Southold High School. (Credit: Katharine Schroeder, file)

Southold school officials are looking into new security features like scanning visitors’ driver’s licenses and installing exterior cameras in an effort to enhance safety throughout the district.

During the school board’s regular meeting Wednesday night, Superintendent David Gamberg said a committee met for over an hour earlier in the day to discuss improving safety.

The meeting was prompted after a parent asked the school board at the March 26 meeting to look into hiring a security guard.

The committee is compromised of Mr. Gamberg, Southold Town Police Chief Martin Flately, the district’s principals, as well as a few teachers, staff members and Scott Latham, a school board member and town police sergeant. A representative from Eastern Suffolk BOCES was also at the meeting and discussed how other districts throughout the county have improved safety, the superintendent said.

Schools across the country have been upgrading their security systems since 27 people — including 20 children and the gunman — were killed December 14, 2012 at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.

[2013 Suffok Times Special Report: School safety after Sandy Hook]

Plans are already in the works in Southold to relocate the high school principal’s office closer toward the main entrance in an effort to enhance security, Mr. Gamberg said, adding the district is applying for grants to help new technology and equipment purchases.

One option the committee discussed was a new screening process where each visitor would have their driver’s license scanned. The system informs the school if a visitor has a criminal background, Mr. Gamberg said.

“Hopefully nothing comes up, but, once it gets into the system, it’s tracked,” he said. “When they return, they don’t have to go through a long wait to just simply get an ID badge for the day.”

Exterior cameras and an enhanced public address system were also mentioned as safety improvements, Mr. Gamberg said.

Mr. Latham said he believed the committee came up with a lot of good ideas that aren’t too expensive. One suggestion was purchasing eight door alarms for about $2,000, he said.

“This isn’t a response to any threat — it’s just routine to look at what we need to do to make the building more secure,” Mr. Latham said.  ”Through technology we’ll be able to enhance security without making it a prison.”

jennifer@timesreview.com

Cadet Commander Jamie Grigonis receiving a Congressional Nomination to the Merchant Marine Academy from Congressman Tim Bishop. She has also earned a full four-year Army ROTC scholarship to Fordham University. (Credit: Joyce Grigonis, courtesy)

Two students from the Southold-Mattituck-Greenport Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps, known as NJROTC, have been selected as this year’s top cadets by the New York State Department of the American Legion. 

Major William Grigonis, who heads the three-school unit, said 2014 marks the sixth time out of the past nine years that his students have earned the state award.

His daughter, Cadet Commander Jamie Grigonis from Southold High School, finished first place overall and will be invited to the Legion’s annual parade and dinner event in Albany this July to receive a certificate and a $1,000 scholarship. Cadet Lieutenant Commander Dory Lieblein from Greenport High School earned second place overall, he said.

jennifer@timesreview.com

A calendar of events for this week at each of the local schools, as listed on school calendars.

MATTITUCK-CUTCHOGUE SCHOOL DISTRICT

April 30-May 2

• State math assessments

SOUTHOLD SCHOOL DISTRICT

April 30-May 2

• State math assessments

April 28 and May 1

• 3 p.m. — Elementary Talent Show practice, auditorium

Friday, May 2

6 p.m. — Elementary Talent Show practice, auditorium

Saturday, May 3

• NJROTC Southold Town Beach clean up, Route 48

• SAT subject tests

• 7 p.m. — The Elementary Talent Show

GREENPORT SCHOOL DISTRICT

Tuesday, April 29

• 7 p.m. SAT math review, room 209

April 30-May 2

• State math assessments

Wednesday, April 30

• NYSSMA Mattituck

• 7 p.m. — SAT English review, room 213

Saturday, May 3

• NJROTC Southold Town Beach clean up, Route 48

• SAT I and II review

OYSTERPONDS SCHOOL DISTRICT

April 30-May 2

• State math assessments

Wednesday, April 30

• NYSSMA Mattituck

NEW SUFFOLK SCHOOL DISTRICT

April 30-May 2

• State math assessments

BISHOP MCGANN-MERCY HIGH SCHOOL

Wednesday, April 30

• Junior Commitment Night

May 1-2

• State math assessments

Thursday, May 1

• 11th grade retreat

• College Decision Day

• 7:30 p.m. — Spring musical

Friday, May 2

• Mass

• 1 p.m. — early dismissal

• Spring musical

Saturday, May 3

• Spring musical

PECONIC COMMUNITY SCHOOL

Saturday, May 3

• 10 a.m. — Long-range planning retreat

OUR LADY OF MERCY REGIONAL SCHOOL

Tuesday, April 29

• 4 p.m. — Grades 3-6: Spring equestrian club meeting, Little Red Barn

April 30-May 2

• State math assessments

• Grades pre-k, 3-4: Spring equestrian club meeting, Little Red Barn

Thursday, May 1

• Pizza lunch

Friday, May 3

• 11:15 a.m. — Mass (Grade 5) at Our Lady of Ostrabrama Nationa Junior Honor Society Induction

• 12:15 p.m. — Dismissal from Our Lady of Ostrabrama

Our Lady of Mercy Regional School in Cutchogue. (Credit: Courtesy, file)

Southold Elementary School fifth graders Ronald Gonzalez and Danielle Henry make the obstacle course look easy. (Credit: Carrie Miller)

Southold Elementary School students celebrated as they made their way across the finish line of a more than quarter-mile long obstacle course Monday during the school’s pilot run of the Just Finish Kids program.

The program, developed to promote physical activity and nutrition, was funded through the school’s Arts in Education Enrichment Program, challenging their endurance, balance and coordination.

It was created by Nikita Dorcinvil, owner of a race timing and scoring company Just Finish.

“I noticed that while the bulk of the crowd sticks around to see the the winners of a race — the people that are finishing last in a race, those are the real heroes,” said Mr. Dorcinvil, adding that those coming in last have often conquered more than just a race.

“Many have just completed chemo or some other types of medical treatment,” he said. “Their goal was to just finish.”

Gym teacher Pete Salerno helped Mr. Dorcinvil with the educational aspects of the program, which has now been backed by Nassau Suffolk BOCES, he said.

