Middle Country Central School District Presented with $5,000 toProvide Students with Increased Access to Healthy Lunches
CENTEREACH, NEW YORK (November 2020)—The Middle Country Central School District (MCCSD) was
recently joined by New York Jets alumni, Tony Richardson, for the presentation
of a $5,000 grant award from the New York Jets & American Dairy Association
of the North East to be applied towards the district’s lunch program financing.
“We
are extremely grateful for the opportunity to provide our students with
increased access to healthy lunches, a districtwide goal that has been made
much easier with the generosity of our friends at the New York Jets &
American Dairy Association of the North East,” said Dr. Roberta Gerold,
superintendent of schools. “It’s so important, now more than ever, that our
students have access to healthy food options to remain healthy, focused and
engaged. As a district, we place a heavy emphasis on promoting health and
wellness, and this grant provides us with a tremendous opportunity to do both.”
In
September, Middle Country’s District Manager for Whiston’s Culinary Group Laura
Gaglione, applied for the grant with a vision to address food insecurities that
students in the district face and to promote health and wellness for students’
development within the Middle Country school buildings.
Tony Richardson, the New York Jets & American Dairy Association of the North East and Whiston’s Culinary Group representatives joined Centereach High School and Newfield High School students, principals and coaches, as well as district and community leaders for the socially distant presentation of the grant. Many students had the opportunity to speak with Tony Richardson, learning about his years playing professional football and his motivation to help promote nutrition in schools.
Jets alumni, Tony Richardson, presented the $5,000 grant to the Middle Country School District alongside students and staff.Lunch staff and administrators are inspired to promote health and wellness for all students with the help of the New York Jets & The American Dairy Association of the North East.
Centereach, New York—The Middle Country Central School District (MCCSD) recently announced its October students of the month at its recent Board of Education meeting. Newfield High School senior Peter Marjowski, Centereach High School senior Robert Montano, Dawnwood Middle School eighth grader Kayla Gutmann, and Selden Middle School eighth grader Miranda Palumbo were recognized for their outstanding academic achievements, abundant extracurricular participation and for providing a positive impact on their schools and communities.
“Now more than ever, this time of
year is always an exciting time with students returning to the classrooms and
becoming more acclimated with the Middle Country community,” said Dr. Roberta
Gerold, Superintendent of Schools. “It is my pleasure to recognize Peter,
Robert, Kayla and Miranda—four incredible students who have been selected to
represent the district as students of the month for October. Each of them emulates
the positive values and hard work of the entire Middle Country student body and
I am thrilled to celebrate their achievements. Congratulations to all.”
Peter Marjowski, senior at Newfield High School, was selected as student of the month in recognition of his diligence in the classroom and continued effort towards being a role model for his peers. Peter, who has maintained an unweighted GPA of 95.2083, will graduate with a total of 10 completed college level and Advanced Placement (AP) courses giving him the potential to graduate with more than 30 college credits. Beyond his academic accomplishments, Peter serves as president of the National Honor Society, vice president of the newspaper club, as well as an active member of the foreign language club, debate club, and is a teen book reviewer for the Middle Country Public Library. Currently, he is a candidate for senior class president.
Peter is currently applying to
colleges including Hofstra, Sacred Heart, and his first choice, Stony Brook,
with a vision to study history and criminal justice. Peter aspires to attend
law school and pursue a career in criminal law or civil litigation.
Centereach High School senior Robert
Montano’s selection as student of the month is indicative of both his
intelligence and outstanding work ethic. Come graduation, Robert will have
completed nine college level and AP courses while balancing a professional singing
and acting career. In previous years, Robert has been named an All-State
vocalist; performed at Radio City Music Hall; played the lead role in the off
Broadway hit, High School Musical;
and most recently performed in a supporting role for the Warner Brothers
feature film “The Many Saints of Newark.” He was one of only two students in
Suffolk County that Newsday recognized as a Long Island Scholar Artist and was
the only singer from New York State awarded a full scholarship to attend
“Grammy Camp,” hosted by the University of Southern California and the Grammy
committee. Robert is an active participant in CHS clubs like Men’s Choir and
has played a lead role in all Centereach H.S. theater productions since
entering as a freshman.
