Month: February 2025

Centereach High School is excited to announce that two of its standout students, Ahmed Malik and Cemal Tastan, have earned first place in the prestigious Financial Services Team Decision-Making event at a recent DECA competition. This impressive accomplishment has secured them a spot to represent Centereach High School at the New York State Career Conference in Rochester, NY, this March.

The New York State Career Conference will bring together over 3,000 talented students from across the state, where Ahmed and Cemal will have the opportunity to showcase their knowledge and decision-making skills in front of industry professionals. The event will feature role-playing scenarios where students engage with business leaders, demonstrating their ability to solve real-world challenges in a competitive setting.

DECA is a globally recognized organization that provides high school and college students with the opportunity to prepare for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. It plays an essential role in fostering emerging leaders and entrepreneurs, equipping them with the tools they need for future success in the business world.

“We are incredibly proud of Ahmed and Cemal’s hard work and dedication,” said Thomas Bell. Centereach High School principal. “Their achievement showcases their talents and highlights the strong foundation of leadership and business skills fostered at Centereach High School. We wish them the best of luck as they continue their journey at the New York State Career Conference!”

This recognition reflects the commitment of Centereach High School’s DECA program to preparing students for success in a variety of fields, and we look forward to seeing Amad and Cemal compete at the next level.

North Coleman Road Elementary School recently welcomed performer Cris Johnson, who brought an unforgettable assembly to the students as part of the P.S. I Love You week celebrations. The event, which coincided with the 100th day of school, provided a fun and meaningful experience for students, focused on treating each other with kindness and respect while also incorporating a little magic!

Cris Johnson, a renowned school assembly presenter, author, magician, and speaker, captivated the students with his dynamic performance. His engaging presentation included messages about the importance of being STARS—Special, Talent, Anything, and Respect. The assembly also emphasized the Six Pillars of Character: Respect, Fairness, Responsibility, Caring, Citizenship, and Trustworthiness—key values that students were encouraged to embrace in their everyday actions.

“P.S. I Love You week is all about spreading kindness and building a positive school community,” said North Coleman Road Elementary School Principal Kim Pelan. “Having Cris Johnson come to our school was the perfect way to remind students of the importance of treating each other with respect and celebrating the joy of learning. His magic tricks were the perfect blend of fun and important life lessons!”

P.S. I Love You week includes a series of heartwarming activities designed to promote kindness, inclusion, and positive social interaction among students. From special events to random acts of kindness, students have been encouraged to make a difference in their school and community. The week ended on February 14, with PS I Love You Day, where the school wore purple and celebrated this year with a, “A Brighter Tomorrow Begins Today.”    

During the 44th Annual Scholarship Pops Concert held recently, several talented student musicians from Newfield High School and Centereach High School received prestigious Middle Country Friends of Music scholarships. These awards recognize the dedication and hard work of students who have demonstrated exceptional skill and passion for music.

Newfield High School:

Band

• $700 James Truscello Award: Thomas Lasher
• $600 Alfred Longo Award: James Stafford III
• $500 Marc Greene Award: Addison Rothwell

Chorus

• $700 James Truscello Award: Kyle Bogad
• $600 Alfred Longo Award: Alyssa Harney
• $500 Marc Greene Award: Makayla DeMeo

Orchestra

• $700 James Truscello Award: Emma Haberstroh
• $600 Alfred Longo Award: Emma Geraci
• $500 Marc Greene Award: Cameron Waldeck

Centereach High School:

Band

• $700 James Truscello Award: Matthew Suzzi Valli
• $600 Alfred Longo Award: Michaela Lucivero
• $500 Marc Greene Award: Ceylan Tastan

Chorus

• $700 James Truscello Award: Joelle Washington
• $600 Alfred Longo Award: Rowan Willis
• $500 Marc Greene Award: Zacharacy Atkinson

Orchestra

• $700 James Truscello Award: Jillian Garcia
• $600 Alfred Longo Award: Sarah Williams
• $500 Marc Greene Award: Allen Zeng

These scholarships, presented annually at the Scholarship Pops Concert, are made possible by the generous support of the Middle Country Friends of Music, an organization dedicated to enhancing musical education and opportunities for students in the district. This year’s concert was an incredible showcase of the talents of Newfield High School and Centereach High School’s music students, with each award recipient receiving recognition for their contributions to their respective musical ensembles.

“We are incredibly proud of our students and the achievements they’ve made in the field of music,” said Dr. Diana Cook, Director of Music, Fine Arts and Community Media Relations. “These scholarships are a testament to their hard work and passion. We also want to extend our gratitude to the Middle Country Friends of Music for their continued support of our music programs and for helping to foster the next generation of musicians.”

Congratulations to all the recipients for their well-deserved recognition, and thank you to the Middle Country Friends of Music for their dedication to supporting the arts in education!

Schools throughout the Middle Country Central School District recently came together to celebrate P.S. I Love You Day, a day dedicated to promoting kindness, mental health awareness, and spreading positive messages. In honor of the occasion, students, faculty, and staff wore purple to show visual unity and solidarity with the mission of fostering love and kindness within the school community.

