Board of Education News 

During the Dec. 12 Elwood School District Board of Education meeting, the district recognized several individuals and sports teams for recent outstanding accomplishments.

After an outstanding holiday performance by the Elwood-John H. Glenn High School Symphonic Band, teacher Gabrielle Caviglia accepted a commendation on behalf of the students.
 
Senior Davin Li was honored for being named the Class of 2025 valedictorian, a National Merit Commended Student and a News 12 Scholar-Athlete for his accomplishments on the varsity boys soccer team.

High school special education teacher Sima Lis and technology specialist Matt McGuire were also recognized for being named New York State Master Teachers.

Regarding Sima, Principal Corey McNamara said, “Sima is a reflective practitioner who is continuously looking to hone her craft through innovative differentiated and co-teaching practices. She is also a continuous learner who is always bringing her worldly knowledge and travels to her classroom for an authentic learning experience. As a special education teacher, Sima creates a warm, welcoming and inclusive learning environment for all students to succeed.”

McNamara also described McGuire’s abilities to guide students in reaching their fullest potential throughout the school and his variety of projects displayed and utilized by so many.

“As past president of the New York State Tech Association, Matt has also been a leader amongst his colleagues while planning professional development for all Long Island CTE teachers,” McNamara said. “He has also been recognized at the state and national levels for his efforts in grant writing for implementing best practices strategies in the CTE classroom.”

In the area of sports, 2024 boys varsity golf team member Gavin Fazel was honored for placing first overall and for being designated an All-Conference player. The varsity boys soccer team was applauded for being named league champions, Suffolk County Class A champions and Long Island Class A finalists. Additionally, the girls varsity cross- country team was lauded for being the undefeated league and conference champions, as well as Suffolk County and Long Island Class A finalists.

Date Added: 12/17/2024

The best and brightest from Elwood-John H. Glenn High School were given recognition at the Nov. 21 Board of Education meeting.

The first two to be honored were Class of 2025 valedictorian Davin Li (who was unable to attend) and salutatorian Katherine Moravec.

“Katherine has taken the most rigorous course load that we have to offer here at John Glenn and will finish as an AP Scholar with Distinction, completing 17 AP exams, four of which were self-taught and completed on her own,” Principal Corey McNamara said. “She will leave Glenn with the potential of earning 51 college credits. Typically, a first-year college student enrolls in 15 credits per semester, so that is three semesters worth of college credit with the remainder of six additional credits putting Katherine more than halfway through her sophomore year before even setting foot on a college campus. In my opinion, however, what is most impressive about Katherine is her drive, dedication and determination to be her very best genuine self. Katherine has continuously impressed her teachers and counselors day in and day out and will be remembered as one of the brightest and most pleasant students to walk the hall of John Glenn.”

Next, seniors Davin Li (who was unable to attend) and Demetrius Crichlow were recognized for being named Commended Students in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program.

“To be named a Commended Student places Demetrius among the top 34,000 scorers on the PSAT out of over 1.5 million test takers, a testament to his dedication, hard work and intellect,” McNamara said. “This accomplishment is a source of great pride for our school, community and of course his family. He has consistently demonstrated a passion for learning, a commitment to excellence and a drive to succeed. Demetrius, as you embark on the next chapter of your journey, I have no doubt that you will continue to excel and lead by the example that you have set here at John Glenn High School.”

Sophomores and Social Justice Ambassadors Kasey Alfaro Contreras and Christine Felix were recognized for being chosen by the Town of Huntington Women’s Service Division for honors at the 19th annual Women’s Award Ceremony Breakfast and Networking Day.

“I’m sure you will agree we have two amazing young women here this evening worthy of recognition for their collective efforts within our Elwood community and beyond,” McNamara said. “Congratulations to you both, and I look forward to working with you more in the near future.”

Finally, freshman Patrick Heffron was recognized for his selection to the New York State Education Department’s Youth Advisory Panel.

“Although only a ninth grader, Patrick is sure making a name for himself already at John Glenn,” McNamara said. “I look forward to our working together in the future, and to your feedback and perspective from participation in this amazing opportunity. Congratulations to you and your family.”

Date Added: 11/25/2024

In honor of School Board Recognition Week, the Elwood School District Board of Education was lauded at the Oct. 17 board meeting. One student representative from each school – Elwood-John H. Glenn High School, Elwood Middle School, James H. Boyd Intermediate School and Harley Avenue Primary School – came to the podium to express their appreciation for the Board, and each Board member received an Elwood jersey emblazoned with their name and a number reflecting the year they joined the Board.

“I look forward to every meeting and event that we have,” Board President James Tomeo said. “And it's because of our students, because of our great teachers and administration. I just want to thank our community, our parents, our neighbors and our friends for supporting us and allowing us the opportunity to serve as your Board of Education.”

“Although we appreciate the time and dedication that the members of our Board of Education put in year-round, we are using this time specifically to highlight our understanding of the important work performed by our school board,” Superintendent Dr. Gayle Steele said. “Our public school system is the heartbeat of our communities, and our local school boards play an integral part in what we do to promote student success. These members volunteer countless hours in making sure our schools are helping every child be successful and have meaningful educational experiences. This involves making tough decisions when it comes to providing the accountability that our community stakeholders expect. Their work is grounded in – but certainly not limited to – developing shared visions and goals for the district, ensuring our policies, resources and strategies are aligned with district goals, making sound fiscal decisions on behalf of the community, supporting a healthy school environment and evaluating district leadership to ensure continuous improvement and much more. The collaborative mindset and willingness to be present in the hard work it takes to promote success across the district is valued and appreciated. You are a lifeline into what the community expects from us. We always say it takes a village to raise a child, and in a community such as Elwood, the support of that village is a positive influence on our work. Our mantra this year and moving forward is ‘All In,’ and our Board of Education certainly leads this charge by example.”

In student recognitions, high school students Ellie Crowley, Nicola Palisciano, Nolan Reinhardt and Caroline Weiss were first recognized for their selection to the American Legion Boys and Girls State summer leadership and citizenship program.

“This year was a phenomenal year for our high school students, where two boys and two girls received the opportunity to participate,” Principal Corey McNamara said. “Leadership is an important quality to possess in order to be chosen for this honor, and these four students are among our very best. The future is definitely bright with all of you in it.”

Next, three student musicians were recognized for their exceptional achievements: senior Melina Neofitos (soprano) was named an All-State musician by the New York State School Music Association, and junior Louise Hartough (double bass) and senior Nolan Reinhardt (bass) were named as All-State alternates.

“You keep making our district and your family very proud of you,” Tomeo said. “So keep working really hard, keep setting the bar and surpassing it.”

Date Added: 10/30/2024