In conjunction with School Board Recognition Week, the district honored its Board of Education during the Oct. 14 meeting, offering heartfelt accolades and gratitude for their hard work and dedication.

“The members of the board receive no compensation other than personal satisfaction in their efforts to try to give back to their community and guide our district in a way that they feel serves the needs and best interests of our students and community,” Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Bossert said. “I can say without question that this has been the compass that has guided the district through some very turbulent times. This board of education is a dedicated group of professionals who always have the best interests of students in mind and will advocate in that capacity to make certain that the level of instruction and other opportunities we provide to our students are second to none in our region, our county and our state. It is my pleasure to work with them, and for them, and it gives me great pleasure to recognize their efforts.”

Chosen in the Elwood building rotation to contribute to the recognition was John Glenn High School, which presented surprise gifts to President James Tomeo and members Thomas Scarola, Dr. Sara Siddiqui and Deborah Weiss (Vice President Heather Mammolito was unable to attend) as tokens of appreciation.

Art students made a large, colorful “Thank You, Elwood Board of Education” banner, adorned with leaves signed by each student; students in the food and nutrition class baked loaves of pumpkin bread; and technology students created large Lego-style figures in the likeness of each board member. Under the direction of teacher Rachel Nagle, the high school’s Acapelwood vocal group shared their musical talents by performing Brian Tate’s joyous “Connected” for the board.

“On behalf of the faculty, students and staff of John Glenn High School, we truly thank you for your volunteerism and your unrelenting support of the diverse and robust programs we offer,” Principal Carisa Burzynski said.

Also honored at that evening’s board meeting were seven outstanding students: National Merit Scholarship Program Commended Students Trinity Hausch, Isabella Ross and Maya Tallo; National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalist and NYSSMA All-State Mixed Chorus selected student Anson Kwan; NYSSMA All-State Mixed Chorus alternates Toni Meyer and Kaitlyn Schieble; and NYSSMA All-State Symphony Orchestra selected student Aaram Lee. Kwan and Hausch were also announced as the Class of 2022 valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively. Lastly, retiring Elwood Middle School custodian Enrique Roman was recognized for his dozen dedicated years of service.

High school freshman Melina Neofitos was recently honored with All-County selection to the Suffolk County Music Educators' Association Vocal Jazz Ensemble.

Neofitos will be singing soprano in the SCMEA Jazz Choir on Nov. 6 at East Islip High School. She prepared a vocal jazz NYSSMA solo last spring, was chosen to participate this fall and has been preparing the music diligently for several weeks. The small ensembles include musicians from grades 9-12 across Suffolk County with a special interest in jazz. 

“Melina is a talented singer and an enthusiastic learner,” said teacher Rachel Nagle. “She will certainly enjoy and appreciate the experience this honor will bring.”

 In September, Boyd held a schoolwide celebration of Dot Day, based on the Peter Hamilton Reynolds book “The Dot.” Principal Denise Toscano initiated the day with several websites and activities. Students and staff alike wore dots for the occasion.

In the library, school media specialist Irene Kossowsky continued the Dot Day studies by reading other books by Reynolds. For the next book, “Happy Dreamer,” students shared their dreams, daydreams and even nightmares in writing.

The third Reynolds book, “The Word Collector,” was then introduced. Each student was given either a word from the book or an academic vocabulary list and asked to share their favorite words. Each word was placed on an index card and students shared words, just like in the book. The entire school participated in this library activity, with the results displayed in the front lobby of the school for all to admire.