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College students fight to have suicide prevention laws implemented

by TBR Staff - April 6, 2024

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Photo 4 (1) — New York Students for Mental Health Action Coalition head Vignesh Subramanian shaking hands with Robert Martinez, chief assistant to the Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine. Photo courtesy Vignesh Subramanian

By Aramis Khosronejad

Vignesh Subramanian, head of the New York Students for Mental Health Action Coalition, has been working determinedly toward his goal of implementing more diverse and improved suicide prevention acts in the state Legislature.

Subramanian has been successful a few times already and has been following a certain plan: Rewriting and amending the Student Suicide Prevention Act that has already been implemented and established. Subramanian was hoping to follow this same course of action to augment suicide prevention laws to incorporate college students as well — currently, the SSPA of New York mainly focuses on K-12.

This idea was well supported by many different colleges, several county officials and some state-level lawmakers. This fervent support was demonstrated through a rally that Subramanian was involved in organizing. At this event, student delegates from many Long Island universities such as Stony Brook, Hofstra, LIU and Adelphi were present to help push these changes to the SSPA to move forward.

A few lawmakers were also present, namely, Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio (R-Riverhead) and state Sen. Anthony Palumbo (R-New Suffolk). Subramanian also rallied the support of the SSPA’s Senate sponsor, Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal (D-Greenwich Village) as well as Assemblyman Daniel O’Donnell (D-Morningside Heights).

Despite all of this support, there was an unexpected obstacle that had to be resolved.

Despite O’Donnell’s background in ardently and actively promoting such suicide prevention laws and their improvement, he and his office provided an unanticipated problem for Subramanian and the NYSMHA Coalition.

Since the Legislature is in session for a limited period, time is very precious. O’Donnell and his office have “been noncommittal about amending the SSPA and has not communicated with coalition leaders directly, frustrating student government leaders and partner advocates,” according to Subramanian.

In an interview, he admitted to being disappointed by O’Donnell’s inaction and explained that he believes O’Donnell “was concerned that amending the bill would lengthen the process the bill would have to take to reach passing.” Regardless, the whole conflict was “very unanticipated” and Subramanian and his colleagues scrambled for “alternative strategies.”

Subramanian and his coalition were forced to adapt quickly to their new situation, so they had to take a new tactic. In contrast to the original plan, which was using the SSPA as a blueprint, Subramanian and his colleagues decided to create an entirely new bill called the College Student Suicide Prevention Act.

The CSSPA would place emphasis on the importance of having a college-level suicide prevention law in place for students of higher education, maybe even more so than those from K-12. The bill has already been finalized and is being planned to be introduced in early April.

The CSSPA is currently receiving support from Assembly Higher Education Chair Patricia Fahy (D-Albany) and state Sen. Lea Webb (D-Binghamton).

Amid each obstacle, Subramanian said he “doesn’t plan to stop” his pursuit of suicide prevention legislation. He expressed his goal to continue his efforts to enact better suicide prevention laws for students of all fields and ages across a broader geographical scope.

Long Island students compete at Brookhaven Lab’s Maglev Contest

by Press Release - April 5, 2024

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BNL Maglev — Winners in the 3D printed category: pictured from left, Jashmin Futch of TFCU; third place winner Stella Bond, Bridgehampton School; second place winner Landon Tully, Accompsett Middle School; first place winner Srihas Mandava, Accompsett Middle School; and Robert Caradonna of BNL Photo by Jessica Rotkiewicz/Brookhaven National Laboratory

A big blue shark, an array of pirate ships, and a propeller-driven water bottle were among student-made magnetic levitation vehicles that floated down the tracks at the 2024 Maglev Competition hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Brookhaven National Laboratory in Upton on March 20.

Students from middle schools across Long Island became engineers at the annual contest, designing and refining their maglev creations to log their fastest travel time. A total of 150 students from 10 local middle schools including Accompsett Middle School and Great Hollow Middle School of Smithtown submitted vehicles in hopes of earning top spots in eight categories judging speed and appearance.

The competition is inspired by technology pioneered by two Brookhaven Lab researchers, the late Gordon Danby and James Powell, who invented and patented superconducting maglev — the suspension, guidance, and propulsion of vehicles by magnetic forces.

