Locust Valley Middle School

We encourage the community to be aware of the following important meetings leading up to the budget revote.

• On Monday, June 1, there will be a special meeting to review and adopt the revised budget, which will include an opportunity for public comment.
• On Monday, June 8, there will also be a public hearing on the revised budget. This is an opportunity for the community to share thoughts regarding the adopted budget.
• On Tuesday, June 16, the revised budget will be voted on at Ann MacArthur Primary, Bayville Intermediate and Brookville Reformed Church, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Both meetings will be held at the Locust Valley Middle School/High School auditorium at 99 Horse Hollow Road and start at 7 p.m.

For those who cannot attend in person, these meetings will be livestreamed at the Board of Education YouTube channel linked below and in our bios.

https://www.youtube.com/c/LocustValleyBoardofEducation

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

On May 28, nine Locust Valley High School student-athletes put pen to paper, committing to collegiate programs as part of the school’s College Athlete Signing Day.

Seniors Gavin Boyd, Alyssa Ciminiello, Byron Hafner, Jake Lamb, Stefano Linardos, Ryan Sullivan, Will Summers, Emma Tonner and Dean Wolfe will continue their athletic pursuits far and wide, but they will always be Falcons.

“The opportunity to compete in college athletics is earned through years of dedication, perseverance and hard work,” Athletic Director Danielle Turner Cosci said. “These nine student-athletes have left a lasting mark on our athletic program and school community through their leadership and commitment to excellence. While their journeys will take them to campuses across the country, they will always be part of our Falcon family. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and excited to see what they achieve next!”

Kathleen Reilly wore many hats during her 25 years working in the Locust Valley Central School District. She’s taught, helped programs such as driver’s education and the middle school Washington, D.C., trip, supervised and worked the clock at sporting events, written courses at the high school level, and most recently guided Locust Valley Intermediate School students as the principal. She’s seen every level of the district and seen generations of students grow up, find themselves and return to thank her for her enthusiasm and care for them.

Reilly fell in love with history and social studies during her college years, specifically during a semester in London. Surrounded by the many historical sites there, she discovered her passion for learning the stories of how the modern world was built.

“History is always a story,” Reilly said. “It has romance, passion, laws and the ability to look at the present and relate it to the past and hopefully prevent tragedy in the future.”

A member of Locust Valley High School’s Class of 1980, Reilly started her career as an elementary school teacher at a catholic school in Queens before moving onto Floral Park Memorial High School as a grades 7-12 history teacher. In 2001, she returned to her alma mater, excited at the prospect of bringing her passionate teaching style to her social studies classes and her experience to the new Model UN club. She moved to the middle school side of the building in 2013, where she expanded the Model UN program there and coached girls lacrosse. She and then principal Tom Hogan oversaw the first nine years of the annual Washington, D.C., trip, which has helped students better appreciate the freedoms they enjoy and the historical figures who earned them.

“In middle school, mistakes are a natural part of the learning process,” Reilly said. “Educators and school leaders must create opportunities for students to reflect on their actions, take responsibility and use those experiences as valuable lessons for personal growth and future success.”

In 2022, Reilly was named principal at Locust Valley Intermediate School where she quickly endeared herself to students with her energy and excitement. Having worked her way through teaching elementary, middle and high school, Reilly knows the seeds of interest are best planted early, so that students leave the district with a goal or interest they are ready to pursue further.

“I’ve been able to look at all three stages, and realized the same things: interest and exposure,” Reilly said. “How are they going to know what they’re interested in and what they want to get better at if we don’t expose them to it?”

At every step of the way, Reilly and her teachers have tried to bring in a wide array of organizations and speakers, ranging from revolutionary war reenactors to meteorologists, to talk about their areas of expertise and spark curiosity in her students.

As a teacher and administrator, she has sought ways to instill empathy in her students while educating them. In one of her most famous lessons, Reilly would describe an ancient tribe and it’s infatuation with a mysterious item called a “rac,” which was a status symbol that dictated how infrastructure was built. At the end of the lesson, the students could not believe a people would put so much emphasis on the item, and Reilly would reveal that the whole time they were talking about our society and the “rac” was a car.

“Whenever you look at another society or another group of people, remember what you just ridiculed that tribe for,” Reilly said. “You have to be open minded with every group and every society you come in contact with. Hopefully, that gives our kids tolerance of others.”
While she won’t be there to do her quiet hands during an assembly or to high-five them in the hallways, the lessons Principal Reilly taught will stay with her students as they continue to learn and grow.

