Renovations continue at Roslyn High School. The latest project is an entry plaza to the football field, which itself was recently installed with a new synthetic turf.

The Roslyn Bulldogs Booster Association, which was also the driving force behind the new field, is spearheading the project.

Bulldogs Booster is currently working on Phase I of the project, one in which they are seeking personalized donations to the entryway. The deadline for contributions for Phase I is Jan. 31, 2008. Those wishing to contribute can purchase a brick--or bricks--to the entryway and in doing so, can do a variety of things with them, including memorializing a loved one, recognizing a graduating senior, commemorating a special occasion, advertising a local business, or thanking a coach. The entryway hopes to include, among other things, a monument, a bench, a donor plaque, and engraved pavers.

For years, the association operated within the school district. However, it was not a fundraising vehicle, said Steve Shenfeld, the association's co-president. By making it a fundraising organization, new life has been pumped into the association.

In fact, the entryway is only one of the many projects that the association has been involved in during the past several years.

The synthetic turf field, which was inaugurated on Saturday, October 13, 2007, as part of the Roslyn High School Homecoming celebration is probably the association's most significant project.

The construction of this new field was made possible thanks to a grant of $650,000 from the association. The field is used by boys' and girls' teams playing both varsity and JV soccer and lacrosse, in addition to football and other school activities such as performances by the Marching Bulldogs. Built on layers of sand and gravel and with a comprehensive drainage system, the field can be used in all weather and all seasons and requires little maintenance. The contractor is The Landtek Group, a company that has installed similar turf fields at many high schools, colleges and other public facilities in the region.

In addition to the field and the entryway, the association's other projects include scholarships for deserving students, plus being a sponsor for televised games of Roslyn High School athletic events. Last Friday, for instance, the association co-sponsored a televised game between Roslyn and Wantagh High School. The association works with Cablevision, which in turn broadcasts the game on the Telecare network.

In the future, the association, as part of its ongoing beautification projects, hopes to tear down the dilapidated field house by the athletic field and replace it with a newer facility.

"Funding is in good shape," Shenfeld said of the entryway project. The design of the entryway, he added, has been approved by the board of education and the association hopes to finalize the architectural plans shortly with the completion date set for the summer of 2008.

He said construction of the entryway won't disrupt any athletic events at the ballfield.

"It's been a very nice project," Shenfeld added. "The participation by the community has been incredible." Shenfeld noted that up to 150 Roslyn school district families have, so far, contributed to the entryway project. In addition, there has been both alumni and business participation in the fundraising. "It [the entryway] has been received with a very popular response in the town. Once it's in, people will enjoy it."

In addition to its fundraising and building projects, the overall purpose of the revitalized Roslyn Bulldogs Booster Association, Shenfeld said, has been to both support athletic programs and in general, build community spirit for the teams and the Marching Band, which itself has garnered several awards in recent months. In addition to the Roslyn High School squads, the field is home also to the Albertson Soccer Club, plus local lacrosse and Little League teams.

Those wishing to contribute to the entryway can download a form at www.roslynschools.org or make a donation to: Roslyn Bulldogs Booster Association, 2A Melby Lane, Roslyn, NY 11576.