Locust Valley Central School District

The girls varsity tennis team has spent the first few days of the fall sports season breaking in the brand-new turf courts. Thank you to our community for approving this capital project. Keep an eye out for other exciting updates in the coming weeks.

The district’s newest teachers took part in their first orientation on Monday. We look forward to seeing them work with students throughout our schools. Please join us in welcoming Andy Bhasin, Jennifer Bluestein, Elizabeth Byrne, Daniella Castellanos, Jessica Coules, Stacey Langer, Tina Messina, Joseph Migliano, John Pawluk, Michaela Pawluk, Dr. Jane Shnayder and Taylor Sivacek.

While classes have not started yet, our schools were abuzz over the past few days with meet and greet events for each elementary school. Students reconnected with old friends and made new ones while playing on the playgrounds. Bayville Primary School students also met their new principal, Ross Cohen, for the first time while enjoying bagels and arts and crafts.

Bayville Primary School families are invited to a meet and greet with new principal Ross Cohen on Saturday, Aug. 24, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Please use the main entrance. There will be bagels and arts and crafts! The Locust Valley Central School District is thrilled to welcome Ross Cohen into our Falcon Family as the new principal of Bayville Primary School for the 2024-2025 school year. Mr. Cohen brings strong leadership qualities from his time as a program administrator, assistant principal and principal in New York City and Nassau and Suffolk counties. In his 20 years in education, Mr. Cohen has fostered partnerships with families, parent-teacher associations and communities with a diverse range of backgrounds. Additionally, Mr. Cohen brings unique teaching experiences working as a special education teacher in a variety of settings, including Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s hospital school in New York City, where he developed curricula and delivered instruction to in and outpatient school-age children and facilitated communication between families, the school and the medical team. Mr. Cohen has worked also as a building and district-level administrator with a focus on special education and elementary curriculum. Most recently, Mr. Cohen served as the assistant principal at Hewlett Elementary School in Hewlett- Woodmere, a position he held since 2019. Mr. Cohen was inspired to become an educator by helping his sister during her middle school writing assignments. “Supporting her in articulating her voice and nourishing her confidence to share ideas passionately helped lay the foundation for my two-decade journey as a teacher and administrator,” Mr. Cohen said. “To this day, guiding and protecting the voices of our children and staff, while actively learning from their unique perspectives remains at the core of my work.” Mr. Cohen attained his Bachelor of Science in communications at Boston University, his Masters of Science in secondary English education from New York University and certifications in English language arts education and educational leadership from CUNY Queens College and CUNY Hunter College, respectively. “I am honored to step into the role of principal at Bayville Primary and excited to partner with our exceptional staff, students, families and neighborhood partners to carry on the extraordinary work in our classrooms and throughout our dynamic and treasured Bayville community,” Mr. Cohen said. “I am eager to bring our team together as we continue to nourish the well-being and development of our children, fostering a school environment that they consider home and where all children may thrive socially, emotionally and academically.” Please join the district in welcoming Ross Cohen into our community.

The varsity football team took to the practice field for the first time today as they get set for the 2024 fall season.

Locust Valley Summer Recreation campers had fun in the sun over the final days of this year’s program. On Aug. 1, campers took to the Ann MacArthur Primary School field for Splash and Dash Day, running through sprinklers, tossing water balloons back and forth and traversing the playground. The next day, campers danced the morning away with a DJ in the gym and created their own tie-dye shirts with the help of counselors. Thank you to all the campers, counselor-in-training, counselors and staff for creating another memorable summer program.

Students from grades K-5 have had an amazing time at the district’s summer recreation program at Ann MacArthur Primary School. Throughout July, campers have engaged in fun activities such as arts and crafts, bowling, cooking and jiujitsu. They have also welcomed guests such as Magic Jeff, Glen Cove company Claynation and Hollyrock Entertainment’s traveling game show.

Extended school year students took part in their own Olympic Games on July 25 in the Locust Valley Intermediate School gymnasium. Students engaged in friendly competition in creative events such as bowling, floor hockey, obstacle courses, relay races and a soccer shootout. Each student took home a gold medal for their incredible efforts.

Read about graduations, moving-up ceremonies and amazing end-of-year activities throughout the district in the summer edition of Soundwaves.

