It's always a fun evening when the Junior High hosts its annual Unity Event, bringing together rising 7th graders from West Side and Lloyd Harbor to come together to mingle, play games and reunite friendships that will walk the halls together in the fall. Current 7th graders greeted and hosted the event - remembering that only one year ago they were the invited guests. Thank you to Assistant Principal Caitlyn Harman, and to Nicole Kearnes for spearheading the event.
Superintendent Joseph Monastero hosted the annual Parent Leader Breakfast “al fresco” the morning of June 12 outside in the courtyard of District Office. He shared that other Superintendents cannot believe the number of events and programs CSH hosts each week; offerings that other districts said takes a month to accomplish. He articulated this is possible due to the volunteerism and leadership of the parent community in this school district. The degree of volunteerism is remarkable, and it does not go unnoticed. Not only do these parent groups support so many programs, but they seamlessly run themselves! Parent Leaders here are so dedicated, and the administration and staff at all building levels are so grateful for their service and commitment not only to the students, but for the appreciation they share to staff members with endless breakfasts, luncheons, cookie bakes, and most importantly…their time...
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!
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.” ...
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...
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...
The West Side School Spelling Bee took place in May in the Hilton Gymnasium. Participation is open to grades 4-6 with two participants per class moving forward to the school wide competition. This year’s event consisted of 15-spellers, who engaged in multiple rounds of nail-biting concentration that culminated with Dax Hall (grade 5), clinching the West Side School Spelling Bee championship title. Good luck to both Dax, and first runner-up, Annie Katz (grade 6), Thank you to WS Spelling Bee Coordinator, Maria Fritz-Rodriguez, and all the students in grades 4-6 who participated. Congratulations to all the spellers on their achievements!
Spring concerts are in the air, and after much preparation and practice the West Side 5th & 6th graders entertained the crowd at the PAC with a fabulous performance by our students! Fun numbers like Ghostbusters and the Mission Impossible Theme drew applause and delight, and the angelic voices of the chorus sang out from the risers. So many of these dedicated students are participants in NYSSMA, LISFA and All County Chorus. Thank you to our West Side Music teachers and Directors; Leah Martin, Heather Daniels-Rosenblatt, and Laurette Roddin for your guidance and leadership to our student musicians. Principal, Dr. Barnes shared his early years of education began as a music teacher, and he stood in awe of the talent and dedication of the West Side music educators along with the talent of these students. Thank you to K-12 Music Chair James Guarini, and all the parents for coming out to support your children!
