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John F. Kennedy Middle School

500 Broadway,
Bethpage, NY 11714

PRINCIPAL: Mr. Kevin Fullerton

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL: Ms. Erin Hayes

DEANS: Mary Padalino and Jill Bennardo

Main Office:
516-644-4200 (Phone)
516-937-0540 (Fax)

Extra Help Schedule, 2019-20

In the News

French Class Voyage to Quebec

Students in John F. Kennedy Middle School's French 7 and 8 classes visited Quebec with Ms. Jaklitsch, Ms. Costello, Ms. Villanueva, and Mr. Choi. During their voyage which spanned Saturday, March 7, 2020 through Tuesday, March 10, 2020 the students got to participate in many activities, including tobogganing at the Terrasse Dufferin (with a surprising fireworks display in the distant sky),experiencing the life of an 1800's British military soldier at the Martello Tower, tour of Old Quebec, visiting the Hotel de Glace de Quebec (Ice Hotel), snow tubing at Village Vacances Valcartier, walking the suspended bridge above the Montmorency Falls, visiting St. Anne de Beaupre, visiting the L'Atelier Pare (woodcarving shop) to learn about Quebec legends and stories, shopping at the Galeries de la Capitale (mall), dogsledding and snowshoeing at L'Erabliere du Cap, dancing into the evening at the Sugar Shack, and learning how maple syrup is produced. Students also got to try different foods synonymous to the region, including crepes, croissants, and poutine. Special thanks to Ms. Jaklitsch for her dedicated planning and coordination of this trip and allowing the participating students to experience Quebec while practicing their French!

JFK Spirit Week

Students celebrated spirit week with Team Color Day. Sixth grade wore white, seventh grade blue and eighth grade gold, rounding out the prideful colors of Bethpage schools. The students participated in other activities throughout the week, such as crazy hat day and pajama day.

John F. Kennedy Middle School RoboEagles "Soar" at Qualifier Event

On Saturday, February 8, 2020, the John F. Kennedy Middle School RoboEagles participated at the FIRST Lego League City Shaper Qualifier Event at Mineola High School. The RoboEagles had the opportunity demonstrate their robot in three-individual timed rounds and an alliance round to complete as many missions as possible in the City Shaper Challenge. In addition, the RoboEagles presented on their core values, robot design, and innovation project.

The RoboEagles were recipient of the Project Presentation Award, which recognizes a team that effectively communicates the problem that they have identified and their proposed solution to a panel of judges and other potential supporters. In addition, the RoboEagles qualified and earned the right to participate at FIRST Lego League Long Island Championships on Sunday, March 1, 2020!

Congratulations to the John F. Kennedy Middle School RoboEagles and Coach Gatanas on their success at the FIRST Lego League City Shaper Qualifier Event! Special thanks to Ms. Sozio for her assistance and support throughout the day. We wish the RoboEagles continued success at FIRST Lego League Long Island Championships!

JFK Mathcounts Competition

On Saturday, February 1, 2020, John F. Kennedy Middle School's Grade 7 & 8 Mathletes competed in the National Mathcounts Chapter competition. Congratulations to all of the students who showed great mathematical prowess and strength!

CBS and JFK Send Valentines to Troops

Central Boulevard and JFK participated in NY Country 94.7’s collection of valentines for troops. They created handmade cards to send well wishes and positive thoughts to military servicemen and women.

JFK students compete in LEGO Challenge

Students from JFK Middle School participated in a lunchtime LEGO Challenge on Jan. 17. Groups of students signed up in teams and were given challenges to complete in a short amount of time. They were tasked with using LEGOs to complete various missions, like building the tallest structure or constructing a boat. The boats were even tested in water to ensure they were able to float! The competition allowed students to work together in a group and apply critical thinking to achieve a common goal. Library Media Specialist Michelle Phillips organized the competition and served as the judge for the event.

A Bright Light in Bethpage

Michelle Phillips, a library media specialist from John F. Kennedy Middle School, was honored as a Bright Light Award recipient for Bethpage School District. The award is sponsored by the Association of Suffolk Supervisors for Educational Technologies (ASSET). She was recognized at an ASSET luncheon on Jan. 9 at the Timer Point Country Club.

Michelle has been the library media specialist at John F. Kennedy for nine years. She was recognized for her work in creatively integrating instructional technology tools to support teaching and learning. Michelle enhances teaching and learning by working collaboratively with administration and instructional staff to promote the resources of the library media center.

“When I first met Michelle during my time as principal at John F. Kennedy, I knew we had somebody very special on staff,” said Superintendent of Schools Dave Schneider. “She became a go-to person for innovation, making the library incredibly inviting and engaging to students.”