The Locust Valley Board of Education extends heartfelt thanks to Superintendent Dr. Turnow for her exceptional efforts in building a strong and talented administrative team. The district is incredibly fortunate to have administrators who are continuing their dedication to our school district, students, families, and staff. Dr. Turnow’s leadership has been pivotal in creating an environment where the strengths and interests of its staff are recognized and nurtured. Her vision is to harness their incredible talent and streamline roles, while maintaining all existing responsibilities, to build the most successful educational organization for all our students. Throughout her tenure, her willingness and patience in collaborating with our staff have been evident, culminating in successful negotiations and agreements with unions. The district is delighted to announce the confirmation of the following individuals who have shown unwavering commitment to the district: • Ms. Lisa Czerniecki: Director of Counseling, Advanced Studies, Careers and Research. • Mr. Joseph Enea: Coordinator of History, English, & Business. • Dr. Kim Ferina: Coordinator of Mathematics and Science. • Mrs. Karen Horoszewski: Assistant Superintendent for Business. • Mr. Ken Packert: Executive Director of Administrative Operations and Technology. • Ms. Michelle Villa: Executive Director of Human Resources. • Ms. Amy Watson: Assistant Principal at high school (supervising World Languages and ENL). The exceptional administrative team has long been a cornerstone to the district’s educational community. As they transition into new roles, they will continue to collaborate, enhancing their ability to serve the students. These talented individuals bring a wealth of experience, invaluable skills, and expertise to their positions, fostering an educational environment centered on the students’ successes. The board of education is confident that with their extensive capabilities, these administrators will continue to drive excellence within Locust Valley schools, elevating the district to new and exciting heights. The district extends its congratulations to its wonderful staff and look forward to the continued success and growth of the district under their guidance.

Throughout June, elementary and middle school students celebrated graduations and moving-up ceremonies. Students took center stage at each ceremony, reciting poems and speeches and singing songs about their experiences at each school. The students may be leaving their schools behind, but they will carry their memories with them forever. Thank you to all faculty and staff for helping these students learn and for preparing them for the next chapter of their lives.

Locust Valley Central School District honored staff who retired and others who achieved tenure in May and June. In May, the district honored Sharon DiLeo, Pat Fitzgerald, Laraine Giovanniello, Concetta Grella, Mary Henninger, Cathy Kemp, Maxine Loze, Lisa McNamara, Maribeth Miller, Jacqueline Monaco, Joan Parenti, George Pinkney, Chris Schmid, Charles Wheeler and Shari Zindman at a ceremony in the high school courtyard and during an afterparty at The Crescent Beach Club in Bayville for their years of dedicated service to help the district operate. At the final board of education meeting of the year, members of the district celebrated Julianna Caputo, Jessica Colombini, Magda Larounis, Jennifer Masa, Margaret McDermott, Jennifer Pagan, Ashley Pisanti, Gabriella Preto-Marshall, Vanessa Sherry, Michelle Villa and Allison Warfield for achieving tenure. Thank you to all teachers and staff for leaving your mark on the district and helping shape the next generation of Falcons!

The 2024 District Night at Adventureland was a huge success, as 762 guests from grades pre-K to 12 took over the park for the night of June 18. Students and their families and friends enjoyed the games, food and rides as they rang in the summer in style.

Throughout June, students from pre-K to grade 5 took to Ann MacArthur Primary and Bayville Intermediate School’s grounds for their field days. Ann MacArthur Primary School celebrated with Disney-themed contests in honor of physical education teacher Maribeth Miller for her last field day before retirement. Bayville Primary School opted for an Olympics theme for their day of fun in the sun.

Locust Valley High School’s Class of 2024 took to the stage to receive their diplomas on June 26 at Fred Smith Field. 164 graduates dressed in green and white gowns with their colorful cords symbolizing each of their accomplishments throughout their four years crossed the stage to the cheers of their friends and families. The graduates and the large crowd of their supporters were then treated to performances of The Star-Spangled Banner and The Beatles’ “In My Life.” Student speakers Ella Crocco and Madison Melillo, valedictorian Riley Haas and salutatorian Kelsey Neves praised their classmates for their hard work and asked them to continue their ambitions in the next chapter of their lives. “This day, this ceremony, these caps and gowns and sashes and cords are all symbols of us moving up in this world,” Locust Valley High School graduating senior Madison Melillo said. “Yes, today may be an ending, and a tragic one at that, but it also may be one epic beginning. The beginning of the rest of our lives.” “Approach everything and everyone with an open mind,” Class of 2024 valedictorian Riley Haas told her classmates. “Do not go into anything with the assumption that you know exactly who a person is or exactly what something entails. Give everything and everyone a chance.” After the speeches concluded, each member of the graduating class was called up to the stage and received their diploma from principal Patrick DiClemente. To conclude the ceremony, students turned their tassels and tossed their caps in the air before embracing each other and becoming the newest alumni members of the Falcon Family.

