Hicksville Public Schools

Students at Old Country Road School in Hicksville participated in a cereal food drive that ran for four weeks. The school’s student council coordinated the effort and collected 182 boxes of cereal from fellow students.

Students at Lee Avenue Elementary in Hicksville are encouraged to read daily and complete a daily reading log to enhance the school’s reading curriculum, a program known as Parents as Reading Partners (PARP), sponsored by the school’s PTA.

Hicksville Public Schools has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education Award from the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation. This is the seventh year Hicksville music educators, administrators, students and parents have demonstrated outstanding achievement and commitment to providing access to music education and to instilling an appreciation of music as part of the district’s philosophy of offering a well-rounded education for national recognition.

Students at East Street Elementary School participated in the Town of Oyster Bay’s Ukraine Humanitarian Relief Drive. Through the month of March, the school’s student council coordinated a collection of necessities like shampoo, soap, band aids and nonperishable food products to contribute to the cause.

On April 7, East Street Elementary School in Hicksville celebrated National Library Week with a virtual visit from author Sarah Weeks. Weeks read from some of her favorite books she has written over the years including “Lizzy McTizzy and the Busy Dizzy Day” and “Two eggs, please.”

Hicksville Middle School Drama Club presented Disney’s “Descendants,” the musical production that includes all of Disney’s favorite heroes and heroines living in peace and happily ever after, while all Disney’s evil villains are banished to the Isle of the Lost.

March is Women's History Month. Ms. Petrash, a prominent Women's Historian, joined Ms. Manning’s fourth grade class through a Google Meet to speak with students and encourage their research for their Woman’s History project.

Burns Avenue School had a special visit by QuackerJack from the Long Island Ducks’ baseball team. QuackerJack stopped by the school to make sure to say hello to all the students and staff. Burns Avenue PTA is hosting a fundraiser with the Ducks on April 23rd.

On March 23rd and March 24th, James Janis, Hicksville Historian and Librarian from the Hicksville Public Library, visited Mr. Kevin Bunting’s “New York State of Mind” social studies class. Sixth period students learned about the history of Hicksville from the mid-1800’s through present day.

Students in Ms. Diane Teneriello’s Food and Nutrition class made Vegan Carrot Cake with Ginger Lemon frosting. First, students watched as the teachers demonstrated how to make the cake from start to finish. Then, four groups of six students each worked together to create their two-layer vegan cake. On the third day, students made the frosting and learned to decorate their cake. Finally, students sat down to enjoy their creation and save a slice for family and friends! The students learned valuable skills that can be used well into the future as they learned to cook vegan style.

Professor Robin Boyle Laisure, J.D. from St. John’s University visited Hicksville High School’s Kristoff Theatre on Thursday, March 17th. She spoke with students in the Roots of Oppression, International Law, and Intro to Social Science about Human Trafficking.

Old Country Road School participated for the third year in the Memory Project. The Memory Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating global kindness through art. American students exchange heartfelt artwork with children from countries that are culturally very different from the USA.

After a two-year hiatus, the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade was back, and its invited guests were the Hicksville High School Marching Band. Hicksville High School Band students marched in the 261st annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 17th, and they proudly represented the entire Hicksville School District in this special event.

Hicksville High School Repertory Company recently presented “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” The show featured 18 actors, 35 musicians and a backstage crew of students in grades 9-12 exploring life’s great questions as they play baseball, struggle with homework, sing songs, swoon over their crushes, and celebrate the joy of friendship. Students performed three performances to a live audience over the weekend of March 11.

Two Hicksville High School seniors, Daria Loor Macias and Lisdy Velasquez, have been selected to represent Long Island along with 20 other students from various districts at the Angelo Del Toro Puerto Rican/Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute (PRHYLI).

On March 7 and 8, six lead cast members of this year’s Hicksville High school’s production of You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown traveled around the district providing elementary school students with theatre and promoting the musical production.

Congratulations to Hicksville Chamber Ensemble members Aidan Aguirre, Shirley Joo, Matthew LaBarca and Eli Yoo for their acceptance to the Long Island Regional Chamber Recital.