See more photos below:

Danielle Allen of Riverhead (center) as Aida in the “Dance of the Robe” as her people convince them to lead them. (Credit: Barbaraellen Koch)

Danielle Allen of Riverhead plays Aida in McGann-Mercy Theatre Company’s presentation of the Broadway show “Aida.”

Based on Verdi’s opera of the same name, the musical opens in the Eygptian wing of a modern day museum, where two strangers meet and a “transported” back to ancient Egypt. A love story between Aida of Nubia and Radames of Egypt, both of warring nations, evolves with a tragic ending.

More than 50 students are producing the show, directed by Bob Kelly. The show starts May 1 and runs through May 3 in the school auditorium at 7:30 p.m. A spaghetti dinner Friday will take place from 5 to 7 p.m.

Tickets are $10 per person and $15 for dinner and show.

Scroll below for more photos:

Laura Field of East Hampton as Amneris (center left) and Patrick O’Brien of Riverhead (center right) as Radames in their wedding scene. (Credit: Barbaraellen Koch)

Patrick O’Brien of Riverhead as Radames (in red standing), general of the Egyptian army, during the scene “Arrival of the Slaves”, including Danielle Allen of Riverhead as Aida (front row far right) after she was captured. (Credit: Barbaraellen Koch)

Patrick O’Brien of Riverhead as Radames (in red standing), general of the Egyptian army, during the scene ‘Arrival of the Slaves.’ (Credit: Barbaraellen Koch)

-Patrick O’Brien of Riverhead as Radames (left)), general of the Egyptian army, and Ian Byrne of Baiting Hollow as Zoser, his father King of Egypt, in a scene called ‘Like Father like Son.’ (Credit: Barbaraellen Koch)

Danielle Allen of Riverhead as Aida, the Nubian King’s daughter and Patrick O’Brien of Riverhead as Radames son of the King of Egypt and general of the Egyptian army singing ‘Enchantment Passing Through.’ (Credit: Barbaraellen Koch)

Emily Auciello of Mastic as Mereb in a swordfight called “The Escape” with Zoser the King of Egypt played by Ian Byrne of Baiting Hollow. (Credit: Barbaraellen Koch)

In the scene that takes place in a museum, Laura Field of East Hampton as Amneris, the Pharoah’s daughter, in love with Radames, captain of the Egyptian guard. (Credit: Barbaraellen Koch)

Rosalie Rung has launched a write-in campaign to serve on the Greenport school board.  (Credit: Courtesy)

A Greenport parent who had been on the fence about running for the school board has launched a write-in campaign after no one petitioned for the open seat.

Rosalie Rung, 41, is the mother of a sixth-grade student and a vice president at Healthguru.com, a website that features an online health video library.  She believes her digital media background can be an asset to the district as it continues to develop and enhance its technology programs.

Ms. Rung decided to run last week after reading an article in The Suffolk Times about the seat being left vacant by former board member Lisa Murray. She has since created a website to promote her write-in campaign, rosalierung.com.

“I’ve been looking for different ways to get involved with the school,” Ms. Rung said in an interview Monday. “I figured someone with past school board experience would file petitions. I was surprised that no one did, and decided that maybe this is a sign.”

Ms. Rung said she likes the school board’s current direction with education, especially in how it has committed to providing Chromebooks, iPads and laptops to students. To continue that momentum, she’d like to help the district secure programing available to schools, like free resources through Khan Academy, which provides students with academic help online.

Ms. Rung said her family has owned a home in Greenport for 12 years. The Rung’s summer home became their permanent residence more than a year ago after they moved from New York City, she said.

“The school was a big motivator for us to move,” Ms. Rung said. “I’m encouraged to be a part of the educational decision-making team.”

Ms. Murray, Greenport’s lone incumbent up for re-election, has cited personal reasons in her decision not to seek another term.

She was appointed to the board last summer to serve out the remaining year of Michael Mazzaferro’s term after he also resigned for personal reasons.

Prior to her appointment Ms. Murray, a mother of two school-aged children, was first elected to the board in 2009 and served until 2012. After she decided not to seek re-election in 2012, no one petitioned to run for the seat. Babette Cornine then won with 50 write-in votes.

As for this year’s election, school business administrator Diana Duell said if a qualified write-in candidate isn’t elected May 20 — or if there are no write-ins — then the seat will be deemed vacant and could either be filled by a special election or by board appointment. The seat could also be left vacant, she said.

jennifer@timesreview.com 

A calendar of events for this week at each of the local schools, as listed on school calendars.

MATTITUCK-CUTCHOGUE SCHOOL DISTRICT

Monday, May 5

• 7 p.m. — Cutchogue East PTA meeting, elementary school library

Wednesday, May 7

• 7 p.m. — SEPTA meeting, elementary school library

Friday, May 9

• 7 p.m. — Mattituck Idol, high school auditorium

SOUTHOLD SCHOOL DISTRICT

May 5-10

• Summer drivers education registration

May 5-7

• State math assessment make-up exams

May 7

• 7:30 p.m. — School board budget meeting, high school auditorium

Friday, May 9

• Registration deadline for June ACT

• Middle School Dance

GREENPORT SCHOOL DISTRICT

Monday, May 5

• 8 a.m. — AP Environmental Science exam

Tuesday, May 6

• Teacher Appreciation Day

May 7-10

• PTA plant sale

Wednesday, May 7

• 6 p.m. — PTA meeting

Thursday, May 8

• 8th Grade Class Trip

Friday, May 9

• 8 a.m. — AP Language exams

• Registration deadline for June SAT and ACT tests

OYSTERPONDS SCHOOL DISTRICT

Tuesday, May 6

• Nurse’s Day

• 7:30 p.m. — School board budget hearing and regular meeting

NEW SUFFOLK SCHOOL DISTRICT

No events listed online.

