Saving Lives While Solving Math Problems

The Middle Country Central School District’s Jericho Elementary School students recently participated in the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital’s Math-A-Thon to help raise money and awareness for childhood cancer research while also assuring that families never receive a bill from St. Jude’s for treatment. Students in first through fifth grade were tasked with participating in numerous schoolwide, math-based events, completing math activities in their individual Funbooks and contributing to fundraising efforts.

 

This marks the fourth year that Jericho Elementary School has participated in the Math-A-Thon, raising over $21,000 over the course of four years and nearly $6,000 this year. The money raised covers chemotherapy treatments, oxygen for patients, platelet transfusions and groceries for families caring for St Jude’s patients. The money raised for St. Jude’s over the past 50 years has helped fund research for new treatments that has helped raise childhood cancer survival rates from 20 percent to more than 80 percent.

 

The District is thrilled to participate in an initiative that simultaneously increases students’ interest in math through a series of engaging activities while also teaching the importance of giving back to those in need. If you are interested in helping Jericho Elementary School raise more money for the patients of St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, please visit the school’s event fundraising page at http://fundraising.stjude.org/jerichocares2018.

 

For more information regarding Middle Country Central School District and its students’ many achievements, please visit the District’s website: http://www.middlecountry.k12.ny.us.

 

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Middle Country Honors January Students of the Month

The Middle Country Central School District announced its January students of the month at a recent Board of Education meeting. Centereach High School senior Josefine Nielsen, Newfield High School senior Syreneti DeLaCruz, Dawnwood Middle School eighth grade student Matthew Stein and Selden Middle School eighth grade student Megan Spina were all recognized for their continued academic successes, ongoing participation in extracurricular activities and the positive attitudes they spread through the halls of their respective schools.

 

“On behalf of the Board of Education, faculty, staff members and the entire Middle Country community, I want to congratulate these remarkable students for their achievements and for being true testaments of the immense educational opportunities offered here at the District,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Roberta Gerold. “I look forward to witnessing the continued success of Matthew and Megan and the contributions that Josefine and Syreneti will make as they venture out in the world.”

 

Centereach High School senior and January student of the month recipient Josefine Nielsen has challenged herself academically throughout her time in high school—taking college level and Advanced Placement (AP) courses while maintaining an A average. Outside the classroom, Josefine is a consistent participant of extracurricular activities.

 

Josefine is a member of National Honor Society, Tri-M Honor Society, Thespian Honor Society, a participant of the Women’s Choir, and managing editor of the school newspaper. She also earned the lead role in three of the four Centereach drama productions and was a member of two of the high school’s musicals. Josefine will be pursuing a college degree next fall—as of now she is deciding between a number of acceptance letters—but plans to study theatre and public relations wherever she decides.

 

Syreneti DeLaCruz is a senior at Newfield High School who was selected as student of the month for her hard work and determination, earning her a weighted average of 96.85. Syreneti is set to graduate in June and has the potential to start her collegiate career having already accumulated 48 college credits due to her enrollment in 15 college level and AP courses. Her academic accolades were highlighted during her leading role in the Newfield Roverines first-place finish at last year’s New York State VEX Robotics Competition.

 

Syreneti is a member of multiple clubs and has taken leadership positions in several—serving as vice president of the National Technical Honor Society and secretary of the video club. Outside of school, she is a youth leader at St. Francis Cabrini Catholic Church and has led youth group activities such as fundraisers for the church and senior citizens. Syreneti has not decided on a college for next fall but plans to major in computer science or engineering.

 

Dawnwood Middle School eighth grade student Matthew Stein was selected as the school’s student of the month. Matthew currently maintains a 98.85 and has earned high honor roll every quarter of his middle school career. He is also a participant in the school band and jazz band. Matthew is often described as every teacher’s dream; he is insightful, determined and considerate of others.

 

Megan Spina is an eighth grade student at Selden Middle School and was selected student of the month, earning high honor roll all three years of middle school. Megan is on the school’s soccer, volleyball, basketball and lacrosse teams and is a member of the National Junior Honor Society. Her favorite subject is math, but she shows enthusiasm and is an active participant in all of her classes. Megan’s teachers commend her for setting an example of how all students should behave.

 

For more information regarding Middle Country Central School District and its students’ many achievements, please visit the District’s website: http://www.middlecountry.k12.ny.us

 

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Centereach High School senior Josefine Nielsen.

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Newfield High School senior Syreneti DeLaCruz.

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Dawnwood Middle School eighth grade student Matthew Stein.

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Selden Middle School eighth grade student Megan Spina.

Centereach High School Cosmetology Students Receive Top Honors at Beauty Contest

The Middle Country Central School District’s Centereach High School Skills USA Cosmetology students recently participated in a contest with New York Institute of Beauty. Students completed multiple hair and makeup styles while competing against students from other local cosmetology schools and programs.

