Westhampton Beach Middle School science teacher Greg Izzo has been named a New York State Master Teacher and high school counselor Erika Habersaat as a New York State Master Counselor.

“The district is very proud of Greg Izzo and Erika Habersaat,” said Superintendent Dr. Carolyn Probst. “Both of these educators are constantly refining the craft for the benefit of our students. It is exciting to see that kind of hard work and commitment to excellence recognized by New York State.”

To earn the master distinctions, Izzo and Habersaat were required to have letters of recommendation submitted on their behalf, take a high-level content exam, and participate in individual and panel interviews. They both started the process in January 2024.

With the master titles, Izzo and Habersaat will engage in four years of networking and professional development opportunities with colleague from across the region.

“I'm extremely excited for the Master Teacher Program, as it will allow for rigorous professional development with other Long Island master teachers for the next four years,” said Izzo. “I will bring newly gained knowledge and experiences back into my earth science classroom, which I hope will excite students to pursue STEM pathways in the future.”

Izzo has taught in the middle school for the past 14 years. He previously taught in the Port Washington School District.

Likewise, Habersaat said she is “looking forward to networking with other counselors in New York and the professional development opportunities.”

Habersaat has been working as a counselor in Westhampton Beach for 18 years. She was previously an academic and career adviser at Kingsborough Community College.

Date Added: 11/19/2024

Twelve Westhampton Beach High School senior athletes penned their names to letters of intent during a recent college signing ceremony.

The Westhampton Beach School District extends its congratulations to the following student-athletes:

Aidan Arrastate, Florida Southern College, lacrosse

Charlie Besley, Wesleyan University, lacrosse

Finn Drake, Manhattan College, lacrosse

Maya Farnan, University of Pennsylvania, lacrosse

Lily Graves, Binghamton University, lacrosse

Owen Jessop, Davidson College, golf

Shannon Killoran, Wagner College, lacrosse

Reese King, University of North Carolina, lacrosse

Bri Provenzano, Quinnipiac University, lacrosse

James Sarno, SUNY Oneonta, lacrosse

Lily Strebel, University of Richmond, track and field

Meaghan Tufano, Hofstra University, lacrosse

Date Added: 11/18/2024

As part of an earth science lesson, Westhampton Beach High School eighth grade students in Robert Coleman’s class each created a ninth planet in the solar system. In addition to painting their planets, the students also named them, calculated their rotation and orbital path, and determined their distance from the sun. All the planets are being displayed in the school’s library.

Date Added: 11/13/2024

Westhampton Beach Elementary School paid tribute to local veterans with a second annual ceremony on Nov. 7. During the event, students learned about the history of Veterans Day, met local veterans from all branches of the military and heard from guest speaker Sergeant William M. Hughes Jr. To culminate the ceremony, students sang “Proud of Our Veterans.”

Date Added: 11/12/2024

Westhampton Beach Middle School eighth grade family and consumer sciences students made special connections with first graders at Westhampton Beach Elementary School through a pillow pocket project.

As part of the initiative, the middle school students worked with their first grade buddies to create a pillow design on paper. The middle schoolers then worked for six weeks constructing a pillow reflecting their buddy’s design. They brought the pillow designs to life by cutting fabric, pinning and operating a sewing machine.

Once complete, the middle school students hand-delivered the pillows to their excited buddies.

Date Added: 11/5/2024