BISHOP MCGANN-MERCY HIGH SCHOOL

Monday, May 5

• 8 a.m. — AP Chemistry exam

Tuesday, May 6

• Ride for Life

Wednesday, May 7

• 8 a.m. — AP Calculus AB exam

Thursday, May 8

• 8 a.m. — AP English Literature and Composition

Friday, May 9

• 7th grade exploration French/Spanish field trip

• Latin Enrichment Day

PECONIC COMMUNITY SCHOOL

Monday, May 5

• 9:30 a.m. — Spanish

Thursday, May 8

• 1:30 p.m. — Music

Friday, May 9

• 9 a.m. — Community Coffee

OUR LADY OF MERCY REGIONAL SCHOOL

Friday, May 9

• Pick-up day for plant sale

• Pizza lunch

Our Lady of Mercy Regional School in Cutchogue. (Credit: Courtesy, file)

Our Lady of Mercy Regional School in Cutchogue. (Credit: Courtesy, file)

Our Lady of Mercy Regional School in Cutchogue is hosting its 19th annual golf outing June 3 at Cherry Creek Golf Course in Riverhead.

Veteran teacher Ann Marie Spina and the school’s longtime supporters Charlotte and Allan Dickerson will be honored at the benefit. 

The fundraising event at the golf course starts at 11 a.m. The cocktail hour and awards ceremony is set for 5 p.m. at Stonewalls Restaurant in Riverhead.

For more information about sponsoring the event or ordering tickets, contact Eileen Powers Tuthill at eapowers@optonline.net or call 631-734-5166.

The video posted online starts simply, with Oysterponds students standing in front of large containers while the disembodied voice of a teacher explains the instructions, or lack thereof.

“Each group is going to get one tub, and … well … all I’m going to say is that hose is gonna supply water when I turn it on,” the voice says. A hand points to dishwashing liquid and straws. The goal is simple: make the biggest bubble.

The students can use the twine and scissors, or not. They can use the containers, or not. It doesn’t matter how, they just need to make bubbles. So the students get to work, giggling and shouting “Oh my God!” as the bubbles grow in the wind.

When technology teacher Brittany Knote submitted the video into the “Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics FUSE” competition, she didn’t expect the school would make it far.

“There were high schools out there with 1,000 kids in the school,” she said. “And then we have 70.”

But that didn’t matter. On Monday, the contest organizers announced that Oysterponds Elementary School placed third in the competition to get the most views, winning a $1,000 prize. Immediately, the school had an idea: let the kids decide how to spend it.

The students, Ms. Knote said, will get to choose which equipment the school will buy to upgrade the STEM classroom, which already features iPads and a green screen. Ms. Knote said buying a tripod for the iPads and external microphones seems to be the popular choice.

“We budgeted money to embed technology into our programs,” said school Superintendent Richard Malone. “I think you see the evidence that we’re using technology to its fullest as a tool of learning for children.”

***

The Oysterponds school board held a public hearing on the 2014-15 budget before their meeting Tuesday night, emphasizing the need for a capital fund line.

The proposed budget line would allow the district to set aside money to spend on upgrades or repairs to district buildings. Those funds would be kept separate from the general monies of the district, and could only be spent with taxpayer approval.

Mr. Malone said the proposition to set up the budget line, which was barely voted down on last year’s budget, needed to pass this year.

“I think we’re in a good spot if we make this move this year,” he told the board.

Neither of the two people in the audience — one a school teacher — asked questions about the budget during the state-required public hearing.

The board had already voted to adopt the budget last month.

psquire@timesreview.com

Southold Drama Club is up for Best Student Choreography for their rendition of ‘Rent.’ (Credit: Katharine Schroeder)

Nominees for the 12th Annual Teeny Awards, which showcase the best in local high school theater, were announced Wednesday. Winners will be announced at a formal awards ceremony June 8 at Longwood High School where award-winning broadcaster and producer Bonnie Grice will serve as host.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Student tickets are $10 in advance and $20 at the door.

The nominees for all the North Fork high schools are listed alphabetically by school below:

DRAMA

Best Lead Actress in a Drama

Danielle Allan, McGann-Mercy, “Death of a Salesman”

Best Lead Actor in a Drama

Ian Byrne, McGann-Mercy, “Death of a Salesman”

Patrick O’Brien, McGann-Mercy, “Death of a Salesman”

COMEDY

Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy

Taylor Burgess, Riverhead, “It’s a Wonderful Life”

Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy

Connor Vaccariello, Greenport/Southold Drama, “The 39 Steps”

Best Actress in a Comedy

Maggie Daly, Shoreham Wading River, “You Can’t Take It With You”

Kaitlyn Jehele, Riverhead, “It’s a Wonderful Life”

Colleen Kelly, Mattituck, “13 Ways to Screw Up Your College Interview”

Best Actor in a Comedy

Eric Hughes, Mattituck, “13 Ways to Screw Up Your College Interview”

Patrick O’Brien, McGann-Mercy, “Laughter on the 23rd Floor”

Jonathan Trioano, Riverhead, “It’s a Wonderful Life”

Eddie Ward, Greenport/Southold Drama, “The 39 Steps”

MUSICAL

Best Supporting Actress in a Musical

Michaella Allperti, Shoreham Wading River, “Carousel”

Best Supporting Actor in a Musical

Matthew Dunning, Shelter Island, “Young Frankenstein”

Sean Mannix, Shoreham Wading River, “Carousel”

Best Actress in a Musical

Allie Lascot, Southold, “Rent”

Best Actor in a Musical

Drew Garrison, Shelter Island, “Young Frankenstein”

Patrick O’Brien, McGann-Mercy, “Aida”

Jon Troiano, Riverhead, “The Wiz”

Outstanding Performer in a Play

Katie Krukowski, Greenport/Southold Drama, “The 39 Steps”

Kimmie Connolly Greenport/Southold Drama, “The 39 Steps”

Erin Plitt, Riverhead, “It’s a Wonderful Life”

Rachel Lohrius, Shoreham Wading River, “You Can’t take It With You”

Outstanding Performer in a Musical 

Kiera Moore, Shoreham Wading River, “Carousel”

Meg Pickerell, Southold, “Rent”

Best Student Choreography 

Southold’s production of Rent: Meg Pickerell for “Out Tonight,” Kimmie Connolly for “Over The Moon,” Morgan Walter for “Cover You” and “Euerusalem Orlandini for “Take Me or Leave Me”

Outstanding ensemble  

1 Acts, Mattituck

Playbill Design

Lily Saeli, Southold, “Rent” and “The 39 Steps”

Hannah Kulp, Rivherhead, “It’s A Wonderful Life”

Southold school board member Scott DeSimone, left, with board vice president Judi Fouchet.

