January 11, 2005 - PRIDE Survey Meeting Minutes - Seaford High School Auditorium
The meeting took place in the Seaford HS Auditorium. A panel, which included George Duffy (Superintendent of
Schools), Brian Conboy (Asst Superintendent of Schools), Michael Ragon (High School Principal), Roseanne
Carerri (Middle School Principal), Nancy Kaplan (Middle School Social Worker), Michael Di Silvio (Seaford
Community Wellness Council, Chairman), Scott Maidat (South East Nassau Guidance Center), Julie Oliva
(President, Seaford School Board of Ed.), Kent Bush (Trustee Seaford School Board of Ed.), and Dr. Monica
Homer *
The PRIDE survey was administered to Seaford parents and students in November 2003. The results presented
at the meeting will eventually be posted on the Wellness web site. What follows is a general summary of the
discussion among all present:
1) The average Seaford High School substance abuser is in at least 10th grade.
2) He/She typically drinks beer, smokes cigarettes and/or marijuana on weekends, usually at a friend's house.
3) The drugs were not done at school, during school hours or on school nights.
4) Seaford is above the national average with students that abuse alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes, but these
results are similar among Long Island communities.
5) More affluent communities have more marijuana use.
6) Binge drinking among teenagers is a county-wide problem.
7) Binge drinking makes the drinker apt to get into more kinds of trouble, such as violent situations, date rape
and poor judgement.
8) The majority of parents who answered the survey indicated that they were more critical of cigarette smoking
and alcohol than they were of marijuana.
9) There is more of a need for parental involvement in order to remedy this situation.
10) Parents need to maintain the lines of communication with their teenagers. Be ready to sit down and talk to
your kids.
11) Both parents must have a "united front". Parents must remember to be a parent not a friend to their children.
("In life you will have many friends, but only one set of parents".)
12) A home is not a democracy. There is a difference between a right and a privilege.
13) When your teenager comes home from school and from being with friends you should always get a kiss from
them. You will be able to smell the alcohol, cigarettes or marijuana on their clothes and in their hair.
14) If you are suspicious that your child is abusing drugs, call the school or get some kind of intervention.
15) Parents must spot-check what their kids are doing. Blind-trust doesn't work.
16) Parents must stick together and reinforce other parents.
17) Seaford High School substance abuse problem is a community problem.
18) 1st year college students often do poorly because they have too many unresolved issues that carryover
from High School.
19) Seaford High School has zero tolerance in regard to substance abuse.
20) Seaford High School offers peer leadership. They also offer a mentoring program where older students
(11th graders) pair up with 8th graders and follow them up to 9th grade to make the transition into High School
easier.
21) Parents must monitor the Internet. Teens are buying their drugs off the Internet and having it delivered to
friends houses.
Strengths of the Pride Survey Results:
1) 25 % of the parents responded to the survey
2)most of the students that responded to the survey:
a) were good students and feel safe in school. (most kids that do well in school do not do drugs)
b) do not belong to gangs or bring weapons to school
c) do not think their parents set clear rules or stick to them (While most parents felt they were setting clear rules,
only 50% followed up on them.)
d) 95% of Middle schoolers and 93% of High Schoolers never consider suicide.
e) By 9th grade Seaford Students smoke cigarettes more than the national average. 1 in 3 students smoked on
a monthly basis.
f) Beer is the alcohol and drug of choice (72% of SHS students as opposed to 49% on the national average)
g) Marijuana is above the national average by 10th grade. (6.3% among SHS students) 1 in 3 seniors smoke
marijuana on a monthly basis.
Recommendations:
1) Enhance curriculum
2) Reinforce in Driver Education Courses
3) Enforce public drinking laws
4) Family involvement
5) Parent Education
6) Talk/listen to young people
7) Set a positive example
8) Work towards a drug-free lifestyle
February 15, 2005 - Meeting minutes - Seaford Middle School
Attendance: Michael Di Silvio - Ken Nersesian - Mary Anne Greco - Sharon Jonas - Brian Conboy, (Asst.
Superintendent) - Barbara Richko - Lucie Dean - Sara Holly, (Senator Fuschillo's Office) - Dennis Dunne,
(Nassau County Legislator) - Michael Gillman - Joseph Gillman - Barbara De Leon
The meeting was opened at 7:20PM. The turn out for tonight's meeting was light because of the District Concert
that was going on simultaneously at the High School.
