Over the last five years, citizens of New York State have seen health insurance premiums almost double. This year, medical insurance premiums for public school employees will likely increase by at least 12 percent. These costs have deeply impacted all districts in New York State, including the Massapequa School District, which will see health insurance costs increase by an additional $1,173,278 next year and a projected total of approximately $9 million over the next five years. FULL STORY

Their motives are "clear-cut," to help children in need in a unique way--by donating their hair. For the second year in a row, the Schwarting Elementary School Student Council sponsored "Locks of Love," and this year, nine brave souls volunteered to have inches of hair cut off their heads. FULL STORY

Basketball coaches and sisters Dawn Cerrone of Our Lady of Mercy Academy and Michelle O'Brien of St Dominic High School held their annual Basketball Classic at Our Lady of Mercy Academy recently. The event is dedicated to the memory of their good friend and Our Lady of Mercy graduate Lisa Cowan who died of breast cancer at the age of 28. This year the Maurer Foundation for Breast Health Education was the proud beneficiary of the event, with a portion of the funds raised going toward college scholarships at both St. Dominic and Mercy as they alternate hosting this annual event. FULL STORY