As a senior, Robert is applying to
the University of Southern California, Belmont University, Pace University, and
Ithaca College in preparation to pursue a doctoral degree in music while
continuing his journey to sing and act.
Kayla Gutmann, eighth grade student at Dawnwood Middle School, was selected as Dawnwood Middle School’s October student of the month for her academic ability and continuous motivation in the classroom. Her teachers hold her in high regard, citing her contributions to class and her diligence as a student while maintaining an overall GPA of 98.3. Her favorite subject is social studies and she aspires to become an elementary school teacher after college. Beyond the classroom, Kayla is a member of the Dawnwood orchestra and plays soccer for both Dawnwood and her travel team. Miranda Palumbo, student of the month at Selden Middle School, was recognized for her dedication and determined manner with which she has applied herself to successfully deal with the most arduous tasks. Throughout her time in middle school, Miranda has distinguished herself on a path for success as she achieves the goals she sets for herself. She has not only worked diligently but has been highly involved in academic and extracurricular activities. Among her peers, she maintains energy, enthusiasm, and an optimistic disposition, inspiring her peers to follow suit. Miranda maintains a wonderful disposition and the domestic responsibilities required of her after school.
Robert Montano Named Scholar Artist and Priscilla Russo, Christina Martinez, and Logan Mazer Receive Awards of Merit
Centereach, New York — The Middle Country Central School District recently announced that three Centereach High School students, Robert Montano, Priscilla Russo and Christian Martinez, as well as one Newfield High School student, Logan Mazer, were recognized in the 2020-21 Long Island Scholar Artists program. Robert was among 20 seniors on Long Island selected to receive the program’s highest honor as a Scholar Artists of the 2020-21 School Year in Music. Middle Country’s students selected to receive awards of merit were Priscilla, theatre; Christian, dance; and Logan, music.
Each year, the Long Island Scholar Artist program recognizes students who excel academically and are proficient in the areas of music, visual arts, dance, theater and media art. The program, a collaboration between Long Island Arts Alliance and Newsday, was created to identify and celebrate Long Island’s distinguished student artists by having school district officials nominate them. Christian, Logan, Priscilla and Robert will be recognized with a trophy and ceremony in June at the Tilles Center for the Arts at Long Island University. Robert will have his biography published in Newsday in April and will be presented with a $250 scholarship at the ceremony in June.
Middle Country Central School District Hosts a Virtual Paint Night to Raise Money for Art Students
Centereach, New York
(October 2020)—The
Middle Country Central School District (MCCSD) invites the school community,
students and parents to attend the Ryan Zinna Virtual Paint Night Scholarship
Fundraiser on Friday, October 23. Hosted by Newfield High School’s chapter of
National Art Honor Society, proceeds will benefit graduating art seniors at
Centereach High School and Newfield High School in their post-high school
graduation endeavors.
Live instruction for the
virtual paint night will begin at 6:00 p.m. The event will also be recorded and
made available to watch at participants’ convenience. Participants can choose
between 3 wooden painting kits— ascarecrow, a pumpkin, and a
haunted house—for only $20. Kits also include paint and brushes. For
those interested in participating, please contact Dr. Diana Cook (DCook@mccsd.net). The district encourages all participants to
bring their creativity and Halloween spirit.
Newfield Senior Kyle Mathew Named a Semifinalist in National Merit Scholarship Program
Centereach,
New York (September 2020)—The
Middle Country Central School District (MCCSD) is proud to announce that Kyle
Mathew, a graduating senior at Newfield High School (NHS), has been named a
semifinalist in the 2020-21 National Merit Scholarship program. Kyle was among
16,000 students in the nation selected for their exceptional performance on the
2019 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSA/NMSQT) and
potential for success in rigorous college studies.
