

March Newsletter
2024-2025
As the days lengthen and hints of spring appear, we look forward to a month of growth and renewal. Stay tuned for upcoming events and opportunities to celebrate the changing season!
Staff Spotlight
Nicole Curtin
6-12 Science
Nicole has been a valued member of our district for 13 years. She highlights the small class sizes and the opportunity to truly connect with her students as the best parts of working at Long Lake.
Beyond the classroom, Nicole is also the Outing Club advisor, where she fosters unique connections with students through shared experiences. She's passionate about her hobbies – hiking, biking, and kayaking – and loves sharing these adventures with her children.
If Nicole had one superpower, it would be teleportation! "Imagine," she says, "visiting family, friends, and far-off places without the hassle of travel. And think of the incredible field trips we could take in a single class period!"
Nicole, a Long Lake Central School graduate herself, shares, "My initial plans after college didn't involve returning home, but the opportunity arose, and I'm so glad it did! I wouldn't change a thing about being here."
Tamara Combs
7-12 ELA
This is Tamara's seventh year shaping young minds at LLCS, and she truly values the close-knit feel of our school and community. "The best part about working at Long Lake," she says, "is the opportunity to build strong, positive relationships with students. I get to know them both academically and personally so quickly, which allows me to tailor lessons to meet their unique needs in a way that's often more challenging in larger schools."
We asked Mrs. Combs how she connects with her students. "I love chatting with them about their independent reading choices," she shared. "Learning about the genres they love, the plot lines that grab them, and the characters they connect with really gives me insight into who they are as individuals."
Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Combs enjoys getting lost in a good book, nurturing her many plants, and experiencing the energy of live music. She's a self-proclaimed concert enthusiast!
And if she could have any superpower for a day? "Super speed reading!" she exclaimed. "I'd finally get through my ever-growing 'to-read' pile!"
Student Highlights
On Friday, February 14, 2025, students eagerly participated in a rock painting activity led by Meg from the HFM Prevention Council. The event, designed to foster creativity and self-expression, saw students transforming ordinary rocks into vibrant works of art. Reggie was also on hand, providing valuable assistance and encouragement, ensuring everyone had a positive and engaging experience
Noah Bozak
We extend our warmest congratulations to Senior Noah Bozak for his remarkable achievements! His dedication to both athletics and academics has been truly inspiring. We are incredibly proud to share that he will be attending university to pursue a degree in elementary education, a testament to his commitment to shaping the future by nurturing young minds.
Brooke Furlong
Following a rigorous college search and multiple soccer recruitment offers, Brooke Furlong has made her commitment to Colby-Sawyer College for nursing. Notably, she is Colby-Sawyer's first recruit! Brooke's achievement is historic, as she becomes the first female soccer player from Long Lake to be recruited and play NCAA divisional soccer, and the first Long Lake athlete in a decade to compete at that level.
A lifelong soccer enthusiast, Brooke began playing at just three years old and has excelled as a student-athlete. We eagerly anticipate her continued success at Colby-Sawyer!
News
Long Lake Central School District has recieved a grant award from the Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District to establish pollinator gardens on their campus. This project will create multiple pollinator habitats, providing crucial resources for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other vital pollinators whose populations are sadly declining. More than just beautiful additions to the school grounds, these gardens will become living laboratories for students and a valuable educational resource for the entire community.
This initiative directly addresses the urgent need to protect and bolster pollinator populations, essential for both a healthy ecosystem and food security. Students will benefit from hands-on learning experiences in environmental science, horticulture, and conservation, gaining firsthand knowledge of pollinators' critical role, the challenges they face, and how we can contribute to their preservation. These outdoor classrooms will nurture a deeper appreciation for nature and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.
Beyond the school, this project will raise community awareness about the importance of pollinator conservation, encouraging residents to create their own pollinator-friendly spaces. By establishing these vital habitats, we're also contributing to watershed protection. Pollinators are key to the reproduction of many plants, including those that stabilize soil and prevent erosion, safeguarding our water quality. Furthermore, these gardens will enhance local biodiversity, and create a more resilient and thriving ecosystem for all.
Upcoming Events
Elementary Book Fair
In the spirit of community collaboration and enriching our students' educational experiences, our PK-6 students will be visiting the Tupper Lake School District's Scholastic Book Fair on March 11th. This trip is designed to provide our students with access to a broader selection of reading materials and to connect with another school community. We believe that fostering these inter-district connections is invaluable, and we're excited for our students to discover the wonders of the book fair.
7-12 Pi Day Celebration
Our students in grades 7-12 will be joining students from neighboring districts on March 11th to celebrate Pi Day. The event includes various math-related activities and fosters collaboration between schools.
New York State Board of Regents
Long Lake CSD is honored to welcome seven members of the NYS Board of Regents to our school on March 12, 2025. The Regents will spend the morning engaging with our students and faculty, experiencing firsthand the exceptional educational opportunities that make Long Lake a unique learning environment.
Drop Everything and Read (DEAR)
Family Resource Center Upcoming Events
Join us on March 24th from 2:45-4:30 in the Long Lake CSD Cafeteria for Toothbrush Kits, WIC & Early Intervention/Preschool Information and Poison Control Information!