At the July 8 Board of Education meeting, the appointments of the new officers were announced. We would like to formally welcome Heather Morante Young as the new board president and Kate DelliCarpini as the new vice president for the 2025-2026 school year.
This appointment represents a meaningful homecoming for Ms. Libertini, who previously served the district as the Director of STEM. During her earlier tenure, she played a vital role in expanding interdisciplinary learning opportunities, developing innovative STEM programming, and helping to align curriculum with 21st-century learning goals.
Dr. Dragone brings more than 50 years of experience in public education, with a strong background in school finance, operations, and administration. He has held leadership roles in several Long Island districts, including Roslyn, Manhasset, Amityville, and Harborfields. He is a longtime member of the New York State Association of School Business Officials and has received multiple awards for service and leadership.
Principal Dr. John Barnes shared his pride for the 51 sixth graders on Moving Up Day recognizing their profound impact and kindness while reiterated his mantra, “We don’t say goodbye, your family just gets bigger!” He also paid tribute to Assistant Superintendent Genevieve LaGattuta as she bids farewell for retirement. “She is the hardest working individual I have had the privilege to work alongside, but her kindness is what sets her apart. She has attended every single West Side event honoring every moment - and for that I thank her from the bottom of my heart.” Dr. Barnes also paid homage to beloved teacher Bill Arloff for his 29 years of service to the students of CSH. He said, “You lead by example, and make every person feel blessed to know you. We are grateful for your wisdom, your heart and the legacy you will leave behind at West Side.” Superintendent Joseph Monastero explained that Moving Up Day is a time to press the reset button, and it is also a reunion with your friends from Lloyd Harbor to all be together again. As per tradition, the student-led reflection ceremony by each sixth grader brought tears, laughter and pride…emphasizing the school's culture of kindness and love for their teachers and traditions. Some expressed that teachers are encyclopedias of knowledge, fairy godmothers and heart of the school, and their impact is immeasurable. And many posed the question, “If I could tell my younger self,” with answers including: be more brave, just go for it, avoid drama, be honest, and listen to your parents, they are always right!
Class of 2025: Seniors visited their elementary schools and "Walked the Hallways" at Goosehill, Lloyd Harbor and West Side School... Our youngest lined the hallways with cheers holding up signs and offering high fives! Graduates loved touring their old cafeteria, gym, and playground - which all brought back so many memories of this very special school district.
For the first time, our UPK (Universal Pre-K) students gathered for their Stepping Up Celebrations to commemorate the program’s inaugural Pre-K classes at Goosehill and West Side School. On June 18, staff and families gathered in partnership with CSHCSD and the Huntington YMCA to mark this momentous collaboration. Thank you to our school principals, Dr. Barnes and Ms. Cosme for playing a key role in integrating UPK students into their school community. The success of this program was also due to the crucial support of the Board of Education, Superintendent Joseph Monastero, Assistant Superintendent Genevieve LaGattuta and YMCA of Long Island Executive Director Shannon Cussen. We can’t wait to see you in the hallways next year for your first year of kindergarten!
Class of 2025: Seniors visited their elementary schools and "Walked the Hallways" at Goosehill, Lloyd Harbor and West Side School... Our youngest lined the hallways with cheers holding up signs and offering high fives! Graduates loved touring their old cafeteria, gym, and playground - which all brought back so many memories of this very special school district.
June is always the time for fun filled field days where students can let go, run around and enjoy their last weeks of school with friends. Along with field day, the students are proud to exhibit their artwork throughout the school year! We thank both our physical education teachers, and our art teachers for all the hard work and careful planning to make these days a success. Please take a look at some of the artwork displayed during Lloyd Harbor and West Side field day celebrations.
