001Thank you. Welcome back to the uh December 9th, 2025 meeting of the Hophog Union 3 School District Board of Education. I'd like to uh call up the Brenttonwood Brentton Woods Girl Scouts Daisy Troop number 1765 to lead us in the pledge of allegiance, please. I ask everyone to rise. You guys can do it. I pledge alce to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. [cheering] [applause] food is struggling [laughter] for you. [laughter] Come here. Come here. >> Smile. Smile, girls. >> Good. [clears throat] >> Love it. >> See you in school this week. And I'm going to do another video and I'll put more about >> Yeah. [laughter] We wear pajamas next. [laughter] very [laughter]
002>> never heard >> [laughter] [clears throat] >> Thank you very much. >> Just so you know, Mr. Bosch, the Daisy Troop has suggested that we may wear pajamas as well at a future meeting. >> Yes, next week. >> Got to be Halloween pajam or holiday pajamas. >> Yeah, they have to be holiday pajamas though. >> Happy holidays, ladies. >> [screaming] >> number three on the agenda is um pledge which we just did. Number four is the superintendent's uh update. Dr. Murphy, >> thank you Mr. Mare. That was awesome having our friends here for this meeting to start us up. Uh so some news from around the district. Congratulations to the Hop Hogs uh Smithtown girls swim team. They made history last month. This team is incredible. Their second consecutive New York State uh championship and
003their third title in the last four years. Uh they are a juggernaut and that is Mr. Leonetti who's the coach. >> Anyone else miss >> Mr. Move as well. So congratulations to those girls. Uh we also had a number of teams grab championship titles this past season. So this is just looking uh in in the rear view here. Congratulations to our girls varsity cross country team. They were League five champs. Our girls varsity volleyball team who were league four champions. And congratulations to varsity game day cheer Suffach County Class B champions. Uh so a lot of accolades for our our girls throughout Hop, our student athletes. So so great job all around. Of [applause] course, we have the holiday season upon us. Our schools um have so much going on. This morning, I went to
004to Pines Elementary. I'm going to have to post this on my Facebook account, and I saw uh Frosty the Snowman, which was Mr. Bulis, who was dressed up as the buses were arriving. Um so, that's the kind of feel going on throughout the district. I was at the middle school as well today for the for the uh the PTA was were doing their uh their festival their fair uh and and this was in the lunchroom which was um a lot of students up buying all sorts of uh uh holiday gear uh with the PTA. Um we have many ways that our community comes together as well that's been announced through parent square and and other means. We have food drives, toy drives, uh the Eagles pantry which everybody supports which is tremendous. And then all
005that kind of leads up to this weekend and beyond. But this Saturday uh is the holiday and hero holidays and heroes festival uh which is uh partnership with the hot pock fire department. tremendous letterw writing to Santa, holiday cards to our US military with proceeds benefiting um money raised that day benefiting Hop Pog High School sharing care friends and families. Uh and I also just want to um shout out the fire department as well. I was uh in attendance with a lot of others at the first annual Christmas tree in Manora lighting. Um so many people weathered the cold. It was cold. Um, and we had little ones like our our girls here tonight. Uh, all the way up to, you know, grandparents who were there. And, um, we had middle school choir, we had
006the kick line, we had Santa, there was hot chocolate, there was hot pretzels. It was tremendous. So, it seems like the start of a great tradition. Um and then just lastly, this is our last meeting uh this year, calendar year. So just wishing everybody uh a very merry Christmas, a happy Hanukkah, and a happy new year. And the next time you'll see all of us after tonight is in January. So thank you. Oh, I should be >> student update. I don't see it on the agenda, but we know you come next for a [laughter] >> All right. Good. Good evening, everyone. Um, our high school brought back Eagles Challenge Day for the first time in years, giving students and staff the chance to look beyond the surface and truly get to understand one another. The
007feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and everyone is already asking for more next year. Um, student council is preparing for this year's holiday spirit week and morning cocoa sales. Kickoff is Wednesday the 17th with white out day and we will be wrapping it up on Tuesday the 23rd with cozy day. This upcoming Monday is the Monday the 15th. The high school will be holding a blood drive with the New York Blood Center for staff and students above the age of 16 with parent permission. We would like to recognize senior James Manuso for spearheading this event. >> Concert season has come for all students and families should pay close attention to the dates of their concerts. The middle school has seen its largest participation in sports and clubs ever with 80% of students being involved. and the
008PTA will be holding a holiday boutique and sponsoring it from December 8th through 10th. The sales will be held during students lunch periods. In addition, the PTA will be holding their annual pancake breakfast for students and staff to connect before we break for the holidays. >> Boutique, that was the word I was looking for to describe the middle school. And by the way, Hannah and Alakin, I think we're halfway almost through the year, so halfway through your service as new board members. You guys have been tremendous. I feel like I see you everywhere too in high school. So, thank you. Uh you've been just a great addition to the board this year. [applause] >> 5A on the agenda are uh our recognitions and awards. I'd like to call up uh Gary Campanelli, our um school
009district director of guidance. Uh and I'd ask him to introduce our guest from the Long Island Coalition Against Bullying. >> [clears throat] >> Good evening. Um, so I'm here and would love to introduce Joseph Salamone, founder and executive director for the Long Island Coalition Against Bullying. >> Thank you, Mr. Campanelli. Uh, good evening everybody and thank you for allowing me to be here tonight. Um, so, uh, as already been stated, I'm Joe Salomony and I'm the founder and executive director of the Long Island Coalition Against Bullying. Uh two years ago, we launched an event called the Long Island School Hero Awards. An event that is meant to uh shine a light on school district officials from everybody from a member of the custodial team up to and including superintendent and everybody in between. The reason
