Education

Sixty two years ago, my grandparents were wandering the halls of CenterMorichesHigh School, just as I am today…But, there were a few differences. CenterMorichesHigh School has not miraculously stayed in its tip top shape for sixty two years. A new school was built, and needless to say my grandmother was not attending classes in it. Catherine C. Rooney graduated on June 23^rd, 1947, with forty three of her peers among her, one including my grandfather, Richard E. Ringhoff. Before they graduated the class did get to participate in the events, just as our seniors will be doing this year. Meaning, that they got to go on a class trip, and attend a prom. On April 7^th, 1947, the graduating class traveled down to Washington, D.C. They stayed at the Roosevelt Hotel, which still exists today.

Beginning in the 19th century, school aged children on the Poospatuck Reservation were educated in a mission school located on the Reservation. Eventually, New York State took over the school and court cases ensued to determine whether or not the state should continue to fund the Reservation School.

The school on the Reservation did not possess facilities of the same quality as other public schools. Therefore, when the Poospatuck children went to school outside the reservation in the older grades, they were not sufficiently prepared and tended to drop out. By the 1950’s, the children from the Reservation were finishing school although it was still a struggle for them. 

~ from an interview with John Strong & Amy Wallace 14 Dec 2007

Mr. Clayton Huey started teaching at Center Moriches over 50 years ago in 1955. He was originally hired as a physical education teacher and coach. He coached varsity basketball, junior varsity baseball, varsity soccer and varsity track. He also taught mathematics and regents biology. In 1960 Mr. Huey became the principal of the school. Before teaching at Center Moriches, Mr. Huey worked for BOCES setting up physical education programs in small schools as part of his job he taught one day a week at the East Moriches School.

When Mr. Huey first started, teaching pay was about $3000 a year. He was not paid extra for activities such as coaching or supervising a school dances and other functions. Men and women received the same pay based on a step system. While teaching in Center Moriches he taught students from Center Moriches, the Poosepatuck Reservation, and students from William Floyd. The William Floyd students attended Center Moriches schools until 1959. The graduating class of 1959 consisted of 115 students.