Middle Country Central School District in the Media

Dawnwood Middle School is proud to announce that sixth-grader Brielle Badum won first place in the prestigious American Fine Arts Festival (AFAF) Music Competition, called the “Golden Voices of America.” Brielle’s exceptional talent and dedication to her craft have earned her the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall in March!

Dawnwood principal Daniel Katchihtes couldn’t contain his excitement for Brielle’s amazing achievement. “Her success in the American Fine Arts Festival International Music Competition is a testament to her passion, talent, and hard work,” the principal said. “We are incredibly proud of her accomplishment and look forward to witnessing her extraordinary performance at Carnegie Hall.  Brielle’s achievement serves as an inspiration to her fellow students and showcases the exceptional talent that exists within our school.”

The AFAF Music Competition “Golden Voices of America” is a highly esteemed event that celebrates the outstanding musical abilities of young artists from across the nation. Each year, talented students compete in various categories, showcasing their skills and passion for music. Brielle’s remarkable vocal abilities and captivating stage presence set her apart from the competition, leading to her well-deserved victory.

The students of Dawnwood Middle School’s American Sign Language (ASL) Club advised by Ms. Petruzzo, have showcased their creativity and love for their community by crafting valentines. The students crafted cutouts of their hands signing “I love you” in ASL. 

“We wanted to show our love and support for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community in a creative and meaningful way,” said Ms. Pertuzzo. “By crafting these valentines, we hope to promote inclusivity and embrace diversity.”

The ASL Club at Dawnwood Middle School is a dynamic and inclusive group. Advised by Ms. Petruzzo, a dedicated art teacher at Centereach High School, the club allows students to learn and practice sign language while fostering a sense of community and acceptance. In preparation for Valentine’s Day, the students put their artistic skills to work by carefully cutting out their hand shapes and decorating them with vibrant colors and personalized messages.

Middle Country Central School District is proud to announce that 15 talented students have recently been selected to participate in the prestigious Long Island String Festival Association (LIFSA). 

The Long Island String Festival Association is a well-regarded organization that brings together the most talented young musicians across Long Island. It provides an opportunity for students to showcase their skills, learn from professionals, and collaborate with their peers in an enriching musical experience.

Our selected talented students have consistently demonstrated their passion and dedication for music,” said Dr. Diana Cook, Director of Music, Fine Arts, and Community Media Relations. “Their selection for the Long Island String Festival Association is a testament to their hard work and talent. They have been chosen among a competitive pool of applicants, highlighting their exceptional musical abilities. Congratulations and well done!”

Heather Wesnofske, Kimberly Tynebor, Max Woods, Kevin Matias, Dan Martinez, and  Melanie Maiorca played a crucial role in nurturing the musical talents of these students. Under their guidance, the 15 students have flourished, and their commitment to excellence and their ability to inspire the students have been instrumental in their selection.

School	Division	Name	Instrument
Centereach High School	D 11-12	Jillian Garcia	Violin
Centereach High School	D 11-12	Nadine Torillo	Violin
Centereach High School	D 9-10	Danielle Andrada	Violin
Dawnwood Middle School	D 7-8	Jacob Khazanovich	Violin
Dawnwood Middle School	D 6	Jennilyn Espinosa	Violin
Hawkins Path Elementary School	D 5	Patrick Long	Double Bass
Jericho Elementary School	D 5	Sophia Doscher	Violin
New Lane Elementary School	D 5	Luke Giglio	Double Bass
Newfield High School School	D 9-10	Sophie Chen	Violin
Newfield High School	D 9-10	Alexandra Kathleen	Violin
Newfield High School	D 11-12	Emma Geraci	Violin
North Coleman Road School	D 5	Isis Whalen	Violin
Selden Middle School	D 6	Rebecca Orban	Violin
Selden Middle School	D 7-8	Peyton Melideo	Violin
Stagecoach Elementary School	D 5	Samanta Austin	Violin

In a heartwarming display of unity and aspiration that highlighted the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Jericho Elementary School students recently participated in a special storytelling session in honor of the iconic civil rights leader. 

During the session, the students listened to a captivating story about Dr. King’s remarkable journey and his tireless efforts to fight for civil rights and equality for all. The story emphasized the significance of Dr. King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech, which continues to resonate with people around the world.

In a creative portion of the program, students were encouraged to express their dreams and aspirations by crafting “I Have a Dream” crowns. The students adorned their crowns with colorful markers and symbols and words that represented their dreams for a better world.

Eighth-grade students from Dawnwood and Selden Middle Schools in the Middle Country School District recently presented their research projects to a distinguished audience at a National History Day Symposium. The event was attended by teachers, administrators, and members of the Board of Education, all of whom were very impressed with the students’ dedication and expertise in their chosen topics.

Participating students were selected by their social studies teachers based on their commitment and enthusiasm for their research projects. Projects revolved around this year’s contest theme, “Turning Points in History,” allowing the students to explore significant events that have shaped the world we live in today.

