Three military daughters at three different Comsewogue schools were surprised by the early return of their father, Staff Sgt. William Flaherty, directly from Iraq.
Flaherty first stopped at Comsewogue High School to visit his oldest daughter, Taliah. High school principal, Mike Mosca, called her to his office. Her face immediately changed from a worried look to elation upon seeing her father.
“Staff Sergeant Flaherty is a longtime member of our Comsewogue family and a former CHS graduate,” Mosca said. “We were thrilled when he reached out to us with this request.”
Next, Flaherty went to Norwood Avenue Elementary School to see his daughter, Vienna, where he walked inside the cafeteria and greeted the excited kindergarten students. Finally, he was off to Boyle Road Elementary School to see his third daughter, Mia, and then down the hall to the universal pre-kindergarten class where his wife works.
“We have a deep respect for the military and family here in our community,” Superintendent of Schools Jennifer Quinn said. “It was a great day for all and not a dry eye in any of the three schools he visited.”
Kylie Schlosser is a sophomore at Comsewogue High School.
Comsewogue High School’s business students outside Topgolf in Holtsville.
Photo courtesy Andrew Harris
By Anthony Rovello
Coming in as a teacher from another school district, I had heard great things about Comsewogue’s commitment to project-based learning for the students. Combined with my own experience in the workforce, I know how important it is for our business students to get actual hands-on learning in a fast-paced and successful business.
Comsewogue High School’s business students have taken such an approach to learning in different careers and fields for the past several years. Recently, our high school’s business students had the opportunity to visit Long Island’s recently opened Topgolf, a sports entertainment company located in Holtsville.
Topgolf is a rapidly expanding company that our students were excited to learn about. They had the chance to learn about its day-to-day operations as well as what it takes to operate a business.
Students left with some new ideas about how businesses operate, specifically in strategic planning, day-to-day operations, leadership and management. It was impressive for our students to learn how Topgolf started in 2000 and grew to become a multinational sports entertainment company.
Most importantly, students got the opportunity to see, meet and talk to the folks at Topgolf for real-world advice and experiences.
Along with fellow Comsewogue business teachers Anthony Ketterer, Rami Joudeh, Aanchal Katyal and Trevor Ozimkowski, we expect to make a huge impact on our students and community now and have bigger things planned for the future.
“Our goal is to give our students real-world experience in a variety of different careers and fields,” high school principal Michael Mosca said. “Our students have recently worked closely with our local Chick-fil-A, real estate agencies, banks and Topgolf. These partnerships, in addition to our intro to teaching students working with Clinton Avenue Elementary School teachers, are just the beginning.”
Anthony Rovello is a business teacher at Comsewogue High School.
Comsewogue students recently worked at the local Chick-fil-A in Port Jeff Station as part of their Life Skills curriculum. Photo courtesy Andrew Harris
By Camila Perez Solis
Comsewogue High School’s Life Skills class students were given the opportunity to work at the local Chick-fil-A in Port Jefferson Station, putting their learning into practice.
This weekly event was made possible by several donations from companies across the Comsewogue community and support from administration and staff.
Michael Mosca, CHS principal, reacted to the unique educational endeavor. “This incredible work experience is a product of the incredible vision of our Life Skills teacher, Katy Dornicik, and our School to Career Partnership that is spearheaded by Mr. Ketterer, Mr. Joudeh and the rest of the business department,” he said.
Mosca added, “Stan, from our local Chick-fil-A, has been a tremendous supporter of our Work Based Learning initiative.”
The principal also mentioned that this initiative is just the beginning, with plans in the works to build upon this experience and develop the program even further. “Each year, we plan to add more opportunities for all of our students through our growing community partnerships,” Mosca said.
During these visits, students put together salad kits, cleaned tables and windows, and restocked shelves. They are excited to implement the skills that they have learned in Dornicik’s classroom into the real world.
Camila Perez Solis is a foreign-exchange student from Ecuador and a junior at Comsewogue High School.
The New York State Education Department is cracking down on Native American mascots in schools, and Comsewogue School District is now in its sights.
In a Nov. 17 letter sent out to districts across the state, NYSED senior deputy commissioner James Baldwin alerted school administrators that using Native American mascots, team names or imagery is prohibited “without current approval from a recognized tribe.”
