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COMMACK
HIGH SCHOOL

Ronald C. Vale, Principal
Carol A. Bertolotti, Assistant Principal
Russell J. Stewart, Assistant Principal
David Weiss, Assistant Principal
School Report Card 2003-2004

New York State Report Card Results

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INTRODUCTION:

Commack High, with an enrollment of 2,059 students in grades 9-12, continues to foster academic excellence, maturity, responsibility and mutual respect as described in its Mission Statement. The High School offers every student many opportunities to achieve success. The many examples of success that our school community has realized are due to the continued collaborative efforts of parents, staff, and students. Each discipline has chronicled some of the programs, students, and teachers that have been distinguished during the 2003-2004 school year.

COUNSELING CENTER – Paul Thurman

The counseling curriculum is designed to assist all students in developing an understanding of their aptitudes, interests and abilities, and to learn the skills necessary for responsible decision-making. Counselors help young people learn to accept responsibility for their commitments and for their academic, career and social needs. Parents, teachers and community resources are an integral part of the programmatic approach to the achievement of counseling goals.

The Counseling Center continued to provide a variety of services to the students, parents and staff of Commack High School during the 2003-2004 school year. Some of these activities were:

· to present the Freshmen Orientation programs.

· to sponsor three (3) Mini-college days.

· to administer the PSAT, SAT I and II, ACT, AP, ASVAB and Regents Competency tests.

· to offer SAT prep workshop for Juniors.

· to offer evening presentations on topics such as College Admissions, Financial Aid, Career Awareness, and Freshman Orientation.

· to sponsor College Night.

· to host workshops sponsored by a wide variety of colleges and universities.

· to process 2,849 college applications.

· to offer Career Assessment programs including Interest Inventory at each grade level..

· to address post-secondary school planning through the College Night and Junior Conference.

· to produce and distribute:

“How to Survive High School”

“High School Curriculum Guide”

“Applying to College”

“Summer Program Bulletin”

“College Selectivity Guide”

“College Acceptance Statistics”

“Class Profile”.

· to present PLAN Testing program for 10^th graders.

· to sponsor the Buddy Program for new entrants.

· to distribute the Counseling Center and Home Portfolios.

· to distribute scholarship information.

· to continue the Outreach Counseling Program.

· to introduce a broad range of “Web Based” college and financial aide search programs.

· to guide students through the course selection process.

· to initiate a College Application Workshop for seniors.

· to review academic progress and senior graduation status.

· to implement a 9^th grade Parents Meet Your Counselor Night.

· to participate in Employment Day.

· to support Regents Review classes and a comprehensive Regents tracking system.

· to sponsor the “School to Career” initiative by encouraging students to enroll in Apprenticeship and Internship programs.

· to conduct the Senior Survey of post-high school plans.

· to implement the “Senior Glitters to College Jitters” program.

· to organize both junior and senior class meetings for the distribution of post-secondary planning information.

A review of the scholastic profile of students in the class of 2004 showed that they excelled dramatically in their academic achievement. The following is a summary of the Performance Statistics for the class:

· 94% graduated with a Regents Diploma of which 29% received Diplomas with Honors.

· 93% of the graduates continued their education with 76% going on to four-year colleges, 17% to two-year colleges.

· 3 National Merit Finalists.

· 2 National Merit Scholarship Winners.

· 16 National Scholarship Commended Students.

· 132 Presidential Awards for Academic Excellence recipients.

· 225 scholarships awarded to the seniors by colleges and corporate sponsors.

· The total value of all Scholarships/Awards for the class of 2004 equaled $15.3 million.

· 14,986 total credits earned with Distinction). .

· 27.5 average credits earned per student.

· 96% of the senior class (488 students) took the SAT I.

· 524 mean SAT I Verbal score.

· 557 mean SAT I Math Score

· 133 students took SAT II exams.

· 605 mean Verbal, SAT II score.

· 650 mean Math, SAT II score.

· 161 students took the ACT exam (30.0%).

· Total Group Composite Score 23.6.

· 231 students took AP exams.

· 292 AP exams taken.

· 79% of student scores were “3” or higher on AP exams.

· 54 students were named AP Scholars as follows: (18) Scholars with Distinctions, (14) Scholars with Honors and (22) AP Scholars.

· 9.4% completed IB Diplomas.

· 557 IB Assessments Offered.

· 88% of Students Scoring “4” or Higher on IB Assessments.

· 177 seniors (35%) graduated with a Grade Point Average of 90-100+ (A-to A++).

· 207 seniors (41%) graduated with a Grade Point Average of 80-89 (B-to B+).

· 86.36 was the median Grade Point Average.

· 472 seniors will be attending college (93%).

· A total of 2,849 college applications were processed.

· 142 different colleges will be attended.

· 169 seniors (33%) were accepted to Most Selective colleges (GPA of B+ to A).

· 238 seniors (47%) were accepted to More Selective colleges (GPA of B to B+).

· 185 seniors (36.5%) were accepted to Moderately Selective Colleges (GPA not less than B).

· 98.1% graduation rate.

THE LIBRARY MEDIA CENTER – Carolyn Burton, District Lead Librarian

The District Library Media Center of Commack High School utilizes a Follett computerized card catalog and provides access to commercial databases and the Internet. These databases such as: Ebsco, CQ Researcher, Proquest, Historic New York Times and the like provide access to numerous periodicals, news wire services, maps, pictures, TV/Radio transcripts and reference books.

The Library Media Center is available to staff and students from 7:00 in the morning to 3:30 in the afternoon, Monday through Friday. During this time a Library Media Professional is available.

The Library Media Center continues to receive a substantial budget from the district that has allowed for improvements in the reference collection, particularly English Literature. Much of the collection in this area is necessary to support the New York State Standards as well as the International Baccalaureate Program.

Every year the faculty is invited to peruse new purchases to better acquaint them with those materials supportive of their instruction. The staff and student body are encouraged to recommend new books for purchase. We also host guest authors such as M.E. Kerr thanks to the generosity of the PTA.

The Commack High School Media Center, as well as all the other Library Media Centers in the school district, is a participating member of the Western Suffolk BOCES School Library System. As such, the system is able to offer many workshops, as well as services and materials to the district at little or no cost.

SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS

· More than 94% of the class of 2004 graduated with a Regents Diploma, of which 29% received Diplomas with Honors.

· More than 93% of the graduates continued their education with 76% going on to four-year colleges, 17% going to two-year colleges.

· There were 3 National Merit Finalist, 2 National Merit Scholarship winners, 16 Commended students, 132 Presidential Award for Academic Excellence winners, and 225 additional scholarships awarded to the seniors by colleges and corporate sponsors.

· The total value of all Scholarships/Awards for the class of 2004 equaled $15.3 million.

· The American Scholastic Press Association has awarded the Commack High School Newspaper, The Courant, First Place with 975 points out of 1,000. In addition, they were awarded Best Photography for coverage of Homecoming. Students were also awarded specific accolades: Excellence in New Writing, Excellence in News Features Writing, Excellence in Sports Writing, Excellence in Reviewing, Excellence in Column Writing, and Excellence in Reviewing.

The Columbia Scholastic Press Association ranked The Courant as a Silver medallist in 2003.

· The Girls Leaders Corps, comprised of 250 members, contributed approximately $5,000 to a number of charity organizations. For the 2003-2004 school year these organizations included the Maurer Foundation, Make-A-Wish, Children’s Hospice, Sagamore Children’s Hospital and Little Flower. The Leaders Corps is the school’s primary organization with regard to greeting and assisting the community. In addition to service groups, the Corps also grants scholarships to selected graduating members.

· The Grandfriends Club participated in the Holiday Social at the Martin Luther Terrace Apartments in Kings Park, held a holiday party including entertainment for over 100 senior citizens from the Commack, East Northport, Kings Park, Smithtown and Huntington areas. The club members assisted at the Senior Citizen Prom held at the high school. Grandfriends volunteer every Monday and Wednesday night at Gurwin Geriatric Center assisting seniors with playing Bingo.

· The Grandfriends Club visited nursing and assisted living homes in the area and entertained the seniors. They gave $2,000.00 to local groups and organizations that aid the seniors.

· The Special Friends Club participated in the Homecoming Parade. The club also hosted activities for neighborhood children at the Halloween Happening. The club held an assembly in March during Physically & Mentally Challenged Week. The purpose was to demonstrate the dedication that exists among the special athletes and their willingness to perform and share their talents with the high school students. Students were so moved by the assembly and its athletes that Special Friends was able to inspire over 300 students to volunteer at the Suffolk County Spring Games. The assembly also featured guest speakers including Olympics Medallist Matt Schuster.

· In December, the Special Friends Club hosted their Annual Holiday Party for children with special needs in the Commack community. The festivities featured fun, games, entertainment, as well as, dinner. The Spring Dance was also a huge success. The club hosted about 100 adults with special needs. The night included dinner and a night of socializing and dancing.

The Special Friends Club recruited numerous Commack High School students to participate as buddies at the Suffolk County Special Olympics (Spring Games).
The Boys Leader’s Corps has contributed in excess of $35,000 over the past ten years to local and national charities and scholarships, including the Juvenile Diabetes Association, March of Dimes, American Cancer Society, Alzheimer’s Federation, The Make a Wish Foundation, Theatre Three, the Huntington Town-wide Fund, Camp Adventure, Multiple Sclerosis, The Make a Wish Foundation, the Andrew Goldman Scholarship Fund, and the Boys Leader’s Corps Scholarship Fund.
The Boys Leader’s Corps initiated an autumn-season blood drive for the first time this past November to supplement the long-established spring collection. Commack students, faculty, and staff have accounted for donations of over 3,000 pints of blood since the inception of the blood drive.
The Boys Leader’s Corps assisted Commack Rotary with their annual Craft Fair Fundraiser, helping the organization to raise thousands of dollars for the charities they support.
The Boys Leader’s Corp. has volunteered and helped run craft fair fundraisers for district PTA organizations at Sawmill-Mandracchia, Burr Intermediate, Indian Hollow, and Wood Park schools.

The Boys Leader’s Corps helped facilitate the annual ‘Senior Citizen Matinee’ for local senior members of the community. The event raised nearly $400 for our Dollars for Scholars Scholarship program.

· The Boys Bowling Team won the Suffolk County League/Division Championships. The Boys Cross Country Team won the Suffolk County League/Division Championships. The Wrestling Team won the Suffolk County League Championships.

· The Kickline Team won the Scholastic Championships in the Danceline category. Additionally the girls won the National Dance Alliance DANZ National Championships in Kickline. The Junior Varsity Kickline, Danceline, Funk, Punk and Middle School Danceline and Kickline Teams won the Scholastic Championships.

· Seventeen Commack Varsity teams were in playoffs in boys and girls cross country, boys and girls soccer, boys and girls winter track, badminton, boys and girls golf, girls lacrosse, boys and girls track and field, boys bowling, girls basketball, wrestling, baseball and softball.

· Commack Athletes were awarded 285 all-league, all-league honorable mention, all-conference, all-county, all-county honorable mention, all-county academic, all-state, all-division, all-division honorable mention, all-Long Island, all-tournament, all-academic, and all-American honors.

· Twenty-eight Commack senior athletes were awarded the coveted Suffolk County Gold Key Award.

· Two students earned the NYSAHPERD Suffolk Zone Physical Education Award.

· Two students earned the Town of Huntington Scholar/Athlete Award.

· First time in Commack history all teams during one season received 2003-2004 NYSPHSAA, Inc. Scholar/Athlete Team Award.

· Twenty-six Commack Varsity teams earned the New York State Team Scholar Athlete Awards: boys and girls cross country, boys and girls tennis, boys and girls soccer, football, boys swimming, girls winter track, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls gymnastics, boys and girls volleyball, girls lacrosse, field hockey, boys and girls fencing, wrestling, boys and girls golf, badminton, baseball, boys and girls track and field.

· One coach recorded his 250^th win as a Varsity Soccer Coach.

· Two coaches were named Suffolk County League II Coach of the Year for Junior Varsity Basketball and Junior Varsity Wrestling.

· Two individual athletes earned recognition as Suffolk County Women’s Doubles Champions.

· Commack was the recipient of the New York Good Sportsmanship Award.

