Hawkins Path Elementary Kicks-off Capstone Research Project

The Middle Country Central School District’s Hawkins Path Elementary School recently hosted a kick-off party for its fifth grade students as they begin their capstone research projects. Hawkins Path’s teachers and administrators developed 12 unique, interactive stations in which students explored and began to develop subject area ideas for their individual research projects.

 

The exploratory process consisted of multiple stations, including sensory stations, historical documents, physical challenges, music from around the world, a mystery box and many more. Providing a range of stations allowed students to ask challenging questions and determine the topics of which they were eager to further explore.

 

The District is encouraged to witness the educational trajectory these fifth grade students have taken during their elementary school experiences, and the District is looking forward to the completion of their capstone research projects as students prepare for a new beginning in middle school.

 

For more information about academic programs available at the Middle Country School District, and a calendar of events, please visit www.mccsd.net.

 

 

 

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‘Roverines’ Take Home Two More First Place Trophies

The Middle Country Central School District’s Newfield High School “Roverines” robotics team recently continued its extraordinarily successful year with another first place tournament trophy at a regional VEX Robotics competition. The competition, hosted at Adelphi University, brought together student teams from high schools in Westchester, New York City and Long Island.

 

“The entire District is incredibly proud of our Roverines as they continue the incredible streak of thoughtful and innovative performances at robotics competitions,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Roberta Gerold. “Their success is a testament to a District—and a community—that provides students opportunities to engage in STEM inside the classroom and through multiple extracurricular programs.”

 

The Roverines also came in first place in the competition’s skills challenge. The trophy is given to the team that accumulates the most points between the autonomous-control and driver-control challenges.

 

The students have one more regional competition in East Rockaway before they will compete in the Southern New York State VEX Robotics Championship.  They will look to repeat their first place performances and once again move onto the VEX Worlds Competition in Louisville, Kentucky.

 

For more information about academic programs available at the Middle Country School District and a calendar of events, please visit www.mccsd.net.

 

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Newfield Robotics Team Takes Top Honors, Qualifies for State Competition

The Middle Country Central School District’s Newfield High School “Roverines” robotics team recently competed in a regional VEX In The Zone Robotics Competition at Farmingdale. The Roverines finished in first place, earning the team the Tournament Champion trophy.

 

With the victory, the Roverines have qualified to compete in the Southern New York State VEX Robotics Championship in March. The Roverines have qualified for the State competition each of the 3 years since the club originated. The students will look to repeat their performance from last year where they finished in 1st place in the NY State competition and went on to compete at the VEX Worlds Competition in Louisville, KY.

 

The District continues to provide students with an educational experience that not only actively engages them in STEM activities inside the classroom, but provides students with extracurricular opportunities such as the robotics team to further their interest and knowledge.

 

For more information about academic programs available at the Middle Country School District and a calendar of events, please visit www.mccsd.net.

 

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District Announces December Students of the Month

The Middle Country Central School District announced its December students of the month at its recent Board of Education meeting. Centereach High School senior Alec Kiernan, Newfield High School senior Ryan Murphy, Dawnwood Middle School sixth grade student Alicia Ciauri and Selden Middle School sixth grade student Christopher Richardson were all celebrated for their outstanding academic achievements, abundant extracurricular participation and for providing an overall positive impact on their schools and communities.

 

“Month after month, we are surrounded by incredible students who emulate the positive values and hard work of the entire Middle Country student body,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Roberta Gerold. “We are thrilled to once again honor students who go above and beyond in the classroom, inside their respective school, and throughout their surrounding communities—a representation of what all Middle Country educators seeks to instill in our students.”

 

Centereach High School senior and December student of the month recipient Alec Kiernan was selected for his academic and athletic success, along with his positive attitude among his peers. Alec currently maintains a weighted GPA of 99.8 and is set to graduate in June ranked 24th in the class of 2018. Upon graduating, Alec will have completed no less than seven Advanced Placement courses and five more college level classes.

 

Though he was a key member of the school’s football team, Alec’s stellar athletic ability was overshined by his leadership skills. Both his coaches and teammates recognized his innate instincts as a leader, and he was elected captain three years in a row. Due to his hard work in the classroom and on the playing field, Alec is currently deciding where he will be studying and playing collegiate football next fall.

 

Ryan Murphy is a senior at Newfield High School who was selected as student of the month for his academic achievements and constant volunteer work around the community. Ryan has dedicated countless hours to community service through his time as a SPARTAN vocalist at Maryhaven, local nursing homes and the Selden Fire Department’s annual 9/11 memorial ceremony.

 

Ryan has also served as a vital team player in coordinating and managing the successful Newfield Blood Drives that occur in the fall and spring of each school year. Next fall, Ryan is looking to major in photography at either SUNY Purchase, SUNY New Paltz, SUNY Buffalo State or Long Island University.