And then there were none.

No incumbent school board members are facing a challenge in the five Southold Town school districts this year after Southold Board of Education trustee Scott DeSimone withdrew his petition for candidacy this week. 

When asked by The Suffolk Times to fill out a school board candidate questionnaire, Mr. DeSimone said in an email late Wednesday night that his name will not appear on the ballot when district taxpayers head to the polls May 20.

“Please be advised that I withdrew my candidacy for re-election on May 4, 2014,” Mr. DeSimone’s statement read.

Mr. DeSimone and fellow board member Scott Latham were to be the only local incumbents facing a challenge from a newcomer this year, after district resident Brian Tobin submitted a petition to run in the two-seat election.

On Thirsday, Mr. DeSimone said he’s a believer in term limits and felt it was time to move on knowing someone else had petitioned for the post.

“I only discovered when I submitted my petition on the last day for filing that Brian Tobin had submitted a petition,” he said in an email Thursday. “I know Brian well, having served with him on the Board of Directors of the North Fork Lacrosse Club.

“Brian and I met and spoke for two hours on many issues and I am quite comfortable that we share many similar viewpoints. I shared with Brian my strong belief in term limits, was comfortable with his candidacy, and advised him that I would withdraw. It is time for new perspective and energy.”

Currently, this is the first time since 1990 that there are no contested races on any district ballot in Southold Town, and it’s the first time in at least 45 years that just one newcomer’s name will appear on all local ballots.

But that could all change.

State law mandates that if any candidate withdraws his name at any period later than 15 days before the election, the time for filing nominating petitions for such office shall be extended to within seven days of the election.

In a notice published Tuesday on the Board of Education page of Southold’s website, the district set 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 13 as the new deadline for potential candidates to submit a petition.

District administrators could not be reached for comment late Wednesday night.

(Credit: freeimages.com)

Twenty-seven elected school board members represent residents of the five local districts.

They are charged with setting student performance standards, ratifying costly collective bargaining agreements and hiring well-paid superintendents.

The budgets they adopt make up about two-thirds of your overall tax bill.

Even though school board members are unpaid, they hold prestigious positions within their communities. Yet it appears few residents want that responsibility anymore.

Among school board members currently in office townwide, only seven were elected in contested races. Four times in the past three years, local school boards had more open seats than candidates on the ballot. This year, there are no races.

Why is this happening?

Editor’s Note: A version of this story published in Thursday’s issue of The Suffolk Times stated that three candidates were vying for two open seats in Southold. We have since learned incumbent Scott DeSimone withdrew his name from the race this week.

In 2005, Mattituck-Cutchogue School District voters had more school board candidates to choose from than at any other point in the past three decades.

One resident who submitted a petition to run for the Board of Education that year called the district clerk soon after all petitions were due and asked to have his name removed from the ballot. By state law, any withdrawal automatically triggers a 15-day extension during which more residents can throw their hats into the ring.

When voters headed to the polls that year they had a choice of seven candidates for two open seats.

Five of those candidates were challengers, one of whom was elected that night.

But when those same two seats are filled again this year, voters will have no choice.

No district resident is challenging those incumbents this year — and it’s unlikely anyone will wage a successful write-in campaign.

A dearth of candidates to choose from is a theme across school districts within Southold Town this year, as it has been since 2010, the last year there was a contested school board race in more than one local district.

An analysis of Suffolk Times coverage of the past 45 school district elections shows that the decrease in candidates in recent years is virtually unprecedented.

Since the Mattituck-Laurel merger in 1997, there has been only one other time when school board elections across all five local districts featured just one or fewer contested races. It has now happened four years in a row.

“People are living very busy lives,” said Southold Superintendent David Gamberg, whose district features the only newcomer on the ballot, but only two candidates are vying for the two open seats. “The pressures people are under to manage time and the commitments they have to make for family and work … It’s a tough assignment to take on voluntarily.”

Mr. Gamberg, who’s been Southold superintendent for six years and was an assistant superintendent in the Patchogue-Medford district the previous four years, said he couldn’t pinpoint the direct cause of the current trend, but believes the 2 percent property tax levy cap, enacted in 2011, may be playing a role. He said some residents might wonder whether they’re capable of meeting the needs of all stakeholders — including taxpayers, students and families — under the pressure of preparing budgets that comply with the cap.

“I think school boards are trying to manage budgets in tight times and develop the kind of robust educational programs they want to see for children,” he said. “That’s hard today when you’re put into a position where you have to make tough decisions.”

Some current school board members agree with Mr. Gamberg that residents not wanting to be in the hotseat during budget time could be behind the disinterest. Others believe residents are happy with their districts’ general direction and don’t feel a need for change.

THIRD-QUARTER HONOR ROLL

Mattituck Junior-Senior High

HIGH HONOR ROLL 

Grade 12: Pamela Batist, Christine Bieber, Shailla Candelario, Helen Chen, Autumn Harris, Melissa Hickox, Desirae Hubbard, Ian Husak, Jaclyn Imbriano, Molly Kowalski, Nicole L’Hommedieu, Joseph Macaluso, Kyra Martin, Douglas Massey, Christian Montgomery, Erik Olsen, Jennifer Pautke, Mirsa Perez, Tyler Rochon, Michael Serrano, Lauren Waters, Rachel Winkler, Qiong You.

Grade 11: Lisa Angell, Nicole Considine, Harrison Forte, Robin Gromadzki, Walter Jacob, Madison Kent, Constantina Leodis, Greg Messinger, Courtney Murphy, Ian Nish, Nicholas Noormae, Oliver Orr, Daniel Parks, Pulith Peiris, Marcos Perivolaris, Sarah Pfennig, Colby Prokop, Heidy Quizhpi, Leah Santacroce, Alyssa Scartozzi, Gebriell Sierra, Christopher Sledjeski, Haley Unger.

