District Notices	Lakeville students use iPads in Mrs. Laby's class for various mathematics activities. The District is piloting iPads this year at all levels.
	Here is an overview of the GNPS 2012-2013 District Calendar which was approved by the Board of Education at its February 6, 2012 meeting.
	Registration is now open in MyLearningPlan for Spring 2012 Technology Academy courses.
	On Tue, February 14, 2012, residents will be asked to authorize a proposed $17,184,085 Capital Projects Proposition to renovate, repair, and improve our aging buildings & grounds. The cost of all renovations/improvements will be funded from the Unassigned Fund Balance. For more info, visit our Proposition Page, view our Mailer, Expenditures List & Vote Reminder.
	Learn about the GNPS Voice-Over-IP Phone System and use our online Administration Phone Directory and our District Phone Directory to look up our phone numbers.
	Click here to learn about our "Going Green" initiative which leverages e-mail and online-only progress reports and report cards to improve home-school communication, reduce paper, and save taxpayer dollars.

North High Winter Soiree -- Feb. 9 - North High School's Fine and Performing Arts Department will present its annual Winter Soirée, on Thursday, Feb. 9, at 7:00 p.m. (approximate length, 90 minutes), in the school auditorium, 35 Polo Rd. The theme for this evening of song and music is "Love Songs for Valentine's Day." Performing will be the Long Island Sound, Jazz Choir, Select Singers, Barbershop Quartet, and the Jazz Ensemble. Vocal students are under the direction of Roger Ames, and instrumental students are under the direction of Joseph Rutkowski. The Long Island Sound will perform "Abbey Road, Side Two," by various Beatles, arranged by Mr. Ames specifically for this group. Jazz Choir will perform a group of romantic jazz standards, "A Fine Romance," from the Tin Pan Alley repertoire of the 1930s and 40s. Select Singers will offer a tribute to Stephen Schwartz, featuring music from Wicked, Godspell, and Pippin, and from his films. Featured senior class soloists will include: Kevin, Dara, Laura, Jamie, Neda, and Brandon. Several will be accompanied by Jason at the piano. A new Barbershop Quartet, led by Richard, and featuring Daniel, Conor, and Jacob, will make their premiere performance at the Soirée. The Jazz Ensemble, led by All-County jazz alto saxophonist Richard, will perform works by Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, Sonny Rollins, and John Coltrane. The public is warmly invited to attend this free evening of beautiful music. For more information, please contact Mr. Ames at rames@greatneck.k12.ny.us, or Mr. Rutkowski at jrukowski@greatneck.k12.ny.us.
NYSSMA Participation Deadlines - Read the 2012 NYSSMA Letter and download the 2012 Application for NYSSMA Participation, which is due to your child's GNPS music teacher on Wednesday, February 29, 2012 for Piano at C.W. Post and Harp at Syosset.

Intel Semifinalists - Six students from North and South High Schools were named Semifinalists in the 2012 Intel Science Talent Search. emifinalists each receive a $1,000 award. In addition, to recognize excellence in teaching and school support of individual student research, respective schools receive $1,000 per Semifinalist to support their science, math, and/or engineering programs. Semifinalists will also be honored with certificates of accomplishment. North High's faculty sponsors were Alan Schorn and Dr. Marie van Nieuwenhuizen. South High's faculty sponsors were Drs. Carol Hersh and James Truglio. The Semifinalist project descriptions that follow are excerpted from the written abstracts that were a required part of each student's research project.
Kristine's research project was "The Preparation of Nanoparticle-Stablized Antibubbles Optimized for Long Lifetime." Kristine examined the factors involved in the creation of stable antibubbles, which are aqueous cores encapsulated by a thin air film in a surrounding aqueous environment. A revised technique of generating stable antibubbles through the coating of aqueous droplets in water-repellant nanoparticles was thoroughly examined. For factors affecting antibubble stability, Kristine discovered the presence of an antibubble breakdown process that is temperature dependent and utilized experimental data to calculate the activation energy for this process. She also introduced propane into the gaseous layer of the antibubble in place of air, resulting in antibubbles that lasted up to 48 hours. A practical application of this process would be the encapsulation of food ingredients to mask the taste of certain ingredients or delay their release. Although further stabilization mechanisms would likely have to be developed, Kristine's study attempts to lay groundwork for the future.