Districts failing to meet these standards, Baldwin wrote, “may be in willful violation of the Dignity [for All Students] Act.” The penalty for violators could “include the removal of school officers and the withdrawal of state aid.”
Facing the threat of losing state aid, CSD officials will have to work against the clock. NYSED is placing a deadline on school districts, ordering them to retire these mascots before the end of the 2022-23 school year.
The Education Department is developing new regulations to clarify its policy, with a release date anticipated sometime in April. Until then, New York school districts remain in limbo.
Jennifer Quinn, superintendent of schools at Comsewogue School District, said the district would not make any policy determinations until NYSED releases its detailed guidelines.
“There are so many question marks,” she said. “Until we see the actual regulations, we’re kind of playing a guessing game.”
While school districts statewide undergo significant changes in the coming months, certain characteristics may set Comsewogue apart from the pack.
Emblazoned at the center of the high school’s turf field is a district logo containing Native American imagery. Photo from Google Maps
Historical background
Before Europeans had ever stepped foot on Long Island, from present day St. James to Wading River and as far south as Gordon Heights, the Setalcott Nation once inhabited the lands. Within that territory lies Port Jefferson Station/Terryville, an area known to the Setalcotts as Comsewogue, meaning “place where paths come together.”
The Terryville-Comsewogue School District was formed in 1874, and the senior high school opened nearly a century later in 1971. The school district has prominently showcased its precolonial heritage along with its name.
One district emblem contains the initials “CSD” with a feather draped over its side. Another logo displays a visually striking profile depicting a Setalcott. This logo is etched ubiquitously throughout the district’s website, school walls and at the center of the high school’s turf athletic field. Sports teams are called “the Warriors.”
Setalcott reaction
Helen Sells is president of the Setalcott Native American Council. In an interview, she said she is personally not offended by the use of Setalcott images and references in Comsewogue schools. Sells referred to the term “warrior” as a distinction among her ancestors.
“It was an honor for our men, and some of the women, to serve for our country and for the freedoms of all,” she said. “The men were considered warriors because they had to go out and hunt for food and hold the community together.”
Asked whether Comsewogue School District should continue using Setalcott mascots, team names and imagery, Sells responded affirmatively. “To me, it’s important as a family to try to keep that history going,” she said.
Whether this response constitutes “current approval from a recognized tribe” is still to be determined. NYSED declined to comment for this story.
Debating mascots, logos and team names
‘The state takes the approach that one size fits all. They’re not looking into every local district.’
— Ed Flood
New York State Assemblyman Ed Flood (R-Port Jefferson), whose 4th Assembly District encompasses CSD, said the state has more pressing educational concerns than deciding mascots and team names.
“There’s so much wrong in education right now,” he said. “I think our kids — I see it in my own children being out of the classroom for so long — are kind of behind,” adding, “We have bigger problems to fix.”
A Comsewogue alum, Flood held that the logos and team name were not intended to deride Native Americans. “It’s not used in any way to be offensive,” he said. “Comsewogue is a pretty diverse district with people of all races and ethnicities. We were all proud to put on that jersey, and we understood what it represented.”
Flood’s predecessor in the state Assembly, Steve Englebright (D-Setauket), offered that ethical dilemmas often require moderation and restraint by decision-makers. He cited the example of the U.S. Army renaming bases that had honored former Confederates.
“I believe the model for what should be done is probably the way that the U.S. Army has approached the question of renaming military bases,” Englebright said. “The approach was to set up — two, I believe — study commissions and to give thoughtful consideration if there is a controversy.” He added, “I’m not sure there is a controversy here.”
State aid conundrum
Debates surrounding state contributions to public education have been ongoing for over a century and a half, said Campbell Scribner, assistant professor of education at the University of Maryland College of Education in College Park.
In an interview, he traced the historical trends of public education in the United States, highlighting the complexities surrounding state aid.
“One of the ambiguities or tensions in American education is that, constitutionally, there has never been a federal right to education, but there is a state right,” he said. “Since at least the Civil War, all state constitutions make provisions for public education.”
However, until the early to mid-20th century, state funding lagged behind local contributions. “Although states have a constitutional obligation to provide education, they didn’t fund it very well,” Scribner said.
