Fire Island School District - News Feed https://www.fi.k12.ny.us Copyright 2024 Syntax Communications Exporing Historic Landmarks Woodhull School fifth and sixth grade students embarked on an unforgettable journey to explore the historic landmarks of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Led by teachers Gabrielle Donovan and Colleen Ferry, the students delved into the rich tapestry of American immigration history, gaining a deeper understanding of the hopes, fears and dreams that accompanied millions of immigrants as they arrived on the shores of America. As the students explored the halls of Ellis Island, they were transported back in time and imagined the experience of the immigrants who walked those same corridors generations ago. The students also reflected on the sacrifices made and the challenges overcome by those who paved the way for future generations. Additionally, a visit to the Statue of Liberty served as a powerful symbol of freedom and democracy and inspired the students to embrace values of inclusion, diversity and unity that define the American spirit. Click here to view the photo slideshow. Date Added: 3/28/2024 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=175732 Thu, 28 Mar 2024 04:00:00 GMT false175732 News 12 Feature on FI School Click here to view the News 12 Article! Date Added: 3/25/2024 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=175656 Mon, 25 Mar 2024 04:00:00 GMT false175656 Diving Deep Into PARP As students sailed into the second week of Pick A Reading Partner month with an under the sea theme, Woodhull continued its literary journey with enthusiasm and determination. With over 3,000 minutes logged in reading during the first week, students demonstrated their voracious appetite for books and the joy of diving into new adventures through reading. Morning announcements sparked curiosity and engagement as students were challenged to identify songs, revealing that music is poetry put to melody—a perfect complement to the PARP theme. A special highlight of the week was Barnes & Noble Night, where families voyaged over to the mainland to enjoy a read aloud book “Swimmy” led by school librarian Ms. Daidone. Thanks to our wonderful PTA, all students received gift certificates to ensure that everyone left with a book in hand. The week culminated in a spectacular full-school karaoke at recess, led by DJ and teacher Mrs. Donovan. With student favorites echoing across the playground, staff and students alike joined in the fun, singing and dancing together. Colorful DJ swag added to the festive atmosphere , creating an unforgettable reading, singing and dancing experience for all. Click here to view the photo slideshow. Date Added: 3/20/2024 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=175544 Wed, 20 Mar 2024 04:00:00 GMT false175544 Exploring the Halls of Justice Woodhull Elementary School fifth and sixth grade students embarked on an exciting and educational field trip to the U.S. District Court. Where they had the unique opportunity to explore Magistrate Judge James M. Wicks’ courtroom in the Eastern District of New York. As they stepped into the solemn halls of justice, the students were captivated by the grandeur of the courtroom and the significance of the proceedings that take place within its walls. The highlight of the trip was an invitation for the students to attend a naturalization ceremony, where they sat in the jury box and played a special role in leading the Pledge of Allegiance before a group of 125 people from 36 countries, who were there to become U.S. citizens. It was a moment of pride and patriotism for the students as they stood alongside the new citizens as they stated the official oath during this important tradition. Following the ceremony, Judge Wicks graciously spent time speaking with the students, sharing insights into the workings of the courts and the role of judges in upholding the law. A visit from a U.S. Marshall added to the excitement as students learned that the U.S. Marshall Service protects judges, jurors and court workers in the courtroom. This specific marshal, coincidently, ran two miles from the Fire Island Lighthouse that day in his gear. Additionally, the students had the unique opportunity to participate in a mock trial of “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” in front of Woodhull’s “Honorable Judge Harrison.” This hands-on experience allowed the students to gain insight into the legal process and develop important critical thinking and public speaking skills as students played the roles of attorneys and witnesses. To further deepen their understanding, the students also visited the jail where they learned about the consequences of breaking the law and the importance of respecting rules and regulations in our society. Woodhull Elementary School hopes this memorable field trip not only provided students with a valuable learning experience but also instilled a sense of civic responsibility and respect for the principles of justice and democracy. Click here to view the photo slideshow. Date Added: 3/12/2024 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=175300 Tue, 12 Mar 2024 04:00:00 GMT false175300 The Woodhull Experience Date Added: 3/3/2024 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=175006 Sun, 03 Mar 2024 05:00:00 GMT false175006 Candidate Packets for election to the Board of Education are now available Candidate Packets for election to the Board of Education are now available. Please contact the District Clerk to schedule an appointment for pick up. Date Added: 2/29/2024 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=175008 Thu, 29 Feb 2024 05:00:00 GMT false175008 ‘The Great Kapok Tree’ Woodhull Elementary School recently played host to an enchanting live performance by third and fourth graders who brought “The Great Kapok Tree” to life on stage. The talented thespians, wearing meticulously crafted animal masks, transported the audience straight into the heart of the Amazon Rainforest. From lively toucans to stealthy jaguars, each student’s portrayal of their character was a testament to their creativity and research. The magic extended, however, beyond the lively costumes and spirited acting. At the play’s conclusion, the students seamlessly transitioned into educators, sharing insightful information about the real-life animals they had represented. The audience of students, staff and community members was treated to a mini lesson on the significance of preserving the rainforest and the unique roles these creatures play in maintaining the delicate balance of their ecosystem. The students are to be commended for their outstanding performance and the dual impact of entertainment and education. Kudos to Mrs. Flaumenhaft for the guidance she provided to the students, the artistic talent of Mrs. Margolin who helped prepare the props and backdrop, Ms. Daidone for her assistance with the masks, Mrs. B for sharing of the gym, and the never-ending energy of the maintenance staff with helping with the stage setup. The collaboration between the students, teachers and staff culminated in a memorable performance that not only showcased the research and artistic prowess of Woodhull School’s young performers, but also underscored the importance of environmental awareness in the community. Click here to view the photo slideshow. Date Added: 2/27/2024 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=174942 Tue, 27 Feb 2024 05:00:00 GMT false174942 Final Winter Newsletter - New Date Added: 2/9/2024 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=174559 Fri, 09 Feb 2024 05:00:00 GMT false174559 Exploring Artifacts First and second grade students embarked on a journey through time. Armed with artifacts and antiques from their own home, the young historians delved into the rich tapestry of culture and change spanning centuries. The classroom, and later the lunchroom, transformed into mini museums as students proudly displayed their treasures, each artifact a window into a bygone era. From antique baby utensils to coffee makers, butter churners and 45-inch records, every item told a unique story of its own. As the students eagerly shared their findings, the room came alive with curiosity and wonder. Discussions unfolded naturally as the students connected the artifacts to historical contexts and explored how everyday objects evolve over time. The students and staff marveled at the intricate designs on a vintage coffee maker, comparing how different it looks from the sleek machines of today. Click here to view the photo slideshow. Date Added: 2/6/2024 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=174430 Thu, 08 Feb 2024 05:00:00 GMT false174430 Groundhog Study Woodhull's prekindergarten students are taking the spotlight this month as they showcased their artistic talents while exploring the fascinating world of groundhogs. With brushes, crayons and glue in hand, these young artists captured the spirit of Groundhog Day, depicting adorable groundhogs and scenes from this beloved tradition. Through their creative endeavors, they not only learned about the role of groundhogs in forecasting the arrival of spring but also discovered the significance of this annual celebration on Feb. 2. As they proudly displayed their masterpieces, the students spread joy and excitement into the main office and around the building. Their artwork served as a vibrant reminder of the wonder and magic found in the changing seasons, inspiring us all to embrace the spirit of Groundhog Day and eagerly await the promise of spring. Click here to view the photo slideshow. Date Added: 2/6/2024 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=174431 Tue, 06 Feb 2024 05:00:00 GMT false174431 Developing Sportsmanship Physical education teacher Anna Bainbridge teaches Woodhull students more than the physical skills necessary to play a game. She encourages students on opposing teams to work together in ways that support the fun in games. During physical education classes, captains from two opposing teams agreed on the rules by which a familiar game should be played. Once they agreed, the two captains returned to their teams to explain the agreed upon rules. Students were then instructed to back against the wall before Mrs. B. issued the “go” signal. Students followed the newly agreed upon rules throughout the game, demonstrating great sportsmanship. Date Added: 2/2/2024 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=174316 Fri, 02 Feb 2024 05:00:00 GMT false174316 Sculpting with ‘Blown Glass’ Woodhull students created “blown glass” sculptures during their art classes. This recycled art project began weeks ago with a collection of plastic bottles. When the project commenced, the students designed their bottles with different colors and patterns. A heat gun was then used to create glass-like shapes that will eventually be combined into sculptures. Stay tuned for updates as the sculptures begin taking shape. Click here to view the photo slideshow. Date Added: 1/31/2024 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=174314 Wed, 31 Jan 2024 05:00:00 GMT false174314 Student Library Helpers Library student helpers are learning the various tasks required to run the Woodhull School library. School and community librarian Bianca Daidone said the mostly fifth and sixth grade volunteers love to help and are genuinely interested in the many functions and systems involved in managing the library. “They are extremely enthusiastic and take their jobs very seriously,” Ms. Daidone said. Some tasks they perform but are not limited to include scanning in and processing returned books, reshelving returns, processing (checking in, stamping and labeling) new book orders, making sure shelves are correctly organized in Dewey Decimal System order and straightening the shelves. They also help Ms. Daidone select, remove and log weeded books and periodicals in the collection, pull books for current units, label books with genre stickers and help complete the annual inventory. Ms. Daidone explained that being such an integral part in how the library runs really gives the student-volunteers a sense of propriety for the space and a deeper understanding and respect for books and literature.It also enhances their enjoyment of reading in general, as they help make the library a very comforting and enjoyable space in which to connect with a book. Click here to view the photo slideshow. Date Added: 1/23/2024 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=174109 Thu, 25 Jan 2024 05:00:00 GMT false174109 Pirates of Pinataville Woodhull Stars Shine in ‘The Holly Jolly Pirates of Pinataville’ Despite her best efforts to keep the winter performance on schedule, the Woodhull School recently witnessed an outstanding showcase of talent as students took the stage in a spectacular performance of "The Holly Jolly Pirates of Piñataville." Under the expert direction of Mr. Vitale, who regaled the audience in a pirate costumed of his own, the production featured every Woodhull student, with a particularly memorable solo piano and vocal performance of "Part of Your World" by one of the talented third graders. Held in Woodhull's decorated gymnasium/theater, the event was colorized by a backdrop created by art teacher Ms. Daidone and garnered an enthusiastic and well-attended audience, showcasing the incredible support from the school community. The lively and entertaining play, filled with catchy tunes and swashbuckling moments, brought joy to all who attended. The Woodhull School takes pride in providing students with opportunities to showcase their artistic abilities, fostering a love for the performing arts. The success of "The Holly Jolly Pirates of Piñataville" is a testament to the hard work and commitment of both students and staff, creating lasting memories for all who were fortunate enough to be in attendance. Congratulations to everyone involved in this fantastic production! This was aaaaaaar-guably the performance of year! Click here to view the photo slideshow. Date Added: 1/23/2024 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=174103 Tue, 23 Jan 2024 05:00:00 GMT false174103 First in Math Students have a new tool to strengthen math skills. After the break, third and fourth grade students worked on their multiplication skills. They first began a two-minute pattern drill and worked on the distributive property with dry erase boards. The lesson culminated in their working on a new website resource called First in Math. First in Math is an online mathematics practice tool that infuses a student’s love of gaming to build skills and create high levels of interest. The program gives instant feedback, is quick and easy with just 15 minutes per day to see results, is friendly and motivating and targets all skill ranges. Click here to view the photo slideshow. Date Added: 1/19/2024 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=173975 Fri, 19 Jan 2024 05:00:00 GMT false173975 Science Exploration During Environmental Education Day, Woodhull School fifth and sixth grade students joined Bay Shore School District peers to explore the different areas of the brain. Students learned about the many facets of the brain during a power point presentation, as well as through the dissection of a cow’s brain. Students asked insightful questions and learned about where the various structures identified in the power point slides could be found in the actual brain. The instructor adeptly handled concerns and questions pointing to the differences in the way students may feel about the dissection and how those feelings may change over time. Date Added: 1/17/2024 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=173969 Wed, 17 Jan 2024 05:00:00 GMT false173969 Lydon Cole's poetry achievement The Woodhull School is excited to announce the achievement of one of its talented sixth grade students, Lydon Cole. His inspiring poem, "Hopeless," has been selected for publication in the prestigious poetry collection, "Empowered." Lydon's poetic talent shines as his work stood out among submissions from young writers across the region. The poem, a reflection of Lydon's creativity and perspective, showcases the depth of talent fostered within The Woodhull School on Fire Island. Mrs. Gabrielle Donovan, Lydon's teacher, recognized his unique voice and submitted the poem on his behalf. Mrs. Donovan's commitment to nurturing her students' creativity has contributed to the success of Woodhull's budding authors. Woodhull School takes immense pride in Lydon’s achievement and celebrates his accomplishment in being a published poet. This recognition is not only a testament to Lydon's skills but also reflects the school's commitment to providing a supportive and enriching environment for its students. The entire Woodhull community congratulates Lydon on this outstanding accomplishment and looks forward to witnessing the continued growth of his literary talents. Date Added: 1/12/2024 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=173899 Fri, 12 Jan 2024 05:00:00 GMT false173899 Book Publishing Party One of the ways to meaningfully celebrate a student’s hard work throughout a writing unit is with a publishing party. Just before the holiday break, first and second grade students partnered with third and fourth graders to share their recently published writing. At the publishing party, the older and younger students were paired up to share their nonfiction works with one another. Staff members also were included. During the sharing process, the students wrote down notes about what they learned from each other’s writing. At the close of the celebration, they shared one thing they learned from their author-peers. Click here to view the photo slideshow. Date Added: 1/3/2024 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=173657 Fri, 05 Jan 2024 05:00:00 GMT false173657 Principal’s List Recognition As the district aims to celebrate individual growth and achievement, students are encouraged to continue working hard, take on challenges and apply themselves in their schoolwork to grow each trimester. That growth mindset will serve them well into the future. The following students have attained academic, work habits and citizenship standards that qualify them for the Principal’s List designation for Trimester 1. Marco Bessler Cole Boyle Lydon Cole Riley Cole Grayson Eddey Thea Eddey Layla Ferraro Dylan Lippman Fallyn Moran Milana Scalise Myla Scalise Kai Sitone Carter Smith Soleil Straut Rebecca Zahler Honorable Mention: Mila Ferazzoli and Chase Martin Date Added: 1/3/2024 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=173658 Wed, 03 Jan 2024 05:00:00 GMT false173658 LI Harvest Donations and Tour Woodhull School sixth grade leaders delivered bags of donations to Long Island Harvest, and while at the facility, were invited to take a tour. The delivered toys were collected during a recent sixth grade-sponsored toy drive. While on the tour, the students learned that some departments within Long Island Harvest help raise awareness about the organization’s services and supports, while other departments work to generate money to support the organization’s mission of helping others. They learned specifically about the workings of the operations department and its relationship with grocery stores and the gathering of food and supplies for donations. Also presented was information about the agency department that helps with government assistance, as well as the workforce development department’s assistance in helping individuals develop skills for employment. Most importantly, the students learned that food insecurity is a year-round issue, especially in the summer. As a result, the students discussed how they will target that time of need in the future. Click here to view the photo slideshow. Date Added: 12/18/2023 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=173406 Mon, 18 Dec 2023 05:00:00 GMT false173406 Holiday Greetings to Soldiers Fifth and sixth grade students at the Woodhull School teamed up with first and second grade students to write holiday greetings to the nation’s soldiers. The student letters were written and beautifully illustrated notes of gratitude to the brave men and women who model selfless bravery and sacrifice for others. Date Added: 12/12/2023 