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Since schools reopened following the pandemic, more than a quarter of students missed at least 10% of the 2021-22 school year, making them chronically absent. That is an estimated 6.5 million more students than before the pandemic, according to a Stanford University study, conducted in partnership with The Associated Press.

But, that is not the only price our students have paid, as a result of the pandemic. The time away created massive academic setbacks, and transformed our classrooms from that of pen and paper to computerized, at-home assignments — to this day. Our children no longer can enjoy the pleasures of a snow day, because their work can be accessed from bed.

Our children no longer can enjoy the pleasures of a snow day, because their work can be accessed from bed.

And, to boot, a mere 13% of K-12 students give their school an A on making them excited about learning, according to a recent Gallup and Walton Family Foundation-State of American Youth survey.

So, with the U.S. ranked only 38th in math scores and 24th in science, according to a 2015 study, what can we do to keep our children engaged, and focused on their school work?

TBR News Media offers a these suggestions, from our online research:

1. Maintain open communication with your child’s teachers and school administration. Your continued positive involvement shows your child that you value their education.

2. Involve your kids with nature. The more relaxed your children are, the greater the likelihood they will develop sharp critical-thinking skills, and maintain focus.

3. Offer incentives. It is no secret that any reward — no matter how small — is psychologically proven to bolster work performance.

4. Support teachers. With the added stresses of adapting to challenging learning environments, it is important to offer cooperation and compassion.

5. Provide hands-on learning opportunities, when possible. Tactile learning is shown to be much more engaging, stimulating and far more likely to be retained and implemented in daily life. In other words, it can feel more useful to a child, than worksheets, which can be repetitive and uninteresting.

Remember, Whitney Houston was onto something!

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Metro Creative Connection

You are probably tired of hearing about last week’s storm.

It was catastrophic, terrible, disturbing and all-around, a complete and utter drag.

But, it is so incredibly important to remember that this Earth is precious, and should not be taken lightly. Storms like this serve as stark reminders of the fragility of our planet, and how it can be struck with disaster, at the blink of an eye.

We know you have all heard this before, but it is vital to care about our home. And, not just in Stony Brook or Port Jefferson or Rocky Point or Smithtown or Centereach. We need to nurture our Long Island home. Our waterways. Our wildlife. Even our infrastructure.

If we are to experience natural disasters, the last thing our planet needs is plastic bottles thrown onto the curb, incessant pipe exhaust and muck-ridden water. Everything in life is a chain reaction. If we show indifference to our atmosphere, the climate will change. If our animals swim in filth, they will die. If they die, their terrain is permanently altered. It goes on and on.

We are not scientists, and we are not seeking to preach. However, as concerned citizens of this community, all we want is for it to thrive. To be clean and livable for all living creatures.

As that sign down in the Stony Brook Village Center says: “I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives.” But, perhaps more importantly, the full quotation continues on, “I like to see a man live, so that his place will be proud of him.”

Our planet is unpredictable enough, so let’s not add unnecessary variables to its already, sometimes devastating, whims.

So, let’s make our Earth proud.

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Pink lights shine bright on Theatre Three's marquis at last year's event. Photo by Heidi Sutton

This past Monday’s storm decimated chunks of Suffolk’s North Shore. From Stony Brook, to Rocky Point, and so many towns in between, roads have collapsed, trees have fallen and homes have become boats in the street.

TBR offers our heartfelt sympathies to any person affected by this storm, in any way, and wishes to give you a beautiful example of the type of visceral human kindness that often pops up when tragedy strikes — but is never short of poignant.

Theatre Three, a beloved staple of the Port Jefferson community, was devastatingly hit by this storm that, seemingly, came out of nowhere. It was, bizarrely, not even connected to Hurricane Ernesto, which made its way along the coast.

Vivian Koutrakos, managing director of Theatre Three, said that throughout her 45-year tenure with the playhouse, she has witnessed it struck by 10 severe floods, with the worst having been in the past 10 years.

Due to this alarming trend, the basement, which has been frequently flooded, has “flood protocol” in place, like a raised washer and dryer, and items of that nature.

Well after Monday, that was all for nothing.

Chairs and tables literally floated away, and tools, machinery and cherished costumes from the playhouse’s production of “A Christmas Carol,” were drowned.

