JUNE 2012

Spring Edition

For more news and information about Eastern Suffolk BOCES, please visit our website: www.esboces.org

A Showcase of Color via FloricultureThe Arbors at Bohemia looked like Westbury Gardens. Silk wreath arrangements of spring flowers for residents to choose for the doors to their private rooms or baskets for furniture décor filled the main entranceway.

The creators – students from the Brookhaven Learning Center

(BLC) – stood by to say hello and answer questions.

All students in the Horticulture class are studying floriculture and harvesting flower power. Teacher Dorothy Wandelt, speech therapist Carol Esposito, and teacher assistant Nancianne Saul accompanied the teens. In the class, basic horticulture theories provide the framework for the practical application of specific skills working outdoors and in, with soil, seeds, plants, flower arrangements, agricultural

machinery, and landscaping. Employment opportunities are plentiful with Eastern Suffolk BOCES graduates in demand by landscaping contractors, garden centers and greenhouses, florists, and lawn irrigation installers.Bryan P. of the Rocky Point UFSD displays a wreath he created.

Suffolk Aviation Academy (SAA) students met with retired Captain Bonnie Tiburzi Caputo, the first female flight engineer, to discuss paths to becoming a pilot. She told them, “You have a great opportunity here at ESBOCES to get your academics in the classroom and tarmac time at the airport right next door. You get experience and you can build up your flight hours.” She added, “All the training you receive will help

you respond to situations, emergency or otherwise, that arise.”Captain Tiburzi flew as a senior captain in a Boeing 757 and Boeing 767 aircraft; was the first woman hired by a major airline, and the first woman worldwide to earn a Flight Engineer’s rating on a turbo jet engine. Her American Airlines uniform is on display at the Smithsonian Museum Hall of Air Transportation.

First Female Commercial Pilot Bonnie Caputo Shares Her Story

BLC Horticulture students set their handmade wreaths and baskets on large tables for residents to view.

In this Issue... Young Entrepreneur Wins NYS Scholarship .................... 2

Bridging the Generations................ 2

Raising Money for St. Baldrick’s .... 3

Honoring Dr. Seuss ......................... 3

SkillsUSA Regional Competition .................................. 4, 5

Nurse Interns.................................... 6

Students Capture 1st Place ............ 6

Mock Trade Show ............................ 7

Capt. Bonnie Tiburzi Caputo and Aviation students gather in front of the Suffolk Aviation Academy Wall of Fame.

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“Bridging the Generations” Teaches Appreciation

Student Justin Bakewicz is the top scholarship recipient in the New York State Farm Bureau competition. He is receiving $1,500 toward his career goals, which include attending SUNY Cobleskill where he will major in Agricultural Equipment Technology.Justin is following in his father and three uncles’ footsteps by planning to stay connected to the family’s several farms out east, which grow apples, potatoes, and pumpkins. Aware there is no mechanic on Long Island to service tractors and other farming implements, he plans to start a mobile equipment

business. “My family has always had to bring in out-of-state repairmen, which is quite costly,” he explained. For the essay portion of the scholarship application he chose, “How to Help Agriculture on Long Island.” This is the second consecutive year that a Long Islander has won the first place scholarship.Justin is a student in Chris Servedio’s Welding/Metal Fabrication class at the Edward J. Milliken Technical Center (MTC).

When the Channel 10/55 reporter arrived at the “Bridging the Generations” event at the Brookhaven Technical Center (BTC), she headed for the lively group enjoying lunch. When she asked about the menu, Anne Cohen was quick to respond. “This is a wonderful thing Eastern Suffolk BOCES is doing. Everything is beautiful and the food is delicious.”The ladies and one man, all connected by the Bellport, Hagerman, East Patchogue Alliance, a non-profit community service organization, were guests at the “Bridging the Generations” complimentary luncheon, a community service project for SkillsUSA students coordinated by teacher Jayne Kaht. Culinary Arts juniors and seniors prepared the menu, set up the restaurant-like atmosphere that included impressive table settings, and cleaned up afterwards. The visitors were treated to nail and hair services, causing Dorothy Lee to express, “I’m feeling very pampered.” Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) students provided blood pressure screening and a Computer Technology student gave assistance to Charles Peterson, who wanted to Google “1928” to recall his childhood.

