The Locust Valley High School Class of 2026 kicked off graduation season at Up and Away Day on May 1. Seniors wore their college colors and came down to the gym, which was lined with graduation posters provided by the high school parents’ council, to celebrate their next chapters.
Fifteen Locust Valley High School students traveled to the Nassau County Emergency Medical Services Academy in Old Bethpage on April 28 to participate in training scenarios with professionals as part of the district’s EMT program.
The students have worked in labs and classes for six hours a week after school since November, learning lifesaving techniques and preparing for the examination for EMT certification in May. Professionals walked the students through a mock car accident, advising them on how to assess the scene and handle the tools that can help them extract victims from the vehicle. The trip helped these devoted students gain valuable hands-on team building experiences.
The students have worked in labs and classes for six hours a week after school since November, learning lifesaving techniques and preparing for the examination for EMT certification in May. Professionals walked the students through a mock car accident, advising them on how to assess the scene and handle the tools that can help them extract victims from the vehicle. The trip helped these devoted students gain valuable hands-on team building experiences.
The Locust Valley Central School District honored one of its late-greats on May 2, as the high school softball field was dedicated to beloved teacher, coach, mentor and champion of girls’ athletics, Cindy Tobin.
The ceremony was attended by many, some traveling from far and wide to pay tribute to Tobin’s legacy and the beautiful new sign that welcomes you to the softball diamond. Among the attendees were the members of the current varsity softball team, all of whom are fully aware of the legendary coach who paved the way for the thriving program.
“Today, we dedicate this field in her name and we are doing more than placing a sign or honoring a career. We are cementing her legacy into the very fabric of our program, our school and our community,” athletic director Danielle Turner Cosci said. “Every practice, every game and every young athlete who steps onto this field will be a part of that legacy.”
The dedication came together through a project involving the district, the athletic department and Falcon Pride Athletic Booster club. A graduate of the high school’s Class of 1970, Tobin gave decades of her life to coaching, winning three conference championships in the 1984, 1985 and 1988 seasons and a Conference Coach of the Year award in 1988. But Tobin is just as revered for her community work, serving the summer recreation program for 50 years. Tobin is remembered as a caring, kind and loving leader in her community.
Falcon Pride Athletic Booster Club president John Johnson said that the organization reached out to the alumni base with the idea, leading to an outpouring of love and support for the idea.
“Unanimously, everyone mentioned that Cindy Tobin is Locust Valley girls softball, and naming the field would be a perfect tribute to her,” Johnson said.
“On the softball diamond, she did more than teach the mechanics of the game. She empowered young women to find their inner confidence, fostered a spirit of resilience and helped them realize their absolute highest potential,” Locust Valley Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Kristen Turnow, said.
“As a big sister, she taught me many of the attributes that she taught her players. To play fair, try your best, work hard, help others and be a team player,” Cindy’s sister, Wendy Tobin said. “I am forever grateful to have a sister like her and I miss her every day.”
“The way I coach, the way I teach, the way I show up for others, that’s her. That’s her influence living through me every day” Tobin’s former player and current high school coach and physical education teacher Nadine Pacifico said. “I can still hear her voice echoing behind me, pushing me, challenging me and believing in me.”
Cindy Tobin Field will be a shining light in the district. Tobin’s devotion lives on in the generations of coaches and players she helped discover their full potential.
The ceremony was attended by many, some traveling from far and wide to pay tribute to Tobin’s legacy and the beautiful new sign that welcomes you to the softball diamond. Among the attendees were the members of the current varsity softball team, all of whom are fully aware of the legendary coach who paved the way for the thriving program.
“Today, we dedicate this field in her name and we are doing more than placing a sign or honoring a career. We are cementing her legacy into the very fabric of our program, our school and our community,” athletic director Danielle Turner Cosci said. “Every practice, every game and every young athlete who steps onto this field will be a part of that legacy.”