On Wednesday, March 2nd, Hicksville Public Schools celebrated Read Across America. This event was coordinated by Hicksville High School Library Media Specialist, Christine Anderson. She invited various guest readers including teachers, counselors, administrators, and Board of Education members to read a special book of his or her choice to students in our seven elementary schools.

On March 9th, the Hicksville Public Schools hosted the Aquatic Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Legislator of District 17, Rose Walker presented Board of Education President, Phil Heckler and Superintendent of Schools, Marianne Litzman with a Legislative Citation.

First through fifth grade students at Lee Avenue Elementary School in Hicksville held a fundraiser on Feb. 11 inviting students to donate a $1 or more for the chance to chew gum in school to benefit the P.S. I Love You Day organization.

Members of Hicksville High School’s Rho Kappa chapter of the National Social Studies Honor Society created a unique exhibit to remember famous African American jazz artists for Black History month.

Over 50 Hicksville Middle School students participated in Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Their theme this year was, “How Can I Be a Good American?”. The Hicksville VFW Post# 3211 read the student essays and selected the Hicksville Middle School winners.

The Medical Marvels program, established by the Feinstein Institutes and the Center for Workforce Readiness, encourages science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) career pathways for Long Island high school students.

Pet Partners visited Mrs. Rust's class at Lee Avenue Elementary School, in coordination with Principal Stephanie Matthews-Stam and Special Education Director, Inna Mishiev. Mrs. Rust is new to the Hicksville School District and connected with Pet Partners to coordinate this event.

Kindergarten co-teachers, Ms. Lucy Vieco and Ms. Danielle Baker hosted a Writers’ Workshop Celebration in their room as students completed their Show and Tell Bend I Unit.

The College Board recognized a few select Hicksville High School students, which earned special recognition because of their academic achievements in school and outstanding performance on the PSAT and/or AP exams. They were recognized by the College Board Nation Recognition Programs with the National African American Recognition Award and National Hispanic Recognition Award.

Kindergarten students at Lee Avenue School in Hicksville shouted “Gong Xi Fa Cai” as they celebrated the Year of the Tiger with ENL teacher Karissa Calamari. The children participated in special activities throughout the morning of Jan. 31, including storytime featuring the book, “The Dancing Dragon” by Marcia Vaughan. Students also colored red and yellow crowns to symbolize good luck and concluded the celebration with a parade around the classroom.

Members of the National Honor Society at Hicksville High School hosted their annual book drive from Jan. 10-12. Students packed 45 boxes with several hundred donated books to benefit The Book Fairies, a local nonprofit that collects new and gently used reading materials for schools and organizations that are in need throughout the local New York area.

The elementary concert series kicked off at Lee Avenue School. On January 12th, Kindergarten through fifth graders were invited to watch the 4th and 5th grade Band and Orchestra performances for their Winter Concert. Principal Stephanie Stam introduced her music department and their musical ensembles.

Lee Avenue Elementary School in Hicksville partnered with “One Warm Coat,” an organization that provides free coats to children and adults in need while promoting volunteerism and environmental sustainability. Students, teachers and staff contributed to the week-long drive in collecting close to 50 coats for those less fortunate.

Please see the recent letter from the Board of Education.

Attention Hicksville Music Students and families. NYSSMA Solo & Ensemble registration is now OPEN. Registration for piano, instrumental and vocal NYSSMA can be completed online through the link below. There are multiple ways to submit payment for your convenience. As always, please consult your music teacher before registering. https://sites.google.com/hicksvillepublicschools.org/nyssma2022/home

Please see the following from the Board of Education.

The Hicksville Public School District is offering a Pre-K program for the 2022-2023 school year with half day and full day openings available. Selection for this program is lottery-based and requires the completion of an application.

On Thursday, December 23rd, The Hicksville High School Chamber Singers caroled throughout the district. Chamber Singers visited the district office during period 3 to sing Joy to the World, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Jingle Bells, and Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah to name a few songs.

Students at Lee Avenue Elementary School in Hicksville Public Schools took joy in spreading holiday cheer this season through their participation in various events. The students contributed to a toy drive, sponsored by the school’s PTA and Site-Based Team, benefiting the John Theissen Children’s Foundation. Students helped to put smiles on the faces of children by donating new unwrapped toys to the drive.