The presentations included a diverse range of project formats, including trifold and Google Slides presentations, websites, and research papers. These projects are part of the District’s capstone research initiative, which aims to provide students with an opportunity to delve deep into their research and develop their critical thinking and research skills.

Participating students will also earn credit toward the Seal of Civic Readiness, recognizing their dedication to civic engagement and community involvement. Furthermore, a select number of students will continue to work closely with their National History Day advisors to refine their projects for the upcoming Long Island History Day at Hofstra University in March.

New Lane Elementary School, in partnership with their PTA and BOCES Arts-in-Education, recently organized an exhilarating laser light show that promoted anti-bullying, teamwork, and doing the right thing. The event captivated students with a mesmerizing display of laser lights while delivering a powerful message.

“The laser light show provided an innovative and engaging platform to educate students about the importance of standing up against bullying and promoting a positive school environment,” said Robin Newberg, Principal of New Lane Elementary School. “Our students were entertained while they learned valuable lessons about empathy, respect, and inclusivity. ”

The captivating visuals and interactive elements of the laser show served as a backdrop to convey the message of doing the right thing. By integrating dance and the science of lasers, the show aimed to inspire students to find joy in learning while emphasizing the significance of making positive changes.”

To further reinforce the positive message and values, several dedicated teachers volunteered to be part of the laser light show. They actively participate in a laser light show game, demonstrating the power of collaboration and unity. By showcasing their ability to work together as a team, the teachers set an example for the students, encouraging them to support and uplift one another.

The students at Hawkins Path Elementary School are embracing the winter season by participating in a unique STEM activity: A snowman-building challenge! The project engages fourth-grade students in hands-on learning while fostering their creativity and problem-solving skills.

The STEM snowman building challenge encourages students to apply what they have learned in critical thinking and engineering to construct innovative and structurally sound snowman. The challenge not only provides a fun and interactive experience but also promotes teamwork and collaboration among students.

Throughout the challenge,  students worked in groups to design and build their snowmen using various materials and techniques. They were required to consider factors such as balance, stability, and aesthetics. To further enhance the learning experience of the challenge, students documented their design process, recorded observations, and analyzed the results.

The Newfield High School Drum Club showcased their exceptional talent and enthusiasm as they performed both on stage and in the lobby of the Patchogue Theatre for the Atlantic Wind Symphony Holiday Concert. Led by  Mr. Thomas Austin and Dr. Harold Goldstein, the Drum Club left the audience in awe with their captivating performances.

The Drum Club’s energetic and rhythmic beats resonated throughout the theatre, creating an electrifying atmosphere. Their synchronized movements and precise drumming techniques demonstrated the hours of practice and dedication they put into perfecting their craft.

In addition to their on-stage performances, the Drum Club also took charge of leading the holiday sing-along. Their infectious energy and spirited voices encouraged the audience to join in and spread the holiday cheer. The sing-along became a memorable and heartwarming experience for everyone in attendance.

 Middle Country Central School District’s decorated scouts from Selden Troop 228 recently paid a visit to the Hertlin House in Lake Ronkonkoma. The scouts engaged in a heartwarming activity by playing board games with the residents, bringing joy and companionship to the retirement home.

In addition to their thoughtful gesture, the scouts also brought along 75 beautiful poinsettias to brighten up the Hertlin House during this holiday season. The vibrant red flowers added a festive touch to the retirement home, spreading cheer and warmth to the residents.

The scouts from Selden Troop 228 demonstrated their commitment to community service and their dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of others. Their visit to the Hertlin House not only provided entertainment and companionship to the residents but also brought a sense of holiday spirit and joy.

Students from Bryan Latham’s AP Government class, Lisa McDonell’s AP U.S. History class, and Richard  Rennard’s AP Economics class at Newfield High School recently had the incredible opportunity to visit the nation’s capital. This trip was a unique and unforgettable experience for the students.

“The Newfield High School community is exceptionally proud of both their former student, Cristian Rodriguez, and their current students for representing the school with such distinction,” said Scott Graviano, Newfield High School Principal. “This trip to the nation’s capital was a testament to the dedication and hard work of the students and teachers. A warm thank you to Cristian for welcoming our students and our teachers for this experience.”

Cristian Rodriquez, an Engagement Aide for Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, warmly welcomed his former high school to Capitol Hill. Mr. Rodriquez arranged several special opportunities for the students, including a White House tour and a Capitol Building VIP tour. The students even had the privilege of visiting the Senate while it was in session and engaging in a question-and-answer session with the Director of Engagement, Cietta Kiandoli, and Mr. Rodriquez.

In addition to these exclusive experiences, the students had the chance to explore various important landmarks and museums in Washington, D.C. They visited the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Museum of Natural History, and several significant monuments and memorials. These educational tours provided the students with a deeper understanding of American history and culture.