District Reception 2020-2021

The Syosset Central School District Board of Education and Administration would like to extend its sincere appreciation for the employees who have served the District for 25 years, and for those who will be retiring after many years of dedicated service.

The District honors the contributions of these valued employees as they reach these milestones in their Syosset career.

BOARD OF EDUCATION

SCHOOL DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION

Tracy Frankel, President
Rob Gershon, Vice President
Carol C. Cheng, Trustee
Christopher DiFilippo, Trustee
Susan Falkove, Trustee
Andrew Feldman, Trustee
Anna Levitan, Trustee
Shany Park, Trustee
Thomas A. Rotolo, Trustee

Dr. Thomas L. Rogers
Superintendent of Schools

Charlie Cardillo
Interim Deputy Superintendent of Schools

Dr. Patricia M. Rufo
Assistant Superintendent for Business

Dr. Joseph LaMelza
Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services

Dr. Theresa Curry
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Technology

Edward Escobar
Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources

Silver

Retirees

Anniversary

Jill Bentivegna
Jeffrey Capri
Joseph Ciocia
Eileen DePaolo
Janice Dohrman
Laura Giannone
Laura Glick
Lisa Gordon
Hubert Laisney
Jeff Lilien
Julie Naftal
Michelle Potvin
Faith Rotolo
Aimee Safian
Michael Salzman
Donald Schmidt, Jr.
James St. John
Karen Warga

Katherine Balnis
Glenn Baumann
Bonnie Beach-Gadigian
Grace Bernstein
Dr. Mark Biblow
Ruth Canzonieri
Ann Cassin
Huei-Wen Cheng
Alan Chipetine
Joan Church
Deborah Contino
Marcelle DeMarco
Pamela Douglas
Robert Edelman
Renee Feiger
Marianne Ghisone
Jeffrey Kasper
Cynthia Keith
Mala Khetan
Helen Lee
Bonnie Leitstein
Ellen Lentini
Linda Lapertosa
Ann Macchia
Rose Ann Magliocco
Kathryn Marinace
Theresa McGrath
Vincenzina McKenna
Neil Muccio
Jennifer Mulligan
Steven Naranjo
Susan Occhiuto
Thea Pallos
Denise Perry
Jennifer Pick
Joan Purpura
Diane Riccio
Elaine Rock
Karen Rodriguez
Susan Rusciano
Linda Stollow
Maureen Sullivan

Jill Bentivegna

Berry Hill Elementary School

Hardworking, dedicated, selfless and devoted are the first
words that come to mind when describing Jill Bentivegna. For the
last twenty five years, Jill has made a tremendous impression on students, their families, the faculty and staff. Jill’s commitment to Syosset runs deep. She began her Syosset career at South Grove and quickly recognized that Syosset was where she wanted to raise her family. Both of her boys are proud Syosset graduates.

From the moment she arrived at Berry Hill in 2003, it was clear that Jill’s dedication to her students was at the heart of everything she did. This devotion to her students was seen over and over again as she used a variety of creative techniques to teach and to go above and beyond her responsibilities. Jill’s extraordinary work ethic pushed her to embrace new strategies to keep her fourth graders always engaged in learning. Her love for teaching is apparent to anyone who knows her. Jill’s superior organizational skills were not only an asset to her team but made her the point person for all things science testing.

Jill has been a contributing member of countless committees, always bringing a creative idea and backing it up with the commitment and perseverance to make Berry Hill a better place.

Throughout her 25 years, Jill has been a friend to many. She always goes out of her way to support new colleagues while never forgetting her old friends. And Jill will happily do anything for a friend.

Congratulations on your Silver Anniversary from your Berry Hill Family!

- Written by Mary Kolkhorst

Jeffrey Capri

H.B. Thompson Middle School

Twenty five years ago a young physical education teacher entered HBT and made an impact on the lives of students and colleagues every day since then. Jeff Capri has been an integral part of the HBT culture during all his years in the building.

In addition to his PE teaching, Jeff was a varsity lacrosse coach for many years in the district, helping Syosset players become successful in high school and beyond. In his classroom he mixes his passion for competition with a focus on self-improvement and learning life-long sports and activities.