You’ll see plenty of red, white and blue at our schools throughout June, as the entire district celebrates the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding this summer. On June 1, our schools kicked off the festivities with assemblies at the elementary schools discussing the origins and evolution of the Stars and Stripes.

Throughout June, students of all ages will partake in America-themed lessons and activities, such as creating quilts with national symbols, playing games and sports of the 1700s and 1800s in gym classes, baking and cooking early American meals and treats, and appreciating the veterans who served and protected the country.

In May, the district and Locust Valley Chamber of Commerce teamed up to display student artwork at many local businesses. Thanks to this partnership, 117 students had their incredible works decorate storefronts that showcased the talent of these artists and the strength of our community.

Thank you to all the businesses who took part in our celebration!

A.A. Baker Design
Accentiques
Andrew Maier Design
Apple Bank
Blush
Buckram Stables Café
Country Plaza Deli
Daniel Gale Realty
Dime Community Bank
Elizabeth Pash
G. Willikers
Interstyle
Karmic Grind
Locust Valley Chemists
Locust Valley Dentistry
Marquis Wines & Spirits
Piazza di Cappa
Piñions
The Finer Things
The Spot Boutique

The Locust Valley High School music department returned from New England with several trophies to add to their cabinet from the Music in the Parks Festival. The high school’s symphonic band and string orchestra each earned first place in their divisions, with the former winning Best Overall Band Award, while the concert chorale took second place in their division. All three groups earned the festival’s highest honor, a Superior Rating.

Cheered on by Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Kristen Turnow, the performing groups spent the day taking the stage for judges and their peers at Enfield High School, United Congregational Church of Holyoke and Holyoake High School. After the spectacular showcase and awards ceremony, the students spent the rest of the day at Six Flags New England, celebrating and enjoying the games and rides at the park.

“Bringing home top division honors and Superior Ratings in such a competitive environment is a testament to our students’ hard work and passion,” Coordinator of Instruction Technology and the Fine and Applied Arts AnnMarie Buonaspina said. “We owe a huge thank you to our music faculty, especially Mr. Guerra, Mr. Fong and Mrs. Blake for their dedication and leadership in preparing our students for this memorable achievement.”

The Board of Education will have a special meeting tonight at 7 p.m. in the LVMS/HS auditorium to review and adopt the revised budget for the revote on Tuesday, June 16. There will be an opportunity for public comment for district residents during the meeting. If you cannot attend, you can view the livestream of the meeting at the Locust Valley Board of Education YouTube channel linked below and in our social media bios.

https://www.youtube.com/c/LocustValleyBoardofEducation

After months of hard work and preparation, Locust Valley High School siblings Izabella and Oliver Watson both became New York State Scholastic Rowing champions in May. The Watsons and their Oak Neck Rowing Academy crews are now looking ahead to their next hurdle: The United States Rowing Youth National Championships in Sarasota, Florida in June.

Izabella and her teammates finished a clear first in the girls varsity quadruple sculls, while Oliver and his crew won the boys freshman quadruple sculls at the state regatta in Saratoga. The siblings grew up on the water, with their sailor father, and were inspired to pick up the oars by watching their older brother, Orlando, who also trained at Oak Neck Rowing Academy and now rows at Dartmouth College.

“We’re always competing and trying to beat each other in everything,” Izabella said. “
“It’s just such a neat sport,” Oliver added. “It requires so such finesse and form, but at the same time you need to have the right build and strength and height.”

The two state champions have spent countless hours before and after school training in dreadful cold and oppressive heat alike, but neither has been able to stop them.

“One thing people focus on with rowing is the athletic part of it and the drive you need for strength and cardio, but you have to be mentally driven to want to practice even if it’s 28 degrees and there’s ice on the water,” Izabella said.

Moments where the two have pushed through those hindrances have prepared them for cold weather like they experienced at Saratoga, where their crews took on the best of the best teams from all over the state and emerged victorious.

“You have to make sure you’re not rowing as four people, you’re rowing together,” Izabella said.

While training and technique are important, morale also needs to be high. Oliver has emerged as the go-to team member for pep talks before races and encouragement while on the water.

“I love to give these little calls and mantras,” Oliver said. “I can feel the change in the boat when I’m on the water and I’m telling them come on, let’s push it, let’s bleed speed.”

