As all Syosset School District parents know, all seven elementary schools and both middle schools feed into Syosset High School, where students have unparalleled opportunities to explore their interests, develop their talents and skills, and become involved in activities and programs that have a great impact on their lives.

Last week, PTA Council members, Syosset Library officials, State Senator Carl Marcellino and Councilman Chris Coshignano joined Superintendent Dr. Carole G. Hankin, Deputy Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey B. Streitman and Principal Dr. Jorge Schneider for a brief tour through the high school where they were able to see several different programs in action.

Beginning in the newly renovated band room, the group was serenaded by the Adelettes, which is the only Barber Shop Chorus of any Long Island high school. The jazz band was rehearsing together in the main room, and in small practice rooms students were working independently or with a music teacher. "These practice rooms are completely soundproof, and also have controls that will allow the students to experience acoustics as if they were in a number of different playing venues," said Dr. Hankin. "It's a great way to use this space for multiple functions simultaneously."

Next door, the group observed an architecture class in recently renovated technology rooms. The rooms provide students with computer-assisted drawing software, and an adjoining room contains tools and materials for building models.

In the auditorium, the chorus was receiving a lesson from opera coach Deborah Birnbaum, as part of the district's partnership with the Metropolitan Opera and the Vocal Arts Institute. Birnbaum, who travels extensively to work with professional opera singers, has been coming to Syosset High School to work with the students for about five years. "Of all the schools I've been to, you have the absolute best music program I've ever seen," she said. "It is wonderful to have gotten to know so many of your students. Over the years we have helped many achieve their goals with voice coaching, college recommendations, and professional advice."

The next step was in a social studies classroom, where members of the Peer Educators program were guiding students in creating posters to promote Syosset High School's new character education program, PRIDE. An acronym for patience, respect, integrity, dignity, and empathy, PRIDE has become a new motto for the entire school. "PRIDE is our way of encouraging students, teachers, and staff to treat one another with respect and kindness," said Dr. Schneider. "Learning and understanding how to behave in any type of situation is a very important part of educating our students. This new program has been very well received by the school community and we're planning to build on it throughout the year."

The group then moved on to one of the school courtyards, now home to the Syosset High School GERF (Geological and Ecological Research Facility). Designed, planned, and built entirely by district teachers and staff, the GERF provides many different ways for students at all grades and skill levels to study earth science, marine biology, botany, biology, and other sciences. Science Research program students are currently involved in a study of the paw-paw tree and its fruit, which will continue for a number of years. The fruit from this tree, which is being studied at Kentucky State University, contains nutrients that are being used to treat cancer and many other serious diseases. Inside, the group viewed the school's reef tank, which is also being used by Science Research students to learn about growing soft coral and to study how it relates to human bone development.

World language study is very popular with Syosset students, and the group stopped in at classes in Russian and Japanese to see how our students are learning to communicate in these languages. "We begin world language in kindergarten in Syosset, because we know that instruction in a number of different languages can actually stimulate brain growth and development," said Dr. Hankin. "In middle school and then in high school our students have the opportunity to become proficient in Spanish, French, Italian, Latin, Russian, Japanese, and American Sign Language. Many students choose to study more than one language."

The tour ended with a visit to the auxiliary gym, where students in theater dance class were learning a routine from the musical Cats. It was exhilarating to see the students move so gracefully and confidently to the music.

"As a parent, it's great to see how many different choices our students have to learn so many subjects at such an advanced level. I enjoyed seeing how involved and happy the students were in class and in the activities they join," said PTA Council President April Neuendorf.

"It is impossible to show all the programs and opportunities we have at Syosset High School, but I hope we've given you a better understanding of why we are so proud of our schools," said Dr. Hankin. "What makes everything you see work here is the cooperation of the students, faculty, parents, and community, and a board of education that supports these programs. The students thrive on their involvement in classes and activities here. They are getting an education that is preparing them for success in their lives."