacArthur Primary School, Bayville Intermediate School or Brookville Reformed Church, depending on their election district, between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m.
Visit the Budget Information and Voter Information pages of the district website to learn more.
https://www.locustvalleyschools.org/page/budget-info
https://www.locustvalleyschools.org/page/voter-information-revote
Locust Valley Central School District is taking over Adventureland again! On Wednesday, June 17, the park at 2245 Broadhollow Road in Farmingdale will be open exclusively to district community members from 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Tickets are $45 per person and are available at the link below. Tickets will be sold at the park box office for $65 on the night of the event. Food and beverages will be sold at the park. If the event is canceled due to inclement weather, a park voucher will be offered. The deadline to purchase tickets is Tuesday, June 16, at 2 p.m. Make sure to get your tickets before they sell out!
https://my.cheddarup.com/c/lvcsd-takes-over-adventureland2026/items
If you have any questions, please contact Lorie Minicozzi at lvmspcpresident@gmail.com or (516) 448-7872.
Tickets are $45 per person and are available at the link below. Tickets will be sold at the park box office for $65 on the night of the event. Food and beverages will be sold at the park. If the event is canceled due to inclement weather, a park voucher will be offered. The deadline to purchase tickets is Tuesday, June 16, at 2 p.m. Make sure to get your tickets before they sell out!
https://my.cheddarup.com/c/lvcsd-takes-over-adventureland2026/items
If you have any questions, please contact Lorie Minicozzi at lvmspcpresident@gmail.com or (516) 448-7872.
The district encourages our community members to familiarize themselves with the revised budget ahead of the revote on Tuesday, June 16, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Ann MacArthur Primary School, Bayville Intermediate School and Brookville Reformed Church. As a reminder, you must vote in the election district you reside in.
The revised budget has lowered the tax levy increase from 2.10% to 1.78%. This continues the district’s track record of staying below the maximum allowable levy. The revised budget expands our strong educational program, continuing our focus on the humanities, foundational literacy, science and technology. Important security upgrades to our schools’ doors and locks, which were recommended by Nassau County Police Department and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, will also be maintained in this revised budget.
If the budget fails again at the June 16 revote, the district will be legally required to move to a contingency budget, which means the district must operate with a 0% tax levy increase. The district would be legally barred from funding non-contingent items, forcing the immediate removal of many student programs and extracurricular options.
A contingency budget would require $1.6 million in reductions to the second proposed budget. As a result, several programs and practices would not be legally allowed to continue in the 2026-2027 school year. Legally, the district must remove noncontingent items, which includes the elimination of late buses for both public and private schools; field trips not related to the curriculum, including overnight trips and music festival competitions and trips; the high school’s EMT and driver’s education programs; the continuing education program; senior center financial support; the Summer Academic Program; Summer Recreation Program; summer athletics and free use of our athletic fields by external community organizations, among other reductions.
For more information, visit the Budget Information and Voter Information pages on the district website.
Budget Information: https://www.locustvalleyschools.org/page/budget-info
Voter Information: https://www.locustvalleyschools.org/page/voter-information-revote
The revised budget has lowered the tax levy increase from 2.10% to 1.78%. This continues the district’s track record of staying below the maximum allowable levy. The revised budget expands our strong educational program, continuing our focus on the humanities, foundational literacy, science and technology. Important security upgrades to our schools’ doors and locks, which were recommended by Nassau County Police Department and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, will also be maintained in this revised budget.
If the budget fails again at the June 16 revote, the district will be legally required to move to a contingency budget, which means the district must operate with a 0% tax levy increase. The district would be legally barred from funding non-contingent items, forcing the immediate removal of many student programs and extracurricular options.
A contingency budget would require $1.6 million in reductions to the second proposed budget. As a result, several programs and practices would not be legally allowed to continue in the 2026-2027 school year. Legally, the district must remove noncontingent items, which includes the elimination of late buses for both public and private schools; field trips not related to the curriculum, including overnight trips and music festival competitions and trips; the high school’s EMT and driver’s education programs; the continuing education program; senior center financial support; the Summer Academic Program; Summer Recreation Program; summer athletics and free use of our athletic fields by external community organizations, among other reductions.
