This year, our school welcomes a new assistant principal - Ms. Pritchard! She joined the team at the beginning of the school year and is very excited to help both students and teachers. Ms. Pritchard has already met many students and staff members. She likes to help, listen, and make the school a better place for everyone.

“One of my important goals is supporting students in being a part of the school community and realizing the impact that they have on each other,” said Ms. Pritchard, the new assistant principal.

Since starting, she has joined school activities and helped with events. Ms. Pritchard’s positive energy has already made a difference in our school. Many people have noticed how she brings kindness and teamwork into everything she does.

One of the first people the new assistant principal talked to was one of the school teachers, Mrs. Fasano. She quickly connected with her and got to know her better.

“The new assistant principal is really strong at making connections with students and faculty alike,” said Mrs. Fasano, the math teacher.

Before coming to our school, Ms. Pritchard worked in education for several years. She has experience teaching and helping students with different learning needs. She says that what she loves most about her job is seeing students grow and feel proud of their progress.

Many students and teachers say that Ms. Pritchard is kind, friendly, and easy to talk to. She always takes time to listen when someone needs help or advice. She wants every student to feel welcome, safe, and supported at school.

“Ms. Pritchard seemed like a great character,” said Dr. Mosca, the school principal. “She is the exact type of person I would want to see around my students.”

Outside of school, Ms.Pritchard enjoys reading, spending time with her family, and going for walks. She also likes to visit classrooms and talk with students about their goals and ideas for making the school a better place. 

       Everyone is excited to see her ideas and energy this year. Ms. Pritchard says she is looking forward to a great year ahead.

“I want to see a world where we are all kind to each other and support it,” said Ms. Pritchard. She wants students to remember that kindness can change the school and the world. 

By Jayden Iglesias

A new era has begun as of 2025; Comsewogue High School officially changed the mascot from the Warriors to the Spartans. The decision marked a new chapter for the school, symbolizing strength, unity, and pride within the community.

The switch from Warriors to Spartans came after a law was passed changing native mascots. Students and teachers all had a say in the change, making it feel like a real community decision. Since becoming the Spartans, there was some controversy about it at first, but after realizing what a spartan represents, students have accepted it. Doctor Mosca always said, “ Once a warrior, always a warrior”.

“ We don't like it, alumni are not happy with the change because once a warrior, always a warrior,” said Katina Bertolino, a former student who expressed her feelings over the change. She explained that many alumni feel a strong connection to the name ‘Warriors’ and that it represented our school's history and pride for so long. It feels like a part of their identity was taken away. Even though the new mascot might still represent strength too, it doesn't carry the sentimental value for those who grew up as the Warriors. 

Although alumni did not agree with the change, the Spartans still represent a strong and powerful warrior. Known for its powerful military culture, it also symbolizes discipline and mental strength.

“ Spartans are still a Warrior," said Sara Delgandio, a current student who supports the mascot change. She explained that while the name may be different, the meaning behind it remains the same. Sara believes the new mascot continues to symbolize the school's strength, unity, and perseverance, emphasizing that the change still reflects our growth rather than a loss. 

As Sara said, “ Once a warrior, still a warrior” has always been Comsewogue's motto since the school first opened its doors in the 1970s to students and faculty. The phrase represents a lifetime sense of pride and loyalty within the community, reminding everyone that the warrior spirit goes beyond a name or logo. 

 “ I believe it represents Comsewogue just like a warrior does. They are resilient, they're fighters, and it's a great thing for us”. Said Melissa Fiore. Her words perfectly reflect the community's ability to adapt and embrace change while holding on to its core meaning. The transition to the Spartans marks not just a new chapter in Comsewogue life, but a continuation of the same strength, pride, and unity that have always defined Comsewogue.  

Although we went from the Warriors to the Spartans, the change still represents who we are as a school. Both of the mascots stand for courage, strength, and determination; the meaning behind it hasn't changed. We're still a community that pushes through challenges and stands tall no matter what. In a way, our old saying “ Once a warrior, always a warrior” still stands for Comsewogue; the Spartans are another form of the warriors we've always been.  

Comsewogue High School has recently been undergoing drastic and exciting modern changes. Thanks to countless hours of dedication and labor, the school’s roof is now equipped with rows upon rows of solar panels. This new equipment will power almost everything in the building, including the water and heating systems.
Not only are these solar panels good for our environment, but they are also extremely cost-effective. Dr. Casali, the district's associate superintendent, went on to say, “We get 75% of what we spend on the solar panel project back from New York in the form of state aid. We’ve seen our electrical bills rise by about 15% in the last year, and the energy we save from the solar panels will power the entire building.”

The teachers' parking lot has also undergone an upgrade, now equipped with its own personal carport, standing at approximately 13 feet and covering over 20 feet worth of parking spaces. Not only does the carport provide the school building with additional solar power, but it also gives the teachers a shaded area to park in during the hotter months. 

  The director of buildings and grounds, Mr. Abbey, says, “This system is seven hundred and thirty-five kilowatts, and we have one thousand and two hundred and thirty panels between the roof and the carport.” He went on to state that “It’s an annual reduction of four hundred and eighty-three tons of CL per year.”

The solar panels on the roof and at the carport will distribute clean, renewable energy to the school. With climate change breaking heat records in the summers of 2023 and 2024, it has become more important than ever to be aware of our impact on the environment. According to Mr. Abbey, the school district will be saving approximately “seven thousand nine hundred and eighty-one trees” by converting to green solar energy.

These solar panels are not the only modifications being made at Comsewogue High School. Recently, New York State issued a new law that prevents students from having their phones out during school. A new attendance system has also been set in place, using ID cards to keep track of the students in the building throughout their day. 

When asked what other changes could be expected in the future, Comsewogue High School principal Mr. Mosca commented, “This summer we will hopefully be installing a new ceiling in the rotunda, in addition to a school store.” Mr. Mosca also mentioned potentially switching to LED lighting in the near future. “There are a lot of exciting things to look forward to.”