“Our district is ecstatic to
recognize Kyle for his outstanding academic achievement and celebrate his
advancement in the National Merit Scholarship program,” said Dr. Roberta
Gerold, Superintendent of Middle Country Central School District. “Kyle is a
phenomenal representation of the work ethic and commitment of students in the
Middle Country School District, and we are thrilled to support him through his
future endeavors and accomplishments. On behalf of the Board and community, we
wish Kyle the best of luck in the rest of the program.”
Kyle, a
well-rounded individual, is involved in a number of MCCSD’s extracurricular
activities and clubs. He’s an active member of the following clubs:
environmental, robotics, foreign language, debate, social sciences, and book
club. He’s also been involved in the district’s orchestra for the last 10 years,
the fencing team for three years, and the Foreign Language Honor Society for
two years.
“I’m very grateful for this amazing award, but it would be
amiss of me to forget who and what got me here,” said Kyle. “I
wouldn’t have been able to do this without my friends and family, and to
them, I’m always grateful for what they do to help.”
After Kyle completes the next steps in the
program—which includes a recommendation from a high school official and the
completion of a comprehensive essay—he will have the chance to be selected
among 15,000 students for the Finalist level. Finalists will be notified in
February 2021.
Kyle Mathew, senior at Newfield High School in the Middle Country Central School District, was selected as a semifinalist in the 2020-21 National Merit Scholarship Program.
Middle Country Central School District Announces Two Additions to Leadership Team for Year Ahead
Centereach,
New York (September 2020)—The
Middle Country Central School District (MCCSD) is proud to announce that it has
appointed two new administrators to the district’s leadership team—Dr. Beth
Rella as Assistant Superintendent for Business and Mr. Karl O’Leary as
Assistant Principal of Newfield High School.
“It brings
us great excitement to welcome Beth and Karl to our district’s leadership team
as we begin the 2020-21 school year,” said Dr. Roberta Gerold, Superintendent
of MCCSD. “Both Beth and Karl bring with them years of experience, exceptional
credentials and vast knowledge in the education field. I am confident that the
two will be tremendous assets in helping us build upon the educational
excellence within our district and provide extraordinary experiences for our
students.”
Prior to joining
Middle Country, Dr. Rella worked in finance and marketing management for a
non-profit organization and served many years as the executive director of
business for Freeport Public Schools.
Dr. Rella
received a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Binghamton
University, a Master of Business Administration from Dowling College and a
Doctoral Degree in Educational Administration, Leadership and Technology from
Dowling College. Additionally, Dr. Rella also received her School District
Business Leader (SDBL) certificate from Dowling College.
With
twelve years in the education field on Long Island, Karl O’Leary brings
experience as a teacher and administrator to his leadership position at
Newfield. Prior to joining MCCSD, Mr. O’Leary worked as a middle and high
school English teacher, as well as a special education and high school
principal in Upstate New York.
Mr. O’Leary earned a bachelor’s
degree from SUNY Oneonta, a master’s degree from Stony Brook University, and a
Certificate of Advanced Study in School Building and District Leadership from
SUNY Cortland. He is currently working on his Doctorate degree in Educational
Leadership through New England University.
Centereach, New York (August 2020)—Four Newfield High School students in the Middle Country Central School District were recently recognized by Suffolk County Legislator Tom Muratore for their commitment to civic engagement and being well-rounded, altruistic young individuals encouraging positive youth development in their community. The students—Bianca Ciaravino, Vincenzo Ciaravino, Scott Alfano and Jessica Alfano—received their awards and proclamations during a ceremony at the Suffolk County Legislative Complex in Hauppauge this month.
“It brings me great joy to celebrate Bianca, Vincenzo, Scott and Jessica for their enthusiasm to serve as role models in our community,” said Dr. Roberta Gerold, Superintendent of Middle Country Central School District. “This group of young, remarkable individuals who pursued the unique opportunity to work closely with our local officials and project their positive attitudes among their peers and neighbors are the epitome of what we strive for in MCCSD. I am so proud of their accomplishments and as a District, we look forward to seeing how they continue this excellence as they continue to grow.”