Without organized state bureaucracies or state income tax, school districts generated revenue primarily through local property taxes. This model offered considerable local autonomy in setting curricula and other districtwide standards.
‘States have taken a much more robust posture. They’ve taken more interest in what’s happening locally.’
— Campbell Scribner
Invoking social reforms
The dynamic between states and school boards changed as state aid began to comprise a heftier chunk of school districts’ overall budgets. With the injection of state funds, Scribner suggests power has shifted away from local school officials and into the hands of state bureaucrats.
“States have taken a much more robust posture,” Scribner said, adding, “They’ve taken more interest in what’s happening locally.”
With more say over budgeting, states have found leverage in setting curricula and social standards within school districts. Moreover, the threat of revoking state aid can be an effective instrument.
Despite the state’s newfound power, this approach has limits: “The state certainly does not want to come across as coercive,” Scribner said. “I don’t think it’s going to help state legislators to look like they’re bullying local school boards or denying children education.”
“But on the other hand,” he added, “I don’t think, legally, the school boards have the sort of rights they might assume they do or the same prerogative against the states.”
Native American imagery
‘There’s a long history of European settlers appropriating Native American imagery.’
— Andrew Newman
Within the scope of national and statewide politics, CSD is caught in a much broader web over the role of Native American imagery.
Andrew Newman is a professor and chair in the English Department at Stony Brook University whose research focuses on the intersection of early American, indigenous and media studies.
Newman shared that Native American imagery within popular culture is a centuries-old practice dating back to the 18th century.
“There’s a long history of European settlers appropriating Native American imagery,” he said. “There was an idea of Native Americans as being sort of tied to the land, athletic, representing this kind of uncivilized masculinity that was very attractive to the mainstream white culture.”
He added, “This phenomenon was referred to by the scholar Philip Deloria, in a book [of the same title] from 1998, as ‘Playing Indian.’”
Newman maintained that these portrayals often negatively affect self-perceptions within Native American communities, adding that such caricatures can minimize historical injustices.
The movement away from Native American mascots and team names has gradually developed within public education and professional sports. After years of resistance, the former Washington Redskins football and Cleveland Indians baseball franchises have finally changed their team names to more neutral identifiers, respectively the Commanders and Guardians.
Newman said mascots, team names and imagery can be hard to do away with because of the strong emotional ties these symbols can produce. This effect is especially prevalent within schools.
“The students and families and communities that are associated with these schools are kind of attached to the school’s traditions,” the SBU professor said. “They’re hard to give up.”
Veneration vs. denigration
The debate over the use of Native American mascots surrounds two main arguments, according to Newman. On the one hand, proponents say these images glorify indigenous heritage and tradition. On the other, detractors view them as derogatory and offensive to Native Americans.
Reflecting upon the function of public education, Newman noted the apparent contradiction between the mission to educate about local history while potentially alienating a segment of the local population.
“Especially in educational institutions, where presumably part of the mission is to educate the students about the local history, I don’t think that educational mission is compatible with the use of a Native American-themed mascot,” the SBU professor said.
‘When we do make our plan, we are very mindful of including every stakeholder.’
— Jennifer Quinn
An opportunity for dialogue
Assessing NYSED’s approach, Flood suggested Albany is applying a blanket policy to a multifaceted issue. He contended the state government is neither informed of Comsewogue’s historical circumstances nor sensitive to the variations between tribes across Long Island.
“The state takes the approach that one size fits all,” the assemblyman said. “They’re not looking into every local district.”
While pressure comes down from Albany, Scribner said schools are uniquely suited to answer these moral questions through their abundant channels for local input.
“School politics remain one of the strongest and most accessible democratic spaces we have in this country,” the UM professor said. “They are, of course, hemmed in certain ways by state regulations. But again, I still think that if local voters really want something, they do have levers to pull.”
Quinn affirmed CSD’s commitment to working as a community through this sensitive local matter. “Nobody wants to do anything to make a child feel uncomfortable,” she said. “Ultimately, we have to see what [NYSED is] going to tell us we have to do, and then we can make a plan.”
The district superintendent concluded, “When we do make our plan, we are very mindful of including every stakeholder. Our community is going to be very involved.”
Englebright noted that CSD likely did not intend to disparage Native Americans when it created its logo and team name.
