Middle Country Central School District in the Media

The Annual SkillsUSA Regional Conference held on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at the Suffolk County Community College Brentwood Campus, was the scene of an impressive showcase of talent as Career and Technical Education students from across Long Island gathered to demonstrate their career-related abilities and compete against peers.

“The results of this competition reflect the dedication and commitment of our students, who have devoted countless hours to honing their skills and preparing for this prestigious competition,” said Dr. Roberta Gerold, Superintendent of Schools. “Their success is a testament to their perseverance and determination, and we couldn’t be prouder of their accomplishments. Special thanks to our cosmetology teachers, Ms. Michaels, Ms. Ackerler, Ms. Ingarra, and Ms. Bartnik for guiding these students to success!”

Middle Country students participating in the SkillsUSA competition included Ana Mesquita, McKenna Vivona, Gina Nappi, Lindsey Sigault, Jocelyn Morales, Olivia Ludwig, Julianna Allestra, and Abigail Jones. Seniors Mesquita, Sigault, and Nappi secured remarkable victories, placing 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, respectively, in the Senior Cosmetology category. Additionally, junior student Jocelyn Morales showcased exceptional skills, clinching 2nd place in Junior Cosmetology. 

Winners:

Gina Nappi, Newfield High School, first place
Jocelyn Morales, Centereach High School, second place
Ana Mesquita, Centereach High School, second place
Lindsey Sigault, Newfield High School, third place

Students from Centereach High School and Newfield High School recently embarked on an enriching field trip to Unity Drive Prekindergarten and Kindergarten Center. The visit provided a valuable opportunity for high school students to witness the learning process and gain firsthand experience in child development. 

During the field trip, students observed the teacher practices, learning experiences, and routines used at Unity Drive Prekindergarten and Kindergarten Center. This immersive experience allowed the high school students to see how educators engage with young learners and create a nurturing environment for their growth and development. The visit offered the high school students a unique chance to explore the field of child development through direct observation and interaction with the young learners.

By engaging with the students at the center, participants gained insight into the importance of early childhood education and the impact of effective teaching practices on children’s learning experiences. This was a valuable learning opportunity for the high schoolers, providing them with a hands-on experience that will enhance their understanding of child development and hopefully inspire them to pursue careers in education and related fields.

Selden Middle School is proud to announce that Sylvia Zhao, an 8th-grade student, received the Long Island History Day Special Award for Outstanding Junior Entry on Radio or Television History for her documentary, titled The Magic Behind the Music: How Guitar Pedals Changed Sound Forever.

“On behalf of Selden Middle School, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Sylvia for her well-deserved recognition,” said Andrew Bennett, Principal of Selden Middle School. “Her dedication to historical inquiry and her ability to convey complex narratives with clarity and creativity are truly commendable. A huge thank you goes out to Sylvia’s National History Day Advisor, Ms. Lisa Cook, for her guidance and support throughout this journey.”

Sylvia’s remarkable achievement comes after competing against students from across Long Island. Her documentary has garnered widespread acclaim for its insightful exploration of the impact of guitar pedals on the evolution of music. Sponsored by 90.3 WHPC, the Voice of NCC, Sylvia’s entry stood out for its depth of research and compelling storytelling. Through her documentary, Sylvia delves into the transformative effects of guitar pedals, shedding light on how these devices have shaped the soundscapes of various music genres over the years. Her research not only highlights the technological advancements in music production but also underscores the profound cultural and artistic implications of these innovations.

Middle Country’s New Lane Elementary School and its dedicated Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) have launched their annual Pick a Reading Partner (PARP) celebration with an exciting new theme this year: Reading with Everyday Heroes. The month-long celebration aims to promote literacy and encourage a love for reading among students.

“We are thrilled to launch this year’s PARP celebration—Reading with Everyday Heroes,” said Robin Newberg, Principal of New Lane Elementary School. “This event promotes the joy of reading and honors the heroes in our community. We are grateful to all the volunteers who made this parade possible and look forward to a month filled with exciting reading activities.”

The festivities commenced with a vibrant parade, at which students had the opportunity to express their gratitude to local everyday heroes in the community. Middle Country Transportation, Selden Fire Department, Selden EMT, Suffolk County School Resource Officers Murphy and Skippon, the local USPS office, and the Town of Brookhaven Sanitation Department all generously volunteered to participate in the parade.

The community heroes drove their vehicles through the parade route, allowing students and spectators to wave, cheer, and kick off the PARP celebration with enthusiasm. The presence of these dedicated individuals served as a powerful reminder of the impact everyday heroes have on their lives and the importance of literacy. Throughout the month, New Lane Elementary School and the PTA will organize engaging reading activities to encourage the students to discover the joy of reading.

Middle Country Central School District’s Bicycle Path Elementary School collaborated with Newfield High School to celebrate Read Across America Day, a fun-filled event that brought the magic of Dr. Seuss to life. The day was made even more special with  Crazy Hair Day, adding a touch of whimsy and excitement to the occasion.

“We are thrilled to have the Newfield High School students join us for Read Across America Day,” said Scott Graviano, Principal of Newfield High School. “Their enthusiasm and energy were infectious, and our students were captivated by the magic of Dr. Seuss.”