The day was filled with activities designed to inspire positive change and emphasize the importance of kindness. School buildings were decorated with colorful kindness chains, purple hearts, and affirmations, all created by students to help spread love and encourage uplifting words. These heartfelt decorations reminded everyone of the power of kindness and the difference it can make in the lives of others.

“Our district is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for our students, and P.S. I Love You Day is a wonderful opportunity to reinforce that message,” said Dr. Roberta Gerold, Superintendent of Schools. “It was amazing to see our schools unite through the color purple and witness the students’ creativity in sharing affirmations and kindness.”

P.S. I Love You Day, which encourages people to speak out about mental health and create an atmosphere of compassion, is a day that resonates deeply with students and staff alike. It serves as a reminder that small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact and that everyone deserves to feel supported and appreciated. The Middle Country Central School District is proud to have participated in this meaningful initiative and is committed to continuing to foster kindness, unity, and mental well-being among all students.

Elementary schools throughout the Middle Country Central School District recently marked an annual milestone with the celebration of their 100th day of school. Students from across the district participated in a day filled with excitement, creativity, and fun as they celebrated 100 days of learning and growth.

Students embraced the theme of the day with enthusiasm, dressing up as “100-year-old” senior citizens or showcasing their creativity by wearing homemade t-shirts that featured the number 100. The halls were filled with students proudly displaying their outfits, with some adding glasses, walking canes, and grey wigs to complete their look, while others sported colorful T-shirts adorned with artistic representations of the number 100.

In the classroom, the 100th day of school was marked with engaging lessons and activities that highlighted the significance of the number 100. Students participated in a variety of math exercises, including counting by tens, creating groups of 100 items, and completing fun challenges that helped them practice their addition and subtraction skills. Teachers also incorporated art and writing projects where students reflected on the first 100 days of school and imagined what they would be doing in the next 100 days.

A special day unfolded at Hawkins Path Elementary School as 2nd grader Aliyah Baker stepped into the role of Principal for the Day, following her success in raising the most money for the PTA’s annual booster-thon fundraiser. With the help of her dedicated family and friends, Aliyah raised an impressive $1,820 to support the school’s programs and initiatives.

As Principal for the Day, Aliyah made her mark with a series of fun and exciting announcements, bringing joy to both students and staff. In a celebratory mood, she declared:

• No homework for the day, an announcement that brought cheers from students across the school.
• Front of the lunch line passes for the winning classes.
• Extra recess for Aliyah’s 2nd grade class.

Aliyah’s duties didn’t stop there. She made sure to patrol the hallways with her trusty walkie-talkie, embodying the role of principal with a sense of responsibility and excitement. In a special presentation, the Hawkins Path PTA unveiled a new sign for the bus lane, purchased with PTA funds and designed to improve student safety. The sign, which aims to deter drivers from entering the bus lane during arrival and dismissal, was made possible thanks to a stand built by dedicated parent and PTA executive board member, Chris DeMaio.

In large part thanks to the participants of  the booster-thon, Hawkins Path Elementary School is able to continue supporting a variety of enrichment activities and programs for the students. The PTA looks forward to more successful fundraisers in the future!

Students and staff of Eugene Auer Memorial Elementary School came together to celebrate and honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a heartfelt peace assembly. The event was a powerful reminder of Dr. King’s message of equality, kindness, and nonviolence, with student performances serving as the highlight of the program.

The assembly featured a variety of moving and inspiring student performances. The school’s talented musicians showcased their skills, including a beautiful piano accompaniment that captivated the audience. A student skit brought to life the message of peace creatively and engagingly, while the school chorus filled the air with uplifting songs that reinforced the values of harmony and unity. Additionally, interviews with both students and staff explored the personal meanings of peace and reflected on the profound impact Dr. King’s work continues to have on our world today.

The assembly also tied in with the school’s ongoing focus on promoting kindness. The message of peace and kindness resonated throughout the event, with students and staff alike committing to spread these values within their school community. The event was a powerful reminder of the importance of working together for a more compassionate and peaceful world, and it serves as a testament to the values Dr. King championed throughout his life.

High school students from the college business law and AP law and government classes at Middle Country Central School District recently visited Judge Joseph Bianco at the Federal Court in Central Islip. Judge Bianco, who serves on the Second Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in Manhattan, hosted the students for a memorable and educational experience that highlighted the importance of law and citizenship.

The visit began with students attending a naturalization ceremony, during which over 100 individuals were sworn in as new U.S. citizens. This meaningful event provided the students with a firsthand look at the legal process involved in becoming a citizen of the United States. Following the ceremony, Judge Bianco shared insights from his distinguished career, offering students a rare opportunity to hear from a federal judge with over 30 years of experience in the legal field. His reflections on his career and the legal system were both inspiring and informative, offering valuable perspectives for aspiring legal professionals.

The day concluded with an interactive mock trial where students had the chance to assume roles as judges, lawyers, and jurors in a courtroom setting. This hands-on activity allowed students to apply the concepts and skills they’ve been learning in the classroom, while also developing a deeper understanding of how legal proceedings unfold. The field trip provided students with a deeper understanding of the legal system, government, and citizenship, further enriching their academic experiences and fostering a stronger connection to the