Author: middle-country

Centereach High School recently staged Hansel and Gretel, a play based on the famous Brothers Grimms story. The classic fairy tale was vividly brought to life by a group of talented young thespians.

The production was a collaborative effort among students, the drama department, the music department, and the art department. The actors worked tirelessly to create a visually stunning and captivating performance that transported the audiences into the enchanting world of European folklore.

 Patricia Duryea., the director of production, was moved by the commitment and talent of the students. “I am so incredibly proud of the dedication and talent they displayed,” she said. “These students have truly embraced the magic of theatre and have worked so hard to bring this beloved fairy tale to life.”

Under Ms. Duryea’s careful guidance, the students researched and worked for months to perfect their roles and bring the story to life. From the intricate set design to the beautiful costumes and the captivating performances, Hansel and Gretel was a challenging work but provided a visual and auditory feast for the audience.

Cast:

Hansel – Shivam Mahadevan
Gretel – Amanda Gallarello
Witch – Addison Kirk
Mother – Angela Thomas
Father – John Woolard
Angel – Dee D’Andraia
Ole (Sandman) – Allen Zeng
Vigo – Rowen Willis
Sonje – Alex Senior
Maida – Ecrin Uyar
Johna – Zachary Voskinarian
Astrid – Dakota White
Ulva (Dwarf) – Reese FOley
Thorin (Dwarf) – James Rutkowski
Thorin (Dward) Understudy – Kaleb Fernandez
Olga (Elf Princess) – Sharbojoya Mattrik
Helga (Elf) – Alicia Robles
Llega (Elf) – Liana Chivu
Ensemble (Dwarfs/Fairies) Garbelisa Destra, Renand IBrahim and Julia Nissen

Middle Country Central School District’s elementary schools celebrated Veterans Day with events and activities that honored the brave Americans who served in the armed forces. Throughout the district, elementary schools organized a veterans parade, breakfast, and various classroom lessons and activities that instilled a sense of gratitude and appreciation among the students.

Holbrook Road Elementary School and New Lane Elementary School, for example, hosted a heartwarming veterans parade, during which local veterans were invited to walk through the school hallways lined with students, teachers, and staff. The parade route was adorned with flags and posters created by the students, showcasing their artistic talents and patriotism. The community came together to cheer and applaud the veterans, expressing their gratitude for their service and sacrifice. 

Over at Eugene Auer Elementary School and Bicycle Path Elementary School, students engaged in various activities and lessons designed to foster appreciation and respect for veterans. In one heartwarming activity, the students wrote thank you letters and cards expressing their admiration for \veterans in the community. Additionally, students created flags and posters that were proudly displayed throughout the school buildings. 

Students from Middle Country School District’s National Tech Honor Society, DECA, and the LGBTQ+ clubs recently volunteered their time and skills to help build a house in Riverhead in partnership with Habitat for Humanity.

The students, who are part of various clubs and societies at the schools, came together to contribute to a cause that directly impacts their local community. The project not only provided a home for a family in need but also offered the students a unique opportunity to apply their technical skills in a real-world setting.

“We are incredibly proud of our students for their dedication and commitment to serving their community,” said Dr. Roberta Gerold, Superintendent of Schools. “This project allowed them to utilize their technical skills, learn about the importance of affordable housing, and understand the value of teamwork and community service.”

The students worked alongside Habitat for Humanity professionals, learning about construction, project management, and the importance of affordable housing. The project also fostered a sense of unity among the students, as they worked together to achieve a common goal.

Hannah Hughes, a standout gymnast from Middle Country Central School District, has once again proven her exceptional talent by claiming her second consecutive Suffolk all-around individual title on Friday, November 3, 2023. This achievement comes just four days after she set a personal best on floor exercise and led Middle Country Central School District to its first team county championship in 20 years.

“Hughes’ dedication, talent, and consistent performance have made her a role model for young gymnasts in the region,” said Melissa Valentino, Middle Country Central School District’s Coach. “As Hannah prepares for the state championships she continues to inspire others with her commitment to excellence in the sport of gymnastics.”

Hughes scored an impressive 38.200 at the competition held at West Islip High School. This victory further cements her status as one of the top gymnasts in the region and sets her up for a promising run at the upcoming state championships.

Hannah Hughes is now setting her sights on the all-around state championship and the vault state title, both of which she has previously won. If successful, this will be her second straight all-around state championship and third straight vault state title. The state championships are scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Clarence High School.

Middle Country Central School District is proud to announce that five fourth-grade students were recently selected to participate in the Suffolk County Music Educators SCMEA PEAK (for Parents, Educators, and Kids) Festival.

“Our students had a fantastic time participating in the SCMEA PEAK Festival, and we are incredibly proud of their achievements. We believe that such experiences such as this enrich musical skills and contribute to overall personal development,” said Dr. Roberta Gerold, Superintendent of Schools. “Thank you to the Suffolk County Music Educators for organizing such a wonderful event and for providing our students with this opportunity. We look forward to participating in the SCMEA PEAK Festival in the coming years and continuing to support our students in their musical journeys.”

SCMEA PEAK is a unique festival designed specifically for fourth-grade students. It provides an opportunity for students to create music alongside their parents and music teachers, fostering a collaborative and creative environment. This year’s festival featured a diverse range of musical activities, including ukulele, Drumtastic Drum Alive, folk dancing, parachute games, singing, world music

Centereach High School’s E-STEM Club recently participated in its annual beach clean-up initiative, demonstrating its commitment to environmental conversation and community service.

The students visited West Meadow Beach for their first clean-up of the year, where they collected approximately 12 bags of trash. This initiative is part of the club’s ongoing efforts to promote environmental awareness and responsibility among students and the broader community.