The Alfano twins, Scott and Jessica, were both presented with bronze medals and the Ciaravino siblings, Vincenzo and Bianca, were each presented with silver medals.
“It is my extreme pleasure recognizing these students. It’s very important to encourage youth who are goal-oriented and hardworking, as they represent our leaders and those who will be bedrock of our communities in the future,” said Suffolk County Legislator Tom Muratore. “Congratulations to all the Distinguished Youth Award participants. I wish you all the best.”
The Suffolk County Legislature’s Distinguished Youth Award, a competitive voluntary recognition program, challenges youth in Suffolk County to become active community participants through its four program areas: volunteer service, personal development, exploration and physical fitness. Open to residents between the ages 13-18, students participate in the four program areas to become exposed to formative experiences that will allow them to gain valuable lessons and life skills.
Suffolk County Legislator Tom Muratore, students Bianca Ciaravino, Vincenzo Ciaravino, Scott Alfano, Jessica Alfano, and Presiding Officer Rob Calarco
Centereach, N.Y. (December 2019)—Middle Country Central School District high school students in the child development class at Newfield High School recently visited various classrooms at North Coleman Road Elementary School to complete their first field study experience. The upperclassmen observed and interacted with several of North Coleman’s Pre-K students to explore and gain first-hand experience in the educational career field.
Centereach,
N.Y. (December 2019)—Six
student musicians from the Middle Country Central School District were selected
to perform in the New York State School Music Association’s (NYSSMA) All-State
Performing Ensembles. From Newfield High School, Victoria Bartunek was chosen
for All-State Symphonic Band, Logan Mazer was selected for All-State Wind
Ensemble, Gabrielle Pegg was chosen for All-State Mixed Chorus, and Natalie
Wilson was chosen for All-State Wind Ensemble. From Centereach High School,
Laura Diaferia and Natalie Walsh were chosen for All-State Mixed Chorus. These
six students traveled upstate to Rochester, N.Y. to perform at the Eastman
Theatre. All-State Alternates from Newfield High School were Nick Douglas,
Maggie Lasher, and Isabel Rodriguez for All-State Band, Julia Ingemi for
All-State Orchestra, and Centereach’s Robert Montano was selected for the
All-State Mixed Chorus but declined as he is currently performing at Radio City
Music Hall in the Christmas Spectacular.
Middle
Country’s students were among 900 students selected to take part in this
esteemed performance. The District is committed to providing students with
opportunities to build their skills and hone their talents, sparking creativity
and innovation. The District is proud of each of these students and their
teachers—Dr. Harold Goldstein, Mr. Brian Hough, Ms. Joan Meichner, and Mr. Dan
Martinez—for their continuous dedication and incredible work ethic.
Centereach,
N.Y. (December 2019- Sixteen
students from Middle Country Central School District (MCCSD) were selected to
perform in the NYSCAME/SCMEA All-County Band, Orchestra and Chorus Festival.
Held at Huntington High School, students from across Suffolk County convened to
rehearse and perform an impressive repertoire of pieces under the direction of
expert conductors.
MCCSD’s
participating students were selected based on their NYSSMA All-State score(s)
from the previous spring, alongside various recommendations from their
teachers. The District strives to provide students with opportunities such as
this to foster creativity, hone their talents, and develop skills in an
environment outside of the classroom.
Centereach High School students:
Laura Diaferia, Soprano 2 – Mixed Chorus
Nick Galdemis, Bb Clarinet – All-County Band
Evan Jenkins, Percussion – All-County Band
Robert Montano, Tenor 1 – All-County Mixed
Chorus
Suzanne Scaccio, Trombone 2 – All-County Band
Natalie Walsh, Alto 2 – All-County Mixed
Chorus
Newfield High School students:
Victoria Bartunek, Baritone Sax – All-County
Band
Nicholas Douglas, Baritone Euphonium 1 – All-County
Band