· Four Commack Varsity teams earned Section XI Sportsmanship Awards: Field Hockey, Football, Boys Golf and Boys Gymnastics. One Commack Junior Varsity team earned Section XI Sportsmanship Awards: Girls Volleyball. Eleven Commack Middle School teams earned Section XI, Device Sportsmanship Awards: Field Hockey, Girls Volleyball (gold), Boys Basketball (gold), Wrestling (gold), Boys Volleyball (gold and white), Girls Soccer (white), Softball (white), Baseball (white), Boys Lacrosse (gold) and Girls Lacrosse (gold).

· The Student Council supported student organizations at Commack High School with contributions of $800 to the school literary magazine and $2,000 to the school newspaper.

The Student Council contributed $8,500 in student scholarship funds for graduating seniors.
The Student Council contributed $16,000 to local and national charitable organizations.
The Student Council collected and donated over four tons of food for Long Island Cares and LIAAC.
The Student Council guided the high school to become the top producing high school on Long Island for March of Dimes and making strides against breast cancer, collecting over $27,000.
The Student Council sponsored and paid for the costs of the student drama and musical.
The Student Council sponsored educational programs for the entire student body in the areas of Physically & Mentally Challenged Awareness, Health Awareness, and Environmental Awareness.
S.A.D.D. distributed ribbons at Homecoming and Open House.
Posters were created and displayed around school by members of S.A.D.D.
S.A.D.D. hosted several fundraisers to promote its message.
S.A.D.D. wished graduating seniors best of luck by giving them a flashlight key chain imprinted with the S.A.D.D. logo.
S.A.D.D. periodically designs a showcase to convey thought provoking messages.
S.A.D.D. displayed “The Chain of Life” in the main lobby of the school.
S.A.D.D. maintained a beautiful flowering garden in the school courtyard.
S.A.D.D. hosted an assembly featuring a mother from M.A.D.D. as its guest speaker.
The National Honor Society provided over 900 hours of tutoring for students.
The National Honor Society ran a trivia contest for Cerebral Palsy.
The National Honor Society contributed over $300 to local charities including: The March of Dimes and United Cerebral Palsy.
The National Honor Society made monthly contributions to local food pantries.
The National Honor Society ran a Senior Citizens’ Prom.
Thirty-nine seniors were named Advanced Placement Scholars, thirteen seniors were named AP scholars with Honors, and eighteen students were named AP Scholars with Distinction, the highest award conferred.
Five students were named Finalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program.
One student was named a National Merit Scholarship winner.
Seven students were named National Merit Scholarship Commended Students.
One Special Corporate sponsored winner.
At the LIBEC contest held in the spring, four students received recognition in the Business Department: Julianne Kessler, William McCarthy, Aaron Schlesinger, and Michele Morelli.
NYS Future Business Leaders of America winner: James Crepea.
Huntington Young Professionals Chamber of Commerce Business Leadership Competition winner: James Crepea.
The FBLA continues to serve the community and teach good civic values with the running of the annual Spring Fun Day/Egg Hunt for elementary school children.
The Business and Marketing Honor Society members donated clothing to “Dress for Success” to be used by individuals going on job interviews.
The Bookstore management returned to the realm of the Business Department and the learning opportunities it offers.
Our Math Team finished fourth in Suffolk County.
The Upper Division A team finished third at the Suffolk County Mathematics Tournament.

All the students enrolled in the IB Program passed their respective IB Mathematics.

The National Art Honor Society, with more than 50 members, involves itself within the building and community, enhancing the school environment while raising funds for school and community charities. The organization plays a major role in Halloween Happening Haunted House, Commack Day and Candy Grams. In addition, they run the Charity Fashion Show in the spring.
The National Italian Honor Society had a very charitable year. In addition to the society’s annual donation to the Opening Word, monies were also donated to various scholarship funds and the March of Dimes. The annual candy sale was a success and the tradition carries on.
Three student interns participated in the Health and Education Internship Program at the James E. Allen Center in Melville.
Two student interns participated in the Pre-Med Internship at Huntington Hospital.

· Five student interns participated in the Health and Education Program at Building Blocks Development Pre-School.

· Eight student interns were inducted into the National Vocational Honor Society.

· Three ASL Level 4 students attended the ASL Internship at the Cleary School for the Deaf.

· Students went on to Bloomsburg University and Cortland for Deaf Elementary and Special Education, as well as Interpreting and American Sign Language.

ACADEMIC PROGRAM

ART DEPARTMENT – Anthony D’Avino

The Art Department offers a wide variety of courses to meet the needs and interest of all students. Studio Art is the foundation course, and is required for all students who major in Art. Drawing, Painting and Drawing, Sculpture, Ceramics, Calligraphy, Advertising Art, Fashion Illustration and Computer Graphics are some of the advanced courses that we offer.

Our Art Gallery is currently utilized for our various art shows and presentations of visiting art colleges. We are currently designing showcases for 3-D work, which will provide security for student and faculty artwork. Some of our recent exhibitions were from the National Art Honor Society, the Advanced Placement Art class, Computer Graphics as well as a “non-art” faculty exhibit. This year we are continuing our involvement in the relatively new IB Program.

COMMUNICATIONS, BUSINESS, TECHNOLOGY AND FAMILY/CONSUMER SCIENCES DEPARTMENT – Jack McGrath, Chairman

Communications:

This department works to ensure that every student in the school gets the opportunity to learn and use the technology of television and radio. Our entry-level courses are open to all students, not only to those specializing in area. We continue to grow in both skill levels and career placements.

CTN (Commack Television Network)

The program continues broadcasting the daily news program, CTN NEWS, over the school-wide DuKane system.
Students produced an archive of most school events for the daily news.
Students created and aired a series on videos at the Anti-Violence Workshop held in the school auditorium.

Several graduates moved into advanced college programs as freshmen, based on the skills learned in our studio classroom.
The CTN Studio continues to expand its concept of service to the building with projects that are tailored to specific needs.

WCHS (Commack High School Radio)

Students ran the school radio station and entertained and informed the student body and faculty daily.
“In the Spotlight” (the WCHS coffee house) continues to be a vibrant part of the program and a delight to the students and parent twice a year.
The broadcasts have expanded it a regular cafeteria schedule and the equipment used has advanced under the guidance of Mr. William Patterson.

Business Education:

The Business teachers at the Commack High School work to involve students in the realization that business is a part of their lives. The effort to acclimate students to the reality of finances in their future is crucial.

· At the LIBEC contest held in the spring brought four students received recognition in the Business Department: Julianne Kessler, William McCarthy, Aaron Schlesinger, and Michele Morelli.

· NYS FBLA Winners: James Crepea

· Huntington Youth Professionals Chamber of Commerce Business Leadership Competition winner: James Crepea.

· The FBLA continues to serve the community and teach good civic values with the running of the annual Spring Fun Day/Egg Hunt for elementary school children.

· The Business and Marketing Honor Society members donated clothing to “Dress of Success” to be used by individuals going on job interviews.

· The Bookstore management returned to the realm of the Business Department and the learning opportunities it offers.

Technology:

The Technology area is focusing more and more into the future with the computer repair, electronics, robotics and computer aided design. Careers and higher learning are the daily focus of teachers and students alike.

· The Robotics program has grown this year with the introduction of basic and advanced training.

· Mr. James Brown hosted the second annual Robotics Exhibition Night at Commack High School. All the parents of the students in the robotics classes attended the event.

· Apprenticeships continue to make a large impression in the department. Many students once again had the change to work long-term with local businesses.

Family/Consumer Sciences:

The members of the Family/Consumer Sciences Department are fond of saying, ”We are not just cooking, anymore.” They are working to follow the NY State focus of a department whose goal is for the health of body and spirit in the nurturing of family and personal dynamics. The classes we now offer and are expanding focus on many areas of the re-defining state curriculum.

· Two members of this department are on state level committees working to lead the programs into the future: Mrs. McAuley and Ms. Benkov, The Future Educators Club has become a part of this department.

· Our curriculum continues with the college level course in Early Childhood Development. This class works in conjunction with North Ridge School to give a shared learning experience. (Five Towns College offers credit for this class.)

SCHOOL - TO - WORK INITIATIVES:

American Sign Language Internship:

This half year internship is designed for the advanced ASL student. Students are transported daily to the Cleary School for the Deaf for two periods. At the school, student interns are assigned to classes where they interact with teachers and hearing impaired students using their ASL skills. Students work with varied age levels and rotate classroom assignments each marking period. Grades are based on evaluations, time sheet logs, and overall performance. An administrator must recommend students. In addition, students must go on a field trip to the site and be interviewed. Post high school plans include Deaf Education, Special Education, ASL and Interpreting.

Communications Internship (Radio):

Students interested in the field of broadcasting, production, audio engineering, advertising or promotions may elect to participate in this half-year program. Students are placed at a local radio station where they rotate through these various departments.

Student-interns spend two periods a day at the radio station. They may be involved in creating commercials, doing voiceovers, dubbing tapes and researching newsworthy topics as well as assisting on air DJ’s. This internship which offers juniors and seniors one half credit, can lead to paid positions at the station. Grades are based on evaluations, daily logs, observations and time sheets. Students must be recommended by their respective subject teacher and must have taken background courses. In addition, students must go on a field trip to the site and be interviewed.

Communications Internship (T.V.)

Students interested in the behind-the scenes technical aspects, as well as the print aspect of television may elect this half year program where students spend three periods a day at a local T.V. studio. Researching news articles, editing copy, tapes and quality control, as well as working in the promotion department are all part of this internship experience. Grades are based on evaluations, daily logs and timesheets. Student must be recommended by their respective subject teacher and must have taken background courses.

Health and Education Internship: (James E. Allen)

Students in the Health and Education Internship Program participate as student interns at the James E. Allen Center in Melville. Students’ work with learning impaired, emotionally and/or physically challenged middle school children on a daily basis for the full school year. Commack High School students experience a different classroom assignment each marking period. Besides their assigned primary classes, students can also observe the Speech, VIP, Music, Physical and Occupational Therapy programs at James E. Allen Center. Most of these future professionals in the areas of Special Education, Psychology, Nursing, Vision/Speech/Physical and Occupational Therapy and Social Work, go on to post-high school education for their respective interests. Colleges include: Boston University, Manhattan College, Loyola, Marymount, St. Josephs, Keane State, Towson, Geneseo, Penn State, University of Maryland, University of North Carolina, University of Buffalo, as well as Plattsburgh. This program is available to 10^th, 11^th and 12^th graders, and they receive one credit. Grades are based on evaluations, daily logs, observations and time sheets. In addition, students must go on a field trip to the site and be interviewed.

Health and Education Internship: (Building Blocks)

Students interested in education or working in the field of physical, occupational, speech or vision therapy are transported daily periods 7 –8 to the Building Blocks Developmental Pre-School. Students spend each marking period in a different classroom or with a different therapist to experience the full spectrum of this educational site. Post high school plans include: Early Childhood Education, Elementary or Special Education. Grades are based on evaluations, daily log, observations and time sheets. In addition, students must go on a field trip to the site and be interviewed.

Pre-Med Internship:

Seniors interested in the field of medicine may participate in this one half year program. Students are transported daily to Huntington Hospital for three periods where they will spend each marking period on a different unit. Specialties include: post anesthesia care, dialysis, oncology, as well as, ICU and the emergency room. Grades are based on evaluations, daily log, observations and time sheets. Their respective subject teacher must recommend students. In addition, students must go on a field trip to the site and be interviewed.

Pre-Veterinary Internship:

Students that participate in the Pre-Veterinary Internship Program attend the Outdoor Lab at Sunken Meadow and the Lab at Caleb Smith Park. This half-year course grants one-half credit. Students at the lab care for, work with, and learn about reptiles, small mammals, birds and fish. Students are transported for two periods daily. Grades are based on evaluations, daily logs, timesheets and observations. Their science teacher must recommend juniors or seniors for the program. In addition, students must go on a field trip to the site and be interviewed.

Wall Street Internship:

Students who are interested in the career areas of finance and economics may elect to participate in this half-year internship program. Juniors or seniors who have taken background courses and are recommended by their instructor may apply. The experience encompasses the work of stockbrokers, financial consultants, and advisors. Students will work with research data, company prospectuses, as well as contact clients on behalf of brokers. Students are transported daily for a half year for two periods to a financial firm. Grades are based on evaluations, daily logs, observations and time sheets.

COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY – John Carr

Commack High School continued to make strides in fulfillment of the technology plan during the 2003 – 2004 academic year. Working toward a goal of having one high-speed laser printer and six networked computers in each classroom, the district has implemented a plan that gives each department some flexibility to tailor their allotment to their specific needs. Every classroom has at least two networked computers, a high-speed networked laser printer and a twenty-seven inch Sony high-resolution monitor.