Allison Milner and Scott DeLong, students in the Career and Technical Education courses at the Brookhaven Technical Center (BTC), are recipients of “Awards of Distinction for High School Students.” Sponsored by the Parrish Art Museum in Southampton, the judging included an art gallery owner and a Long Island University professor.Allison’s “Self Portrait of Uncertainties” won top honors. She is a Mattituck-

Cutchogue UFSD senior in her second year of Andreanna Seymore’s Photography class. Scott, a junior at Mattituck-Cutchogue UFSD, has his work hanging at Guild Hall in East Hampton. His winning piece features his grandfather, the American flag, and

Allison Milner holds her award-winning photo. With her is teacher Andreanna Seymour displaying another of the senior’s work.

LPN student Maria Romero, a Rocky Point UFSD senior, takes Bernice Harris’ blood pressure.

snapshots of his family through the years. It is titled “An American Portrait.” He is in his first year of Talia Cliffe’s Art and Design class.

Two Artists Awarded for Distinction

Scott DeLong displays his winning photo with assistance from teacher Talia Cliffe.

Young Entrepreneur Wins Top NYS Scholarship

Justin Bakewicz poses with his safety helmet.

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In a show of solidarity and support for children suffering from childhood cancer and to raise money for critical research, Joey Pizzo sat down in the barber’s chair and had his head shaved. Hundreds of others followed suit at the Edward J. Millliken Technical Center (MTC) to raise funds through donations and pledges for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a volunteer-driven charity committed to raising money for childhood cancer research. Head shaving (to show children undergoing chemotherapy who have lost their hair that they are not alone); fashion hair extensions in green, orange and feather designs; hot paraffin treatments; manicures, and nail art were all available with a donation to St. Baldrick’s, in addition to lucky charm medallions and the popular green rubber St. Baldrick bracelets. “I did it for the cancer patients,” explained Pizzo. “It’s for a good cause and hair does grow back,” said Luke Mahoney, cosmetology / barbering instructor at MTC, “Our goal is to match the $7,000 we raised last year. If we can do that in these difficult economic times, then we’d be helping a lot.” In 2010, ESBOCES Chief Operating Officer Gary Bixhorn and MTC were recognized for their contributions and support of St. Baldrick’s.

Raising Money for St. Baldrick’s Foundation

Joey Pizzo, bottom, left (before shaving his head), surrounded by cosmetology and barbering students, and Luke Mahoney, instructor, (back, right) at MTC.

A campaign to unite licensed alcohol and tobacco vendors with community members to prevent the sale and promotion of these products to underage teens kicked off on March 3. The Alcohol Coalition of Eastern Suffolk (ACES), sponsored by ESBOCES, is raising awareness about the dangers of underage drinking and the promotion and sale of tobacco products to underage individuals.Teams of four volunteers each met at the Rocky Point Fire Department that morning. Included were Deputy Superintendent of Educational Services Dr. Julie Davis Lutz and her daughters, and ESBOCES social workers Amy Roland and Susan Lorenz. “I am pleased to have had the opportunity to be part of this community project where youth, after being trained, approached tobacco and alcohol vendors and asked them to commit to following the law regarding selling products to minors. It is wonderful to see the future of our communities, our youth, take an active role,” said Dr. Lutz.

A U.S. Department of Education grant is funding the ACES project. Brookhaven Town Supervisor Mark Lesko and Councilwoman Jane Bonner were on hand for the first round of pledge signing, along with Shoreham-Wading River High School Principal Daniel Holtzman, Rocky Point High School Assistant Principal Susann Crossan, and ACES Project Director Lucille Buergers. Team volunteers arrived from non-profit organizations, local governments, and law enforcement, to join students and parents. The first local business to agree to the pledge was Kevin McCarrick, owner of McCarrick’s Dairy in Rocky Point.