Grade 10: John Batuello, Thomas Behr, Hayley Berry, Carly Doorhy, Jack Dufton, Emma Fasolino, Erin Feeney, Liam Finnegan, Hannah Fitzgerald, Gwyneth Foley, Yianni Giannaris, Jacquelin Gonzalez, Audrey Hoeg, Katherine Hoeg, Caroline Keil, Anna Kowalski, Julie Krudop, Trevor Larsen, Antonina Lentini, Dylan Marlborough, Meghan McKillop, Lika Osepashvili, Meghan Pawlik, Courtney Penny, Dawn Rochon, Miranda Sannino, Kimberly Scheer, Sophia Sluyters, William Stuckart, Joseph Tardif, Lucas Webb, Charles Zaloom.

Grade 9: Chance Anderson, Eshi Baldano, Joseph Bartolotto, Amy Berninger, Alex Bradley, Ty Bugdin, Alexander Burns, Charley Claudio, Sean Gambaiani, Demitria Genovese, Cheyenne Harris, Thomas Hoeg, Tina Imbriano, Luke Karlin, Miles Kelly, Joseph Kelly, Colleen Kelly, Brendan Kent, Colette Kodym, Amy Macaluso, Hayley Martin, Christopher Massey, Matthew Mauceri, Ryan McCaffery, James McDonald, Joseph Mele, Carter Montgomery, Karolina Morawski, McKenzi Murphy, Cassandra Nine, Nicholas Parks, Joshua Prager, Corinne Reda, Autumn Reichardt, Sascha Rosin, Tyler Seifert, Sarah Shannon, Ryan Shuford, Dale Stonemetz, Gage Suglia, Christopher Waggoner, Dylan Wilsberg, Mary Wilton, Amanda Young.

Grade 8: Talia Aiello, Alexandra Beebe, Alexander Bellavia, Brittany Benediktsson, Jack Bokina, Ashley Burns, Ashley Chew, James Clementi, David Conroy, Mackenzie Daly, Joy Davis, Jane DiGregorio, Elizabeth Dwyer, Kaitlyn Ficarra, Samantha Fine, Wade Foster, Rebecca Foster, Brianna Fox, Jaime Gaffga, Jacqueline Galdamez SantaMaria, Macie Grathwohl, Drew Hahn, Rebecca Hammerle, Sophie Jacobs, Leah Kerensky, Jack Kitz, Jacob Kupecki, Justin Lake, Taylor Larsen, Anthony Lopez, Chelsea Marlborough, Ethan Martin, Grace McKeon, Lucas Micheels, Mauricio Moran, Emily Mowdy, Jakob Olsen, Madison Osler, Sarah Park, Jillian Pedone, Alexandria Peters, Jennifer Rutkoski, Connor Smith, Paige Starzee, Joseph Stuckart, Alexandra Talbot, Martha Terry, Carly Unger, Julia Vasile-Cozzo, Carly Woods, Kathryn Zaloom.

Grade 7: Sarah Bihm, Charles Bordsen, Sophia Borzilleri, William Burns, Max Cantelmo, Tyler Cirincione, Dorothy Condon, Christian Demchak, Gabrielle Dwyer, Michelle Escalante, David Fasolino, Caleb Foley, Jillian Gaffga, Savvas Giannaris, Bryce Grathwohl, Gabriella Hassildine, Claudia Hoeg, Christopher Imbriano, Rachel Janis, Mason Kelly, Jonathan Lisowy, Kristen Lisowy, Antonio Marine, Sean McDonald, Catherine McGrath, Emily McKillop, Kacper Michalak, Cassidy Mullin, Alexander Nadel, Teagan Nine, Tyler Olsen, Tyler F. Olsen, Mikayla Osmer, Katherine Parks, Stephanie Perez, Ashley Perkins, Trevor Poole, Ethan Prager, Meghan Riley, Amber Rochon, Wylee Sanders, Francesco Sannino, Madison Schmidt, Ryan Seifert, Julie Seifert, Madelyn Shannon, Matthew Sledjeski, Mia Slovak, Madison Storm, Courtney Trzcinski, Lucas Tskhvediani, Gabrielle Wahlers.

HONOR ROLL

Grade 12: Matthew Berezny, Elly Bergen, Laurel Bertolas, Rodrigo Calderon, Zev Carter, Nicholas Chylinski, Emily Ciamaricone, Kimberly Clanton, Meghan Daly, Clay Davis, Jed Donikyan, Tricia Dorfmeister, Michael Dufton, Shannon Dwyer, Kyle Freudenberg, Patrick Gillan, Mayra Gonzalez, Sydney Goy, Taylor Hart, Kayla Healy, Charles Hickox, Christopher Hicks, Adam Hicks, Eric Hughes, Robert Krudop, Hallie Kujawski, Roy Lebkuecher, Andrea Loper, Jessica Makucewicz, Mark McCaskie, Christopher Mehalakes, Robert Molchan, Nina Nickerson, John Nolan, Austin Pase, Geoffroy Penny, Daniel Peters, Ralph Pugliese, Nicholas Rabkevich, Tyler Reeve, Alaina Robins, Casey Rugnetta, Joseph Salice, Riley Savercool, Nicole Scartozzi, Kevin Schwartz, Dana Sciacchitano, Isabel Torgove, Olivia Vayer.

Grade 11: Oswaldo Aldaz, Courtney Benediktsson, Brianne Briggmann, Patricia Brisotti, Steven Brisotti, Matthew Carter, Andrew Cushman, Jacqueline Diaz, Christopher Dwyer, Olivia Finn, William Gildersleeve, Jennifer Gonzalez-Euceda, Abigail Graeb, Joshua Hassildine, Hunter Hedges, Kevin Hudson, Rony Javier, Lillianna Kiel, Benjaman Knowles, Emma Leaden, Christopher Mauceri, Christopher McGowan, Terrence McKinney, Georgia Neighley, James Nish, Michael O’Rourke, Alyssa Parks, Rebecca Piraino, Marisa Sannino, Cal Seifert, Caralee Stevens, Jamie Stonemetz, Cady Vitale, Matthew Wilton, Andrew Young, Andrew Yurchison, Nicole Zurawski.