Claire's project was "The Neuropsychology of Social Instincts: A Behavioral and Information-Theoretic Analysis of the Cues Involved in Trustworthiness Evaluations." Understanding cues leading to trustworthiness judgments can provide insight into communication. Claire's project isolated cues to determine which are most important in trustworthiness and likeability assessments. Videos of tandem-masters (the individuals who lead skydivers on skydives) were edited into audio, video, postural, eyes, intonation, and text categories. Subjects were provided with two clips in one of the categories and choose one man as more trustworthy and one as more likeable. Deciding whom to trust was based on auditory information, while deciding whom to like was based on visual information. These results suggest a disconnect between trustworthiness and likeability.
Susan's project was "Reactive Transport Model of Anthropogenic Carbon Sequestration." Anthropogenic greenhouse gases, due to burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, are a great contributor to global warming. One proposed way to get rid of carbon dioxide (CO2) is to "sequester" it, or inject it underground in such a way that it cannot escape. The Earth's crust is very rich in basalt, a very porous rock, which reacts chemically with CO2 to form solid carbonates. To offer a realistic solution, however, the chemical reaction needs to occur more slowly than the diffusion of the CO2 through a large underground region, otherwise the pores in the basalt would fill up and the reaction would stop. A multi-physics package named COMSOL and a chemical-reactions simulation called PHREEQCi were combined to find that a supersaturated CO2 solution would completely fill a model aquifer after 80 days, while the chemical reaction of CO2 into carbonates occurred over a period of 150 years. It would then take over 1,000 years for the volume of minerals precipitated to equal the amount of pore space available. Hence, decreasing porosity was found not to limit the effectiveness of carbon storage in basalt.
Emily's research project was "Design and Synthesis of a Novel Diphenyl Ether Targeting InhA from Mycobacterium Tuberculosis to Aid Future Drug Discovery." Two million deaths each year from tuberculosis, along with the rise of multi-drug resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, reinforce the need for novel antibiotics to combat this deadly disease. Emily's project focused on targeting a certain enzyme in M. tuberculosis, called InhA, which is involved in the synthesis of components of the cell wall of the pathogen. Although the enzyme inhibitor she synthesized did not turn out to be an improvement over the current inhibitors, it contributes to the understanding of features that are important for effective inhibition.
John's project was "Cytotoxicity of Graphene Oxide Nanoribbons on Human Breast Cancer Cells." The focus of John's research was to study the cytotoxicity of graphene oxide nanoribbons on human breast cancer cells. Graphene oxide nanoribbons are a type of carbon-based nonoparticle that has the potential to revolutionize the field of nanomedicine. These nanoparticles are currently being explored for their potential medical applications, such as for molecular imaging of breast cancer tumors and to improve the accuracy and efficiency of breast cancer treatment.
Patrick's project was "Studies of the Mechanism by which Human Prostate Cancer Cell Death Is Induced by Watercress Extract." In the US, one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. Chemoprevention is an effective strategy to prevent tumor development, and dietary vegetables appear to contain significant chemopreventive ability. Watercress extract was found to significantly inhibit the growth of human prostate cancer cells. Phenethyl isothiocyanate, a compound richly found in watercress, was confirmed to induce prostate cancer cell death. The results suggest that the compounds in watercress extract including phenethyl isothiocyanate are chemopreventive agents.

Children's Entertainment Series - The remaining performance in the Children's Entertainment Series will be the Dirty Sock Funtime Band on Sunday, March 18, at 2 p.m., also in the North Middle School auditorium.
Birthday Parties - The Birthday Party Program will again be offered at each performance. Birthday parties must be scheduled in advance, to be held before or after a show. Performance seating is reserved for party members. Party facility fee is $50. Call the Recreation Department at (516) 441-4045 for more information and/or to make a reservation.