As part of the flexible implementation plan, Commack already had installed three networked computers and a high-speed laser printer in each classroom for English, Social Studies, and Foreign Language. The Mathematics department had opted to have only two computers in each classroom in order to supply a mini research lab with fifteen networked computers. The Science department has three computers in most of their laboratory-classrooms, while some have only two due to space limitations. In those situations, the remaining allotment of computers was installed in the adjacent science prep rooms. This arrangement benefits both the students and the teachers.

The latest addition to this plan is the “Computers On Wheels” program. The high school now has two computers on wheels carts consisting of fifteen Compaq laptop computers along with a printer in each. The carts containing the computers and printer connect to the network using the connection in the classroom. The laptops have a wireless connection to the carts. Students can use this technology in situations when they do not have access to the interdisciplinary lab. The response of the students to this new technology has been overwhelmingly positive.

Following the pledge of allegiance, student news anchors announce the day’s events and other items of interest. This daily feature has been an overwhelming success with the students. Our state-of-the-art system allows our Audio-Visual Coordinator to program an event for a particular time and location. All of the VCR’s are located in this office. A teacher can schedule the use of a VCR the day before an event and does not have to move any equipment. The teacher merely turns the monitor on with a special remote and orchestrates the playback of this event with the remote. If the teacher wishes to interrupt the presentation for a class discussion, he may do so and then continue when he is ready.

Teachers routinely use the Dukane system to show movies, closed circuit satellite presentations or for presenting local computer applications onto the big screen. Many of our students routinely make PowerPoint presentations to the class by using the capabilities of the Dukane system.

During the past year, teachers have made extensive classroom use of WLIW.org’s video on demand to enhance their lessons. This has proven to be a very successful enhancement to the curriculum. Videos are available for most subject areas and most grade levels.

Each student and staff member has a network account with student accounts limited to 10MB of storage capacity. Students no longer need to carry floppy disks to class since their files can be stored on the network. Last year, each school was equipped with a portable CD-Burner. With this capability, students with the aid of their teachers can archive their files to a CD. This has proven especially useful in our Photoshop and Graphic Arts classes where file sizes are too large to leave in the network folder.

The fiber optic network in Commack has features that make technology problems easier to solve. There is an on-line work order request form that simplifies the repair process. The technology assistants in the building have administrative rights to print queues, and can detect a printer that is low on toner.

The High School has four computer labs devoted to teaching technology. Each of these rooms contains at least twenty-five computer stations. The offerings taught in these rooms include Visual Basic, Advanced Visual Basic, Web page design, Computer Aided Design, Java, Computer Design and Drawing, Desktop Publishing, Microsoft Applications, Computer Graphic Arts, Wall Street Investing and Sports Marketing. Additionally there are other courses in the curriculum that have a major technology component ¾ Fashion Illustration, various levels of calculus, and accounting.

The High School plans to implement two new 30-station labs in the coming school year due to our building expansion. Also a 12-station laptop COW will be residing permanently in our library to facilitate student research.

The High School’s one interdisciplinary computer lab that is available to any teacher who needs to use computer-assisted instruction for a particular topic. English teachers, for instance, make good use of this facility by bringing their senior classes down to work on their research papers. Mathematics teachers use the lab to give their students experience with Geometry Sketch Pad. This lab is also used for staff training.

The High School has also greatly expanded its use of video conferencing. Our High School has hosted numerous panels (i.e., Korean War Veterans, County Executive, etc.), which we have shared via video conferencing with neighboring school districts. We have also hosted the first ever interactive conference from the Holocaust Museum in Washington D.C.

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT – Hugh Patterson

The English Department offers a comprehensive program in all the language arts. The emphasis in all classes is on the development and improvement of reading, writing, listening and speaking. The program provides four full years of instruction to all students of all ability levels. Additionally, the elective courses serve to enhance, develop and enrich students in areas of interest to them, while preparing them to better meet the challenges of work, college and the world beyond high school.

Regents Examination Results: Of the 481 students (virtually all 11^th grade students) taking these exams this year, 457 passed the Regents Comprehensive English Exam (96%) with scores of 65 or higher. 315 students achieved scores of 85 or higher, a “mastery” rate of 65%.
International Baccalaureate Results: Out of a total of 84 students tested, 3 achieved a score of 7 (4%), 23 achieved a score of 6 (27%), 53 achieved a score of 5 (63%), and 5 achieved a score of 4 (6%).
Advanced Placement Course Results: Out of a total of 14 students taking the AP exam in May, 8 students achieved a score of three or better (57%), with 2 students achieving a score of 4 (14%) and 0 students achieving a score of 5 (0%).

HEALTH/PHYSICAL EDUCATION – Judith Budd-Walsh

Commack High School offers instructional opportunities in physical education and health reflective of current trends in health and wellness within the framework of compliance with the New York State Learning Standards.

Physical Education students have the opportunity to participate in a Selective Program of instructional units conducive to their fitness needs, and personal lifestyle choices. All activities are designed to develop cardiovascular health, flexibility, muscular strength and endurance or general well being. Activities included in this program are: Aerobics, Badminton, Basketball, Cardio-games, Dance, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Power Walking, Self Defense, Soccer, Speedball, Tennis, Volleyball, Weight Training, and the meditative arts of Yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates and a comprehensive certification of CPR.

Twelfth grade students may choose the challenge activities offered in Project Adventure, and additional elect “Care and Prevention of Athletic Injuries.” Freshman students participate in a mandated Fitness Education Program. Medically excused students participate in a cognitive program of Adaptive Physical Education, inclusive of individual instruction and activity.

Health students receive instruction in all aspects of fitness and well being. Many of these instructional units utilize the gymnasium as a laboratory setting.

· The school year began and culminated with the AAHPER Youth Physical Test Fitness to measure all aspects of a student’s physical fitness.

· Two students (one male and one female) were awarded honors by Suffolk Zone of New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance for exemplifying outstanding physical performance, scholarship, and citizenship.

· Over 90% of students completed their Physical Education classes I the 2003-04 school year.

MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT – Bruce Leon

The Math Department strives to create a positive atmosphere for learning mathematics and computers. A strong background in both areas is a necessity for success in college and the business world. Our curricula and instruction are constantly monitored and revised. Our honors classes are being challenged more with county and national competitions. Students are required to write more in math classes and submit original projects. Our curricula are being revised to incorporate the Science, Math, and Technology Standards that the State of New York has mandated. The department seeks to involve more and more students in mathematics. Some of the events we sponsor follow:

In this, the seventh year of its existence, the Math Honor Society has inducted 49 new members.
Varsity Math Team:

Although we did not place in the top three in Suffolk County, all four of our Math Teams placed among the top fifteen teams in the County. We competed against 94 other schools in Suffolk County.

Total points: Commack C Team 119 Fourth Place.

Commack A Team 108 Sixth Place.

Commack B Team 104 Ninth Place.

Commack D Team 88 Fifteenth Place.

· Nine of our members, Jason Mencher, Elizabeth Broomfield, Michael Bosogno, Gary Hardoon, Sarah Fink, Michael Onorato, Carl Grafmuller, Rachel Marano, and Stefanie Klein were chosen to compete at the New York State Math Leaque Competition (NYSML), held in Westchester County, on March 17, 2004.

· These same nine students were chosen to compete at the American Regional Math League Competition, (ARML) which took place at Penn State University on June fourth and fifth.

· Top Scorers in the Suffolk County Math League:

Michael Bisogno, Matt Levine and Christel Wohlafka– Fourth Place scorers, scoring 26 out of 30 possible points.

Beau Blumberg – Sixth place scorer, scoring 24 out of 30 possible points.

Elizabeth Broomfield, Gary Hardoon and Jason Mencher– seventh place scorers, scoring

23 out of 30 possible points.

Carl Grafmuller, and Rachel Marano -Eighth place scorers, scoring 22 out of 30 possible points.

Sarah Fink, Stefanie Klein and Jeannette Muniz– Ninth place scorers, scoring 21 out of 30 possible points.

· Ninth Grade Math Team:

Two of our Ninth Grade teams finished in first and third place in Suffolk County. The first place team consisted of Tracey Zhou and Matt Rosenberg and the second place team was made up of Evan Chaicchiaeo and Jason Deng. Awards and trophies were given in May.

Suffolk County Math Tournament:

This Tournament was held at Suffolk Community College in January, 2004. High Schools throughout Suffolk County compete in this competition. Students take exams according to the course in which they are enrolled. This year, once again, we did quite well.

Upper Division: Commack B Third place out of 53 teams – 112 points. We finished two points behind the first and second place teams.

Lower Division: Commack A team finished third out of 38 teams with 88 points.

Individual Top Scorers In the Suffolk County Math Tournament (Held at Suffolk Community College January 2004)

Sarah Fink – Member of third place Upper Division B Team. Fourth highest individual scorer in grade twelve.

Elisabeth Broomfield and Michael Bisogno – members of the fifth place Upper Division A team, fifth and sixth highest scores respectively, in grade twelve.

Rachael Hennessy – Member of Fifth Place Upper Division A Team. Seventh highest individual scorer in grade eleven.

Christel Wohlafka - Member of the Lower Division A Team. Third highest individual scorer in grade ten.

Carl Grafmuller- Member of the Lower Division BTeam. Fifth place individual scorer in grade nine.

· Research Program: This year, sixty students were involved in our research program. We sent twenty-five students to the Long Island Math Fair. Twelve of these students were chosen to return to the final round where four students were awarded Gold medals, two Silver, and six Bronze. Gold Medals went to the following students: Mark Broomfield, Mathew Pinkus, Rachel Engeldrum and Mathew Levine.

· Advanced Placement Calculus BC Program: Ninety-three percent of our students achieved a score of 4 or better on the AP Calculus BC Exam. There were ten five’s, three four’s, and one three. The average grade was 4.643. One hundred percent of the students received a passing grade.

Advanced Placement Calculus AB Program: Ninety-five percent of our forty students achieved a score of 4 or better on the AP Calculus AB Exam. There were twenty four five’s, fourteen four’s, and two three’s. The average was 4.55 out of 5. All forty students taking the Advanced Placement AB Exam received a passing grade.
Advanced Placement Computer Program: Four students sat for this exam. There was one5, two 3’s and one 1.
Advanced Placement Statistics: Forty students sat for this exam. 87.5 percent passed the exam with a score of 3 or higher. The average score was 3.45. It is important to note, however, that this course is virtually open enrollment. The pre-requisite requirements to get into this course are very lenient. Sixty percent scored four or five.
IB Mathematics Program:

The grades range from 1 – 7. A grade of three is considered a passing grade. Out of sixty- seven students enrolled in the IB Math, we had 100% passing all three exams; Higher Level, Methods, and Studies.

· Higher Level: This marks the third year that the IB Higher Level Math Course has run at Commack High School. There are thirty-four schools in the Tri-State Area who are members in the Guild of IB Schools (GIBS). Presently, there are only three schools that offer the Higher Level Mathematics course. All thirteen students scored passed the assessments and the class had an average of 5.15 out of 7.

· Math Methods: This is the fourth year that this course has been running and all thirty- three students scored five or higher with an outstanding average of 6.27 out of 7.

· Math Studies: This is the third year that this course has been running and all thirty-six students passed with ninety-one percent getting a five or better. The average grade was 5.69.

New York State Mathematics League:

This league has six meets with our students competing after school hours. Each meet contains six questions with the top five scores being recorded from each school. Commack High School finished with 138 points out of a possible 180 points. This put us in second place in Suffolk County, sixth on Long Island and nineteenth in New York State. Statewide Two hundred and twenty-five schools competed in this league.

The American Mathematics Competitions sponsored by The Mathematical Association of America, February 20, 2004:

Sixteen eleventh and twelfth graders sat for this extremely rigorous and challenging national exam (ASHME) and five students qualified for the next level exam, the American Invitational Mathematics Exam (AIME), which took place on March 23, 2004. In order to qualify, these students scored one hundred or higher out of a possible one hundred and fifty. The five students were: Stefanie Klein, 112.5 points; Elizabeth Broomfield, 110 points, Michael Onorato, 103 points; Stephan Georgiou, 101 points, and Gary Hardoon, 100.5 points.