Susan Lorenz and “Team Prohibition” prepare to approach vendors.

Vendors Sign Pledges Not to Sell to Minors

Happy to be reading are (left to right) Jacob F. of the Sayville UFSD, PLC teacher Lynn Corriss, Michaela G. of the Brentwood UFSD, speech teacher Madeline Match, Melissa R. of the Patchogue-Medford UFSD, Principal Carolynn Hansen, Gianni R. of the Sachem CSD, teacher Jennifer Ahrens, and Abel P. of the Brentwood UFSD.

“Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to great places! You’re off and away.”– From “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” by Dr. Seuss

Oh, the places they will travel to from the Premm Learning Center (PLC) as students, staff, and families join the “Reading Across America” initiative. Timed to coincide with Dr. Seuss’ birthday, the program began with a Pajama Day during which students read – or were read to – “Green Eggs and Ham,” a best-selling and critically acclaimed rhymed book by Theodor Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss). Other Dr. Seuss books are on a reading list compiled by parents and the school, including “The Cat in the Hat.” According to Principal Carolynn Hansen, “March Forth With Books” is a school-wide program to promote reading at home 365 days a year.

Honoring Dr. Seuss by Reading

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REGIONAL COMPETITION 2012STUDENT’S NAME PROGRAM/CONTEST ESBOCES Center SCHOOL DISTRICT

1st Place Winners Gavin Smiech Carpenter’s Asst BTC Riverhead CSDConnor Hyland Audio Presentation WCTC Riverhead CSDNazrus Halsey Audio Presentation WCTC Riverhead CSDKathryn Ventura Basic Cosmetology WCTC Eastport/South Manor CSDCatherine Cammareri Cosmetology, PS WCTC AdultWajeeha Rashid Job Skill Demo MTC Sachem CSD2nd Place Winners Austin Douglas Job Demo Skills WCTC Riverhead CSDAngela Saunders Opening/Closing Ceremonies WCTC Riverhead CSDMichelle Sauter Opening/Closing Ceremonies WCTC Eastport/South Manor CSDChristine Papot Opening/Closing Ceremonies WCTC Southold UFSDJessica Dambra Opening /Closing Ceremonies WCTC Shoreham-Wading River CSDLauren Rozmus Opening/Closing Ceremonies WCTC Shoreham-Wading River CSDMarbeli Garcia Opening /Closing Ceremonies WCTC Riverhead CSDSabrina Stewart Opening/ Closing Ceremonies WCTC Longwood CSDDarin Davis Automotive Service Tech. WCTC Eastport/South Manor CSDDaniel Jenkins Basic Cosmetology WCTC East Quogue UFSDColleen McCaffery Cosmetology, PS WCTC AdultTeicarria Anderson Health Knowledge Bowl WCTC Riverhead CSDJorge Rodriguez Health Knowledge Bowl WCTC Hampton Bays UFSDDanielle Christie Health Knowledge Bowl WCTC Mattituck Cutchogue UFSDKathryn Ericson Health Knowledge Bowl WCTC Southampton UFSDJessica Markert Alt. Health Knowledge Bowl WCTC Riverhead CSDBrian Downey Quiz Bowl SAA Islip UFSDPatrick Fawley Quiz Bowl SAA Islip UFSDRyan Fennell Quiz Bowl SAA East Quogue UFSDJennifer Lenzi Quiz Bowl SAA Longwood CSDJesse Russell Quiz Bowl SAA Eastport/South Manor CSDMark Smith Quiz Bowl SAA Southold UFSDChristian Perricone Prepared Speech SAA Shoreham-Wading River CSDJacqueline Stoll Preschool Teacher Asst. MTC Connetquot CSDAlyson Burke Food Prep Assistant MTC Sachem CSDNiko DeBono Advertising Design BTC Middle Country CSDKayla Caruso Cosmetology, Jr. BTC Longwood CSDJesse Meigel Employment App. Process BTC Three Village CSDChristian Perez Nurse Assisting BTC Connetquot CSDBarbara Palone TV & Video Production BTC Miller Place UFSDChase Rubin TV & Video Production BTC Sayville UFSD3rd Place Winners Rachelle Mitchell Quiz Bowl BTC Longwood CSDEric Lopez Extemporaneous Speaking WCTC Shoreham Wading River CSDKayla Grossmann Prepared Speech WCTC Longwood CSDMichael Rutkoski Automotive Service Tech. WCTC Mattituck-Cutchogue UFSDMeaghan Diddus Cosmetology, PS WCTC AdultRahina Akram Health Knowledge Bowl MTC Middle Country CSDShannon Healey Health Knowledge Bowl MTC Sayville UFSDAllison Nook Health Knowledge Bowl MTC Connetquot CSDRichard Ruggiero Health Knowledge Bowl MTC Connetquot CSDKristi Walsh Senior Cosmetology MTC Sachem CSDGregory Seus Job Interview MTC Sachem CSDKevin Ekelund Residential Wiring MTC Bay Shore UFSDJoseph Austin Opening/Closing Ceremonies MTC Connetquot CSDFrancesca Bogan Opening/Closing Ceremonies MTC Sachem CSDDallas Carey Opening/Closing Ceremonies MTC Connetquot CSDMehmet Hurol Opening/Closing Ceremonies MTC Connetquot CSDJanelle Maenza Opening/Closing Ceremonies MTC Connetquot CSDSamantha Polcari Opening /Closing Ceremonies MTC Sayville UFSDSamantha Riley Opening/Closing Ceremonies MTC Connetquot CSDCasey Lax Food & Beverage Service BTC Middle Country CSDRuben Morales Nurse Assisting BTC Sachem CSDJohn Hara Quiz Bowl BTC Miller Place UFSDBrian Klemfuss Quiz Bowl BTC Shoreham-Wading River CSDJason Klimaseski Quiz Bowl BTC Shoreham-Wading River CSDCarmina Fisher Quiz Bowl BTC Sachem CSDJune Peralta Quiz Bowl BTC West Islip UFSDJulie Quinn Quiz Bowl BTC Middle Country CSD