Nonetheless, the former assemblyman reiterated that study commissions and community forums could be fruitful in working out competing ethical considerations.
“History is complicated,” Englebright said. “That’s why I think this deserves some introspection.”
(Left to right) Social worker Taylor Cohen; social worker Alexia Bellini; and student-writer Sophia Gregorio. Photo courtesy Andrew Harris
By Sophia Gregorio
For the second straight year, the Lake Grove-based Trek Bicycle Store has donated two bicycles to Comsewogue School District.
The bike store generously gave the bicycles to help those needing something for the holidays.
“Trek Lake Grove is happy to help families in the Port Jefferson Station community this year,” said store manager Catie Gregorio.
Comsewogue School District would like to thank Trek Lake Grove and anyone who donated to the needy during the holiday season.
Comsewogue High School principal, Michael Mosca, commented on the value such donations add to the greater community.
“This is what makes our community special,” he said. “Everyone is willing to go above and beyond to help one another. We are very grateful for our community partners and all they do for our students and our schools.”
Sophia Gregorio is a sophomore at Comsewogue High School.
On Nov. 17, and subsequent to a judicial ruling against a New York public school district, the New York State Education Department sent a memo communicating a “need to ensure that district mascots, team names and logos are nondiscriminatory.” This memo closed with an unfortunate edict: “Should a district fail to affirmatively commit to replacing its Native American team name, logo and/or imagery by the end of the 2022-23 school year, it may be in willful violation of the Dignity Act. The penalties for such a violation include the removal of school officers and the withholding of state aid.”
In response, I contacted NYS Commissioner of Education Betty Rosa and introduced several preliminary questions and recommendations, including the imperative that time be afforded to make this a teachable moment — both a cultural and business education opportunity. The commissioner agreed with the academic opportunity. She recognized more information for affected school districts was needed, and these details are expected soon.
Throughout our conversation, Commissioner Rosa’s responses to my questions continued to incorporate the term “reasonable.” The dialogue yielded some insights and elevated some concerns that have been topics among our community members during these intervening weeks:
By the end of this school year (June 2023), affected districts shall provide an attestation that they intend to comply with changes to ensure nondiscriminatory logos/mascots/names, etc.
Logo development and implementation will be done in a reasonable time frame. Subsequent to our conversation, NYSED has indicated implementation by the end of the 2024-25 school year.
Logos on gymnasium floors and turf fields were greeted with a “reasonable” replacement. I interpret this to mean the turf field logo would be replaced when the turf is next due for wear replacement, as anything that accelerated financial burden on the district or our residents, I view as “unreasonable.” However, my interpretation awaits confirmation in the forthcoming details from NYSED.
Existing logos/names in question could be maintained if there is an existing agreement with local tribes to preserve these artifacts. As recently as 2020, local Native American leaders have not favored our logo. Further discussion should always be an option.
It was not explicitly affirmed whether our district naming was at risk. However, “Comsewogue” is a vocabulary word — not a direct name of a Native American person or peoples — and “Warriors” is a generic term originating from Anglo-French and used ubiquitously across cultures. These origins suggest reasonable, nondiscriminatory terms.
Going at least as far back as my elementary experience, Comsewogue School District has taught the history of our community, including the Setalcott Native Americans and the translation of the local Native American term “Comsewogue” — or its historic spelling “Cumsewogue” — as “an intersection of many paths,” or “where many paths meet.” Perhaps the exploration of this history could be expanded through our problem-based learning curriculum. It might include an opportunity to meet present-day local Native American leaders willing to share their insights on topics of interest, but I will yield to our educators on best practice implementation.
From a business education perspective, I advised the state commissioner that business logos take more than six months to change — let alone a logo with strong emotional ties. It would require time to engage and collaborate with community stakeholders, then a period of research to determine the design of a new logo. Again, our problem-based curriculum offers an opportunity here: To learn the process of brand building and brand value, and the opportunity to perform the research to understand the emotions beneath the surface of Warrior Pride. Here again, I will yield to our educators for the creation of compelling learning experiences.
As clarification is received from the state, the school district will keep all stakeholders informed. However, it is always helpful to be prepared. Today’s Comsewogue students are the stewards of the Comsewogue Warrior, its appearance and the values associated with growing up in our community. I could not imagine a change of the current logo that isn’t led by them, built on perspectives from and backed by all our supporting stakeholders.