The Suffolk County Mathematics Teachers Association 49^th Annual Mathematics Contest was held on March 16, 2004. Several of our students received recognition for their achievements on this exam. Michael Bisogno placed sixth in the County on the Level C (Calculus) exam. Rachael Hennessy and Matt Levine placed sixth in the County on the level lV (Pre Calculus) exam. Christel Wohlafka placed first in the County on the level lll exam. Tracey Zhou finished first in the County on the level 2 exam, with Mathew Kury and Harry Beyel placing third in the County on the level 2 exam. Chris Bender placed sixth in the County on the level 2 exam.

MUSIC DEPARTMENT – Paul R. Infante – Coordinator of Music, K-12

There are 19 performing groups in the music department: 9^th Grade Band, 10^th Grade Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Marching Band, ICA Wind Ensemble, ICA Stage Band, ICA Instrumental Jazz Ensemble, ICA Jazz Messengers’, 11/12 Symphony Orchestra, 10^th Grade Concert Orchestra, 9^th Grade Orchestra, ICA Chamber Orchestra, Treble Choir, Chorale, Ninth and Tenth Grade Mixed Chorus, ICA Chamber Choir, ICA Men’s Choir, ICA Women’s Choir, and ICA Vocal Jazz Ensemble. Each of these group participated in concerts as part of the regular music curriculum. Additional performances are listed below. The department also offered Music Theory 1, 11/IB, Guitar Ensemble, and Jazz Improvisation that allowed students the opportunity to obtain a regents sequence in music. More than 30% of the total student body is involved in the music program.

The American Music Conference (AMC), the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) and the National School Boards Association (NSBA) recognized Commack Public Schools as one of the Best 100 Communities in America for Music Education in 2002. The GRAMMY FOUNDATION recognized Commack as a top 100 Finalist in the GRAMMY Signature Schools Program for the second consecutive year.

Several orchestral students and family members, along with Mrs. Dow-Friia, attended the 25^th anniversary-opening concert of the Long Island Philharmonic at Staller Center (Stony Brook University) on Saturday night, September 20, 2003. There they heard many fine pieces performed by Long Island’s own professional orchestra.

They heard many standard classical pieces by Berlioz, Rachmaninoff, Tchaikovsky, and Dvorak. The concert featured Lynn Harrell, a world-renowned cellist. They also attended a performance by the New York Philharmonic Orchestra.

The Marching Band performed at the 41^st Annual Newsday Marching Band Festival, all home football games, Home Coming, pep rallies, and the Memorial Day Parade.

The Caroling Choir provided musical entertainment for “Breakfast of Champions” and the Board of Education Appreciation Week. They also performed at a faculty breakfast, toured and performed at the middle school and high school, Pediatric Unit at Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip, an assisted living nursing home in Dix Hills, and a special holiday performance at the administration building.

The ICA Chamber Orchestra and Guitar Ensemble performed various holiday selections in the lobby of the high school. Many of the high school performing groups and small ensembles played on a weekly basis in the lobby of the high school.

The ICA Instrumental Jazz Ensemble, the ICA Jazz Messengers’, and ICA Vocal Jazz Festival awarded three students as outstanding musician and one student earned 3^rd place as overall outstanding jazz vocalist.

The ICA Chamber Orchestra performed at the NYSSMA Major Organization Festival and earned a level VI Gold.

The music department took several field trips: The music department attended a New York Philharmonic performance at Lincoln Center. The ICA Chamber Choir, Symphonic Band, and the ICA Wind Ensemble performed at various music festivals in Richmond, VA and Williamsburg, VA earning ratings of Superior.

The ICA Chamber Orchestra performed at the Honor Society Induction Ceremonies.

The ICA Chamber Orchestra performed at Schneider’s Children’s Hospital in December.

The Symphonic Band and members of the ICA Chamber Choir performed at the annual Senior Awards Assembly.

Members of the Music Department went to the Metropolitan Opera to see a performance of The Barbiere di Siviglia by Gioacchino Rossini.

The ICA Vocal Jazz Ensemble performed for the Varsity Athletic Awards Ceremony.

The music department continued with its music computer studies program involving Theory 1, Theory 11/IB classes.

The ICA Jazz Messengers’ performed at a Principal/Directors meeting in December and a Senior Citizens Breakfast in May.

The ICA Chamber Choir, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Messengers’, and a piano quintet performed at the Board of Education Silver Anniversary Retirement Ceremony.

The ICA Stage Band and ICA Jazz Messengers performed at the annual PTA Founders Day celebration at the Melville Marriott.

The ICA Jazz ensemble, ICA Chamber Orchestra, ICA Stage Band and ICA Men’s Ensemble performed at the annual District Music Scholarship Concert.

Students of the Commack School District were nominated and selected for the follow prestigious Festivals:

Twenty Students were selected to perform in the NYSCAME/SCMEA All-County Festival.
Thirty-nine students were selected to participate in the SCMEA All-County Division 1 Festival.
Twenty students were selected to participate in the SCMEA All-County Division 11 Festival.
Twenty-seven students were selected to participate in the SCMEA All-County Division 111 Festival.
Twenty-two students were selected to participate in LISFA.
Six students participated in the SCMEA Howard Hovey Tuba Day Festival.
Eleven students participated at the SCMEA All-County Percussion Ensemble.
One Student was selected to participate in the SCMEA All-County Jazz Festival.
Eight Students were selected to participate in the NYSSMA All-State performing groups.

Some of these All-State and non All-State students performed a variety of selections at Board of Education meetings.

Over 650 students participated in the NYSSMA Solo and Ensemble Festival held this past spring.
Over 200 students participated in the NYSSMA Piano Solo and Ensemble Festival held in April.
Tri-M, the National Music Honor Society, inducted twenty-one students. This took place at a ceremony in the spring.

Tri-M was extremely active this past year performing at many school functions and community centers including; Building Blocks Developmental School, Gurwin Geriatric Center, Fall Recital, participating in Homecoming weekend, Halloween Happening, and the National Italian Honor Society. Students performed solo and ensemble works in the lobby of the high school.

The Masque & Wig with the help of the Music Department, presented the Broadway Musical, Les Misérables.
Music students performed for faculty and staff before school in the high school lobby for “Music In Our Schools Month”.
Members of the Symphonic Band and Chorale performed at graduation.
Members of the ICA Women’s Choir, ICA Chamber Choir, and the ICA Chamber Orchestra performed at Heckscher Museum in Huntington, NY.
A student woodwind quintet and various string ensembles performed at the Huntington Arts Council, Inc. art exhibition in Melville. The woodwind quintet also prepared an audition tape for participation in the Lincoln Center Chamber Music Society’s high school competition, receiving award certificates for their accomplishments. The group performed at a recital at the Julliard School of Music, at the World Language Student Recognition Awards Ceremony, at the Tri-M Induction Ceremony, and in the high school lobby.
The 9^th Grade Band, 9/10 Chorus, and 9^th Grade Orchestra performed for the Middle School Band, Chorus, and Orchestra members to recruit for the upcoming school year.
The ICA Stage Band, ICA Instrumental Jazz Ensemble, ICA Jazz Messengers’, ICA Vocal Jazz Ensemble, and the Jazz Improvisation Class performed at the third annual All-District Jazz Night featuring Andy Farber, Artist in Residence.
The High School Symphonic Band and ICA Select Vocal Chorus performed for the High School graduation.
Dr. Boonshaft, a professor and the Director of Bands at Hofstra University, held a clinic for the members of the ICA Wind Ensemble.
Reber Clark, a world-renowned composer and conductor, held clinics for the 9^th and 10^th Grade Bands.
The ICA Instrumental Jazz Ensemble and ICA Jazz Messengers’ performed at the Valedictorian’s Luncheon sponsored by the Suffolk County Schools Superintendent’s Association.
Representatives from the United States Marines spoke to members of the Symphonic Band recruiting students for their various ensembles.
Various student musicians participated in a 9/11-memorial tribute dedicating a 9/11 monument at the High School track.
Dr. Daniel Gordon, Associate Professor of Music at Crane, held a clinic for the High School Chorale and the ICA Chamber Choir.
The ICA Vocal and Instrumental Jazz Ensembles held a “Rehearse-a-Thon” to raise money for their trip to the Berklee College High School Jazz Festival in Boston.
Students involved in music portion of the International Baccalaureate program traveled twice to the Metropolitan Opera to observe Director’s Rehearsals, the opening rehearsal of the production Don Giovanni by W.A. Mozart, view what a dress rehearsal functions like, complete with costumes, set, orchestra, and staging, and to attend a clinic by Thomas Hampson, a renowned singer who was performing the title role.
The ICA Jazz Messengers’ performed and held a jazz clinic for students involved in the Sawmill Intermediate School Jazz Ensemble.
The Long Island Baroque society visited members of the orchestra during the month of April.
The ICA Jazz Messengers’ performed at the annual High School College Fair as well as the annual Secretaries luncheon.
The ICA Women’s Choir participated in a Choral Festival at Queens College in June.
A vocalist from the choral program sang the national anthem at the Commack North Little League Opening Day festivities.

SCIENCE DEPARTMENT – Terrence McNamara

In the 2003-2004 school year, approximately 1781 students were enrolled in 19 different course offerings. Of these students, 1416 (80% of the total science enrollment) wrote a Regents paper in the Living Environment, Chemistry, Earth Science or Physics. Our Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate Science offerings (AP/HL Biology, AP/HL Chemistry, AP/SL Environmental Science, AP/HL Physics and SL Physics) for the interested students had 220 students taking Advanced Placement and/or International Baccalaureate exams with 90% receiving a grade of three or higher. A class in Marine Biology was offered to students in the Spring semester with field work during the month of July. A course in College Forensics was offered with enabled students to earn college credits for their course work in Forensic science.

Science Research

The Science Research Program is now entering its 19th year. Students from the introductory 9^th grade portion of the program are now continuing with their full year of independent investigation. Students who are currently juniors and seniors are continuing their research from last year. Our Science Research Course is affiliated with the Stony Brook University Research Support Programs.

Siemens-Westinghouse Competition -Michael Bisogno – Regional Finalist Invited to present work at MIT

Sarah Fink

Gary Hardoon

Steven Leigh

Intel Competition

Elizabeth Broomfield – semi-finalist

Sarah Fink – semi-finalist

Jason Mencher

Gary Hardoon

Michael Bisogno

NY State Intel Competition

Elizabeth Broomfield – highest honors

Jason Mencher – honors

Long Island Science and Engineering Fair (LISEF)

Michael Bisogno – invited to present work in round 2

Sarah Fink – invited to present work in round 2

Long Island JSHS ( Junior Science and Humanities Symposium at Adelphi)

Seven students entered research projects ranging from “protein synthesis” to “Seasonal Affective Disorder”.

Long Island Science Congress ( LISC)

Four of our students submitted the results of their research to the Congress. They were all recognized for exemplary work

Dupont Competition

Christine Yang

Toshiba Exploravision

Jeanette Muniz

Katherine Karp

Knowledge Master Competition ( AUK)

9^th grade team: Fall competition – 1^st in NY

Spring Competition – 2^nd in NY, ranked 25 out of 147 worldwide

10 – 12 team: Spring Competition – 10^th in state

Ranked 301 out of 838 worldwide

LIMSAT: Young Scientist Class of 2003

Inducted:

Michael Bisogno

Elizabeth Broomfield

Sarah Fink

Manhattanville Competition

Sarah Fink

History Day Competition

Matthew Levine – 3^rd Long Island

Jeein Yoo – 4^th Long Island

National Archives

Josh Kaplan

Megan Boylan

Gunjin Kathuria

Jenny Kim

Math Fair

25 Students entered

12 invited to present at final round

4 Gold Medals

2 Silver Medals

6 Bronze Medals

Elective Courses

During the year we offered five elective science courses in addition to our research, Regents, Advanced Placement, and International Baccalaureate programs.

Clinical Lab Techniques continues to be a successful course in terms of student participation and success. Marine Science, Horticulture, Forensic Science, and College Forensics are now offered to our students.

Special Projects and Activities:

Brookhaven Bridge Competition: This year for the first time we had the County winner. We ran a school-wide competition to select the entries into the Suffolk County Competition.

Physics and Fun at Great Adventure - Approximately 200 students attended Physics Day at Great Adventure, where students explored physics concepts that make the amusement attractions possible.