“We are incredibly proud of our E-STEM Club students for their dedication to preserving our local environment, said Ms. Agnieszka Taciak, E-STEM Club advisor. “Their hard work not only helps keep our beaches clean but also serves as a powerful example of the positive impact young people can have in their communities.”

The E-Stem Club is an environmental-based STEM club with members who work together to raise awareness of environmental conservation and respect for local wildlife, vegetables, beaches, and soils. The beach clean-up is designed to provide students with hands-on experience in environmental conversation, while also contributing to the cleanliness and preservation of local natural resources. 

The Middle Country Central School District has a community of dedicated and exceptional students whose character and achievements continuously deserve to be recognized. Congratulations to Erin Ersoy, Angelie Falcones, and Kara Nunez.

Centereach High School’s senior student Erin Ersoy amazes the staff and her peers with her positive attitude and her approach to school, life, and the challenges ahead.  People feel inspired when around Erin. They are left in awe of her drive, dedication, and compassion for others. Many of her teachers agree that she is wise beyond her years and has used her own experiences to foster a unique sense of kindness and generosity.

Erin took some of the darkest days of her life and turned it into something positive. She is now giving back by helping raise awareness about childhood cancer and trying to help others who are faced with the same diagnosis she had. Erin, with the help of Mr. Joseph Mercado, the District’s Director of Physical Education, Health, and Athletics, spearheaded a school initiative that grew into a county-wide program. She spoke to all the athletic directors in Suffolk County, convincing them to buy into having all their athletes wear gold shoelaces in September to help raise awareness of childhood cancer. She raised thousands of dollars for the Daniela Conte Foundation.

Selden Middle School’s student Kara Nunez was a popular choice amongst the staff for nominations. Many of her teachers were quick to describe Kara as a wonderful and outstanding student.  She is self-motivated and takes pride in her work. Since her first quarter in sixth grade, Kara has maintained a quarterly average of 95 or better. She has improved her yearly GPA each year.

Kara’s favorite subject is Art because she likes to tap into her creativity. She also enjoys ELA and Social Studies. Kara is a member of the Drama Club and Art Club and she is currently the President of the Best Buddies Club. Outside of school, she is taking karate lessons.

Eighth-grade Dawnwood Middle School student Angelie Falcone is a wonderful and fantastic bass player.  She has been the bass section leader every year since sixth grade. Angelie’s overall average for her sixth and seventh grade school years is 96.6 and her average for the first quarter of this school year is also 96.

Angelie is involved in many activities outside of the classroom. She served as the President of the National Junior Honor Society and is currently the President of the Advisory Club. Angelie is also a member of the Yearbook Club, member of the Dawnwood Field Hockey Team, the Dawnwood Lacrosse Team, and the Dawnwood Basketball Team. Angelie participates in many hours of community service. This includes assisting children at the Middle Country Library with reading, arts and crafts, science projects, and crocheting. Angelie can also be found volunteering at the Old Towne Gardens scaring visitors in their haunted house.

 Newfield High School recently hosted a special event, welcoming back alumni from the classes of 1960-1969 to tour their Alma mater and witness its evolution over the years. The event was a testament to the school’s commitment to fostering talent and promoting academic excellence.

“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of our alumni,” said Dr. Diana Cook, Director of  Music, Fine Arts, and Community Media Relations. “Their donation will go a long way in supporting our music program.”

The tour was led by members of the Newfield Tri-M Music Honor Society, a group dedicated to musical talent, academic excellence, school involvement, and community service. The Tri-M members showcased the school’s advancements and achievements, highlighting the school’s dedication to nurturing talent.

The alumni group, moved by the school’s progress and the students’ commitment to excellence, made a generous donation of $2,200 to the Tri-M chapter. This donation will be used to further support the music program and its students. The event was marked by the melodious tunes of a string ensemble, adding a touch of elegance and nostalgia to the occasion. Guests were treated to light refreshments, allowing them to reminisce about the high school days after the tour.

Centereach High School recently kicked off its Homecoming weekend with a spirited pep rally and class competition skits, setting the tone for a weekend full of school spirit, community involvement, and fun. 

“On behalf of Centereach High School, I would like to thank all the students, faculty, families, and community members who participated in the Homecoming weekend events,” said Thomas Bell, Principal of Centereach High School. “Their enthusiasm and support made the weekend a resounding success.”

The pep rally, a hallowed tradition at Centereach High School, was a vibrant display of school spirit and camaraderie. Students cheered on their classmates and showed their school pride, creating an atmosphere of unity and excitement. Following the pep rally, students participated in class competition skits. Each class was tasked with creating a skit resulting in various creative and entertaining performances. 

The Homecoming weekend festivities continued with the Cougar Carnival which featured various activities organized by school clubs such as indoor giant obstacles as well as bubble soccer. Students were able to showcase their interests and talents while engaging with the community.  The Cougar Carnival also encouraged community involvement, with local businesses and organizations contributing to the event. 

In a heartfelt display of support, unity, and grief, students and teachers from the Middle Country Central School District wore green to honor the memory of two Farmingdale School District educators who tragically lost their lives and the many Farmingdale students who were injured in a horrific bus crash on their way to band camp in Pennsylvania.

“The Middle Country Central School District extends our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the educators who lost their lives,” said Dr. Roberta Gerold, Superintendent of Schools. “Our thoughts and prayers are with those families as well as our hope for a speedy and full recovery for those students who sustained injuries as a result of this unimaginable and frightening accident.” 

Students, teachers, and community members in the Middle Country Central School District sported Farmingdale’s color green. The color green also symbolizes hope, renewal, and growth. By wearing green, the students and staff of the Middle Country School District wanted to create a visual reminder of their unity and support for the Farmingdale community.