For more information, visit the Budget Information and Voter Information pages on the district website.
Budget Information: https://www.locustvalleyschools.org/page/budget-info
Voter Information: https://www.locustvalleyschools.org/page/voter-information-revote
Celebrations of America’s 250th anniversary occurred throughout the district last week, with exciting and engaging activities for students of all ages. Here are just a few.
Elementary school students and staff members wore costumes depicting American fashion from different decades for Retro Day on Tuesday. Ms. Pawluk’s class at Ann MacArthur Primary School took on the Oregon Trail in a group project where students divided into “families,” chose what supplies to bring on their wagon and problem-solved as they received challenge cards during their journey.
Over at Bayville Intermediate School, students multitasked in their gym glasses with Mr. Kollias, practicing for field day with an obstacle course and discussing the games children may have played in America’s early years.
Middle school students in Mr. Lee’s math class played games of Battleship, learning about the different vessels the United States Navy has utilized throughout history and using graphing grids as the game board. Sixth graders and faculty members got outside in the beautiful June weather to celebrate America’s pastime and show off their arms in the “Can You Throw Faster Than a Sixth Grader?” challenge. Principal Cestaro got in on the action and topped the leaderboards with his throw. Students then took the data from the throws and organized them to find the mean, median, mode and range.
The festivities continue this week with games played during the 1800s during physical education classes and lessons on great American scientific minds.
Elementary school students and staff members wore costumes depicting American fashion from different decades for Retro Day on Tuesday. Ms. Pawluk’s class at Ann MacArthur Primary School took on the Oregon Trail in a group project where students divided into “families,” chose what supplies to bring on their wagon and problem-solved as they received challenge cards during their journey.
Over at Bayville Intermediate School, students multitasked in their gym glasses with Mr. Kollias, practicing for field day with an obstacle course and discussing the games children may have played in America’s early years.
Middle school students in Mr. Lee’s math class played games of Battleship, learning about the different vessels the United States Navy has utilized throughout history and using graphing grids as the game board. Sixth graders and faculty members got outside in the beautiful June weather to celebrate America’s pastime and show off their arms in the “Can You Throw Faster Than a Sixth Grader?” challenge. Principal Cestaro got in on the action and topped the leaderboards with his throw. Students then took the data from the throws and organized them to find the mean, median, mode and range.
The festivities continue this week with games played during the 1800s during physical education classes and lessons on great American scientific minds.
The Budget Revote edition of the Locust Valley Central School District’s Soundwaves Newsletter is now available digitally and will be mailed to community members this week. Here, you will find more information on the revised budget, which maintains all student programming and reduces the tax levy increase from 2.1% to 1.78%. More information can be found at the district website under the “Budget” tab linked below and in our social media bios.
The revote takes place on Tuesday, June 16, from 6 a.m.-9 p.m. at Ann MacArthur Primary School, Bayville Intermediate School and Brookville Reformed Church.
https://www.locustvalleyschools.org/page/budget-info
The revote takes place on Tuesday, June 16, from 6 a.m.-9 p.m. at Ann MacArthur Primary School, Bayville Intermediate School and Brookville Reformed Church.
https://www.locustvalleyschools.org/page/budget-info
With the revised budget adopted, the Locust Valley Central School District Board of Education will hold a public hearing on Monday, June 8, at 7 p.m. in the middle school/high school auditorium. There, community members can learn more about the revised budget, which has brought the tax levy down to 1.78%, and take part in public comment. This meeting will be livestreamed on the Locust Valley Board of Education YouTube page, as usual.