Ms. Phillips’s contributions include creating a special reading lounge area in the library, managing the school’s Chromebook initiative and coordinating an inquiry-based Makerspace for students. She also introduced Wellness Wednesdays, in which she leads a breathing exercise or meditation for students in the library.

“I am very honored to be the Bethpage recipient of the Bright Light Award,” said Ms. Phillips. “I love finding ways to help students connect their curriculum and explore their own personal interest through technology.”

The district congratulates Ms. Phillip’s on her achievements and is proud to honor her with the Bright Light Award!

Video

bright lights

21st Century: Tour of Fire Island Lighthouse

Students from Bethpage High School and John F. Kennedy Middle School visited the Fire Island Lighthouse, which was built in 1858. Students climbed 182 steps to the top of the lighthouse, which was the second built in the same location. The previous lighthouse, built in 1826, was too short to effectively warn ships at sea that were approaching land. The top of the lighthouse offered an unobstructed view of the other towns on Fire Island and to the east. When the lighthouse was built, it was on the western edge of the island, near the inlet. Today, due to the actions of the current, known to littoral drift, the inlet is six miles away. Prior to electricity, whale oil lamps provided the light source. The students learned how a first order Fresnel lens magnified and projected lamp light out to sea. This was a great lesson in refraction and physics! Students were also taught how passengers aboard ships that ran aground were rescued.

JFK Students Compete in Geobee

Students at JFK Middle School competed in the National Geographic GeoBee on Tuesday, Jan. 7. Sixth grader Chris Jenal took first place, with Zoe Chinda, grade 8, placing second and Lucas Ferri, grade 7, finishing third.

The GeoBee is an annual competition designed to inspire and reward students’ curiosity about the world. Questions cover geography, ancient and world civilizations, and cultures. More than 120 million students have learned about the world through participation in the GeoBee since its inception in 1989.

JFK’s school competition is the first of three rounds. As the winner, Chris received a medal and a special certificate. He will take a proctored online qualifying test in attempt to qualify for the New York State GeoBee competition, which will take place in March.

The district congratulates Chris and all participants on their achievements. To learn more about the National Geographic Society and the GeoBee, visit www.nationalgeographic.org.

geobee

Nassau Scholastic Kickline Competition

On Sunday, January 5, 2020, the John F. Kennedy Middle School Kickline Team and Bethpage High School's Junior Varsity and Varsity Kickline teams participated in the Nassau Scholastic Competition. John F. Kennedy Middle School's Kickline team competed in the Kick and Pom categories and ranked 4th place in both routines. Bethpage High School's Junior Varsity placed 4th in Team Routine, 4th in Kick, and took home 1st place in the Pom division. The Varsity squad placed 4th in Team Routine, 2nd in Pom, and landed on top with 1st place in the Kick category! Overall, it was a great weekend for the Golden Girls Kickline program! All of the participants were proud of their accomplishments and are looking forward to their next competition!

21st Century: Chocolate Duck

Students at John F. Kennedy took part in another successful Chocolate Duck event in Farmingdale! Participants were taught how to use fondant, a sugary icing in creating six cupcakes. They created owls, love bugs, penguins, a hot chocolate cup, or a snowman. Students had the option of eating their cupcakes or sharing them with family and friends at home. The event concluded with students making chocolate covered Oreos, Rice Krispie treats, pretzels, or graham crackers. A great time was had by all!

21st Century: Sew Much Fun

Students joined Mrs. Klein and Ms. McKweon for Sew Much Fun! Ms. McKweon taught the participating students how to thread a needle and sew a simple stitch. Students created calming pillows filled with rice. Their pillows can be placed in the freezer or microwave to calm any aches and pains. Students had "sew much fun"!

JFK Students Participate in Music Composition Workshop

Students from John F. Kennedy Middle School learned basic music production skills in a one-day Music Composition Workshop on Nov. 21.

Computer Music is an elective offered at Bethpage High School and teacher James Stehlik organized the three-hour after-school workshop in an effort to spark interest among future students. Stehlik instructed the students in a hands-on lesson about how to produce music. Students were even able to keep the track they created.

“I really enjoyed presenting this aspect of music to middle school students. The students where actively composing and yielded fantastic results,” Stehlik said. “I hope, in the future, to participate in more composition workshops with these students.”

21st Century: Clipboards

Students met with Ms. McKweon to participate in a 21st Century event in which they designed and painted clipboards with positive messages. The clipboards could be used inside of the student's lockers as an organizational tool or presented as a gift.

