Middle Country Central School District in the Media

Middle Country Students Host Mitten Drive Benefiting Lighthouse Mission

CENTEREACH, NEW YORK (JANUARY 2021)—Middle Country’s Pre-K students at Unity Drive Pre-K/Kindergarten Center are warming more than hearts this holiday season. Inspired by Candace Christiansen’s “The Mitten Tree,” Mrs. Gorwitz and her Pre-K students organized a drive to collect mittens benefiting those in need through the local organization, Lighthouse Mission. This initiative is one of the many ways the Middle Country aims to provide students with a first-hand experience of helping those in need.

Congratulations Logan Mazer, Jada Hodge, Ayush Pal and Krish Vakharia

CENTEREACH, NEW YORK (NOVEMBER 2020)—The Middle Country Central School District (MCCSD) is proud to recognize four students—Logan Mazer, Jada Hodge, Ayush Pal and Krish Vakharia—as students of the month for November. The four students were recognized for their continued academic success, participation in extracurricular activities and positive attitudes throughout the buildings.

“On behalf of the Board of Education, faculty, staff members and the entire Middle Country community, I want to congratulate these remarkable students on their achievements and for setting the bar high for all who will follow in their footsteps,” said Dr. Roberta Gerold, superintendent of schools. “We look forward to witnessing the continued success of Ayush and Krish and the contributions that Logan and Jada will make as they venture out in the world.”

Newfield High School senior Logan Mazer is the epitome of a multi-talented student balancing rigorous academics and a multitude of extracurricular activities. Logan, who will have taken a total of 12 Advanced Placement (AP) and college level courses upon graduation in June, has continued to challenge himself academically while maintaining a weighted GPA of 101.7708. Logan is a member of the Foreign Language Honor Society, pit orchestra, book club, jazz band, National Honor Society, Tri-M Honor Society, and the Legislative/Community Outreach Committee.

Logan hopes to continue his studies at Georgetown University, George Washington University or University of Maryland upon graduation from Newfield High School. He intends to major in political science and aims to work toward becoming a driving force, a top advisor behind the scenes that influences positive change in the world.

Jada Hodge, a senior at Centereach High School, is an incredibly well-rounded and passionate student who has demonstrated the ability to excel academically, athletically, musically and socially—all at a very high level. Currently ranked number 21 in this year’s graduating class, Jada will have completed nine AP courses, and an additional four college level courses, upon graduation. She is also a member of the Italian Honor Society, the Tri-M Honor Society, and the National Honor Society; and participates in CHS’s environmental club and Science Olympiad. Jada is also a fierce competitor on the track, earning the title of 7th in the state for Spring 2019 in the 100-meter dash and 4th in the state for Winter 2020 in the 55-meter dash.

Jada remains undecided regarding the school she will take her talents to next year but intends to study towards her goal of becoming a physician’s assistant.

Dawnwood Middle School (DMS) eighth grade student Ayush Pal exemplifies all the characteristics of what a student should display within the classroom and the entire academic environment. Ayush is recognized as someone who is always helpful to his peers and an active participant in class, denoting his genuine eagerness to learn. He’s also a key player in the DMS percussion ensemble. Ayush, who recently achieved a perfect score of 100 for his Quarter 1 average, hopes to become a brain surgeon one day because of his interest in how the brain works.

Krish Vakharia, an eighth grade student at Selden Middle School, possesses a myriad of Middle Country’s key values—perseverance, resiliency, responsibility, respect, and character—in spades. Academically, Krish has been a high performing student achieving nearly a perfect score on his recent report card while enrolled in two Regents level courses. Outside of academics, Krish enjoys sports like football, swimming and basketball; is a member of Best Buddies and spends time tutoring at the Middle Country Public Library.

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Two Middle Country Students Collect 1,500 Pairs of Socks to Benefit the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless

CENTEREACH, NEW YORK (NOVEMBER 2020)—Two distinguished and kind-hearted students from the Middle Country Central School District have been assisting others get on their feet for the winter season through their recent sock drive. Noah Hernandez, a first-grade student at New Lane Elementary School, and his brother Hunter Hernandez, a pre-kindergarten student at Bicycle Path Pre K-Kindergarten Center, are collecting pairs of socks to donate to the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless, a non-profit organization that advocates for effective solutions to the homelessness crisis on Long Island. In only two weeks, the Hernandez brothers have exceeded their initial goal, 750 pairs of socks, by collecting 1,500 so far.

Middle Country Central School District Presented with $5,000 to Provide Students with Increased Access to Healthy Lunches

CENTEREACH, NEW YORK (November 2020)—The Middle Country Central School District (MCCSD) was recently joined by New York Jets alumni, Tony Richardson, for the presentation of a $5,000 grant award from the New York Jets & American Dairy Association of the North East to be applied towards the district’s lunch program financing.