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=173274 Tue, 12 Dec 2023 05:00:00 GMT false173274 Colorful Creativity Abounds Fire Island students find weekly opportunities to creatively express themselves while in art class. The month of December commenced with a number of colorful projects in different stages of development, including the creation of recycled sculptures, aboriginal pointillism and tulip landscape paintings. Click here to view the photo slideshow. Date Added: 12/6/2023 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=173084 Fri, 08 Dec 2023 05:00:00 GMT false173084 Wisdom Through Literature Third and fourth grade students in Ms. Flaumenhaft's class have been reading "wisdom books," titles that provide important lessons and wisdom. After reading a picture book, the students worked together to determine what knowledge and good judgement they could glean from the story. After reading Sarah Killborne’s “Peach and Blue,” the students discussed the lessons, or wisdom, they had acquired, including appreciating the beauty around you, that friends are family, to always be helpful and that there is always more to things than one thinks. This collaborative exercise provided the students with opportunities to both read collectively and to put their minds together to engage in critical thinking. Date Added: 12/6/2023 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=173079 Wed, 06 Dec 2023 05:00:00 GMT false173079 Nature Club Fun In Nature Club, students focused on the art of camouflage. They first observed pictures of the Eastern Screech Owl, the smallest native owl. The students then learned that they stand only eight inches tall with their ear tufts, are found in two-color phases (gray and rufous) and are capable of blending in to look like tree bark as they sleep. Using sycamore tree bark, the Nature Club members then disguised a “sleeping owl” inside a hole in a tree. Date Added: 11/29/2023 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=172899 Wed, 29 Nov 2023 05:00:00 GMT false172899 Giving Thanks Sometimes we get so busy with our everyday activities that we forget to think about the many gifts in our lives. With the Thanksgiving holiday upon us, Woodhull School students and staff shared in the annual Thanksgiving Feast. In addition to the turkey and fixings, the students passed around a thankful stick. The object of this activity was to share what we are thankful for. We heard recognitions of family, friends, teachers, pets and attending Woodhull School. With Thanksgiving next week, the district encourages everyone to take a moment to think about what you are thankful for and celebrate these special gifts in your lives. Click here to view the photo slideshow. Date Added: 11/21/2023 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=172751 Tue, 21 Nov 2023 05:00:00 GMT false172751 Grateful for Our Veterans At Woodhull, we are committed to instilling in our students a deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by veterans and a profound respect for their service. First and second graders in Mrs. McNulty’s class listened to a readaloud explaining the significance of Veterans Day. The students then wrote letters to veterans thanking them for their service and reached out to organizations to help deliver them to local veterans. One of Woodhull’s fifth graders wrote an informational announcement about the history and significance of Veterans Day and read his piece aloud during the morning announcements for the benefit of all students and staff. Date Added: 11/14/2023 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=172540 Tue, 14 Nov 2023 05:00:00 GMT false172540 Ukulele Lessons Woodhull students are learning to play the ukulele as part of their music curriculum in Grade 3. While dressed up in their cozy pajamas during the school’s Pajama Day, third graders practiced strumming of individual notes at the direction of music teacher Mr. Vitale. They also practiced following and playing to musical notation projected on the interactive white board. Their skills are coming along nicely! Date Added: 11/7/2023 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=172403 Thu, 09 Nov 2023 05:00:00 GMT false172403 Fall Fun House Mrs. Donovan's fifth & sixth grade class built a series of fall-themed games and experiences that turned the gym into a funhouse. All other grade levels were invited to attend and play the games, try out their skills and test their courage through the different activities. Some of the various and fun activities included a spider toss, a fortune teller, candy corn hole and more. Students were rewarded with a special prize at each station they visited. The administration and faculty thank the students for their leadership and community-building activity Click here to view the photo slideshow. Date Added: 11/7/2023 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=172396 Tue, 07 Nov 2023 05:00:00 GMT false172396 Strategic Plan Click here to view theStrategic Plan Page. Date Added: 11/6/2023 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=172351 Mon, 06 Nov 2023 05:00:00 GMT false172351 Halloween at Woodhull School Woodhull School celebrated Halloween with an enchanting parade that brought smiles and laughter to the hearts of students and Ocean Beach residents alike. Woodhull students and staff paraded through town in a delightful spectacle of costumes, music and festivity, culminating in a heartwarming gathering at the Village Hall. The Halloween parade, a long-standing tradition at Woodhull, began with students, teachers and staff assembling at the school, all adorned in a colorful array of costumes, embodying classic monsters, superheroes and inventive, homemade creations. The parade route weaved through the town, with music teacher Mr. Vitale providing the perfect soundtrack for the parade, infusing the event with an extra dose of Halloween spirit. The grand finale of the parade took place at the Village Hall, where students were met with a warm and festive welcome. Each student was treated to a special surprise or a goody bag filled with Halloween treats. The event was a perfect example of community, as it brought together residents of all ages, fostering a strong sense of togetherness and Halloween cheer.Woodhull is proud to continue this delightful tradition, which not only brings joy to the students but also celebrates the spirit of Halloween and creates enduring memories for everyone involved. Click here to view the photo slideshow. Date Added: 10/31/2023 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=172220 Tue, 31 Oct 2023 04:00:00 GMT false172220 Saving Fred The students in Ms. McNulty’s first and second grade class joined forces with Ms. Flaumenhaft’s third and fourth grade class to try to save Fred – a gummy worm stuck on top of his capsized boat. His gummy life preserver is under the boat. The students tried to turn the boat over, get the life preserver back on Fred, and get Fred back into the boat without using their hands. To increase the challenge, the students were limited in the tools they could use to save Fred. The problem-solving activity required students to discuss ideas, collaborate on action plans and persevere through challenges and frustration, real world skills that will serve them well into the future. Click here to view the photo slideshow. Date Added: 10/30/2023 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=172151 Mon, 30 Oct 2023 04:00:00 GMT false172151 Bucket Fillers During Woodhull Elementary School’s All-School Meeting, students discussed with their peers the key lessons taught in “Have You Filled A Bucket Today,” a classic story which aims to teach children about the impact their actions have on others. According to the lessons in this popular book, when we do something kind for someone, we fill their bucket, and in turn, our own. Likewise, we dip into someone’s bucket and make them feel bad when we accidently or purposely do something unkind. Students learned during the assembly about what to do if we ever dip into someone’s bucket: start with an apology, follow up with actions that demonstrate their sincerity and give the other person time to recognize their efforts. The students also discussed how a collection of even simple kind acts can collect over time to impact a school, home, community and the world. The school also celebrates bucket fillers each morning and on a large bucket-filler bulletin board. Date Added: 10/26/2023 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=172000 Thu, 26 Oct 2023 04:00:00 GMT false172000 Fire Safety In recognition of Fire Prevention Month, the Ocean Beach Fire Department visited Woodhull Elementary School. The students and faculty attended an assembly where the fire department personnel, dressed in turnout gear, provided information on what to do in a fire. They learned to stop drop and roll if their clothes caught on fire, not to hide from a fireman and to have an escape route and meeting place. At the end of the assembly, the students boarded a fire truck and observed its equipment. The Fire Island School District thanks the Ocean Beach Fire Depart for their time and lessons on fire safety. Click here to view the photo slideshow. Date Added: 10/23/2023 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=171958 Mon, 23 Oct 2023 04:00:00 GMT false171958 Student Council Run First and second grade students in Karen McNulty’s class practiced their class representative speeches in advance of a vote for their participation on the Woodhull Student Council. Ms. McNulty guided students prior to each speech on how to present themselves as candidates who not only bring something special, but who embody the characteristics strived for at Woodhull Elementary – safe, respectful, responsible and kind. One by one, the students practiced their speeches in front of their peers, who then asked clarifying questions to strengthen each student’s meaning when they declared themselves as “good listeners,” “always ready for action,” “helpful with teamwork” and good “role model.” “Without a doubt, these Woodhull students demonstrate the qualities we would all want in a leader,” Ms. McNulty said. ”This class is positioned to be well-represented in student council this year.” Click here to view the photo slideshow. Date Added: 10/16/2023 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=171779 Wed, 18 Oct 2023 04:00:00 GMT false171779 Telling a Story with Totems PreK and kindergarten students learned that totems were an important part of Native American culture and a means by which to tell a story using depictions of animals. The students then created their own totems to tell a story about their families or an event. They shared their totem and their story with their classmates. Date Added: 10/16/2023 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=171781 Mon, 16 Oct 2023 04:00:00 GMT false171781 Flower Dissection During Environmental Day, third and fourth grade students at Woodhull Elementary School in the Fire Island School District got up close and personal with flowers. The students dissected flowers and seeds, looking closely for specific parts and then identifying each part with the help of diagrams. After separating each part, students sorted the parts of the seeds they found. One student proudly showed off his ability to carefully separate the embryo of the seed. Click here to view the photo slideshow. Date Added: 10/5/2023 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=171496 Thu, 05 Oct 2023 04:00:00 GMT false171496 A Day in the Life Woodhull sixth grade students braved the rain on Sept. 29 to continue their annual contributions to the outdoor cooperative science event known as A Day in the Life. Spearheaded by classroom teacher Gaby Donovan and Eastern Suffolk BOCES Model Schools technology coach Deborah Gerken, all of the participating students were well-prepared for the tasks at hand. Students were required to test for pH, dissolved oxygen, nitrates and phosphorous and conducted biodiversity inventories through a series of seining activities. Seining activities employ the use of nets, called a seine. They also analyzed sediment cores to ascertain the presence of other materials, such as clay, bivalve shells and macroinvertebrates. It was all hands-on-deck as bus driver and local marine expert Brian Romeyk jumped in to assist in seining to discover aquatic life. The ongoing citizen science project is now in its seventh year. Woodhull School students are part of a larger group that includes both Bay Shore and Longwood school districts. All three districts conduct their tests on the same day at different locations with a shared mission – to gather essential data on the physical and chemical characteristics of the Great South Bay. Woodhull School is grateful for their teachers for providing hands-on learning experiences to the students. With the school situated so close to the bay and the ocean, immersing the students in environmental education helps further their understanding that the beaches and waterways in their backyards are sensitive ecosystems that will be theirs to help preserve now and into the future. Click here to view the photo slideshow. Date Added: 10/3/2023 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=171422 Tue, 03 Oct 2023 04:00:00 GMT false171422 Living Things and Their Young During environmental education, prekindergarten and kindergarten students learned to distinguish between living and non-living things. They observed live stick bugs and compared them to toy stick bugs. The students also learned about animals and their offspring from seed to the egg and to live young. Afterward, they were instructed to match parent animals to their babies. The students also studied animal coverings such as feathers and fur. For their final project of the day, the students made pinecone bird feeders to take home for their own feathered friends. Click here to view the photo slideshow. Date Added: 9/26/2023 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=171287 Thu, 28 Sep 2023 04:00:00 GMT false171287 Collaboration During Band Mr. V. employed the help of his experienced band members to introduce the new band members to their instruments. Paired together around the gym, students taught each other about the instruments they were playing, while Mr. V. circulated the room providing guidance. Click here to view the photo slideshow. Date Added: 9/26/2023 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=171279 Tue, 26 Sep 2023 04:00:00 GMT false171279 Bay Shore & FI Join Lesson Bay Shore and Fire Island Students Join in Science Lesson In an effort to share a year of learning experiences and foster relationship-building, Woodhull School invited Bay Shore students to participate in the Environmental Education program with fifth and sixth grade students. Ten Bay Shore students joined the Woodhull School scientists to explore and develop models of the building blocks of the universe, atoms and simple molecules. They constructed three-dimensional models of atoms, which allowed them to explore the differences between elements, compounds and molecules. In order to prepare for future science chapters, the students also learned about dissection. Their practice “specimens” were pickles. The students learned how to use dissection tools, as well as how to properly perform a successful dissection and have steady hands. Click here to view the photo slideshow. Date Added: 9/22/2023 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=171218 Fri, 22 Sep 2023 04:00:00 GMT false171218 Remembering 9/11 Woodhull students and staff met as a whole school to read a children’s book about the events of 9-11 and how every effort to help others counts. Then we painted seashells in USA’s red, white, and blue and positioned ourselves in a heart showing our love and appreciation for the patriots of 2001 and today! Our thank you shells can be seen along the walkway outside of Woodhull. Date Added: 9/11/2023 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=170934 Mon, 11 Sep 2023 04:00:00 GMT false170934 Welcome back, Woodhull! On Sept. 5, the district welcomed students and staff to the start of the 2023-2024 school year. Smiles, sunny skies and fun learning activities were all front and center as our dedicated teachers and staff helped to ensure a smooth transition for all students. Teachers and students worked together to build classroom expectations, routines, and to establish cooperative learning partnerships. Working together helped remind each other of how much we have learned leading up to this school year as well as how much we can rely on each other to expand what we know and what we can do! Getting to know you activities afford students opportunities to share a bit about themselves, their interests, and how they spent their summers. These activities not only help identify commonalities between students, but teachers are often able to take what they learn about their students and weave together lessons targeting individual as well as common interests. Click here to view the photo slideshow. Date Added: 9/11/2023 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=170948 Mon, 11 Sep 2023 04:00:00 GMT false170948 2023 Summer Newsletter Date Added: 7/12/2023 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=170299 Wed, 12 Jul 2023 04:00:00 GMT false170299 Community Library Summer Hours will begin on Monday, July 10, 2023. Date Added: 6/23/2023 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=170080 Fri, 23 Jun 2023 04:00:00 GMT false170080 Math Review Scavenger Hunt A collaborative scavenger hunt replaced the typical skill and drill review of math problems for students at Woodhull in early June. The fourth grade students worked with the third grade students to understand more difficult concepts and problems such as long division. The students searched for math problems hung around their classroom. The answers were located on another card which also had their next problem to solve written below the answer. It was a great way to work together to solve a problem, hone their math skills, and have some fun along the way. Date Added: 6/12/2023 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=169706 Mon, 12 Jun 2023 04:00:00 GMT false169706 Budget Results / Thank You Budget: Yes – 41 No – 0 Board Trustee: (* denotes who was elected) Judi Phelan – 38 * Marisa Wyckoff – 36 * Date Added: 5/16/2023 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=168890 Wed, 17 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT false168890 Budget Newsletter 2023 Now Available Date Added: 4/28/2023 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=168188 Fri, 28 Apr 2023 04:00:00 GMT false168188 Celebrating Earth Day Woodhull School students helped to make a different during a recent project, which was done in collaboration with the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society. The students enjoyed learning about the litter pervasive problem on our planet through a morning assembly and how that connects close to home for us here on Fire Island. Following the chat, the students were excited to become part of a solution and collected over 28 pounds of trash from our local beaches. Date Added: 4/26/2023 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=168263 Wed, 26 Apr 2023 04:00:00 GMT false168263 Notice of Annual Budget Hearing, Annual Election, and Vote on Budget Date Added: 3/31/2023 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=167692 Fri, 31 Mar 2023 04:00:00 GMT false167692 Non-Resident Enrollment Click here to view the enrollment page. Date Added: 3/14/2023 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=167152 Tue, 14 Mar 2023 04:00:00 GMT false167152 Science Captivates Students Students across Woodhull benefit from the Environmental Education program that enhances the school’s curriculum. In early February, the school’s first and second grade class visited Caleb Smith State Park, touring its Environmental Educator’s lab where they learned about different animals native to Long Island and then hiked the trails. Students in third and fourth grade worked in partnerships inside the classroom, and then, thanks to the beautiful weather, visited actual waves just down the walk from Woodhull. Date Added: 2/13/2023 