The situation looked bleak. When speaking to Koutrakos, she half-heartedly joked that she always says “she doesn’t have another flood in her.” But, with the unwavering support of empathetic neighbors, it certainly makes the load easier to bear.

In just 48 hours, locals teamed up and raised $20,000 and counting. Volunteers, actors and just concerned people, who’d heard of the theatre’s dire state, showed up with mops, and just started cleaning. And, one woman — in a display of utter compassion — who works in Queens and lives in Huntington, took the LIRR train to offer any help she could provide. Koutrakos had never seen her before.

So, while the tragic nature of this storm may leave you feeling down, disheartened and disappointed, remember the example of these local, good Samaritans, who decided to turn their heartache into a helping hand.

In the words of patriot Patrick Henry, “United we stand, divided we fall.” Remember, together we can overcome anything and everything. And the show must go on.

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Downtown Port Jefferson flooded during Superstorm Sandy. File photo

This week’s Port Jefferson Civic meeting devoted a great deal of time to all things flood-related.

Now, of course, flood prevention is not unique. It is something all communities think about — especially, a port town.

But, why did the Village of Port Jefferson feel so strongly about a little bit of water falling from the sky, that they have decided to implement a two-phase plan, to build infrastructure designed to aid areas “[vulnerable] to flooding, associated with individual and co-occurring flood drivers?”

There are a few reasons. The first one is that this problem is not small, at all. It is much more dire than the flooding of yesteryear. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Long Island’s sea level has risen 13 inches from 1880. Just to put that figure into perspective, the global average is 8-9 inches. Secondly, warming temperatures have created hurricanes, with intense conditions, putting our island at increased storm surge-induced flooding, (for this factor, the South Shore is at a much higher risk.) And, lastly, Port Jefferson’s unique geography. Being situated on the harbor front, the village becomes susceptible to the strong flooding a confined harbor can induce.

Additionally, the area’s high groundwater table means that the soil does not have much capacity for additional water, thus exacerbating surface runoff, on an already small watershed. The geography of Port Jeff is, truly, unique, as it is a valley, which creates the imperfect opportunity for water to run down, from all directions — affording it the nickname “Drowned Meadow.”

So, what can we, as a community, do to prevent floods from disrupting our livelihoods? While this issue requires the careful care of our local government, as it is a truly serious issue, here are a few general suggestions:

• Consider purchasing a sump pump, to prevent basement or crawl space flooding.

• Ensure new building and development does not occur in flood-prone areas, or historic hurricane tracks.

• Merge nature-based solutions and infrastructure, to enhance resilience. An example would be improving upon infrastructure in need of flood safeguards, or replenishing beaches, to avoid erosion, and ensure the land’s natural slope and profile stays intact.

• Minimize your greenhouse gas emissions, to reduce the risk of severe storms. Starting is as easy as purchasing home appliances that are Energy Star — products approved by the EPA — certified, and lowering the thermostat.

• Bolster awareness. Talk to neighbors about the dangers of climate-influenced natural disasters, and generate community action. We need it

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It is, unfortunately, not a new phenomenon.

According to Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney (R), motor vehicle crashes are the number one cause of death for people between the ages of 15 and 24, with the leading causes being reckless driving and distracted driving while, often, under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Since Memorial Day weekend, drunk/drugged driving in Suffolk has claimed approximately three lives a week, and since 2018, the trend of drugged driving deaths has grown exponentially — 35% — statewide.

Suffolk County is a prime contributor to that number.

Maureen McCormick, Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office Vehicular Crimes prosecutor, recently said that the innocence of most of these vehicular crime victims is what is truly alarming about these cases.

And, with the state’s push to treat individuals intoxicated with drugs as firmly as those found drunk at the scene of a crash — as of now, a drugged driver in the state can only be charged with a DUI if the officer can name the drug the person has taken, and if said drug is included in a catalog of substances commonly tested for — why has a coalition of advocates been getting turned down in Albany for many years? And, why is America one of a quarter of countries that has a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08, while the rest of the world only allows a limit of 0.05?

So, what can we do about the dangers of drunk/drugged driving? Here are some tips to stay safe on the roads.

• When going out, be sure to secure a nondrinking driver, ahead of time, to ensure a plan, and avoid in-the-moment confusion.