Grade 10: Taylor Berkoski, Tyler Corrigan, Julie Dickerson, Alec Durkin, Jonathan Dwyer, Daniel Fedun, Sarah Fogarty, David Folk, Austin Gao, Emily Gatz, Sarah Goerler, Skyler Grathwohl, Christina Hatzinikolaou, Jeffrey Hauser, Zachary Holmes, Frank Imbriano, Tristin Ireland, Chloe Janis, Raven Janoski, John Makucewicz, Garrett Malave, Raymond Malo, Ryan Mowdy, Daniel Nugent, Kristina Olsen, Michael Onufrak, Artemis Pando, Randy Salvitti, Benjamin Savercool, Samuel Shaffery, Greg Sheryll, Brett Slack, Andrew Stakey, Cecilia Stevens.

Grade 9: Tiana Baker, Hawkins Barratt Heitmann, Thomas Beebe, Emily Berezny, Ryan Buchholz, Aidan Carter, Katherine Celic, Joseph Considine, Kimberly Corso, Caitlyn Deerkoski, Michael Goodale, Daniel Harkin, Angel Hernandez, James Hoeg, Samantha Husak, Grace Izzo, Sara Kaypak, Jenna Kujawski, Bianca LaColla, Kyle Makely, Liam McShane, Johanna Pedone, Grace Pellegrino, Lilian Perez, Melanie Pfennig, Hannah Prokop, Christopher Schwamborn, Emily Sidor, Julianna Sluyters, Julia Stapon, Katherine Stumpf.

Grade 8: Larysa Andreadis, Cassidy Bertolas, Luke Bokina, Liam Corbley, Alissa Dabrowski, Autumn DeRidder, Megan Dinizio, Sean Feeney, Brian Feeney, Daniel Folk, Ghana Haase, Shawn Howell, Stephen Masotti, Stephen Nyilas, Thomas Olsen, Dennis O’Rourke, Riley Peterson, Tucker Phillippe-Johansson, Peter Pugliese, Jason Scalia, Dominick Skrezec, Thomas Sullivan.

Grade 7: Liam Ackermann, Miranda Annunziata, Lauren Bihm, Kaitlyn Brisotti, Trinity Butler Kelly, Ryleigh Canberg, Heather Carita, Jake Catalano, Cassidy Deerkoski, Joseph DePinto, Annabel Donovan, Kaitlyn Driscoll, Anne Finnegan, Benjamin Golanec, Melina Harris, Charlie Hasel, Gregory Hauser, Riley Hoeg, James Jacobs, Malayna Kaminsky, Lucas Kosmynka, Kyle McFadden, Sierra McShane, Brian Molchan, Matteo Pellegrini, Mariano Perez, Aidan Reilly, Bayleigh Rienecker, Lily Russell, Matthew Schroeck, Kyle Schwartz, Thomas Silleck, Nikita Siracusano, Scarlet Soto, Jaden Thompson, Francesca Vasile-Cozzo, Adam Webb, Benjamin Webb, Caitlin Westermann, Lauren Zuhoski.

COMMENDED STUDENTS

Grade 12: Brad Tyler.

Grade 11: Joseph Cavanagh.

Grade 8: Nicolas Alfano, Jennifer Avila, Marilyn Ramirez.

Grade 7: Joseph DePinto, Chloe Babajanians, Bernard Hamilton, Brian Nicholson.

Taylor Larsen sings “I Have Nothing” at Friday’s Mattituck’s Got Talent show. (Credit: Katharine Schroeder)

The Mattituck Distributive Education Club of America (DECA) held its 7th annual “Mattituck’s Got Talent” show at the school auditorium Friday evening.

Sponsored by local businesses, the show will benefit the DECA Club, a national organization that promotes business and marketing skills among high school students.

A calendar of events for this week at each of the local schools, as listed on school calendars.

MATTITUCK-CUTCHOGUE SCHOOL DISTRICT

Wednesday, May 14

• 7 p.m. — PTSA meeting, high school library

Thursday, May 15

• 7:30 p.m. — Board of Education meeting, high school auditorium

SOUTHOLD SCHOOL DISTRICT

May 13-14

• 9:15 a.m. — 2014-15 kindergarten orientation

Thursday, May 15

• 2 p.m. — Principal Coffee Hour, elementary conference room

Friday, May 16

• Junior Prom

GREENPORT SCHOOL DISTRICT

Tuesday, May 13

• 7 p.m. — Board of Education meeting and budget public hearing

Wednesday, May 14

• 1:15 p.m. — National Junior Honor Society Induction

Thursday, May 15

• 8 a.m. — AP Macroeconomics Exam

• 8 a.m. — AP World History Exam

Saturday, May 17

• NJROTC Area 4 Final Drill Competition

OYSTERPONDS SCHOOL DISTRICT

Wednesday, May 14

• 7 p.m. — Music concert and art show

NEW SUFFOLK SCHOOL DISTRICT

Monday, May 12

• 9 a.m. — Pre-k and kindergarten registration

• 7 p.m. — Board of Education meeting

BISHOP MCGANN-MERCY HIGH SCHOOL

Monday, May 12

• AP biology

• AP music theory

Tuesday, May 13

• AP United States government and politics

Wednesday, May 14

• AP United States history

Thursday, May 15

• 7 p.m. — Academic awards night

PECONIC COMMUNITY SCHOOL

Wednesday, May 14

• Long House field trip

OUR LADY OF MERCY REGIONAL SCHOOL

Tuesday, May 13

• 6:30 p.m. — Spring concert

Our Lady of Mercy Regional School in Cutchogue. (Credit: Courtesy, file)

This will be Holly Plymale’s final year as New Suffolk’s head teacher. (Credit: newsuffolkschool.com)

New Suffolk Elementary School District head teacher Holly Plymale is resigning from the post she’s held for nearly nine years.

