Community Update

June 14, 2024

Dear Syosset Community:

Today is Flag Day! Every June 14th is the anniversary of the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the official U.S. flag in 1777. This morning, while greeting students at South Woods’ arrival, I was overwhelmed by the display of flags that adorned the front of the building in an unmistakable show of patriotism. Across our District, there were lessons about this special day – including assemblies with members from our local VFW at Robbins Lane, Village, and South Grove. Part of their presentation taught students about how to properly handle and fold an American flag. Exactly thirteen folds are required to properly fold the flag and the resulting triangle shows the stars on the field of blue.

All three of these elementary schools also received a Citizenship Education Award for promoting citizenship education and the patriotic principles of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. What an amazing and hands-on way to learn about our flag from our local veterans who have proudly served our country.

On the last full day of school at Syosset High School yesterday, members of our Student Government and Peers As Leaders group popped onto the school buses during arrival to offer each driver a donut as a small way of saying “thank you!” I love our kids’ authentic gestures of kindness and how they reach out to make every member of our educational community feel included.

I’m also super proud of our student athletes. We were one of just a handful of school districts in the entire State to be named a School of Distinction, granted because every single Syosset varsity team achieved Scholar Athlete status – meaning 75% of students held a grade point average of 90 or above. Winning is nice too! Our Board of Education had an abundance of riches, honoring our notable Winter and Spring athletes, and celebrating our teams’ successes. Congratulations to all of our student athletes and much appreciation to the coaches, trainers, supervisors, security, and Athletic Department staff for making it all happen for our nearly 3,000 secondary student athletes. Looking forward to another amazing year of #SyoSports in the fall.

Board Meeting Recap

In addition to honoring our athletes on Monday night, the Board revisited the timeline and plan for updating our school’s mascot. The balance of the meeting was devoted to the Board’s continued work on our future facilities plan, ultimately asking the administration to explore other potential options to consider for addressing our enrollment growth. The Board will review those options at a work session beginning next Thursday at 7:00 pm at South Woods Middle School. There will be no Audience to the Public.

Spotlight on Instruction 🔦

Eighth grade students in HBT’s elective Career and Technical Education course began the year becoming equipped with skills applicable in their future careers across various industries. Among these critical skills were research principles, presentation skills, and time management. Students were asked early in the year to choose a topic that they would dive deep into throughout the year. Finally, after months of work, students enthusiastically shared their work with the entire school community in the Passion Project Exposition. Visitors to the expo explored a wide array of topics – everything from culinary arts to fashion design to the history of the NBA – enjoying experiments, prototypes, and independent research. One anime-graced poster on making lip balm was so enticing, it made me reconsider my aversion! The exposition was an amazing celebration of curiosity, exploration, and the limitless creativity of our future entrepreneurs.

#SyoStars⭐

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Syosset High School's Global Health Club worked hard this year to raise funds for Gift of Life International (GOLI). The international organization is working to develop sustainable pediatric cardiac programs to aid children with heart disease. Last month, students hosted an event on our campus with two notable guest speakers, CEO Rob Raylman of GOLI and Dr. Rodrigo Soto, pediatric cardiac surgeon, to inspire their peers to address persistent inequalities in global health. Plus – students were able to present the organization with a $5,000 check to fund one life-saving heart surgery for a child born in need. The Global Health Club plans to double their fundraising next year. Amazing work!

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Syosset High School's NYS Champion Forensics team was recognized with the Daniel Masterson School of Excellence trophy, the highest honor awarded at the national championship in Chicago. The award is given to five schools nationwide in recognition of achievement in all areas of public speaking, including debate, oratory, student congress, analysis of politics & world-wide current events, and acting. More than 2,500 students from over 400 high schools competed in this competition. This recognition comes alongside many other individual awards earned at the competition. Although school may be ending, their season is not quite over yet! Students head out to another national competition next week. Congrats, Syo Forensics!

Bright Spot

Last week, I shared photos of our District’s inaugural “Senior Clap Out, where our graduates traveled to their elementary schools, donning their caps and gowns, for the ultimate send off from their younger peers. In the past week, I've been inundated with messages from both parents and students expressing how deeply meaningful this trip back in time was for them and their recommendation to make this a tradition.

Ideas that become instant winners don’t happen by accident, so I want to thank a bright spot hidden behind the scenes: Health teacher Stacey Balducci. Aside from her meticulous planning and implementation of this new Syosset tradition, Stacey's impact extends far beyond this single event. For over three decades, she has been a pillar of positivity and dedication within our school community. Whether it's coaching JV cheerleading, guiding members of our senior class as the student government advisor or nurturing the spirit of service through her role with the Interact Club, Stacey is always there, giving her all.

We spoke to one of the many students she coached this year – who said that Mrs. Balducci is “no nonsense,” but once you get past that tough exterior, “she is relatable, caring, and will always have your back.” And, I’ll add, creative. What a great idea to connect our students full circle to their roots in Syosset, to give our elementary students older peer role models to follow, and to let our elementary teachers see the seeds they planted reach full bloom in our Seniors.

Thank you, Stacey, for being one of those #SoSyo people that makes us so special!

A reminder the District is closed Monday and Wednesday next week. Enjoy the long weekend and short week!

#Light&Love

Tom Rogers