010for it was stories that we hear on a constant basis of those who sacrifice step beyond what's asked for or expected of them carrying weight. um they don't ask for applause, they don't seek accolades, but for those reasons, they deserve it. Um so for the next couple of minutes, I'd like to just apologize to Dr. Murphy in advance because you're probably going to be a little uncomfortable by what what we said as a person who doesn't really seek the spotlight. Uh but um the 2026 event was 2025 event was held uh this past October and unfortunately Dr. Murphy who was selected as one of our honores could not attend. So we're going to present him with his award tonight. Um, but before we do that, I did want to read uh for everybody what was
011written about him and shared with the audience that night. Um, as superintendent of Hop Schools, Don Murphy has been a constant source of encouragement, support, and inspiration for students, staff, and families alike. His focus has always been on meeting the diverse needs of every student, and his leadership has set a standard of excellence throughout the district. Early in his tenure, Don worked with his team to create a new mission and vision for the district. One that was centered on growth, respect, collaboration, and opportunity. He has made those principles come alive in every school, ensuring students are challenged academically, supported socially, and prepared for life beyond graduation. His presence in the classrooms, whether sitting on the floor with an elementary student or listening to high schools, high schoolers share their dreams, reflect his belief that leadership
012is about connection. He has championed initiatives that break down barriers for students. Under his leadership, the district covers the cost of all post-secary exams, making equitable access a reality for every child. He has expanded opportunities for college and career exploration through field trips and partnerships. and most recently spearheaded a successful bond initiative to modernize school facilities, creating an environment that inspires learning and pride. What truly sets Dr. Murphy apart is his unwavering commitment to going above and beyond for the community that he serves. His vision, his compassion, and his belief in the potential of every student make him not only an outstanding superintendent, but a true Long Island school hero. So, Dr. Murphy, on behalf of myself and the board of trustees of the Long Island Coalition Against Bullying, congratulations on being named a 2025
013Long Island School Hero. [applause] Uh, thank you so much. No prepared remarks. I just will message that um I can't think of a better award to receive. Um and the truth is that this is very much uh an award for all of us. The the board sets my direction and basically says do right by kids. And so, uh, with that charge and the culture and climate here in Hop Hog, I see, uh, colleagues in the audience and around me, it's such a team effort. And so, I I very much appreciate it. But I also recognize that this is really about much more than just me. I'm the lucky one sometimes who gets to be wearing the turkey suit and and other costumes and connecting with kids, but there are uh, it's it's a team effort.
014So, thank you so much. which I I truly really appreciate. [applause] >> 5C on the agenda is the adoption of minutes from the business meeting of the board of education of October 14, 2025. I will make a motion. Mr. Screeno seconds. Any discussion? >> Yeah. All those in favor? 4 Z uh Mr. Michaels and Miss Collins Mrs. Collins rather absent. Number six on the agenda, question or comments from the community concerning tonight's agenda only seven uh through 7.4 are uh our items that consent agenda. Do any members have any items that they would like to have removed from the consent agenda? With that, I'll take a motion to approve the consent agenda. I'll make the motion. Mr. Screeno seconds. Any discussion? All those in favor? Thank you. 5 0 1 Miss Collins. I'm sorry. 502
015Miss Collins and Mr. Buscino absent. [clears throat] Eight on the agenda are policies. Um, there are none on our agenda tonight. 10 are discussion items. Uh, there are none tonight. New business. Do board members or any board members have new business? Mr. Scrio, I just want to, you know, pass December 7th. I do want to thank all the, you know, men and women out there, all the veterans. And I just don't want to forget a couple days ago. Uh, the other thing, Dr. Murphy. Um, it's been a lot of the news lately. Um, we're doing a lot of great things in hot dog and I just want to keep putting the gas pedal down as much as possible and Mary have ideas, but maybe we can add some type of math or science expansions. I
016see a lot of schools now are getting into they're doing stuff almost college courses now where they're doing stuff. Um, so it's just, you know, I'm more than happy to sit down with you guys and see if we can expand. I know we're doing the uh thing with the Wall Street whatever >> financial services lab services but uh I saw something and I [clears throat] was impressed that some of these schools are I mean it's no longer the high school I schools are really stepping up so just just a thoughts I just want to see >> y lot to be proud of here but we're always looking forward uh to tomorrow we we have quite a number of offerings that are dual enrollment and I think the board's going to uh learn of some new
017opportunities for the next school year as well. So, more more to come. >> Thank you. >> Yep. Uh any other new business from board members? New business from the administration. >> Just one thing I want to uh acknowledge when the board approved the consent agenda. We have two individuals in attendance here. If Mena and Gabe can both stand up. >> Ma just received tenure as a TA. Congratulations. [applause] and Gabe, congratulations being hired here in Hapa. We are so excited to have you here helping out in our transportation office. Congratulations. [applause] >> Any other new business from our administration? No. >> Questions or comments from the community concerning anything related to the district whatsoever? With that, I'll take a motion for an adjournment. Uh we've completed our executive session work, so there'll be no executive
018session uh this evening. Our next meeting will be Tuesday, January 13th, 2026. Uh we hope everyone has a great holiday and a happy new year. Uh with that, I will call the motion. I will make a motion. Mr. Scrio seconds. Any discussion? All those in favor? 6. We are adjourned. God bless Hop and God bless the United States of America. Thank you. Good night everybody.