Community Newsletter #4 Week of October 7th

​ ​ Community Newsletter #4 October 11, 2024 ​ ​ ​ ​ Message from the Superintendent ​ Dear Brentwood Families, This past week has been vibrant and full of meaningful events across our district. We continue to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, honoring the rich culture and contributions of our Hispanic community with fun festivities. I am thrilled to announce the unveiling of our first Little Free Library at East Elementary School, promoting literacy and a love of reading among our students. Additionally, Southwest Elementary held an energetic PARP pep rally, inspiring our young readers to engage with books and enjoy the magic of storytelling. A highlight of the week was the high school club and activity exposition, where students explored a variety of after-school opportunities. Current members showcased their passions, encouraging new students to get involved and enrich their high school experience. As we look ahead, I’d like to remind everyone that next week marks NYS School Board Appreciation. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to express our heartfelt gratitude to our school board members, whose tireless dedication and commitment play a crucial role in shaping our district's vision and ensuring that every child has access to quality education. Additionally, as we observe October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the district will be going pink on October 18th. As a quick reminder: schools will be closed on Monday in recognition of Indigenous People’s Day. Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to our students’ success! Warm regards, Wanda Ortiz-Rivera Superintendent of Schools ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Watch on YouTube ​ At the Board of Education workshop meeting on Tuesday, October 8th, Dr. Vincent Leone and newly-appointed Coordinator of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Amanda Chansingh gave a presentation highlighting BUFSD's DEI-B journey. Click Here ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Instagram Photo of the Week ​ Reading ambassador Aiden Gonzalez proudly displays the book he chose from the newly-inaugurated Little Free Library at East Elementary School. Click Here ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Facebook Photo of the Week ​ High School Students gather for the Club and Activity Expo. Click Here ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ Honoring Diversity: District Heritage Highlights and Observances ​ During this upcoming week, we will wrap up Hispanic Heritage Month on October 15th, celebrating the contributions and influence of Hispanic and Latino communities. The theme for Hispanic Heritage Month in 2024 is "Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together." This theme honors the many Hispanic and Latino trailblazers who have paved the way for future generations. Here in Brentwood, this is an ongoing recognition, as we continuously celebrate the achievements and contributions of our diverse community. On Monday, October 14th, we will observe Indigenous Peoples' Day. Indigenous Peoples' Day honors the histories, cultures, and perspectives of Indigenous peoples and their ancestors, who lived in North America for thousands of years before the arrival of European explorers. On October 18th, we’ll participate in Wear It Pink Day to show support for Breast Cancer Awareness and research by wearing pink for our loved ones and the community. From October 14th to 18th we’ll recognize School Board Recognition Week, sponsored by NYSSBA, which highlights the dedication of school board members to New York public school children. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​   ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Announcements and News ​ Congratulations to the Brentwood Boys and Girls Soccer Teams. Yesterday the Boys team won 4-0 and became League 1 champions for the 25 time in school history and the Girls team won 4-0 over cross town rival CI on Senior Day.  The District Safety Plan Feedback Form will be closing on Tuesday 10/15. Please submit your Survey Response if you haven't already Click Here Emjay Boulevard Bypass Feasibility Study and Upcoming Community Session The session will be hosted by CHA Consulting, Inc. on October 15, 2024, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Suffolk County Community College. This session will allow residents to review the study, discuss the seven proposed bypass alternatives with the authors, and provide feedback. Spanish language interpretation will be available. Click Here ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Upcoming Events ​ Tue. 10/15 @ 6:30 p.m. - Loretta Park PTA Meeting/Student of the Month Tue. 10/15 @ 6:30 p.m. - SouthWest Elementary Hispanic Heritage Night Wed. 10/16 @ 9:15 a.m. - SouthWest Elementary Field Day (k-5) Wed. 10/16 @ 6:00 p.m. - Anti-Bullying Workshop Ross Auditorium Wed. 10/16 @ 6:00 p.m. - Hemlock Park Hispanic Heritage Celebration Wed. 10/16 @ 6:00 p.m. - SouthEast Parent Information/Bingo night Cafeteria Thu. 10/17 @ 8:00 p.m. - BOE Business Meeting Thu. 10/17 - Hemlock Park Fall Field Day ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Work with us! Current Openings ​ Coordinator of Special Services Elementary Deadline: 10/18/24 The Brentwood Union Free School District is continuously hiring for the following positions: Food Service Workers Substitute Teachers Substitute Teacher Assistants Visiit www.bufsd.org/jobs for more information and other employment opportunities. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Bilingual Hotline ​ Monday thru Friday 5 - 8 p.m. (631) 972-1375 Speak to a representative to ask for assistance or guidance on any topic including updating contact information, ParentSquare, Microsoft Teams, and more. Outside those hours, please leave a message with your name and phone number and a representative will get back to you. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ We Want to Hear From You ​ Tell us how you're doing and what you're up to! Click Here ​ ​ ​ ​ District Website ​ ​

