Amityville Memorial High School students shouted “Olé” after each dance performed by the members of the Sol Y Sombra Dance Company on Sept. 14. The 45-minute show kicked off the school’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.

The experienced dancers highlighted the Spanish art form of flamenco, which is performed all over the world. Students learned that the dancing, the music and the words are all equally important parts of flamenco. They also were given information about the history and cultural significance of the dances. 

Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the school’s daily announcements will include facts about Hispanic culture. World language teachers will show movies about notable people in Spanish culture. In October, Edmund W. Miles Middle School and the elementary schools will host cultural performances.

For Amityville Memorial High School’s incoming 10th graders, the building will transform before their eyes. The school will be a different place when they graduate in June 2021 than it was on Aug. 28, when they attended new student orientation.

Principal Maria Andreotti greeted the incoming class a week before the new school year was set to begin and spoke about the upcoming construction project. It will include a significant expansion to the school with state-of-the-art classrooms and science labs, as well as a new a gymnasium. By the time they are seniors, they are also expected to enjoy a new music and art suite, expanded cafeteria and other upgrades that are part of the $69.9 million facilities bond approved by voters in March 2016.

Ms. Andreotti introduced students and their parents to the administrative team and guidance counselors. She spoke about the importance of contributing positively to the school community by working hard, getting good grades, being on time to class, getting involved in activities and treating each other with respect.

“We consider this place to be our home and you are our family,” she told the new sophomores. 

Student Council President Jeffrey Reyes-Espinal discussed the wide range of opportunities for students including Advanced Placement courses, the independent science research program and dozens of afterschool clubs. Participation in challenging courses and extracurricular activities “are what colleges want to see,” he said.

Social studies teacher Matthew Tomasi showed students and parents how to sign up for the Remind App, a tool that the school will be using this year for important notifications. Juniors and seniors from the National Honor Society led tours of the building to help the new students find their classes and lockers.