“The Maglev Contest is unique in the way it provides students with an open environment to tinker, tweak, and test their vehicle designs in order to achieve the best possible outcome,” said competition coordinator Jonathan Ullmann, a senior education programs representative for the Lab’s Office of Educational Programs. “This process is very similar to how the scientists and engineers work on big research projects here at Brookhaven Lab.”

During the awards ceremony, the students heard from Robert Caradonna, a federal project manager at the DOE-Brookhaven Site Office, about his role in overseeing large design and construction of scientific research facilities including the current project to construct the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) — a new discovery machine that physicists will use to explore the building blocks of matter — and the previous effort to construct the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II), a DOE Office of Science user facility where interdisciplinary researchers explore materials.

Students use math, science, and technology principles to optimize the design of their vehicles. The competition day also brings out their creativity and resourcefulness on the fly: one student fixed their math homework to their vehicle to use as a sail on the contest’s wind-powered track; another student attempted to fill a disposable glove with air to propel their vehicle down a flat track after their original balloon broke.

“That’s what it’s all about — for them to troubleshoot and figure it out,” said David Driscoll, a technology teacher at Albert G. Prodell Middle School. “They’re learning to have patience, think through things, change things up, and make adjustments.”

Students who opted to compete in this year’s appearance categories went for unique and eye-catching designs that included a leek (the vegetable) used as a vehicle body, hand-painted artwork from a favorite show, and color-changing lights. A host of 3D-printed creations traveled down the tracks, too, including train cars, a racecar, and an intricate lizard.

This was the first year that the Bridgehampton School’s STEAM Team — a before-school club — entered 3D-printed vehicles into the competition after learning how to use 3D printers and a modeling program.

“We’ve been using MakerBot 3D printers and Tinkercad; the kids have been having a blast on it,” said Lou Liberatore, a fifth-grade teacher at Bridgehampton.

Mallory Dougherty, also a fifth-grade teacher at Bridgehampton, added: “We’re really excited to be in that category. They really picked up on it. They impressed us with how they were about to figure out how it all works.”

Congratulations to the following winners:

Speed categories

Self-propelled (balloon)

First place: Andrew Oliveri, Bay Shore Middle School; Second place: Ghaleb Rashid, Bay Shore Middle School; and Third place: Landon Wernersbach, Bay Shore Middle School

Self-propelled (other)

First place: Owen Huber, Bay Shore Middle School; Second place: Caleb Leichtman, Bay Shore Middle School; and Third place: Indigo O’Neill, Bay Shore Middle School

Electrified track

First place: Chase Harrison, Bay Shore Middle School; Second place: Jordan Patron, Bay Shore Middle School; and Third place: Ethan Rodriguez, Bay Shore Middle School

Wind power

First place: Jordyn Lusak, Albert G. Prodell Middle School; Second place: Brody Morgan, Great Hollow Middle School; and Third place: Alex Manessis, Accompsett Middle School

Gravity

First place: Jonah Maraglio, Albert G. Prodell Middle School; Second place: Eva Cabrera, Bay Shore Middle School; and Third place: Doris Lu, Great Neck South Middle School

Appearance categories

Futuristic

First place: Aylin Tucksonmez, Albert G. Prodell Middle School; Second place: Jeremy Schember, Great Hollow Middle School; and Third place: Alexander Radek, Great Hollow Middle School

Scale model

First place: Quentin Lennox, Marcus Chang, & Lucas Chang, Great Neck South Middle School; Second place: Owen Anderson, Albert G. Prodell Middle School; and Third place: Brendan D’Agostino, Berner Middle School

3D printed

First place: Srihas Mandava, Accompsett Middle School; Second place: Landon Tully, Accompsett Middle School; and Third place: Stella Bond, Bridgehampton School

SCCC Selden to hold an Open House April 7

by Press Release - April 4, 2024

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Faculty, administrators, staff and current students at Suffolk County Community College will welcome new and prospective students to open house on Sunday, April 7, from 12 noon to 2 p.m. Open House will take place at all three of the college’s campuses in Riverhead, Selden and Brentwood, as well as its Culinary Arts and Hospitality Center in Riverhead.

College faculty and administrators will greet visitors and offer detailed information about Suffolk’s varied degree and certificate programs. Admissions staff will be available to help students and parents answer questions and complete the admissions process, and financial aid representatives will provide information about recent changes to FAFSA, as well as the grants and loan process. In addition, visitors will have an opportunity to learn about the numerous scholarships available for students enrolled at Suffolk.