• Alternate drinking alcoholic beverages with soda, juice or water.

• Do not mix alcohol with other drugs, including over-the-counter and prescription medications.

• Do not get into the car with an impaired driver. Use other means of transportation such as a taxi, public transportation or driver who is sober.

• It is wise to have no substances in your system when operating a vehicle, even if you are within legal limits.

• Keep in mind: Even if you take prescription medication, avoid driving if it makes you drowsy, or lowers your energy levels. A substance does not have to be illicit to cause danger to yourself and others on the roads. Have someone drive you, when possible.

• Buckle up! If hit, a seatbelt reduces the risk of serious injury by 50% in the front seats, and up to 75%, in the rear seats.

• If you suspect an impaired driver is near you while on the road, slow down and consider turning away. When it is safe to do so, pull over and dial 911.

In this way, we will keep ourselves and our roads safe in Suffolk County and elsewhere.

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Stock photo

Each town, and many hamlets, have town codes that their politicians strive to enforce. However, these codes are not hard and fast and are subject to amendments, which are happening all the time and often in response to community input. 

For local legislatures, the community wields enormous power — our voices, if they are loud enough, have the capability to incite change. While these codes can at times be enigmatic, it’s imperative that we take the time to understand them so that we, as members of the town, know the rules we live by, whether they appear to be justified or not. 

In Huntington, a group of residents noticed a discrepancy with how the planning board approached a development application and what their code dictates. The residents, who form the Nathan Hale Nature Preserve, hired a lawyer and filed a lawsuit. They pointed out that a procedure wasn’t followed and the board’s attorney agreed — it wasn’t. 

Last year, the Smithtown planning board amended the town code to exclude “convalescent” and “resting” homes from being considered a special exception to zoning restrictions, thereby preventing a proposal submitted by a company from progressing.

Recently, the Town of Brookhaven revitalized enforcement of their town code regarding signs, resulting in the removal of thousands of signs of all shapes and sizes. One reason behind this is that the signs are visually unappealing and don’t fit the town’s aesthetic goals. 

Sometimes the rules aren’t so cut and dried. Port Jefferson Village, like most local governments, has sign ordinances that outlaw certain obstructive and unattractive signs that don’t oblige the fixed parameters of the code. 

A subjective reason, no matter how well-intentioned, is inevitably open to debate. This was the case where the village lost a legal battle to remove a prohibited and politically charged sign. 

Signs are tricky. Their purpose is to communicate, so free speech is always a consideration. Walking this fine line of preserving the integrity of the town while protecting the First Amendment has proved difficult to Port Jefferson Village, which lost a legal battle with a business owner over whether his sign was allowed. 

While it is important to protect our First Amendment right, it is also important to oblige our neutral town codes and to ensure our community is a place all residents feel at home. 

In becoming a resident, we consent to an unspoken agreement with our fellow residents and with our local officials. If something is amiss in our town, know we have the power to inflict change. We can become better advocates for our communities by becoming conversant with our town codes and learning about the political and legal options available to make the changes we desire come to fruition. 

An effective, stable democracy is founded on a scrupulous system of checks and balances. Errors or oversights in our town codes are not cause for alarm, but rather an opportunity to build a better community. 

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Pixabay photo

It was impossible to ignore last week’s internet outage — a Microsoft processing error turned into mass panic.

Flights at MacArthur, LaGuardia, JFK and Newark airports were delayed, canceled or grounded. 

Local businesses were unable to complete payrolls, accept cards or run order-ahead options. 

Hospitals had to work around interruptions and in some cases halt services, resulting in canceled appointments and rescheduled surgeries.

So, with every aspect of our lives so inextricably linked to computers and smartphones, we are led to the question: What to do if the metaphorical — and literal — lights go out?

It is important to be informed, follow reliable news sources to stay updated on ongoing outages. You can also sign up for notifications from your service providers to receive real-time updates about outages.

Keep backup communication methods. Alternative communication tools such as email accounts from different providers, messaging apps or even traditional SMS technology can provide a different route to efficient communication. 

Ensure access to critical information. Much like the days of the Rolodex or encyclopedia, it is essential to store offline copies of crucial documents and information. Ensure you have important contact numbers written down or stored in a non digital format. Using physical storage devices like USB drives or external hard drives for backups can be beneficial in times of outage.