The dedication came together through a project involving the district, the athletic department and Falcon Pride Athletic Booster club. A graduate of the high school’s Class of 1970, Tobin gave decades of her life to coaching, winning three conference championships in the 1984, 1985 and 1988 seasons and a Conference Coach of the Year award in 1988. But Tobin is just as revered for her community work, serving the summer recreation program for 50 years. Tobin is remembered as a caring, kind and loving leader in her community.
Falcon Pride Athletic Booster Club president John Johnson said that the organization reached out to the alumni base with the idea, leading to an outpouring of love and support for the idea.
“Unanimously, everyone mentioned that Cindy Tobin is Locust Valley girls softball, and naming the field would be a perfect tribute to her,” Johnson said.
“On the softball diamond, she did more than teach the mechanics of the game. She empowered young women to find their inner confidence, fostered a spirit of resilience and helped them realize their absolute highest potential,” Locust Valley Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Kristen Turnow, said.
“As a big sister, she taught me many of the attributes that she taught her players. To play fair, try your best, work hard, help others and be a team player,” Cindy’s sister, Wendy Tobin said. “I am forever grateful to have a sister like her and I miss her every day.”
“The way I coach, the way I teach, the way I show up for others, that’s her. That’s her influence living through me every day” Tobin’s former player and current high school coach and physical education teacher Nadine Pacifico said. “I can still hear her voice echoing behind me, pushing me, challenging me and believing in me.”
Cindy Tobin Field will be a shining light in the district. Tobin’s devotion lives on in the generations of coaches and players she helped discover their full potential.
The budget edition of the Soundwaves newsletter is now available to view on the district site on the Budget Information and Newsletter pages. There, you can read up on all the important information on academic, athletic, extracurricular programs and district finances ahead of the budget vote and Board of Education election on Tuesday, May 19.
Physical editions of the newsletter should arrive at residents’ homes soon, as well.
Budget Information: https://www.locustvalleyschools.org/page/budget-info
Newsletters: https://www.locustvalleyschools.org/page/newsletter
Voter Information: https://www.locustvalleyschools.org/page/voter-information
Physical editions of the newsletter should arrive at residents’ homes soon, as well.
Budget Information: https://www.locustvalleyschools.org/page/budget-info
Newsletters: https://www.locustvalleyschools.org/page/newsletter
Voter Information: https://www.locustvalleyschools.org/page/voter-information
The Locust Valley Central School District Community Budget Roadshow is tonight, May 4, at 6 p.m. in the MS/HS mini-theater. This event is open to all residents and will be livestreamed on the Locust Valley Board of Education YouTube channel for those who cannot attend.
As a reminder, all previous budget presentations are posted online on the Budget Information page under the Business Office tab on the district website menu.
Livestream link: https://www.youtube.com/@LocustValleyBoardofEducation
Budget Information Page: https://www.locustvalleyschools.org/page/budget-info
As a reminder, all previous budget presentations are posted online on the Budget Information page under the Business Office tab on the district website menu.
Livestream link: https://www.youtube.com/@LocustValleyBoardofEducation
Budget Information Page: https://www.locustvalleyschools.org/page/budget-info
The nation’s 250th anniversary is just around the corner, and the District staff and students are excited to mark the occasion with community events and classroom lessons and projects throughout June. These activities will put students in the shoes of Americans from 1776 to 2026, helping them better understand how daily life has changed.
But you don’t have to wait until June to break out the red, white and blue, as our schools will be celebrating in May with patriotic selections at the spring concerts from April 30 to May 14 and at the elementary school Memorial Day programs on May 21.
But you don’t have to wait until June to break out the red, white and blue, as our schools will be celebrating in May with patriotic selections at the spring concerts from April 30 to May 14 and at the elementary school Memorial Day programs on May 21.