Balloons decorated the SkillsUSA Awards Luncheon at the Melville Marriott, each shade representing a different BOCES school. Celebrating were the winners of the Area VI regional competition from Eastern and Western Suffolk BOCES and Nassau BOCES, held earlier in the day at SUNY Farmingdale. Dawn Scicolone, advisor to SkillsUSA and the assistant principal of the Brookhaven Technical Center (BTC), congratulated everyone in the Grand Ballroom saying, “The fact that you came out of your comfort zones to compete with other Long Island schools makes every one of you a winner. You are all champions.”

Students, Teachers, and Administrators Celebrate

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Nurse Interns Get Hands-On ExperienceStudents in the Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program participate in clinical rotations as they learn about pediatric nursing. During that three-week session, they study the basic principles of growth and development to the prevention and treatment of childhood health issues. The Premm Learning Center (PLC) in Oakdale and the Jefferson Academic Center (JAC) in Port Jefferson welcomed the interns who had the opportunity to observe and participate in activities in the classrooms and school nurse offices. “This experience for nursing students is very educational and rewarding,” said Administrative Coordinator of Health Careers and registered nurse Debra Epilone.

PLC Principal Carolynn Hansen (center) introduces her students, Patrick M. and Natalie M. of the Patchogue-Medford UFSD, and Alexandra M. of the Sachem CSD, to LPN interns (left to right) Greg Cammarata, Ann Marie Bradley, and Michelle Stinsman. With them (far right) is registered nurse and teacher Cheryl Martin.

