Graduating seniors from High School West’s Class of 2018 who attended Accompsett Elementary School returned to their former school one last time during a senior walk on June 18. Dressed in their caps and gowns, the seniors walked the hallways as students and teachers applauded, later visited their former classrooms.

On June 2, the Smithtown community hosted the eighth annual Mike’s Hike and Wellness Fair at High School West in honor of Mike Denaro, former Accompsett Elementary School teacher. The day’s events included a 5K run, a 2K walk and a children’s fun run. Local businesses set up sponsorship booths to show their support and create a fun-filled community event. All proceeds benefit the Mike’s Hike Scholarship Fund and the Smithtown Children’s Foundation.

On May 30, third-grade students at Accompsett Elementary School celebrated Heritage Day. Parents were invited to join students in a special celebration of their ancestry. Each class performed a unique, cultural song and dance. Following the performances, students shared their Heritage Day History projects.

At the May 22 board of education meeting, district honored its dedicated faculty and staff who will be retiring at the end of the 2017-18 school year. Superintendent of Schools Dr. James Grossane announced the names of each retiree before presenting those in attendance with Certificates of Recognition on behalf of the board of education, honoring their years of service to the district’s students. A brief reception was also held at district offices prior to the board meeting to celebrate the retirees.

The district congratulates the following retirees: 
Elizabeth Braunreuther 
Debra Canning
Georgianna Colino
Paul Cornwell
Barbara Delach
Helene Suarez Doheny 
Kim Emery
Ingrid Hrvatin
Jane Jordan
Hester Kanakaris
Elaine Kruk
Rosanne Lazarus
Amy Mannarino
James Markey
Vincent Mazza
Diane McGuire
Claire Heatley Mueller
Jeffrey Netter
Joan Pisano
Louise Prescott
Debra Pymm 
Gregory Rivera Jr.
Ann Marie Scholz
Alice Serio 
Dolores Seyffert
Ellen Smith
Linda Stackow
William Stockman
Laurie Sweeney
Antonio Tardio
Margaret Wilkey
Debra Zaleski

On May 11 and 12, 208 fifth-grade student-musicians from throughout the district came together to participate in the Elementary Music Festival at High School West. The music departments in each of the district’s elementary schools worked collaboratively to prepare for this enrichment program’s concert.

To address the safety and security of students and staff throughout the district, the Smithtown Central School District invited parents and community members to its spring Parent University School Safety Forum on May 7 at Smithtown High School West.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. James Grossane spoke about the safety and security practices in place including the visitor management system, security entrances and vestibules, security cameras and routine evacuation/fire/lockdown drills. 

District, county and law enforcement representatives were on hand to discuss the district’s emergency planning and responses in the event of a threat to school safety. Jack Blaum, the district’s security consultant, and Joe Rizzo, chief of security, spoke about the district’s safety measures, practices and procedures. They addressed concerns about keeping buildings secure, preventative measures, fire evacuation procedures and ongoing security upgrades.

Assistant Superintendent of Pupil Personnel Services Mona Tobin addressed the audience regarding communication with parents and community members and reunification plans in the event of an emergency.