The siblings will be on the water plenty of the next few weeks, as they prepare for the national championships, and it will be a much different environment in hot and humid Sarasota, Florida. But they are already preparing by changing their diets, keeping hydrated and getting out on the water as much as possible.

Locust Valley and North Shore High School life skills student basketball players got the varsity treatment, as Locust Valley students filled the stands and cheerleaders got the crowd going at a friendly exhibition earlier in May.

The Locust Valley and North Shore life skills programs have developed a close relationship over the past four years, starting a basketball game and lunch day for the students to compete and come together. This year, Locust Valley life skills teachers Jennifer Bluestein, Jessica DiPardo and Jessica Garrison wanted to reciprocate and host North Shore. To commemorate the event, the high school’s Peer Leaders and Best Buddies clubs created signs to celebrate both the Falcons and Vikings teams. The SEPTA parents council provided the teams with a postgame pizza meal.

The students and staff helped create an incredible atmosphere and a day to remember as this new tradition continues to grow.

Prior to the Memorial Day break, members of district administration and faculty celebrated the careers of 17 soon-to-be retirees. These staff members held a wide variety of roles in the district, but all worked to further the goal of creating a safe and nurturing place for our students to learn and grow.

Please join us in thanking these retirees for their years of hard work!

Ruth Brooks-Katten
Anna Diana
Anita Domin
Charlene Enoch
Joanne Ewen
Peggy Fitzmaurice
Faith Keenan
Karen Kriesberg
Evelyn Mason
Patricia Mastacciuola
Douglas Notti
Kathleen Reilly
Janine Sampino
Grace Smoak
Susan Stephens
Kathleen Tisch
Jacqueline Zimbardi

On behalf of the Board of Education, we would like to thank all residents who participated in the school budget vote and Board of Education election. We appreciate the time our community members took to make their voices heard through the voting process.

Since the budget did not pass, the district will now begin work on a revote scheduled for Tuesday, June 16. We will provide updates regarding this process and the budget in the near future.

Budget Results:

Proposition 1: School Budget: The Budget Did Not Pass.
Propuesta 1: Presupuesto Escolar: El presupuesto no pasó.
Yes/ Sí: 765
No: 850

Proposition 2: Transportation Policy Update
Proposición 2: Actualización de la Política de Transporte
Yes/Sí: 981
No: 613

Proposition 3: Locust Valley Library Tax Levy
Proposición 3: Impuesto para la Biblioteca de Locust Valley
Yes/Sí: 424
No: 240

Board of Education Trustee Election Results (* indicates winners):
Resultados de las Elecciones para Miembros del Consejo de Educación (* indica ganadores):

*Brian Keaveney: 1,078
*Holly Esteves: 1,060
*Paul Chirichella: 1,047

Before tomorrow’s budget vote and Board of Education election, you can catch up on important information at the Budget tab on the district website. There, you will find the line-by-line adopted 2026-2027 budget, all presentations and the budget newsletter.

https://www.locustvalleyschools.org/page/budget-info

A link to the Voter Information page will help you find the designated polling place for each election district. These locations are Bayville Intermediate School’s gymnasium, Ann MacArthur Primary School’s gymnasium and Brookville Reformed Church’s community hall.

https://www.locustvalleyschools.org/page/voter-information

If you have any questions regarding the vote, please contact the district clerk at (516) 277-5002.

Prepárese para la Información sobre el Presupuesto y los Votantes

Antes de la votación del presupuesto y de las elecciones de la Junta de Educación que tendrán lugar mañana, usted puede consultar información importante en la pestaña de Presupuesto del sitio web del distrito. Allí encontrará el presupuesto adoptado para el periodo 2026-2027, detallado partida por partida; todas las presentaciones; y el boletín informativo sobre el presupuesto.

https://www.locustvalleyschools.org/page/budget-info

Un enlace a la página de Información para Votantes le ayudará a localizar el centro de votación asignado a cada distrito electoral. Dichos centros son: el Gimnasio de la Escuela Intermedia de Bayville, el Gimnasio de la Escuela Primaria Ann MacArthur y el Salón Comunitario de la Iglesia Reformada de Brookville.

https://www.locustvalleyschools.org/page/voter-information

Si tiene alguna pregunta relacionada con la votación, por favor comuníquese con el secretario del distrito al (516) 277-5002.