A warm welcome at Connetquot

On opening day at Connetquot High School, where a

student was arrested during the summer on charges he was planning a

Columbine-style assault, the principal delivered a rousing welcome address

yesterday, urging freshmen to take care of each other and take responsibility

for their safety.

Sounding like a coach on game day, Greg Murtha tossed aside the usual

script for first-year students and focused on security and self-esteem instead

of schedules and school rules.

"This is our home ... many of you will spend more time here than at home,"

he said. "If you have a concern about safety, please come to us right away. The

reason this plan was thwarted was because kids spoke up. They went to people

they trusted."

Murtha told the assembly about the 15-year-old student, who had written in

his diary about feeling like an outcast and wanting to assault students and

staff, including Murtha.

School officials said it's unlikely the teen will return to Connetquot. He

pleaded guilty last month to second-degree attempted conspiracy, a felony, and

is due in court Sept. 27 for sentencing.

His alleged co-conspirator, Michael McDonough, 17, of Sachem High School

North, is due in court Nov. 13.

Teen years often are filled with turmoil, Murtha said.

"You are going to face stresses, you are going to argue with your parents,

you are going to stress out over your friends," he said. "Be aware of your

struggles and other people's struggles. Be aware of hurtful actions. Be aware

that there are consequences."

Acknowledging rising security concerns, Connetquot officials said students

this year will be allowed to carry cell phones for emergencies. Students also

will be required to sign in with a monitor when they go to the restroom.

The continued presence of hallway cameras, locked classroom doors and

security officers have allayed many parents' and students' fears.

"I am very comfortable with my kids going there. Connetquot is doing a good

job," said Marie Higgins, of Ronkonkoma. "It stinks that these issues have to

come up in our time but it's the time we live in."

Her son, Matt, 16, a junior, echoed those feelings as he arrived at school

with his sister, Chelsea, 15, a sophomore. "I don't have any concerns ... I

think our school is pretty safe," he said.

Indeed, teachers and administrators spoke of a tight-knit school, where

troubled students are identified and helped.

"Our kids are really very involved and they are very open," said Barbara

Flood, a music teacher. "And I believe faculty and staff are very involved and

everyone wants the best for kids no matter what it takes."

Murtha stressed the importance of schoolwide cooperation and awareness.

"There are people here who are willing to help you," he told the students.

"Enjoy your year and welcome to Connetquot."