“We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to provide our students with increased access to healthy lunches, a districtwide goal that has been made much easier with the generosity of our friends at the New York Jets & American Dairy Association of the North East,” said Dr. Roberta Gerold, superintendent of schools. “It’s so important, now more than ever, that our students have access to healthy food options to remain healthy, focused and engaged. As a district, we place a heavy emphasis on promoting health and wellness, and this grant provides us with a tremendous opportunity to do both.”

In September, Middle Country’s District Manager for Whiston’s Culinary Group Laura Gaglione, applied for the grant with a vision to address food insecurities that students in the district face and to promote health and wellness for students’ development within the Middle Country school buildings.

Tony Richardson, the New York Jets & American Dairy Association of the North East and Whiston’s Culinary Group representatives joined Centereach High School and Newfield High School students, principals and coaches, as well as district and community leaders for the socially distant presentation of the grant. Many students had the opportunity to speak with Tony Richardson, learning about his years playing professional football and his motivation to help promote nutrition in schools.

Centereach, New York—The Middle Country Central School District (MCCSD) recently announced its October students of the month at its recent Board of Education meeting. Newfield High School senior Peter Marjowski, Centereach High School senior Robert Montano, Dawnwood Middle School eighth grader Kayla Gutmann, and Selden Middle School eighth grader Miranda Palumbo were recognized for their outstanding academic achievements, abundant extracurricular participation and for providing a positive impact on their schools and communities.

“Now more than ever, this time of year is always an exciting time with students returning to the classrooms and becoming more acclimated with the Middle Country community,” said Dr. Roberta Gerold, Superintendent of Schools. “It is my pleasure to recognize Peter, Robert, Kayla and Miranda—four incredible students who have been selected to represent the district as students of the month for October. Each of them emulates the positive values and hard work of the entire Middle Country student body and I am thrilled to celebrate their achievements. Congratulations to all.”

Peter Marjowski, senior at Newfield High School, was selected as student of the month in recognition of his diligence in the classroom and continued effort towards being a role model for his peers. Peter, who has maintained an unweighted GPA of 95.2083, will graduate with a total of 10 completed college level and Advanced Placement (AP) courses giving him the potential to graduate with more than 30 college credits. Beyond his academic accomplishments, Peter serves as president of the National Honor Society, vice president of the newspaper club, as well as an active member of the foreign language club, debate club, and is a teen book reviewer for the Middle Country Public Library. Currently, he is a candidate for senior class president. 

Peter is currently applying to colleges including Hofstra, Sacred Heart, and his first choice, Stony Brook, with a vision to study history and criminal justice. Peter aspires to attend law school and pursue a career in criminal law or civil litigation.

Centereach High School senior Robert Montano’s selection as student of the month is indicative of both his intelligence and outstanding work ethic. Come graduation, Robert will have completed nine college level and AP courses while balancing a professional singing and acting career. In previous years, Robert has been named an All-State vocalist; performed at Radio City Music Hall; played the lead role in the off Broadway hit, High School Musical; and most recently performed in a supporting role for the Warner Brothers feature film “The Many Saints of Newark.” He was one of only two students in Suffolk County that Newsday recognized as a Long Island Scholar Artist and was the only singer from New York State awarded a full scholarship to attend “Grammy Camp,” hosted by the University of Southern California and the Grammy committee. Robert is an active participant in CHS clubs like Men’s Choir and has played a lead role in all Centereach H.S. theater productions since entering as a freshman.

As a senior, Robert is applying to the University of Southern California, Belmont University, Pace University, and Ithaca College in preparation to pursue a doctoral degree in music while continuing his journey to sing and act.

Kayla Gutmann, eighth grade student at Dawnwood Middle School, was selected as Dawnwood Middle School’s October student of the month for her academic ability and continuous motivation in the classroom. Her teachers hold her in high regard, citing her contributions to class and her diligence as a student while maintaining an overall GPA of 98.3. Her favorite subject is social studies and she aspires to become an elementary school teacher after college. Beyond the classroom, Kayla is a member of the Dawnwood orchestra and plays soccer for both Dawnwood and her travel team. Miranda Palumbo, student of the month at Selden Middle School, was recognized for her dedication and determined manner with which she has applied herself to successfully deal with the most arduous tasks. Throughout her time in middle school, Miranda has distinguished herself on a path for success as she achieves the goals she sets for herself. She has not only worked diligently but has been highly involved in academic and extracurricular activities. Among her peers, she maintains energy, enthusiasm, and an optimistic disposition, inspiring her peers to follow suit. Miranda maintains a wonderful disposition and the domestic responsibilities required of her after school.

