Community Update - Sept. 15, 2023
August 5th, 2023
Dear Syosset Community:
I want to share some thoughts on two important meetings I attended this week. First, is the Syosset Board of Education monthly meeting, which took place on the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Our High School a capella singing group “The Adelettes” opened the meeting with an extraordinary rendition of our national anthem. President Carol Cheng also marked the events of 22 years ago with some brief remarks followed by a moment of silence.
The Board then worked through several topics:
an evaluation of the strength of our academic program as evidenced by steady progress in our student achievement data;
a discussion of the logistical limitations of busing, and the lack of community consensus for any one approach to a changed start time, leading to the conclusion that it will remain unchanged for the time being; and
an extensive conversation on the Facilities priorities of the District in light of the need to continue to preserve and protect the District’s infrastructure, as well as accommodate the enrollment growth the District has experienced over the past eight years and anticipates in the near future.
Two Syosset students patiently observed the Board working, awaiting their turn to ask how the school district supports families confronting food insecurity. Sophomore twins Alexa and Brandon Lim are scouts in Troop 205 working on their Citizens in the Community merit badges. In response, I shared my pride in the efforts the District and Aramark (our food service provider) made (with federal support) to provide free meals to any family in need throughout the duration of the pandemic. I explained that our breakfast and lunch programs remain free to anyone still in need – but encouraged them to find like-minded friends to partner with local food banks and charities because the need is never ending. I’m proud of Alexa and Brandon for staying up late to focus on the well-being of our community. It’s good intentions like these that make us #SyoStrong!
Spotlight on Instruction 🔦
The second meeting was a series of interviews for our Virtual Enterprise (VE) CEO candidates. Although this program is only in its seventh year, it has already attained remarkable success. Students have developed 23 unique companies, two finishing 2nd and 3rd in the National Business Plan Competition. Syosset firms have also received top recognition in the National Quickbooks, Marketing, Human Resources, Web Design, and Finance competitions.
Although students create imaginary businesses, the business and leadership skills they acquire are very real. Throughout the course, students will develop their virtual product, pitch investors, develop prototypes, implement marketing plans, learn accounting (they even have to file tax returns!), and secure sales from competitor teams.
Each year, the business department teachers ask me and the high school administration to join the CEO interviews – to give the students the most realistic executive-level interview experience possible, so they can hone this real world skill too. For me, it’s a precious opportunity to get to know our students, and to hear their perceptions of leadership. Although I offer my feedback, the decision solely rests with the teachers who know their students best, which is a relief because I could never choose – I’m impressed with every candidate’s remarkable talent, drive and perspective. Given how strong this year’s pool of potential leaders is, no matter who is selected, Syosset can’t lose.
#SyoStars⭐
Congratulations to Seniors: Jessica Albrecht, Alex Chen, Andy Chen, Scout Chen, Ria Dhulia, Darius Fan, Matthew Finkel, Anoushka George, Jamie Guo, Sean Guo, Nathalia Guzman, Benjamin Hasselbring, Griffin Hon, Vincent Huang, Ashley Huang, Simeon Hur, Sabina Kim, Jesse Lebolt, Brenton Lee, Katelyn Lee, Maxwell Lee, Samuel Liu, Hagen Lu, James Masson, Blesson Ren, Aryan Shah, Aberam Sriganesh, Emily Su, Arya Tooley, Benjamin Vitalie, Ryan Wei, Samuel Xiao, Nicholas Yang, Wendy Yin, and Ann Zhang!
In the News 📰
With that as background, we’re thrilled (but not astonished) to see he was just named to Newsday’s list of Long Island’s top 100 high school football players. Even more impressive, Mustafa has only been playing football for two years! In an interview, Mozawalla told Newsday, “We’re always the underdog and we’re really going to surprise teams this year.” As Syosset’s #1 fan, I’m never surprised by our success, but I sure hope his prediction comes true! Our first home game is next Friday, September 22nd at 6:30pm. Come by to cheer on the team under the Friday night lights.
Also in Newsday this week - Long Island’s top 50 Volleyball players to watch.
On the girls’ list, Senior Kelsey Jung, who had 29 aces last season. On the boys’ side, Seniors Mike Gaeta and Aaron Johnson both earned recognitions. As a lifelong volleyball player, I’ll confess my soft spot for both teams, and my pride at their recent successes. Come join me courtside for a thrilling match (I’ll be the guy pacing uncontrollably)!
Congrats to all of our amazing athletes and good luck this season!
Bright Spots
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Mead
This week I want to highlight two truly committed groups of students who gave up their spare time to literally help change the world.
Last weekend, more than 100 Syosset students participated in the Family Fun Color War Against Cancer. The event, at Crestwood Day Camp, brought together students and their families for a day of dancing, playing, and eating for a cause. The day raised more than $125,000 for the Gold Ribbon Riders, a foundation that fundraises for pediatric cancer research.
Also last weekend, 40 members of the Syosset Boys and Girls Swimming & Diving teams, along with their coach, swam to show their support and raise funds for cancer research. The team participated in a "Swim Across America: Making Waves to Fight Cancer" event at the North Shore Towers in Floral Park. The students raised more than $10,000! Proceeds from the event will go to the Memorial Sloane Kettering Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Cancer Research at Northwell Health, and the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research at Northwell Health. We are so proud of these outstanding students who are using their skills as athletes to make a difference.
#SyoStrong
Tom Rogers