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Southampton Elementary and Intermediate School students recently participated in assemblies with the youth organization Sweethearts & Heroes. Representatives spoke to students about compassion, empathy and hope. The organization aims to prevent hopelessness and bullying by inspiring students through interactive assemblies. Students Major Ward and Tiara Gregg interacted with Tom Murphy of Sweethearts & Heroes. COURTESY SOUTHAMPTON SCHOOL DISTRICT
Southampton School District’s Director of Food Services Regan Kiembock and Director of Athletics Darren Phillips were recently honored with the Cornell Cooperative Extension Outstanding Community Cooperative-Community Education Award. COURTESY SOUTHAMPTON SCHOOL DISTRICT
East Quogue Elementary School hosted its holiday Wildcats Give Back event. Students wrote holiday cards for homebound senior citizens and donated winter clothing to those in need. COURTESY EAST QUOGUE SCHOOL DISTRICT
Hampton Bays Elementary School students recently spent time penning holiday cards to Hampton Bays alumni who are serving in the military. Cards will be sent to Korea, Qatar and Washington state, among other places. Students also made cards for patients at the local VA hospital. From left, Evey Kirst, Jaiden Karl and Niamh Kelly. COURTESY HAMPTON BAYS SCHOOL DISTRICT
Westhampton Beach Elementary School students, including Adriana Suchite Giron and Tatiana Garcia Lopez, kicked off the holiday season by shopping for loved ones at the PTA’s annual holiday fair. They spent time picking out the perfect gift from a large variety of items. COURTESY WESTHAMPTON BEACH SCHOOL DISTRICT
The kindergarten hallway at Hampton Bays Elementary School has been transformed into a holiday wonderland with a theme of Downtown Disney. Teachers and their students worked to bring the vision to life over the past several weeks. Each class created elaborate displays outside their classroom that depict shops from Downtown Disney. There is a Starbucks, Mini Mouse bake shop, Pineapple Dole Whip shop, art and clock stores among others. Students dressed in their holiday best on December 11 to celebrate the completion of the hallway. COURTESY HAMPTON BAYS SCHOOL DISTRICT
The kindergarten hallway at Hampton Bays Elementary School has been transformed into a holiday wonderland with a theme of Downtown Disney. Teachers and their students worked to bring the vision to life over the past several weeks. Each class created elaborate displays outside their classroom that depict shops from Downtown Disney. There is a Starbucks, Mini Mouse bake shop, Pineapple Dole Whip shop, art and clock stores among others. Students dressed in their holiday best on December 11 to celebrate the completion of the hallway. COURTESY HAMPTON BAYS SCHOOL DISTRICT
The kindergarten hallway at Hampton Bays Elementary School has been transformed into a holiday wonderland with a theme of Downtown Disney. Teachers and their students worked to bring the vision to life over the past several weeks. Each class created elaborate displays outside their classroom that depict shops from Downtown Disney. There is a Starbucks, Mini Mouse bake shop, Pineapple Dole Whip shop, art and clock stores among others. Students dressed in their holiday best on December 11 to celebrate the completion of the hallway. COURTESY HAMPTON BAYS SCHOOL DISTRICT
Hampton Bays Elementary School fourth graders recently learned more about the lives and history of Native Americans during a presentation by Journeys into American Indian Territory. Through the interactive workshop, students explored a Native American museum featuring artifacts such as clothing, dolls, pottery and a longhouse replica. They also listened to traditional Native American stories. COURTESY HAMPTON BAYS SCHOOL DISTRICT
As part of their annual toy drive, members of the Westhampton Beach Elementary School Student Council have been collecting donations throughout the month of December. All of the items collected will be donated to those in need. From left, Hayes Ferran, Emilia Sohn, Andie Mett and Julietta Mastropierro. COURTESY WESTHAMPTON SCHOOL DISTRICT
Westhampton Beach High School senior clarinetist Lilah Caputo was named first chair clarinetist at the NYSSMA All-State Festival. COURTESY WESTHAMPTON BEACH SCHOOL DISTRICT
Members of the Hampton Bays Elementary School K-Kids service club recently hosted a successful drive to collect warm coats for those in need. All items will be donated to local community members in need. COURTESY HAMPTON BAYS SCHOOL DISTRICT
Hampton Bays Elementary School first grade students celebrated the holiday season with their annual “Holidays Around the World,” a festive annual production staged for family and friends. Dressed in colorful holiday outfits, each first grade class stood to recite facts and poems about the various holidays they had studied in class. They also entertained the audience by singing holiday songs. COURTESY HAMPTON BAYS SCHOOL DISTRICT
Southampton Athletics and Food Services Directors Earn Education Award
Southampton School District’s Director of Food Services Regan Kiembock and Director of Athletics Darren Phillips were recently honored with the Cornell Cooperative Extension Outstanding Community Cooperative-Community Education Award. The pair earned the award for demonstrating CCE’s mission by volunteering and participating in programs that benefit youth and adults.
