Week in Review: Schools Stand Against High-Stakes Testing, Heroic 911 Call

Smithtown Schools Join Movement Against High-Stakes Testing

Smithtown school district officials have officially joined part of a growing movement against high-stakes standardized testing on Long Island Tuesday night. 

Smithtown Board of Education voted unanimously to approve a resolution that challenges New York State Educational Department review its current system and the federal government to overhaul the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, better known as the "No Child Left Behind Act." 

Kindergartener's Heroic 911 Calls Saves Diabetic Mom

The quick thinking of a 5-year-old girl saved her mother's life in Nesconset last Monday. 

Jillian Given,  a kindergartener at Cherokee Street Elementary School, made an alarming 911 call at 6:30 a.m. on Sept. 16. 

Search Still On For Second Pot Grower

Smithtown officials are still on the hunt for a second suspect accused of helping tend to a marijuana farm discovered in Commack. 

Town of Smithtown's Public Safety Department busted a 100-plant marijuana farm being grown in a water recharge basin off Vanderbilt Motor Parkway and Redleaf Lane in Commack on Sept. 12.  Mark Kern, 44, of Kings Park was arrested and arraigned on criminal charges, but a second man fled the scene on foot. 

New Turkish Cafe Sign Hangs in Former FeelGoods Space

There are signs indicating a new Turkish and Mediterranean Grill is looking to start serving customers in Saint James. 

Istanbul Cafe II has posted "Coming soon" signs in the windows of the former FeelGoods Cafe, located at 412 North Country Road in Saint James. Little other information is available on the restaurant' opening date. 

Avalon Gardens Hit with 11 Workplace Safety Violations

A Smithtown nursing facility has been cited for having  11 workplace health and safety issues that endanger its workers. 

U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational and Safety Health Administration has cited Avalon Gardens Rehabilitation & Health Care Center, at 7 Route 25A, for 11 serious violations of workplace safety and health standards carrying a $41,000 fine on Tuesday