Our students are the standard-bearers of today’s Warrior in human and artistic representation. And as envisaged by our students, Comsewogue’s logo will be an intersection of ideals and imagery.
Rob DeStefano serves as trustee for the Comsewogue School District Board of Education. The writer’s opinions do not necessarily reflect those of the Comsewogue School District or its Board of Education.
Comsewogue High School alum Jair Lopez, Class of 2022, became a United States Marine on Dec. 2, and returned to Comsewogue High School on Wednesday, Dec. 7.
Lopez was welcomed by a crowd of students, teachers and staff. “There was so much love and respect displayed by all of our Comsewogue Warriors for him,” said Jennifer Quinn, superintendent of schools.
Lopez recently graduated in June. When he spoke, he thanked his teachers for not giving up on him and keeping him pointed in the right direction.
The PJSTCA executive board during its December monthly meeting. Photo by Raymond Janis
The Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Association met Tuesday, Dec. 13, at Comsewogue Public Library for its monthly meeting.
PJSTCA vice president Sal Pitti delivered the report on public safety. Given a noticeable uptick in phone scams and malicious email attachments, Pitti stressed the importance of staying on high alert for these threats.
“The bottom line is that if you don’t know the other person on the other end of the phone, don’t send them money,” he said. “If you get an email from somebody you don’t know — and I don’t care how official the email looks — don’t click the link. That’s their way into your computer system.”
Noting the ongoing fallout of the September ransomware attack against the Suffolk County government, he added, “It can happen to anybody.”
The civic’s corresponding secretary Charlie McAteer announced the renaming of the Setauket-Port Jefferson Station Greenway trail in honor of outgoing New York State Assemblyman Steve Englebright (D-Setauket).
“Steve Englebright was the person who initially, in 2001, got the $2 million-plus for the initial project, which opened in 2009,” he said. “I think that given all of the things he has done in the community, that is a nice plus.”
Student representative Max of Comsewogue School District reported that the high school would host its Holiday Spirit Week with various themes next week.
CPL assistant library director Andrea Malchiodi reminded the members that donations are being accepted for Toys for Tots. “December 17 is the last day for that,” she said. “Food is always welcome for our food pantry. The Tree of Warmth will be collecting hats, gloves, mittens and scarves until January 31.”
During last month’s meeting, members vigorously discussed the planned retirement community to be developed at the intersection of Terryville and Old Town roads. [See story, “PJS/Terryville civic hosts November meeting.”]
McAteer reported on a recent meeting between civic leaders, members of the Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Chamber of Commerce, representatives from Town of Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich’s (D-Stony Brook) office and the developer of the site.
The developer is “talking about putting in a very small, just over 2,100-square-foot clubhouse, an outdoor swimming pool, a pickleball court and two bocce ball courts,” McAteer said. “The [residential units] will all be two stories high.”
Summarizing his thoughts on the exchanges, he added that the developer’s team “seemed to be amenable to our small, minor suggestions. I thought it went well.”
Multiple civic members expressed their interest in contributing to the proposed community garden on the John F. Kennedy middle school property. Pitti said he hopes to begin planning for the garden in March after fleshing out some details of insuring the facility.
Near the end of the meeting, member Paul Sagliocca inquired whether the civic association could collectively apply greater pressure on the Town of Brookhaven Highway Department to repave Terryville Road.
“I want to see if we come up with a subset of this meeting and prioritize the road because we’re missing out,” he said.
Responding to Sagliocca’s request, Pitti suggested the highway prioritization process within the town is steeped in politics and bureaucracy. While Terryville Road has been on the department’s list for roughly a half-decade, Pitti added that it will be up to the department when the roadway gets repaved.
The town’s Highway Superintendent Dan Losquadro (R) could not be reached for comment by press time.
Above, presenters during Career Day at Terryville Road Elementary School. Photo courtesy Meaghan Reilly
By Meaghan Reilly
“What do you want to be when you grow up?”
Students at Comsewogue’s Terryville Road Elementary School had the opportunity to consider this critical question and get some firsthand experience during Career Day on Thursday, Nov. 17.
