Hauppauge superintendent highlights new podcast, school events and registration ahead of midterms
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Summary
Superintendent Dr. Murphy reviewed winter building visits and alumni engagement, announced a district "hometown hero" podcast series, reminded families about midterms starting Jan. 20 and kindergarten registration, and praised a student-led blood drive that doubled prior turnout.
Superintendent Dr. Murphy opened the Jan. 13 Hauppauge Union Free School District Board of Education meeting with a community update that touched on student engagement, upcoming assessments and district programming. "I just wanna welcome everybody back," Dr. Murphy said, noting visits to school buildings over the holiday season and a special visit involving the Hauppauge fire department.
Dr. Murphy announced a new "hometown hero" podcast series that features interviews with students and local first responders and veterans; he said extended video versions (about 45 minutes to an hour) will be available online. He also described an IB alumni panel at the high school that drew nearly 20 alumni spanning classes from 2016 through 2025 and said the program gives current students a chance to ask questions and learn about post‑graduation paths.
The superintendent reminded families that midterm exams begin Jan. 20 with morning and afternoon sessions and that the district will provide buses, including a 10:00 a.m. bus and late buses. "Just be sure to review your students' exam schedule with them in advance," he said, and noted testing-room rules: phones should not be present in the testing room and should be locked away.
Dr. Murphy also said kindergarten registration is open for children who turn 5 on or before Dec. 1, directing families to the district's registration page for details. He praised senior James Bencuso for organizing a recent high‑school blood drive, saying turnout was "double" the previous drive.
The update included brief mentions of academic contests and goals for future student recognition: Dr. Murphy said the district hopes to see students compete in higher-profile science competitions and noted interest in showcasing student accomplishments in outlets such as Newsday and Regeneron scholar lists.
The board did not take formal action on the items covered in the superintendent's update; they were provided as information to the community and to staff.