Friday, Oct 11 2024

Community Newsletter #4 Week of September 23rd

Community  Newsletter #4  |  Week of September 23rd   Message from the Superintendent   Dear Brentwood families, As we move further into the school year, I’m thrilled to celebrate some remarkable achievements within our school community! Congratulations to the top 10 students from each high school for their outstanding academic performance. Your hard work and dedication inspire us all. In a show of solidarity, our students and staff “went gold” this Friday to raise awareness for childhood cancer. Thank you for your support in this important initiative. Additionally, as we honor Hispanic Heritage Month, the district is proud to continue to recognize the invaluable contributions of four community members who enrich our schools and culture. At last night’s Board meeting, we collectively celebrated Apolo LaGrandier, Jeannie Reyes, Maria Romero, and Robert Lee Martinez, who are instrumental leaders and powerful, positive examples for our students. Throughout this month, please look for additional celebrations taking place across the district and keep an eye here on Parentsquare for upcoming events. Let’s continue to celebrate diversity and unity together. As a quick reminder: schools will be closed next Thursday and Friday for Rosh Hashanah. I wish everyone a peaceful and meaningful holiday. Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to our students’ success! Warm regards, Wanda Ortiz-Rivera Superintendent of Schools Facebook this week Our Superintendent, Board of Education, and the entire district would like to congratulate the Brentwood Class of 2025 Top 10! Their hard work and dedication have truly paid off. Congratulations to these outstanding students from both Sonderling and Ross Centers of Brentwood High School. Click here Watch on YouTube At last night's Board of Education meeting, the following members of our community were honored in recognition of Hispanic Heritage month: Apolo LaGrandier, Jeannie Reyes, Maria Teresa Romero, and Robert Lee Martinez. Each is an instrumental leader and a positive example for our students. Click here Instagram Photo of the Week Today, our Brentwood faculty and students went going gold to support Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. 💛🎗️ Together, we’re standing with the brave kids battling cancer. Check out the reel posted to Instagram. Click here   Honoring Diversity: District Heritage Highlights and Observances  Hispanic Heritage Month  As we continue celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, with this year’s theme, Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together, we continue to honor the spirit of unity, resilience, and innovation that defines the Hispanic experience. Visit the National Museum of the American Latino for more information on Latin American Independence Days and events. You may also discover a variety of books and resources that showcase the richness of Hispanic culture by clicking the following. Click here to explore! Breast Cancer Awareness Month  On October 1, Breast Cancer Awareness Month begins, reminding us of the importance of screening and prevention for all. This international campaign supports the 2.3 million women affected worldwide. Show your support by participating in the many "pink-themed" campaigns this month. Click here for more information.  Rosh Hashanah We also acknowledge the important observances of Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement). Rosh Hashanah will be celebrated from sundown on October 2 to October 4, while Yom Kippur begins at sundown on October 11 and ends at nightfall on October 12. Wishing all who celebrate a peaceful and meaningful time of reflection.    Announcements and News Girls Varsity Volleyball Victory over Longwood Angela Williams posted a double-double with 15 kills and 10 blocks along with a service ace to lead Brentwood (7-3) in Suffolk I. Andrea Cairo and Alexis D' Abbraccio combined for 17 kills. Janessa had 35 assists and three aces. Sophia Lopez Toro had 18 digs and Angela Sanchez added eight more digs to secure the win.  Click here for more information. Brentwood Swim Program Registration Now Open! Our Learn to Swim Program kicks off in October, and  online registration is currently available. All participants who complete the online form must come to the Ross Pool on Monday, September 30, to finalize their registration.  Dive in and make a splash this fall! NEW After School Music Program for 6th Graders! Registration is now open for the new Instrumental Music Program for 6th Grade Students.   Sign up  on before October 1st. Upcoming Events Tue. 10/1 @ 6:00 p.m. - WMS Meet the Teacher Night Tue. 10/1 @ 6:30 p.m. - SouthEast Movie Night Wed. 10/2 @ 5:30 p.m. - Pine Park Hispanic Heritage Celebration Thu. 10/3 to Fri. 10/4 - Rosh Hashanah (Schools Closed) Sat. 10/5 @ 7:00 a.m. - BHS: SAT Exam Tue. 10/8 @ 7:00 p.m. -  BOE Workshop Tue. 10/8 @ 6:00 p.m. - NMS Hispanic Heritage Month and Students Recognition Tue. 10/8 @ 6:30 p.m. - Oak Park Hispanic Heritage Night.  Wed. 10/9 - SouthWest Field Day Wed. 10/9 @ 6:00 p.m. - BFC Meet the Teacher Night Thu. 10/10 - NorthEast Field Day Grades 1, 2 Thu. 10/10 @ 6:00 p.m. - BHS: Meet the Teacher Night Fri. 10/11 - NorthEast Field Day Grades 3, 4, 5 WORK FOR US! Current Openings Latest Bulletins  and Newsletters Permanent Substitute Teachers (All Areas) - Deadline: 9/30/2024 Speech Teachers - Deadline: 10/10/24 More information available at www.bufsd.org/jobs Brentwood Bulletin Special Happenings Wellness Warriors Newsletter Health & Wellness Calendar Follow us! Bilingual Hotline: Monday - Friday 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Speak to a representative to ask for assistance or guidance on any topic including updating contact information, ParentSquare, Microsoft Teams, and more. Outside those hours, please leave a message with your name and phone number. A representative will get back to you. (631) 972-1375  www.bufsd.org