 

Dawnwood Middle School sixth grade student Alicia Ciauri was selected as the school’s student of the month. Alicia currently holds a GPA of 98.3 and is consistently a recipient of the high honor roll. Her teachers often describe her stellar work ethic; she is always prepared for class and is always willing to help her peers. Alicia is also an active member of both the Service Club and Jazz Band. Above all, the overarching description of Alicia is as a kind, nice and humble student.

 

Christopher Richardson is a sixth grade student at Selden Middle School and was selected student of the month, holding a GPA of 97.3. Christopher, who earned high honor roll in his first quarter in middle school, enjoys science because it combines math with hands-on activities. He has also found time to become a member of Selden Middle School’s student government, the Best Buddies Club and the Jazz Band, where he plays drums. Teachers often acknowledge him as a natural leader which will come in handy as he pursues his dream career of either a chef or President of the United States.

 

For more information regarding Middle Country Central School District and its students’ many achievements, please visit the District’s website: http://www.middlecountry.k12.ny.us.

 

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Centereach High School senior Alec Kiernan.

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Newfield High School senior Ryan Murphy.

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Dawnwood Middle School sixth grade student Alicia Ciauri.

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Selden Middle School sixth grade student Christopher Richardson.

Middle Country Teachers Association Donates Hundreds of Books to Community

The Middle Country Central School District Teachers Association recently hosted its second annual free book distribution at Centereach High School. Hundreds of students and families looked through and took home donated books. Attendees lined up around the corner to take advantage of the program that was intended to give the gift of reading to the Middle Country community.

 

“We are proud of our teachers for the work they do with our students inside the classroom and for the beneficial impact they have on the rest of the community outside of the classroom as well,” said Dr. Roberta Gerold, Superintendent of Schools. “For a second consecutive year, the Middle Country Teachers Association is setting a positive example for our students by teaching the importance of giving back while also helping to facilitate a love for reading.”

 

Through a partnership with First Book and the American Federation of Teachers, the Middle Country Teachers Association was able to collect more than 10,000 books to distribute.

 

For more information about academic programs available at the Middle Country School District and a calendar of events, please visit www.mccsd.net.

 

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Middle Country Central School District student beams with excitement during the District’s recent free book distribution event.

 

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Middle Country Central School District student reads through a book during the District’s recent free book distribution event.

The Polar Express Picks Up Passengers at Unity Drive

Middle Country Central School District’s Unity Drive Pre-K/Kindergarten Center recently hosted a holiday themed event for students—with a special surprise appearance from their parents. Ms. Conklin’s kindergarten class recently completed a reading comprehension lesson focused on the holiday classic The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg.

 

Following the reading, students, teachers and parents worked together to bring the story to life as they boarded the in-classroom train—which was actually two long decorated tables placed side by side—and took off on holiday adventures. Students acted like Polar Express conductors as they walked around the classroom collecting their parents’ tickets. Along their journey, students built gingerbread house and sipped on hot chocolate.

 

Middle Country Central School District continues to provide students with educational opportunities that not only aid in developing necessary skillsets, but that also make learning an enjoyable and exciting experience.

 

For more information about academic programs available at the Middle Country School District and a calendar of events, please visit www.mccsd.net.

 

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Middle Country Central School District’s Unity Drive Pre-K/Kindergarten Center students and parents sit aboard the classrooms Polar Express replica following the classes reading of The Polar Express.

Newfield Students Win the Congressional App Challenge

Two Middle Country Central School District students from Newfield High School won the National Congressional App Challenge. Newfield High School students Syreneti DeLaCruz and Daniel Iacobacci were announced as the winners of the app challenge, which helps high school students across the county discover coding and other STEM-focused career paths.

 

The Congressional App Challenge allows students to code original applications for the chance to be recognized by their individual United States Congressional representatives and have their work displayed in the United States Capitol Building. Middle Country Central School District continues to integrate STEM into daily curriculum to help prepare students for future endeavors, and the District is proud to see its students recognized for excellence in STEM-related programs and challenges.

 

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Middle Country Central School District Newfield High School students Syreneti DeLaCruz and Daniel Iacobacci, winners of the 2017 Congressional App Challenge.

Middle Country Student-Athletes Sign Letters of Intent to Play Intercollegiate Athletics

The Middle Country Central School District recently held a Letter of Intent Signing Day for the 10 Middle Country 12th grade students who have committed to play collegiate-level sports at top-tier universities during the 2018-2019 academic year. The students from Centereach High School and Newfield High School were joined by their families, coaches and school administrators as they formally accepted admission to the college of their choice. The student-athletes, who wore apparel representing the school they will be attending, included:

Centereach High School:

  • Jordyn Juvelier, who will be playing lacrosse at Felician University.
  • Alexandra DeWitt, who will be playing field hockey at Pace University – Westchester campus.
  • Catherine Leahy, who will be playing field hockey at Ursinus College.