The Marine Science Program - students participated in two innovative programs:

a) The Scallop Bowl – A marine science/environmental science based competition.

b) “Sound Waters” Project (with financial aid from the PTA) - students study the Long Island Sound aboard a sixty-foot sailing ship. The program augments our students’ education regarding our local marine life, as well as fresh water and ground water pollution problems.

The Commack High School Greenhouse - Construction on Greenhouse Project was completed and a curriculum was prepared integrating the greenhouse activities in our research, environmental and biology courses. Aspects of the science research program were focused on projects utilizing the unique properties of the greenhouse. The greenhouse is not relegated exclusively to the Science Department. Various departments utilize the greenhouse for their own specific needs, including the adjacent amphitheater.

· Bronx Zoo Trip -All of our biology classes attended a field trip to the zoo to reinforce the environmental portion of the curriculum.

· New York Museum of Natural History

Our earth science classes attended programs at the museum and did research on science topics while there.

· Atlantis Aquarium

Our marine science and honors biology students attended a lecture and investigated the many exhibits at the Riverhead facility.

Science Courtyard/Amphitheater

The courtyard area previously paved over with asphalt has been resurrected and is being redesigned as an environmental center and outside lecture area. Several extensive planting beds were completed during the spring. Populations of fish, amphibians, and turtles have been established. Bat boxes were built and hung on the walls to attract these beneficial creatures. Science students and their teachers are performing all the work. We added a Horticulture elective, which will use the facility to bolster our school-to-work offerings.

Extra-Help Sessions - Weekend and after school extra-help sessions were expanded for regents’ science students in all disciplines before the January and June regents’ exams.

· Learning Labs -Learning labs in all science disciplines were initiated and taught by science department staff, with the goal of bolstering the performance of some of our weaker science students.

· Science Olympiad -Four of the science department members coached the Science Olympiad team into the final rounds on Long Island. The team placed third on Long Island and earned the right to compete at the State level for the second time. At the State level, we were awarded several medals.

SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT – Patricia McKeever

The Commack High School Social Studies Department continues to maintain its commitment to excellence. It is the mission of the twenty-two members of our Social Studies staff to prepare all students to become active participants in a democratic society, lifelong learners, and concerned citizens of the global community. In pursuit of these goals, our students are required to study four years of social studies in a specified Regents curriculum. This curriculum includes Global History R and H; H/Pre-IB; United States History R, IB/AP; Government; and Economics R, AP. Many students choose to enroll in additional elective courses offered by the department. These courses provide a broader and richer experience in the social sciences and include Psychology, Military History, 20^th Century European History, American History and Global History Film Studies. Other students may earn college credit and/or advanced placement by selecting Advanced Placement courses (IB/AP United States History, IB/AP Psychology, AP Macroeconomics and St John’s University Economics). The Social Studies Department also offers individualized academic support in learning labs for students who require additional social studies skill development in order to achieve success in an all Regents program.

2004 January/June Regents Exam Results:

Of the 520 tenth grade students who sat for the Global History & Geography Exam, 90.57% received passing grades, and 48.27% achieved grades above mastery level. Of the 467 eleventh grade students who sat for the United States History Exam, 94.4% received passing grades, and 55.67% achieved grades above mastery level.

SPECIAL SERVICES – Marcia Ettinger

Students in the Special Education program receive instruction by team teaching in inclusion and skills support classes thus providing equal access to all curricula and instruction. Teachers in these classes adapt curricula and modify instruction and provide learning strategy support to meet the specific needs of students. The team teaching inclusion program has been continued in English, mathematics, science and social studies classes. Students are mainstreamed based on recommendations on their IEP.

Students in the Resource Room program meet one period a day in a class of five students with a special education teacher. For the most part, these students have mild learning difficulties, but are able to function in regular classes for all content areas. Resource room teachers facilitate student performance by networking and consulting with teachers and parents and by providing students with instruction in the areas of study skills, critical thinking, learning strategies and all content support. (Fifty-three special education students graduated in 2004; thirty-two earned Regents diplomas, and two received IEP diplomas.)

ACE Program – The emphasis is to prepare each of our students, from a practical perspective, to become viable independent, caring and socially compatible members of society. Some of these students are involved in a work-study program at Home Depot.
Special Remediation for the English Regents was also provided by reading and resource room teachers to small, select groups of 11^th and 12^th grade students who demonstrated a need in these areas based upon previous test performance and teacher recommendation. In addition, reading teachers tested all new entrants from other school districts within New York State, as well as from out of state, to assist in determining appropriate academic placement.
English as a Second Language students are also scheduled into the Learning Center for ESL instruction from a BOCES ESL teacher. This instruction focuses on developing second language acquisition in the four skill areas of reading, writing, speaking and understanding for students on the beginning, intermediate and advanced levels.
Transition and School-to-Work Programs - This past summer, one special education student worked in the Commack School District in building maintenance and office skills. Funding for this program was provided by the Commack School District and the Suffolk County Department of Labor.

WORLD LANGUAGE – John Maher

The World Language Department offers students the opportunity to go beyond their Regents requirements and perfect their language skills in levels four and five of French, Spanish, German and Italian. More than 80% of our language students continued into our advanced post-Regents courses. Many of our advanced students take college level courses and receive college credit for their work. Both Latin and American Sign Language are offered up to level three.

Regents Exams: The passing rates on this year’s Regents exams were: French: 100%, German: 100%, American Sign Language 100%, Latin 100%, Spanish: 99%, and Italian: 100%.
69% of our students scored at or above the mastery level.
Commack High School served as a testing center for the National Spanish exam.
Commack once again hosted the French “Grand Concours” examination.
103 students received college credit for their high school work.
4 of our students received honorable mention in an Italian Poetry Contest.
2 students were award winners in a Spanish Poetry Contest.
5 students were award winners in the National French Exam.
13 students were award winners in the National Spanish Exam.
8 students were award winners in the Latin Certamen contest.

CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAM

A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE:

This organization gives students the opportunity to engage in a training workshop facilitated by The World of Difference Institute. The Institute works hand-in hand with their Anti-Defamation League to end all forms of discrimination. Students engage in hands-on activities that target stereotypes and bias issues. These activities serve as tools to promote tolerance. Students work in collaboration with one another in order to promote acceptance of, and appreciation for, diversity in our school and throughout the Commack community. Acceptance into the “A World of Difference” program is based on teacher recommendation and an interview process.

AMERICAN COMPUTER SCIENCE LEAGUE

ACSL organizes four computer science contests and computer programming contests for junior and senior high school students. About 225 schools in the United States and Canada participate in ACSL. In addition there are a handful of teams from Croatia and Japan. CHS participates in two divisions. The Senior Division is geared to those high school students with experience programming computers, especially those taking a Computer Science programming course and to advanced Middle School students.

AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE CLUB:

The ASL Club is open to any sign language student who is interested in expanding their knowledge of ASL. Our primary goal is to promote awareness and education of the deaf community’s culture and language. Students of the ASL Club will attend meetings and will discuss current issues and events. This club allows students to sharpen their expressive as well as their receptive skills.

ART DISPLAY:

Art Display is a service organization comprised of students enrolled in the art program who are interested in enhancing the calligraphy and illustration skills they are taught in art classes. Members decorate the showcases and provide illustrations for the hallways.

ART DISPLAY:

ART/PORTFOLIO CLUB:

The Art/Portfolio Club is a group of students who want to create artwork beyond the regular school day. The club meets weekly and is designed for artists who want to experiment with all types of media. The club is also a valuable meeting place to develop portfolios for the National Art Honor Society and college admission.

ATHLETES HELPING ATHLETES:

Athletes Helping Athletes is a school program that allows 10^th, 11^th and 12^th grade scholar-athletes the opportunity to mentor, discuss and advise younger students at Burr & Sawmill Intermediate Schools about making healthy life decisions, prevention. If chosen to participate, students will be trained on three separate occasions at Adelphi University located in Garden City, New York.

BIBLE CLUB:

The Bible Club is a group of students that partake in religious discussions as well as the study of the Old and New Testaments found in the Bible. Club members try to gain understanding of the Christian faith, life and the appropriate way to live in today’s society according to God’s will. Members often partake in active debates of their views on controversial issues of today’s world, as well as decisions that teens face from day to day, and how their beliefs and faith tie in. All students are welcome to join.

BOOK OF THE MONTH CLUB:

The Book of the Month Club is sponsored by the library and is open to any student interested in reading great books. At our meetings, we discuss the monthly book selection as well as other great books written by that author or in that genre. Sample titles of the books read are: Touching Spirit Bear, Make Lemonade, The Crazy Horse Electric Game and others. Club members are also invited to special library events such as author visits.

BOYS LEADERS’ CORPS:

Boys Leaders’ Corps is a service organization that fosters the development of athletic ability, academic excellence, leadership qualities, and community responsibility. It recognizes the ‘scholar-athlete,’ who is that student who maintains an academic average of at least 85% and who is a member of a freshman, junior varsity or varsity athletic team.

The Corps is actively involved in all school events and serves as a vital link between the school and the greater community, fostering ties through selfless service and participation in charity and fundraising events. Through their annual sponsorship of the Blood Drive, the BLC has put Commack High School on the map as one of the highest contributing high school blood donors in Suffolk County. The Corps is always string to find new and creative ways to contribute to the community and articulate the virtues that embody the organization.

The Corps also organizes three athletic tournaments throughout the academic year, meant to reinforce the skills learned in our physical education and athletic programs. Through competition and good sportsmanship the Corps hopes that events such as these will promote athletic growth, leadership, and service to community amongst all Commack students. We dually hope that this event will further student involvement and help to promote a greater sense of ‘Commack Pride’ amongst our students and staff.

Funds collected through our athletic competitions, car washes, and additional fundraising efforts are used to support several international, domestic, and community charity organizations. These include but not limited to the Long Island Alzheimer’s Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation International, Long Island Cancer Society, March of Dimes, Hope House, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Corps members are expected to be active members in school and community events, thereby helping them develop the leadership skills necessary for a full and successful life. Students who wish to become members must submit an application along with recommendations from teachers and coaches.

BRAINSTORMERS;

Brainstormers consists of two five member teams, a varsity and a junior varsity, each of which competes in a regional quiz bowl league, and may participate in other academic competitions as well. Students not on either team are welcome to attend the weekly practices. Monthly quiz bowl matches, whereby teams compete by answering questions drawn from all academic areas, are held at a school in Suffolk County. Weekly practices and in-school contests are held on Wednesday afternoons. The teams form in October. The JV placed 2^nd on Long Island in the finals of the Regional Quiz Bowl.

BUDDY PROGRAM:

Were you ever the new kid in class? Do you remember how uncomfortable it felt? You wished you could return to familiar things – the old neighborhood – good friends.

A “buddy” just might be the solution to this common problem. A buddy is a student volunteer who helps a new student feel comfortable about their new school by answering questions and escorting them around the building. The buddies’ responsibilities may also include such things as: eating lunch with them, helping them read their schedule, and discussing resources and activities available in the school and community. All students are welcome. The following students assisted approximately thirty new entrants with their transition to Commack High School: 9^th Graders: Jennifer Brown, Teresa Malatesta, Jessenia Montoya and Jared Newman. 10^th Graders: Ilana Cantor and Ayesha Khan. 11th Graders^: Stephanie Dunaieff, Stefanie Fleishman, Lara Nasifoglu, Lisa Marie Talbot and Choyi Yang. 12^th Graders: Zara Chaudary, Susie Choi, Adam Holtzer, Erica (Minju) Koo, Deana Mauro and Carina Scagluso.

BUSINESS AND MARKETING HONOR SOCIETY:

The Business and Marketing Honor Society recognizes students who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in a secondary business/marketing program. Students should also demonstrate qualities of character, responsibility and attitude. Eligibility requirements: GPA of 88% in Business Courses; currently enrolled in a business course (fall and/or spring); Seniors – must complete three credits in business by the end of the current school year, Sophomores and Juniors must complete two credits in business by the end of the current school year and plan to continue for at least one additional credit prior to graduation.

CAMERA CLUB:

The Camera Club is an organization of beginning and advanced photographers. Established in 1999, the purpose of the club is to bring together students with interests in photography in order to share ideas, knowledge, and insights to help improve the skills and abilities of members and to expand their horizons and creativity.

The club primarily works in black and white photography, however, photographers are also encouraged to shoot color, digital and slide. They assisted in the beautification of the high school by continuing the tradition of displaying photographs throughout the building as well as print exhibits in the Main Lobby. The club hosts school-wide photography competitions each year. Members are encouraged to enter numerous photography competitions while developing a personal style and portfolio of work.