Locust Valley High School students Michael Giovanniello, Aria Hassa, Christopher McKenzie, Henry Pisciotta and Liam Reilly will perform as part of the Hofstra University Symphonic Band in the Fourth Annual Honor Band Day Festival on May 9. The students will work with conductor David Soto for a day of clinics, combined rehearsals and workshops, culminating in a public performance with other local high school students.
If you drove by Ann MacArthur Primary School this week, you may have noticed a little extra room in the parking lot. In a quick facilities project, we have added 20 new parking spaces to assist staff and community members as we head towards graduation season. We hope this will make parking easier for everyone at both AMP and Locust Valley Intermediate.
Locust Valley High School’s Class of 2026 modeled a wide variety of outfits in the annual fashion show on April 24.
The seniors hit the runway with Falcons gear, prom previews and summer outfits hand-in-hand with Bayville and Locust Valley kindergarten students, the next generation of Falcons. In partnership with local outfitters Ask Alice Boutique, Encore Une Fois, Interstyle, J. McLaughlin, Max & Gino’s, The Spot Boutique, Valley Sports and Victor Talbots, the evening helped the class finance additional prom night and end-of-year activities.
The student models were cheered on all night by a crowd of enthusiastic classmates, friends and family members.
The seniors hit the runway with Falcons gear, prom previews and summer outfits hand-in-hand with Bayville and Locust Valley kindergarten students, the next generation of Falcons. In partnership with local outfitters Ask Alice Boutique, Encore Une Fois, Interstyle, J. McLaughlin, Max & Gino’s, The Spot Boutique, Valley Sports and Victor Talbots, the evening helped the class finance additional prom night and end-of-year activities.
The student models were cheered on all night by a crowd of enthusiastic classmates, friends and family members.
Community members are invited to join in a special celebration of the many different backgrounds represented in our district. There will be cultural performances, food tastings, music, games and more!
We look forward to seeing everyone on Wednesday, April 29, starting at 7 p.m., in the middle school/high school cafeteria.
We look forward to seeing everyone on Wednesday, April 29, starting at 7 p.m., in the middle school/high school cafeteria.
The talented students and educators of the Locust Valley music department are excited to present the community with their spring concerts from April 30 to May 14. The festivities start this week, with the high school concert on Thursday, April 30, at 7 p.m. in the MS/HS Howard A. Schmock Auditorium.
The sixth grade, seventh and eighth grade and middle school cocurricular concerts will be on Monday, May 4, Tuesday, May 5 and Thursday, May 7, respectively, all at 7 p.m. in the MS/HS auditorium. Locust Valley and Bayville intermediate schools will come to the MS/HS auditorium for their concerts on Tuesday, May 12, and Thursday, May 14, at 6 p.m., respectively.
Each concert will also be livestreamed on the Locust Valley HS Film and TV YouTube channel at the link below. We look forward to seeing the community come out and support these dedicated musicians.
https://www.youtube.com/@locustvalleyhsfilmandtv7373
The sixth grade, seventh and eighth grade and middle school cocurricular concerts will be on Monday, May 4, Tuesday, May 5 and Thursday, May 7, respectively, all at 7 p.m. in the MS/HS auditorium. Locust Valley and Bayville intermediate schools will come to the MS/HS auditorium for their concerts on Tuesday, May 12, and Thursday, May 14, at 6 p.m., respectively.
Each concert will also be livestreamed on the Locust Valley HS Film and TV YouTube channel at the link below. We look forward to seeing the community come out and support these dedicated musicians.
https://www.youtube.com/@locustvalleyhsfilmandtv7373
In partnership with the Locust Valley Chamber of Commerce, the district is looking for artists from grades K-12 to participate in the America 250 Community Art Show. Artwork will be displayed at participating Locust Valley storefronts from May 21-29, and the top 25 winners will receive a prize!
To participate, students must create a flat, 2D piece of art no larger than 18 inches x 24 inches celebrating America’s semiquincentennial. Turn in your artwork to your LVCSD art teacher by Friday, May 15.