A popular guest at the Masera Learning Center (MLC) in West Islip is Erik Callendar of “Erik’s Reptile Edventures.” Recently, Mr. Callender paid another visit to the facility, sponsored by the school’s ABA-PTO (Applied Behavior Analysis Parent-Teacher Organization), explaining that the school for children with autism holds a special place in his heart.Erik’s Reptile Edventures educates youngsters about animals from around the world and how they contribute to bionomics. Additionally, MLC students in classes at the Paul J. Bellew Elementary School had the opportunity to Skype with Erik on his recent trip to Madagascar. MLC Assistant Principal Nicole Drinkwater reported that “the gym was anything but quiet as the children experienced the sounds and feel of the animals first hand. They patted animals ranging from a sticky tree frog to an 80-pound albino Burmese python.”

Live Reptiles and Amphibians Intrigue Youngsters

Michael R. of the West Islip UFSD put on a safari hat for Erik’s educational adventure.

Students Capture First Place at GNYADAKevin Herrera and Michael Rutkoski of the Mattituck-Cutchogue UFSD, and students in the Automotive Technology program at the H.B. Ward Career and Technical Center (WCTC), have won first place in the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association (GNYADA) state finals. Automotive Technology teacher Michael O’Hara said, “Because they won the state competition, Eastern Suffolk BOCES receives a 2005 Mazda

Infinity. I’m very proud of these young men - they worked very hard to win this competition. Now it’s on to the national final.”ESBOCES students have finished second in the state finals several times before.

Kevin Herrera and Michael Rutkoski pose with their Automotive Technology teacher Michael O’Hara.

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Business classes at the H.B. Ward Career and Technical Center (WCTC) held a Mock Trade Show recently to practice techniques they have been learning this school year. Students created display boards, brochures, and practiced marketing. They used computers to research products, create word art, and obtain images. According to teachers Virginia Rios and Cheryl Rosalie, students used digital cameras to photograph actual products and packaging. “Their brochures and displays featured nutritional and product information, manufacturers’ suggested retail prices (MSRP), and various other advertising tools,” explained Ms. Rios. Administrators, teachers, and students in various Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs attended. Student Shavon Miles of the Riverhead CSD commented, “This is a new and exciting experience.”

There were no lions, tigers, and bears at the Premm Learning Center (PLC), but there was a lion, a tin man, a scarecrow, and Dorothy. The Kiwanis Club of Patchogue donated the cost ($1,400) to bring the production to the school so the students could experience live theatre.“It was thrilling to see the children’s faces light up when they saw the characters and heard the music,” reported PLC Principal Carolynn Hansen, adding, “Our art teacher, Samantha Walsh, made a yellow brick road to walk on and music teacher, Don Zaros, taught the children to sing along to the songs. One class made masks of the characters that they wore to the performance.”In appreciation of the Kiwanis Club’s generosity, Ms. Hansen presented a plaque of appreciation to Glen Charvat, who accepted on behalf of President Mark Charvet and club members.

Students Emma Jones of the Mattituck-Cutchogue UFSD and Kaitlyn Matlak of the Riverhead CSD display the brochures they created.

Grace F. of the Longwood CSD says hello to the Tin Man (Ed Kyle), the Cowardly Lion (C.T.), the Scarecrow (Dave Risley), and Dorothy (Kaitlin Nofi).

Mock Trade Show Provides Good Experiences

The Yellow Brick Road Led to Oakdale

At the Jefferson Academic Center (JAC), Libby Weis, an eighth grader, lost her bracelet when it slipped behind a cabinet. To retrieve it, JAC Assistant Principal Matt Matera and head custodian Lou Linbrunner needed to dismantle a drawer that had been stuck for years – 80 years to be exact. As the drawer was pried open, Libby found a 1932 speller (school notebook) with the name of then-student Fred Bone, Jr. Inside were lists of vocabulary words and handwriting practice. There was also a collection of books from that era with colorful covers. Libby read one and said, “I had to hold the pages together.” She also found her bracelet.