CHAMBER ORCHESTRA:

Chamber Orchestra is a highly select group of string players chosen by audition and teacher recommendation. The group provides the more advanced members of the orchestra an opportunity to practice the skills taught in their music classes as they learn and perform more difficult compositions. Participation in 9^th Grade Orchestra, Concert Orchestra or Symphony Orchestra is a prerequisite. Students who participate receive one academic credit.

CHESS CLUB:

The Chess Club is open to any student who is a master at the game, an intermediate or a beginning player. Basic to advanced strategies of winning the game are taught. Meetings are held weekly from early September through June. Advanced players compete to play on the Commack Chess Team. These advanced players compete weekly against Suffolk High School Teams for the County League Championship.

COMEDY TROUPE:

The Comedy Troupe is a sketch-comedy writing and performance club. Students write, develop and perform in their original sketches for social interaction and to enhance their understanding of the various theater modules.

COMMACK TECHNOLOGY HONOR SOCIETY:

The mission of the Technology Honor Society is to promote technological literacy and foster its creative and responsible use by students. THS is organized to enhance the technological expertise of its members, to provide training and support for students and faculty in technology and strengthen the school’s relationships with business and industry. Members also participated in a variety of engineering and technology competitions. To become a member, a student must have a 90 average in a high school technology course. Faculty recommendation is also required.

COUGAR RADIO:

Disc Jockeys (DJ’s) are signed up for morning and afternoon shows, which broadcast school news, upcoming events and a variety of popular music. Each of the DJ’s must compose a song list during or prior to broadcast. These song lists must include a minimum of three types of music and a variety of popular music, which can be enjoyed by the students and faculty of Commack High School. DJ’s bring in their own CD’s and cassettes for their radio shows. Cougar Radio (WCHS) runs a coffee house, “In the Spotlight”, four times a year, where poetry is read, acoustic performances are showcased and coffee is served. In addition, the club helps publicize school activities and events and introduces students to the world of radio broadcasting and engineering. Successful students may move on to get an internship with one of several local radio stations.

THE COURANT:

The Courant the high school newspaper is an outgrowth of the English curriculum, which gives students an opportunity to practice the writing, rewriting, and editing skills taught in their English classes. The student run publication releases five issues per year and encompasses all aspects of professional journalism. Students also use the skills taught in their computer, art, and photography classes in preparing the layout, graphics, and photographs in each issue of the newspaper.

CROSSROADS:

Crossroads, the high school yearbook, is a record of the school year, the people and events. Each senior’s portrait is included in a color section, and juniors, sophomores, and freshmen are featured in the underclass section. Everyone on the faculty and staff is also represented. In addition, Crossroads covers every major activity, club and sport from September to May. This exciting club allows a student to choose from a variety of activities needed in order to produce such a book: photography, layout, design, and graphics copy writing, management and sales. No prior experience is necessary. What is necessary is a commitment of time and enthusiasm.

DEBATE CLUB:

The Debate Club is designed for all grades and students of all abilities. It will entail training and competition in the area of Forensics (public discussion and debates) with students of other schools from all over Long Island, as well as among students attending Commack High School. The time commitments are often for 10-hour days on 5 or 6 Saturdays each year as well as frequent meetings after school.

ETCHINGS;

Etchings, Commack High School’s award-winning literary and arts magazine, is a forum that inspires writers and artists to submit original poetry, prose, and artwork. Staff members meet weekly to analyze, interpret, and discuss works for possible publication, focusing specifically on theme, structure, imagery and emotive detail. All 10-12 graders are welcome to submit literature, join our staff, or just simply stop in for a wonderful afternoon of stirring poetry and rousing conversation.

FUTURE AMERICAN STRING TEACHERS ASSOCIATION:

All string players who are possibly interested in a career as a string teacher are invited to join FASTA, the CHS student chapter of the national organization called ASTA (American String Teachers Association). FASTA meets weekly to discuss and work on issues specific to string teachers. Students learn to conduct, play secondary string instruments, and work on rehearsal techniques. Harp and classical guitar players are welcome as well.

FUTURE BUSINESS LEADERS OF AMERICA:

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) encourages its members to develop the leadership and organizational skills they have learned in their business classes and to connect those skills to future careers. Club members arrange field trips to local businesses, develop guest speaker programs, participate in Newsday’s Stock Market Game, attend county and state business competitions and fund-raise for local charities. F.B.L.A. is open to all students who are currently enrolled in at a business course or who have previously taken a business course.

FUTURE EDUCATORS OF AMERICA CLUB:

The Future Educators America Club is open to any Commack High School student who is interested in the profession of education. Its membership continues to grow. Students may volunteer to work with children in the Commack Community. Students involved in the club will experience the diverse expectations and responsibilities needed to be a successful, dynamic teacher. Over twenty students were placed in North Ridge as “high school helpers” in the classroom. The high school students volunteered their time to work with primary school children to receive CSIP credit. Many members participated in various school-sponsored events such as Halloween Happening while others contributed their time and effort to create a garden in the lunchroom courtyard. This year the club donated two scholarships of $150.00 each to two graduating seniors. The FEA organized an extremely successful “Career Day,” which included. Shadowing teachers throughout the district and hosted various teachers who spoke at club meetings to different aspects of the field.

FUTURE HEALTH PROFESSIONALS OF AMERICA:

The Future Health Professionals of America provides students with the opportunity to become familiar with and explore the various health related and allied services such as Medicine, Nursing, Physician’s Assistant, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, Nutrition, Social Work, Psychology, Pharmacy, etc. Meetings are held twice a month and cover current issues in the health fields. Health processionals from various services and disciplines are invited to address the club regarding their fields including educational requirements and employment opportunities. Students are guided to become familiar with their health field interests and helped to formulate personal objectives in educational and career goals.

GAY STRAIGHT ALLIANCE:

The Gay Straight Alliance seeks to increase the awareness of humanity, sensitivity, and respect for others and tolerance through films, lectures, and trips. The students explore social challenges and injustices. It is the group’s hope to further a better understanding to enable CHS students to live together in harmony.

GIRLS LEADERS’ CORPS:

Girls Leaders’ Corps is an organization, which fosters the development of athletic ability, academic excellence, and community responsibility. Corps members, in cooperation with other based organizations, sponsors and participates in a number of athletic fundraising events, including soccer and sports activities. Proceeds from these tournaments are donated to a variety of local and national charities. In addition, Corps members are required to volunteer their time and skills to community organizations. Requirements for membership include a minimum academic average of 85 and participation in a school sponsored sport-related activity. Students who wish to become members must also submit an application and recommendations.

GRANDFRIENDS CLUB:

Grandfriends is an organization, which encourages high school students to become involved with the senior citizens in the Commack district. By interacting with the seniors in our community, the members become more compassionate and understanding of our aging population. Members of Grandfriends contact and visit senior citizens on a regular basis. Recreational, social, and fundraising activities are planned throughout the year. The group donates $2,000 yearly to various worthwhile senior citizens’ groups.

GREENHOUSE CLUB:

The mission of the Greenhouse Club is to beautify Commack High School through plantings and garden structures. Their two responsibilities are the greenhouse and the courtyard/pond area. Throughout the year, the club does environmental projects that will benefit the high school and surrounding areas. Through this mission knowledge is gained, valuable practical and vocational skills are taught and learned, and groups of students and teachers work together to accomplish shared goals.

HARD ROCK CLUB:

The Hard Rock Club was formed as an extension of the Music Department curriculum, as well as the Instrumental Music Program at BOCES Cultural Arts. The purpose of the club is to provide students at Commack High School the opportunity to develop their musical abilities as well as perform with other students who share similar musical preferences. The Hard Rock Club is open to all students of Commack High School, however, student must have their own musical instruments and equipment.

The Hard Rock Club meets twice a week, Tuesday is musical instruction day, where students receive instruction in basic music theory, as well as learning chords and reading “tabs.” Friday is performance day where students “jam” or play set pieces of music.

HISTORY HONOR SOCIETY:

The History Honor Society was established at Commack High School in 2002. It is affiliated with the New York State Historical Association Education Department. It is established for the purpose of Embracing the History of Mankind. The mission of this honor society is to promote the study of history through the encouragement of research, exchange of ideas, mentoring, and the growth of intellectual and social stimulus by its members. In addition, the History Honor Society encourages history teachers and students to collaborate with the History Society and other school organizations and activities. Members are expected to participate in sponsored events, including National History Day, guest speakers, an interview with a veteran, fundraising, a historical debate, panel discussion on UN policies and a visit to the Holocaust Museum. Membership is open to Juniors and Seniors. Candidates for membership must have achieved a GPA in history of 90 or above and a cumulative average of 85 or above in addition to a letter of recommendation from their present social studies teacher.

ICA CHAMBER CHOIR:

ICA Chamber Choir is a highly select group of singers chosen by audition. The choir has received national recognition, and was selected as the honor group at the Dixie Classic Music Festival. The ensemble performs extensively throughout the school year. Performance opportunities include concerts in the Commack community and surround areas as well as some travel. The literature encompasses both traditional choral works, as well as lesser-known repertoire for choir. Students must meet pre-requisite requirements, which are listed in the Curriculum Guide.

INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL SOCIETY:

The International Cultural Society is an organization whose purpose is to expose students to the vast ethnic and cultural diversities within Commack and the global community. Activities of this club are designed to both allow students to explore their interests in world cultures and engage in humanitarian initiatives that impact people throughout the world. Members participate in school related activities such as Halloween Happening, Homecoming and Commack Day. Monies from fundraising activities are donated to local and international charities. In addition, ICS holds its own annual food festival, takes students on field trips to local areas of interest, and raises funds for charity throughout the year. Charities helped by ICS in the 2003-2004 school year include the international Red Cross, Oprah’s Angel Network (to fight AIDS in South Africa), and Helping Hand for Nepal.

INTERNATIONAL THESPIAN SOCIETY:

The International Thespian Society is dedicated to fostering student involvement with all aspects of the theatrical arts. It is an honor society of sorts that seeks not only to commend students for their consistent work in theater but also demands that they continue to hone and polish their theatrical skills. Through this venue, underclassmen involvement in the theatrical arts has been increased here at Commack High School. One of the great benefits of this new club is the opportunity for mentoring between advanced theater students and theatrical beginners. International Thespian Society meetings take place once a month after school. These meetings are used for a variety of purposes including acting workshops, improvisation work, discussion of theater in the news, theatrical review and critique, and backstage work on current CHS Masque & Wig productions. The International Thespian Society requires that all nominees for membership contribute 200 hours of work to the theater. These hours may be logged by working on CHS stage crew, lighting or sound design, properties management, set building, box office ticket sales and advertisement, or simply acting as dramaturges to the director or stage manager.

The Society recognizes active members of ITS by sending a monthly issues of Dramatics Magazine to their homes. In addition, members are honored at the annual One-Act Festival by having their names announced and by acting in one of the selected shows. Overall, it is expected that members of ITS will not only develop into multi-faceted theater aficionados, but will also learn the value of accountability and hard work through their dedication to the monthly meetings and their participation in the spring One Act Festival.

During the 2003-2004 school year, the society established itself as a strong creative force by running an improvisation workshop and implementing a series of self-governing concepts within the society. In addition, it participated in several fundraising events that contributed financially to Student Council and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. The youngest members of the society also made their theatrical debut at the first annual International Thespian Society induction ceremony.

JAZZ ENSEMBLE:

The Jazz Ensemble is an ICA big band ensemble that consists of highly select musicians chosen by audition and teacher recommendation. As stipulated in the curriculum guide, a student must be a participating member of the Music Department. This ensemble provides advanced students the opportunity to perform music from the jazz idiom in a big band setting. Students in this ensemble must have strong reading and improvising skills in the jazz idiom. Students who participate receive one academic credit.

JAZZ MESSENGERS:

The Jazz Messengers is an ICA small group ensemble that consists of the most highly select musicians chosen by audition and teacher recommendations. A student must be a participating member of the Music Department as listed in the curriculum guide. This ensemble provides advanced students the opportunity to perform and improvise in small jazz combo settings. Students in this ensemble must have strong reading and improvising skills in the be-bop jazz idiom. A student who participates receives one academic credit.