Successful Scrimmage: RoboEagles Take Flight

On Sunday, November 17, 2019, John F. Kennedy Middle School's FIRST Lego League Robotics Team, RoboEagles, participated in their first scrimmage of the season at Portledge School where they had the opportunity to compete with eight other teams. In a simplified format of what the team will expect at their qualifiers later this school year, the RoboEagles practiced with their robot to accomplish as many missions as possible and present on their core values. The RoboEagles had a successful day and earned an Alliance Award as a finalist and were also recognized by the judges and event coordinators for their gracious professionalism. Congratulations to all of the students on the RoboEagles and their coach, Ms. Gatanas on their successful day! Special thanks to Ms. Dzenawager for assisting the RoboEagles!

21st Century: Savers

Students met with Mrs. Klein to participate in a 21st Century: Savers trip. Participating students donated unwanted clothing, household items, and toys that were no longer used. These recycled items will be put on the shelf to be bought by other people. Students were given a tour of the facility by the manager, Adria. Students toured the collection room and distribution room. In the distribution room, the students viewed all of the incoming products and learned how they were priced. Then, the students were able to shop for themselves or others. All of the students were given a 20% off coupon and practiced their mathematics while shopping. As they say, one person's trash is another person's treasure!

21st Century: Just on Wheels

On Monday, November 11, 2019, students joined Mrs. Klein and Mrs. McKweon for the ever-popular 21st Century: Just on Wheels! Bethpage's very own Cohen family have hosted this free activity for our students. Due to warmer weather, it was broken up into an indoor and outdoor session. For three hours, participating students demonstrated perseverance by balancing on a unicycle or completing a rotation. Stay tuned for a 21st Century: Just on Wheels offering in the Spring 2020!

John F. Kennedy Middle School Celebrates Soaring Eagles Day

John F. Kennedy Middle School in the Bethpage Union Free School District celebrated Soaring Eagles Day recently. The day centered around two inspiring assemblies, “Socializing without Social Media” by Scott Baker and “Healthy Decisions: Do One Thing Different” by Steve Pinto. The message of the day was dedicated to the importance of possessing good character and the power of making good choices.

Soaring Eagles Day concluded with a pep rally, during which each sports team displayed the special cause that they had brought awareness to during their season. JFK students also surprised and honored their school nurses as “Unsung Heroes” during the pep rally, presenting them with hearts with messages on them from the entire school.

21st Century: Sailing aboard the Christeen

Students from Bethpage High School and John F. Kennedy Middle School joined Mr. Portuese and Mr. Carroll for a late October sail through the Oyster Bay Harbor. The participating students had the opportunity to pull ropes to raise the sails! The ample wind filled the sails, allowing all to experience the roll and pitch of sailing. The "Christeen" was constructed in Oyster Bay in the 1800's and worked as an oyster boat for decades! It was found submerged in the Connecticut River and restored, costing over $300,000! Along the sailing journey, Mr. Carroll pointed out historical landmarks. A naturalist introduced the students to creatures that live in the local waters. We hope to offer this 21st Century experience again in the Fall 2020!

21st Century: Chocolate Duck

The ever popular 21st Century: Chocolate Duck made its triumphant return for the 2019-20 school year! Participating students met with Mrs. Klein and Mrs. McKweon at the Chocolate Duck in Farmingdale where the students were able to decorate six homemade cupcakes in a fall theme! The students were given the option to dip pretzels, rice cereal treats, Oreos, graham crackers, and marshmallows into chocolate! The students were able to bring home their decorated cupcakes to enjoy!

21st Century: Scrabble

Students joined Mrs. Klein and Mrs. McKweon for two days of Scrabble game play! Experienced Scrabble players assisted rookie players. There's no better way to end the day than with a thrilling game of Scrabble!

21st Century: Positive Messages

Mrs. Klein and Mrs. McKweon hosted a 21st Century Scholars Activity centered around "positive messages". Each student created two positive messages on Popsicle sticks. A magnet was attached on the reverse side of their design so that the message could be hung inside the student's locker. The participating students all had a great time!

Saif's Successful Summer!

John F. Kennedy Middle School student Saif Khalfan participated in the prestigious Junior National Young Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C. In July 2019, after being nominated by his teacher, Ms. Green in seventh grade, Saif participated in the exclusive summer program for middle school and high school students representing all fifty states and several countries. The program, which focuses on leadership development, community service, global awareness, and college preparation, provided Saif with a comprehensive and interactive learning experience that introduced him to new friends and provided strategies for becoming a more active and engaged member of the leadership community.

During the summit, Saif participated in leadership simulations, visited monuments and museums, met with Congressmen on the floor of the House of Representatives, and, as part of the My Day in Office simulation, even had the privilege of being elected President of his Leadership Focus Group! He now hopes to return next summer as an Ambassador in the Alumni program!

Bethpage Schools congratulates Saif for his acceptance, participation, and completion of the Junior National Young Leaders Conference and look forward to contributions that he will make to our community and world!