Mr. Conboy asked to speak first because he had to leave to attend the concert. He said he recently attended the
PRIDE Survey Results forum for the Massapequa Schools. The results were similar to ours, which indicates that
our teens are on par with other teens on Long Island. He also said that he felt that the community turnout for the
Massapequa meeting was as light as ours. He mentioned that the PRIDE survey has sparked an interest in the
High School and in the Middle School. However, according to Mr. Conboy, the rest of the Seaford Community
seemed to show little reaction.
Legislator Dennis Dunne introduced Ms. Sara Holly, as representative of Sen. Charles Fuschillo. Ms. Holly said
that Sen. Fuschillo was in Albany, but wishes he could be here. She said that he is fighting to remove the cell
tower that was erected at the Seaford Oyster Bay Expressway east exit ramp at Sunrise Highway. Mr. Dunne
informed us that New Rochelle was defeated in their law suit regarding the removal of their cell tower, but that
they promise to appeal. He said this is not encouraging news for the Seaford Cell Tower effort.
At the last meeting it was mentioned that Massapequa has an evening summer recreation program for their
teenagers. It was asked if we could have a similar program. Mr. Conboy stated that he was aware of this
program, and thinks that it is sponsored by the Police department. Mr. Dunne said he will check into utilizing
Cedar Creek Park for a similar program.
Financial Report: not available tonight
FNL: Mr. Di Silvio will confirm the 3/11 date with Ms. Richko tomorrow. FNL needs a locker to store games and
supplies. They are getting mixed up with Activity Night supplies. Ms. Richko mentioned a "wish list " for FNL: an
Air Hockey game, new knock-hockey sticks, replacing some games for ones that are missing pieces. Mr. Di Silvio
will get approval for fliers and will get them to Ms. Richko for distribution. Last FNL scheduled for this school year
is either 6/3 or 6/10.
Dr. Gillman suggested using the Seaford Avenue School for a Community Recreation Center, as BOCES is
vacating the premises at the end of this school year. Mr. Conboy stated that BOCES has voiced in interest in
buying the building. The community does not want to lose it's fields. The future of the building is still up in the air
at this time.
Mr. Conboy stated that the Lion's Club wants to sponsor a program for Diabetes Week. He also spoke about the
American Cancer Society and the Relay for Life program. Relay for Life was here a few months ago to explain
their program.
A discussion about what would bring in students after school hours. One of the programs that seems to succeed
is Battle of the Bands, which is sponsored by the Student Council.
Healthy food choices in the High School was discussed. Some parents had concerns regarding sanitary
procedures used by the cafeteria workers and the food choices offered. We will ask Mr. Ragon to deal with these
issues. Ms. Holly said that the Board of Education is responsible for what the food service company offers.
Ms. Holly also told us that Sen. Fuschillo will be talking to Seaford Middle School 6th graders on March 10, 2005
at 9am about Anti-smoking.
Dr. Gillman voiced concern about children's blood pressure. He feels children need to have routine
height/weight/ blood pressure screening in the school similar to the vision screening they do in school. He is
also concerned that high school students are not getting the recommended amount of sleep needed for
adolescents, and believes the school day begins too early and needs to be amended to a later time to give the
students more time to sleep.
Hot Chocolate Run: we made a profit of $1,200 which will be used to sponsor a motivational speaker to the High
School students. Ms. Holly suggested the local MADD, as they have a list of local motivational speakers.
Seaford Beautification Committee: Mrs. Kern told us that March 15, 2005 is slated as the date that she will be
inviting all of Seaford's service clubs and organizations together to discuss what projects the various groups are
working on related to the beautification of Seaford. She is hoping that this will help alleviate duplication of
projects and will coordinate a "Big Picture" for all groups.
The meeting was ended at 8:50pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara De Leon
March 15, 2005 - Meeting Minutes - Seaford Middle School Library
The meeting was opened by Michael Di Silvio. He welcomed the various Seaford clubs and organizations who
then introduced themselves and their affiliations. The following names are those present:
Wayne G Edwards, rep. to Sen. Fuschillo, Dennis Dunne - Legislator, David Denenberg - Legislator, John
Brooks - rep for David Denenberg, Christine Marzigliano - Seaford Homeowners Association, Carla & Bill Powell -
Seaford Chamber of Commerce, Bob Powell - Seaford Board of Fire Commissioners, Det. Bob Hoehn - 7th
Precinct, Dale Buley - Lions, Robin Asighieri - Kiwanis, Tom Gallagher - Knights of Columbus, George Duffy -
Seaford School Superintendent, Jim & Candace Bergen - Seaford Booster Club, Thomas Fioriglio - Key Club
Advisor, Jean Bock - Manor PTA, Lisa Fauerbach - Manor PTA - Laura Hove - Girl Scouts, Matt Di Bono - Boy
Scouts, Michael Gillman
Wellness Council Members: Joanne Bellissimo, Rose Lochner, Christine Kern, Ken Nersesian, Lucie Dean, Liz
Gaebler, Barbara De Leon, Michael Di Silvio
Tonight's meeting was divided into 3 parts. The first part was a cooperative effort of several Seaford clubs and
organizations. The purpose was to coordinate the many individual beautification projects into a few group
projects. This part of the meeting started at 7pm. It was well attended with 25+ people in attendance
representing most of Seaford's clubs and organizations. The meeting concept was initiated by Christine Kern.