LIT (LAMDA IOTA TAU) ENGLISH HONOR SOCIETY:

LIT, Commack High School’s English Language Arts Honor Society recognizes students who excel in English Language Arts. Students must be in their junior year and have a 90 cumulative English average and an 85 overall average to quality for a membership application. This active service organization promotes literacy in the school and community and serves as a support network for The Courant newspaper Etchings literary magazine and a variety of English Department related events.

MASQUE AND WIG:

The Masque and Wig Club encourages “would be” actors and actresses to discover the magic of theatre through their participation in the fall drama production and the spring musical production. These productions afford each participant the opportunity to apply the theatrical and acting techniques taught in Drama, Musical Theater, T.V. Journalism, Public Speaking, and Communications, English Department elective courses. Students’ vocal and instrumental skills are also utilized in these performances.

MATHEMATICS HONOR SOCIETY:

The Mathematics Honor Society of New York State is an organization comprised of exceptional math students chosen by academic performance and teacher recommendation. The purpose of this society is to enhance knowledge and understanding of mathematics among all levels of mathematics students, by promoting scholarship and enjoyment through activities at various levels. Once accepted, members are expected to continue school involvement and provide community service through a math-tutoring program.

MATH MAGAZINE:

The Math Magazine publishes articles of interest and original student work related to mathematics. All students are encouraged to send in pieces for publication. The topics vary from mathematics, theories, and applications of mathematics in the real world. Students of all grade levels work to create an article with, in some cases, artwork to accompany it. Their research for such articles includes information from books, the Internet, and even sometimes the assistance of the Math Department. After all of the articles are edited, a photography student creates the cover. The magazine is then photocopied and distributed to staff and students.

MATH TEAM:

The Math Team provides students the opportunity to sharpen their math skills including logic, reasoning, and problem solving. Members of the Math Team gain proficiency in solving math problems. They then go on to compete with other high school teams from Suffolk County. The team took 1^st and 3^rd place in the county for 2003-2004 season.

MEN’S ENSEMBLE;

The Commack High School Men’s Ensemble is an ICA Group for men grades 9-12. Membership is by audition only, and must meet prerequisites as outlined in the curriculum guide. The Men’s Ensemble studies and performs literature from all genres including jazz, pop, folk and classical with a focus on contemporary a cappella music.

MOCK TRIAL TEAM:

The Mock Trial Team is comprised of students interested in law and court procedures as well as critical thinking and public speaking. As members of this team, students are given the opportunity to make practical application of social studies knowledge, public speaking and communications skills. The club participates in the Suffolk County High School Mock Trial Competition in which team members act as attorneys and witnesses and actually try a hypothetical case against other high school mock trial teams.

MODEL CONGRESS:

Model Congress provides high school students with an opportunity to learn about and experience the United States legislative system first hand. “Delegates” to Model Congress competitions research and debate issues important to them in a forum that encourages individual thought, critical thinking, and orations, with other high school students from around the country. Students in Model Congress will research contemporary issues facing the United States and draft legislation addressing those contemporary issues. The student-drafted legislation will then be defended by the student drafter before committees of student delegates at interscholastic competitions. The Model Congress promises to have an exciting year that will foster the intellectual and social development of the students. Come try out for Commack High School’s Model Congress.

MODEL UNITED NATIONS:

The CHS Model United Nations is an organization composed of students with an interest in the complex world of diplomacy and international relations. Honing and utilizing their skills in policy research, public speaking, parliamentary procedure and compromise and consensus, the members of the Model U.N. role play the position of foreign delegates to the U.N. General Assembly at conferences held at some of our nation’s top Universities. Working with student delegations from all over the country, the Commack Model U.N. has received awards and recognition at Model U.N. conferences held at Yale, Princeton, Brown and Harvard. The hours of research and analysis of foreign policy necessary for success at these conferences has given the members of the Commack Model U.N. distinct advances in their Social Studies and English classes. Many of our members desire consular and foreign services as their future vocation.

NATIONAL ART HONOR SOCIETY:

The National Art Honor Society (N.A.H.S.) is a club whose activities consist mainly of providing art services for the school and community as an extension of the curriculum. Artistic students have the opportunity to simultaneously develop their talents and contribute to their community. Activities include creating murals and posters, visiting museums, building the Haunted House for Halloween, and fund raising activities such as the Charity Fashion Show and Candy Grams. The funds raised by N.A.H.S. were distributed to various charities such and scholarship funds such as Stony Brook University Child Life Program. Participants must have an average of 87 or higher in two art courses and have presented an outstanding portfolio.

NATIONAL FRENCH HONOR SOCIETY:

The Société Honoraire de Français stimulates interest in the study of French outside the classroom. SHF members participate in the Halloween Happening, hold an annual cookie-wrap for charity and raise money for the Foreign Language Department French Award and the National French Contest Award. Level five members graduate with an honor cord that marks achievement in foreign language studies. Candidates for membership must have achieved a cumulative average of 90% or above in French and an overall academic average of 85% or above.

NATIONAL GERMAN HONOR SOCIETY:

The National German Honor Society encourages interest in the language, culture, literature and customs of Germany, Austria and Switzerland. To be eligible for membership, students must be in the eleventh grade. They must have a 90 average or higher in German and an overall average of 85 or better.

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY:

Commack High School sponsors a chapter of the National Honor Society. The National Association of Secondary School Principals provides the rules and regulations that guide this organization. Membership in the national organization is the highest recognition a student can earn, since it signifies excellence in scholarship, character, service and leadership. In the second semester of their Junior or Senior year, students who have achieved a cumulative grade point average of 90% or above as of the conclusion of January (first semester) are notified of their eligibility for membership, and they are sent an application package that must be completed and returned to the NHS advisor by a specified date.

Scholarship alone cannot be used to determine membership in the honor society. Students’ applications must demonstrate strong commitment to at least two major school organizations as well as community service. Once accepted, members are expected to continue school involvement and provide community service through a tutoring program. Fund raising activities include selling flowers for Valentine’s Day and the annual Trivia Contest. Funds raised from these activities are given to various charities, which have included the Guide Dog Foundation, the United Cerebral Palsy Association, and the Alzheimer’s Foundation.

NATIONAL ITALIAN HONOR SOCIETY:

La Società Onoraria Italica had a terrific 2003-2004 school year. The society promotes an understanding and appreciation of the Italian culture and civilization. Level five members graduate with an honor cord that marks achievement in the study of the Italian language. This year thirty seniors graduated with honor chords from the society.

Candidates for membership must have achieved a cumulative average of 90% or above in donated $500 to “Opening Word” a society, which helps mothers from other countries to get jobs and provide for their children here in the USA. Two other donations each in the amount of $250 were given for scholarships. One was in the name of Gloria Masci and the other for Arthur Mitchell. A wonderful induction ceremony, which included poetry readings and speakers, was enjoyed by all.

NATIONAL LATIN HONOR SOCIETY:

Latinam Honoris Societatem is an honorary society whose main purpose is to engender interest in examining the influence of Latin on the Romance languages and Western culture and philosophy and to promote the study of Latin outside the classroom. To be admitted to the Latinam Honoris Societatem at the Latin I Level, a student must have exhibited exemplary performance in his/her study of Latin by achieving at least a 95% average in Latin 1. To be admitted at the Latin II level, a student must achieve at least a 90% average in Latin II. At both levels, the student must maintain at least an 85% average in other subjects. In addition, membership is also contingent on a student’s participating in the Fall Food Festival and in the annual Certamen, attending at least three Latin Honor Society meetings, participating in either Halloween Happenings, Commack Day, Thanksgiving Food Drive, Toy Drive, or Latin Enrollment Promotion, and contributing to the maintenance of the “Latin Corner” in the courtyard. Although scholarship is integral to membership in the Latinam Honoris Socieiiatem, a student must also demonstrate exemplary integrity and demeanor. Membership in at least Levels I and Level II entitles the student to graduate with an honor cord marking his/her achievements in Latin.

NATIONAL SPANISH HONOR SOCIETY:

The Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica stimulates student interest in the study of Spanish, provides an opportunity for students to practice the conversational skills taught in their Spanish language classes, and promotes an understanding and appreciation of Hispanic culture and civilization. Major activities include watching Spanish language films, taking trips to Spanish restaurants and theaters, corresponding with Spanish students who are studying English, reading foreign periodicals, and preparing Spanish food. Membership is open to juniors and seniors who have achieved a cumulative average of 90% or above in Spanish and an overall academic average of 85% or above. Tutoring is offered to many students.

This past year, the society to donated to The March of Dimes, Lawyers for Children and the ALS Association. Various students participated in the annual Poetry Contest at Hofstra University where more than 200 students from Long Island compete annually.

PATHWAYS:

Pathways, Commack High School’s literary magazine exclusively for 9^th graders, provides a venue for freshmen to express natural creativity as well as to practice skills taught in English and Art classes. Magazine staff members solicit, edit, and publish their classmates’ literature and artwork. Design, layout, production, and distribution are also attended to by the team, and provide the students with an eclectic experience through which to foster their talents.

PEER LEADERSHIP:

The Peer Leadership Program trains students to help the school community recognize the impact of substance abuse on our society. Information and skills taught in English classes as well as Communications and Public Speaking, English Department elective courses, are utilized when peer leaders augment the sixth grade health curriculum and meet with elementary students enrolled in the Pal program. In these meetings, peer leaders reinforce the curriculum of Making Health Decisions, the mandatory health course, by sharing current information about the causes and effects of drug use, abuse, and misuse. Students who wish to become members must go through an interview process. This highly motivated group of approximately 60 students continued to provide younger children with positive role models by working closely with Commack students from the primary, intermediate and middle school levels. Peer Leadership activities included:

Regular meetings at the High School (grades 9-12)
Weekly peer-tutoring session at the Middle School (grades 6-8)
Monthly PAL events with students (grades 2-6)
Presentations at the Middle School (grade 6)
Presentations at the Primary Schools (kindergarten)
Recruiting of current 8^th graders for next year
Participation in 8^th grade orientation at the High School

PEER LEADERSHIP ADVISORY NETWORK:

Peer Leadership Advisory Network (P.L.A.N.) is a student facilitated advisory program aimed at helping ninth grade students integrate fully into the high school experience. Select eleventh and twelfth grade students each serve as a peer advisor to approximately 8 ninth graders. These professionally trained and staff supervised upper-class individuals’ use their communication skills and understanding of group dynamics during meetings held during study halls to foster in their advisees a positive attitude toward high school. P.L.A.N. intends, through role modeling and education, to motivate students early in their high school careers to make thoughtful choices regarding academics and social issues.

PEER MEDIATION:

Peer Mediation is a group of well-trained students who help resolve disputes among other students in the school. They handle problems dealing with rumors, boyfriend/girlfriend, family tensions, money and property, fights and near fights. The mediators always remain impartial and they are sworn to an oath of confidentiality. Students who are experiencing any conflicts are encouraged to seek Peer Mediation.

S.A.D.D.

Students Against Destructive Decisions (S.A.D.D.) is an organization whose primary goal is to promote awareness of the hazards of destructive decisions. Members of S.A.D.D. reinforce the curriculum of Making Health Decisions, the mandatory health course, by educating other students about the causes and effects of drug and substance use, abuse, and misuse. This group sponsors many events and activities geared toward educating fellow students and community about the dangers of driving while intoxicated, drug use, smoking and various other destructive decisions.

SCHOOL STORE:

Show your Cougar Pride and purchase school spirited pencils, T-shirts, baseball caps, required review books, and supplies at discounted prices in our School Store, which is located in the cafeteria. Students who work in the store have an opportunity to learn and practice valuable employment, marketing, and financial skills on a daily basis. The School Store is open during all lunch periods.

SCHOOL TO CAREER PROGRAM:

Commack High School has an active School to Career Program involving:

Internships

Internships are established whereby the student doesn’t get paid but receives high school credit. They spend two hours per day, five days per week at the different companies. For one semester the Gurwin Geriatric Center, the high school has students interested in the medical field learning what it takes to care for the elderly.

One to One Mentoring Day

The Career Shadow Program at CHS is designed for tenth grade students. Students are paired off and spend a half-day at specific work sites where they are matched with employees and get a first hand view of the work world. Students are also matched according to interests expressed in a questionnaire.

On the day of the program, mentors share with the students where, how, what, and why they do their job. Insights into the skills needed and the pathway to obtain those skills are offered through this program.

The Shadow Program offers a great opportunity for students to get a hands-on feel for an occupation that currently interests them. Having this experience has given our students the drive to continue on, now seeing the goal as obtainable, realistic, and worthwhile.