 

All participating students were required to write an essay, demonstrate two different makeup artistry skills, and bring multiple unique hair designs to life on live models. The New York Institute of Beauty team chose winners—with an assist from feedback on social media.

 

The District congratulates all the winners and looks forward to continuing to offer its cosmetology students with opportunities to build their skills sets and participate in regional competitions.

 

CHS Skills USA Cosmetology contest winners:

Devyn Reischman – Hair

Alyssa Purpi – Hair

Emily Menendez – Hair

Nicole Petillo – Makeup

Karissa Schroeher – Makeup

 

For more information about academic programs available at the Middle Country School District and a calendar of events, please visit www.mccsd.net.

 

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Hawkins Path Elementary Kicks-off Capstone Research Project

The Middle Country Central School District’s Hawkins Path Elementary School recently hosted a kick-off party for its fifth grade students as they begin their capstone research projects. Hawkins Path’s teachers and administrators developed 12 unique, interactive stations in which students explored and began to develop subject area ideas for their individual research projects.

 

The exploratory process consisted of multiple stations, including sensory stations, historical documents, physical challenges, music from around the world, a mystery box and many more. Providing a range of stations allowed students to ask challenging questions and determine the topics of which they were eager to further explore.

 

The District is encouraged to witness the educational trajectory these fifth grade students have taken during their elementary school experiences, and the District is looking forward to the completion of their capstone research projects as students prepare for a new beginning in middle school.

 

For more information about academic programs available at the Middle Country School District, and a calendar of events, please visit www.mccsd.net.

 

 

 

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‘Roverines’ Take Home Two More First Place Trophies

The Middle Country Central School District’s Newfield High School “Roverines” robotics team recently continued its extraordinarily successful year with another first place tournament trophy at a regional VEX Robotics competition. The competition, hosted at Adelphi University, brought together student teams from high schools in Westchester, New York City and Long Island.

 

“The entire District is incredibly proud of our Roverines as they continue the incredible streak of thoughtful and innovative performances at robotics competitions,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Roberta Gerold. “Their success is a testament to a District—and a community—that provides students opportunities to engage in STEM inside the classroom and through multiple extracurricular programs.”

 

The Roverines also came in first place in the competition’s skills challenge. The trophy is given to the team that accumulates the most points between the autonomous-control and driver-control challenges.

 

The students have one more regional competition in East Rockaway before they will compete in the Southern New York State VEX Robotics Championship.  They will look to repeat their first place performances and once again move onto the VEX Worlds Competition in Louisville, Kentucky.

 

For more information about academic programs available at the Middle Country School District and a calendar of events, please visit www.mccsd.net.

 

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Newfield Robotics Team Takes Top Honors, Qualifies for State Competition

The Middle Country Central School District’s Newfield High School “Roverines” robotics team recently competed in a regional VEX In The Zone Robotics Competition at Farmingdale. The Roverines finished in first place, earning the team the Tournament Champion trophy.

 

With the victory, the Roverines have qualified to compete in the Southern New York State VEX Robotics Championship in March. The Roverines have qualified for the State competition each of the 3 years since the club originated. The students will look to repeat their performance from last year where they finished in 1st place in the NY State competition and went on to compete at the VEX Worlds Competition in Louisville, KY.

 

The District continues to provide students with an educational experience that not only actively engages them in STEM activities inside the classroom, but provides students with extracurricular opportunities such as the robotics team to further their interest and knowledge.

 

For more information about academic programs available at the Middle Country School District and a calendar of events, please visit www.mccsd.net.

 

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District Announces December Students of the Month

The Middle Country Central School District announced its December students of the month at its recent Board of Education meeting. Centereach High School senior Alec Kiernan, Newfield High School senior Ryan Murphy, Dawnwood Middle School sixth grade student Alicia Ciauri and Selden Middle School sixth grade student Christopher Richardson were all celebrated for their outstanding academic achievements, abundant extracurricular participation and for providing an overall positive impact on their schools and communities.

 

“Month after month, we are surrounded by incredible students who emulate the positive values and hard work of the entire Middle Country student body,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Roberta Gerold. “We are thrilled to once again honor students who go above and beyond in the classroom, inside their respective school, and throughout their surrounding communities—a representation of what all Middle Country educators seeks to instill in our students.”

 

Centereach High School senior and December student of the month recipient Alec Kiernan was selected for his academic and athletic success, along with his positive attitude among his peers. Alec currently maintains a weighted GPA of 99.8 and is set to graduate in June ranked 24th in the class of 2018. Upon graduating, Alec will have completed no less than seven Advanced Placement courses and five more college level classes.

 

Though he was a key member of the school’s football team, Alec’s stellar athletic ability was overshined by his leadership skills. Both his coaches and teammates recognized his innate instincts as a leader, and he was elected captain three years in a row. Due to his hard work in the classroom and on the playing field, Alec is currently deciding where he will be studying and playing collegiate football next fall.

