Author: middle-country

In honor of Veterans Day, elementary schools across the Middle Country Central School District participated in a series of heartfelt activities aimed at recognizing and celebrating the sacrifices made by military veterans. With a focus on education, reflection, and community, the district’s schools hosted classroom lessons, activities, and parades to ensure that students understood the importance of honoring the brave men and women who have served in the armed forces.

In the days leading up to Veterans Day, students engaged in a variety of educational activities, including learning about the history of Veterans Day, creating thank-you cards for local veterans, and researching the role of the military in protecting freedom. The lessons focused on instilling the values of gratitude, respect, and patriotism.

The elementary schools also took part in Veterans Day parades where they proudly displayed handmade banners, waved American flags, and cheered as veterans from the community participated in the festivities. These parades were a heartfelt demonstration of gratitude, with many local veterans joining the students to participate and share their experiences.

The Middle Country Central School District proudly congratulates the talented students who were selected to perform in the New York State Council of Administrators of Music Education/Suffolk County Music Educators Association (NYSCAME/SCMEA) 11th-12th Grade All-County Concert. These exceptional musicians were chosen for this honor based on their outstanding NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) solo performance scores and recommendations from their music teachers.

The All-County Concert, which took place in November at the Hauppauge High School, is a celebration of musical excellence, bringing together some of the most gifted student musicians from across the region to perform in a collaborative setting.

The Middle Country Central School District is thrilled to announce the following students who have earned this prestigious recognition:

Centereach High School:

• Zachary Atkinson
• Yohani Chen
• Shawn Edbert
• Jillian Garcia
• Jayden Gonzalez
• Logan Millwater
• Matthew Suzzi Valli
• Zachary Voskinarian
• Gavin Wahlen
• Joelle Washington
• Sarah Williams
• Gavin Willis
• Allen Zeng

Newfield High School:

• Payton Astomovich
• Kyle Bogad
• Caiden Davis
• Justin Derosalia
• Ryan Gudelinis
• Thomas Lasher
• Alyssa Micari
• Grace Simonelli
• James Stafford III

These talented students have demonstrated remarkable skill, dedication, and passion for music, and their achievement reflects the high standards of the Middle Country Central School District’s music program. Congratulations to all the musicians, and to their dedicated music teachers, who supported and mentored students throughout their musical journeys.

“We are incredibly proud of these outstanding students and the hard work they’ve put into their musical development,” said Dr. Diana Cook, Director of Music, Fine Arts and Community Relations. “This is a remarkable accomplishment, and we were excited to see them perform at the All-County Concert. Their participation in this prestigious event speaks to their talent, perseverance, and the strength of our music education programs.”

The All-County concert is a significant event on the academic and artistic calendar of the district and serves as a testament to the excellence of the Middle Country Central School District’s music programs, led by a team of dedicated educators committed to fostering the next generation of musical talent.

he Centereach High School Volleyball team hosted its annual “Dig Pink” Breast Cancer Awareness match, raising an impressive $1,200 for the Side-Out Foundation, an organization dedicated to funding stage 4 breast cancer research. This year’s event was especially meaningful, as it marked a major milestone in the program’s long-standing commitment to supporting breast cancer research.

In an exciting development, Centereach’s fundraising efforts were recognized on a national level. The Side-Out Foundation selected the Centereach Volleyball team’s fundraiser as one of the top 10 in the county, and in recognition of their outstanding efforts, the foundation will send an additional $1,000 to the cause on behalf of Centereach High School Volleyball.

“This recognition is a testament to the hard work, passion, and dedication of our players, coaches, and community,” said Mike Weaver, Centereach High School Volleyball coach. “We are proud to have raised more funds than ever before for this important cause, and to have our efforts honored in such a meaningful way. Our team is committed to supporting breast cancer research, and this year, we have made a bigger impact than we could have imagined.”

In total—and thanks to the generosity of students, parents, faculty, and the local community—the Centereach High School Volleyball program has raised over $2,200 for the Side-Out Foundation, the highest total in the 13-year history of the fundraiser. This achievement highlights the continued growth and success of the event, which brings awareness to breast cancer.

The Dig Pink event, which included a volleyball match, a silent auction, raffles, and other fundraising activities, united the Centereach community in the fight against breast cancer. All proceeds from the event were donated to the Side-Out Foundation, which allocates funds directly to breast cancer research and patient support programs.

The Centereach Volleyball Program has been participating in the Dig Pink fundraiser for 13 years, and the continued success of this event reflects the ongoing commitment of the team and the school community to make a difference in the fight against breast cancer.