The importance of fitness at Fork Lane Elementary School in the Hicksville Public School district showed as students participated in two Hoops for Heart events during the month of December.

The students, staff, and members of the East Street Student Council in the Hicksville Public Schools donated and filled about 30 gallon-sized bags of Halloween candy to donate to two community organizations this year.

Hicksville Public Schools’ annual Holiday Greeting Card Content announced its 2021 winner as Hicksville High School 11th grade student, Saamia Hassan. Annually, students from the Hicksville Public Schools have the opportunity to create and submit a winter scene, which was eligible to be selected as the winner of the contest.

Hicksville Gardens Civic Association has been working with Lee Avenue School in the Hicksville Public Schools for over 10 years to provide food and toy drives for the less fortunate.  The holiday season is a time to support families in our community who are less fortunate.

On Thursday, October 22, 2021, Dr. Jose Enriquez visited with the Hicksville High School and Hicksville Middle School students currently participating in the Latinos in Action (LIA) course at the Hicksville Middle School and Hicksville High School.

On Thursday, October 28th, The Hicksville Middle School hosted its Wellness Walk. Students through their health classes and some Physical Education classes walked the track during one designated period throughout the day.

The students at Hicksville Public Schools had fun celebrating everything that makes up our Fall Season. There were many activities that occurred around the elementary schools within the district.

The Hicksville Middle Schools students pledged to be kind. This project was offered in Health Classes led by their Health Education Teacher, Anthony Tussie. Students not currently enrolled in health classes this year were encouraged to still participate by visiting the main office for their cutout person to add to the Wall of Kindness bulletin board.

Our local media have been reminding us that Food Insecurity is still a problem, but not one without a solution. The students of Hicksville Public Schools worked hard this Thanksgiving season to support close to 100 needy neighbors so they could have a happier holiday. Once again, Hicksville Public Schools under the leadership of Efthymia Rafaelides, K-12 Guidance Supervisor, partnered with the Hicksville Council of PTAs, Children’s Hope India and Kiwanis of Hicksville to sponsor their annual food drive to help feed local families in need.

East Street Elementary School in Hicksville held its kindness kickoff to start the Olweus Bullying Prevention program on Nov. 12. This year’s theme for the program is “Let’s color our school with kindness.”

First and fourth graders at Woodland Elementary School are getting to know each other through a book buddy program. Every week, Mrs. Kronenberger’s fourth grade class partners with Mrs. Waldron’s first grade class to engage in English Language Arts activities including reading, sharing books and giving book reviews.

On October 31st, fifty-two bands performed at the NYSFBC Championship in Syracuse at the Syracuse University Carrier Dome. Hicksville Public Schools won first place, with a score of 85.60, in the division for Large School 3 New York State Field Band Competition Show. This 1st place award demonstrated all the hard work and commitment the Hicksville Marching Comets have made to the Hicksville Public Schools Marching Band.

Hicksville Public Schools students and staff celebrated Halloween across their buildings on Oct. 29.Many students dressed up in costumes and celebrated by participating in different Halloween crafts and activities in the classroom.

More than 125 current and former students from Hicksville High School earned the designation of Advanced Placement Scholars for excelling on their 2021 AP exams. Congratulations to the following students on achieving this honor:

Hicksville High School students Aryan Jain, Jaskaran Kohli, Daniel Rivero, Sam Zhen and Sean Zhen were named Commended Students as part of the 2022 National Merit Scholarship Program.

Our Special Education & PPS staff and students spent Sunday morning at the Planting Fields Arboretum participating in their annual 5K Run. Great job to all our participants!

Congratulations to Dutch Lane’s Fire Prevention Poster Contest winners. These talented artists were recognized this weekend by the Hicksville Fire Department. Bravo! Thank you to Mrs. Germinario for guiding them through the process.

Students in Mr. Moshoyannis’ fourth grade class at Lee Avenue Elementary School learned all there is to know about bats through the program “Skype a Scientist.” The program connects scientists from across the globe with classrooms to give students the opportunity to get to know a scientist and learn about a specific topic. Mr. Moshoyannis’ class was matched with Animal Biologist Elène Haave Audet from the Mathot Lab, Biological Sciences, University of Alberta.