 

Ryan Murphy is a senior at Newfield High School who was selected as student of the month for his academic achievements and constant volunteer work around the community. Ryan has dedicated countless hours to community service through his time as a SPARTAN vocalist at Maryhaven, local nursing homes and the Selden Fire Department’s annual 9/11 memorial ceremony.

 

Ryan has also served as a vital team player in coordinating and managing the successful Newfield Blood Drives that occur in the fall and spring of each school year. Next fall, Ryan is looking to major in photography at either SUNY Purchase, SUNY New Paltz, SUNY Buffalo State or Long Island University.

 

Dawnwood Middle School sixth grade student Alicia Ciauri was selected as the school’s student of the month. Alicia currently holds a GPA of 98.3 and is consistently a recipient of the high honor roll. Her teachers often describe her stellar work ethic; she is always prepared for class and is always willing to help her peers. Alicia is also an active member of both the Service Club and Jazz Band. Above all, the overarching description of Alicia is as a kind, nice and humble student.

 

Christopher Richardson is a sixth grade student at Selden Middle School and was selected student of the month, holding a GPA of 97.3. Christopher, who earned high honor roll in his first quarter in middle school, enjoys science because it combines math with hands-on activities. He has also found time to become a member of Selden Middle School’s student government, the Best Buddies Club and the Jazz Band, where he plays drums. Teachers often acknowledge him as a natural leader which will come in handy as he pursues his dream career of either a chef or President of the United States.

 

For more information regarding Middle Country Central School District and its students’ many achievements, please visit the District’s website: http://www.middlecountry.k12.ny.us.

 

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Centereach High School senior Alec Kiernan.

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Newfield High School senior Ryan Murphy.

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Dawnwood Middle School sixth grade student Alicia Ciauri.

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Selden Middle School sixth grade student Christopher Richardson.

Middle Country Teachers Association Donates Hundreds of Books to Community

The Middle Country Central School District Teachers Association recently hosted its second annual free book distribution at Centereach High School. Hundreds of students and families looked through and took home donated books. Attendees lined up around the corner to take advantage of the program that was intended to give the gift of reading to the Middle Country community.

 

“We are proud of our teachers for the work they do with our students inside the classroom and for the beneficial impact they have on the rest of the community outside of the classroom as well,” said Dr. Roberta Gerold, Superintendent of Schools. “For a second consecutive year, the Middle Country Teachers Association is setting a positive example for our students by teaching the importance of giving back while also helping to facilitate a love for reading.”

 

Through a partnership with First Book and the American Federation of Teachers, the Middle Country Teachers Association was able to collect more than 10,000 books to distribute.

 

For more information about academic programs available at the Middle Country School District and a calendar of events, please visit www.mccsd.net.

 

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Middle Country Central School District student beams with excitement during the District’s recent free book distribution event.

 

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Middle Country Central School District student reads through a book during the District’s recent free book distribution event.

The Polar Express Picks Up Passengers at Unity Drive

Middle Country Central School District’s Unity Drive Pre-K/Kindergarten Center recently hosted a holiday themed event for students—with a special surprise appearance from their parents. Ms. Conklin’s kindergarten class recently completed a reading comprehension lesson focused on the holiday classic The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg.

 

Following the reading, students, teachers and parents worked together to bring the story to life as they boarded the in-classroom train—which was actually two long decorated tables placed side by side—and took off on holiday adventures. Students acted like Polar Express conductors as they walked around the classroom collecting their parents’ tickets. Along their journey, students built gingerbread house and sipped on hot chocolate.

 

Middle Country Central School District continues to provide students with educational opportunities that not only aid in developing necessary skillsets, but that also make learning an enjoyable and exciting experience.

 

For more information about academic programs available at the Middle Country School District and a calendar of events, please visit www.mccsd.net.

 

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Middle Country Central School District’s Unity Drive Pre-K/Kindergarten Center students and parents sit aboard the classrooms Polar Express replica following the classes reading of The Polar Express.

Newfield Students Win the Congressional App Challenge

Two Middle Country Central School District students from Newfield High School won the National Congressional App Challenge. Newfield High School students Syreneti DeLaCruz and Daniel Iacobacci were announced as the winners of the app challenge, which helps high school students across the county discover coding and other STEM-focused career paths.

 

The Congressional App Challenge allows students to code original applications for the chance to be recognized by their individual United States Congressional representatives and have their work displayed in the United States Capitol Building. Middle Country Central School District continues to integrate STEM into daily curriculum to help prepare students for future endeavors, and the District is proud to see its students recognized for excellence in STEM-related programs and challenges.

 

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Middle Country Central School District Newfield High School students Syreneti DeLaCruz and Daniel Iacobacci, winners of the 2017 Congressional App Challenge.