Bethpage-Tribune_2008-05-16

              BEWPAGE PUBLIC UBRAM
Volume 46 Number 19 329 Broadway., Bethpage, NY 11714 May 16-22, 2008 (516)681-0440 ext. 21 FAX (516)681-9354 Email: Ku22u@aol.com 50 Cents
Bethpage High School Lacrosse Star
Signs with Bryant University
Bethpage senior Lauren Sheridan (pictured, seated middle) recently signed a Letter of
Intent to attend and play lacrosse at Bryant University. Lauren is pictured here signig the
letter, flanked by her father, Steve Sheridan, and mother Joann Sheridan (seated). Also
pictured (standing, L-R) are Bethpage High School Principal John DeTommaso, Varsity
Lacrosse Coach Nicole Agovino, and Director of Physical Education, Health, and
Athletics John Franchi, who were on hand to congratulate her. Lauren, a midfielder for
the Golden Eagles, has achieved All-County, All-Conference and MVP status. She was
also a member of the soccer and cheerleading squads at Bethpage High School. Photo by
Terry Gilberti/Syntax.
Saving Energy & Raising Awareness at Charles Campagne
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Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) Educator Lorraine Johnson demonstrates how to
read an electric meter to Charles Campagne Elementary School students. (Photo by Kris
Melvin Deneneberg, Syntax Communication)
Bethpage School District's Charles Campagne Elementary School students were enlight­ened
to many the energy conserving methods available when Long Island Power
Authority (LIPA) Educator Lorraine Johnson made a two-day presentation at their school.
The "In Concert with the Environment" program provides a basic introduction to how
Long Islanders obtain their household energy and the simple steps students can take to
conserve energy on a daily basis. "Simple measures such as unplugging appliances and
making use of energy star appliances make a big difference, shared Mrs. Johnson.
"Everyone, even young students, can do their part to save energy." The preservation of
natural resources, as well as the need to introduce new methods of generating and har­vesting
energy, were important issues discussed during the program.
Bethpage Budget Supports an Enhanced
Program with a Minimized Fiscal Impact
2nd pr0pOSition Supports Enhancing School
Infrastructure with No Additional Tax Impact
The Bethpage Board of Education is proposing a budget for the
2008/09 school year (Proposition #1) that preserves all current academic
and extracurricular programs and carries a budget-to-budget increase of
4.9% and a projected tax levy increase of 4.1%, both of which are below
the average of budgets being proposed in Nassau County. However, higher
standardized test scores and numerous other Districtwide achievements,
along with expanded Advanced Placement courses, help solidify Bethpage
as a "high-achieving school district" that offers an accelerated program
geared to taking students from proficiency to mastery. In addition, the
introduction of Full-Day Kindergarten and reduced classes in grades four
and five will further enhance instruction in Bethpage.
"An argument can be made that for years the Bethpage School District
was 'under the radar' in terms of notoriety among school districts in
Nassau County and on Long Island," said Superintendent of Schools Dr.
Richard Marsh. "We now hear more and more, not only from people with­in
Bethpage, but from people outside of the community, how wonderful
our students are doing. We believe much of this can be attributed to the
rigor we have instilled in our curriculum and the cutting-edge programs
such as the Academy of Technology and, more recently, Biotechnology
that we have been able to add. Additionally, students continue to exceed
the State's standards on examinations and enjoy a rich extracurricular envi­ronment."
On Tuesday, May 20, 2008, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00
p.m. at Bethpage High School, voters will have the opportunity to cast
their ballots on the proposed School District Budget for the 2008/09 school
year, and a second proposition - Proposition #2, the Creation of a Capital
Reserve Fund for Facilities. The proposed budget not only maintains the
fine programs students enjoy in Bethpage, it enhances them. This includes
a new 21st Century Scholars Program that will enable students to assemble
a portfolio documenting experiences such as performances, internships,
online learning, athletic participation, and community service, among other
activities and achievements. The portfolio will be maintained by students
and special diplomas will be conferred to graduates who successfully com­plete
a certain number of projects.
"The portfolios will document student activities and accomplishments
that major institutions of higher learning and good companies are looking
for," said Assistant Superintendent for Instruction and Technology Tcrrence
Clark, who said companies like Cablevision, and Cisco Systems have
endorsed and will partner with the District on this program. "It's what the
21st Century employer looks for in the 21st Century graduate." Mr. Clark
was recently invited to represent Bethpage at a national conference on the
challenges and demands of the 21st Century Scholar, at which school lead­ers
from across the country applauded many of Bethpage's programs. A
small group of Bethpage students recently made a presentation before the
Bethpage community about the importance of such programs, as well.
Additionally, in September 2008, Full-Day Kindergarten (which was
approved by the community last year) will be launched. Funding to hire
five additional teachers to support the program is included in the proposed
budget. Class sizes at grades four and five will also be reduced. A new
grade 7-12vAstronomy Club and a High School Robotics Club will be
added, as well as one additional extracurricular club at each elementary
school. The Inclusion program, which transitions students with special
needs into the mainstream classroom environment, will be expanded, and a
second year of SAT Camp will be added, as well as an additional year of
the Biotechnology program. There is also funding to purchase additional
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