To participate, students must create a flat, 2D piece of art no larger than 18 inches x 24 inches celebrating America’s semiquincentennial. Turn in your artwork to your LVCSD art teacher by Friday, May 15.
For the eighth consecutive year, the Locust Valley Central School District has been recognized on the Best Communities for Music Education list by the National Association of Music Merchants in 2026.
The Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to school districts that demonstrate exceptional commitment and achievement in providing access to high-quality music education for all students.
“Receiving this national recognition from the NAMM Foundation is a huge honor,” Coordinator of Instructional Technology and the Fine and Applied Arts AnnMarie Buonaspina said. “It’s a direct reflection of the hard work our teachers and students put in every day, and the incredible support we receive from our community. We are proud to keep music at the heart of our schools."
The Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to school districts that demonstrate exceptional commitment and achievement in providing access to high-quality music education for all students.
“Receiving this national recognition from the NAMM Foundation is a huge honor,” Coordinator of Instructional Technology and the Fine and Applied Arts AnnMarie Buonaspina said. “It’s a direct reflection of the hard work our teachers and students put in every day, and the incredible support we receive from our community. We are proud to keep music at the heart of our schools."
Bayville Intermediate School fifth graders dressed up as famous historical figures and athletes and taught their families, friends and teachers about them on April 17.
The students researched their subject’s early life, family background and accomplishments, why history remembers them and what parts of their story inspired them. They then wrote biographies about their chosen subject, created a timeline of their lives and created a speech from the subject’s point of view. The project helped the students gain research experience and understand life in different historical eras, all while infusing their own creativity and interests.
The students researched their subject’s early life, family background and accomplishments, why history remembers them and what parts of their story inspired them. They then wrote biographies about their chosen subject, created a timeline of their lives and created a speech from the subject’s point of view. The project helped the students gain research experience and understand life in different historical eras, all while infusing their own creativity and interests.
Coming out of spring break, it was a week of celebrations at Locust Valley Middle and High School.
On Tuesday, the middle school chapter of the National Junior Honor Society inducted 77 new members, celebrating students for maintaining high grades and demonstrating character, citizenship, leadership, scholarship and service that the entire community can be proud of. The beautiful ceremony saw students light electronic candles and recite the introduction pledge. Eighth grader Jack Kelly serenaded the crowd with Impromptu No. 2 in AB Major by Franz Schubert.
“Admission into the National Junior Honor Society is not solely based on academic achievement,” Principal Michael Cestaro said. “It is your strength of character and sense of responsibility that defines you and will lead you to greater success in the years to come.”
On Wednesday, the high school honored the top 15 seniors by GPA and the faculty members who have inspired them throughout their years as Falcons.
"To these 15 remarkable young adults, you haven't just naviagted your high school years, you have mastered them," Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kristen Turnow said. "You have shown an unrelenting drive, brilliantly balancing rigorous academic workloads with leadership in clubs, demanding internships, part-time jobs and athletics."
Congratulations to Liam Baker, Eunseo Choi, Gianna Craft, Grant Creedon, Ryann Croke, Mirabelle Del Giudice, Justin Kwok, Sofia Lampoutis, Elizabeth Madden, Delilah Modlin, Kaitlyn O’Brien, Angel Sierra, Adhvaith Sreenivas, Gewndalyn Velsor and Abigail Vuong on this achievement and for being incredible role models for the entire student body.
On Thursday evening, the high school welcomed 66 new members to the World Language Honor Society for their mastery of French, Italian and Spanish. Inductees processed into the auditorium to the music of our High School Chamber Orchestra and were also treated to poetry recitations in each honor society language, as well as musical performances by Evie Bergman, Stella Fraser and Grace Araoz in French, Italian and Spanish, respectively.
Congratulations to all these students on their accomplishments this school year!
A Locust Valley education is a quality education. See some of the amazing headlines and numbers representing our students’ successes in their classrooms, athletics, arts, clubs and more with this infographic, now on the district website under the Business Office tab, and available at many of our award ceremonies and inductions throughout April and May.