Ms. Plymale, who’s a former New Suffolk student, said she has decided to step down at the end of this school year due to “health issues,” according to her resignation letter read by Superintendent Michael Comanda during the school board’s meeting Tuesday.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your support and guidance you’ve given to me over the years that I’ve been teaching at this school,” Ms. Plymale wrote. “Teaching at New Suffolk has provided me with the wealth of knowledge and experience that I will take with me in my future pursuits.”

After the school board unanimously approved Ms. Plymale’s resignation, school board president Tony Dill said he did so “very regrettably.”

He also listed how the district improved during her tenure. Mr. Dill said Ms. Plymale’s accomplishments include: restoring the community’s support for the school after a referendum to close a portion of the school failed by a small margin, increasing student enrollment, expanding the pre-k program to five-days a week, creating a new instruction model for grades 3-6, and developing next year’s foreign language program, among other things.

“All of these items have transformed the school and provided a sound foundation for its future growth and development,” he said. “The community has also thought of the school as a special place and, as a result of her work over nine years, it truly is.

“She’s going to be awfully hard to replace, but she left us in a very, very good position here.”

Mr. Comanda said he and the school board are in the process of preparing a search to find a new head teacher. Ms. Plymale has agreed to assist the district in selecting her replacement, he added.

jennifer@timesreview.com

HIGH HONOR ROLL

Grade 12: Robert Anderson, Justina Babcock, Brittney Bellomo, Giuliana Buono, Kelsea Cassone, Kimberly Connolly, Markis Croteau, Shannon Guyer, Amy Kandora, Justine Kundmueller, Anna Mahaffy, Robert Mahony, Cassidy Mignone, Laura Rempel, Abigail Scharadin, Daniel Stahl, Timothy Stankewicz.

Grade 11: Leah Baxendale, Rachel Burns, Jack Dunne, Rebecca Guarriello, Natalie Hocker, Jessica Jerome, Shayne Johnson, Kaitlyn Kettenbeil, Alexandra Lasot, Ajsia Martocchia, Matthew McCarthy, Jennifer Membreno Umana, Thomas Messana, Sean Moran, Sarah Perry, Alexander Poliwoda, Emily Pressler, Julia Saccamano, Megan VanBourgondien, Kitty Zheng.

Grade 10: Samuel Basel, Raeann Berry, Theresa Connolly, Jacqueline Davey, Peter Fouchet, Katherine Hunstein, Noah Mina, Bryan Patchell, Lily Saeli, Julia Schade, Ethan Sisson, Walker Sutton, Albert “Aidan” Vandenburgh, Aidan Walker.

Grade 9: Emma Alvarez, Jessie Bakanic, Garrison Bennett, Abagail Cacovic, Michael Christman, Nicole Christman, Evelyn Cummings, Miguel Gomez, Stephen Hocker, Owen Klipstein, Robert Kruszeski, Jake McCarthy, Patrick McFarland, Jamie Molnar, Sean Okula, Emily Perry, Meg Pickerell, Charles Poliwoda, Alessandra Ramirez, Kyle Skrezec, Jheimy Uguna, Edwin Ward IV.

Grade 8: Brooke Averette, Katie Baumann, Hayley Brigham, William Burns, Alexandra Cardi, Mario Contreras, Andrew Crean, Rebecca Dickerson, Jacob Dominy, Breana Gibbs, Katherine Jarvis, Kathryn Jernick, Michael Krause, Ann Lincoln, Kai Obinata.

Grade 7: Sabrina Basel, Jonathan Baumann, Maxwell Cichanowicz, Eric Connolly, Patrick Connolly, Tyler DeFrese, Samantha Dunne, Robert Elliston, Jaedon Glasstein, Van Karsten, Max Kruszeski, Marie Mullen, Jake Okula, Emiliann Palermo, Emily Russell, Olivia Saccamano, Margaret Scott, Dante Tramontana, Michael Wineberger.

HONOR ROLL

Grade 12: Dean Albergo, Ria Anasagasti, Hayley Bolettieri, Christopher Bucci, Savannah Calderale, Timothy Chilton, Katie Connolly, Anthony Esposito, Anthony Fedele, Kenji Fujita, Jamie Grigonis, Brian Hallock, Michelle Innamorato, Daniel Insogna, Kathryn Krukowski, James MacArthur, Kesley Mehrman, Jose Membreno, Jamie O’Sullivan, Danielle Pagano, James Penney, Erwin Perez, Gary Prieto, Shannon Quinn, Christopher Reilly, William Richter, Jessica Rizzo, Michael Schade, Shannon Smith, Dylan Strom-ski, Robert Toman, Ian Toy, Cynthia VanBourgondien.

Grade 11: Mary Bertschi, Christopher Buono, Timothy Busso, Abigail Conway, Michael Cosmadelis, Ryan DiGregorio, Zachary Ellis, Jonna Franke, Jennifer Jaklevic, Heather Koscinch, Katherine Mejia-Hernandez, Patryk Mejsak, Sophie Pickerell, Gregory Quist, Jonathan Rempe, Jessica Saporita, Anthony Siracusano, Kirk Smith, Claudia Steinmuller, Willow Sutton, Juliane VanGorden, Nicholas VanMater, Liam Walker.

Grade 10: Gina Anasagasti, Angela Bucci, William Bucci, Michael Dolan, Kimiko Fujita, Julia Girzadas, Carson Hughes, Juliette Liegey, Margaret Naleski, Leah Passanant, Andrew Seifert, Gabrielle Showalter, Liam Simmons, Aidan Toy.

Grade 9: Maria Amador, Adam Baldwin, Samantha Baldwin, Charlie Bonilla, Grace Bruer, Karen Campos, Fransisco Campos-Chavez, Mathew Cardi, Dylan Clausen, Edgar Cotzojay Puluc, Kylee DeFrese, Christopher DeSimone, Evelin Garcia Palencia, C. Matthew Hall, Angelica Klavas, Anthony Klavas, Daniella Menjivar, Althea Mignone, Mark Moran, Quinn Os-mer, Daisy Rymer, Joseph Saporita, Carlie Wegley, Willow Wilcenski.

