Dear Syosset Community,

This week is National Nurses Week, with National School Nurse Day celebrated on Wednesday. I’d like to recognize the efforts of our school nurses, especially through the challenging last 2 years. They provide compassionate care to our students and represent an additional layer of safety in our school buildings. We are truly grateful for their work and dedication to our community. And to all the nurses in our community serving on the front lines of our healthcare system, thank you for your selfless commitment to the well-being and care of others.

U.S. Presidential Scholar

This week, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona announced the 2022 U.S. Presidential Scholars, and I was so proud and excited when I learned that Syosset High School senior Ethan Chiu was awarded this prestigious recognition. Ethan was one of 161 students nationally, and the only Long Island student, to achieve this honor. He was also a finalist in the elite Regeneron Science Talent Search competition earlier this year. Ethan, I’m so proud of what you’ve accomplished during your time here at Syosset, and I can’t wait to see what’s next for you as you head to Yale University this fall!

Seal of Biliteracy

Next month, an outstanding 116 Syosset students will graduate with the New York State Seal of Biliteracy, with two students earning Seals in two languages! This designation honors students who have attained a high level of proficiency in English and one or more languages. In addition to a special seal on their diplomas, the students will receive a medallion to wear at graduation. Congratulations to all the students who worked so hard to achieve this designation.

I’m so proud of Syosset’s World Language Program, which continues to evolve to meet the needs of students living in a multilingual society. The program currently offers courses in 9 languages, the most offered by any school district in the state, and an astonishing 3 out of 4 seniors remain enrolled in a World Language! For the first time this year, learners in grades 8, 10, and 12 will take the Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages (AAPPL), a modern proficiency and performance assessment which focuses on communication, and next year (along with Chinese, French, Italian, and Spanish) Korean will be added as a language option for 6th graders, increasing to 5 the number of world language choices a student can start in middle school and pursue through longer sequences to greater proficiency.

2022-2023 Annual Budget Vote and Board of Education Election

As a reminder, Tuesday, May 17, is the annual school budget vote and Board of Education trustee election. Voting will take place between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.

• If you are unsure of your voting location, please click here.
• For the Syosset Pride Budget Newsletter, please click here.
• For additional information on the proposed budget, including the presentations given at the Budget Information Meetings, please click here.

Bright Spot

Syosset is renowned for the quality of its Fine and Performing Arts programs, and we are all so proud of the charitable endeavors of our students. You can imagine how exciting it is when I can talk about both in one Bright Spot! With the goal of aiding Ukrainian Refugees, SHS 10th grader Abigail (Abi) Ahn planned and performed in a benefit concert, playing her flute solo and in duets. Abi received just over $1,300 in donations from the concert, with all the proceeds going to Ukrainian refugees in Poland. Great job, Abi!

Enjoy the weekend!

#syoproud,
Tom Rogers

Dear Syosset Community,

We had an exciting week at the District as we ushered in the new month. On Tuesday, Syosset High School seniors celebrated each other’s post-graduation plans in honor of National Commitment Day, and it was such a joy to see the excitement on their faces as they took pride in their success during high school and looked towards their next chapters. On Wednesday, 8th graders from HBT and South Woods kicked off a host of year-end activities to commemorate their time in middle school and enjoyed a day of fun at Adventureland. And I had the opportunity to go to the Derby! The A.P. Willits first Annual Derby took place yesterday afternoon, complete with fancy fascinators, bonnets, and a classic bugle call!

This week is National Teacher Appreciation Week, and I’d like to recognize the extraordinary Syosset educators who inspire lifelong learners every day and play a pivotal role in our students’ lives. They work tirelessly, demonstrate care and compassion, and empower students with the skills and knowledge essential to achieving their dreams. While their work is never taken for granted, the challenges presented over the last two years make their accomplishments all the more remarkable. To all our amazing educators, you have my support, my admiration, and my sincere gratitude, this week and all year long.

Budget Vote and Election

This week, you should have received the Syosset Pride Budget Newsletter which outlines the proposed 2022-23 school budget and voting information for the upcoming school (and Syosset Library) budget vote(s) and Board of Education election, taking place on Tuesday, May 17, 2022. The newsletter is also available online, along with the presentations given at the Budget Information Meetings held during the monthly Board of Education meetings. This coming Monday, May 9, the Budget Hearing will take place at 8 p.m. at South Woods Middle School and via livestream.

All-County Art Exhibit

The 18th Annual Nassau All-County Art Exhibition is now live, and you won’t want to miss out on this virtual experience that showcases the work of exceptional student artists from across the County. An impressive 60 Syosset students have been honored with the All-County designation, and all their work is displayed in this fascinating online “walk-through gallery” where the technology is almost as captivating as the artwork!
Syosset All County Art Exhibit - 3D virtual exhibition by Art Supervisors Association

Bright Spot

This week, I was excited to hear about the work of South Grove Girl Scout Troop 3753. With the goals of helping the environment, increasing oxygen production, and making the world a better place, the girls created and executed a plan to earn their Bronze Award. First, they applied for and received a Difference Makers youth grant from Bethpage Federal Credit Union that allowed them to purchase all the necessary supplies for the project, then they spent time last Saturday planting three Kwanzan Cherry Trees at South Grove school. I first encountered these ladies in the fall when they were in the planning stages of this important community improvement project, and it is so exciting to see it come to fruition. I’m inspired by the initiative of these young students, leading their younger peers by example. Many future South Grove students will benefit from the fresh air and cool shade these trees will someday bring. Great job, ladies!

Wishing a Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing, caring, selfless moms and mother figures in our community. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

#SyoMoms
Tom Rogers