Dear School Community,
I trust that you had a productive and rejuvenating spring break. As we return, we are entering a significant phase of the budget process, including the anticipated adoption of the 2026-2027 budget at the April 21 Board of Education meeting. This will be followed by a budget hearing on May 6, leading up to the annual budget vote and Board of Education election on May 19. Residents are encouraged to visit the budget information section of the district website for comprehensive voter details and to review the presentations delivered since the December Board of Education meeting.
In addition to these important dates, there will also be two parent and community budget presentations, where our residents can learn more about the proposed budget.
Joint Parent Council Presentation: April 23, from 10-11 a.m. in the MS/HS Mini-theater. Open to all Parent Councils and their members.
Community Presentation: May 4, from 6-7 p.m. in the MS/HS Mini-theater. Open to all residents of the Locust Valley Central School District. This presentation will also be livestreamed to the Locust Valley Board of Education YouTube Channel.
By offering both morning and evening sessions, we aim to ensure that all families can hear directly from district administration about the proposed budget and its impact on our students, staff, and taxpayers. I am pleased to share that the proposal remains below the tax cap, allowing us to maintain our robust academic programming and well-kept facilities even in the face of inflationary pressures.
We are excited to meet with residents to share more about the proposed budget. Thank you for your ongoing involvement and support.
Sincerely,
Kristen Turnow, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
I trust that you had a productive and rejuvenating spring break. As we return, we are entering a significant phase of the budget process, including the anticipated adoption of the 2026-2027 budget at the April 21 Board of Education meeting. This will be followed by a budget hearing on May 6, leading up to the annual budget vote and Board of Education election on May 19. Residents are encouraged to visit the budget information section of the district website for comprehensive voter details and to review the presentations delivered since the December Board of Education meeting.
In addition to these important dates, there will also be two parent and community budget presentations, where our residents can learn more about the proposed budget.
Joint Parent Council Presentation: April 23, from 10-11 a.m. in the MS/HS Mini-theater. Open to all Parent Councils and their members.
Community Presentation: May 4, from 6-7 p.m. in the MS/HS Mini-theater. Open to all residents of the Locust Valley Central School District. This presentation will also be livestreamed to the Locust Valley Board of Education YouTube Channel.
By offering both morning and evening sessions, we aim to ensure that all families can hear directly from district administration about the proposed budget and its impact on our students, staff, and taxpayers. I am pleased to share that the proposal remains below the tax cap, allowing us to maintain our robust academic programming and well-kept facilities even in the face of inflationary pressures.
We are excited to meet with residents to share more about the proposed budget. Thank you for your ongoing involvement and support.
Sincerely,
Kristen Turnow, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
A collaboration between the district and the Locust Valley Library has made hours of vintage Falcons football and basketball footage from 1971 to 2005 available to the public. This project has digitized nearly 50 hours of film and VHS footage, bringing the past to life in the New York Heritage Digital Collections.
Go to the link below to see the film archive today!
https://nyheritage.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p15281coll38/search/searchterm/Locust%20Valley%20High%20School%20Sports%20Films/field/relatig/mode/exact/conn/and/order//ad/asc/page/1
Go to the link below to see the film archive today!
https://nyheritage.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p15281coll38/search/searchterm/Locust%20Valley%20High%20School%20Sports%20Films/field/relatig/mode/exact/conn/and/order//ad/asc/page/1
Locust Valley High School’s Team Kuiper spent spring break at the New York International Auto Show introducing guests to the exciting world of robotics competitions from April 3-12.
Team Kuiper, and 22 other teams from the Long Island and metro areas, spent each day showing guests their robots design and demonstrating how they completed their tasks at this year’s competitions. Kuiper is coming off a season in which they earned the Control, Innovate, Inspire and Reach Awards, hosted regional qualifiers and competed in the county championships.