Don’t rely solely on one service provider, have accounts with multiple providers. For instance, use both Google Drive and OneDrive for file storage. Use websites like Downdetector, Is It Down Right Now? and similar services to monitor the status of various online services. 

Look to the community. Join professional and community networks where members share updates and solutions during outages. Participate in forums and groups related to your industry to stay informed about how others are coping with outages. Local libraries offer free technology and computer classes.

Protect your information by regularly backing up your data to multiple locations, including cloud services and physical storage. Implement redundancy in your critical systems, such as having secondary internet connections, power backups and alternative software tools.

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Photo from Unsplash/David Close

One of the many attractions of Long Island is access to our beautiful beaches. As we take full advantage of our island’s coasts in this hot weather, it is important to stay informed on the risks of the ocean. 

While deaths from shark attacks are uncommon — there were only two recorded fatalities nationally caused by a shark in 2023 — Long Island has seen an uptick in shark bites in recent years. Here, at least five people were bitten by sharks in 2023 and eight bites were recorded in 2022. 

Robert Moses State Park was a popular spot for sharks last summer with several bites and multiple sightings. Several of the bites occurred during the Fourth of July weekend, so while it’s possible more sharks may be visiting our coast, there was likely an uncommonly large number of people at the beach for the holiday, and therefore more people who were ignorant of shark safety. 

This summer, it is important to prepare for what the increased number of bites in the last two years have shown us: that we share the water with sharks. 

Experts trace the increase to the stabilization of endangered shark species, such as the sandbar shark, as well as warming water temperatures that are attracting prey closer to the shores. 

Luckily, there are many ways to prepare ourselves before plunging into potentially dangerous environments. 

An attack can be prevented by staying up to date on sightings and checking the state of the water. Last year, Robert Moses State Park prohibited swimming after a shark sighting. However, you don’t always have to wait for officials to take action in order to stay safe. 

Before swimming, it is helpful to observe the water yourself, making note of any schools of fish, dolphins and seabirds — signs that a shark could be nearby. Often, being alert to your surroundings is the primary way you can protect yourself. 

If the coast is clear and you choose to swim, stay with other swimmers and in the line of sight of a lifeguard. Avoid swimming when sharks are most active, at dawn or after dusk. To further protect yourself, don’t wear shiny jewelry — the sheen resembles the shimmer of fish scales — or bright colors.

Lifeguards and other officials have taken steps to diminish the danger, such as monitoring beaches with drones, patrolling the area and carrying bite-specific first-aid materials. 

The sharks visiting Long Island are primarily nonaggressive and on the smaller side. If you are in the water and see a shark, try to maintain eye contact. 

Remember, attacks occur when sharks mistake a person or surfboard for prey. They aren’t vengeful, malicious creatures as movies like “Jaws” might suggest, but an essential part of the ecosystem of the ocean. In fact, biologists and experts see an increase in sharks as a good sign that the ecosystem is stabilizing after years of overfishing.

 Swim safely this summer, keeping in mind that sharks, too, love our Long Island beaches. 

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METRO photo

We look forward to it all year. Your kids can’t wait to be free from school and you can’t wait to sip a cool drink by the pool.

But, the sun is a powerful entity. While it is clinically proven to lift your mood and regulate your circadian rhythm, the sun is chiefly responsible for one-in-five Americans developing skin cancer by the time they are 70 — and just five sunburns can double your chances of melanoma.

So, what can we do to continue enjoying the warmth of summer, while also remaining protected? First, let’s break down the forms of skin cancer most caused by sun overexposure.

Melanoma: The most dangerous of skin cancers, it can present itself anywhere on the body. If you are seeing large brown spots with dark speckles, moles that change in color, size or feel, moles with irregular borders and portions that appear black or blue, itching and burning or dark spots on your palms, soles, fingertips or toes, you should seek out a medical professional.

Basal-cell carcinoma: The most common type of skin cancer, usually found on areas of the body most exposed to the sun. This form typically grows slowly and rarely spreads (metastasizes). However, if left untreated, it can invade nearby tissues and cause disfigurement. It often appears as a flesh-colored, scar-like or pearl-like bump and is often shiny or waxy. The edges of the lesion are typically smooth and may have a rolled border. It bleeds easily when scratched. 

