Monday, May 21, 2012
Superintendent Edward Ehmann says number of passing students taking AP tests provided the difference in scores on the U.S. News & World Report ranking.
While Smithtown High School West and High School East were named in the top 100 high schools in the state according to the U.S. News & World Report ranking, they were separated by more than 20 spots. While the schools were separate, Superintendent Edward Ehmann said the level of education is the same at each. West is ranked #54 in the state out of 1,165 high schools, while East is ranked #76. The difference in scores comes in the college readiness index – West has an index of 49.6, while east holds an index of 42.6. Ehmann said the difference in scores comes from the formula the U.S. News & World Report used to calculate this particular criteria. "[They] take the number of tests that the school has produced in AP and divides the total …
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Branch Brook kids wrapped up Mother's Day festivities with tea, snacks, books and a show.
To celebrate Mother's Day, the kindergarteners in Mrs. Costello’s class at Branch Brook had Mother’s Day tea, where the moms in attendance walked down a red carpet and were handed roses and books written by the kids. To top it off the moms were then served snacks while treated to a show.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Superintendent Edward Ehmann says this budget was the best way to balance uncontrollable costs the district is facing and keeping program in tact.
Voters approved the $215 million budget for the Smithtown Central School District on Tuesday, something Superintendent Edward Ehmann said is beneficial to both the students in the district and homeowners. The approval had a difference of nearly 2,000 votes Tuesday, with a final tally of 3,587 to 1,618. "We're very pleased that the budget passed and what it means for the district is that we're able to maintain much of the core program that is so valuable to the students of this district," he said. While the budget was approved, Ehmann said going into Tuesday that he had confidence voters would approve the budget but wasn't sure how many people would hit the polls and vote "no." "You always have a question mark I guess as to how the …
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Votes in favor trump rejecting votes by nearly 2,000.
Voters passed a $215 million budget Tuesday for the 2012-2013 school year. With a final tally of 3,587 to 1,618, homeowners within the Smithtown Central School district can expect to see a 2.23 percent increase in their collective tax levy in the following year. The district announced in April that the now approved budget would result in the laying off of roughly 45 faculty and staff members. The cuts, according to the district, would result in savings of more than $3 million. In February prior to the budget process, the Board of Education unanimously voted to close Nesconset Elementary after the current school year, a move fueled by lower enrollment and a projected cost savings to the district of an estimated $960,000. Both current board…
Monday, May 14, 2012
Vote set for Tuesday; polls open from 6 a.m. - 9 p.m.
The vote for the Smithtown Central School District's budget for the 2012-13 school year is less than 24 hours away, and you, the locals, will decide to approve it or reject it. The proposed budget is $215 million, with a 2.23 percent tax levy increase over the 2011-12 budget. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. How will you vote? What are your thoughts on the proposed budget? Please let us know by participating in our poll and startig a conversation in the comments. Let Patch save you time. Get great local stories like this delivered right to your inbox or smartphone everyday with our free newsletter. Simple, fast sign-up here.
Two candidates are also running for two open Board of Education seats.
Locals will have the chance to either approve or reject the $215 million proposed budget for the Smithtown Central School District on Tuesday. The polls are open from 6 a.m.- 9 p.m. The budget includes a 2.23 percent tax levy increase over the 2011-12 budget. The proposed budget would use roughly $3.3 million from the Adjusted Restricted Fund Balance and $1.5 million from the Assigned Appropriated Fund Balance to cover hit the $215.3 million budget. RELATED: See the proposed budget for yourself, line-by-line. The Board of Education approved the proposed budget April 17 six votes in favor to one vote in opposition – the lone opposing vote belonged to board member Joseph Saggese. One thing locals won't have to concern themselves with …
Sunday, May 13, 2012
The event was designed for kids to get closer with their dad and enjoy each others company.
Kids had time to strengthen the bond with their fathers at Smithtown Elementary over donuts and drinks. The kids and dads shared stories from the first car their dad owned to school and more, and played games with each other like “Are you smarter than a Third Grader?” The event was sponsored by the Smithtown Elementary PTA and Principal Paul Graf was the Master of Ceremonies.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Students bring home and plant trees in observation of Earth Week.
Fourth graders at Branch Brook Elementary celebrated Earth Week by planting trees. The students participated in the Fourth Grade Foresters USA Project and received trees that were packaged by workers with disabilities. The trees were paid for by the Petrozzella family, who have a child in fourth grade at the school. The goal of the project was to help revitalize the observation of Arbor Day in schools.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
The four-man team ran the 400 meter relay in a new record time at a Smithtown High School East dual meet.
A relay team from Smithtown High School West set a new school record in the 4 x 400 meter relay. The team of Alex Muniz, Adam Hymowitz, Frank Ida, and Anthony Aprile ran the race in 44.5 seconds at the dual meet at Smithtown High School East. West defeated East in the meet 80-61. East sat out the final race of the day.
Sophomores and a senior from West grab 11 medals total.
Smithtown High School West had 11 students took home medals at the Long Island Math Fair. Gold Medal Winners Silver Medal Winners Bronze Medal Winners
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9:15 pm on Thursday, May 17, 2012
Sticks - there is no binding arbitration in teacher contracts. "90% were getting $3,150 raises just for showing up"? Where are you drawing that figure from? Also, were they showing up, or doing their jobs? Your house is worth what anyone is willing to pay for it at any given moment; I suggest a realtor told him he thought it was still worth its 2007 price. more ›