The Exemplary Service Award was presented to Robert Colascione at the June 10 Board of Education meeting. Every year, at this time, the Board wishes to honor an employee who supports our school community with great distinction. The criteria for eligibility established, in order to be considered for the award, includes having worked in the district for at least five years, have the unanimous recommendation of the administration and the Board, and exemplify leadership and excellent character among others. The Board of Education and Superintendent Joseph Monastero thanked Mr. Colascisone (Dr. C) for his 25 years of service as science teacher at the Jr./Sr. High. The award was presented by Director of STEM Brian Taylor. “Dr. C defines Exemplary Service,” he said. “From my first time meeting him, until today, it has always been about what he can do for you. If you need something he is there to help. His retirement will be felt not only as a master teacher and the Central Treasurer, but I am pretty sure that he has coached almost every junior high sport we have. He has always been quick to volunteer to mentor new teachers, looking to leave the profession in a better place than he found it.” ...
Congratulations to Brian Taylor! We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Brian Taylor as the new Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources. His appointment was made official at the June 10 Board of Education meeting. Mr. Taylor transitions into this new role after serving as the Director of STEM for the past two years, where he demonstrated outstanding leadership and a commitment to innovation. We are excited to welcome him to the administrative team and are confident that his experience, vision, and dedication will continue to be a tremendous asset to the Cold Spring Harbor Central School District. Please join us in congratulating Mr. Taylor on this well-deserved appointment!
Flags for Freedom Honoring Tradition, Inspiring Patriotism Continuing a meaningful tradition, CSH Jr./Sr. High School held its annual Flags for Freedom ceremony on June 9. Each graduating senior received an American flag, folded with care by underclassmen. The flags were handed over by members of the local American Legion Post and local Veterans, with support from Operation Democracy. This powerful gesture reinforces a simple mission: that every American high school graduate receives a flag—and, more importantly, understands the significance of the sacrifices it represents.
Thank you to the community for coming out on June 10 for our monthly Board of Education meeting. It was a packed house celebrating the many accomplishments of students and staff. This month, it was a privilege to hear from our Jr./Sr. High Student Government, who shared the many events and happenings at their school as the 2024-2025 nears its end. It is always a pleasure and highlight of the evening to hear from our students. Recognitions were abuzz with the distinct honors for the Junior Book Awards, the University of Rochester Awards and the Rensselaer Medal Award recipients. The board also presented the annual Exemplary Staff Award to Dr. Robert Colascione, for his many years of service and commitment to the students as he takes his retirement leave this year. The Superintendent and Board of Education also recognized Board Trustee Lisa Smith, who received a Board Achievement Award from the NYSSBA Board of Excellence Program for completing 75 points in ongoing professional development and leadership classes...
What a wonderful way to celebrate the end of the year! Goosehill hosted two Literacy Picnics for both first grade and Kindergarten. Students invited family members to read together on cozy blankets and enjoy snacks and friendships outdoors on the lawn and indoors on a rainy day - Adorable! Fish Hatchery Turtle Release Day: The School District continues its long-standing relationship with our neighbors at the Fish Hatchery & Aquarium, including field trips to visit the turtles and warm water fish and amphibian life. As part of Goosehill’s science curriculum, each first-grade class is delivered their very own turtle in the fall provided by the Fish Hatchery each year...
Thank you to all that participated in this year’s Lloyd Harbor School Little Apple Fun Run! What a beautiful day for our school and community. Held on June 1, the Fun Run not only hosted a 1-mile race for participants of all ages but enjoyed some fun surprises! The students loved the DJ, photo booth, food truck, custom donuts, face painters, basketball hoop, and a dunk tank featuring Mr. O’Rourke, who was more than willing to take the plunge! The apple & lion mascots were standing by cheering on the runners, who with their families enjoyed the festivities, and camaraderie. Thank you to the LHSPTG for putting this fabulous event together, especially event coordinators Lauren Heinz, Stacy Mehlrose and Dori O’Brien for their hard work, dedication and enthusiasm. Thank you also to the Lloyd Harbor School staff, all the volunteers, security staff, custodial staff and grounds crew - you were amazing! Thank you to Principal Carissa Shanahan and Assistant to the Principal Kevin O’Rourke for supporting the efforts every step of the way! Congratulations to all the runners, we look forward to seeing you again next year!
Lloyd Harbor 4th Graders treated their parents and guests to a culminating musical performance celebrating Colonial Day times. Under the direction of music teacher, Leah Martin, students sang, danced and played instruments, as well as regaled us with all kinds of Colonial Day knowledge. The costumes were amazing as they took a step back in time to learn and teach their families even more trivia about Colonial life. Every year, this social studies unit involves reading and learning about trade and merchant life with activities such as a tin lantern making, a tea bag challenge and an art project. Students learned and explored Colonial Day children’s chores and the games they played, various jobs of Colonials who learned trades such as a silversmith, shoemaker, miller, ship building, cross stitching, barn building, dress and hat making, and so many more. Colonial games were taught outside by Liam Knehr (permanent substitute) who taught lessons on the history of jacks, quoits, whirligig, and the ball and cup game. The kids also participated in the STEAM Tea Bag Challenge in the library with Whitney O'Donnell. Students first designed a “tea crate” to protect their tea bag, then built their crates using provided materials. The goal was to keep the tea bag dry—and by the end of the day, many of them still were! Thank you to all the fourth-grade teachers: Ms. Matthews, Ms. Genova, Ms. LaPollo and Ms. Smith for leading the way back in time!
When students reflect back on their elementary years, one thing is for sure, they will always remember “Ellis Island Day.” It is an extraordinary feat to execute, with the help of staff and so many volunteers who take it to the next level. And this year, it is not an understatement to say they took it to the next level – Wow! West Side fourth graders experienced the most incredible simulation of the immigration journey to Ellis Island back in the early 1900’s. Each student was given an identity and formed family units as they journeyed to America with momma and pappa. Students were crowded into darkened steerage aboard the ship as they sailed across the ocean and passed by the Statue of Liberty on the hill at West Side! At port they were taken through the various stations at Ellis Island; determining if they were healthy after medical examinations where the sick were separated from their families. Some were sent for mental examinations or to the hospital. They were checked for lice, yelled at or sent to deportation. They were stamped, documented, and provided papers and currency. This authentic experience helped them to better understand the challenges of being an immigrant. They also loved having their parents, grandparents, other family members and teachers roleplay and speak foreign languages to authenticate the experience...