The open house will also provide students with an opportunity to:

meet faculty
tour campuses
learn about student organizations and clubs

Veterans should note that campus representatives will be available to provide educational and transitional services information.

“We look forward to welcoming students and their families as they learn about our academic programs and student support services,” said Joanne E. Braxton, Suffolk’s Dean of Enrollment Management, adding “visitors will also have the opportunity to tour the campus with student guides who can answer questions.”

Students and their families are encouraged to RSVP by visiting this link:sunysuffolk.edu/OpenHouse

Over $52,000 raised by Northport-East Northport families in support of St. Baldrick’s

by Press Release - March 31, 2024

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Photo 2 Christian — NHS student and cancer survivor Christian Sloan addresses the crowd after having his head shaved. Photo courtesy Northport-East Northport school district

The annual Brave the Shave event at Northport High School continues to provide support for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation through both fundraising and spreading awareness of pediatric cancer.

Prior to the most recent event on March 22, the Northport-East Northport school district had already raised over a quarter of a million dollars for the foundation. The most recent fundraising effort added more than $52,000 to that total, helping fund important research and support for children battling the disease.

Pulaski Road School student Declan smiles as he has his head shaved as a sign of solidarity with children battling cancer. Photo courtesy Northport-East Northport school district

During the day, Northport High School students filled the Commons with positive energy as they partook in the dunk tank fundraiser, allowing students to dunk members of the staff as they raise money.

In the evening, students, staff and community members from across the district filled the school to “brave the shave” as students had their heads shaved as a sign of solidarity with children battling cancer.

Members of the National Honor Society helped organize and staff the event by collecting donations, celebrating with the shavees and managing the table providing hats and merchandise.

Local author and cancer survivor Charles Armstrong returned this year to speak about his book, “The Dog Named Beef and Her Superpower,” which details the true story of how Armstrong’s dog helped him find comfort and ultimately defeat brain cancer.

Northport High School student Christian Sloan, also a cancer survivor, spoke to the crowd as well. “I would just like to thank everyone for supporting the St. Baldrick’s thing and I am hoping in the future for all our hopes that cancer will be no more,” he said.

Northport High School teacher aide Karen Paquet, whose son Caleb lost his battle with cancer in 2017, spoke about the importance of continuing to conduct research and provide clinical trials for pediatric cancer. “Today I feel a beautiful camaraderie with all of you,” she said. “We are here, united, in taking childhood back from cancer.”

Dr. Rina Meyer, a pediatric hematology oncologist with Stony Brook Medicine, also spoke to the crowd about the hope that St. Baldrick’s brings to her patients and their families, and recognized the important role that participants play in providing that hope.

St. Baldrick’s Foundation works with pediatric oncologists to “determine the most promising research to fund and create funding priorities to make the greatest impact for children with cancer,” she said.

Boyd’s Invention Convention showcases student innovation in Elwood

by Press Release - March 31, 2024

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30 student innovators from grades 4 and 5 participated in James H. Boyd Intermediate School’s annual Invention Convention. Photoscourtesy of Elwood school district

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Thirty students from grades 4 and 5 recently participated in James H. Boyd Intermediate School’s annual Invention Convention, held in the school’s cafeteria.

Hosted by the Boyd PTA, the event challenges students to use their imagination, creativity and basic science and mathematical skills to identify a need or solve a problem.

Students spent a month working on their projects independently at home, then brought in their prototypes.

During the showcase, the community had the opportunity to view and interact with the projects, as well as meet Boyd’s student innovators, who spoke about their inspiration for the inventions and the challenges that arose during the design process.

Stony Brook University launches new pre-college summer program

by Press Release - March 27, 2024

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Marketing Photo Shoot — Stony Brook University: Entrance sign

Stony Brook University recently announced the launch of the Pre-College Summer Program, a new residential summer program for rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors.

The Pre-College Summer Program is a week-long program that offers high school students the opportunity to engage in the campus experience, take courses, participate in workshops, and access resources across campus, including bridging connections with Stony Brook faculty and industry experts. Throughout the program, students will connect with like-minded program participants, while learning to transition to college life.

“There is a rich history at Stony Brook of outstanding rigorous summer programming aimed at high school students,” said Peter Diplock, vice provost for Continuing, Professional, and Executive Education. “We are thrilled to be able to extend those opportunities and make them available to in-state and out-of-state high school students looking for a residential academic program experience.”

