PRINCIPAL

Welcome to SMS!  Great Neck South Middle School is an incredible middle school. We offer a rich academic program, yet we are acutely aware of the need for varied extracurricular activities for our students.  A solid middle school challenges, inspires and connects with students. To that end, we have a robust offering of clubs and activities where the social emotional needs of our students can be met, and I would encourage all students to get involved in something.  Consider joining our Robotics Team, or Lego Club, or trying out for our school musical, or perhaps writing for our school newspaper or for our award-winning literary magazine the Rebel Pen.  You could also join other students at our daily intramurals or try out for one of our many teams.   I promise you won’t regret it! The more you are involved in South Middle School, the more you will love it!  “Take ownership, take chances, and have fun.” Asher Roth

I am very proud of our accomplishments at SMS and look forward to many more in the coming school year.  Last year, we were once again awarded a Gold Star status with our No Place for Hate program, sponsored by the Anti-Defamation League.  We continue to work towards making our school an even more inviting, safe and warm environment.  I want all students to be proud of their school and to treat it and each other with respect and kindness.  South Middle is our “home away from home” and we must always try to make it the best it can be.

“Middle School” is an incredible journey – one of transformation and growth, both intellectual and emotional.  It is essential that our staff, parents, and students become partners in this journey and that we come to school with a positive attitude and a willingness to try new things.  Many thanks to our parents for sending us the best kids in the world to work with each day!

I want you to know that you can always contact me with any comments and/or questions.  I can be reached via email at gcartolano@greatneck.k12.ny.us or by phone at (516) 441-4600.  I hope that you will always feel comfortable reaching out to me should the need arise.  I would encourage all staff and parents to join the PTA and to support its many activities throughout the year. 

Here’s to an amazing year at SMS! I hope it’s a memorable one for all members of the SMS learning community.

All the best always,

Gina M. Cartolano, Ed. D.

Principal