School News

Southampton High School French students recently took an educational trip to Quebec City. The students experienced the language and culture of the city as part of a tour by a Quebec City native. Led by teacher Jacqueline Fritz, the students went dog sledding, visited the Ice Hotel, tubed at Valcartier, and tobogganed in front of the Chateau Frontenac. They also visited the Huron-Wendat Nation at Wendake to learn more about the natives’ culture and visited a traditional sugar shack, where they learned about maple syrup and traditional meal and dance.

The high school’s chess team, The Maters, were co-champions at the Suffolk County Chess Tournament at Hauppauge High School for the first time in history.

Gabe Camacho and Eli Halsey, who each won four out of five matches and finished among the top five players, received individual honors. Remi Wesnofske provided two wins and two draws for three points, while Griffen Schwartz and Oscar Avendano both had two wins. The junior varsity chess team also participated in the tournament.

Southampton High School’s theater program put on a production of “Mamma Mia!” on February 8 and 9. The 26-member cast, directed by Jim Tartaglia, performed the romantic comedy set to the tunes of the Swedish pop group ABBA. “The students had a great time working on the show,” Tartaglia said.

Bridgehampton

The Bridgehampton School commended Southampton Town Police officer Eugene LaFurno for his work in the School Resource Officer program and Lt. Susan Ralph for her work in the Law Enforcement Career Exploring program.

Ralph introduced the students to the Law Enforcement Career Exploring Program, which offers leadership skills, lessons in law enforcement protocols, and opportunities to participate in various community-related activities.

LaFurno has read to students, assisted in ensuring a student did not drop out of school, and has helped students and parents with crises at home, Principal Michael Miller said in a statement.

LaFurno also brought Milton Creagh to speak at the school on separate occasions for the elementary, middle, and high schools. Creagh, an author, motivational speaker, and television personality, spoke to the students encouragingly about balancing schoolwork with other life demands.

Brendan Ahern, a Suffolk County assistant district attorney, also visited the school for educational program on drunk, drugged, and other reckless driving situations. Ahern talked about the importance of safe driving, good judgment, and making an alternative plan for transportation if students feel they are in an unsafe situation.

The school also recognized Melanie Bria, Jaden Campbell, Nava Campbell, Jaeda Gant, Jalisa Hopson, Alanah Johnson, Kimberly Rojas, and Melissa Villa, who as Honor Roll students achieved high grades, perfect attendance, and a commitment to athletics.

Hampton Bays

Hampton Bays Elementary School students celebrated the 100th day of school on February 13. The students took part in several projects related to the number 100. They counted 100 blocks and other items, painted murals and added 100 items to them, and made “100th Day of School” hats.

Submitted by local schools