The Middle Country Central School District is proud to announce its Students of the Month for October: Jeanlee Marcano Robles from Selden Middle School, Adam Khazanovich from Dawnwood Middle School, Diya John from Newfield High School, and Alexa Carmody from Centereach High School. These remarkable students have demonstrated exceptional academic achievements, leadership skills, and commitment to their school communities.

Jeanlee is celebrated by her teachers for her respectful and polite demeanor. Despite balancing a busy schedule filled with sports and extracurricular activities, she remains dedicated to her studies, consistently earning honor roll status. Throughout her middle school career, Jeanlee has maintained excellent grades, and achieved honor roll recognition in six of her first eight quarters. She is well on her way to continuing this success in her eighth-grade year.

A vibrant and energetic presence in the classroom, Adam has been a member of the Board Game Club for three years and currently serves as its president. With an impressive overall average of 98.8 in his previous grades and a 99.7 for the first quarter of this year, Adam’s academic excellence is matched by his involvement in multiple activities, including the 8th-grade orchestra, soccer, and various music lessons. Adam aspires to be a doctor or lawyer and dreams of giving tours in Iceland after a recent visit that he found truly spectacular.

Diya is an exceptional student, currently holding the top position in her class with a 103.1 weighted GPA. By the end of this school year, she will have completed 17 advanced placement and college-level classes, potentially graduating with over 50 college credits. Outside the classroom, Diya actively participates in various clubs and community service initiatives, including the National Honor Society, Mock Trial Team, and youth volunteer work with the American Red Cross. She plans to major in psychology, aspiring to become a psychiatrist and follow in her mother’s footsteps in the mental health field.

An academically outstanding student, Alexa is set to graduate having taken five AP courses and six additional college courses. She serves as president of the National Honor Society, leading initiatives that benefit the community. In addition to her academic achievements, Alexa has excelled in athletics as captain of the basketball team and showcases her musical talent as a member of the Select Vocal Ensemble. She is currently exploring colleges with a focus on forensic psychology and pre-law.

The Newfield High School Class of 2025 came together on a beautiful fall day for their anticipated “Paint Your Parking Spot” fundraiser. This vibrant event allowed seniors to showcase their creativity while transforming the school’s parking lot into a colorful canvas, all with the support of family and friends.

Under the guidance of dedicated advisors Ms. Derasmo and Ms. Ziegler, students spent the day painting unique designs that reflected their personalities and school spirit. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, collaboration, and a sense of community as the seniors bonded over their artistic endeavors.

“We are so proud of our seniors for coming together to create such a memorable experience,” said Ms. Derasmo. “This event not only supports their class activities but also fosters a sense of unity among students and their families.”

The “Paint Your Parking Spot” fundraiser was an opportunity for students to express their individuality and raise important funds for senior events throughout the year. The success of this event reflects the strong sense of community at Newfield High School and the commitment of its students, families, and staff.

In a heartwarming moment, Air Force Airman First Class Chelsy Lazo-Lazo recently visited her sister Adrianna Siguencia’s 4th-grade class at Hawkins Path Elementary School. Welcomed by teachers Ms. Villani and Ms. Catti, Chelsy took the opportunity to read a book and share her experiences and insights about her career in the United States Air Force.

The students were captivated as Chelsy spoke about her journey, the values of service and dedication, and the importance of pursuing one’s dreams. Her presence not only provided a unique educational experience but also served as a powerful reminder of the commitment and sacrifices made by those in the military.

“Having Chelsy in our classroom was a wonderful experience for our students,” said Ms. Villani. “She brought a real-world perspective that inspired them and sparked their interest in service and community.”

Chelsy’s visit reinforced the idea of community and the significance of role models in the lives of young students. Her willingness to share her story left a lasting impression, fostering a sense of pride and admiration among the students. A big thank you to Chelsy Lazo-Lazo for her service and for taking the time to engage with the next generation. Your commitment to serving our country is truly commendable!

Stagecoach Elementary School is proud to announce that 4th graders Ariel Baguio, Mia Locastro Do Coito, and Ethan Trinh were selected to participate in the prestigious SCMEA PEAK (Parents, Educators, And Kids!) festival, which was held at Northport High School. This exciting event brought together over 200 talented 4th graders from various schools across Suffolk County.

Under the guidance of Mr. Kubik, the students’ dedicated music teacher, Ariel, Mia, and Ethan joined their peers to create an unforgettable musical experience. The festival emphasized collaboration, creativity, and the joy of making music together, allowing students to share their passion with their families and the community.