While in some ways, Jeff fits the classic PE teacher model, Jeff’s interests run much deeper. Besides his love of sports, he’s an avid reader and lover of history. He provides some of the best book recommendations in the building. Jeff has also successfully run businesses and coached travel sports teams throughout his career. He is married to Barb and has four wonderful and successful children. While he might not quite be the “world’s most interesting man,” some could argue that’s his title at HBT.

We congratulate Jeff on 25 years in Syosset and look forward to working with him during the next stage of his career.

- Written by Kevin Bonanno

Joseph Ciocia

South Woods Middle School

Joe Ciocia is an amazing person to work with. He began his
career at Syosset High School in 1995. In his 25 years of service to the school district, Joe has served as a custodian, worked on the grounds crew, stepped in as an acting head custodian, and worked as a motor equipment operator before joining the South Woods family in 2011 as our maintainer.

Joe is kindhearted, organized and patient. He is a creative problem solver who is always ready to help any staff member with any concern. He is an advocate for the health, safety, and welfare of all the members of our school community, and he genuinely cares about the quality of any finished product or project within the area of his responsibility. Beyond his own responsibilities, Joe is always ready to jump in and help someone else. According to head custodian Matt Seely, “Joe is one of a kind, He is conscientious, diligent, self-motivated and an effective multitasker. He is irreplaceable,” Matt continues (and we all agree) that, “Joe is a person of high character. He is compassionate and selfless, and in addition to being a co-worker we are all lucky to call him a friend.” Congratulations to Joe on 25 years of impeccable service!

- Written by Michelle Burget and Matt Seeley

Eileen DePaolo

Syosset High School

To spend time with Eileen Depaolo is to experience sheer joy.
She is always quick with a story, a laugh, and the warmest of care and concern for all those around her. She has, since her very first days in the district, been the creator of a classroom environment that is safe and nurturing for every student

who is fortunate enough to be enrolled in her classes. Ms. Neuhaus started as a Supersub, became a long term replacement, and proved herself time and again so that she was granted a tenure track position. Her classrooms have engaged the students in all different aspects of Family and Consumer Science. In the High School and the Middle School, from Interior Design, Fashion Workshop, and various cooking classes to a variety of developmental classes, Eileen has excelled as a teacher. Her students know that the kindness and understanding that she exhibits is a natural part of the education that they will receive.

Most recently she has been teaching the SAIL course which has been enriched by her understanding and patience. The course has enabled the students to develop skills and processes that will allow them to be better prepared for the future. This dedication to her students and the sheer joy that she shares with all, make her a vital part of the entire school community.

- Written by Ray Gessner

Janice Dohrman

Syosset High School

It feels like it was only yesterday when Janice Dohrman began
as a Spanish teacher at Syosset High School, yet she is happily completing her 25th year. Over the course of her career Janice has taught a broad range of courses, which has given countless students the opportunity to benefit from her expertise, knowledge, and kindness.

Collaboration and hard work are at the core of who Janice is. She and her colleagues spend massive amounts of time developing lesson plans & assessments to get them “just right.” Her efforts are clearly visible in her students’ growing language proficiency as they move through the year and through our program.

Janice has built wonderful relationships with students and colleagues during her tenure. Janice’s students and colleagues have come to rely on her as a trusted, reliable and always fun person to work with and learn from. We send sincere congratulations on this momentous 25 year anniversary and heartfelt thanks for her tireless efforts to make learning Spanish meaningful and fun for our students.

- Written by David Balsamo

Laura Giannone

Baylis Elementary School

Laura Giannone has been part of the Baylis family for 25 years.
She has served as a monitor supporting and caring for children each day. You will know Laura by her smile and warm demeanor. Her students and colleagues alike, love her. Laura is dedicated, professional and a team player. Congratulations Laura on your 25 years of service to the Syosset School Community!

- Written by Lisa Greiner

It’s been five years that I have had the pleasure of working with you! And I look forward to many more ahead !! You are a true friend! You're always there for comfort and to bring laughter. I always look forward to waiting for you in the parking lot to “catch up.” Working on the board together makes our job fun! Congratulations on your anniversary!

- Written by Jeanne DeFranco

Congratulations on your 25th Anniversary at Baylis Elementary School. We have known each other for many years now. Your kindergartners are lucky to have you as their Lunch Monitor and I know you love them too. It was great being on the CSEA Board with you this year and hope to continue to work together on the Board and at Baylis in the future. Congratulations again on reaching this impressive milestone at Baylis Elementary School.

- Written by Debra Guerrero