On October 9th, Hicksville Public Schools was excited for the return of the much-anticipated Homecoming Fall Fair. Student, parents and community members of all ages enjoyed the annual, celebratory event held on the back fields of Hicksville High School. The homecoming fair was sponsored by the Hicksville PTA organizations, and all proceeds go towards PTA scholarships for graduating seniors.

The Public Information Office visited the Old Country Road Elementary School on October 8th to meet a special 2nd grade student, Ainsley McGuire, who’s teacher is Ms. Jennifer McEvoy. After Ms. McEvoy read aloud the Reddy Freddy book, Kindness Counts!, by Abby Klein. It was this book that inspired Ainsley McGuire to start her own kindness chain similar to the one depicted in story.

Hicksville High School’s field was buzzing with school spirit as students, staff and the community came together to celebrate homecoming on Oct. 9. Prior to the start of the game, the school hosted its annual Homecoming Fair. Activities, games, spirit wear, gift basket raffles, food and refreshments were offered at various tables, which were operated by students, parents and school community organizations. Local children were also able to play on the inflatable slides and bouncy houses.

Hicksville Public Schools and the Mental Health Coalition brought parents and community members the first presentation in a series of SEL Family and Community Engagement Workshops for this school year. This series kicked-off on Monday, September 20th at 7:00 pm via Zoom with our “K-12 Community and Resilience Parent Workshop” followed by a live Q&A session.

Second grade students in Mrs. Pinsky’s class at Woodland Elementary School came together to make homemade applesauce as part of a fall-themed activity. Mrs. Pinsky peeled and chopped the apples at home, then during class, each student scooped apples into the crockpot. They also added cinnamon, sugar and water as part of the hands-on activity.

Fifth grade students in Mr. Rob Morris’s and Mr. Mike Guarascio’s classes at Woodland Avenue School in Hicksville received a visit from the National Guard on October 1st. Army National Guard, Jack Schlef, returned home for a brief visit to Long Island and one stop he made was visiting Mr. Morris’s and Mr. Guarascio’s classes.

Two students from Hicksville High School, Brandon Baade and Samantha Mason, were selected by the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) as alternates for the 2021 All-State Music Conference. Baade was selected for the euphonium and Mason for the flute.

On September 10th, students at Hicksville High School joined Hicksville High School English Teacher, Amy Mastrocinque, her professor of Islamic Studies Dr. Omid Safi of Duke University, Hicksville High School Principal Ray Williams and his administrative team to take part in an engaging 9/11 Remembrance workshop held at Hicksville High School.

Hicksville High School senior Amber Corbett has been named a Merit Award winner in the Long Island Scholar Artist program for the 2021-2022 school year. Corbett is one of nine students to be recognized in the visual arts category

Hicksville Public Schools welcomed back students for the 2021-2022 school year on Sept. 1. Students arrived at their buildings, eager to meet their new teachers and classmates. The excitement of being back in the classroom was apparent, even behind face masks.

The Hicksville School District welcomed new teachers during New Teacher Orientation on Tuesday, August 24 and Wednesday, August 25.

In order to apply for free and reduced price meals for their children, parents must complete one application for the household. The application includes the names of all household members and all household income and is submitted to the school nurse for processing at the building and district levels. Parents will be notified in writing whether or not they are entitled to free or reduced price meals. Applications must be submitted each school year.

Below you will find a link to each school's supply list for the 2021-2022 School Year.

This summer Inna Mishiev, Director of Special Education & Pupil Personnel Services and Tara Schwartz, Coordinator of the Extended School Year Program at Fork Lane partnered with NY Project Hope's Steven Rose and his Therapy Dog, Hook, as they visited classrooms, hallways and most of all the hearts of the students and staff.

Hicksville High School was named a winner of the fifth annual High School Music Department Recognition Program presented by the Long Island Music Hall of Fame (LIMHoF). The 2021 awards shifted to a virtual application process for the first time. The Hicksville High School Chamber Singers submitted a video performance to be reviewed by a panel of music educators. As a result, Hicksville was one of 12 high schools on Long Island to be honored for 2021.