My first summer in Syosset ended with a sultry September start. I attended sweltering PTA meetings where parents implored me and the Board of Education to pursue air conditioning in our schools. I’ve never been as glad as this week that the Board and community invested in upgrading our facilities – particularly as I’ve been reading the news about students and staff struggling with the heat in other schools. The high school’s air conditioned gym and fitness center have salvaged sports practices, and our hard-working coaches and athletes have been arriving early and staying late to avoid practicing during the heat of the day. Thanks to all for your perseverance.

All that heat couldn’t wilt Syosset’s opening day excitement either. Our Seniors’ beloved first day tradition of greeting the sunrise from their reserved parking lot grew to include vehicles festooned with school spirit! I just love their creativity and Senior pride!

Also back to school were our Crossing Guards. Although they are Nassau County employees, they are an essential part of keeping our students (and parents!) safe. There have been shortages in recent years, which makes us appreciate our wonderful team all the more. Thank you!!

When I arrived in Syosset (this year was my 10th! summer), our community’s reputation as a fine and performing arts powerhouse was already well established, having won a Kennedy Center award in 2002. In the years since, we’ve only gotten better, so I’m delighted to announce that Syosset will receive NYSSMA’s “Presidential Citation Award” this coming December! The criteria involved an extensive review of concert recordings, school enrollment, ensemble rehearsal minutes, budgetary support, and curriculum – every detail imaginable. The award is so prestigious, no more than two of New York’s almost 700 school districts may receive this award in any given year, and in some years NYSSMA chooses not to bestow the award to anyone. Our talented staff and students are planning to savor this moment – no matter how much we continue to improve, as a winner, Syosset will not be eligible to apply for the award again until 2033!

And that’s not all. Also at the NYSSMA Winter Conference, an amazing 15 Syosset High School musicians who have been selected to perform in All-State Ensembles (and another 30! Syosset students were declared alternates). What a pitch-perfect way to kick off another amazing year of music in Syosset!

Newsday released its list of top 100 boys and girls Soccer players to watch out for this season. No surprise, Syosset students feature prominently!

Two of our boys made the list. Senior Sawyer Wayne is known for being one of the best defenders on Long Island – and Junior Jack Pendrick, who has been a starter since his freshman year, one of the best midfielders.

Our girls roster is a powerhouse to be reckoned with – four of our seniors made Newsday’s list. Marley Altarac and Mikayla Camp, who are both committed to play at Emory University next Fall, Samantha Goldberg, who is committed to play at St. John’s University, and Brooke Barrie, who scored eight goals as a Junior last season.

I can’t wait to see this season unfold. Join me for a game sometime to cheer them on!