At the March 22 meeting of the Three Village Central School District Board of Education, several winter season student-athletes were honored for their respective post-season awards and achievements. Athletes representing the cheerleading team, boys swimming, girls basketball, girls fencing, boys track and wrestling were all recognized by the board, central administration and Director of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Athletics Kevin Finnerty.

Mr. Finnerty then introduced Minnesauke Elementary School physical education teachers Alaina Maletta and Jillian Damis for leading the building’s efforts in the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge. Minnesauke Elementary School raised $20,285, making it one of the top fundraising schools on Long Island and in New York. Throughout fundraising, students were engaged in learning about heart healthy habits.

The final recognition of the evening acknowledged Minnesauke Elementary School health teacher Kerry Diana and Nassakeag Elementary School physical education teacher Jeanne LaLima. Ms. Diana was named the Elementary Health Teacher of the Year by the Suffolk Zone of the NY State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance whereas Ms. LaLima was named the Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year.

Date Added: 3/28/2023

Some of Michele Muzzonigro’s second grade students at Setauket Elementary School had their artwork chosen to be on display in the community. In honor of Women’s History Month, students learned about Alma Thomas, a Black female artist who is recognized as a major painter of the 20thcentury. Students created artwork inspired by Thomas which is now on display at the Port Jefferson Coach Reality Office and the Stony Brook Coach Reality Office.

Date Added: 3/28/2023

Ward Melville High School senior Ethan Boyce was awarded the 2023 Dr. Jong Pil Lee Memorial Scholarship from the Long Island Mathematics Conference Board. Through this scholarship, Boyce wrote about R.C. Murphy Junior High School teacher Matthew Cifuni as the teacher who has most inspired him. Mr. Cifuni was also awarded a certificate for being honored as an impactful educator.

Dr. Jong Pil Lee founded the annual Long Island Mathematics Conference, the Institute of Leadership Development for Teaching Mathematics and Technology, the Institute of Creative Problem Solving and the Long Island Mathematics Scholarship Foundation for Minority Students. The scholarship was named in his honor after he passed and is given to Long Island students of African American, Native American or Non-European Hispanic American descent who have a cumulative “B” average or better and are seriously planning to major in mathematics in college.

Date Added: 3/27/2023

At the March 22 Three Village Central School District Board of Education meeting, the board dedicated the North Country Board of Education Room to be commemorated as the William F. Connors Jr. Memorial Board of Education Meeting Room.

William F. Connors Jr. served the Three Village Central School District for 21 years. In this time, he was a board trustee, the vice president of the board and the president of the board. Above all, he was a parent to three Three Village Central School District alumni.

“We honor the legacy of the person who dedicated a large portion of his life to the Three Village Central School District,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kevin Scanlon said. “It is fitting that we acknowledge his commitment to Three Village by dedicating this board room in his memory.”

The board room will feature a plaque with a picture of Mr. Connors that reads in part, “What truly distinguished Mr. Connors was the pure altruism with which he led our district. His unselfish commitment to the students, staff and school community identified him as a most remarkable educator and board trustee who has made an indelible mark and lasting impact on the Three Village Central School District.”

Mr. Connors’ family joined the board of education and central administration for the dedication of the room.

“The dedication of this board room would have made him proud, but he would have received it with a humble and grateful heart,” Corinne Keane, Mr. Connors’ daughter and P.J. Gelinas Junior High School principal, said. “May his legacy of service, kindness toward others and love of Three Village live on in all that have had the pleasure to know him in his lifetime and in those who will serve this community within the walls of this room.”

Date Added: 3/24/2023

Students in ninth grade living environment classes at P.J. Gelinas Junior High School recently visited Stony Brook University to work in some of the DNA labs on campus. Students learned about the different aspects of forensic science and practiced some of the techniques investigators use when working to solve crimes.

DNA profiling was the focus behind most of the activities. Students carried out an authentic gel electrophoresis experiment and created DNA “fingerprints” to help solve a fictional crime.

Date Added: 3/24/2023