Four student-musicians from Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School have been selected to participate in New York State School Music Association’s All-State Festival in Rochester, from Dec. 5-8. The district congratulates Andrew Szabo (bass 2, mixed chorus) and Morgan Weeks (alto 2, treble chorus) along with alternates Christopher Lam (bass 2) and Jonah Ramdas (tenor 1). Pictured, from left, Coordinator of Fine Arts Jennifer Ross-Troise, All-State students Lam, Szabo, Weeks and Ramdas with Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School choral director Gina Occhiogrosso.

During Superintendent’s Conference Day on Sept. 3, the Copiague School District recognized 33 staff members for their dedicated years of service.
Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Todd Andrews announced each staff member and called them up to the podium one by one to receive their service award. Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Bannon presented a token of appreciation for their service to the students of Copiague.

The district congratulates the following staff members for their years of service to the district:

20 years:
Joseph Agosta
Jacqueline Angier
Dr. Kathleen Bannon
Michele Batista
Stephen Cooney
Marina DiSclafani
Jeffrey Engelhardt
Cheryl Feldman
Andrew Finamore
Julie Frazzitta
Maureen Gaertner
Karen Greco
Paul Harvey
Andre Hosza
Deborah Hughes
Maribel Ramirez
John Sack
Clara Sansspree
Roseann Trotta
Susan Weisenseel
Kathleen Williams
Walter Wojcik

25 years:
Maria Barrera
Rose Clark
Laura Guire
Lisa Korsch
Matthew Miles
Mary Ellen Ruppert
Tara Wilson

30 years:
James Konen
Stephen Rebholz
Nancy Schneider

40 years:
Rose Marie Bell

Incoming ninth graders to the Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School caught up with classmates and toured their new building during orientation day on Aug. 27.

Students gathered in the auditorium and were welcomed by Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School Principal Joseph Agosta during the open house. He spoke about some of the requirements to move to the next grade level each year and encouraged them to take advantage of the total high school experience. Agosta also introduced members of the administration team and class advisers. 

Afterward, the freshmen received their schedules and were given time to tour the building, find their lockers and reconnect with friends. 

Copiague School District ushered in the start of the 2019-2020 school year on Sept. 4. With their backpacks filled to the brim, students spent the first day getting acquainted with their new teachers, rooms and classmates. Sixth and ninth graders tried out their lockers and schedules as they navigated their new respective buildings. Check out some photos from opening day…

Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School social studies teacher Michelle Penyy traveled to South Korea this summer as one of 30 teachers from across the nation selected as a World History Digital Education fellow.

Fellows went through a competitive selection process. After their acceptance, they were required to complete readings related to the live webinars on various topics about the Asian country. As part of the fellowship, teachers also create a unique lesson plan connected to their trip to Korea and present about their experiences there. 

The highlight of the fellowship was a 10-day visit to the Republic of Korea in July. The trip emphasized a deeper understanding of the rich history of the Korean peninsula, including its simultaneous economic growth and democratization. During the trip, fellows explored the history and culture of Korea through key historical sites, museums and conversations with various scholars.

Among the highlights of the trip was a visit to the Demilitarization Zone to see the 60-year-old border that has divided the Korean people. Fellows visited Dorasan Station, the northernmost train station in South Korea as well as the Third Tunnel of Aggression which had been used during the Korean War. Additionally, fellows had a special tour of the Freedom Village, Daeseong-dong, located close to the border. 

“Often called the forgotten war, our task through this fellowship was to witness the effects of the Korean War and understand the immense sacrifices that veterans made which resulted in South Korea developing into one of the most advanced nations in the world,” Ms. Penyy said. “Following our visit, my teaching of the Korean War and its legacy, including the establishment of one of America’s strongest allies in Asia, its development into a model democracy, and its strong capitalist system will forever be impacted as I now can bring a new perspective into my classroom which will allow students to understand the importance of the war.”