Information on the revised budget, including the newsletter that is being mailed out to the community, is available on the district website homepage under the “Budget” tab, which is also linked below, and on our social media account bios. Keep an eye on those social media accounts and ParentSquare for more information on the revised budget next week. As a reminder, the budget revote will occur on Tuesday, June 16, at Ann MacArthur Primary School, Bayville Intermediate School and Brookville Reformed Church from 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
Budget Information Page: https://www.locustvalleyschools.org/page/budget-info
Board of Education Meeting Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/c/LocustValleyBoardofEducation
Information on the revised budget, including the newsletter that is being mailed out to the community, is available on the district website homepage under the “Budget” tab, which is also linked below, and on our social media account bios. Keep an eye on those social media accounts and ParentSquare for more information on the revised budget next week. As a reminder, the budget revote will occur on Tuesday, June 16, at Ann MacArthur Primary School, Bayville Intermediate School and Brookville Reformed Church from 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
Budget Information Page: https://www.locustvalleyschools.org/page/budget-info
Board of Education Meeting Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/c/LocustValleyBoardofEducation
Locust Valley High School welcomed United States military veterans to the auditorium on June 3 to honor their sacrifices and celebrate American history as we head towards the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding this July.
The ceremony, “A Legacy of Service: Celebrating 250 Years of the United States,” gave seniors the opportunity to speak with veterans from all branches of our armed forces. The veterans, many of whom are Falcons alumni, gifted each student a beautiful, tri-folded American flag and imparted wisdom gained from their time in Locust Valley and in service to the country on them. Veterans from Bayville’s American Legion Robert H. Spittel Post 1285 and Locust Valley’s American Legion Post 962 joined the district in once again providing students with an opportunity to learn about and appreciate the work that has gone into building and maintaining our great nation for 250 years.
Keynote speakers, longtime Locust Valley resident and United States Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and flight surgeon, Dr. Khawaja Saddique, and Bayville native, Class of 1984 graduate and highly distinguished United States Navy Commander William Hesse, encouraged students to be the next great generation of Americans by using their unique passions and skills.
“As you prepare and begin the next chapter of your life, remember that success is measured not only in what you achieve for yourself, but also in how we serve,” Dr. Saddique told the seniors. “Service is not limited by age, profession or circumstance. It can be as simple as helping a neighbor, mentoring a young student or in curating your community.”
“You received the symbol of our great country, but what does that flag represent? It represents hope, truth and justice and the dream” Commander Hesse said. “Having been deployed overseas in many countries, I can say many, many populations could only dream of the opportunities you have in front of you.”
As always, the Locust Valley music department showcased its talents, performing patriotic tunes from throughout the years. The band, chamber singers and orchestra perfectly set the mood for the ceremony and expressed the school’s appreciation for the visiting veterans. The Locust Valley High School Parents Council ensured that the stage and decorations were fitting of such a beautiful ceremony.
The ceremony, “A Legacy of Service: Celebrating 250 Years of the United States,” gave seniors the opportunity to speak with veterans from all branches of our armed forces. The veterans, many of whom are Falcons alumni, gifted each student a beautiful, tri-folded American flag and imparted wisdom gained from their time in Locust Valley and in service to the country on them. Veterans from Bayville’s American Legion Robert H. Spittel Post 1285 and Locust Valley’s American Legion Post 962 joined the district in once again providing students with an opportunity to learn about and appreciate the work that has gone into building and maintaining our great nation for 250 years.
Keynote speakers, longtime Locust Valley resident and United States Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and flight surgeon, Dr. Khawaja Saddique, and Bayville native, Class of 1984 graduate and highly distinguished United States Navy Commander William Hesse, encouraged students to be the next great generation of Americans by using their unique passions and skills.
“As you prepare and begin the next chapter of your life, remember that success is measured not only in what you achieve for yourself, but also in how we serve,” Dr. Saddique told the seniors. “Service is not limited by age, profession or circumstance. It can be as simple as helping a neighbor, mentoring a young student or in curating your community.”
“You received the symbol of our great country, but what does that flag represent? It represents hope, truth and justice and the dream” Commander Hesse said. “Having been deployed overseas in many countries, I can say many, many populations could only dream of the opportunities you have in front of you.”
As always, the Locust Valley music department showcased its talents, performing patriotic tunes from throughout the years. The band, chamber singers and orchestra perfectly set the mood for the ceremony and expressed the school’s appreciation for the visiting veterans. The Locust Valley High School Parents Council ensured that the stage and decorations were fitting of such a beautiful ceremony.