Early Release

Any twelfth grade student whose program will allow, is permitted to leave school at the end of their academic day provided they are employed at a bona fide job (being paid on the books). These students are monitored at the job site and must maintain good academic, attendance, and conduct records to retain this privilege.

Volunteer Program

Students interested in the field of education volunteer their time at a district school with a certified teacher and learn first hand what it takes to be an educator.

SCIENCE HONOR SOCIETY:

The Science Honor Society is an organization dedicated to the enhancement of knowledge and understanding of science among all levels of students. The Science Honor Society hopes to encourage these students in planning for careers in the science and technology industry through various activities. Commack High School’s Chapter of the Science Honor Society recognizes students who excel in the various science disciplines: Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Environmental Science Students must have a 90 average in their science course, an 85 overall average, and faculty recommendations.

SCIENCE OLYMPIAD:

Science Olympiad is a nationally recognized science competition that meets once a week, both mornings and after school starting in the beginning of the year. The competition entails aspects of all scientific disciplines, technology, and engineering. The knowledge and skills of the members must be applied in many specific individual competitions. Throughout the school year, all members become expert in specific areas for which they have a passion. Students prepare notes, become deeply immersed in the subject matter, take practice tests, and design and construct many engineering and technological projects that are used in the competition. The goal is to have at least two teams compete concurrently. The regional competition is held at Brentwood High School in February. The top teams in Suffolk County qualify to compete in the statewide competition held in late March.

SPECIAL FRIENDS:

Special Friends is a group of dedicated high school students who provide service and friendship to individuals with special needs in Suffolk County. Students receive training from professionals in the mental and emotional health fields in order to participate in Special Friends activities. In weekly programs, students interact with these individuals in sports such as bowling. These individuals, using the skills taught by the members of the club, participate in activities such as the Bowling Olympics. A major event of the Special Friends Club is participation in Suffolk County Special Olympics. Here, once again, students use their skills to assist Olympians in developing physical fitness and competing in athletic events. In March, the club co-sponsors Handicap Awareness Week.

· The club held an assembly in March during Handicapped Awareness Week. The purpose was to demonstrate the dedication that exists among the special athletes and their willingness to perform and share their talents with the high school students. Students were so moved by the assembly and its athletes that Special Friends was able to inspire over 200 students to volunteer at the Suffolk County Spring Games. The assembly also featured guest speakers including Special Olympics Medallist, Matt Schuster.

· In December, the Special Friends Club hosted their Annual Holiday Party for children with special needs in the Commack Community. The festivities featured fun, games, entertainment, as well as dinner. The Spring Dance was also a huge success. The club hosted about 100 adults with special needs. The night included dinner and a night of socializing and dancing.

STAGE BAND:

The Stage Band is an ICA entry level jazz ensemble that is open to all students participating in the Music Department as listed in the curriculum guide. The Stage Band performs a variety of music from the jazz and commercial music big band literature. Students who participate receive one academic credit.

STAGE CREW:

The Stage Crew is a group of students who are exposed to all aspects of technical training: scenic design, set construction, set decoration, lighting, sound, make-up, costumes and props. The stage crew is directly responsible for creating the setting of both the drama production and the musical as well as popular music shows throughout the year. Students will have the opportunity to use the skills taught in the following courses: Drama, Communications and Introduction to Radio.

STUDENT COUNCIL:

The Student Council is the umbrella organization for all student activities. The core of the Student Council is the Executive Board. Nomination for membership on Executive Board is open to all students on the basis of an application and an interview. The voice of the student body is heard through the Student Assembly, a democratically elected representative body. Such elections reinforce that which is taught in the social studies classroom.

The Student Council serves as a sounding board for student concerns and assists in the implementation of a wide variety of activities, which are beneficial to the student body and the community at large. The Council organizes and presents Awareness Weeks including Tolerance Awareness, Health Awareness, Handicapped Awareness, and Environmental Awareness. Additionally, Student Council sponsors in-school activities such as Homecoming, Halloween Happening, Pep Rallies, Music Madness, Spirit Week-Competition Night, and other social activities designed for student enjoyment. It also participates in a wide variety of community activities including walk-a-thons, food drives and fundraising drives for a variety of charitable organizations.

SCHOOL BASED MANAGEMENT TEAM:

The SCHOOL-BASED MANAGEMENT TEAM is composed of students, parents, teachers, support staff, and administrators. The role of this Team is to discuss topics that can improve school programs and enhance classroom instruction. The goals for the year were to address all topics proposed with particular emphasis on school climate. Items discussed included the IB Pilot Research Program, the Driver Safety Program, facets of the dress code, the Community Service Involvement Program (CSIP), Cougar Points and the summer reading program. In addition, guests were invited to the meetings to discuss how our school addresses bullying in athletics and clubs, as well as the reasons for bullying.

All in all, the School Based Management Team had a productive year.

STUDENT FACULTY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The STUDENT FACULTY ADVISORY COMMITTEE, an arm of the Student Council, is a group of elected faculty and students who meet monthly to discuss school policies related to all aspects of school life.

STUDENTS AGAINST DRUG ABUSE S.A.D.A.

Over 450,000 smoking related deaths occur every year. Three thousand children will begin smoking every day. Students against Drug Abuse is a relatively new club at CHS whose aim is to promote drug use awareness in our culture today, drug use, which includes alcohol and cigarettes, has become a huge problem as use keeps increasing. Children have begun using these deadly substances at earlier ages. Through guest speakers and informational meetings, students receive the knowledge they will need to make informed decisions regarding drug use.

STUDENTS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT & ANIMALS:

SEA is composed of students who are interested in animals and the environment and who want to make a difference. SEA’s mission is to educate the student body on animal rights and environmental issues. SEA’s members contribute to the community in several ways. Club members volunteer at Angel’s Gate, a local animal hospital that rescues and cares for sick or hurt animals. Monies and supplies from various fundraisers are used to make donations to local animal shelters including Little Shelter in Huntington and Kent Animal Shelter in Riverhead. SEA has been presented with two recognition awards for their contributions to this organization. In the past three years, SEA has formed a relationship with Towline organization. Members have attended meetings and SEA has donated funds to their environmental causes.

TECHNOLOGY HONOR SOCIETY:

The mission of The Technology Honor Society is to promote technological literacy and foster its creative and responsible use by students. THS is organized to enhance the technological expertise of its members, to provide training and support for students and faculty in technology, and strengthen the school’s relationships with business and industry. Candidates for membership should have at least a 90 average in a high school technology course. During the 2001-2002 school year THS started activities to advance the use of technology in the classroom and will continue this goal in the following year.

TRI-M:

Tri-M is the National Music Honor Society. A criterion for an invitation to probationary membership is based upon NYSSMA score and music teacher recommendation. Students who successfully complete the initiate program will be inducted into membership in the spring semester of the school year. Students are inducted on the basis of their attendance, participation, performance, and service. Students must also maintain a minimum overall grade point average of 80, with a minimum average of 90 in music courses.

VOCAL JAZZ ENSEMBLE:

The CHS Vocal Jazz Ensemble is an ICA group for grades 9-12. Membership is by audition only if students meet pre-requisite as outlined in the curriculum guide. The group numbers approximately sixteen singers. Music performed is drawn from the pop, rock, and jazz idioms, as well as standard literature. Rehearsals are once a week for one and a half hours. The ensemble performs locally for various school and community activities, and also travels and performs out of state.

VOCATIONAL INDUSTRIAL CLUBS OF AMERICA (VICA):

Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VICA) is an organization of students who are enrolled in a vocational program at the Western Suffolk BOCES Wilson Technological Center. This co-curricular national organization provides an opportunity for students to compete in state and national student competitions testing the practical vocational skills taught in the BOCES program. In addition, through involvement in the club, members enhance their leadership, character development, trade ethics, and work competency skills.

WARPED:

Warped, the Science Fiction/Fantasy Magazine offers students the opportunity to practice skills taught in English classes and participate in this emerging literary genre through writing, discussion, and editing. Warped is open to aspiring artists with a flair for creating pieces with a science fiction or fantasy theme. The combination of student writing and artwork culminate in a truly unique publication.

WIND ENSEMBLE:

This ensemble provides the more advanced members of the band program the opportunity to learn and perform innovative and complex band compositions. The ensemble also offers additional performance opportunities at local venues. Members of the Wind Ensemble are selected by audition and teacher recommendation. Students rehearse once a week after school. Students who participate receive one academic credit.

WOMEN’S CHOIR:

The Commack High School Women’s Choir is an ICA ensemble for women in grades 9 – 12. Membership is by audition only and is limited to those students who are enrolled in chorus, band, or orchestra. The Women’s Choir study and perform literature written specifically for women’s voices.

YODEL KADODEL SOCIETY:

The Yodel Kadodel Society is an organization whose goal is to stop the spread of cancer through greater understanding of the disease. By listening to guest lecturers and having group discussions, students study many aspects of cancer including causes, effects of environment, and heredity, statistics, and current research. Through their involvement in this club, students also have an opportunity to further examine the information about cancer that is taught in their biology classes. In addition, students hold fundraisers to raise money for cancer research. The activities include candy sales, a Karaoke Night, Livestrong bracelet sales, and a Wiffle Ball Tournament.

SCHOOL/COMMUNITY/PTA

The Commack High School community encourages involvement with parents and the community through a number of organizations and activities. In some cases, these are efforts, which have been formalized over the years and take place over the course of the entire school year. In other cases, these efforts are designed to take place over a limited and specific period of time.

· The Commack High School PTA meets monthly to conduct business and share ideas and information. The parents, administrators, teachers, staff and students work together to provide an environment for student success. Teachers and or staff are scheduled to speak at each meeting on pertinent topics.

Membership and fundraisers support their budget. The PTA has had successful years, providing scholarships to graduating seniors, funds for student achievement meetings and support to Arts in Education programs.

· The Special Education Parents and Teachers Association (SEPTA) is also active within the school community. Through its fundraising activities, it supports the Special Education Department with grants to teachers for materials and by providing scholarships to graduating seniors.

· Through the School Based Management Team, parents in the community have an opportunity to interact with staff and students to discuss proposals, which are designed to improve the instructional program and the overall climate of Commack High School. This team meets every two weeks after school throughout the school year.

· Various parental organizations support our athletic teams.

· The PTA Arts in Education Committee is involved with the school by financially supporting a variety of activities and events throughout the school year, including motivational speakers, Drug Awareness Program, Music Programs (International Food Festival, Mariachi Band) – Field Trips for the Language Department to Cultural Events, Literary – “Etchings” Magazine, “Warped” Sci-Fi Magazine, “Poetry Alive” for the English Department, sponsored “Jazz Festival” for the Music Department.

STANDARDIZED TESTING

SAT Examination

While New York State and National verbal scores have steadily improved over the past four years, scores in Commack have remained essentially unchanged. In Mathematics, scores in Commack have improved, as have the State and National scores. Female Verbal and Math scores fell in Commack, while they rose statewide and nationally. 95.9% of the graduating class of 2004 took the SAT I exams. There is no longer a significant disparity between male and female performance at Commack High School.

Advanced Placement Examinations

Areas that have shown an increase in the number of students taking the examinations are: Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, English Literature, Physics B, Psychology, Spanish and Statistics. All other areas have remained constant or have declined.

Passing performance on the AP exam is regarded as a grade of 3 or higher. With regard to performance, there has been a significant improvement in most areas of the examination.

Two hundred thirty one students took 292 Advanced Placement Exams. Two hundred thirty one (79%) of those students scored a three (3) or higher (the passing grade). Students took exams in Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, Comp. Science A, Macroeconomics, English Literature, Environmental Science, French, Physics B, Physics C, Psychology, Spanish, Statistics, Studio Art and U.S. History.

IB Examinations:

Commack students completed the IB Diploma Program for the third time this year. Results were exceptional. Forty-six (94%) of our students achieved the IB Diploma. Fifty-two juniors are Anticipated Diploma Candidates. Two hundred fifty-three juniors and seniors took 557 IB Assessments. Eighty-eight percent (88%) of all IB assessments received scores of 4 or above. Assessments were taken in English A1, French B, German B, Italian B, Spanish B, Italian Abinitio, Business and Management, History of the Americas, Psychology, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Systems, Physics, Math Methods, Math Studies, Mathematics HL, Music Solo Performance, Theater Arts, and Visual Arts.

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