Elwood-John H. Glenn High School junior Abby Taft recently earned her Girl Scouts Gold Award, the highest honor in Girl Scouting, for creating a beautiful native milkweed garden at Wawapek Preserve in Cold Spring Harbor.  

Taft presented her project at the preserve on Aug. 25, showcasing the garden she built with the help of her parents, fellow scouts and volunteers from the North Shore Land Alliance. Her project not only provides a vital habitat for monarch butterflies but also raises awareness about the conservation of these important pollinators.
In addition to building the garden, Taft led a series of educational talks to teach the community about the declining monarch population and the importance of conservation efforts. 

“Congratulations, Abby,” Assistant Principal Lindsay Fritch said. “Your dedication and hard work are bound to leave a positive impact on our local ecosystem for years to come.”

Date Added: 9/12/2025

Congratulations to John Glenn's girls cross-country team for finishing in second place at the Peconic Invitational, held Sept. 6 at Red Creek Park in Hampton Bays. Two of our runners finished in the top 5 overall in the 5,000-meter race: freshman Sloane Hinke won third place and senior Camryn Szokoli took fifth! 

Date Added: 9/10/2025
 

Excitement filled the air on the morning of Sept. 3 as students from all four Elwood School District buildings – Elwood-John H. Glenn High School, Elwood Middle School, James H. Boyd Intermediate School and Harley Avenue Primary School – returned for the first day of classes, ready to learn and embrace the new academic year ahead.

“We had a terrific first day today,” John Glenn Interim Principal Irene McLaughlin said. “Thanks to our students and staff for kicking off the year on such a positive note.”

“It was an incredible first day back at Elwood Middle School today,” Principal Christina Moran said. “We were thrilled to welcome our seventh and eighth graders back and meet our new sixth-grade friends. The school was filled with smiles, and we can’t wait for a fantastic school year ahead.”

“What a wonderful first day at James H. Boyd,” Principal Elissa Millan said. “Our students came in with big smiles, positive energy and excitement for the year ahead. I can already tell it’s going to be an amazing school year.”

“We had a fantastic first day at Harley Avenue,” Principal Julie Bilello said. “The hallways were filled with smiling faces and positivity. Our first and second graders couldn’t wait to reconnect with friends and meet their new teachers, while our kindergartners were so excited to ride the bus and officially become Harley Knights. It’s going to be a great year.”

Date Added: 9/4/2025

At the Elwood School District’s Aug. 28 Board of Education meeting, Elwood-John H. Glenn High School senior Peter Bell officially joined the Board as its new ex officio student member. Mandated by New York State law, this uncompensated position allows high school students to serve on their district’s board of education in an advisory capacity, providing valuable student perspectives on school issues and policies. Elwood had previously been ahead of the curve by annually appointing a student liaison to the Board; this formalizes the role.

Bell, who was elected by the John Glenn student body to serve as all schools president as well as ex officio student board member, will attend board meetings, participate in discussions and offer recommendations, although he will not vote or attend executive sessions. He will also receive training on board procedures.

“This role is an important one, as it ensures that the voice of our students is heard in our decisionmaking process,” Board President James Tomeo said. “By serving in this capacity, Peter will provide valuable insight and perspective, helping to shape policies and initiatives that impact students across our district. While he does not have any voting rights, his voice is essential in fostering a strong connection between students and the Board.”

After being sworn in by Tomeo, Bell proudly presented his first report to the Board, relaying positive summer news from around the district’s schools and offering best wishes for the new school year starting next week.

Date Added: 8/29/2025

The district recently appointed Irene McLaughlin as interim principal and Wayne Ebanks as interim assistant principal for Elwood-John H. Glenn High School for the 2025-2026 school year, joining current assistant principal Lindsay Fritch. Both administrators bring a wealth of experience to the high school.

Before joining the Elwood family last summer as the interim director of human resources, McLaughlin had retired after an almost-40-year career in the Northport-East Northport School District, where she had served in various educational roles including teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal and assistant superintendent for human resources.

“Throughout my time in the district, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many staff members whose work is incredibly student-centered, a philosophy that aligns perfectly with my own,” McLaughlin said. “I am eager to continue collaborating with the talented professionals at the high school and look forward to meeting our students. Preparing for the new school year alongside Mrs. Fritch and Mr. Ebanks this summer has been both exciting and energizing.  I am proud to join the administrative team at John Glenn High School and I look forward to working with our students, parents and families, and to sharing in the pride of being Elwood Knights.”

Ebanks retired in 2022 after 21 years as an administrator at Half Hollow Hills High School West. Ebanks began his career teaching in the Huntington School District, then the South Huntington School District, before a year’s stint as an assistant principal at Huntington High School. After retirement, he also served as an interim assistant principal at two elementary schools and one middle school in the Half Hollow Hills District.  

“Having grown up and worked in neighboring districts, I have long been aware of the excellent reputation the Elwood School District has established,” Ebanks said. “I am honored to have the opportunity to work in a district that takes such pride in its students, staff and community. I am eager to contribute my experience and dedication to supporting Elwood’s long tradition of excellence and look forward to working with Mrs. McLaughlin, Mrs. Fritch and the entire staff at John Glenn High School.”

Date Added: 8/29/2025