Superintendent Dr. Jordan Cox presented custodian Brandon Beatty with the Commack Star Award at Building Blocks Developmental Preschool Friday afternoon. 

 

The Commack Star is awarded to district employees who demonstrate exemplary achievement, contribution and performance in their roles.

 

This year, Beatty was assigned to Building Blocks as a leave replacement head custodian and during that time he fulfilled the role with fidelity. He is excited to come to work each and every day and fulfill his responsibilities. Beatty is eager, willing, and creates a rapport with all of the children he sees.  

 

Beatty’s nomination came from Building Blocks Executive Director Donna Charbonneau, in which she described Beatty stepping in at the last minute to perform in a staff circus for Building Blocks children.

 

“Brandon’s impact on the children has been so positive,” Charbonneau said. “That day, he remained in costume while he went to all of the classrooms to collect the trash.  You should have heard the giggles and excitement of the children as he entered their classes.”

 

Dr. Cox echoed Charbonneau’s sentiment.

 

“To say that Brandon has gone above and beyond during his time here at Building Blocks, and in Commack as a whole, is an understatement,” Dr. Cox said. “He truly exemplifies all the qualities of a Commack Star. Congratulations.”

Superintendent Dr. Jordan Cox presented guidance counselor Jon Miale with the Commack Star Award during the Commack High School morning announcements Wednesday morning. 

The Commack Star is awarded to district employees who demonstrate exemplary achievement, contribution and performance in their roles.

Miale goes above and beyond in all things Commack. He is reliable and professional in his role as a counselor, and has made incredible relationships throughout the building with students, faculty and staff.

Miale started the Special Olympics club at CHS which has grown over the years to now include over 70 students. This year the club was recognized as a top fundraising team. In addition to the Special Olympics, Mr. Miale has been involved with coaching for the district’s Unified Basketball team, and new this year a Unified Bowling team. 

“Some may say that Mr. Miale is an inspiration as an educator,” Dr. Cox said. “He approaches every situation with kindness and positivity.  He cares about the mental health and academic success of all of the students at Commack High School.”

Superintendent Dr. Jordan Cox presented Shannon Dagastine with the Commack Star Award at a Commack Middle School Faculty Meeting Monday afternoon. 

The Commack Star is awarded to district employees who demonstrate exemplary achievement, contribution and performance in their roles.

In addition to the duties inside the classroom as a science teacher, Dagastine also serves as the lead of Instructional Technology and as the Tech Coach, spending much of her time supporting staff members around the building.  She also runs the Teacher Center which provides staff the opportunity to earn professional development hours.  

“Shannon is a true team player who emits such positive energy,” Dr. Cox said. “Shannon is kind, passionate, and dedicated to the students and staff for Commack. She truly exemplifies all of the qualities of a Commack Star.”

 

Superintendent Dr. Jordan Cox presented Andrea Beatty and Jeanette Collette with the Commack Star Award at the Celebration of Research Tuesday evening. 

The Commack Star is awarded to district employees who demonstrate exemplary achievement, contribution and performance in their roles.

Beatty has been an integral part of the Commack Science program, as well as the entire high school.  In addition, Beatty has been a part of Commack’s Discovery Camp since its inception. As a member of the Sunshine Committee, she is constantly supporting events to help improve the culture of the building.  

“Andrea’s creativity and enthusiasm always get staff excited about events,” Dr. Cox said. “She brings this same attitude to the students. From mentoring academically or even addressing stressors - she is there.”

Collette works tirelessly to support her students in the research program to help prepare them for the highest levels of competition. Her endless dedication to the program and her students goes well beyond expectations. She is in the research room every period of the day, before and after school, helping students and staff to better the program.

“Jeanette is the true definition of going above and beyond,” Dr. Cox said. “Not only does Jeanette support the students academically, but she fosters a sense of pride among them.  She has built a sense of community and family with the whole research team, students, and staff.”

Congratulations to our newest Commack Star recipient ... Wood Park school psychologist Dr. Emma Hettrich.

Dr. Hettrich is the first to reach out to offer support to her colleagues. She also is an asset to all those who seek her out for suggestions, advice or support.

She continuously engages in her own professional development as well as teaching opportunities.

“We are so lucky to have such an incredible educator as part of the Commack family — someone who goes above and beyond for both students and staff,” superintendent Dr. Jordan Cox told the gathered staff on Friday morning during the surprise presentation.”

Said principal Michelle Collison: “You have brought us to the next level. I am blessed to work with you.”

Superintendent Dr. Jordan Cox presented Curriculum Associate For Secondary Education Dr. Jennifer Santorello with the Commack Star Award at Superintendent’s Conference Day Wednesday afternoon.

The Commack Star is awarded to district employees who demonstrate exemplary achievement, contribution and performance in their roles.

Dr. Santorello has expressed an unwavering commitment to bettering the district, dating back to her time as Coordinator of Student Affairs and then Assistant Principal at Commack High School.

“Dr. Santorello never shies away from any task thrown her way, and she always does it with a smile,” Dr. Cox said. “She’s committed herself to building a positive culture at every school and I am proud to award her as a Commack Star.”