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=166358 Wed, 15 Feb 2023 05:00:00 GMT false166358 Awareness of Critical Issues Woodhull School fifth graders have been researching different issues in the Western Hemisphere and have written essays about such matters as well as their proposed solutions to identified problems. As part of the project, students reported on the destruction of the Amazon jungle and the threatened species in the Galapagos Islands, as well as the endangered crocodiles in Paraguay. The next stage of this unit involves the students taking their new knowledge and using a technological platform to create a public service announcement that will teach others about the importance of addressing this issue. Captured here are students sharing their created videos with each other for constructive feedback. These impressive videos include information about the issues they chose to highlight, images that bring the issues to life, narrated messages of action and music in a digestible time frame for any viewer. Date Added: 2/13/2023 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=166337 Mon, 13 Feb 2023 05:00:00 GMT false166337 Fun Spin on Staying Active Regular physical activity has tremendous benefits on individual’s physical and mental health. With physical education every day of the week at Woodhull Elementary School, students build on skills introduced across the week, adding complexity to each challenge. Last week, the students built on their core strength by battling out epic duels of rock, paper, scissors while holding plank positions. The shoulder muscle work felt during crab walks and bear crawls were emphasized during crab and bear crawl volleyball. Incorporating these exercises into games increases the fun and maximizes the workout. Date Added: 1/30/2023 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=165582 Mon, 30 Jan 2023 05:00:00 GMT false165582 History through Art As part of their study of ancient Mesoamerican civilizations, Woodhull fifth graders learned about the use and meaning of ceremonial masks. The images below capture our students designing their own masks out of different natural materials to demonstrate their understanding of what they learned. Date Added: 1/30/2023 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=165583 Mon, 30 Jan 2023 05:00:00 GMT false165583 Science Studies At Woodhull Innovation, curiosity and the steps of the scientific method were visible all around Woodhull Elementary School this January, as students across grade levels worked on various projects. As part of their environmental education day, Woodhull fifth graders worked together to design and build a submarine within an imaginary $500 budget. Materials were provided at different price points and students eventually tested their designs. Students also spent some time participating in a bio indicator study and observing the filtration qualities of soil. Additionally, kindergarten students learned how to warm up a frozen playground by experimenting with ways to move the sunshine to reflect on a city hidden in a valley. They also learned how the sun impacts different parts of the Earth throughout the year through a model created by their teacher, Mrs. Crawson. Date Added: 1/9/2023 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=165037 Mon, 09 Jan 2023 05:00:00 GMT false165037 Computer Science Week In connection with Computer Science Education Week, Woodhull technology teacher Mrs. Gerken rolled out a fun coding experience with students in early December. Kindergarten through fourth grade students used an iPad application known as Scratch Jr. After being taught the mechanics of the program, which is based on the computer language Java Script, students were assigned Day at the Beach projects that tapped into the current IB unit called How We Express Ourselves. Fifth grade students worked through independent coding courses aimed at developing their skills through a website: code.org. Coding is a valuable learn-by-doing experience. Students set objectives, work to accomplish those objectives, and learn to troubleshoot their way to success through these engaging platforms. Date Added: 12/19/2022 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=164586 Mon, 19 Dec 2022 05:00:00 GMT false164586 Celebrating the Season Kicking off a new unit called How We Express Ourselves, Woodhull kindergarteners began learning about the winter solstice and December holidays. In celebration of the character strength Hope, students shared what they are excited about and hopeful for during this holiday season. Date Added: 12/13/2022 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=164452 Tue, 13 Dec 2022 05:00:00 GMT false164452 Woodhull School Newsletter! Click here to visit the newsletters page for an in depth glimpse into the Woodhull School Day https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=164243 Tue, 06 Dec 2022 05:00:00 GMT false164243 SORA Resource Click here to view the SORA Resource. Date Added: 11/30/2022 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=164094 Wed, 30 Nov 2022 05:00:00 GMT false164094 2021-2022 Fiscal Audit Management Letter Click here to view the letter https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=161613 Thu, 10 Nov 2022 05:00:00 GMT false161613 A Day in the Life – Fire Island Edition Making connections from the classroom to the world around them, Woodhull fifth grade students continued their sixth-year tradition of assessing the health of the Great South Bay. This was part of the “Day in the Life” Long Island citizen science initiative which was fashioned after a program called The Day in the Life of the Hudson River. The Long Island adaptation, began 11 years ago with six schools studying the Carmans River. It’s been expanding ever since, now including Fire Island and the Great South Bay in 2017. While Woodhull students were gathering data at a small private community known as the Summer Club, Bay Shore Middle School students were stationed at the lighthouse and Longwood Middle School students were at Smith Point Park. All of the students were focused on the same mission: to gather essential data on the physical and chemical characteristics of the Great South Bay. Spearheaded by classroom teacher Gaby Donovan and Eastern Suffolk BOCES Model Schools Technology coach Deborah Gerken, all of the participating students were well-prepared for the tasks at hand. Students were required to test for pH, dissolved oxygen, nitrates and phosphorous. In addition, students conducted biodiversity inventories through a series of seining activities. They also analyzed sediment cores to ascertain for the presence of other materials such as clay, bivalve shells and macroinvertebrates. Pete Topping, executive director and baykeeper with the Peconic Baykeeper and his colleague Alexa Annunziata, director of outreach for the Peconic Baykeeper, both volunteered their time and expertise to ensure all of the data being cataloged was validated. It was all hands-on deck as newly appointed Woodhull Superintendent/Principal Travis Davey jumped to assist in logging aquatic life. “I am grateful to our teachers for providing this hands-on learning experience to our students here on Fire Island,” he said. “With our school in such a unique setting, immersing our students in environmental education helps further their understanding that the beaches and waterways in our backyard are more than recreational destinations but also sensitive ecosystems that will be theirs to help preserve now and into the future.” For the first time this year, students used a technology resource known as ArcGIS (Aeronautical Reconnaissance Coverage Geographic Information Systems). An add-on known as Survey 123 was installed on iPads allowing students to collect data while on site, accurately logging their location, time and temperature in addition to chemical testing results and aquatic inventories. To ensure accuracy, all of the information is stored in draft form so students could conduct math calculations back in the stillness of a classroom setting. When all of the final computations were made, the data was submitted directly from the iPad to reside on a cloud storage system where it was automatically saved in an excel file like framework. In the years to come, as more data is added, students can easily analyze the information for possible anomalies. This project is particularly significant in the view of the fact that in April, Long Island received $33 million in funding to clean up the bays and waterways. The entire program is coordinated by the Central Pine Barrens Commission, The Suffolk County Water Authority, Brookhaven National Lab and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Since all of these students live on Fire Island, the significance of maintaining a healthy bay is vital. These are students that speak the language of the ocean and for them, it is far more important than an outdoor education day, it is their home. Date Added: 10/18/2022 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=159877 Tue, 18 Oct 2022 04:00:00 GMT false159877 Welcome Back! Not even the rain could dampen the smiles at Woodhull Elementary School, as students and staff arrived for the first day of school on Sept. 6. Here's to a great year! Date Added: 9/6/2022 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=156959 Tue, 06 Sep 2022 04:00:00 GMT false156959 Field Trips Expand Educational Experiences 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 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=156600 Fri, 12 Aug 2022 04:00:00 GMT false156600 A Celebration to Remember 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 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=156602 Fri, 12 Aug 2022 04:00:00 GMT false156602 2022 Summer Newsletter Date Added: 8/12/2022 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=156609 Fri, 12 Aug 2022 04:00:00 GMT false156609 New Superintendent Joins the District 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 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=156599 Fri, 12 Aug 2022 04:00:00 GMT false156599 Planned Power Outage 8/9 - 8/12 Please be advised, district offices will NOT have access to email or phones due to a planned power outage related to summer construction from Tuesday, August 9th – noon on Friday, August 12th. Date Added: 8/5/2022 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=156512 Fri, 05 Aug 2022 04:00:00 GMT false156512 Auction Information: 2008 Ford E350 Super Duty Mini School Bus - June 14, 2022 Click here for more information Date Added: 6/14/2022 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=152714 Tue, 14 Jun 2022 04:00:00 GMT false152714 Celebrating Art Woodhull Elementary School students showcased their creative talents this May during the building’s annual Art Show. It was curated by Ms. Daidone, was well-attended by the parent community, and featured the work of all the students from throughout the year and their studies of various artists, styles, concepts, and techniques. This was the first in-person Art Show since 2019. Date Added: 6/1/2022 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=152217 Wed, 01 Jun 2022 04:00:00 GMT false152217 Budget Passes! Yes – 41 No – 0 Board Election (* elected): Jay Lippert – 38 * Linda Nowachek – 37 * Marisa Wyckoff – 28 * Jay Lippert and Linda Nowachek elected for 3 year terms Marisa Wyckoff elected for a 1 year 46 day term Date Added: 5/17/2022 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=151653 Tue, 17 May 2022 04:00:00 GMT false151653 Express Yourself in Paint Woodhull Elementary School students in Ms. Gerken’s third grade technology class took keyboarding to a whole new level. Following a lengthy keyboarding activity that introduced students to various artists, students were asked to draft a short bio of themselves, including information on their own painting aesthetic. Using the iPad app Sketchbook, students used electronic brushes and paint to create their own self-portrait. The completed projects can be seen in this video: Date Added: 5/12/2022 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=151464 Thu, 12 May 2022 04:00:00 GMT false151464 Fire Island Once Again a Best Community for Music Education Fire Island School District has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. Now in its 23rd year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Fire Island School District answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs. Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas. Date Added: 5/12/2022 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=151465 Thu, 12 May 2022 04:00:00 GMT false151465 Budget Newsletter 2022-2023 Date Added: 5/11/2022 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=151378 Wed, 11 May 2022 04:00:00 GMT false151378 Notice of Board of Education Special Meeting - May 5, 2022 Date Added: 5/5/2022 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=151175 Thu, 05 May 2022 04:00:00 GMT false151175 2022-2023 Proposed Budget Is Now Available Date Added: 4/27/2022 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=150888 Wed, 27 Apr 2022 04:00:00 GMT false150888 Spring 2022 Newsletter Date Added: 4/18/2022 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=150527 Mon, 18 Apr 2022 04:00:00 GMT false150527 Notice of Annual Meeting, Budget Vote and Election - May 17, 2022 Date Added: 3/25/2022 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=149973 Fri, 25 Mar 2022 04:00:00 GMT false149973 COMMUNITY INPUT REQUESTED: SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH Date Added: 3/24/2022 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=149879 Thu, 24 Mar 2022 05:00:00 GMT false149879 NOTICE TO BIDDERS - CAPITAL PROJECT @ WOODHULL SCHOOL .tb_button.hover {border:2px outset;} .tb_button.hover {border:2px outset;} .tb_button.hover {border:2px outset;} .tb_button.hover {border:2px outset;} https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=149858 Thu, 24 Mar 2022 04:00:00 GMT false149858 Fire Island Commences Search for New Superintendent The Fire Island School District Board of Education has commenced a search for the district’s next superintendent of schools, as current superintendent Loretta Ferraro has announced her intention to retire at the end of the 2021-2022 school year. “Over the past 13 years, Mrs. Ferraro has led our district with class and distinction, bringing about many important changes to our school community,” said Board of Education President Jay Lippert. “From her start as a classroom teacher to her rise as our district’s leader, Mrs. Ferraro’s tenure in Fire Island has been unmatched. We thank her for her dedication and service to the district and the students of Woodhull School.” The district has partnered with Eastern Suffolk BOCES to assist the Board of Education with the superintendent’s search. It is anticipated that a new superintendent will be named in the coming months and be prepared to begin working in the district at the start of the 2022-2023 school year. Updates regarding the search will be provided to the community as they become finalized. Date Added: 3/16/2022 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=149587 Wed, 16 Mar 2022 04:00:00 GMT false149587 Two-For Fun In celebration of the palindrome, 2-2-22, Fire Island students and staff gathered in the shape of two giant 2s at 2:22 p.m. The group all looked up to the sky to smile at Ms. Chenault’s camera drone for a commemorative photo to highlight the significance of the day. A palindrome is a word phrase or sequence that reads the same backward as forward. Date Added: 3/15/2022 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=149558 Tue, 15 Mar 2022 04:00:00 GMT false149558 A Lifesized Mythical Study Woodhull Elementary School fourth and sixth grade students teamed up together to bring to life some of the historical lessons they were learning in their classrooms. As a complement to their studies on Greek mythology, the students created supersized representations of several familiar Greek gods, goddesses and demigods. The creations were put on display in the school for all to enjoy. Date Added: 3/15/2022 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=149559 Tue, 15 Mar 2022 04:00:00 GMT false149559 Keeping Buckets Full Woodhull Elementary School students and staff are working to keep each others’ buckets filled with positivity by noting the kind words or deeds of others that made them feel good, or, "filled their bucket." Individuals are writing them down on one of the blank buckets in rooms around the school. Principal Phillip Tamberino is currently sharing the notes on the morning announcements before posting on Ms. McNulty's bulletin board. Date Added: 3/15/2022 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=149560 Tue, 15 Mar 2022 04:00:00 GMT false149560 Nominating Petitions Available Nominating petitions for candidates interested in running for the Board of Education are available in the office of the District Clerk. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=149354 Tue, 08 Mar 2022 05:00:00 GMT false149354 Annual Fire Inspection Notice is hereby given that the annual inspection of the Woodhull School and Bus Maintenance Garage of the Fire Island Union Free School District, for fire hazards which might endanger the lives of students, teachers, and employees therein, has been completed and the report is available at the office of the District Clerk at the Fire Island Union Free School District for inspection by all interested persons. Board of Education Fire Island Union Free School District Towns of Islip and Brookhaven Suffolk County, New York Donna Clock District Clerk February 17, 2022 Date Added: 2/14/2022 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=147383 Mon, 14 Feb 2022 05:00:00 GMT false147383 Notice to Bidders – School Bus Bid Date Added: 2/10/2022 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=147309 Thu, 10 Feb 2022 05:00:00 GMT false147309 Fire Island School District 2022 Census Form Date Added: 2/8/2022 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=147230 Tue, 08 Feb 2022 05:00:00 GMT false147230 NOTICE TO BIDDERS – SCHOOL BUS Date Added: 1/21/2022 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=145776 Fri, 21 Jan 2022 05:00:00 GMT false145776 Fire Island Winter Show 2021 Click the link to view the Winter Show 2021:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BmZeVXrR2Y https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=144877 Mon, 20 Dec 2021 05:00:00 GMT false144877 Zooming to Share Educational Experiences Woodhull Elementary School students are utilizing the technological resources at their fingertips to enhance their educational experiences and forge deeper connections with their peers. Third graders, who have been studying Japan, had the opportunity to take a Zoom call with 35-year resident of Japan and former New Yorker Mr. Christopher Silverstein. During the call, the students asked prepared questions and listened intently as Mr. Silverstein described aspects of life and culture in Japan, including the climate, geography, customs, music and food. The morning Zoom, which took place at night for Mr. Silverstein in his Tokyo suburb, was a delightful learning experience for all. The building’s second grade students took turns reading “Have You Filled a Bucket Today?” to the rest of the school via Zoom during lunch. The picture book by Carol McCloud uses bucket-filling as a metaphor for brightening someone’s day, including your own, with kindness. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=144645 Mon, 13 Dec 2021 05:00:00 GMT false144645 Waves of Learning As an extension of their classroom lessons, the fifth and sixth grade students in Gabrielle Donovan’s class visited the Long Island Aquarium. During the visit, the students enjoyed interactive learning with environmental educator John Shiels of Western Suffolk BOCES. They toured and observed several of the aquarium’s aquatic animals and learned about their habitats and daily needs. