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John Glenn Student Earns Girl Scouts Gold Award With Sensory Kit Project

Elwood-John H. Glenn High School student Olivia LoBue  thumbnail267372

As part of achieving her Girl Scouts Gold Award, Elwood-John H. Glenn High School student Olivia LoBue recently provided sensory friendly kits for students with special needs to each of the four nurses’ offices in the Elwood School District. The Gold Award recognizes scouts who demonstrate a commitment to public service by developing innovative and sustainable projects that have a measurable impact.

These beneficial sensory kits are designed to help people with autism and other sensory processing disorders by providing items and tools to help calm a person during an emergency or stressful event. Items in a sensory kit include fidget toys, noise-reducing earmuffs, sunglasses and communication devices to help the person communicate with first responders. LoBue created communication cards to aid in communicating a person’s needs as well as a training manual to help first responders understand autism and how to manage potential issues and behaviors during an emergency response. The goal of using the sensory kit is to make these situations as stress-free as possible so that everyone remains safe, especially when encountering paramedics and emergency situations in the community.  

LoBue partnered with Elwood’s SEPTA and the Elwood Public Library to spread her message about the importance of sensory kits and how they can benefit people with autism and sensory processing issues. She involved the Elwood community to provide sensory kits for the Greenlawn Fire Department’s ambulances and those of nearby towns such as Cold Spring Harbor, Deer Park, East Northport, Eatons Neck, Halesite and Melville. In addition, SUNY Binghamton incorporated LoBue’s sensory kits onboard their student-run ambulance exchange that not only serves the SUNY campus but also the greater Binghamton area.  
 
LoBue’s leadership on this project led to her being invited to be the guest speaker at a recent Girl Scouts Silver Award ceremony, where she was asked to discuss her project and encourage younger girls to pursue their Gold Award. She also met with her troop for firsthand training and created a guideline on the steps for earning the Gold Award.

Date Added: 7/3/2025

Julie Bilello Appointed as Principal of Harley Avenue

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Julie Bilello was appointed as principal of Harley Avenue Primary School, effective July 1. She replaces the retiring Dr. Denise Toscano.

Bilello had served as assistant principal at Elwood Middle School since 2021. She previously worked for 16 years as a special education teacher at Elwood Middle School, the Lynbrook School District and Plainview Old-Bethpage School District, teaching every grade from first to eighth in various settings such as resource room, integrated co-teaching and special class.

A Deer Park resident, Bilello earned an associate’s degree in liberal arts from Farmingdale State College, her bachelor’s degree in child study from St. Joseph’s College, a master’s degree in education/literacy from Long Island University and a post-master’s advanced graduate certificate in educational leadership from Stony Brook University.

“As the newly appointed principal of Harley Avenue, my goal is to create an environment where every child feels valued, supported and inspired to grow, during this exciting and important stage of their development,” Bilello said. “I am eager to continue serving the Elwood School District in a new capacity, where the strong sense of community and collaboration truly sets us apart. I look forward to building meaningful relationships with our students, staff and families, and I’m excited to work together to ensure our youngest Knights begin their school journey with a positive, engaging experience where fun and curiosity are at the heart of learning.”

Date Added: 7/2/2025

John Glenn’s Spirited Class of 2025 Celebrates Graduation With Pride

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Elwood-John H. Glenn High School held its 63rd commencement on June 27, kicking off with the excited seniors clad in blue and white processing from the school’s doors to the football field where the families and their future awaited them.

Senior Class President Nicola Palisciano led the Pledge of Allegiance, and the high school’s band, directed by Gabrielle Caviglia, performed a rousing rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Additional musical performances during the evening came from the band, playing selections from “The Greatest Showman,” and the high school’s choir, directed by Brittany Wheeler, performing selections from “Wicked.”

“My message for the Class of 2025 is simple,” outgoing Principal Corey McNamara told them in his welcoming remarks. “Stay true to yourself. We have so many promising individuals sitting here today who have navigated their journey over the past 18 years of life to earn their diploma. They likely have made many mistakes along the way, but they have shared their talents, passion and spirit with us, representing John Glen High School with dignity, grace and a tremendous amount of Elwood pride.”

Noting that this, her first graduating class as superintendent, will always hold a special place in her heart, Superintendent Dr. Gayle Steele cited their kindness, leadership and school spirit as having made an indelible impression upon her

“You truly represent the best of John Glenn High School,” Dr. Steele said. “You infuse our environment with an energy and positivity that sets a refreshing example for every student who walks through the doors of our schools. That kind of leadership and compassion is what makes a community thrive, and you are an enormous part of that. It will be sad to lose you, but I am delighted to be sending this group into the world, because I know you will make a difference.”

Board of Education Vice President Deborah Weiss reminded the seniors of how they walked into the district’s Harley Avenue Primary School a dozen years ago with a simple backpack that held not just supplies but their hopes for their educational journey.

“Year after year, it was filled with new lessons and new friends, and every year, it carried a little more of your knowledge, confidence and heart,” Weiss said. “Tonight, as you sit here in your cap and gown, that backpack is here, too. Now it holds the tools that you need to take the next step – the courage to try new things, the curiosity to keep learning, the kindness and empathy that will make the world a better place. May your backpack always be ready and may your journey ahead be filled with purpose, promise and pride.”

Salutatorian Katherine Moravec talked about change and the idea of pursuing connectivity.

“Rather than allowing yourselves to fall into relentless consumption, spend time with other people,” Moravec said. “Keep an open mind and an open heart to people around you. You will find yourself enriched in ways that you may have never imagined. My personal growth throughout high school has been fueled by the engine of connectivity, and it has completely and utterly changed me as a human being. Connectivity with others is truly the greatest gift you can give to both others and to yourself.”

Palisciano reminded his classmates that each of them has the power to do something great that the world needs, before introducing valedictorian Davin Li.

Despite his numerous accomplishments, Li expressed regret at letting time slip away during high school, and urged the students to live life to the fullest and take advantage of every opportunity.

“Seize the moment and follow your passions,” Li said. “Don’t wait for the perfect opportunity, because the perfect one will never come. Just get started and follow your dreams to the fullest extent. When you go off into the world, find what inspires you and do it wholeheartedly. I simply ask that you savor the moment.”

All Schools President Caroline Weiss took the podium next, extolling the virtues of the trait of empathy, before introducing the final student orator, Class of 2025 graduation speaker Christian Deonarine, who urged his fellow graduates to be themselves. 

“In college, you’ll finally be in control of your own life, so use that freedom wisely. Make mistakes, learn about yourself, discover who you really are, make new friends, have confidence in yourself, don’t let others discourage your interests, ignore the negativity and focus on what makes you happy. Be proud of who you are. Be you, and you will attract likeminded people who will support you and encourage you to do the right thing, not the easy thing.”

Diplomas were then handed out to the joyful new graduates, and McNamara bestowed an honorary diploma upon beloved retiring Athletic Director Dave Shanahan. At this point, all that was left in this magical ceremony was the traditional turning of the tassels, before the Class of 2025 hurled their caps to the sky and walked out of the stadium as Knights alumni, ready to celebrate.

Date Added: 7/1/2025

NOTICE - SPECIAL BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING SCHEDULED ON JULY 2, 2025

A Special Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. at Elwood Middle School.  It is anticipated that the meeting will be Executive Session only with no actions taken during this meeting.
 

 

Date Added: 6/30/2025

Superintendent’s Letters (English/Spanish) and Thank You Video to the Community

Date Added: 6/27/2025

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