“This festival is a wonderful opportunity for our students to connect with others who share their love for music,” said Principal Shaun Rothberg. “We are incredibly proud of Ariel, Mia, and Ethan for their hard work and dedication, as well as grateful to Mr. Kubik for his inspiring leadership.”

The students enjoyed a day filled with rehearsals and performances, culminating in a grand showcase that highlighted their musical talents and teamwork. This event nurtured their growing talents and fostered lasting friendships among young musicians. Congratulations to Ariel, Mia, Ethan, their parents, and Mr. Kubik for this remarkable achievement! Your hard work and dedication have truly paid off.

Middle Country Central School District recently came together in honor of Sue Rossi, a beloved school nurse who dedicated 22 years of her life to caring for and supporting thousands of students at New Lane Elementary School. In honor of Sue’s remarkable contributions and the profound impact she had, a Memorial Outdoor Classroom was dedicated in her name.

“We wanted to create a lasting tribute to Sue, reflecting her passion for education and her love for the students she cared for,” said Robin Newberg, New Lane Elementary School Principal. “This outdoor classroom will serve as a space for learning, reflection, and appreciation for the impact she made on all of us.”

Sue fought a courageous battle with cancer, demonstrating resilience and strength until her passing on October 26, 2023. Her legacy as a highly respected mentor in her unit and her dedication to continued education in the ever-evolving field of nursing will never be forgotten. The outdoor classroom will feature an octagon bench capable of accommodating a full classroom, picnic tables, log seating, and beautiful landscaping designed to create a serene learning environment.

Newfield High School recently celebrated its annual Homecoming Week, bringing together students, staff, and the community for a series of spirited events culminating in a festive homecoming game. The festivities included the crowning of the Homecoming Royal Court, a lively atmosphere featuring the beloved Wolverine mascot, and exciting activities for all attendees.

The Homecoming Royal Court this year included: 

Grand Marshals – Toni Ingarra and Keith Hassett
Homecoming Royalty – Sheyla Lynton and Gavin Smith
First Court – Marcus Petit-Frere and Jaysiah Deliat
Second Court – Kristanna Bauer and Dachelie Boisrond

The highlight of the week was the enthusiastic participation from students, who had the chance to show their school spirit by spraying their hair red and proudly donning the school colors. The hallways were excited as students decorated their classrooms and shared their pride in being part of the Newfield community. Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, the Newfield High School cheerleaders energized the crowd with their spirited routines, rallying support for the Wolverine football team. The cheerleaders, known for their dedication and enthusiasm, played a key role in making Homecoming an unforgettable experience.

“Our Homecoming celebration brings together our entire school community,” said Scott Graviano, Principal of Newfield High School. “It’s a time for students to show their pride and support for one another, and it’s wonderful to see the enthusiasm and spirit of our Wolverines shining through.”

As the week concluded with a thrilling homecoming game, students and families came together to celebrate not just the athletes, but the spirit of camaraderie and school pride that defines Newfield High School.

In recognition of Fire Safety and Prevention Month, elementary schools in the Middle Country Central School District hosted an engaging and educational event featuring the Selden Fire Department. Students had the unique opportunity to explore real fire trucks; learn essential fire safety tips; and meet Winston, the beloved Selden fire puppy.

Throughout October, students at various elementary schools participated in interactive fire safety presentations designed to promote awareness and preparedness. The Selden Fire Department brought their fire trucks to the schools, allowing students to tour the vehicles and learn about the important equipment that firefighters use in emergencies.

During the visits, firefighters engaged students with hands-on demonstrations, explaining the role of smoke detectors, the importance of creating a family escape plan, and how to stay safe in the event of a fire. The highlight of the day was a special appearance by Winston, who charmed the students and served as a reminder of the importance of teamwork in fire safety.

“Fire Safety and Prevention Month is an invaluable opportunity for our students to learn about the critical steps they can take to keep themselves and their families safe,” said Dr. Roberta Gerold, Superintendent of the Middle Country Central School District. “We are grateful to the Selden Fire Department for their commitment to educating our young learners and for bringing their fire truck and Winston to our schools.”

The partnership between the Middle Country Central School District and the Selden Fire Department underscores the importance of community collaboration in fostering a safe environment for children. The event not only provided practical knowledge but also created lasting memories for students as they interacted with local heroes. As Fire Safety and Prevention Month continues, the Middle Country Central School District encourages families to engage in discussions about fire safety at home and to practice their escape plans together.