Cheers and commendation rang through Woodhull School as proud parents, friends and school staff came together to celebrate the graduation ceremony for this year’s sixth grade class.

During the program’s opening remarks, Principal Philip Tamberino began the ceremony explaining that the evening would not only recognize sixth and Pre-K graduates but also other young students whose early school years have been affected by the pandemic. The building’s first graders, who graduated pre-K during the lockdown, had the opportunity to walk as a class and be cheered by those in attendance. Kindergarten students also received a diploma, since they were not able to attend or graduate from pre-K due to the district not offering the program under the reopening restrictions of 2020-21. Teachers, Mr. Tamberino, PTA officers, and members of the community took turns announcing scholarships and awards as part of the celebration. Mr. Tamberino also took time to praise employees who retired during the lockdown along with the current year’s retirees. 

Superintendent Loretta M. Ferraro and Board of Education President Jay Lippert were on hand to personally offer their congratulations and assist with presenting the students with their commemorative moving-up diplomas.

Date Added: 8/12/2022

Building off the lessons learned in the classroom, Woodhull students took their learning beyond the schoolhouse during several recent field trips and memorable end-of-year activities.

Students in grades 1-6 enjoyed the traditional end-of-year fishing trip out of Captree, a trip that hasn’t run since 2019 and was a welcomed return! The students boarded the Bay Princess and set sail, casting their lines in the hopes of not only reeling in a big catch but big memories with friends.

Engineering, skill and a little luck were on the agenda for this year’s sandcastle building event. Armed with beach tools and toys, the students lined the shores of Fire Island to create beautiful works of art using nature’s resources – sand and shells! The completed creations were each unique and a visual reminder that summer was just around the corner.

The building’s first, second and third grade students expanded their knowledge of aquatic sea creatures during a visit to the Riverhead Aquarium. The students took an up-close look at the various fish, sea lions, sharks and more during their time at the aquarium, learning about the animals’ daily routines, diets and more.

To cap off their final year at Woodhull, the sixth graders traveled into Manhattan to see one of Broadway’s hit shows – “Wicked”! From the opening curtain to the closing standing ovation, the show took them on a magical journey through Oz to learn about the importance of friendship, kindness and the need to support each other. It was truly a trip to remember.

Date Added: 8/12/2022

Fire Island School District has tapped Travis Davey to serve as the district’s new Superintendent of Schools, effective August 1.

Mr. Davey joins Fire Island from the Babylon School District, where he serves as the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. Prior to his current role, he had worked as the principal of Babylon Elementary School since 2016. He has additional educational experience from having been Principal at Bellport Middle School and Brookhaven Elementary School, located in the South Country School District.

Mr. Davey holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology, a Master of Education (elementary education) and a Master of Arts in Educational Administration, all from the University of Notre Dame. He also holds certifications in New York State School Building Leadership and School District Leadership. Throughout his career, Mr. Davey has been awarded a number of professional accolades, including a Regional Excellence in Teaching Award and being nominated for Administrator of the Year by the Empire State School Administrators Association several times.

Aside from being an accomplished educator, Mr. Davey prides himself in being a devoted family man to his wife, who is a science teacher, and four children ranging from fourth- to ninth-grade.

“I am grateful to the Fire Island Board of Education for their confidence in me to serve the district as the next Superintendent/Principal,” said Mr. Davey. “I am eager to learn more about the Fire Island community through conversations with our students and their families, school staff and community members as we look forward to an exciting new school year.”

Date Added: 8/12/2022

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