Many groups had their specific Seaford "hot spots" that they felt needed to be addressed as far as beautification
is concerned.
The following is a list of areas for improvement:
1. The Southwest corner of Sunrise Hwy/ Seaman's Neck Road is considered an eyesore. It is thought that
$10,000-$15,000 would be needed to maintain the area once it is cleaned up.
2. The "Welcome to Seaford" sign by the train station is in a state of disrepair, as it is made of wood, and the
wood is rotting.
3. The commercial signs placed on the sidewalks on Merrick Road are taking up too much sidewalk space and
detract form the beauty of the town.
4. Store owners are not maintaining the front of their stores, not sweeping the sidewalks, not providing general
upkeep and general maintenance.
5. Store owners are killing the trees on Merrick Road, and they are not watering them. They are severely
pruning the branches in order to display more of their storefronts, or they are purposely killing the trees by
pouring chemicals on them.
6. The kiosk by Astoria Federal Bank needs a face lift. Some of it's information and pictures are old and faded.
7. There was some concern with the way some homes in Seaford are being sold. It was felt that often when one
person sells a house two homes are put on the lot. This congestion is an issue for many. Some people voiced an
opinion that Suburbia is disappearing.
8. The sidewalks on Seaman's Neck Road near the High School are in bad shape and in some places are
missing all together.
9. Cedar Creek Health Risk Assessment is planning it's next meeting on May 11, 2005 . A tour of the plant is at
7pm, with the meeting at 8pm. The purpose is to keep the plant clean. All are encouraged to attend on May 11th.
A Survey of what the community feels needs to be accomplished will be formulated by Mrs. Kern and sent to the
various organizations for distribution. These surveys need to be returned to the Wellness Council by April 5th.
The second part of the meeting, the regular Seaford Wellness Council Meeting, started at 7:52pm.
Treasurer's Report: Liz Gaebler we have a balance of $10,141.79. Mrs. Gaebler has mailed out the grant
information.
FNL: Michael Di Silvio - Last Friday we had 90 students attend FNL. We bought more games and ping pong
balls. June's FNL will have a Carnival theme. We will need to rent equipment.
Beautification Committee: Christine Kern - Was pleased with how the previous meeting went. It was well attended
and hopefully will be productive.
Parent Center: Michael Di Silvio
It is run by Mary Copius, who is doing a wonderful job. Mr. Di Silvio feels we should have a stronger connection
with the Parent's Center, since they are dealing with many of the same issues we are dealing with. The Wellness
web site has a link to the Parent's Center. The Parent's Center sponsored Parent University on March 5, 2005.
175 parents attended (mostly Wantagh parents).
We brainstormed on how to get information out to the community. Many parents don't look at flyers until after the
event.
Mr. Duffy, the Superintendent of Seaford Schools said that he would like to see Seaford's beautification start with
Seaford Schools. He felt there are many areas that need attention:
1. The auditorium needs an overhaul
2. The track needs approx. $1 million of work to get it into working order.
3. The field scorer's table needs to be replaced.
4. An electronic billboard, thought to cost about $12,000, might be needed on the High School lawn to keep the
community aware of the upcoming events in Seaford.
Ms. Carla Powell and Mr. Bill Powell representing the Seaford Chamber of Commerce, and Mr. Bob Powell
representing the Seaford Fire Department discussed that they felt that local government is not doing their jobs to
make sure that dumpsters are meeting sanitary codes. They said that street sweepers are coming down Merrick
Road after 10AM when the street is the busiest and therefore the cleaning is inefficient due to the fact that it is
unable to get near the curbs.