It was 1932 Again

Libby (seated at right) of the Rocky Point UFSD and classmates John of the William Floyd UFSD, and Brianna of the Rocky Point UFSD, display the 1932 materials that were discovered. With the students are (left to right) Principal Marc Foreman, Mr. Bone’s daughter Barbara Romonoyske, teachers Wendy Schiffman and Eileen Roggemann, and Assistant Principal Matt Matera.

CG 2943 5/12 CAS

Eastern Suffolk BOCES does not discriminate against any employee, student, applicant for employment, or candidate for enrollment on the basis of gender, race, color, religion or creed, age, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, domestic violence victim status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or any other classification protected by Federal, State, or local law. For further information or concerns regarding this statement, please contact the Eastern Suffolk BOCES Department of Human Resources at (631) 687-3029.

Early Childhood Education Students Raise Funds for NANA

Computer Technology ClassRefurbishes Laptops

Students preparing for a career working with preschool children decided to make a difference in the lives of children who need a safe, secure, and loving home. The Early Childhood Education (ECE) class at the

H.B. Ward Career and Technical Center (WCTC) engage in community service projects several times a year under the direction of their teacher, Gail Klepper. This year the students chose to adopt NANA’s House, a group home for neglected, abused, needy, or abandoned children. The students collected clothing, toys, games, toiletries, and non-perishable food items, sold bakery items, and also accepted donations. Those enrolled in the ECE program are preparing for a career as teachers or child care providers. The on-site preschool laboratory provides high school students the opportunity to work with 3- to 5-year-old children. They learn the importance of providing a safe and secure environment so preschoolers can learn. NANA’s House provides for children in the same manner. They strive to provide loving homes for children whose parents or guardians cannot care for them. Brittany Gray, an Eastport-South Manor CSD senior in the ECE program, and an employee at the Riverhead K-Mart, asked her supervisor if a donation could be made on behalf of K-Mart to NANA’s house. A donation of $25 was approved. Assistant Area Manager Justin Tressel was pleased to present the gift card to Brittany and her classmates Jennifer Tressler and Katerina Mileski, Shoreham-Wading River CSD; and Michele Sauter, Eastport-South Manor CSD. Mr. Tressel said, “Brittany is an excellent employee and we are happy to help make a difference.”

A student in the Computer Technology class at the Brookhaven Technical Center (BTC) sat by a pile of 50 repaired laptops as he explained that teacher Giovanni Chiarelli had introduced him and his peers to Comp4Kids. The non-profit organization collects non-working computer equipment, which the students volunteer to refurbish. The 501(c)(3) organization then distributes them free to low-income families across Long Island, making a difference in children’s lives.A junior in the Westhampton Beach UFSD and an ESBOCES student, Joseph Mulholland added, “This is a terrific community service project. Speaking for myself, fixing computers is a hobby. As a child, I enjoyed taking things apart and putting them back together.” He envisions taking computer science in college and having a career in the technology field.The Comp4Kids project will continue into the next school year.

BTC student Joseph Mulholland is the manager of Mr. Chiarelli’s laptop project.

Eastern Suffolk BOCES Board and Administration

Chief Operating OfficerGary D. Bixhorn

MembersPamela Betheil

Walter Wm. Denzler, Jr.Stephen Dewey, Ph.D.

Chris GarveyKatherine J. Heinlein

William Hsiang

Susan LipmanJoseph LoSchiavoAnne Mackesey

William K. MillerJeffrey SmithJohn Wyche

Vice PresidentSandra Townsend

Member and ClerkFred Langstaff

PresidentLisa Israel

ECE students Danielle Bellucci, Hampton Bays UFSD; Dawn Connolly, Miller Place UFSD; Kathleen Gaffga, Southold UFSD; Jenifer Castillo, Sag Harbor UFSD; Samantha Rodriguez, Eastport/South Manor CSD; Stephanie Merino-Romano, Greenport UFSD; and Victoria Piro, East Moriches UFSD pose with Principal Sam McAleese and teacher Gail Klepper (both standing) with some of the many donations that were made to NANA’s House.