Friday, Sep 27 2024

Community Newsletter #3 - Sept. 20, 2024

Community  Newsletter   |  Week of September 16   Message from the Superintendent   Dear Brentwood Families, We are off to an amazing start this school year, and I couldn’t be more proud of our students, staff, and community! At the secondary level, our students are excitedly exploring the various clubs and after-school activities available to them, and our sports teams are already in full swing. Our district’s construction projects are progressing smoothly, with many completed or nearing completion, further enhancing our facilities for both students and staff. I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to all the families who have attended our Meet the Teacher nights and school picnics. These events have provided wonderful opportunities to connect, and I look forward to seeing even more of you at the upcoming gatherings. Your presence and engagement strengthen the important partnership between our schools and families. Lastly, I want to express my deep appreciation to all of our parents for your support. Your involvement is crucial to the success of our students and our schools. Together, we will continue to make this school year a memorable and rewarding experience for everyone. With gratitude,   Wanda Ortiz-Rivera   Superintendent of Schools Facebook this week Oak Park students enjoyed a Book Fair at the beginning of the week in the school’s newly renovated library! The fair kicked off on Monday and featured a fantastic array of books and supplies for them to explore and choose from.  Click here Instagram Photo of the Week This past Tuesday, our Varsity Cross Country teams faced off against Smithtown in an exciting competition! It was a day full of determination and teamwork. A huge shoutout to all our runners for their dedication and sportsmanship!  Great job, team! Click here Honoring Diversity Hispanic Heritage Month Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15 to October 15, honors the vibrant cultural contributions and lasting impact of Hispanic Americans. The observance begins on September 15 to highlight the anniversaries of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. This week, we also celebrate Mexico's Independence Day on September 16 and Chile's on September 18, as we embrace this year's theme, “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together.” Click here to learn more about Hispanic Heritage Month   Childhood Cancer Awareness In addition, September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. This observance shines a light on the courageous children fighting pediatric cancer and acknowledges the families, caregivers, and researchers supporting them. The gold ribbon, representing childhood cancer awareness, symbolizes the resilience and strength of these young heroes. On Friday, September 27, Brentwood Goes Gold for Childhood Cancer Awareness Day. We invite everyone to wear gold or yellow to show support and raise awareness for children battling cancer. Click here for more information about Childhood Cancer Awareness Month Announcements and News 51st Annual Brentwood High School Green Machine