The roads are maintained as follows:
Sunrise Highway: State
Merrick Road: County
All other roads: Town of Hempstead
The next meeting will be on April 12, 2005
The meeting ended at 8:52pm
The last part of the meeting was in executive session. It started at 9pm. We received a $10,000 grant. The first
installment of the grant is $2,500.
The Wellness Council will sponsor a representative from Dale Carnegie to conduct a workshop at the High
School for the 11th and 12th grade students on how to prepare for a job interview.
It was suggested that Peter Schmidt (the Republican Majority Leader), and the Commissioner of Parks come to
the next meeting. We would like to ask about the future renovations of Washington Avenue Park.
The meeting was ended by 9:20pm.
April 12, 2005 7:00 pm - Meeting Minutes - Seaford Middle School Faculty Room
Attendees: Carla Powell - Seaford Chamber of Commerce, George Duffy - Seaford School District
Superintendent, Brian McGrath - Legislator Peter Schmitt's Office, Thomas & MaryAnn Fioriglio - Key Club
Advisors, Michael Ragon - Seaford High School Principal, Sarah Holly - Senator Charles Fuschillo
Representative, John Brooks - Seaford Fire Dept./Legislator David Denenberg, Neil Robbins - Wantagh/Seaford
Hockey Club, Robert Hoehn - Detective 7th Squad, Don Paulson - Lions Club, Peter Ruffner - Seaford Library,
Ken Nersesian, Liz Gaebler, Michael Di Silvio, Barbara DeLeon, Christine Kern, Theresa Maffetone, Lucy Dean
Seaford Beautification
Discussion regarding the Environmental Bond Act Program. The 2005 nomination form is due this Friday, April
15. Washington Avenue Park will be our primary concern. Mr. Di Silvio asked several Seaford Clubs and
Organizations who
were present to fill out the nomination form and send it in.
Christine Kern said she has forms for free trees for your curbside for whoever wants one.
Environmental Clean Up Day - Tentatively scheduled for May 14 with a rain date of May 15. Area of
concentration: On/Off ramps of SOB, area between SOB and Seaman's Neck Road. It was strongly suggested
that everyone who
participates have a signed release due to liability. Children need parental approval via a signed release. Sen.
Fuschillo's office suggested Wellness Council should write a letter to the state requesting permission to use the
Rail Road
parking lot. We were informed that the DOT is planning a massive clean up of the area. If it does not get done,
call DOT.
The next meeting is scheduled for May 3, 2005 at 7pm in the Middle School library.
This ended the general meeting for the beautification update.
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The regular Wellness Council Meeting started at 8:05pm. This meeting was being chaired by Ken Nersesian.
The minutes of the last meeting was read by Barbara De Leon.
Mr. Nersesian reported that the Dale Carnegie Workshop for High School Seniors is scheduled for this Tuesday
morning, April 19, 2005 during first and second periods at the High School.
Beautification: Again we had a good representation from Seaford Civic groups.
The need for a new Scorers table will be addressed before the start of Fall sports.
A $20,000.00 discretionary grant was given to the Wellness Council last Friday by Senator Charles Fuschillo and
Assemblyman David McDonough.
Mr. Nersesian wants to give the High School Auditorium an "extreme make over". Town Clerk Mark Bonilla
suggested asking the Alumni to help out financially. Mr. Nersesian said that he would like to get a gazebo
erected for
community use on the parcel of land between the LIRR station and Sunrise Highway, between Washington Ave
and Jackson Avenue. We were informed that the LIRR station and platform level is being redone and there are
plans to have
the Parking Lot also given a face lift. A Gazebo would fit nicely in the plans. It was suggested that a letter to
Senator Fuschillo detailing the needs for the gazebo - IE., the specific location, the size of the gazebo, who will
be
responsible for the upkeep and maintenance, and request a grant for it's purchase.
New Business: Mr. Bonilla introduced Neil Robbins, head coach of Wantagh/Seaford Baymen Youth Hockey
Team and the LI Blues, a hockey team for children with disabilities. Mr. Robbins said that if we need kids to help
on
Environmental Clean Up Day, he can provide easily 60 kids. He also said that if the Wellness Council was to
open a Recreation Center, if they put an ice rink in it, he promised that it would turn a profit and guarantee that it
would be
used on a regular basis.
Treasurer's Report: According to Liz Gaebler, treasurer, the last Friday Night Live cost the Council $1,509.90 in
supplies. This left us with a balance of $8,732.72.
Issues up for Votes:
1. We provided the planter for the Manor AP room by the mural. We would like to provide a plaque. Approved
2. The purchase of T-shirts that have the Wellness Council Logo on them. Approved
The meeting was ended by 9:10pm.