It was an exciting opportunity for the team to share their knowledge with others and to help guests discover a love for working together to turn their ideas into tangible machines.
Team Kuiper, and 22 other teams from the Long Island and metro areas, spent each day showing guests their robots design and demonstrating how they completed their tasks at this year’s competitions. Kuiper is coming off a season in which they earned the Control, Innovate, Inspire and Reach Awards, hosted regional qualifiers and competed in the county championships.
It was an exciting opportunity for the team to share their knowledge with others and to help guests discover a love for working together to turn their ideas into tangible machines.
The spring season is off to a great start in Locust Valley, and two more Falcons were distinguished as top players on Long Island by Newsday.
Tessa Matozzo, a junior, was named one of the top 100 players on Long Island for the spring 2026 season. Matozzo led the team with 58 goals and 84 points last season, adding 44 draw controls and 30 ground balls. She is off to a great start again this year, with the team standing at 4-2, and is committed to D1 East Carolina University for fall 2027.
Fellow junior Morgan Sullivan was named one of Newsday’s top 50 flag football players on Long Island for the spring 2026 season. Sullivan, a quarterback and defensive back, amassed 725 rushing yards and over 400 passing yards to go along with 12 touchdowns last season. Sullivan has helped the team to a 5-2 start with playoffs in their sights.
During the winter season, freshman Grace McDonald was named one of Newsday’s Top 100 girls basketball players, coming off an eighth grade season where she led the team in scoring with 10.8 points per game, 3.3 rebounds per game and 3.8 steals per game. The girls basketball team made it to the playoffs yet again this year.
Boys basketball team guard Kyle Demosthene, made it onto Newsday’s Top 100 boys basketball players list as a second year starter who averaged 15.2 points per game, 4.8 assists per game and 2.9 steals per game.
Back in the fall season, senior Stefano Linardos was named one of Newsday’s Top 100 boys soccer players and went on to post 21 goals and nine assists, tying at the top of the county’s points leaderboards. Linardos and the Falcons put together an undefeated regular season.
Junior Marcus Houghtaling was named to the Newsday Top 100 football players list coming off a season where he amassed 87 tackles, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries, all while making way for the Falcons’ rushing attack as the starting full back. This season, he was a huge contributor again, helping the team to a playoff berth.
Tessa Matozzo, a junior, was named one of the top 100 players on Long Island for the spring 2026 season. Matozzo led the team with 58 goals and 84 points last season, adding 44 draw controls and 30 ground balls. She is off to a great start again this year, with the team standing at 4-2, and is committed to D1 East Carolina University for fall 2027.
Fellow junior Morgan Sullivan was named one of Newsday’s top 50 flag football players on Long Island for the spring 2026 season. Sullivan, a quarterback and defensive back, amassed 725 rushing yards and over 400 passing yards to go along with 12 touchdowns last season. Sullivan has helped the team to a 5-2 start with playoffs in their sights.
During the winter season, freshman Grace McDonald was named one of Newsday’s Top 100 girls basketball players, coming off an eighth grade season where she led the team in scoring with 10.8 points per game, 3.3 rebounds per game and 3.8 steals per game. The girls basketball team made it to the playoffs yet again this year.
Boys basketball team guard Kyle Demosthene, made it onto Newsday’s Top 100 boys basketball players list as a second year starter who averaged 15.2 points per game, 4.8 assists per game and 2.9 steals per game.
Back in the fall season, senior Stefano Linardos was named one of Newsday’s Top 100 boys soccer players and went on to post 21 goals and nine assists, tying at the top of the county’s points leaderboards. Linardos and the Falcons put together an undefeated regular season.
Junior Marcus Houghtaling was named to the Newsday Top 100 football players list coming off a season where he amassed 87 tackles, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries, all while making way for the Falcons’ rushing attack as the starting full back. This season, he was a huge contributor again, helping the team to a playoff berth.
