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Syosset showcases NGSS‑aligned science lessons, All‑State musicians and student research
Summary
District science leaders and teachers showcased NGSS three‑dimensional instruction across grade levels, highlighted 29 All‑State musicians and presented a high‑school student’s remote research project that adapted to pandemic constraints.
Syosset Central School District used its board meeting to spotlight science instruction retooled for the pandemic and to recognize student achievements in music and research.
Science coordinator Ray Laverso told the board the district has realigned its K–12 science curriculum to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), emphasizing phenomenon‑based, three‑dimensional learning and cross‑disciplinary problem solving.
"We use crosscutting concepts to connect science disciplines," Laverso said, describing a curriculum focus on science and engineering practices, disciplinary core ideas and crosscutting concepts that, he said, prepare students for complex problem solving.
Barbara Fournier, the district’s STEM specialist, highlighted elementary lessons that encourage hands‑on inquiry. She described a third‑grade bridge engineering unit adapted for COVID constraints — students researched, built index‑card structures, tested load capacity and iterated designs in a process that integrates ELA and math skills.
The board also recognized 29 students named to NYSSMA/All‑State ensembles, a large showing for a single high school. Superintendent Rogers congratulated students and noted the All‑State concert will be virtual this year.
High‑school student Giovanna Napoleon described her senior research pivot: when in‑lab work became impossible she used the IVGAP public database and image analysis software (ImageJ and FracLac) to study necrotic growth patterns in glioblastoma histology and submitted an STS application.
The presentations illustrated how Syosset teachers adapted instruction with technology and social‑distancing measures while maintaining project‑based learning and research opportunities for students. The board thanked presenters and plans to feature more classroom work at future meetings.