A group of enthusiastic Newfield High School Tri-M and Thespian Honor Society students paid a visit to the prekindergarten students at Bicycle Path Elementary School to celebrate Read Across America Day. Dressed up as beloved Dr. Seuss characters—including Cat in the Hat, Sam I Am, and the quirky Crazy Haired Things—the high schoolers brought joy and laughter to the younger students.

Making sure to visit each classroom in Bicycle Path Elementary School, the Newfield students engaged all children in reading sessions and interactive learning activities. It was a day filled with storytelling, creativity, and mutual excitement about the world of reading.

Middle Country Central School District’s Centereach High School and Newfield High School each celebrated Black History Month with a special event that highlighted the rich history and culture of black history.

The respective events featured students showcasing prominent black historical figures through engaging presentations and informative trifold boards. Students delved into the contributions and legacies of these influential civil rights leaders, cultural icons

In addition to the educational presentations, students celebrated the vibrant culture of black history through literature, poems, music, dance, and food. The event served as a platform for students to express their creativity and appreciation for the diverse heritage that makes up the fabric of our society.

Centereach High School is proud to announce that junior Keegan Klein’s artwork has been selected to be featured in the prestigious Long Island’s Best Young Artists Exhibit at the Hecksher Museum. The exhibit will be on display from March 23 to May 5, showcasing the talent and creativity of young artists from across Long Island.

“Keegan’s art being selected for the Long Island Best Young Artist exhibit is a true testament to his talent and dedication,” said Shelby Petruzzo, Centreach High School’s art teacher. “His creativity and passion have truly shone through in his work, and I am excited to see where his artistic journey takes him next.”

Keegan Klein’s artwork was chosen from over 450 submissions from high schools all over Long Island. Of all the wonderful submissions, only 87 works were selected to be a part of this esteemed exhibit, making Keegan’s achievement even more remarkable.

The Long Island’s Best Young Artists Exhibit at the Hecksher Museum celebrates the artistic talent and dedication of young artists in the region. Keegan Klein’s selection is a testament to his skill, vision, and hard work as a budding artist.

The Newfield High School robotics team, the Roverines, recently displayed their exceptional skill, discipline, and dedication at the VEX Over Under Robotics Competition in Farmingdale. The Roverines earned the Tournament Skills Champion trophy while reaching the finals of the tournament. 

Newfield High School Principal Scott Graviano was duly impressed with the work of the Roverines. “Their dedication, hard work, and passion displayed were truly inspiring,” said Principal Graviano. “To reach the finals of a tournament as competitive as the VEX Over Under Competition is a testament to the Roverine’s talent and commitment to excellence. We are thrilled to have them represent Newfield High School at the upcoming New York State Championship.” 

The Roverines Robotics Team left no room for doubt about their abilities; they scored an impressive 257 points in the Skills portion of the tournament. Their performance earned them the Tournament Skills title and set a new standard for excellence in the competition. The second-place robot trailed behind by 62 points, scoring 185 points. The performance earned them a well-deserved invitation to the highly prestigious VEX Robotics New York State Championship Tournament, which will take place on Sunday, March 3 in Katonah, New York. There, the Roverines will compete against other top-notch teams from across the state. 

Thoughtful students at Oxhead Road Elementary School recently held a “Souper Bowl” donation drive, collecting cans of soup for the local food pantry. 

Principal Phyllis Saltz expressed her gratitude for the altruism of the Oxhead Road Elementary School community. “We are incredibly proud of our students for their generosity and compassion,” Principal Saltz said. “Their commitment to helping others truly embodies the spirit of community service. I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of the donation drive.”

For the duration of the donation drive, students were encouraged to bring in a can of soup. As an added incentive, students were able to decorate a paper football representing the team they believed would win the Super Bowl each time they brought a can of soup to school. The votes were tallied, with 68 students choosing the Kansas City Chiefs and 53 students supporting the San Francisco 49ers.

In a delightful turn of events, the predictions made by Oxhead Road Elementary School students proved true after the Kansas City Chiefs emerged victorious in the Super Bowl. This exciting outcome added an extra layer of enthusiasm to the already “souper” fun “Souper Bowl” event! 

Schools throughout the Middle Country Central School District were aglow in vibrant purple as students, teachers, and staff observed P.S. I Love You Day. This special day—dedicated to mental health and spreading love, kindness, and support—saw students engaging in heartwarming activities that fostered a sense of unity and compassion within the school community.

“We are proud to see our students come together on P.S. I Love You Day and demonstrate their commitment to spreading love and kindness,” said Dr. Roberta Gerold, Superintendent of Schools. “By promoting a culture of empathy and inclusivity, we are fostering a positive and supportive environment where every student feels valued and appreciated.”

The hallways of each school within the district were adorned with purple—the color of the day. Beautiful, student-made decorations created an atmosphere of warmth and inclusion and students eagerly participated in various activities designed to promote positivity and empathy.

One of the highlights of the day was the “Hearts of Kindness” initiative, where students were encouraged to write notes of kindness on heart-shaped cards for every student in the school. These heartfelt messages were posted throughout the hallways, allowing fellow students to read and be uplifted by the kind words. The display of compassion and encouragement served as a powerful reminder of the impact that small acts of kindness can have on individuals and the community as a whole.

Throughout the day, students and staff engaged in discussions and classroom activities centered around self-love, kindness, empathy, and mental health. These meaningful conversations aimed to raise awareness about the significance of supporting one another and creating a safe and nurturing environment for all.