Across the district on September 11, students honored and remembered those lost during the attacks in 2001. Connetquot never forgets.

Click here to view the Connetquot commemorates Patriot Day slideshow.

Date Added: 9/12/2024

In anticipation of Patriot Day, Sycamore Avenue Elementary School hosted guest speaker, Joan Mastropaolo, to educate students on the events of Sept. 11, 2001.

Joan is a volunteer at the 9/11 National Memorial and Museum, having given over 850 walking tours, and a volunteer with the Tunnel to Towers foundation. Tunnel to Towers was founded in tribute to New York Fire Department firefighter Stephen Siller who was killed on Sept. 11, 2001, during the attacks. The organization delivers mortgage-free homes to the families of the nation’s fallen first responders, builds specially adapted smart homes for injured veterans and first responders, educates the public about 9/11, helps in eradicating veteran homelessness and more.

Additionally, Joan is a victim and family advocate who spends time speaking to those who lost someone on during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and helps to share their stories.

On Sept. 10, Joan educated Sycamore’s students on the origination of the World Trade Center and its history. She also shared her personal story and connection, noting that she lived only a block west of the World Trade Center and therefore, had a front row seat to the day’s events. She explained the day’s timeline to students and touched on stories of some of 9/11’s heroic individuals.

Throughout her presentation, Joan continuously cited the strength of the human spirit and emphasized the importance of remembering those who perished on Sept. 11, 2001. She encouraged students to do their own research to carry on their stories and keep their spirits alive.

Date Added: 9/10/2024

The Connetquot Central School District’s Board of Education is pleased to announce the appointment of Callan Lonergan as the new principal of Helen B. Duffield Elementary School and Erin Papadopulos as the new principal of Sycamore Avenue Elementary School, beginning in the 2024-25 school year.

Most recently, Ms. Lonergan served as assistant principal of Pulaski Street School in Riverhead since 2019. Prior to her assistant principalship, she served as a teacher mentor at Central Boulevard School in Bethpage and as a special education teacher at both Central Boulevard School and P.S. 108 in Ozone Park.

Ms. Lonergan holds a bachelors’ degree from Adelphi University and received a master’s in science in both education and educational administration from Brooklyn College and Mercy College, respectively.

I am thrilled to begin my new role as principal at Helen B. Duffield,” Ms. Lonergan said. “With twenty years of experience and a deep passion for education, I look forward to building on the strong foundation laid by Ms. Farrell and collaborating with our dedicated staff to create a safe, supportive and nurturing environment where each child can reach their full potential.

Most recently, Ms. Papadopulos held the title of intermediate principal of Half Hollow Hills Central School District’s district wide summer school, and before that, she was the assistant principal of Signal Hill Elementary School since 2017. Previously, she was a special education teacher at 51st Avenue Academy in Elmhurst, Bayview Elementary in West Islip and Beach Street Middle School in West Islip.

Ms. Papadopulos holds a bachelor’s degree from Marist College, a master’s degree in literacy from Queens College and an advanced master’s degree in educational leadership from SUNY Stony Brook.

“I am very excited and honored to have been given the opportunity to join the Connetquot community as the new principal of Sycamore Elementary School,” Ms. Papadopulos said. “I look forward to working with teachers, students, and their families to create a supportive learning environment that addresses our students' needs. Together, we will ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed and grow.”

Date Added: 8/19/2024