Homeshow! Congratulations to the Brentwood High School Green Machine Marching Band on an incredible 51st Annual Homeshow! This past Sunday, we were thrilled to see talented bands from across the county come together for this amazing event. Your hard work and dedication truly shine! Here’s to more music and memories ahead! Brentwood Swim Programs Are Back! Exciting news! The Fall Brentwood Swim Programs are back! Join us for the first Family Swim Night on Thursday, September 26, with sign-ups opening on Tuesday, September 24. Our Learn to Swim Program kicks off in October, and online registration will be available starting Monday, September 23. Remember, all participants who complete the online form must come to the Ross Pool on Monday, September 30, to finalize their registration. Dive in and make a splash this fall! Meet Some of Our Newest Administrators We’re excited to welcome new administrators to our district and reintroduce some familiar faces in new roles! Joining us is Reinaldo LaTorre, the Principal of Brentwood High School - Freshman Campus, along with Nicholas Scott as the Assistant Principal for the same campus. We’re also thrilled to have Dr. Rebecca Grella as the Coordinator of Science and Technology. We look forward to their leadership and contributions to our Brentwood community! Click here to learn more about our new administrators. Upcoming Events Sat. 9/21 @ 10 am - Pine Park R.O.C.K.S Family Celebration Tue. 9/2 4 @ 6 pm -  NMS Meet the Teacher Night Tue. 9/2 4 @ 6:30 pm -  TP Meet the Teacher Night: Grades 1 & 2 Tue. 9/2 4 @ 7 pm -  North El Meet the Teacher: Main Wed. 9/25 @ 5 pm - Southwest Meet the Teacher Night: Level 1/E Wed. 9/25 @ 6 pm - FC Parent Information Night Wed. 9/25 @ 6:30 pm -  TP Meet the Teacher Night: Grades 3 - 5 Wed. 9/25 @ 6:30 pm - SMS Back to School Night Thu. 9/26 @ 8 pm - BOE Business Meeting Fri. 9/27 - Brentwood Goes Gold: Childhood Cancer Awareness Day (Wear Gold or Yellow) Fri. 9/27 @ 6 pm - Laurel Park Welcome Back Movie Night WORK FOR US! Current Openings Latest Bulletins  and Newsletters Permanent Substitute Teachers (All Areas) - Deadline: 9/23/2024 Physical Education Teacher - Deadline: 9/24/2024 Art Teacher & Permanent Substitute - Deadline: 9/27/2024 More information available at www.bufsd.org/jobs Brentwood Bulletin Special Happenings Wellness Warriors Newsletter Health & Wellness Calendar Follow us! Bilingual Hotline: Monday - Friday 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Speak to a representative to ask for assistance or guidance on any topic including updating contact information, ParentSquare, Microsoft Teams, and more. Outside those hours, please leave a message with your name and phone number. A representative will get back to you. (631) 972-1375  www.bufsd.org

Friday, Sep 20 2024

6th Annual Boo Bash on Saturday, Oct. 12 Hosted by S...

Suffolk County Legislator Sam Gonzalez's hosts 6th Annual Boo Bash Wear your costumes to enter our Costume Contest and come Trick-or-Treat. Prizes, Games, DJ! Saturday, October 12, 2024 12pm - 4pm 55 Second Avenue, Brentwood For more information: (631) 853-3700 or aggielugo@gmail.com

Thursday, Sep 19 2024