East Hampton School News: Congressman Visits Classroom, Pastor Speaks To GSA

The East Hampton School District submitted the following school news:

East Hampton High School
        In early March, 69 Latin students sat for the National Latin Exam, taken by over 150,000 students worldwide. Thirty-three East Hampton students won awards, including three Latin 4 students – Jaclyn Messemer, Leo Panish, and David Soto – who received ribbons and a “perfect” certificate.
        The Bonac Dance Force competed in the Starquest Dance Competition in West Babylon the weekend of April 13-14. A majority of the renowned Long Island dance studios attend the Starquest competition every year, and both of the EHHS numbers placed!
        They performed "Lego House" and "Sail," and received a “High Gold" evaluation for each. "Lego House" received third place overall for the senior small group category and "Sail" received fourth place overall for the senior large group category. [PHOTO]
        On Friday, April 19, Congressman Tim Bishop paid a visit to the EHHS seniors enrolled it Ed Barry’s Participation in Government course. The congressman presented a short review of some of the salient points in Congress right now – the budget, gun control, and immigration reform – and fielded questions that concerned students most: the shore devastation on Long Island post-Sandy, and the defeat of the assault weapons ban. “If the Sandy Hook tragedy is not enough to persuade them how to vote – if the slaughter of 20 6-year-olds doesn’t change the policy – I don’t know what will,” Mr. Bishop said. (PHOTO)
        Over the weekend, Earth Day hikes were led on behalf of the Concerned Citizens of Montauk by students Miles Todaro, Serana Mattiuda, and Sarah-Jane Lynn, who participated in CCOM’s intern program last year.
        On Wednesday, April 24, Principal Adam Fine will hold the monthly principal-parent breakfast in the library at 8 a.m. Parents are invited to bring a brown bag breakfast with them and exchange ideas. That evening, a Spring College Fair will be held at the Westhampton Beach High School from 5 to 7:30 p.m., and students from surrounding districts are welcome to come and meet representatives from institutions of higher learning.
        A busload of students will attend the East Hampton Special Players performance of “Gigi: The Life of a Doll” at the Bay Street Theatre on Friday, April 26.
        Also on Friday, April 26 at 5:30 in the auditorium, the freshman class is presenting a photography slideshow and Q&A session with photographer and adventurer Andy Bardon. Mr. Bardon – who has worked on assignment for National Geographic, Patagonia, The North Face, ESPN, and Outside Magazine to name a few – will recount his adventures and the steps he's taken to live a unique lifestyle that allows him to travel around the world. The cost is $5 and all proceeds benefit the Young Explorers Club the Khumbu Mountain School in Tibet, which teaches young sherpas how to travel safely through the Himalayas.
        The junior prom committee will be meeting on Saturday morning, April 27, at 8 a.m. in the high school cafeteria, to start assembling gossamer decorations and putting together trees for the prom. Donations of white holiday lights and old branches (5-6 feet long) are still welcomed for drop-off then.
        A select group concert will be performed at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 2. It is free and open to the public.
        The Key Club is continuing its “care package drive” to help support Jordan’s Initiative, which assists both deployed troops and recently returned veterans. They are collecting batteries, deodorant, Ziploc bags, pens and paper, socks, and candy.

East Hampton Middle School
        Congratulations to all (and to Jeannie Becker for spearheading the application): the Suffolk Reading Council has awarded E.H.M.S. “Honor School” status for the advancement of the students' development in literacy for this school year. This group is affiliated with the International Reading Association, dedicated to literacy and teaching.
        Wednesday, May 1, is the last day to order flowers and other green things from the PTA’s plant sale. All plants will be delivered to the school on May 16 for pick-up.
        The PTA meeting and principal’s breakfast were both moved out of April and to Thursday, May 2 at 9:30 a.m. to accommodate the state testing.
        The eighth grade trip on May 10 will bring the graduating class to the Big Apple for a day of theater, sightseeing, and more.
        What mom doesn’t like a clean car? The eighth grade class is holding a car wash and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the school on Saturday, May 11. All the proceeds will go to the eighth grade graduation dinner and dance.

John M. Marshall Elementary School
        School clubs and all-school meetings have been cancelled through the end of Friday, April 26, due to state testing. However, there will be a PTA meeting on Tuesday, April 30, at 9 a.m. at the school. The PTA is still on the lookout for a new president and secretary for the organization.
        East Hampton Youth Football is signing up for the new season. Boys and girls, ages 5 to 11, are invited to register at JMMES on Thursday, April 25, from 3 to 5:30 p.m., or online at ehyfootball.com.