By DEBBIE ROSEN
Principal set to retire
A favorite among OHS students
At 7:38 a.m. the bell rings. Students rush to and from lockers. Standing in the front corridor, one feels the fast pace and energy there. Students interacting, staff readying for the day's work. Listen carefully and you can hear the heartbeat of Oceanside High School. The heartbeat which comes directly from the warmth of principal Jess Resnick.
I think in my eyes Jess Resnick is a people's principal, said social studies chairperson Kevin Sheehan. His door is open to all, and more than his door is his heart, creating a warm environment for students and staff. The issue of trust and building relationships will be what he is remembered for. I will miss him beyond belief.
Word spread swiftly that this will be the last year Jess Resnick will head up Oceanside High School. On Jan. 4, Resnick handed a letter to Superintendent Herb Brown, notifying the district he will retire at the end of this school year.
Teachers honor colleague
Social studies Teacher Andy Morris expressed his feeling for the man who is much more friend than boss. He is one of the most personable people I have ever met and always goes out of his way to speak to the kids, Morris said. I hope he knows he has done great things, keeping students involved in the blood drive and seeing our school is regarded as one of the best. He's a great man and I have come to love him like a brother.
Morris, coach of girls gymnastics and a state championship boys baseball team, said this principal has made Oceanside High a well-rounded school. He is very involved in the student body, in Aids awareness and promoting Human Relations Day. Because of Jess, there is a larger number of kids involved in athletics. He gives coaches and advisers flexibility, Morris said.
. Jess is always accessible to the children, always speaking and interacting with the kids and he attends so many student events, she said. He is so involved with our school, you'll even see him outside directing traffic after a snowstorm.
English chairperson Sheryl Rubin recalled the impact Resnick had on both the students, and herself over the years. I know the yearbook was dedicated to him by the kids at least four or five times, Rubin said. Back in 1996, when I was chairperson of the Middle States Review, Jess was always there for me and made the process a success.
Resnick's memories of being a Sailor
Come June 30th, Resnick will walk the halls of Oceanside High for the last time. He said it's time. Time to move on to new challenges. I will probably stay in the field of education, maybe teach math, education or mentor future teachers, he said. I will miss Oceanside High School, but at the same time look forward to spending more time with family and friends.
Sitting in his office last week, Jess Resnick shared the life and times he said will stay with him long after his last day of school. There are so many memories for me here... the football games, all athletic events, plays, concerts, battle of the classes, Resnick said. But above and beyond anything and everything, I will miss the kids. It's about the kids. It's all about them and if I'm remembered for anything, I'd like
Interacting with students keeps a principal young, he said. I love hanging with them and we talk about anything from rock to Advanced Placement math. Kids give you energy to keep going and they are the most genuine people in the world, he said.
A wall of awards adorns the office of the school's principal, a tribute to the excellence in education he's built since the day he took office. During his time at the school, Oceanside has twice been recognized as a top school in the county by Newsday, an honor given based on the challenging programs offered. Oceanside High School, some nine years ago, had less than under 10 Advanced Placement courses. Today, they offer 25 with art history already set to be offered to students next year.
Numerous times, the school came in first place, as the most charitable school on the island. Community service, while not a requirement, is a top priority, which includes the annual turkey shoot