Participating students can take courses, led by Stony Brook faculty, in topics ranging from biomedical informatics to multimedia journalism to sustainability all while living on the Stony Brook campus. Students also have the opportunity to participate in recreational activities held on campus. In addition, the program is supplemented by participation in college readiness workshops.

“I am beyond excited to kick off the Pre-College Summer Program at Stony Brook University this year. Participants can expect to make memories that will last a lifetime. They’ll get first-hand experience in subjects that they’re passionate about with the support from SBU Faculty,” said Breanne Delligatti, director of the Pre-Summer College Program. “Beyond the classroom, they’ll make friendships and connections with peers who share their interests and ambitions. Plus, they’ll get a taste of college life on Stony Brook’s beautiful campus.”

Courses will be held across three sessions throughout the month of July, beginning on July 7.

Participants who register before April 1 will receive a cost savings of $100 and interested applicants can apply through May 15. The application process involves submitting the applicant’s high school transcript, a reference, a short essay, and a $45 application fee. A limited number of scholarships are also available for need-based applicants to offset the cost of the program.

Learn more about the Pre-College Summer Program at stonybrook.edu/precollege-summer.

Plain Talk: Creating a safe space to learn

by Father Francis Pizzarelli - March 23, 2024

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By Fr. Francis Pizzarelli

When I first started teaching as a young, idealistic educator, I loved my first assignment to teach in the inner city of Washington, D.C. I was asked to teach seventh and eighth graders and to be the dean of discipline. What I think really saved me in those early years was being the basketball coach of an all African-American basketball team. Some of my students and players still reach out to me today.

Two years in, I was named principal of the junior high school division of this inner-city school. I’m still going for counseling for that experience, but I must admit I really loved my students and faculty and learned so much about what it really means to be an educator.

In the early 1980’s, I graduated to teaching on the college level. I started teaching social science at St. Joseph’s University, formerly St. Joseph’s College, in Patchogue. About the same time, I started to teach at Suffolk County Community College in Selden. After 10 years and being promoted to the rank of full professor, I was invited to teach in the honors college, probably one of the best kept secrets of higher education on Long Island.

Twenty years ago, I was invited to join the adjunct faculty at Fordham University’s Graduate School of Social Service. I teach second year graduate students clinical practice. Their passion for their profession inspires me to stay the course and continue the journey!

Over the years, from my perspective, education has radically changed. Technology has been reshaping our schools for the past two decades. The pandemic had the greatest impact; my post-pandemic freshmen have, at best, weak communication skills. Their writing and critical thinking skills have been severely impaired. I have seen firsthand their tendency towards isolation, even in the midst of a crowd. So needless to say, its been a real challenge.

However, hope does live on! This spring semester at Suffolk County Community College, I have a 3:30 p.m. Introduction to Sociology class. It’s a full class with 35 students. I’m known for being tough and for giving a lot of work so I was somewhat surprised that the class was packed.

These young men and women have given me renewed hope for the future. Our class is like the United Nations. They are bright, hard-working and articulate; we speak about every social issue that is happening in our world. Their respect for diversity and difference is refreshing.

Recently, I asked them why they are so free to say what they think; without hesitancy a group of students called out and said because it’s a safe space. Maybe we need to work harder at creating more safe spaces in our schools at every level for the next generation!

Father Francis Pizzarelli, SMM, LCSW-R, ACSW, DCSW, is the director of Hope House Ministries in Port Jefferson.

Accompsett Middle School students pitch in to make a difference

by Press Release - March 22, 2024

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JST_1276 — From left, Madison Klimkoski, Callie Shao, Molly Hyland, Francesca Zins, Abigail Sacco, Sadie Messler and Julia Lucca. Photo courtesy Smithtown CSD

The need: To provide canned food items for those in the community who are going hungry.

The project: Seven Accompsett Middle School students went to their classmates and encouraged their involvement to collect cans of food for those less fortunate.

The result: More than 2,000 cans of food donated and $2,500 raised.

Twice a year, the Lead4Change organization hosts TheLead4ChangeProject, which is a small grants program that showcases the growth of students as leaders and funds their ideas for community impact.

After collecting 2,384 cans, the students partnered with the Smithtown Township Food Pantry to donate all the cans they had collected.

Lead4Change then donated $2,500 to the pantry to help meet their needs as a community.