Series & Ticket Information - The Children's Entertainment Series performances are selected by the United Parent-Teacher Council Children's Entertainment & Cultural Arts Committee. Tickets for individual shows, available at the door, are $5 per child and $8 per adult. The box office opens one hour before each performance. Shows, which last about one hour and have open seating, are supervised by faculty members and parent volunteers. For more information about tickets or performances, or to make a Birthday Party reservation, call the Office of Recreation on school days at (516) 441-4045.

ESL & GED at the Adult Learning Center - If you are an adult with English as your second language and you want to improve your English-language skills, or if you want to earn a high school diploma, the Great Neck Public Schools Adult Learning Center at Clover Drive offers a variety of classes designed to meet your needs. A range of English-language classes are offered from beginning literacy to advanced ESL (English as a Second Language). In preparation for the High School Equivalency (GED) examination, classes are available to improve math, social studies, science, reading, and writing skills. Once enrolled, students may elect classes such as Crossroads Café, Citizenship, A Conversation Class, and the Post Secondary Program, to name a few, available to provide additional academic support, at no additional charge. Registration for classes must be done in person at the Adult Learning Center, 105 Clover Drive. Allow two hours to complete the registration process. Register on Tuesday, Jan. 31, Wednesday, Feb. 1, or Saturday, Feb. 4, from 9 a.m.-Noon, or from 6-9 p.m. Preference will be given to Great Neck residents and 2010-11 Adult Learning Center students. The annual, non-refundable processing fee for Adult Learning Center classes is $25 for those who live or work in Great Neck (proof of residency or Great Neck employment must be submitted at time of registration), and $50 for nonresidents. Payment, at time of registration, must be made in cash, or by check or money order (payable to Great Neck Public Schools). Charge payments are not acceptable. Need-based scholarships are available. Classes are offered days and evenings. For further information, call the Adult Learning Center at 441-4950, or click on the Adult Learning Center icon in the scroll at the top of this page.

What's New: Spring at the Adult Program - The new Great Neck Public Schools Adult Program Spring/Summer Catalog should be in your mailbox soon! The lovely swans gracing the cover invite you to think ahead to spring and take advantage of our extensive array of classes, special events, and trips. Most classes meet at the Cumberland Adult Center, 30 Cumberland Ave. (half block south of Northern Blvd., off Lakeville Road). The Spring/Summer Catalog is current from April&endash;September 2012. Please retain your catalog through summer. You are now able to register online via the Adult Program Web site at www.greatneckadulted.org. View the course options and then follow the registration link. You will receive your registration confirmation by e-mail. Our Early Bird Discount runs through March 16: take $5 off each course over $99 (excludes special events, trips, and computer, driver education, and chess classes). Register for both the Spring and Summer semesters of a course at the same time and take an additional $10 off your registration fee. Brand new to the Adult Program are Playwriting, Short Story Writing, Theater Workshop, History of Opera, Origins of World War I, Magic 101, Vintage Handwriting, Papermaking, Beaded Jewelry Design, French Book Club, Italian for the Traveler, Yiddish Conversation, Mat Pilates, and Chair Yoga. We continue to offer courses in the latest technology including iPad and iPad apps, Nook and Kindle, "Cloud" computing, phone & smart phone apps, social networking, blogging, texting, animation and multimedia, digital cameras, eBay, Apple Mail, and iWeb, as well as training in Word, Excel, Quicken, PowerPoint, Picasa, and Photoshop Elements. Watercolor, painting, drawing, stone sculpture, pottery, handweaving, jewelry design, printmaking, silversmithing, and collage are among the many creative offerings in our Fine Arts and Fine Crafts program. Learn a new language or revisit one from your past--Chinese, French, Spanish, Italian, Hebrew, Yiddish, and Latin and Greek Roots are taught by dedicated teachers. Play your game of choice--bridge, canasta, chess, and mah jongg are offered for