Northport High School counselor Jenny Konop is among the first group of counselors selected for the inaugural New York State Master Counselor Program. Only 25 counselors statewide were selected for this recognition, with Mrs. Konop being the first from Long Island. 
The Master Counselor Program brings counseling professionals together to engage in professional development and collaboration opportunities. The lengthy application process included a test, several letters of recommendation and multiple interviews over the course of nearly ten months. As a member of the program, Mrs. Konop will be required to complete at least 50 hours of professional development each year for four years. In addition, she will have the opportunity to participate in various camps and conference days outside of the traditional workday. 
“As a child of two teachers, it was always instilled in me that knowledge is power, and its pursuit is never ending,” she said. “In my role as school counselor, helping students navigate through the highs and lows of life, whether it be academically, socially, emotionally, and in planning their post-secondary pathways—has been profoundly fulfilling and ever-evolving.”
According to the state’s press release, “The Master Counselors are active members of their professional associations and regularly engage with local industries to help students and their families chart a path to student success. The counselors serve in various district-level and state-level roles, joining the program as experienced leaders dedicated to developing and sharing best practices.”
Mrs. Konop has been a counselor at Northport High School for two decades and has helped countless students throughout her career. “I have been lucky to work at Northport, a district that values the continued growth of its educators by supporting professional development opportunities, both in and out of district. This has been instrumental in shaping my journey as a counselor,” she said. 
 Jenny Konop previously received the prestigious American School Counselor Association New York State Counselor of the Year award in 2018 and is a member of the Western Suffolk Counselors Association, the New York State School Counselor Association, and the American School Counselor Association. She is hopeful that as the Master Counselor Program continues to grow, she will be able to connect with more colleagues across Long Island and the state. 

A variety of cultures, languages and ethnicities were present in the Pulaski Road Elementary cafeteria on Nov. 15 for the Northport-East Northport annual English Language Learner (ELL) Thanksgiving luncheon. The event brings together ELLs and their families from all schools for an afternoon of celebration, gratitude and to showcase an American tradition. 
The luncheon began by recognizing many English as a New Language (ENL) staff and the families of ELLs who have helped their students achieve success in learning the English language. While some students have been in America for several years, others arrived in recent months and are just beginning to develop their English skillset. Regardless of a student’s English proficiency, gathering over a shared meal is a common way to build connections and understand a new culture. 
“You make our school community more diverse, you make us richer, and you make every day special,” said Chairperson for World Language and ENL Jennifer Nesfield. “We are proud and honored that you allow us into your lives a little bit and that you help teach us your traditions and your customs. Today is our way of giving back to you.” 
The event also included performances by Pulaski Road kindergarten ELLs and Norwood Avenue ELLs singing traditional Thanksgiving tunes, followed by a virtual presentation from middle school students on what they are grateful for. Members of the Northport-East Northport staff, administration and Board of Education then served traditional Thanksgiving food, such as turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce, to students and their families.