Squamous-cell carcinoma: This form presents slightly differently from melanoma and basal-cell carcinoma. Squamous-cell carcinoma occurs on sun-exposed areas as a firm, red nodule or a flat lesion with a scaly, crusted surface.

Merkel-cell carcinoma: This type presents as a painless, firm bump or nodule on the skin that grows fast as a red, scaly or ulcerated area on the skin and/or a new mole that changes in size, color or shape.

Sebaceous gland carcinoma: This is a very rare but aggressive form of skin cancer that begins in the body’s oil-producing, sebaceous gland. It can often be mistaken for pink eye, as it usually starts on the eyelid, and can cause growths to ooze fluid. The cancer can also develop in hairy areas of the body due to the fact that sebum is released by the hair follicle.

Luckily, there are many ways to avoid the risks of the beating sun. Here are some tips to stay safe this year. According to Harvard Health Publishing, at Harvard Medical School:

1. Always wear sunscreen, applying it at least every two hours but do not rely on it alone. Seek shade often and whenever available. SPF 30 and up is recommended, with SPF 30 protecting against 97% of ultraviolet B rays.

2. Wear sun-protective clothing, preferably made of polyester, nylon, wool and silk, to block the UV rays.

3. Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun’s rays are the strongest.

4. Be aware that some medicines and skin care products can increase your skin’s risk of UV damage. These include certain antibiotics, as well as some prescription medicines that are used to treat mental health disorders, high blood pressure, heart failure, acne and allergies. If you are taking prescription medication, and you normally spend a great deal of time outdoors, ask your health care professional whether you should take any special precautions to avoid sun exposure.

5. Early detection is key, with survival rates up to 99%, when caught. If something seems abnormal, have it checked ASAP. 

Now that you are armed with all this information, get out in the sun and have a safe but great summer.

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'Nick's Law'. Photo from Senator Dean Murray Facebook

In recent months, our community has witnessed a surge in hit-and-run incidents, leaving families heartbroken and raising serious concerns about road safety. The tragic incident in March 2023, when 25-year-old Nicholas Puzio of Farmingville was struck and left to die by two separate vehicles, and the hit-and-run incident that recently killed 22-year-old firefighter Christopher Hlavaty of East Patchogue underscore the need for action. This rise in hit-and-runs not only devastates families but also places a heavy burden on law enforcement and emergency services.

Hit-and-run incidents, defined as collisions where drivers flee the scene without providing aid or information, are a growing menace. Current penalties for these offenses, such as a Class D felony and a fine of up to $5,000, are insufficient deterrents. In response, elected officials have introduced “Nick’s Law,” which proposes to elevate the crime to a Class B felony with a fine of $30,000. This legislation aims to ensure that those who commit these acts face more appropriate consequences.

One significant factor contributing to the increase in hit-and-run incidents is distracted driving. Drivers today face numerous distractions that can divert their attention from the road, including texting, making phone calls and using apps as well as many other potential factors such as interacting with infotainment systems, consuming food or beverages, engaging in conversations or attending to children or pets; billboards, roadside activities and other incidents can divert a driver’s attention. 

While legislative action such as “Nick’s Law” is crucial, it is equally important for pedestrians to take proactive steps to ensure their safety. Here are some measures pedestrians can adopt:

● Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially at night or in low-light conditions.

● Always cross at designated crosswalks and obey pedestrian signals.

● Avoid using headphones or mobile devices while walking near traffic.

● Ensure drivers see you before you cross the street.

● Where there are no sidewalks, walk on the side of the road facing oncoming traffic.

● Just like drivers, pedestrians should avoid walking near roadways while impaired.

As a community, we must work together to address the dangers of distracted driving and the rise in hit-and-run incidents. Drivers need to minimize distractions, stay vigilant and prioritize safety. Pedestrians must take precautions to protect themselves and remain aware of their surroundings.

The push for “Nick’s Law” is a reflection of the collective demand for justice and safer roads. However, it will take a concerted effort from both drivers and pedestrians to make our roads safer for everyone. As we honor the memories of those we have lost, such as Puzio and Hlavaty, we must commit to safer practices on our roads and support legislation that holds reckless drivers accountable.

Together, we can combat the rise in hit-and-run incidents, ensure justice for victims and create a safer community.

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