Three Village Student Art and Technology Fair a success

by TBR Staff - March 22, 2024

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By Katherine Kelton

The annual Three Village Student Art and Technology Fair featuring hundreds of works from local K-12 students was held Saturday, March 16, at Hilton Garden Inn in Stony Brook.

“During 2020 we all went on lockdown,” said Jennifer Trettner, head of the Three Village Central School District art department and coordinator of the event. “I had made arrangements to start having our show here. It’s a bigger space than where we used to have it. And then, of course, we couldn’t have the show for the next two years. Last year was our first year here, and it truly is a wonderful space. We love having a partnership with the campus here.”

Hundreds of people filed into the venue to view the exhibits. Students from the technology and art classes of Three Village school district showcased different pieces and projects.

Raymond Lang, a junior at Ward Melville High School shared, “I think it’s important to show the diversity of the art department and Three Village and all of the different aspects of the programs that we have like graphic design, computer art, film and traditional painting, drawing, as well as photography.”

Lang contributed three of his own works with a theme of the influential women of his life.

Other students displayed samples of their art portfolios, like senior Ashton Hopkins. “Well, my theme is about how people are remembered and what influence they leave on the world when they die,” he said.

For the students in the middle and elementary schools, teachers selected artwork to be showcased at the event.

Seventh grader Gianna Inserra’s dimensional art piece was chosen for the show. However, for her, the art show is special not only to see her art but also to find inspiration. “Seeing other people’s artwork can inspire me what to do next,” Gianna said.

For teachers in the two departments, Saturday was a special day for a lot of different reasons. Maria Maritato, Gelinas Junior High School art teacher, said, “It’s so amazing as an art teacher to see our students bloom from elementary to high school.”

The TVCSD technology department is also an integral part of the event, Gelinas technology teacher Dean Kostis explained. “Whenever we do anything in technology we try to do our research, then our design, then we make the product and then we assess it,” he said.

The acting principal of Ward Melville High School, Paul Gold, also attended. “I think that Three Village goes above and beyond to meet the needs of all learners,” he said. “For those students who are passionate about art technology and design, it’s in our hallways at Three Village that these students can be successful and thrive.”

According to Gold and Trettner, the event was a major success for the school district, also the art and technology departments.

Perspective: Preserving what works in the Three Village school district

by TBR Staff - March 18, 2024

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By Anthony Dattero

As a school guidance counselor at Paul J. Gelinas Junior High School — for three decades now — and a parent whose children have thrived within our outstanding district, I feel compelled to share my concerns regarding the proposed reconfiguration orchestrated by our superintendent and voted upon by our board of education.

There are many reasons to doubt the motivation and the lack of details starting with why this move is necessary and why this monumental move is in our students’ best interests. The challenge to the district should be to prove “the why” in comparison to our current proven educational model. Our current model has served our students well, offering significant academic and social-emotional advantages that have stood the test of time.

The notion of transitioning to a common middle school model is, frankly, mind-boggling and irresponsible. Three Village school district has distinguished itself by providing top-notch opportunities for our students across diverse areas, while also fostering nurturing environments during pivotal transitional years — sixth grade at the elementary level and ninth grade at the junior high school level.

Having actively participated in the superintendent’s public forums and committee sessions, I remain unable to find any compelling reason or explicit need to dismantle a system that has proven its effectiveness over the years.

Why fix what isn’t broken?

Our district has maintained its uniqueness for over 40 years, resisting the trend toward common middle school models adopted by other districts.

Despite the district’s efforts to gauge community sentiment through surveys, many — including myself — find these surveys incomplete and misleading.

The supposed cost-saving benefits of reconfiguration have also been debunked, with recent revelations indicating potential excessive costs for retrofitting the high school to accommodate an entire grade level.

More is not better if space is valued. Think about what happens if we were to add more people to a dance floor — creativity would likely decline and apologetic exchanges of “I’m sorry” or “Excuse me” or unpleasant looks would likely increase.

In an era where student vulnerability is heightened by social media and external influences, cramming more students into the high school environment seems counterintuitive to their well-being. It is imperative that we prioritize the best interests of our students above all else.

The district has failed to provide all stakeholders with clearly defined and transparent comparisons representing the pros, cons, trade-offs and other options that could enhance our current configuration.

Let us stand united in advocating for the preservation of what works, ensuring that our students continue to receive the exceptional education and support they deserve. Our students deserve our best so they can realize the best version of themselves.

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