May 3, 2005, 7:00 pm - Meeting Minutes - Seaford Middle School Library
The meeting opened at 7:00 pm. Clean Up Day: date was changed to June 4, 2005
Litter Bags: Christine Kern has a catalogue with various litter bags that can be imprinted with the wellness council
logo to be distributed during Clean Up Day.
Chamber of Commerce: Asking merchants to clean up their storefront area for Clean Up Day. Also asked the
Wellness Council if they would be interested in joining the Chamber of Commerce. If the Wellness Council joins
the Chamber of Commerce, they will be able to have a free table at the annual Craft Fair scheduled for Father's
Day weekend at the RR station. The Chamber is getting a new Welcome to Seaford sign. The Chamber of
Commerce will have their next meeting on May 17, 2005 at Noon at Runyon's. If the Council is interested in
joining, they are welcome to attend.
Gazebo and plantings: area of interest: Jackson Ave and Sunrise Hwy by RR station near WWI Memorial, Ideas:
Could put up memorials for WWII, Korean Conflict, Vietnam, the Gulf Conflict, Iraq, and make a Memorial Park
with landscaping and a gazebo. A sixteen-foot gazebo costs $3500-$4500. It is estimated that to have the whole
thing done right (landscaping, electricity) it would cost in excess of $20,000.
We need to get clearance from the Town of Hempstead. Mike Di Silvio will write a letter to Kate Murray. Christine
Kern will get in touch with the Merrick Chamber of Commerce regarding their sign by their RR station and their
gazebo.
Christine Kern will also call the Lions Club to find out if they maintain the WWI memorial. The American Legion will
also be contacted.
The beautification part of the meeting ended at 8:00 pm. - The general meeting of the Seaford Wellness Council
started at 8:05pm.
The Dale Carnegie Workshop: the workshop discussed communication skills to help seniors in the next phase of
their lives. 170-180 students attended in the SHS Auditorium. Some students were disruptive and the assistant
principal
needed to be called in.
NEXT YEAR: This workshop will be by invitation only an be capped at 40 students. It will be conducted in a
classroom setting rather than the auditorium.
5th Grade Parents Meeting: tomorrow night. Lucie Dean will represent the Wellness Council.
Viking Voice: Ken Nersesian presented two articles . The first spoke about the lack of School Spirit, the second
talked about Date Rape. The Date Rape issue should be brought to the Board of Education's attention at their
next meeting.
The school budget vote and the election of new board members was discussed.
The meeting ended at 9:07pm.
June 7, 2005 - Meeting Minutes - Seaford Middle School
Attendance: Michael Di Silvio, Ken Nersesian, Peter Ruffner, Christine Kern, Detective Bob Hoehn, Liz & Steve
Gaebler
7:30PM: After a review of the May 3, 2005 meeting we reviewed the Tackapausha Park Clean-up
on Saturday, June 4, 2005. We believe it was a tremendous success and are appreciative to all those involved.
The local press in Wantagh – Seaford Citizen and Newsday has been beneficial for us. The time we spent with
Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi on Saturday enlightened us on his renovation plans for Nassau County
Parks and gave him an understanding of our concerns.
Liz Gaebler gave us an accounting of our finances, which is approximately $5,800 with some minor expenses still
to be added for the upcoming Friday Night Live. According to Liz’s conversation with Barbara Richko, everything
is ready to go with FNL.
Washington Park Renovation will be discussed with members of the County Parks Dept. in order to detail what
needs to be done. We will look for a time on June 27 or 28 to meet with them on this.
A Town Meeting with Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi is scheduled at the Wantagh High School at 7:
30PM on June 22 for residents of Wantagh and Seaford. At the meeting we can discuss local issues.
The Seaford train station parking lot will be repaved shortly, and we discussed the need to monitor the situation
and see where we can gather information on the Gazebo project. We are waiting for a response on our letter
sent to the Town regarding the proposed Gazebo at the Seaford L.I.R.R. Station. At some point over the
summer we plan to visit the Merrick gazebo for ideas and then return to Seaford to see how best to proceed.
Our calendar of events and meetings should be ready in a week so that we may prepare our new brochures to
be available for the 6th Grade and 9th Grade orientations in late August. It is important that we get our message
out to parents and students at the onset of the new school year.
We will be reviewing the Wellness Council By-laws for possible revision over the summer.
Meeting ended at 8:45PM.
Michael Di Silvio