For several years, Kiembock and Phillips have served as vital partners on the Southampton School District Wellness Committee, where, as co-chairs, they have worked to foster an environment that promotes optimal health for district students and staff. They worked closely with Cornell Cooperative Extension to facilitate nutrition workshops, cooking classes, farm-to-school efforts, school health fairs and community science fairs for the district.
“I am so honored to have been chosen for this award along with Darren Phillips,” said Kiembock, who has served in her role for the past 25 years. “The collaboration we have with CCE has fostered a dedication to supporting all nutrition and physical activity initiatives for the wellness of our school community, and I look forward to continuing these efforts.”
Phillips, who has worked in the Southampton School District for the past 24 years, echoed Kiembock’s sentiments. “I am extremely honored to receive this award along with Regan Kiembock,” he said. “It is nice to be recognized for the work we have done for our students, community and staff here at Southampton over the past 20-plus years through the district wellness committee.”
An Evening of Holiday Magic
East Quogue School District students, faculty and staff participated in the annual community tree-lighting, held in Village Green Park on December 7. Members of the band and chorus, under the direction of music teachers Penni Russo and Kimberly Clemson added to the magic of the evening through their performances for the community.
East Quogue Superintendent of Schools/Principal Michael Miller congratulated the students on their music that added a festive mood and Board of Education Vice President Jessica Stalters for her inspiring words. “The tree lighting was truly magical, beautifully led by our own Mrs. Stalters,” he said. “Her inspiring words and actions remind us all to never give up.”
Bridgehampton Students Explore Careers at NYIT Long Island Campus
Bridgehampton students recently visited the New York Institute of Technology – Long Island Campus in Old Westbury. They participated in a tour, met with the admissions team and explored a variety of academic programs related to their coursework at Bridgehampton School.
The visit highlighted degree offerings in engineering, robotics, digital art, game design and artificial intelligence. Students learned how these programs align with their current studies, offering potential pathways to expand their academic and professional opportunities.
Additionally, students interacted with current NYIT students, who shared their experiences, providing insight into campus life and academic resources. The discussions encouraged students to think about how they can integrate interdisciplinary fields and take advantage of the tools and resources available at NYIT to further their creativity and career ambitions.
The tour was part of Bridgehampton’s commitment to offer students real-world experiences that inspire their academic and professional goals.
Westhampton Beach Musician Lands First Chair at All-State Festival
Westhampton Beach High School senior clarinetist Lilah Caputo earned first chair among the 30 clarinetists from across the state who performed at the New York State School Music Association All-State Festival on December 8.
“I was so honored,” said Caputo, who has been playing the clarinet since the fourth grade.
This is not the first time that Caputo has earned a first chair seat; she sat first chair at the Suffolk County Music Educators’ Association All-County Festival. She has also performed with the New York State Band Directors Association High School Honor Band.
“It was a wonderful experience,” said Caputo, adding that she made several new friends at the All-State festival.
Caputo was selected to perform at each of the festivals based on her impressive scores at the NYSSMA Solo Evaluation Festival, teacher recommendations and ranking.
When not performing at festivals or with her school’s band, Caputo takes part in her school’s French, science and yearbook clubs. She is also a member of her school’s student government.
In the fall, she plans to attend college to study biology. She also plans to keep music in her life.
Staff Writer on Dec 16, 2024