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Robert Montano Named Scholar Artist and Priscilla Russo, Christina Martinez, and Logan Mazer Receive Awards of Merit

Centereach, New York — The Middle Country Central School District recently announced that three Centereach High School students, Robert Montano, Priscilla Russo and Christian Martinez, as well as one Newfield High School student, Logan Mazer, were recognized in the 2020-21 Long Island Scholar Artists program. Robert was among 20 seniors on Long Island selected to receive the program’s highest honor as a Scholar Artists of the 2020-21 School Year in Music. Middle Country’s students selected to receive awards of merit were Priscilla, theatre; Christian, dance; and Logan, music.

Each year, the Long Island Scholar Artist program recognizes students who excel academically and are proficient in the areas of music, visual arts, dance, theater and media art. The program, a collaboration between Long Island Arts Alliance and Newsday, was created to identify and celebrate Long Island’s distinguished student artists by having school district officials nominate them. Christian, Logan, Priscilla and Robert will be recognized with a trophy and ceremony in June at the Tilles Center for the Arts at Long Island University. Robert will have his biography published in Newsday in April and will be presented with a $250 scholarship at the ceremony in June. 

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Centereach, New York (October 2020)—The Middle Country Central School District (MCCSD) invites the school community, students and parents to attend the Ryan Zinna Virtual Paint Night Scholarship Fundraiser on Friday, October 23. Hosted by Newfield High School’s chapter of National Art Honor Society, proceeds will benefit graduating art seniors at Centereach High School and Newfield High School in their post-high school graduation endeavors. Live instruction for the virtual paint night will begin at 6:00 p.m. The event will also be recorded and made available to watch at participants’ convenience. Participants can choose between 3 wooden painting kits— ascarecrow, a pumpkin, and a haunted house—for only $20. Kits also include paint and brushes. For those interested in participating, please contact Dr. Diana Cook (DCook@mccsd.net). The district encourages all participants to bring their creativity and Halloween spirit.

Centereach, New York (September 2020)—The Middle Country Central School District (MCCSD) is proud to announce that Kyle Mathew, a graduating senior at Newfield High School (NHS), has been named a semifinalist in the 2020-21 National Merit Scholarship program. Kyle was among 16,000 students in the nation selected for their exceptional performance on the 2019 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSA/NMSQT) and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

“Our district is ecstatic to recognize Kyle for his outstanding academic achievement and celebrate his advancement in the National Merit Scholarship program,” said Dr. Roberta Gerold, Superintendent of Middle Country Central School District. “Kyle is a phenomenal representation of the work ethic and commitment of students in the Middle Country School District, and we are thrilled to support him through his future endeavors and accomplishments. On behalf of the Board and community, we wish Kyle the best of luck in the rest of the program.”

Kyle, a well-rounded individual, is involved in a number of MCCSD’s extracurricular activities and clubs. He’s an active member of the following clubs: environmental, robotics, foreign language, debate, social sciences, and book club. He’s also been involved in the district’s orchestra for the last 10 years, the fencing team for three years, and the Foreign Language Honor Society for two years.

“I’m very grateful for this amazing award, but it would be amiss of me to forget who and what got me here,” said Kyle. “I wouldn’t have been able to do this without my friends and family, and to them, I’m always grateful for what they do to help.” After Kyle completes the next steps in the program—which includes a recommendation from a high school official and the completion of a comprehensive essay—he will have the chance to be selected among 15,000 students for the Finalist level. Finalists will be notified in February 2021.

Middle Country Central School District Announces Two Additions to Leadership Team for Year Ahead

Centereach, New York (September 2020)—The Middle Country Central School District (MCCSD) is proud to announce that it has appointed two new administrators to the district’s leadership team—Dr. Beth Rella as Assistant Superintendent for Business and Mr. Karl O’Leary as Assistant Principal of Newfield High School.

“It brings us great excitement to welcome Beth and Karl to our district’s leadership team as we begin the 2020-21 school year,” said Dr. Roberta Gerold, Superintendent of MCCSD. “Both Beth and Karl bring with them years of experience, exceptional credentials and vast knowledge in the education field. I am confident that the two will be tremendous assets in helping us build upon the educational excellence within our district and provide extraordinary experiences for our students.”

Prior to joining Middle Country, Dr. Rella worked in finance and marketing management for a non-profit organization and served many years as the executive director of business for Freeport Public Schools.

Dr. Rella received a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Binghamton University, a Master of Business Administration from Dowling College and a Doctoral Degree in Educational Administration, Leadership and Technology from Dowling College. Additionally, Dr. Rella also received her School District Business Leader (SDBL) certificate from Dowling College.

With twelve years in the education field on Long Island, Karl O’Leary brings experience as a teacher and administrator to his leadership position at Newfield. Prior to joining MCCSD, Mr. O’Leary worked as a middle and high school English teacher, as well as a special education and high school principal in Upstate New York. Mr. O’Leary earned a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Oneonta, a master’s degree from Stony Brook University, and a Certificate of Advanced Study in School Building and District Leadership from SUNY Cortland. He is currently working on his Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership through New England University. 

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