beginners as well as more advanced players. Sing alone, in a group, for fun, in cabaret style; learn piano, armchair conducting, explore jazz, opera, Gilbert & Sullivan, and theater. If you want to get moving--try ballroom, swing, Israeli, or belly dancing. Get fit with Zumba, Nia, yoga, Pilates, aerobics, body workout, hand-weight training, Qi Gong, Tai Chi, water exercise, meditation, and mostly seated exercises for seniors. Join us for interesting and engaging special events. Margaret Roach, discusses her memoir, A Garden for 365 Days, describing her life from a lucrative publishing career to a return to nature, the garden, and a quieter life. Author Sandra Beasly discusses her well-received book, Don't Kill the Birthday Girl, offering firsthand insight into the world of food allergies. Two culinary-themed events are on the menu: Francine Segan, foodie and cookbook author, brings a discussion and tasting of Dolci, Italy's Sweets. Food maven Arthur Schwartz returns to conduct a cooking class with simple dishes from the Southern Italian diet, sampling included. Sina Kiai entertains us with a piano recital entitled, Impressionism: Piano Music from France. It includes a pre-concert talk. More than 30 day trips are planned including three excursions Philadelphia: van Gogh at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the New National Museum of American Jewish History, and the new Barnes Foundation. See New York in a different light: Soho Food & Culture Walking Tour, National September 11 Memorial, Madame Alexander Doll Company Tour with lunch at Alice's Teacup, and a unique mozzarella-making demonstration and Italian lunch in Astoria. Classes for parent/grandparent and children together include crochet, watercolor, collage, pizza and cannoli making, and yoga after school. Chinese for grades 2&endash;5, chess coaching and playing for grades K&endash;12, and PSAT/SAT preparation for high school students are also offered. Resident high school students may enroll in late afternoon, evening, and weekend classes Adult Program classes, many at a reduced high school rate, as long as space is available.
More Information - Except as otherwise indicated, classes and trips meet at the Cumberland Adult Center, 30 Cumberland Ave., Lake Success. Call 441-4949 to register or for more information. To view the complete catalog and register online, visit GreatNeckAdultEd.org.

GNPS/TV Programs - Current program viewing over Great Neck Public Schools Television (GNPS/TV) includes three outstanding shows--Asian Night, Focus on Education, and the 20th Annual District Music Faculty Recital. Details follow.
Asian Night - Asian Night is an annual, ever-popular event run by the students at South High School. Featured this year were the Chinese Yo-Yo routine, Indian Fashion Show, Korean Fan Dance, Sword Dance, Lion Dance, and martial arts. Viewing times are: 9 a.m., and 2, 6, and 7 p.m.
Focus on Education - Focus on Education, an ongoing series hosted by Superintendent Thomas Dolan, highlights what's new and interesting in the district. This edition of Focus on Education features Ronald Levine, new assistant principal at North High School. Mr. Levine "graduated" from North Middle School where he was most recently assistant principal. Viewing times are: 11 a.m., and 4 and 9 p.m.
District Music Faculty Recital - The extraordinary musical talents of district faculty and friends came together in a cabaret-like setting in South High's music room for the 20th Annual District Music Faculty Recital. The event was dedicated to the memory of Daniel Tomaselli ("Mr. T."), North Middle School's long-time and beloved performing arts/music teacher, who died this past summer. Performances included selections from The Producers, Les Misérables, Aida, and Guys & Dolls, as well as works by Johannes Brahms, Gordon Jacob, Igor Stravinsky, and more. View times are: 12, 5, and 10 p.m.
GNPS/TV Programming - GNPS/TV programming reflects the offerings of the Great Neck Public Schools and the achievements of its students and staff. Programs are student-produced and can be seen in the incorporated villages of Great Neck on Cablevision Channel 75 and on Verizon Channel 32. In addition, selected programs can be seen by all Cablevision viewers on Channel 20, on Sundays, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. For information about GNPS/TV and it programs, please contact Robert Zahn, district educational cable TV producer/director, by e-mail at rzahn@greatneck.k12.ny.us, or by phone at 441-4676.