Congratulations to the Locust Valley High School Class of 2024 on their graduation! Thank you to all community members on another amazing year. Check back on the district’s social media accounts and website tomorrow for more images and information from the ceremony.

Locust Valley High School’s graduating seniors took a walk down memory lane through each of the elementary schools they attended on June 21. The Class of 2024 boarded buses over to the Locust Valley and Bayville elementary and intermediate schools after their graduation rehearsal at the high school. The soon-to-be-graduates wore their caps and gowns, and were greeted at Ann MacArthur Primary, Locust Valley Intermediate, Bayville Primary and Bayville Intermediate with cheers, high-fives and signs from students and teachers. After the walkthrough, seniors headed back to the high school and enjoyed ice cream courtesy of the High School Parents Council and Gooseberry Grove.

Students in the life skills program from throughout the Locust Valley Central School District came to the high school auditorium in June to show their incredible artistic talents to classmates, friends and family. Life skills students had their drawings and paintings exhibited and played along with some of their favorite songs using rhythm sticks. Students showed their incredible creativity and team work, and had a chance to dance together as a group to celebrate another amazing school year.

Locust Valley High School seniors dressed to impress as they gathered as a group for the last time before their graduation at The Crescent Beach Club in Bayville on June 11 for their prom. Students started the evening by taking in the incredible sunset on the beach and marveling at each other’s lavish outfits before heading inside to eat, use the photo booth and dance the night away.

Locust Valley High School students and staff joined World War II veterans, current servicemembers and world leaders in Normandy last week for the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion. Seniors Matthew Borruso, Sonny Consolazio, Michael DiLorenzo, Riley Haas, Spiro Lampoutis and Kelsey Neves submitted essays and poems as part of a contest that tasked students to demonstrate their appreciation for the sacrifices made by the brave young men on June 6, 1944. Chaperones Daniel Durante and Principal Patrick DiClemente were joined by Superintendent of Schools Kristen Turnow, board of education president Margaret Marchand and vice president Lauren Themis in guiding the students, while also learning more themselves. The Locust Valley representatives arrived in France on June 2 and spent the week leading up to the commemoration visiting historic sites like the Patton House near the La Fiere Bridge, which American forces held during an especially bloody battle, and speaking to General Dwight Eisenhower’s daughter and granddaughter Susan and Caroline, as well as veterans of the last Great War on Omaha Beach. “You can sit in your classroom all day and read every textbook there is and watch every movie or documentary, but nothing compares to being on those beaches and meeting those heroes first hand,” Consolazio said. “I think what was most impactful for me was the blend of past and present,” Neves said. “Seeing active servicemembers walk through the visitors center at Pointe du Hoc and take off their hats for those that came before them was so memorable.” Students were shocked to see the level of reverence the people of Sainte-Mere-Eglise hold onto even to this day, as many celebrate the occasion by putting American flags outside their houses and some even don American military uniforms of yesteryear. “It’s something I’ve never even seen in my own country,” DiLorenzo said. “It was unbelievable to see them (the people of Sainte-Mere-Eglise) be so patriotic for my country.” The trip was a continuation of the Locust Valley Central School District’s efforts to instill an appreciation for American history in the student population and community. In September 2023, Locust Valley hosted the Remembrance Project in conjunction with Patton Legacy Sports and local organization Operation Democracy to teach a D-Day specific unit into history classes and bring a football game between American airborne units that originated at Locust Valley’s sister city Sainte-Mere Eglise, France in 1944. DiLorenzo and Consolazio took part in that game and the preceding events including a veteran luncheon and jersey signing ceremony. In the wake of the second world war, Locust Valley worked to send money and resources over to Sainte-Mere-Eglise to help rebuild the village and gained a reputation as a selfless community because of it. “It was important for me as the instructional leader of the district and our board that we got to see out students develop an even better appreciation for the battle that was fought there and the restoration of our sister city that we had a hand in,” Dr. Turnow said. It’s our history and I think it was important for them to see how one community could come together for a selfless cause and help another one rebuild.”