Grade 8: Charlotte Allen, Alexandra Apadula, Zachary Grathwohl, Ashley Hilary, Alexander Kandora, Jack Koslosky, Julia Kujawski, Heather MacArthur, Joseph Manfredi, Jared Palumbo, Kyra Panetta, Hannah Sutton, Justin Tobin, Victoria Tondo.

Grade 7: Olivia Daddona, Gabriella Drumm, Carlos Gonzalez, Jr., Joseph Hayes, Shane Kollen, Anakin Mignone, Rosanna Mollica, Casie Vaccariello.

Thirty-seven of the 44 Greenport band and chorus students who performed solos at the April 30 NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) festival in Mattituck received “excellent” or “outstanding” ratings, Greenport School Superintendent Michael Comanda announced at Tuesday’s school board meeting.

“We had a fourth-grader who has only been playing the flute for less than a year who got a perfect score,” Mr. Comanda said of student Julio Coc Tomas.

NYSSMA is an educators’ group that seeks to advance music education across the state. It evaluates student musicians from elementary to high school. At each festival, students perform scales, a solo or ensemble piece of their choice, along with a sight-reading piece, in front of judges.
According to a press release, 14 Greenport elementary students received a rating of “excellent” for their voice or instrument solos. They are: Jullianna Conway, Luis Coria, Tiarra Edwards, Carla Fernandez, Courtney Martocchia, Ella Mazzaferro (voice), Andrea Ochoa, Josua Santacroce, Breanna Shelby, Ava Torres (voice and saxophone), Jessica Villareal, Paige Wachtel, Sophia Wachtel and Drew Wolf.

Ten elementary students were rated “outstanding,” the festival’s highest grade. They are: Ahkee Anderson, Kevin Azama, Julio Coc Tomas, Kaylee Hansen, Ella Mazzaferro (saxophone), Emily McInnis, Joseph McInnis, Luca Rallis, Adan Sandre-Torres and Melody Silie.

At the junior high school level, six students — Emelyn Azurdia (voice and flute), Blayr Corazzini, David Jenkins, Nellie Spackman, Chris Vedder (flute) and Lena Wolf — were rated “excellent” and one student, Garrick Hughes, was rated “outstanding.” The vocal duo of Jennifer Kravitz and Chris Vedder received a perfect score and Jillian Golden, who performed a high school-level solo, earned a “B+.”
High school students Maia Mazzaferro and Angelina Pagano each received a rating of “excellent.” Suzie Bunchuck, Ginger Hughes and Erica Peterson participated on an advanced level and each received an “A.”

ryoung@timesreview.com

Southold school board member Scott DeSimone, left, with board vice president Judi Fouchet.

I would like to explain the reason for withdrawing my candidacy in what seemed to be the 11th hour. I have served for eight years on the Southold Board of Education.

Before the deadline for submitting candidate petitions, no one else had requested a petition beside myself and Scott Latham, the two incumbents. Notwithstanding that I have in recent years become a strong believer in term limits, I decided to run for one more term.

I only discovered when I submitted my petition on the last day for filing that Brian Tobin had submitted a petition. I know Brian well, having served with him on the Board of Directors of the North Fork Lacrosse Club. His candidacy did take me by surprise, as I thought he would have reached out. Nonetheless, Brian and I met and spoke for two hours on many issues and I am quite comfortable that we share many similar viewpoints.

I shared with Brian my strong belief in term limits, was comfortable with his candidacy, and advised him that I would withdraw.

It is time for new perspective and energy. I leave the Board of Education knowing that I was an integral part of affirmatively changing the entire administrative team, particularly hiring Superintendent David Gamberg.

The district now has a renewed energy, as well as direction and purpose where, while eight years ago, it was aimlessly adrift.

Where the district had been strictly reactive and constantly putting out fires, the district has strived to become more proactive, so as to not only head off potential problems but also to improve in all areas.

The district is currently in its strongest financial position than it has been over the last eight years — all while preserving existing programs and services. Buildings and grounds have been significantly improved through various capital projects, including but not limited to energy performance upgrades, reconstruction of athletic fields and replacement of the roof on the junior-senior high school. Labor contracts were reached with administrators, teachers and the CSEA, which struck a balance of fairness between district employees and taxpayers. We have completed significant upgrades in our technology infrastructure and continue to do so. Finally, the entire district policy manual is under review and revision.

I quickly came to learn of the many, many dedicated professionals in our district, which is reflected in the significant accomplishments of our students in all areas including but not limited to academics, music, theatrical arts, ROTC, robotics, and DECA. Most importantly, it is truly reflected in the character of the students of our district.

We are blessed to have such incredible kids.

In closing, I am grateful to have been a part of the governance team with such accomplishments under its belt. Although there are those who may not have always agreed with positions I have taken on important issues facing the district, I can say without reservation that you always knew where I stood, they were free of personal agendas, and always what I thought was in the best interests of our children.

Recently opposing the joint superintendency with Greenport is just one example. That being said, there remains plenty of work for the school board, as there are many serious issues to tackle that could significantly adversely affect our learning community.

I wish the new board the best of luck in their work ahead.

Scott DeSimone, an attorney with offices in Peconic, served on the Southold school board for eight years.

The Mattituck-Cutchogue school board unanimously approved an agreement with the district’s administrators Thursday night. (Credit: Jennifer Gustavson)

The Mattituck-Cutchogue school board and the district’s administrators union have reached a new agreement nearly nine months after the last contract expired.

The school board unanimously approved the four-year deal during its regular meeting Thursday night.

School board president Jerry Diffley said after the meeting that every administrator will earn a 1.75 percent increase to their salaries for each year under the new contract.

They’ll also contributed more toward their health benefits through the following phased-in process: No increase for the first year, 16 percent for the second year, 18 percent for the third year, and 20 percent for the fourth and final year of the contract, he said.

Mattituck-Cutchogue Administrators Association leader and high school principal Shawn Petretti described negotiations as “a long process, but a fair process.”

“We’re glad that’s it’s settled,” he said. “We feel that it’s a fair agreement for both the administrators and the district.”

A copy of the new contract, which is effective July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2017, wasn’t immediately available.

The school board and the district’s teachers union, whose contract expires next month, are currently in negotiations.

jennifer@timesreview.com