PosiTEEve Tuesdays Returns for Year 2

John F. Kennedy Middle School started off Year 2 of PosiTEEve Tuesdays with a BANG! Each and every Tuesday, staff and students are encouraged to wear a t-shirt with a positive message to inspire one another. The initiative supports both growth mindset and the school's character education program. A bulletin board in the school will proudly display pictures of the t-shirts from PosiTEEve Tuesdays as the year progresses. Special thanks to Mrs. Klein for facilitating this initiative! Stay PosiTEEve!

Bethpage Educational Foundation Announces 2019 Hall of Fame Inductees

The District is excited to announce eight inductees for the 2019 Hall of Fame, which will be unveiled during a dinner sponsored by the Bethpage Educational Foundation. The ceremony will be held on Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. in the high school’s gymnasium.

This year’s class includes five district alumni, two retired teachers and a Board of Education trustee. The honorees are Susan Mittermeier Brooks, Class of 1968; Linda Candela, retired high school art teacher and chairperson; Dr. Alex Carbo, Class of 1990; John De Guardi, retired high school art teacher and chairperson; Thomas Frost, Jr., Class of 1996; Michael Kelly, Board of Education President; Tom Rousakis, Class of 1989; and Colonel Glenn Water, Class of 1984.

All community members are invited to attend the event. The cost to attend is $75 and all proceeds go to the Bethpage Educational Foundation. The foundation supports the district’s schools with scholarships, programs and enhancements.

Past honorees have included journalists, novelists, generals, artists, first responders, former staff members and local politicians and civic leaders. The full list can be viewed at www.bethapge.ws/HOF. For more information about the ceremony, call 516-644-4001.

Invitation

Golden Eagles Fly into New School Year

The District welcomed students for the start of the 2019-20 school year on Sept. 4 as they begin and continue their educational paths.

Each building’s principal led the welcoming committee as students arrived during the morning drop off. Families at Kramer Lane were treated to a visit from the Golden Eagles mascot during arrival to help inspire a great start to the year.

“I am looking forward to the best year yet,” said Superintendent of Schools David Schneider.

Bethpage Ready for New School Year

The Bethpage Union Free School District put the final touches on preparation for the 2019-20 school year during the annual Superintendent’s Conference Day on Sept. 3.

Superintendent of Schools David Schneider welcomed back staff members as they entered the Bethpage High School auditorium. Mr. Schneider updated the audience on various district news and the exciting educational programs starting this year throughout the district.

Following Mr. Schneider’s message, administrators and teachers returned to their respective buildings for faculty and department meetings for the remainder of the day.

The district is looking forward to another exciting year!

Supply Lists for 2019-20

Classroom supply lists for John F. Kennedy Middle School students are now available. Click on the grade level that you will be enrolled in for the 2019-20 school year below.

Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8

Getting Familiar with New Surroundings

The District welcomed students and parents to become familiar with their new buildings on Aug. 27 and 28 during a trio of orientations.

With the new school year set to begin, administrators welcomed students to Bethpage High School, Kramer Lane Elementary School and John F. Kennedy Middle School for information sessions.

Students entering the ninth grade were afforded the opportunity to tour the hallways of the high school thanks to student council members who led the way. The same student council representatives led groups of freshmen with the Sandy Hook Promise Start with Hello program. The program, according to its website, enables students to make a difference with their peers in a simple, fun and impactful way by encouraging them to take small but powerful actions to promote connectedness and inclusion, and to identify and help others who are showing signs of social isolation.

Principal Kerri McCarthy hosted new kindergarten students and parents for a “cruise” of the hallways, classrooms, library and cafeteria of Kramer Lane in addition to a bus ride. As each student completed the sessions of the day, they received a sticker to input into their Kramer Lane passport. Information sessions included the process of lunch, riding a school bus and becoming familiar with the classroom setting.

JFK began the process of welcoming sixth graders into the building with an ice cream social along with buddies from the eighth grade on Aug. 27. Students and parents returned on Aug. 28 for informational sessions and a building tour.

The district looks forward to welcoming all students back for an exciting 2019-20 school year!

Board of Education Completes Reorganization Meeting

The district and Board of Education held its annual reorganization meeting on July 9.
Superintendent of Schools David Schneider was sworn in for his second year, and re-elected Board members John Lonardo, Christina Scelta and Marie Swierkowski took oaths of office for three-year terms through June 30, 2022.

Behind nominations and unanimous elections, Michael Kelly and Sandra Watson were elected as Board president and vice president, respectively. This will be Kelly’s ninth straight term as president and 10th consecutive year that Watson will serve as vice president.

The district looks forward to another exciting year with the Board of Education.

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