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=144483 Thu, 09 Dec 2021 05:00:00 GMT false144483 Planting Spring Wishes Woodhull Elementary School students from Karen McNulty and Gabrielle Donovan’s classes recently visited the community garden adjacent to the Palms Bungalows in Ocean Beach, where they planted daffodil bulbs. Thank you to the Palms for allowing community use of this land, the Village for funding the planter boxes, Mr. Ian Levine for constructing the boxes and Ms. Blair Burke for her coordination of this great community project! The students are looking forward to revisiting in the early spring to see their daffodils bloom and to plant some leafy greens and vegetables. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=144482 Tue, 07 Dec 2021 05:00:00 GMT false144482 Fall Farm Fun Woodhull Elementary School prekindergarten through second grade students had the chance to visit a working farm during a recent field trip to the Suffolk County Farm. During the visit, the students picked pumpkins, went on a tractor ride and interacted with several of the animals who live on the farm. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=143879 Tue, 16 Nov 2021 05:00:00 GMT false143879 Woodhull Girl Scout Earns Top Award Woodhull Elementary School sixth grader Olivia Asaro-Apsley received the Girl Scout Bronze Award by completing a project that helped make a difference in her community. For the project, Olivia sewed 100 catnip toys and donated them to a not-for-profit organization headed by John Debacker, an animal rights advocate. The Girl Scout Bronze Award is one of the highest awards in Girl Scouting. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=140240 Wed, 13 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT false140240 Hands-on Science Lessons As part of the district’s environmental education program, Woodhull sixth graders recently took to the Great South Bay with teacher Mrs. Donovan and BOCES science instructor Mr. John Shiels. They practiced seining and explored the aquatic ecosystem as part of our environmental education program. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=139953 Thu, 30 Sep 2021 06:00:00 GMT false139953 Remember and Reflect Woodhull Elementary School fourth and sixth grade students helped to mark the 20th anniversary of Sept. 11 in a special way this year. The students visited the local 9/11 memorial and placed beautifully painted shells in front of the local firehouse. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=139952 Thu, 30 Sep 2021 05:00:00 GMT false139952 Back and Ready to Learn Woodhull Elementary School students and staff have seamlessly transitioned back to school this September. Students eagerly got acquainted with familiar classroom routines, are enjoying learning both in and outside of the classroom and taking part in specials. All look forward to a happy and successful year. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=139951 Thu, 30 Sep 2021 04:00:00 GMT false139951 Request for Proposals - Construction Manager Services Click here to view the proposal https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=137971 Fri, 10 Sep 2021 04:00:00 GMT false137971 District Wide School Safety Plan is Now Open For Public Comment Public comments may be emailed to the attention of the District Clerk at dclock@fi.k12.ny.us. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=132049 Wed, 11 Aug 2021 04:00:00 GMT false132049 Summer Newsletter Now Available https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=131536 Wed, 30 Jun 2021 04:00:00 GMT false131536 Congratulations Graduates! To help cap off the end of a most unprecedented year, Woodhull students participated in several celebratory events and activities this June. During an outdoor moving-up ceremony on the school’s ball court, building staff and proud families celebrated the sixth grade class for what they have achieved. The event included two vocal performances by the sixth grade class, both conducted by music teacher KaraAnn Leone. The group performed “The Star Spangled Banner” to open the ceremony and “The Climb” to close the event. Superintendent of Schools Loretta Ferraro offered a warm welcome address before inviting Board of Education President Jay Lippert to the stage to present the students’ diplomas. Sixth grade teacher Gaby Donovan presented many of this year’s student awards and scholarships while music teacher KaraAnn Leone presented awards for solo NYSSMA performances and SCMEA participation. Faculty adviser Phillip Tamberino inducted Mary O’Brien into the National Elementary Honor Society, making her the first Woodhull student to join this prestigious organization. Lastly, and in keeping with tradition, sixth graders took turns addressing the audience for their farewell speech. “This ceremony is such a time-honored tradition for our school, and it was wonderful to have the chance to celebrate our students as they took the next step in their educational journey,” said Mrs. Ferraro. “We wish them all the best in their future endeavors. We are confident they will make a positive impact on our community and world.” https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=131487 Mon, 28 Jun 2021 04:00:00 GMT false131487 2021 Art Show Woodhull Elementary School students showcased their talents during a special art show this year, which was coordinated by art teacher Bianca Daidone. In 2020-21, art took place in the regular classroom instead of in a dedicated art room for the first time in a very long time. However, the work students made was reflective of the same effort and achievement that they have demonstrated in past years. 1st Grade Art 2nd Grade Art 3rd and 4th Grade Art 5th and 6th Grade Art https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=131488 Mon, 28 Jun 2021 04:00:00 GMT false131488 Woodhull Music Concert Woodhull Elementary School students and staff collaborated to present an end-of-year concert. The pre-recorded concert was beautiful and shared for all to enjoy. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=131493 Mon, 28 Jun 2021 04:00:00 GMT false131493 Budget Results – Budget Passes Budget – Yes – 48 No – 0 Prop 2: Use of Capital Reserve Yes – 48 No - 0 Prop 3: Establish New Capital Reserve Yes – 47 No - 1 Board of Education Election (* indicates the individuals elected)- Kathleen Skelly-Kurka 41* Amy Wood 48 * Lisa Kaufman 42 * https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=128916 Tue, 18 May 2021 05:00:00 GMT false128916 Notice of Budget Vote and Election - May 18, 2021 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=128874 Tue, 18 May 2021 04:00:00 GMT false128874 Sharing a Love of Reading Woodhull Elementary School’s older students have recently been volunteering their time to read to their younger peers via Zoom during their lunch periods. This idea independently arose from both the Student Council and the Shared Decision Making Committee. As the program is run remotely, student readers begin the sessions by removing their mask, introduce themselves to the younger students and then read a short story aloud. This program is helping to continue to foster the connections between the school’s grade levels, which is something the district has historically embraced and is reinventing this year due to the pandemic safety precautions in place. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=128672 Wed, 12 May 2021 05:00:00 GMT false128672 Thank You Teachers In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, the Woodhull PTA helped to give thanks to the school’s dedicated staff with several celebrations this May. These included hosting a bagel breakfast for everyone to enjoy, sending in sweet treats and giving each teacher a commemorative tote bag, with a design showing the names of all of the Fire Island neighborhoods and villages. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=128661 Wed, 12 May 2021 04:00:00 GMT false128661 Best Communities for Music Education Award For the sixth consecutive year, Woodhull Elementary School has been named one of the Best Communities for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation for its support in music education. To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Fire Island School District answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs. Woodhull has also been named a SupportMusic Merit Award winner by the foundation six times. Woodhull offers all students two music periods per week. All students in grades 3 and up participate in instrumental music ensembles. Students in grades kindergarten through second grade receive general music twice a week. Students in grades 3 and up also receive one period of general music each week. For the 2020-2021 school year, students participated in vocal activities during remote instruction. The instrumental ensembles continued to rehearse weekly following all COVID-19 guidelines and safety regulations. Despite the challenges brought on by pandemic conditions, Woodhull was able to successfully and safely offer its music program to all students this school year. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=128547 Mon, 10 May 2021 04:00:00 GMT false128547 Recycled Works of Art Woodhull Elementary School first grade students helped to spread the word about the importance of recycling as they created projects for this year’s Earth Day Challenge organized by Sen. Phil Boyle’s office. The students used recycled materials to create their original works of art, which included a necklace made from water bottle tops and plastic eggs, a book using a paper bag and handwriting paper, a throwing game using two water jugs and a bird feeder made from a laundry detergent bottle. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=128545 Fri, 07 May 2021 04:00:00 GMT false128545 2021 Budget Newsletter https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=128302 Mon, 03 May 2021 04:00:00 GMT false128302 2021-2022 PROPOSED BUDGET https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=128130 Wed, 28 Apr 2021 04:00:00 GMT false128130 Applications for Absentee Ballots for the May 18, 2021 Budget Vote & Election https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=127800 Mon, 19 Apr 2021 04:00:00 GMT false127800 Annual Fire Inspection Notice https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=127073 Tue, 23 Mar 2021 04:00:00 GMT false127073 Winning Penmanship at Woodhull Woodhull Elementary School first grader Philip G. Tamberino recently showcased his perfect penmanship skills and was named a winner in the Zaner-Bloser National Handwriting Contest. The contest is open to grades K-8 and grade-level winners have the chance to advance to the state and national level of the competition. They compete to be named one of nine grade-level Grand National Champions. The Fire Island School District congratulations Philip and wishes him the best of luck going forward! https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=126794 Wed, 17 Mar 2021 04:00:00 GMT false126794 Second Grader’s Birthday Grants Wishes for Animals Woodhull Elementary School second grader Arianna La Rose recently turned her birthday into a philanthropic project aimed at helping others. As part of her effort, she dedicated her past birthday to collecting toys and food for the animals at a Babylon animal shelter. Arianna is pictured here with Chris Elton, former Woodhull parent and director of the Babylon Animal Adoption and Rescue Center – Town of Babylon. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=126793 Mon, 15 Mar 2021 04:00:00 GMT false126793 Student Leaders Help Guide the Way In keeping with its constitution established in 2018, the student council held elections for class representatives and is now meeting, albeit virtually after school, with Mr. Phillip Tamberino continuing as faculty adviser. In progress are plans to coordinate the allocation of physical education equipment to different classes for recess, given the way social distancing has restricted the types of activities students can do at this time. Additionally, the school is developing a pool of “peer supporters” who will be available for pairing up with any future new students as a resource in their transition into the school building. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=125312 Wed, 27 Jan 2021 05:00:00 GMT false125312 Giving Back Woodhull students and staff worked diligently to help give back to those in need of a helping hand this winter through two different philanthropic programs. Organized by the school’s director of health services, Janet LaViolette, N.P., students and staff collected nonperishable food items as part of a two-week Thanksgiving food drive. The items collected not only benefited a local family but also contributed to the efforts of Island Harvest, a food bank that supplies resources to individuals across Long Island. Additionally, through a project organized by Woodhull graduate and current high school senior William Kurka, the school collected many pairs of gloves, socks and hats as well as monetary donations for the Suffolk County homeless shelter. This is a recurring project that William has led before and is meant to complement the more common drive for coats during winter. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=125313 Wed, 27 Jan 2021 05:00:00 GMT false125313 Winter 2021 Newsletter https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=125314 Wed, 27 Jan 2021 05:00:00 GMT false125314 Getting Into the Spirit Safely Woodhull Elementary School students got into the Halloween spirit this October when participating in a series of interactive programs. Set up in the gym by school nurse Janet, the students went “Mummy Bowling,” took turns at a pumpkin-themed bean bag toss and even worked to pin the tail on the cat. There was also a contest to guess how many plastic eyeballs were in a jar and a mask decorating contest. Students wrapped up the day by wearing their Halloween costumes. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=123410 Thu, 12 Nov 2020 05:00:00 GMT false123410 Exploration Leads to Engaged Lessons As part of the school’s environmental education program, Woodhull Elementary School students have been taking to the outdoors to learn about and explore their local community. During a recent lesson, kindergarten students walked along the seashore to discover different aquatic animals, examine the properties of seashells and document their findings. Additionally, students in third and fourth grade explored the grounds surrounding the school and examined items found in nature using handheld magnifying glasses. They too documented their findings along the way and were eager to share their discoveries with their classmates. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=122677 Thu, 15 Oct 2020 04:00:00 GMT false122677 NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF 2019-2020 MANAGEMENT LETTER https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=122636 Wed, 14 Oct 2020 04:00:00 GMT false122636 Reopening Plan Information Sessions for Parents Please join the district for the following virtual reopening planning sessions. Parents should have received an email from the district with the log in credentials for these sessions. If not, please contact the district for assistance. Thursday, August 13th at 12:00pm (via Zoom) Friday, August 14th at 10:00am (via Zoom) Monday, August 17th at 5:30pm (via Zoom) https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=121359 Thu, 13 Aug 2020 04:00:00 GMT false121359 District Wide Safety Plan Draft District Wide Safety Plan is open for public comment for 30 days through September 11, 2020. Comments may be directed to the District Clerk, dclock@fi.k12.ny.us. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=121334 Tue, 11 Aug 2020 04:00:00 GMT false121334 Fire Island UFSD Re-Opening Plan https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=121129 Thu, 30 Jul 2020 04:00:00 GMT false121129 End of the Year Celebrations Congratulations to this year’s Scholarship Recipients! Wirostek Award 4th grade Angelo La Rosa 5th grade Ariel Vizcarrondo 12th grade - Kevin Crawson and Emma Beqaj Woodhull Scholarship – Tess Lambie Scope Scholarship – Tess Lambie FIA Scholarship – Olivia Asaro-Apsley https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=117871 Tue, 16 Jun 2020 04:00:00 GMT false117871 Budget Newsletter Now Available https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=114974 Wed, 27 May 2020 04:00:00 GMT false114974 2020-2021 Budget Documents · Budget Newsletter · 2020-21 Budget Presentation · 2020-2021 Budget Appropriations & Revenues · Three Part Component Budget · 2020-21 Administrative Compensation Information · 2020-2021 Property Tax Report Card · 2020-2021 Local Government Exemptions · Fiscal Accountability Report · School Report Card https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=114953 Tue, 26 May 2020 04:00:00 GMT false114953 Revised RFP for Well Decommissioning https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=114770 Tue, 19 May 2020 04:00:00 GMT false114770 2020 Notice of Budget Vote & Election https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=114510 Thu, 07 May 2020 04:00:00 GMT false114510 June 9, 2020 Annual Budget Vote and Election Information https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=113652 Tue, 05 May 2020 04:00:00 GMT false113652 Request for Proposal - Well Decommissioning https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=114431 Mon, 04 May 2020 04:00:00 GMT false114431 Letter to Parents - March 31, 2020 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=113696 Wed, 01 Apr 2020 04:00:00 GMT false113696 Employee Rights & Paid Sick Leave https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=113442 Fri, 27 Mar 2020 04:00:00 GMT false113442 COVID-19 School Closure Information and Resources Click here for more information https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=113347 Wed, 25 Mar 2020 04:00:00 GMT false113347 Art at Home Woodhull student artists have been busy creating the most gorgeous art and making their own fun and beauty at home! Students are using the most imaginative materials available and are also utilizing found and natural objects to draw, paint, illustrate, sculpt, collage and create life-size and utilitarian art. We even have a student-made and fully-decorated birthday cake! All of the pieces spark incredible joy and their art teacher, Ms. Daidone could not possibly be more proud of each and every artist! https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=113684 Tue, 24 Mar 2020 04:00:00 GMT false113684 There is a venue change in the March 24 Budget Review Meeting https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=113221 Fri, 20 Mar 2020 04:00:00 GMT false113221 Emergency Board Meeting 3/15/2020 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=112910 Sat, 14 Mar 2020 04:00:00 GMT false112910 Art at Home While learning remotely, our students continue to create and make beautiful artwork. Here are just a few examples! https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=113661 Tue, 25 Feb 2020 05:00:00 GMT false113661 Bookmarking A Victory Woodhull Elementary School first grader Arianna was named a winner in the Bay Shore-Brightwaters Library's annual Bookmark Contest. This is her second win in two years, and her winning bookmark this year represents elements of the Woodhull school library, including librarian (and art teacher) Ms. Daidone! https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=108871 Wed, 22 Jan 2020 05:00:00 GMT false108871 Top of the List Two Woodhull Elementary School students received the building’s new Principal's List designation, which recognizes high academic achievement and consistency in work habits and social development during the trimester, as indicated on report cards. Congratulations Lydon and Cole for their outstanding dedication and for receiving this honor. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=108872 Wed, 22 Jan 2020 05:00:00 GMT false108872 Taking the Stage The students of Woodhull Elementary School took to the stage to deliver a tremendous performance of “Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory” for their annual winter musical. The students began working on the show in October under the direction of Woodhull music teacher Philip Tamberino, with older students cast in the roles of Willy Wonka (Jaxson Adams), Charlie (Evan McEvoy) and the parents and kids who tour Wonka’s factory (Olivia Asaro-Apsley, Angelo La Rosa, Logan Nelson, Catherine Philippe, Ariel Vizcarrondo and Joshua Vizcarrondo). The parts of Charlie’s mother and Grandpa Joe were combined into a composite role of Charlie’s Grandma Josephine, who was played by Mary O’Brien in her first performance at the school. Woodhull’s very youngest students began the show with their opening scene with Lydon Cole as Candy Man, who together performed the famous song “The Candy Man.” As news spreads around the world about Wonka’s “Golden Ticket” contest, Cole Boyle, Joey Knight, Quinlan McEvoy and Anna Zuleta gave the exciting news reports. Liam Greider played the “villain” Arthur Slugworth, who is actually one of Wonka’s employees that is helping him test the integrity of the ticket winners. Along the factory tour the kids and their parents discover one of the secrets of Wonka’s chocolate-making, the Oompa Loompas, who serve as his factory workers (played by the first grade class), and as they get into trouble the Ooompa Loompas sing their famous moralizing song each time. The staging of the creative story, originally told in book form by Roald Dahl, was helped by art teacher Bianca Daidone, who created the colorful backdrop representing the inside of Wonka’s factory; teachers Colleen Ferry and Anna Bainbridge, who organized and supervised the backstage area; and maintenance staff Jim Fitz and Bruce Kurka, who helped with technical aspects of the performance, including the sound and lighting. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=108575 Mon, 13 Jan 2020 05:00:00 GMT false108575 NOTICE OF BIENNIAL CENSUS https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=108446 Wed, 08 Jan 2020 05:00:00 GMT false108446 Energy Savers First grade students participated in a school workshop provided by BeReadyLI, a collaboration between PSEG Long Island, United Way of Long Island and 2-1-1 Long Island. As part of the interactive workshop, the students learned the importance of knowing their address, how to dial 911 in case of an emergency, how to get out of their house safely if there is a fire and the importance of setting a meeting spot near their home to know if everyone in their household is safe. They also checked the smoke detectors in their home to see if they were working. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=101069 Thu, 19 Dec 2019 05:00:00 GMT false101069 Giving Thanks The school practiced gratitude and generosity in a variety of ways throughout the month of November, in the spirit of the Thanksgiving season. Many students and staff donated nonperishable food items to a local Fire Island family in need and discussed the connection between gratitude and happiness, after which each class brainstormed specific practices they could do each day. The school then gathered for its own Thanksgiving feast on Nov. 20 and shared what each person was thankful for. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=101071 Thu, 19 Dec 2019 05:00:00 GMT false101071 NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF MANAGEMENT LETTER Notice is hereby given that the fiscal affairs of the Fire Island Union Free School District for the period beginning on July 1, 2018 and ending on June 30, 2019, have been examined by an independent public accountant, and that the management letter prepared in conjunction with the external audit by the independent public accountant has been filed in the Clerk’s office where it is available as a public record for inspection by all interested persons. Pursuant to §2116-a(3)(c)(i) of the Education Law, the governing board of the Fire Island Union Free School District has prepared a written response to the management letter by the independent public accountant, and has filed such response in the Clerk’s office as a public record for inspection by all interested persons. 2018-2019 Financial Statements and Independent Auditor's Reports 2019 District Response to Management Letter https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=92598 Thu, 10 Oct 2019 04:00:00 GMT false92598 A Day in the Life Fire Island is not only a beautiful place to live but also to learn, and the Woodhull Elementary School fifth grade students took to their local shores to participate in an ecology project called a “Day in the Life of Fire Island” for the third consecutive year this September. Joined again by Woodhull fifth grade teacher Gabrielle Donovan, Ranger Kelsey Sucena of the National Parks Service and Adelphi University Visiting Assistant Professor Ruth Coffey, the students spent the September morning taking samples of bay water, sediment and aquatic life and analyzing their results. Meanwhile, students from Bay Shore High School and Longwood Junior High School were in other areas of Fire Island performing similar work. The “Day in the Life” events, which are organized by several government agencies at federal, state and county levels, take place in various locations on Long Island throughout the year to check the health of its aquatic ecosystems and promote policy changes to maintain them accordingly. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=92548 Tue, 08 Oct 2019 04:00:00 GMT false92548 Taking Time to Reflect Woodhull Elementary School students gathered together to pay their respects and honor the anniversary of 9/11 during a school ceremony on Patriot Day. After observing a moment of silence, Superintendent of Schools Loretta Ferraro shared a book about the heroes from 9/11 and showcased uplifting artwork that children made for first responders in the aftermath. As a concluding activity, the students decorated seashells with positive words to place at the Ocean Beach Firehouse’s 9/11 memorial. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=92189 Tue, 24 Sep 2019 04:00:00 GMT false92189 Welcome Back! Woodhull Elementary School students and staff returned to class this September under sunny skies and officially began the 2019-2020 school year. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=91995 Tue, 17 Sep 2019 04:00:00 GMT false91995 NOTICE TO BIDDERS - 16 Children/8 Adult Passenger Single Rear Wheel School Bus https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=90328 Thu, 22 Aug 2019 04:00:00 GMT false90328 Surplus Computer & iPad Auction https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=89060 Mon, 05 Aug 2019 04:00:00 GMT false89060 Graduation & Spring Concert Woodhull’s school community came together this June to celebrate the collective successes of its students in grades pre-K through sixth grade during a special graduation and year-end concert. During the ceremony, each member of the sixth grade class was individually honored and commended for their achievements before being presented with commemorative moving-up certificates and tokens of appreciation. In addition to honoring those moving up to middle school, the district also honored the school’s youngest scholars who completed pre-K this June. Donning miniature graduation caps and gowns, the students received certificates of promotion and took the next step in their educational journey. After an opening performance of the national anthem by second grader Catherine Philippe, the spring concert continued with performances by the concert band. The group played such pieces as the theme from “The Avengers” movies and Dvorak’s New World Symphony, which featured solos by each of the sixth grade students. Later, younger students sang together accompanied by the third graders on ukulele, and then the fourth and sixth grade joined as the whole school performed “The Teeny Tiny Boat” in English and Spanish. Olivia Asaro-Apsley, Cailee Couch and Ariel Vizcarrondo performed stirring solos, followed by a return of the concert band to perform Camila Cabello’s “Havana” with improvised solos. Finally, the whole school performed the song “Try Everything” from the movie “Zootopia,” which ended the concert on the familiar themes of perseverance, curiosity, kindness, optimism and enthusiasm. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=85377 Fri, 12 Jul 2019 05:00:00 GMT false85377 Exploring NYC The annual sixth grade trip to New York City did not disappoint, as Mrs. Donovan and her students enjoyed beautiful weather and a memorable performance of “Wicked” on Broadway. The students also visited Madame Tussaud’s wax museum while in the Times Square area. This was the first Broadway experience for some of the students and certainly provided countless memories for all. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=85378 Fri, 12 Jul 2019 04:00:00 GMT false85378 Inspiring Fundraiser Enterprising Woodhull first grader Lydon Cole put his skills to use for the greater good by donating half of the proceeds from his lemonade/seashell stand to an organization that rescues and rehabilitates marine life – an initiative sparked by a field trip to the Long Island Aquarium. With the help of his friend Kai Sitone, to date Lydon has sold $25 in lemonade and seashells, and he plans to continue the project throughout the summer. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=85379 Fri, 12 Jul 2019 04:00:00 GMT false85379 Summer Newsletter Now Available https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=85380 Fri, 12 Jul 2019 04:00:00 GMT false85380 Field Day Fun The rainy weather wasn’t enough to stop the Woodhull School from enjoying its annual field day, which was held in the gymnasium on Tuesday June 18. After taking time to digest a wonderful lunch provided to everyone by the school, students competed by grade, in groups, and with their parents, in various relay races, parachute activities, and a tug-of-war, in the event organized by Physical Education teacher Anna Kahler. This year the students and staff sported special Fire Island rainbow tie-dyed shirts produced with the help of art teacher Bianca Daidone and generously donated by the Fire Island PTA. After the games students enjoyed ice pops and fresh watermelon. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=84923 Fri, 21 Jun 2019 04:00:00 GMT false84923 Becoming Civically Engaged at Woodhull Earlier this spring, Superintendent of Schools Loretta Ferraro,teacher on special assignment Philip Tamberino and classroom teacher Shannon Rickard facilitated a student meeting on the topic of student councils. Students in second through sixth grade gathered during lunch and viewed a presentation by Mr. Tamberino, which addressed basic information about how a student council functions and why. The students then participated in a discussion with each other and ultimately voted by secret ballot on whether to form a student council at Woodhull. The near-unanimous vote in favor of forming a student council gave way to elections of class representatives in the ensuing days, with Catherine Philippe representing grade two, Ariel Vizcarrondo representing grades three and four, and Jerzi Swanson representing grade six. The newly elected representatives have since met for an orientation with Mr. Tamberino, who is serving as the faculty adviser, and they are working on establishing bylaws for the organization as well as identifying areas for improvement within the school. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=84294 Fri, 07 Jun 2019 04:00:00 GMT false84294 Art Show Parents, staff, and students enjoyed a spectacular showing of students artwork from throughout the year at Woodhull’s annual Art Show. Art teacher Ms. Bianca Daidone had each class’ work mounted and labeled for display throughout the gymnasium, and parents were invited in to tour the display in the afternoon. Works in various media and inspired by the styles from abstract expressionism to pop art adorned the room, including self-portraits where students showcased their uniqueness. The work remained on display the following day for community members who visited the school to vote on the annual budget. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=84128 Mon, 03 Jun 2019 04:00:00 GMT false84128 Teacher Honored by Senator Woodhull Elementary School teacher Shannon Rickard was honored by New York State Sen. Phil Boyle as a Teacher of Excellence in a ceremony held at the North Babylon Fire Department this May. Ms. Rickard, who currently teaches grades 3 and 4, has taught in Fire Island since 2012 and was praised by Superintendent Loretta Ferraro for her dedication, rigor and advocacy for students. “At any time of the day, when you enter her classroom, you find her students cognitively engaged in meaningful work,” Ms. Ferraro said. Sen. Boyle has honored teachers annually from the school districts within New York’s 4th Senate District since 2016. Fire Island teacher Jeanene Crawson was also honored with the award in 2017. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=83634 Wed, 22 May 2019 04:00:00 GMT false83634 Budget Vote Results Fire Island Results: The Budget Has Passed. Thank You. Yes- 54 No-2 Board Election: Jay Lippert- 49* Linda Nowachek- 48* *Elected El presupuesto ha sido aprobado. Gracias. Sí-54 No-2 Elección del Consejo de Educación: Jay Lippert* Linda Nowachek* https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=83748 Tue, 21 May 2019 04:00:00 GMT false83748 Young Inventors Recognized Woodhull Elementary School’s early elementary class teacher Karen McNulty has provided invention opportunities in her classroom each year for many years and, this year, she partnered with Eastern Suffolk BOCES technology integration specialist Deborah Gerken to give students the opportunity for their inventions to be recognized in the Spark!Lab InBae Yoon Invent It Challenge. To participate in the contest, which is run by the Smithsonian Institution and Cricket Media, students had to create an invention that will improve the lives of aging adults. To begin the invention process the students first had to imagine, with empathy, the challenges older adults face. They identified a walking cane as an invention on which they could improve and then used their science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills to sketch, revise, prototype and eventually create the finished product: an all-weather walking cane with GPS, interchangeable handles, quick-release for height adjustment, an extra support for getting up out of a chair, and on-board lighting for seeing in the dark. Contest entries were judged according to how well the invention lived up to the contest’s theme and also how faithfully the inventors followed the process guidelines. Mrs. McNulty and Mrs. Gerken used video to document the various stages of the invention process and ultimately submitted a 30-minute piece on the invention of “The Cane That Can,” which now appears on the contest website alongside other winners and honorable mention entries. As a result of their work, the students’ group entry was one of five in its age division to receive honorable mention among the 235 total entries. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=83633 Mon, 20 May 2019 04:00:00 GMT false83633 Notice of Annual Meeting, Budget Vote & Election https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=83276 Thu, 09 May 2019 04:00:00 GMT false83276 2019-2020 Proposed Budget Now Available The 2019-2020 Proposed Budget is available for viewing on the website or in the office of the District Clerk. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=83178 Tue, 07 May 2019 04:00:00 GMT false83178 Budget Newsletter Now Available https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=82901 Tue, 30 Apr 2019 04:00:00 GMT false82901 Award-Winning Woodhull Poets Woodhull Elementary School sixth graders captured first place in the multimedia category for third through 12th graders in the 33rd annual Walt Whitman Birthplace Association Student Poetry Contest. For their submission, the students collectively wrote a poem called “A Limitless Future” and included a corresponding collage-like drawing that each student had contributed to. The winning group was honored during a special ceremony at the Walt Whitman Birthplace in Huntington on April 7. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=82343 Fri, 12 Apr 2019 04:00:00 GMT false82343 Best Community for Music For the fifth consecutive year, Woodhull Elementary School has been recognized by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation for its support of music education. The organization bestowed the SupportMusic Merit Award on individual schools participating in the “Best Communities for Music Education” survey that meet criteria relating to music program content, resources, staffing, scheduling and opportunities for students. A separate designation is given to school districts. Woodhull offers all students at least two periods of music per week. All students in third through sixth grade participate in instrumental ensembles and have an additional period of music per week. Vocal music is incorporated into classroom music, and the school also produces a theatrical musical every winter featuring all PK-6 students. “It’s a very unique thing to have 100% of students in a grade level participate in instrumental music,” said Woodhull music teacher Philip Tamberino. “I enjoy it because I do believe music is for everyone and it teaches valuable life skills.” https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=82342 Wed, 10 Apr 2019 04:00:00 GMT false82342 A Reef of Readers Woodhull Elementary School students and staff demonstrated their love of reading this March, as the school once again participated in the New York State PTA’s Pick a Reading Partner program, promoting reading through a monthlong series of activities and events. During this annual event, the school designates a unifying theme for the program to enhance its more creative elements. This year’s theme is “Reader’s Reef,” with art created by students adorning the main hallway, as well as a vibrant mural by Board member and Fire Island parent Kate Skelly-Kurka. Students also received T-shirts featuring Pick a Reading Partner-themed artwork by Woodhull student Jaxson Adams. Throughout the month, students keep track of their reading at home, logging the number of minutes. They turn in these logs each week and advance their likeness on a large board in the hallway, which this year represents each student as an underwater sea creature. Students participate in literacy-promoting activities like karaoke, wearing gear that has writing on it to school, reading a story or poem to another student during recess or dressing up as a literary character. The month is traditionally kicked off with a schoolwide breakfast and closed with a schoolwide pizza party. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=80201 Fri, 22 Mar 2019 04:00:00 GMT false80201 Notice: Extension of Adult Education Classes https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=77762 Tue, 12 Mar 2019 04:00:00 GMT false77762 A Night of Fun With Family Nearly 80 members of the Woodhull Elementary School community came together for a Family Fun Night this February. Organized and lead by physical education teacher Anna Bainbridge, the event called for students and family members to participate together in various relay races. All in attendance also participated in a large game of musical chairs at the end of the night, before enjoying an ice cream treat. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=75983 Thu, 14 Feb 2019 05:00:00 GMT false75983 BOE Meeting Rescheduled to 2/11 due to inclement weather Due to the impending weather forecast, the Board of Education will hold a Regular Meeting on Monday, February 11th instead of February 12th. The meeting will be held at 3:30 p.m. in the lunchroom of Woodhull School. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=75799 Mon, 11 Feb 2019 05:00:00 GMT false75799 Adult Ed Class Cancellations - 1/30 Adult Ed. Yoga and Pickleball classes are cancelled this evening, January 30th. Mah Jongg class will be held. All adult ed. classes will resume their normal schedule next week. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=73963 Wed, 30 Jan 2019 05:00:00 GMT false73963 ‘Annie’ Takes the Stage The annual winter program at Woodhull Elementary School did not disappoint, as all prekindergarten to sixth-grade students came together to perform an abridged version of the 1977 Broadway musical “Annie.” Students had been working on the show since October under the direction of music teacher Philip Tamberino, who also performed the accompaniment. “They did an amazing job and I’m so proud of all of them,” Mr. Tamberino said. Ariel Vizcarrondo starred as Annie, an orphan growing up in the 1930s with other orphans (played by prekindergarten to third-grade students) in an orphanage run by the mean-spirited Miss Hannigan (Cailee Couch). When Miss Hannigan is coaxed into releasing Annie to billionaire Oliver Warbucks for the holidays by his private secretary (Olivia Asaro-Apsley), Annie is thrilled with her new home. Mr. Warbucks (Kingston Johnson) is unsure of what to do with a child at first, but, seeing Annie’s plight and resilient character, decides to offer a reward to anyone who can prove they are her parents. Meanwhile, Miss Hannigan’s brother “Rooster” (Jack Brennan) and his sassy girlfriend, Lily (Jerzi Swanson), hatch a plot with Miss Hannigan to pose as Annie’s parents to reap the reward and discard Annie along the way. With the help of the FBI and President Franklin Roosevelt (Jaxson Adams), Mr. Warbucks discovers Annie’s parents have passed away and decides to adopt Annie as his own daughter. He has Rooster and Lily arrested as frauds along with Miss Hannigan and takes in the orphans to live with Annie at his mansion. The show was marked by memorable song performances, such as the raucous “It’s a Hard Knock Life,” featuring the younger students as Annie’s fellow orphans; the brassy “Easy Street,” featuring the sixth-graders as the Hannigans and Lily; the peppy “I Think I’m Gonna Like It Here,” featuring Annie with the third-graders, Olivia Asaro-Apsley and Logan Nelson as Mr. Warbucks’ staff; the sweet duet “Together Again” with Annie and Mr. Warbucks; and the classic “Tomorrow,” first sung solo by Annie and later by the whole cast, closing out the show. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=73231 Mon, 07 Jan 2019 05:00:00 GMT false73231 Buddying Up for Education Recognizing the benefits of peer-to-peer education, this year Gabrielle Donovan’s sixth-graders have been taking time each week to visit Marialaina Appell’s and Jeanene Crawson’s pre-K and kindergarten students in their classroom and leading them in various activities. The practice helps the school’s youngest students become familiar with older role models and the school’s oldest students gain practice in leading and nurturing younger ones. Some of their activities so far have included doing puzzles, playing bingo, picking pumpkins, making American flags and cultivating the school’s tower garden. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=72434 Tue, 04 Dec 2018 05:00:00 GMT false72434 A Woodhull Thanksgiving Woodhull Elementary School students and staff came together to give thanks and celebrate the true meaning of Thanksgiving as they took part in a traditional feast celebration. During the event, each student and staff member said something they were thankful for as part of the event, as a special Thanksgiving wand made by the second-graders was passed around. The pre-K and kindergarten students added to the festive event by wearing turkey outfits they had made themselves. As a preview to the big day, all in attendance then joyfully enjoyed a traditional Thanksgiving meal, consisting of turkey, vegetables and stuffing. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=72060 Wed, 21 Nov 2018 05:00:00 GMT false72060 Notice of Availability of Management Letter https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=71769 Wed, 14 Nov 2018 05:00:00 GMT false71769 Life of Fire Island Woodhull Elementary School sixth-graders braved windy and wet conditions for the chance to learn more about their unique island and school surroundings as they contributed to the second annual Day in the Life of Fire Island ecology project on Friday, Sept. 28. Assisted by Ranger Kelsey Sucena of the National Park Service, Adelphi University Visiting Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies Ruth Coffey, BOCES Teacher Integration Specialist Deborah Gerken and Woodhull sixth-grade teacher Gabrielle Donovan, the students practiced collecting and testing samples of water and earth along the shores of Ocean Beach. As Woodhull students examined the physical and chemical aspects of the water and conducted biodiversity inventories of the flora and fauna in and around the shorelines, students from Bay Shore High School, Longwood Junior High School and other schools worked simultaneously in different areas of the island as in the previous year. Together, some 70 students and teachers studied the water source that spanned the length of Fire Island. Last year was the inaugural year of the Day in the Life of Fire Island project, in which Fire Island students studied the same environments in the same ways as this year, effectively creating a benchmark against which to compare this year’s data. Since 2011, annual Day in the Life events involving students have been jointly coordinated for various Long Island aquatic ecosystems by Brookhaven National Laboratory, the Central Pine Barrens Joint Planning & Policy Commission, the New York State Department of Energy Conservation and the Suffolk County Water Authority. The information collected from these projects helps specialists determine the health of the aquatic ecosystem and the biodiversity of Fire Island. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=70375 Wed, 03 Oct 2018 04:00:00 GMT false70375 Taking Time to Reflect Woodhull Elementary School students and staff took time to reflect and remember the events of 9/11 through age-appropriate activities. With the school gathered together during a morning meeting, Superintendent of Schools Loretta Ferraro read Maira Kalman’s book “Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey” aloud to the students in honor of Patriot Day. The book recounts the story of an old fireboat that came to aid New York City on one of its darkest days – Sept. 11, 2001 – and helped to battle the roaring flames at Ground Zero. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=65949 Fri, 14 Sep 2018 04:00:00 GMT false65949 Woodhull Students Welcomed Back Woodhull Elementary School students were eager to return to class on Sept. 5 for the first day of school. The students arrived with broad smiles as they happily entered the building under sunny skies. From the school’s youngest members, who are part of the district’s full-day pre-K program, to the eldest sixth-graders, the start of the year was a smooth one and is sure to be filled with many exciting educational experiences. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=65948 Thu, 13 Sep 2018 04:00:00 GMT false65948 Surplus Computer Auction https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=65273 Fri, 27 Jul 2018 04:00:00 GMT false65273 Summer Newsletter Now Available https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=65224 Mon, 23 Jul 2018 04:00:00 GMT false65224 End-of-Year Celebrations In honor of the end of the year, Woodhull Elementary School students celebrated their collective achievements during a musical concert and special graduation ceremony for the school’s pre-K and sixth-grade students. During the event, the concert band performed the national anthem before being joined by the third-graders, who played ukulele with them on Haydn’s Surprise Symphony. The pre-K through second-grade students sang folk songs with third-grade students on the ukulele and were then joined by grades 4-6 singing with Mr. Tamberino on ukulele for a beautiful performance of “What a Wonderful World.” A stunning duet of “Beauty and the Beast” was performed by third-graders Ariel Vizcarrondo and Kingston Johnson, followed by sixth-graders Patryk Warzecha and Giovanni Giua performing a duet version of “Promenade” from Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, on alto saxophone and trumpet, respectively. Ariel then returned to perform an excerpt from Beethoven’s Fur Elise for piano, and Patryk performed a solo version of Ray Charles’ “Hallelujah, I Love Her So” on the saxophone. The band and ukulele ensemble returned to perform “The Best Day Ever” from “SpongeBob SquarePants” before being joined by the rest of the students and closing the concert with the song “We Know the Way” from the movie “Moana.” After thunderous applause, the pre-K and sixth-grade graduates then participated in commencement exercises led by Superintendent of Schools Loretta Ferraro and Board of Education President Jay Lippert. The students were celebrated for their achievements to date. Twelfth-grade resident student graduates were then honored before the sixth-graders gave their traditional farewell address, in which they each reflected on their years at Woodhull and their personal meaning. The audience then viewed the traditional slideshow of all the graduates, created with care by sixth-grade teacher Ms. Donovan. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=65001 Tue, 03 Jul 2018 04:00:00 GMT false65001 Teddy Bear Clinic On Friday June 8, Woodhull Health Services Director Janet LaViolette presented her latest "Teddy Bear Clinic," transforming the Woodhull gymnasium into a magical play clinic where students could learn about real health and hygiene practices, procedures, and related material. A quintessentially Fire Island event, Nurse Janet brings together staff with parents and community members in bringing a fun and memorable experience to students. This year's clinic featured a handwashing station, a doll hospital, a boo-boo clinic, an "operation" room, yoga with the principal, a medical tech lab, a get well card making factory, a health newsstand, a healthy heart workshop, a body system puzzle, a music therapy drum circle, and storybook reading from the tooth fairy. There was also a craft center and a dress-up area which included lab coats, hospital scrubs, and bouffant caps, but also colorful wigs, hats, and glasses. An assortment of colorful fresh fruit and vegetables were also available at the aptly named "Rainbow Café" The Teddy Bear Clinic started with Nurse Janet's thoughtful desire to educate students about the medical equipment and procedures they were likely to encounter on a typical visit to a doctor's office, to help alleviate any fears or anxieties, and continues this mission through today. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=64364 Wed, 13 Jun 2018 04:00:00 GMT false64364 Notice to Bidders - School Bus https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=63817 Thu, 31 May 2018 04:00:00 GMT false63817 Notice: Annual Fire Inspection Completed Notice is hereby given that the annual inspection of the Woodhull School and Bus Maintenance Garage of the Fire Island Union Free School District, for fire hazards which might endanger the lives of students, teachers, and employees therein, has been completed and the report is available at the office of the District Clerk at the Fire Island Union Free School District for inspection by all interested persons. Board of Education Fire Island Union Free School District Towns of Islip and Brookhaven Suffolk County, New York Donna Clock District Clerk May 24, 2018 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=63577 Thu, 24 May 2018 04:00:00 GMT false63577 Art on Display at Woodhull Student art adorned the walls of the Woodhull Elementary School gymnasium for the annual Student Art Show, curated by Woodhull art teacher Bianca Diadone and featuring works from all students throughout the school year. Students lead parents and teachers on a tour of the display as they proudly showed off their paintings, drawings, sculptures and mixed media works. Over 100 works were displayed in all, including set pieces made by the Art Club for the winter musical, 3D printed objects designed by intermediate students and a collaborative piece made by all students in the school, including a large mandala and an oversized poster celebrating the value of mindfulness. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=63565 Wed, 23 May 2018 05:00:00 GMT false63565 Centennial Celebration Fire Island School District is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the founding of its first school in 1918 this year, and parents recently participated in a special viewing of a retrospective exhibit for the occasion. The exhibit, curated by Woodhull’s technology integration specialist Debbie Gerken, allows viewers to walk chronologically through the various periods of the district’s development and view artifacts giving a sense of school life during each period. The artifacts came not only from the district itself but also largely from longtime residents, who may have been students, parents, Board of Education members or all of the above, who generously contributed their photos and records to the project. The exhibit is scheduled to appear again during the graduation ceremony and spring concert at Woodhull on June 20 (open to the community) and also at the Ocean Beach Historical Society over the summer. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=63566 Wed, 23 May 2018 04:00:00 GMT false63566 Budget Passes - Thank You! Budget Passes - Thank You! Yes – 46 No – 0 Board Election: Lisa Kaufman – 42 Kathleen Skelly-Kurka – 41 Amy Wood – 45 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=63236 Tue, 15 May 2018 04:00:00 GMT false63236 National Music Honor Woodhull Elementary School in the Fire Island School District was named one of 135 recipients of the “SupportMusic Merit Award” as part of the annual nationwide Best Communities for Music Education survey. The survey is conducted by the National Association for Music Merchants Foundation, which supports music education, and recognizes both school districts and individual schools. Woodhull has been recognized as an individual school of merit five times in the past six years. The survey considers factors such as student participation, staffing, programs, funding, technology, resources, curriculum and community support. “We are all very happy to receive this award. It’s a recognition of every aspect of the school community coming together to recognize the importance of music education and doing their part to make it the best it can be for students,” said Woodhull music teacher Philip Tamberino. Woodhull’s music program features music classes at least twice a week for all students, a concert band, a ukulele ensemble, keyboard lab, music technology club, private and small group lessons, and annual schoolwide musicals and concerts. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=62630 Tue, 01 May 2018 04:00:00 GMT false62630 The proposed 2018-2019 Annual Budget is available to the public in the office of the District Clerk. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=62640 Tue, 01 May 2018 04:00:00 GMT false62640 Budget Newsletter Now Available https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=62475 Thu, 26 Apr 2018 04:00:00 GMT false62475 Nominating petitions for Board member and Voter Propositions for the Annual Budget Vote and Election must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. today. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=61032 Mon, 16 Apr 2018 05:00:00 GMT false61032 Notice of Annual Meeting, Budget Vote and Election https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=61031 Mon, 16 Apr 2018 04:00:00 GMT false61031 Tower Garden Woodhull Elementary School students are once again learning about sustainable horticulture through the use of a tower garden, a vertical, aeroponic growing system set up in the cafeteria. This year, students will be growing vegetables and herbs and will get to taste everything they grow. The fifth and sixth grade will be helping maintain the garden, as they learn how to measure the water, add vitamins and minerals when needed and to test the PH levels. They will also learn how to harvest the plants once they are full-grown. After the fifth and sixth grade learn the basics, they help the younger students learn about the system. All students will be able to enjoy the harvest later in the year. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=60866 Tue, 10 Apr 2018 04:00:00 GMT false60866 Fire Island’s All-County Musician Woodhull Elementary School band student Giovanni Giua showcased his musical talents when he recently performed along with nearly 100 of the top musicians in the county in the Suffolk County Music Educators’ Association Division I Central Band. Giovanni was seated as third trumpet in the ensemble. Giovanni began learning the trumpet in fourth grade and opted to perform at the New York State School Music Association Solo Festival last year, where he earned a top rating on his performance of a Level 1 solo. But when assembling its All-County performing ensembles, the the Suffolk County Music Educators’ Association organization seeks to include students who are not only accomplished musicians but of exemplary character as well. Woodhull music teacher Philip Tamberino was proud to recommend Giovanni to the Suffolk County Music Educators’ Association based on all of his qualities and was not surprised by the dedication and diligence he demonstrated in learning and performing the four additional pieces of music he needed to learn for the ensemble. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=58358 Tue, 27 Mar 2018 04:00:00 GMT false58358 Afterschool activities and adult education classes are cancelled March 21, 2018 All afterschool activities and adult education classes are cancelled Wednesday, March 21, 2018. There will be no late buses available for secondary and private schools. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=58053 Tue, 20 Mar 2018 04:00:00 GMT false58053 All Adult Education classes are cancelled for Wednesday, March 7, 2018 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=56487 Wed, 07 Mar 2018 05:00:00 GMT false56487 A Fun Family Night at Woodhull Woodhull Elementary School students and family joined together for a fun-filled evening this winter during a Family Fun Night put together by the school and PTA. During the event, Superintendent of Schools Loretta Ferraro emceed, music teacher Phil Tamberino provided musical entertainment and many teachers volunteered to make the night a success. Attendees enjoyed playing a number of games and activities. Highlights included a live version of the favorite “Hungry, Hungry Hippo” game where students and their parents or relatives took turns laying down on a scooter and pushing each other around while collecting yarn balls scattered around the gymnasium. There was also a relay race named after the storybook characters Fancy Nancy and Captain Underpants. At the end of the night everybody participated in line dances, including “Cotton-Eyed Joe,” “The Chicken Dance” and “YMCA,” and the evening closed out with children partnering with family members and teachers to dance to the Sister Sledge classic, “We Are Family.” https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=55922 Fri, 02 Mar 2018 05:00:00 GMT false55922 Invitation to Bidders - Flooring Replacement https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=55415 Thu, 15 Feb 2018 05:00:00 GMT false55415 Petitions for Board Member for the May 15, 2018 Budget Vote and Election are available in the office of the District Clerk. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=55242 Fri, 09 Feb 2018 05:00:00 GMT false55242 Celebrating Musical Talents In what has become a Woodhull tradition, students across all grade levels let their musical and theatrical talents shine this winter as they took part in the school’s annual holiday show. This year’s production of the “Wizard of Oz” was awe-inspiring and featured such classical songs as “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “We’re Off to See the Wizard.” https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=54208 Wed, 10 Jan 2018 05:00:00 GMT false54208 The BOE work session scheduled for November 28, 2017 has been cancelled https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=52780 Mon, 27 Nov 2017 05:00:00 GMT false52780 Move It for the Military In honor of the connection several Woodhull Elementary School students and staff members have to the military – in particular, to the local Coast Guard station – the school community came together to participate in an interactive weeklong initiative called Move it! for Military Kids this November. The initiative, created two years ago by the Military Child Education Coalition, invited participants to engage in a physical activity of some kind to raise awareness of the plight of children in military families, who often deal with moving, separation and other transitions related to their parent(s)’ service. Throughout the week, all Woodhull classes participated in a variety of activities including top 10 favorite PE activities, yoga with the principal, a nature walk, a disco dance party and a hula hoop contest. This year’s event was once again coordinated by Fire Island’s Director of Health Services Janet LaViolette, who thought of the many students from the Babylon Coast Guard base that have attended Woodhull over the years. Woodhull is proud of its Coast Guard students and families and thanks them for their sacrifices. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=52758 Wed, 22 Nov 2017 05:00:00 GMT false52758 Constitution Rap https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=52409 Tue, 14 Nov 2017 05:00:00 GMT false52409 Lending a Hand In the spirit of giving, Woodhull Elementary School students from grades 2-6 recently visited the Bethany Hospitality INN Soup Kitchen in Central Islip, where they worked in service to the community. During the visit, the school delivered the hygiene items generously donated by our families and prepared bag lunches decorated with their own personal messages. Additionally, Superintendent of Schools Loretta Ferraro and classroom teachers assisted, along with the wonderful INN staff, in packaging sandwiches for the establishments’ visitors. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=52310 Tue, 14 Nov 2017 05:00:00 GMT false52310 Ocean Beach Kids Art Show On July 22, Woodhull 5th grader Jack Brennan participated in the OceanBeach Kids Art Show, featuring art work he made from his past year at his school as well as some pieces he had recently done with the Art group at the Ocean Beach Youth Group. Jack¹s work was awarded a 1st place! This honor included an invitation to show his work at the Adult Fine Arts Show on August 12. Jack made some new items to show there, and the Jack Brennan Art Studio was founded. Special thanks does go out to Woodhull art teacher Bianca Daidone for all of her guidance and encouragement! https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=52392 Mon, 13 Nov 2017 05:00:00 GMT false52392 Fall Happenings At Woodhull Woodhull Elementary School students and staff members took part in a number of spirited and educational fall-themed activities this October, designed to not only celebrate the change in the season but also the Halloween holiday. During a school trip to White Post Farms in Huntington, the school’s pre-K and kindergarten students had the chance to view a number of animals up close and even take a turn at feeding them before visiting the farm’s pumpkin patch. To showcase their creativity, students transformed the pumpkins and gourds harvested this fall into colorful artistic displays. From sculpted boats to comical ghosts, all enjoyed seeing the creations on display in the building. With the help of the school’s PTA, students enjoyed a fun-filled trick or treat event before the official Halloween holiday and a memorable lunch in a beautifully decorated cafeteria. Lastly, all were smiles for the building’s annual Halloween parade around the grounds of Woodhull Elementary. Donned in costumes, the event was a fitting kickoff to the students’ evening of trick-or-treating in their local communities. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=52309 Thu, 09 Nov 2017 05:00:00 GMT false52309 The Financial Statements and Annual Audit for 2016-2017 are now Available for Viewing https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=51196 Wed, 11 Oct 2017 04:00:00 GMT false51196 A Day in the Life of Fire Island Woodhull Elementary School fourth- through sixth-grade students had the chance to learn more about their unique island and school surroundings as they contributed to the very first “Day in the Life of Fire Island” ecology project on Sept. 29. Assisted by Ranger Sam Durbin of the National Park Service, Adelphi University Visiting Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies Ruth Coffey, Fire Island School Superintendent of Schools Loretta Ferraro, BOCES Teacher Integration Specialist Deborah Gerken and Woodhull Intermediate Team teacher Gabrielle Donovan, the students learned how to collect and test samples of water and earth along the shores of Ocean Beach. The information will help specialists determine the health of the aquatic ecosystem and the biodiversity of Fire Island. The students were not alone in their work. As they examined the physical and chemical aspects of the water—such as salinity, the amount of sediments, nitrates, phosphates, and oxygen levels—and also conducted biodiversity inventories of the flora and fauna in and around the shorelines, students from Bay Shore High School performed similar work near the Fire Island Lighthouse and students from Longwood Junior High School worked near the Smith Point Wilderness Center. Together, some 70 students and teachers studied the water source that spanned the length of Fire Island. Since 2011, annual “A Day in the Life” events involving students have been jointly coordinated for various Long Island aquatic ecosystems by the Central Pine Barrens Joint Planning & Policy Commission, the Suffolk County Water Authority, Brookhaven National Laboratory, and the New York State Department of Energy Conservation. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=50988 Tue, 03 Oct 2017 04:00:00 GMT false50988 Welcome Back, Woodhull! Under sunny skies, the Fire Island School District proudly welcomed students and staff to the start of the new school year on Sept. 5. The 2017-18 school year marks an exciting one for the district, as it brings the launch of Fire Island’s new full-day Pre-K program, continued technology-integrated instruction and enhanced educational opportunities for all scholars. Upon arriving at Woodhull Elementary School, the students were greeted by familiar smiling faces and quickly settled into their new routines. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=50412 Tue, 12 Sep 2017 04:00:00 GMT false50412 The District is seeking bids for a Single Rear Wheel School Bus https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=49803 Thu, 03 Aug 2017 04:00:00 GMT false49803 Surplus Computer Auction https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=49763 Mon, 31 Jul 2017 04:00:00 GMT false49763 2016-17 Achievements https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=49672 Fri, 21 Jul 2017 04:00:00 GMT false49672 District Seeking Proposals for Landscape Maintenance Services The District is seeking proposals for Landscape Maintenance Services - click here for more information. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=49660 Thu, 20 Jul 2017 04:00:00 GMT false49660 Summer Newsletter Now Available https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=49597 Fri, 14 Jul 2017 04:00:00 GMT false49597 Request for Proposal for Landscape Maintenance Services https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=49468 Fri, 30 Jun 2017 04:00:00 GMT false49468 Summer Library Hours https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=49438 Thu, 29 Jun 2017 04:00:00 GMT false49438 Musical Celebration Before the 2016-17 school year came to a close, Woodhull Elementary School students joined together to celebrate their accomplishments during the building’s annual spring concert. The event, which showcased the talents of the school’s pre-kindergarten through sixth-graders, featured a mix of music genres and small and solo performances. Fifth-grader Patryk Warzecha, who began learning the alto saxophone in September, led the room in a beautiful rendition of the national anthem before being joined by the rest of the Woodhull Concert Band to perform the theme from “Star Wars.” The band then switched gears to perform the jazz standard “When the Saints Go Marching In,” featuring improvised solos by fifth-grader Edoardo Giua on clarinet, fourth-grader Jack Brennan on trombone, and sixth-grader Thomas Brennan on drums. Third graders then performed on ukulele while members of the very first ukulele ensemble at Woodhull — now graduating seniors — watched from the audience. Giovanni Giua performed his NYSSMA solo and Patryk Warzecha put his stamp on the jazz standard “Summertime” before the Concert Band re-emerged to perform the theme from “Batman” and “Gonna Fly Now” from the film “Rocky.” The school then performed as one large ensemble for the popular songs “Yellow Submarine,” “You Can Make It If You Try,” and “Don’t Worry Be Happy,” with grades preK-2 singing, students in grades 3-5 singing and playing ukulele, and sixth-grade students performing in the horn section and on the drums. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=49301 Fri, 23 Jun 2017 04:00:00 GMT false49301 Global Giving In a novel undertaking by Woodhull Elementary School students and staff alike, the Fire Island school has made a donation of books, supplies and clothing to a fellow elementary school far across the globe in northwestern Guyana. The project was initiated based on a conversation between Woodhull bus driver Titus Francis and Woodhull teacher Shannon Rickard – a conversation that focused on how the schools in Mr. Francis’ native country of Guyana were in need of supplies. From there, Ms. Rickard began thinking of ways to help and how this cause could be a learning experience for students, especially as it connected to the “Sharing the Planet” unit underway. With the support of the entire school, Mr. Francis connected the teachers with Guyana Aid Region One, an organization that specializes in aid to the northwestern part of the country; a region where Mr. Francis lived until the 1990s. Once the connection was made, Woodhull students collectively drafted a letter to the Region One organization formally indicating their desire to donate and asking the organization if they would ship the donated materials to Guyana. The students then gathered nearly 100 children’s books, more than 100 school supplies and more than 100 articles of clothing for boys and girls, which they delivered to the GARO office in Rosedale, Queens. Per the teachers’ arrangement with GARO, the donations will go directly to the Hosororo Hill Primary School in Hosororo, Guyana, where Mr. Francis was once a student. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=49111 Tue, 20 Jun 2017 04:00:00 GMT false49111 Mermaid Ball Fire Island Health Services Director and School Nurse Janet LaViolette recently coordinated a dynamic and engaging event to promote learning about health and safety as well as Fire Island’s environment and history. The “Mermaid Ball,” transformed the school gymnasium into an eclectic wonderland of learning and creativity for two days, attended first by students and staff of Woodhull School, and then opened to the public with a limited number of complimentary ferry tickets provided by Fire Island Ferries. The event was very much a group effort both within and beyond the school. Woodhull staff members led activities including “Yoga Under the Sea,” where Superintendent Loretta Ferraro taught students yoga poses, “Surf Shack Cafe” where art teacher and librarian Bianca Hansen served smoothies and nori, “Captain’s Reading Room” where reading specialist Colleen Ferry donned pirate attire and read to students, and an outdoor drum circle led by music teacher Philip Tamberino. The event also drew residents, parents, and former students, including Dana DeRuvo-Hanner of Saltaire, who taught about safety at the “First Aid Station,” parent Blair Burke, who facilitated the popular “Dress Up” outlet featuring nautical costumes, and Fire Island graduate Mallory Wood who taught about hygiene at the “Handwashing Station.” Representatives from other Fire Island organizations also participated, including the U.S. Coast Guard, whose members taught about water safety, and the National Parks Service, whose members taught about the natural resources and environmental concerns of Fire Island. This is far from the first time Nurse Janet has helped organize a schoolwide educational event. For many years her “Teddy Bear Clinics” filled a similar niche and last year’s “Space Station” foreshadowed the more expansive program this year. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=48674 Thu, 08 Jun 2017 04:00:00 GMT false48674 Woodhull’s Vibrant Art Show Woodhull Elementary School’s gymnasium was transformed into an art gallery as art teacher Bianca Hansen presented the annual exhibition of prekindergarten through grade six students’ inspiring work. The projects drew on multiple inspirations including studies of artists such as Andy Warhol, Claude Monet and Romare Bearden. Other works were interdisciplinary in nature, including tessellations made using math, drawings of fictitious animal adaptations, and large paintings of ancient Egyptian gods. Also featured was a live demonstration of 3-D printing along with works designed by students using computer software and the school’s 3-D printer on loan from BOCES. Family and friends toured the show led by their very creative student-artists. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=48180 Tue, 23 May 2017 04:00:00 GMT false48180 Budget Passes - Thank You! Budget Results: Yes – 42 No – 0 Board of Education Election Results (both elected) Judi Phelan – 40 Vernon Henriksen – 42 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=47891 Tue, 16 May 2017 04:00:00 GMT false47891 Surplus 2007 Chevy Bus Auction https://www.auctionsinternational.com/auction/10882 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=47747 Fri, 12 May 2017 04:00:00 GMT false47747 Feeding a Local Need Fire Island School District students gave back to the community by helping prepare bag lunches for the Bethany Hospitality INN soup kitchen. The organization provides meals to homeless adults and children through their facility in the basement of the Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Central Islip. Volunteers from the INN, an islandwide not-for-profit organization, educated students not only about their tasks but the larger meaning and context of their efforts. "It was just the most wonderful, beautiful experience – a life lesson in kindness, volunteerism, and giving back" said Nurse Janet LaViolette, Fire Island's health services director who helped chaperone the trip. The arrangements for the inaugural school and INN's collaboration were made through Woodhull PTA member and past-president Janet Oviedo-Torres and Superintendent of Schools Loretta Ferraro. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=47620 Tue, 09 May 2017 04:00:00 GMT false47620 Keeping Shorelines Clean Members of the Woodhull Elementary School community helped to beautify the Robert Moses Field 5 as they participated in an island-wide cleanup project of the Fire Island National Seashore. The students were given supplies by FINS Assistant Superintendent Kelly Fellner and collected debris and refuse along Burma Road up to the National Parks Service checkpoint. On the return trip the group split up and cleared the bay and ocean shores. The cleanup project was a collaborative effort of the parks service, the Fire Island Association, and the Fire Island Year Round Resident Association. The school’s efforts coincided with the annual national celebration of Earth Day. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=47486 Fri, 05 May 2017 04:00:00 GMT false47486 Finalized Proposed Budget is now available The Finalized Proposed Budget for 2017-2018 is available in the office of the District Clerk. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=47368 Wed, 03 May 2017 04:00:00 GMT false47368 2017-18 Budget Presentation https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=47269 Mon, 01 May 2017 04:00:00 GMT false47269 The Adult Education lecture "Fox on Fire Island" scheduled for April 27th has been cancelled. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=47068 Tue, 25 Apr 2017 04:00:00 GMT false47068 2017 Budget Newsletter https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=46852 Tue, 18 Apr 2017 04:00:00 GMT false46852 Hands-on Learning Woodhull Elementary School students in Shannon Rickard's elementary class engaged in hands-on learning about simple and complex machines during a recent visit to the Science Museum of Long Island in Plandome. Using LEGO Dacta Technics Kits and assisted by a museum instructor, students built their own simple machines and joined them together to produce a complex machine. In the process they observed the workings of the machines, collected data and predicted how they would operate together. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=46597 Mon, 10 Apr 2017 04:00:00 GMT false46597 District Wins National Music Award For the fourth time in five years, Woodhull has been honored with the Support Music Merit Award from the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation. This award is part of NAMM’s “Best Communities for Music Education” survey, which this year recognized 92 schools and 527 school districts across America for providing outstanding music education for students. The criteria for the award is determined through a district-certified survey addressing every aspect of school music programs, including funding, scheduling, resources, programming, enrollment, staffing, community participation and opportunities. In all of these areas, Fire Island shines brightly thanks to the continued support and cooperation of teachers, administration, the school board, parents and the community. This is the 17th year of the NAMM survey, and the fifth year that the Support Music Merit Award has been given to individual schools. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=46628 Fri, 07 Apr 2017 04:00:00 GMT false46628 Going Far With Reading The annual "Pick A Reading Partner" program is in full swing at Woodhull Elementary School, with students reading at home nightly with parents, relatives, and siblings and participating in celebrations of reading at school. This year's theme "Oh The Places You'll Go" draws from the celebrated work of Dr. Seuss. The PTA-organized event kicked off in March with a schoolwide breakfast. During the event, students received a goodie bag including pencils, reading stickers, and bookmarks. As part of the program, students and staff will participate in a number of reading themed activities, including T-shirt Tuesdays (readable T-shirts), lunchtime karaoke, "PARPcorn" snacks, and a book fair held in the children's section of Barnes & Noble in Bay Shore. PARP is locally organized by the Woodhull PTA and is part of a statewide PTA campaign to promote reading. Woodhull received an award from the state PTA in 2012 for the quality of its PARP involvement and programming. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=46596 Thu, 06 Apr 2017 04:00:00 GMT false46596 Positive Change Makers As part of the district’s ongoing commitment to character education, Woodhull Elementary School students recently worked with performer and teaching artist Lyle Cogen during interactive workshops focused on standing up for oneself and others when confronted with social pressures and bullying. In classrooms, the students spoke candidly among their peers about their experiences and thoughts on the treatment of others. In the exploration of the topic they created short plays and role-play performances to practice positive social skills and responses in a variety of situations. The program built upon the lessons the students learned last year from Ms. Cogen, when she presented her interactive one-woman show "Sticks and Stones" to great acclaim. The performance used music, drama, and student role-play to illustrate the topics. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=46305 Mon, 03 Apr 2017 04:00:00 GMT false46305 Celebrating Dedication Four members of the Fire Island School District learning community were honored by SCOPE Education Services for their dedication in helping to make Fire Island the vibrant district that it is. During the organization’s 16th Annual School District Awards Dinner in March, veteran teacher Karen McNulty received the Teacher Service Award, veteran paraprofessional Dawn Lippert received the Support Service Award, veteran Woodhull PTA member and past president Tara Heslin received the Community Service Award, and veteran Board of Education member and current Board vice president Vernon Henriksen received the Board Service Award. The award recipients' combined service to the Fire Island School District exceeds 80 years, with all four recipients working concurrently for over 14 years, but more importantly the effect of their service on the lives of students has been immeasurable. SCOPE Education Services is a Board of Regents chartered organization that has provided services to Long Island schools since 1964. The SCOPE awards dinner is an annual event honoring members of school districts across Long Island who have been selected by their respective superintendents for recognition. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=46304 Thu, 30 Mar 2017 04:00:00 GMT false46304 All-County Musician Woodhull Elementary School sixth-grader Jason Philie showcased his outstanding musical talents as he took to the stage with top student-musicians to perform in this year’s Suffolk County Music Educators Association All-County Band concert, held at Sachem High School East. Students are nominated by music teachers from over 10 area school districts and private schools to be a part of this elite group. SCMEA festival organizers consider the student's performance at the previous year's New York State School Music Association solo festival, as well as teacher comments about their musicianship and overall character when considering applicants. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=46261 Tue, 28 Mar 2017 04:00:00 GMT false46261 Mah Jongg classes have been extended to include March 22 and 29. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=46040 Wed, 22 Mar 2017 04:00:00 GMT false46040 District Featured in the News The Fire Island School District was recently highlighted on FIOS I for the exceptional program offered to students. Click the following link to see the full story: https://youtu.be/wRw3vAaF5mQ https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=45811 Wed, 15 Mar 2017 04:00:00 GMT false45811 Sports Club for the Win Woodhull Elementary School students are working to stay healthy as they take part in the building’s afterschool sports club. As part of the club, the students will form “The Gulls” basketball team and participate in basketball games against other area schools. The Gulls opened the season with a tremendous victory over the Emmanuel Lutheran School team and followed up with another victory against the West Sayville Christian School junior varsity team. The team has two squads that rotate in so everyone gets a chance to play, and indeed every student has already scored points. While the teams do keep score, Gulls coach Anna Bainbridge does not. "Their teamwork and passing were terrific," she noted, preferring to concentrate on the quality of playing and sportsmanship rather than the quantity of points. Sixth-grader and point guard Aidan Oviedo-Torres commented that, "For our first time playing as a team, we shot very well and knew our role on the team." Woodhull looks forward to more excellent playing in the remainder of the season. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=45842 Wed, 15 Mar 2017 04:00:00 GMT false45842 NOTICE: March 14 Board Meeting Rescheduled The March 14th Board meeting has been rescheduled for Monday, March 13 at 4:00 p.m. due to impending weather. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=45705 Mon, 13 Mar 2017 04:00:00 GMT false45705 Winter Newsletter is Now Available https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=45680 Fri, 10 Mar 2017 05:00:00 GMT false45680 Nominating petitions for Board of Education candidates are available in the office of the District Clerk. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=45617 Thu, 09 Mar 2017 05:00:00 GMT false45617 A Study on Jazz One of the most treasured music genres – jazz – came to life for students at Woodhull Elementary School when they attended a concert and presentation on the life and music of Louis Armstrong at Lincoln Center. At the concert, jazz vocalist Catherine Ellis narrated the life story of Armstrong interspersed with relevant performances of his work, including “When the Saints Go Marching In,” “Wild Man Blues” and “Hello Dolly.” Students learned how jazz developed from the group improvisation of the original New Orleans Dixieland style to the more personalized solo-driven style that Armstrong himself is credited with popularizing. Students then traveled to Corona, a neighborhood in Queens, New York, to visit the house where Armstrong lived from 1943 until his death in 1971. The residence was preserved following the death of Armstrong’s wife in 1983, restored, and opened as a museum in 2003. There they toured the modest but luxurious home, listening to Armstrong’s own commentary on the home, the neighborhood, and music, taken from his many homemade audio recordings. For lunch the students ate at neighborhood favorite Taqueria Nixtamal, where they placed their orders in Spanish and enjoyed some of the city’s best Mexican fare. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=44770 Wed, 15 Feb 2017 05:00:00 GMT false44770 Regular BOE Meeting Rescheduled The Regular BOE Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, February 14, 2017 has been rescheduled for Monday, February 13, 2017 at 4:30 p.m. The meeting agenda & packet have been updated as well. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=44777 Mon, 13 Feb 2017 05:00:00 GMT false44777 Project: Clean Water As part of their environmental education program, Woodhull Elementary School students recently delved into the deceptively basic challenge of obtaining clean drinking water. After learning about the water supply around the world, and the crisis of clean water accessibility in many areas, students researched solutions in water sanitization and filtration. Applying concepts that they learned, they were tasked with designing and using their own filters to clean contaminated water. Using microscopes enabled them to determine the quality of the water both before and after. Data from the filtered water is to be submitted to the World Water Monitoring Challenge, a project of the non-profit environmental group EarthEcho International. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=44769 Fri, 10 Feb 2017 05:00:00 GMT false44769 A Musical Night Although the holiday season had already passed, the spirit of it was alive and well this January as Woodhull Elementary School students performed the musical “Elf,” which had been postponed from its original date of Dec. 20. The schoolwide musical, based on the 2003 film and the 2010 Broadway musical of the same name, featured all students in every class and delighted the full-house audience. Sixth-grader Jason Philie gave a dynamic performance as Buddy, a human accidentally orphaned and raised in the North Pole as an elf who journeys to New York City in search of his father. Throughout the play, Buddy's charming naiveté made for moments of humor and pathos alike as he tries to fit in with his new family and especially his father Walter, a serious and busy executive played by sixth grader Thomas Brennan. The students in the primary and early elementary grades cheerily played elves in the North Pole, and employees of Macy's dressed as elves, singing the carol "Deck the Halls" and the pop hit "Jingle Bell Rock." Other lead roles included Aidan Oviedo-Torres as Santa Claus, Malia Wendt as Walter's wife Emily, Jack Brennan as Walter's son Michael, and Joey Coleman as Walter's overbearing boss Mr. Greenway. After the performance, the school held a ceremony for peace. A large wire sculpture of a dove made by nurse Janet Laviolette was unveiled on the stage and each student in the school placed a written "wish for peace" into it as they read their wish aloud to the audience. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=44265 Thu, 26 Jan 2017 05:00:00 GMT false44265 Exemplifying Kindness Woodhull Elementary School students spread positivity throughout their school and community through a “25 Acts of Kindness” initiative this winter. Early elementary class teacher Karen McNulty created a bulletin board in the main hallway based on the theme and invited all students in the school to describe an act of kindness they would perform each day of the month and write it inside a heart-shaped paper cutout. Among the suggestions were “help out your mom or dad,” “hold the door for someone” and “make dinner tonight.” https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=42394 Wed, 18 Jan 2017 05:00:00 GMT false42394 Adult Ed Mah Jongg class for February 1st has been cancelled. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=44273 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 05:00:00 GMT false44273 The winter session of Adult Ed. Badminton has been cancelled https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=42190 Tue, 10 Jan 2017 05:00:00 GMT false42190 Auction Information: 2008 Chevrolet Bus Click here for more information https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=41817 Wed, 21 Dec 2016 05:00:00 GMT false41817 Preparation Is Key Woodhull Elementary School primary and early elementary students learned the basics of home safety and emergency preparedness in a special presentation by Nanette McNulty from the United Way of Long Island. The presentation was part of an Islandwide effort known as Be Ready Long Island, in cooperation with PSE&G and the new 211 non-emergency health and human services phone system in Nassau and Suffolk counties. The event featured a combination of hands-on activities and video clips from Sesame Workshop. Through the activities, the students learned the importance of knowing their address, what to do in case of an emergency, the proper use of 911 and 211 phone numbers, and locating important items such as blankets, flashlights, bandages and water in case of emergency or disaster. Each student received a yellow hard hat along with an educational coloring book and crayons as part of the event. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=41513 Tue, 13 Dec 2016 06:00:00 GMT false41513 Giving Thanks Woodhull Elementary School students and staff marked the holiday season with a feast in the newly renovated school lunchroom. Staff members helped decorate, prepare food and serve students a delicious meal that included turkey, stuffing, potatoes, corn and green beans. Ms. Crawson's primary class donned turkey hats that they created and after the meal performed a song titled "Five Plump Turkeys." In unison, Ms. McNulty's early elementary students read aloud a Thanksgiving story that was written and illustrated by past members of the class who are now in the intermediate class. Surplus food from the event was donated to a local Fire Island family. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=41514 Tue, 13 Dec 2016 05:00:00 GMT false41514 Giving Back This Holiday Season Woodhull Elementary School recently conducted a Thanksgiving food drive to benefit a hardworking Fire Island family in need. The event, which is organized annually by district Director of Health Services Janet LaViolette, ran from Nov. 1-22, with Woodhull students depositing canned goods, snacks and other food items into a container in the school's main hallway to yield several boxes of food in total. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=41064 Wed, 30 Nov 2016 05:00:00 GMT false41064 Colorful Creations More than a hundred pieces of student artwork were on display this May in the gymnasium for students, family, friends, staff and community members to enjoy as part of Woodhull's annual Student Art Exhibition. Following a warm introduction by Fire Island Superintendent of Schools Loretta Ferraro, Woodhull's art teacher Bianca Hansen welcomed attendees and praised the students for their efforts. She encouraged the adults to follow the students' lead through the exhibition and listen to them describe their work, which included several projects from each student spanning from the beginning of the school year until recent weeks. The works included paintings and drawings in various media, sculptures and collage. Perhaps the most exciting project on display was a collaborative effort with students from Havana, Cuba, which was coordinated by Ms. Hansen and BOCES instructor Deborah Gerken. The display included canvas paintings by Fire Island students juxtaposed with those of the Cuban students, done in the same dimensions and media. The art was accompanied by photos of each student and a handwritten description of the work, which was based on the theme "What Makes Me Happy?" https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=40089 Wed, 02 Nov 2016 04:00:00 GMT false40089 Art Beyond Borders Fire Island students recently participated in a unique collaborative art project with students from another island – Cuba. In 2015, before President Obama began mending U.S. relations with Cuba, BOCES educator and longtime Fire Island School collaborator Deborah Gerken traveled to the country on a tour specifically for educators. In the course of her trip, she visited the Casa del Niño y la Niña, a nongovernmental organization in Havana, which provides children creative opportunities in the arts. There Ms. Gerken met program director Maylar Duran Rodriguez. After sharing information about their backgrounds, the two developed an idea to pursue a collaborative art project between their two respective schools. Upon her return to the United States, Ms. Gerken collaborated with Woodhull art teacher Bianca Hansen to create a plan for the Cuban and Fire Island students to paint pictures reflecting the question "What makes me happy?" The students would create two copies of their work: one to keep and one to send to the other school, along with photos of themselves and handwritten letters. The rectangular canvas pieces would all be the same size such that they could be stitched together to form one giant canvas made of both schools' work. The nearly identical finished products could be displayed in both schools, respectively, as a monument to the rich cultural exchange. To ensure consistency between the two schools' work, Ms. Gerken and Ms. Hansen decided to send Ms. Rodriguez all of the necessary supplies. On May 16, the work of students from both schools was proudly displayed Woodhull's gymnasium, representing student interests ranging from pets and nature, to buildings and sports. The entire catalogue of photos and letters from Cuban students, in Spanish and translated into English, was displayed alongside that of their Fire Island counterparts, as family, staff and community members perused the works. A remarkable achievement on every front, the school plans to create a more permanent display of the project going forward. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=40090 Wed, 02 Nov 2016 04:00:00 GMT false40090 Art Show 2015 https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=40091 Wed, 02 Nov 2016 04:00:00 GMT false40091 Promoting Citizenship Woodhull Elementary School students in Karen McNulty's early elementary class are challenging themselves to display acts of citizenship that are noticed by others in the school. The class defines being a good citizen as a person who exudes self-control, respect, responsibility, honesty, politeness, kindness and helpfulness. Students “caught” displaying these attributes by someone in the building have their actions praised on a giant board in McNulty’s classroom. Students can earn bonus points for their actions and redeem them for special activities during the year. The project connects with the social studies content from the class’s "Who We Are" curriculum unit. This is the first schoolwide unit in the International Baccalaureate Program-inspired curriculum, which focuses on laws, the Constitution and American citizenship. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=40049 Tue, 01 Nov 2016 04:00:00 GMT false40049 Budding Young Scientists Woodhull Elementary School students learned about the world around them during a recent environmental education program focused on living things. After catching various critters in the Great South Bay, the pre-K and kindergarten students looked at fiddler crabs, snails and different bones. The students also worked with the second-graders to observe changes in states of matter and took apart mechanical objects to see how things work. The items they "dissected" included a hair dryer, fan and telephone. The students later had the opportunity to see if they could invent something new from the dismantled items. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=39732 Mon, 24 Oct 2016 04:00:00 GMT false39732 Community Library Information on library hours, contents, computer system features, the inter-library loan system and how to obtain a library card. Click here for more information https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=39452 Wed, 19 Oct 2016 15:00:00 GMT false39452 Non-Resident Student Enrollment This link provides an overview of the district’s non-resident student enrollment program, including tuition rates and applications. Click here for more information https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=39453 Wed, 19 Oct 2016 15:00:00 GMT false39453 Special Meeting of the Board of Education today, October 17, at 3:30 p.m. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=39480 Mon, 17 Oct 2016 04:00:00 GMT false39480 A Look Inside Woodhull This page features the Woodhull Weekly Newsletter capturing learning episodes and special moments across the district each week. Visit for a view inside our unique school. Click here to view the Newsletters page. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=170572 Sun, 16 Oct 2016 04:00:00 GMT false170572 2015-2016 Annual Audit Report https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=39449 Thu, 13 Oct 2016 04:00:00 GMT false39449 Test Announcements 2 This is a second test forAnnouncements https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=39344 Mon, 10 Oct 2016 04:00:00 GMT false39344 Lead Testing Results https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=39132 Fri, 30 Sep 2016 04:00:00 GMT false39132 Notice of Annual Fire Inspection https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=39133 Wed, 28 Sep 2016 04:00:00 GMT false39133 Taking Time to Remember Woodhull Elementary School students and staff paused to remember and reflect about the historical importance of 9/11 and mark the 15th anniversary of “Patriot’s Day.” In honor of the day, Superintendent of Schools Loretta Ferraro read from "The Man Who Walked Between the Towers" by Mordecai Gerstein. The book tells the story of Philippe Petit's walk on a tightrope between the twin towers in 1974. It was written as a memorial piece. Students also created placards depicting the two towers over a red, white and blue heart, which were displayed on a bulletin board in the school's main hallway. Feeling a special connection to the day, one student –Jack Brennan – wore a military uniform to school that day to honor a family friend who was lost in the tragedy. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=39134 Fri, 23 Sep 2016 04:00:00 GMT false39134 Notice to Bidders 20C/14A Dual Rear Wheel School Bus https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=39135 Thu, 22 Sep 2016 04:00:00 GMT false39135 Welcome Back Woodhull Elementary School students started a new chapter in their educational journeys as they began the 2016-17 school year in September. Surrounded by supportive faculty and staff members, the students returned to school ready to learn, catch up with friends and gear up for the year ahead. After reviewing the Pledge of Allegiance and morning routine, the students were welcomed into their classrooms and quickly became acclimated to their new routines. https://www.fi.k12.ny.us/News/Story.aspx?id=39136 Wed, 14 Sep 2016 04:00:00 GMT false39136