Unable to host its generous presenters throughout the pandemic, the school’s biggest event of the year was reinstituted successfully once again.
“We were so happy to welcome our community members to present to the students at Terryville,” said principal Annemarie Sciove. “The students were excited and eager to learn from each professional. It was a memorable experience.”
Above, a Suffolk County police officer poses with students during the event. Photo courtesy Meaghan Reilly
A total of 26 professional presenters met in the school media center for brief refreshments before being escorted to their classrooms by two student ambassadors from each class.
The halls were full of excited students and enthusiastic Terryville faculty. All students were invited to dress for the occasion. Some students chose to dress for their intended future careers, while others donned their finest attire.
Each presenter was greeted with a welcome poster before setting up materials and presentations related to their profession.
Throughout the event, students had a chance to pose questions and try their hands at some of the skills of various trades. To name a few, in landscaper Barry Rose’s demonstration, fifth grade students had the chance to plant seeds. Fourth graders got to try on FDNY bunker gear during their time with fire chief Tom Reilly.
Inflatable dragons got sent home with third graders who participated in an interactive story time from children’s librarian Debbie Bush of the Comsewogue Public Library. Some students even got to have real casts put on their fingers by Dr. Hayley Queller, internal medicine and sports medicine specialist based in East Setauket.
Presenters consisted of Terryville parents, community members and friends of the Comsewogue School District. There were regulars and newcomers alike. While setting up in the morning, Suffolk County police officer Rob Coffman shared that he’d been presenting at Terryville’s Career Day for nearly 15 years.
Meanwhile, Town of Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook) expressed his appreciation at being invited for the first time. Other presenters included geology researchers from Stony Brook University, a service dog provider, an MTA traffic controller, dance and martial arts instructors, an ocean researcher, a veterinarian, nurses, actors and local entrepreneurs.
Also attending were a psychologist, a respiratory therapist, a professional lacrosse player and a health teacher from Comsewogue High School.
It was a wonderful day, and students are already looking forward to celebrating this tradition again next year.
Meaghan Reilly is the library media specialist at Terryville Road Elementary School.
Students from Comsewogue High School’s Triple C Club during the sale. Photo courtesy Andrew Harris
By Camila Perez Solis
For the past two weeks, students from Comsewogue High School’s Triple C Club brainstormed ways they could raise awareness of healthy alternatives to typical snacks and baked goods.
Healthy foods on display during the Strong Bake Sale at CHS. Photo courtesy Andrew Harris
They decided to hold the Strong Bake Sale, with healthier options like a banana power bar. All sales were conducted from the high school’s rotunda, with profits supporting student scholarships and positive activities around the school and Greater Comsewogue community.
“It is important to educate students at our school on how they can eat healthier and offer them alternatives,” said Andrew Harris, club adviser.
The organizers of the sale sought to raise awareness that what we eat as foods can be both nourishing and delicious. Oftentimes, people avoid eating healthy because they worry these options won’t taste as good.
Sofia Castro, one of the star bakers in this sale, offered a different perspective. “The double chocolate protein muffins were truly a big hit,” she said. “They provide a good source of protein, but are still so tasty.”
Along with Alexa Kallmeyer, Castro also made pumpkin and banana muffins. “It is relaxing for us to bake, so we didn’t mind spending the weekend doing it,” she said.
‘Life is all about choices, and it’s important for people to have options that are better for our health.’
— Michael Mosca
Michael Mosca, CHS principal, gave us his opinion on this initiative. “I love the idea of the bake sale,” he said. “There is definitely a common misconception that healthy foods do not taste good, but there are so many delicious foods that can make for great snacks.” The principal added, “Life is all about choices, and it’s important for people to have options that are better for our health.”
These baked goods were all homemade, using healthier ingredients such as sweet potatoes, almond flour, unsweetened applesauce and dates. Of course each treat also included lots of love from the bottom of the Triple C volunteer bakers hearts.
Comsewogue is proud to report that the sale satisfied two objectives by raising over $200, and building awareness and momentum for healthier eating choices in the district. Next month, the club will continue its work, offering fresh organic fruits to students, with plans for another bake sale sometime soon.
Camila Perez Solis is a foreign-exchange student from Ecuador and a junior at Comsewogue High School.
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