Holiday Traditions at Unity

Holiday Traditions at Unity

“English as New Language Learners” Make Gingerbread Houses With Family

In celebration of the holiday season, kindergarten students at Unity Drive Pre-K/Kindergarten Center are studying holiday traditions for Hanukah, Kwanza and Christmas. One of those traditions involved making gingerbread houses. Families joined students who are “English as new language learners” to celebrate a tradition that transcends all languages and cultures.

Photo 1Unity Drive Pre-K/Kindergarten “English as new language learners” and their families built gingerbread houses as they continue their lessons in holiday traditions

Middle Country Central School District Presents Appreciation Award to Assemblyman Al Graf

Middle Country Central School District Presents Appreciation Award to Assemblyman Al Graf

Superintendent Roberta Gerold and Board of Education President, Dr. Karen Lessler, present New York State Assemblyman Al Graf with a well-deserved Appreciation Award.   Assemblyman Graf was presented the Appreciation Award to celebrate his unwavering dedication and support for improving public education. For years, the Assemblyman has defended public education; pushing for increased funding and bringing power back to local school districts. Dr. Lessler says the award was to thank Assemblyman Graf for believing in public education, taking a stand and fighting for children.

AM Al Graf Appreciation AwardSuperintendent Roberta Gerold (right) and Board of Education President, Dr. Karen Lessler (left), presented New York State Assemblyman Al Graf with an Appreciation Award for his dedication and support of improving public education. Assemblyman Graf has been a constant defender of public education, trying to bring funding and power back to local school districts.

Middle Country Students Selected as NYSSMA All-State Musicians

Middle Country Students Selected as NYSSMA All-State Musicians                 Six students selected to perform in Statewide Concert

Six student musicians and three alternate student musicians from the Middle Country Central School District (MCCSD) were selected to perform in the New York State School Music Association’s (NYSSMA) All-State Performing Ensembles. Newfield High School students Tyler Berns and Dorothy Burns were chosen for the All-State Symphonic Band and the All-State Women’s Chorus, respectively. Centereach High School students Michaela Catapano, Troy Lee, Sherry Mayce and Emily Napoli were chosen for the All-State Women’s Choir, the All-State Mixed Chorus, the All-State Women’s Chorus and the All-State Symphony Orchestra, respectively. Alternates selected were James LaCava (Voice) from Newfield High School and Rachel Schaarschmidt (Violin) and James Vann (Voice) from Centereach High School. Selected students participated in the concerts at the Eastman Theatre in Rochester, New York during the annual NYSSMA Winter Conference held from December 3 to December 6, 2015.

More than 6,500 students auditioned for this honor and the six from MCCSD were among the 900 students in all of New York State to be selected. Congratulations to the students’ teachers Ms. Heather Wesnofske, Mr. Brian Hough, Ms. Joan Meichner, Mr. Ed Adams, Ms. Kristi Adams, Mr. Tom Austin and Dr. Harold Goldstein.

NYSSMA- All state

(NYSSMA All-State): Middle Country Central School District student musicians Tyler Berns, Dorothy Burns, Michaela Catapano, Troy Lee, Sherry Mayce and Emily Napoli were selected to perform in the NYSSMA All-State Performing Ensembles at the Eastman Theatre in Rochester, New York. Alternate student musicians James LaCava, Rachel Schaarschmidt and James Vann were also selected. Not pictured: James Vann.