Category Archives: Parents

At Our Parent-Student Evening Forum, LICADD Helps Educate and Inform about the Dangers of Vaping

Posted
Filed under Academics, Community, Guidance, Parents, Presentation, Students

The use of electronic cigarettes among teenagers has reached epidemic levels. The dangers posed by these devices are known by researchers but not by many parents or students. You can learn more about the problem through the following articles:

Along with every high school in the United States, Wheatley has worked to educate parents, students and faculty of the dangers posed by electronic devices. In light of these concerns (and after the closure of the 200-corridor bathrooms for just over a week), we held a Parent-Student Forum on Tuesday evening in order to share our concerns about electronic cigarette use, inform parents about the dangers of such heavy doses of nicotine (and, potentially, THC) at such young ages and discuss strategies to move forward as a community in order to keep our children safe and healthy.

To help us with this conversation, we had the support of our friends at LICADD (Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence) were at the meeting. Steve Chassman, the Executive Director of LICADD, spoke with authority and passion about the nature of addiction, the dangers posed by nicotine abuse at such young ages and the ease at which students can transition from vaping nicotine to vaping marijuana. We also discussed strategies Wheatley would incorporate, including more student education about the dangers and the availability of treatment, more parental education and more faculty education.

Overall, it was a wonderfully productive meeting that will help us move forward in a positive, collaborative manner. Thank you to those parents and students who were in attendance!

You can view Steve Chassman’s presentation here: LICADD Wheatley School 2019

LICADD Wheatley School 2019

Orientation for Parents of Incoming 8th Graders!

Posted
Filed under Academics, Community, Curricula, Guidance, Parents, Presentation, Students

On Thursday evening, we welcomed parents of incoming 8th Graders (the Class of 2024) to Wheatley so they could learn more about our school, its many offerings and our ongoing support of all of our students. After providing parents with a varied overview of Wheatley, we turned the program over to a panel of wonderful students who answered questions from parents.

The 8th grade student panelists were:

  • Emma Azevedo
  • Mahdi Bhalloo
  • Sonia Patel
  • Evan Sheinman
  • Alex Wigginton

Thanks to our Director of Guidance, Mrs. Janna Varela, for moderating the student panel! Thank you as well to our leadership team for assisting with the evening:

  • Dr. Klapper (Assistant Principal)
  • Mrs. Anderson (World Language Chair)
  • Mr. Collier (English Chair)
  • Dr. Eckers (Social Studies Chair)
  • Mr. Kemnitzer (Director of Technology)
  • Mrs. Pace (Science Director)
  • Dr. Teseo (Mathematics and Business)
  • Mrs. Varela (Guidance Director)

Handouts from the evening included:

wheatley preview jan19 cover.001

December is For Our Connections Holiday Dance!

Posted
Filed under Community, Parents, Student Clubs, Students

Last Friday night, our cafeteria was transformed into a festive place filled with music, dancing, food and even a Donut Wall! Organized by our wonderful Life Skills and PPS staff and supported by our terrific parents, our annual December Holiday Dance has become THE place to be in December for so many of our students at Wheatley and those in neighboring schools.

This year, we were thrilled to have so many new faces join us for this fun tradition.

Class of 2018 is Celebrated at the 61st Annual Commencement Exercises!

Posted
Filed under Academics, Community, Parents, Student Performances, Students

Earlier today, Wheatley held its 61st Commencement Exercises — this year in celebration of the Class of 2018! The 10:00 am ceremony included four wonderful musical performances and four impressive student speeches. It was a moving ceremony befitting this remarkable graduating class.

Congratulations to all of the graduates and their families!

You can view a copy of the Commencement Program here: Graduation Program 2018

Meet our 2018 PTO Recognition Award Students!

Posted
Filed under Academics, Community, Parents, Students

The penultimate award given during the Academic Awards Evening is the PTO Student Recognition award.

The purpose of this award is to recognize two deserving seniors who exhibit the qualities we value and encourage in our young people:

  • Kindness, respect, and tolerance for self, others and the environment
  • Good judgment and decision making
  • High ethical standards and character
  • Sincerity
  • Dignity
  • Courage to overcome obstacles
  • Good citizenship
  • Dependability and helpfulness

These awards were presented by our PTO past-president, Mrs. Diane Cumming. Here is what was said about this year’s recipients:

This first recipient of the PTO Recognition Award exemplifies the spirit of Wheatley. Mature, confident, poised and persistent, her radiant smile and infectious sense of humor helps to break down barriers and bring people together. With an adventurous spirit, she has taken advantage of many new opportunities during her years at Wheatley.

A member of our Mock Trial Team, a Wheatley Welcomer, a cast member in our school musicals, a participant on our guidance advisory board, co-captain of our fencing team, and a peer tutor for Spanish, she has been engaged in so many facets of our school life. Along the way, she has improved the experiences of all those around her. Our community has benefitted from her positive outlook, and her presence will be missed next year!

On behalf of the Wheatley PTO, it gives me great joy to present the PTO Recognition Award to Caroline Crimmins.

This year’s second recipient of the PTO Recognition Award is the epitome of a well-rounded, highly successful high school student. An outstanding student who earned AP Scholar with Distinction recognition, he has also been a leader in a variety of community service initiatives both inside and outside of school. Described by his teachers as someone possessing the highest ethical standards, good judgment and impeccable character, he is a quiet yet forceful leader in our school and community, always looking to help others in any way possible.

A few days ago, his athletic talents were celebrated at the final Sports Awards Evening of his Wheatley career. On that night, he was recognized for his outstanding athletic achievement, dedication, sportsmanship and love of the game; tonight, we recognize him with the PTO Student Recognition Award.

On behalf of the Wheatley PTO, please join me in recognizing William Feil.