Middle Country Central School District in the Media

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.

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.