Newfield High School:

  • Kyle Johnson, who will be playing baseball at Stony Brook University.
  • Bobby Vath, who will be playing baseball at University of Rhode Island.
  • Emily Diaz, who will be playing lacrosse at Bryant University.
  • Nicole Lettich, who will be a member of the bowling team at Long Island University – C.W. Post campus.
  • Zach Worsoe, who will be playing lacrosse at St. Joseph’s College.
  • Naomi Ruffalo, who will be playing volleyball at Adelphi University.
  • Taylor Regensburger, who will be playing soccer at Georgia Southern University.

 

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Middle Country Central School District students Taylor Regensburger, Emily Diaz, Catherine Leahy, Jordyn Juvelier, Alexandra DeWitt, Nicole Lettich, Naomi Ruffalo, Kyle Johnson, Bobby Vath and Zach Worsoe at the District’s Letter of Intent signing ceremony.

District Announces November Students of the Month

The Middle Country Central School District announced its November students of the month at its recent Board of Education meeting. Centereach High School senior Abigail Blount, Newfield High School senior Ally Hu, Dawnwood Middle School seventh grade student Timothy McCarthy and Selden Middle School seventh grade student Cameron Unger were all recognized for their academic excellence, athletic achievements and positive spirit.

 

“Each month the District honors four students who have excelled academically and made an impact on both their peers and the community as a whole,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Roberta Gerold. “This month, we come together to honor these students and thank the two graduating seniors for their positive contributions in our schools throughout the years. The District also looks forward to the continued and expanding involvement of the two seventh-grade honorees.”

 

Centereach High School senior and November student of the month recipient Abigail Blount was selected for her success in the classroom, extracurricular activities and athletic achievements. Her drive and intelligence has placed her eighth in the class of 2018, and she will be graduating in June with more than 18 college credits. Abigail’s academic success is matched by her extensive involvement in the National Honor Society, the Art Honor Society, the Spanish Language Honor Society and her position of secretary in the Tri-M Music Honor Society.

 

Additionally, Abigail is a member of the Girls’ Varsity Basketball team and was recently selected as captain for her leadership and ability to foster comradery among her teammates. During her free time she coaches youth basketball teams throughout the community. Abigail looks forward to continuing her education next fall at the collegiate level.

 

Ally Hu is a senior at Newfield High School holding an unweighted GPA of 96.9 and has the potential to graduate in June with 45 college credits. Ally has challenged herself academically throughout her high school career by enrolling in 15 college and advanced placement courses. Despite her vigorous coursework, Ally has made time to be an active member in the Newfield community—serving as president of her sophomore and junior class, president of the Book Club and the Executive Officer of the Foreign Language Honor Society.

 

In her free time, Ally has volunteered more than 150 hours as a counselor at Middle Country’s Camp Invention at Holbrook Road Elementary School. Ally will be continuing her studies next fall at a college to be determined over the next several months. She will be majoring in either computer science or computer engineering.

 

Dawnwood Middle School seventh-grade student Timothy McCarthy was selected as the school’s student of the month. Timothy, described universally as an “outstanding” student, has maintained high honor roll status since he entered Dawnwood in fall 2016. Along with his high marks, Timothy is a member of the school band, soccer team and basketball team, and he plans to run track in the spring. Timothy has already set a professional goal for himself as he hopes to become a pediatrician.

 

Cameron Unger is a seventh-grade student at Selden Middle School and was selected as the student of the month, holding a GPA of 96.9. Cameron’s favorite subjects are Spanish and Social Studies; upon completion of the first quarter he holds a 100 average in his Spanish class. He has served as a role model and inspiration to his peers, but he is inspired by his twin sister, Delaney, who has been fighting bone cancer this year. Cameron has told many that he wants to become an inventor one day so he can invent a less toxic form of chemotherapy.

 

For more information regarding Middle Country Central School District and its students’ many achievements, please visit the District’s website: http://www.middlecountry.k12.ny.us or its sister site, http://mymiddlecountryschools.net/.

 

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Middle Country Central School District Centereach High School senior Abigail Blount was selected as November student of the month. 

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Middle Country Central School District Newfield High School senior Ally Hu was selected as November student of the month.

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Middle Country Central School District Dawnwood Middle School seventh-grade student Timothy McCarthy was selected as November student of the month.

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Middle Country Central School District Selden Middle School seventh-grade student Cameron Unger was selected as November student of the month.

School Clubs Team Up To Haunt the Halls of Centereach High

The Middle Country Central School District’s Centereach High School was recently transformed into a haunted house, where elementary school students from throughout the District enjoyed the District’s annual Trick-or-Treat Street event. High School students and faculty decorated classrooms and dressed in costumes to haunt the halls while elementary school students stopped by each classroom to collect candy, play games, complete crafts and more.

 

Each classroom had its own theme, including Disney, Carnival/Mardi Gras, Harry Potter and Wizard of Oz. The event provided a safe environment for students to partake in Halloween traditions that eliminates the risk of students going up to unknown residences.

 

Students representing all four grades, the Best Buddies club, DECA club, Math, Music, Theater Arts, Varsity sports and National Honor Society helped collect non-perishable food items from attendees to support the school’s annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. Middle Country Central School District continues to bring students of all ages together for community-oriented, District-wide events.

 

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