Elwood Middle School’s kickline team won second place at the first Long Island Dance Team Association competition of the season, taking home a well-deserved trophy from the LIDTA event, which was held on Dec. 14 at Smithtown High School East.

“The team has practiced tirelessly since September to learn this routine, which was comprised of multiple dance styles,” coach Joanna Maricondo said. “This competition was a month earlier than last year’s, so to accomplish this with less time is a true sign of the team’s dedication and talent.”

Date Added: 12/20/2024

School psychologist Dylan Kilkenny accompanied students from Elwood-John H. Glenn High School’s Best Buddies club and Unified sports teams to the third annual Special Olympics Suffolk County Unified Youth Summit at Sayville Old Junior High School in November. The goal of the event was to bring students with and without disabilities together to educate and inspire them to become active participants in making a difference within their schools and communities. Students learned about how to make their schools more inclusive for everyone. 

Date Added: 12/20/2024

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

Three outstanding Elwood-John H. Glenn High School varsity football players – quarterback Cole Madden, guard David Rafiq and running back Anthony Soto – were recently chosen for All-County honors. The three seniors were recognized at the annual Suffolk County Football Coaches Association dinner, held on Dec. 2 at the Hyatt Regency in Hauppauge.  

Date Added: 12/16/2024

With help from Assistant Principal Trish Sihksnel, Elwood-John H. Glenn High School again hosted ENL Thanksgiving, a family engagement opportunity with students and staff donating food items or homemade dishes to go along with traditional Thanksgiving dishes. At the high school, FACS teachers opened their classroom kitchen to enable their students to make dishes alongside their ENL peers, facilitated by ENL teachers.

“Many other students and staff also volunteered to make this experience, a first for some families, an amazing one,” Principal Corey McNamara said.

Date Added: 12/16/2024