Middle Country Central School District in the Media

The Middle Country Central School District recently celebrated the accomplishments of its student-musicians, as 72 performers from grades five through 10 performed at the Suffolk County Music Educators Association’s All-County Festival. The young and talented students performed a variety of musical selections alongside students from districts throughout Suffolk County. After months of practice and rehearsal, the students were selected based on their New York State School Music Association’s (NYSSMA) solo scores from this past spring in addition to recommendations from their music teachers.

 

The Middle Country Central School District is committed to providing students with opportunities to hone their creativity. The District congratulates the students and their teachers for their prestigious achievement and an incredible performance.

 

 

 

 

Middle Country Central School District’s Newfield High School recently organized and hosted a St. Baldrick’s Foundation fundraising event, raising over $20,000 for research into finding a cure for childhood cancer. The two week fundraising efforts culminated in a morning head shaving event with 50 students, Newfield Principal Scott Graviano, administrators and teachers all going bald for a cause.

 

“We are incredibly proud of all the students and staff at Newfield for their unwavering drive to participate and give back to those less fortunate,” said Dr. Roberta Gerold, Superintendent of Schools. “The efforts of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation hits close to home for our Middle Country community as several students in our District have been faced with battling cancer at such a young age. It’s heartening to see everyone come together to honor the students who have passed, currently fighting cancer or are in remission.”

 

As students, teachers and administrators honored loved ones by getting their heads shaved, the Newfield High School community turned out in high numbers with an infectious energy and spirit. The event commenced with Newfield teacher Keith Hassett’s bagpipe performance, in traditional Irish dress. The festive atmosphere only grew throughout the morning with live music, Irish step dancing by eight members of the Mulvihill Lynch School Irish Dance and a growing number of participants braving the shave.

 

“The turnout and response we received over the past two weeks perfectly encapsulates the values and character of the students at Newfield,” said Scott Graviano, Newfield High School Principal. “Our students are always seeking new avenues to become engaged members of the Middle Country community and I’m honored to have helped the students facilitate such an extraordinary success alongside Assistant Principal’s Kevin Richman, Kim Pelan and Mark Palios.”

 

The head shaving event was hosted in Newfield’s Cosmetology Center – equipped with barber chairs, electric hair clippers and a special arc of green balloons. The cosmetology students were tasked with shaving all participants’ heads, serving as an educational experience and a lesson in service and giving back.

 

“I tell my students every day that we have the power to change lives,” said Toni Ingarra, Newfield Cosmetology teacher. “With this event, I think we proved to ourselves that by coming together we can make an influential impact on the lives of others.”

The Middle Country Central School District recently honored their March students of the month at a recent Board of Education meeting. Centereach High School senior David Ebanks, Newfield High School senior Michael Barnum, Dawnwood Middle School sixth grade student Abigail Jones, and Selden Middle School sixth grade student Logan Aybar were all recognized for their academic excellence, athletic achievements, perseverance and positive attitudes.

 

“Each month, it brings all of us here at Middle Country Central School District such joy to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of our students,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Roberta Gerold. “Watching our students grow in our school system brings an overwhelming feeling of fulfillment. Their successes here are just the beginning, and we can’t wait to watch all they accomplish in the months and years to come. Congratulations to all honorees.”

 

Centereach High School senior and March student of the month recipient David Ebanks was chosen for his academic excellence and consistent “can-do” attitude—even in the face of obstacles. Teachers and administrators have recognized David as a respectful young man who walks around the school with a smile on his face, brightening the days of all who interact with him. Despite his wide range of successes academically and in extracurricular activities, he has remained modest and humble.

 

Last month, David was honored during the Town of Brookhaven’s Black History Month Celebration, recognizing him for his outstanding academic accomplishments throughout his high school career. David continued to thrive academically even while challenging himself by enrolling in college-level statistic and English courses during the current school year. Due to David’s hard work, he will graduate this June with an Advanced Regents diploma. David has left an invaluable mark on Centereach High School through his efforts as a peer tutor and his active role in the Bible Club. David is still uncertain of where he will continue his education next fall, but the University of Central Florida and LIU at CW Post are among the schools he is considering.

 

Michael Barnum is a senior at Newfield High School and recipient of March student of the month. Michael’s journey during his time at Newfield has been one of great success and resilience. Following his freshman and sophomore year achievements, both in the classroom and on the basketball court, Michael received unimaginable news in March 2015. He was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Michael spent the next eleven months keeping up with his academics through home teaching—even while facing intense chemotherapy treatment.

 

Michael’s diagnosis never altered his steadfast commitment to his studies and trajectory of excellence. He is in remission, and will be graduating on time this June with a potential to graduate with over 18 college credits. Michael has applied to St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia and is planning to major in psychology. Michael has inspired his peers and the entire staff at Newfield High School through his remarkable determination.

 

Dawnwood Middle School’s March student of the month recipient, Abigail Jones, is a remarkably smart and talented sixth grader. During her first two quarters of middle school, Abigail has maintained a stellar 98 GPA, with high honor distinction, and is an active member of Jazz Band and Art Club. Outside of school, Abigail finds time to participate in dance, Girl Scouts, volleyball and piano. Her favorite subject is science because of the hands-on experiments and interaction with her peers. Abigail’s confidence and leadership skills will be a great asset to the Dawnwood Middle School community for years to come.

 

Logan Aybar is a sixth grade student at Selden Middle School. His academic excellence during his first two quarters as a middle school student earned him High Honor Roll and sequentially, March student of the month. Although he enjoys all of his classes, his favorite class is math because he relishes the challenge of solving complex problems and getting the right answer. Logan is an active participant of the Science Club and also enjoys attending after-school fitness intramurals. In his free time, Logan plays in soccer and basketball leagues and volunteers to prepare and deliver meals to homeless shelters. He is recognized as an attentive, genuine student who is a pleasure to have in class.  As of now, Logan does not know what he wants to do when he gets older but is instead focused on being his best self and exploring all of his interests.

 

Students of the Centereach High School College Virtual Enterprise International business class recently earned two onsite awards for their performance in the Fifth Annual Virtual Enterprises International LI Trade Fair and Business Plan Competition. The Middle Country Central School District students won second place in the “Best Company Apparel category and first place for the Most Enthusiastic Firm.

 

Throughout the competition, the students presented themselves as employees of the “What’s in the Box” firm and even had the opportunity to sell their products to consumers. The student-employees showcased their company to competing students and the firm’s administration and department presidents presented the firm’s business plan to a panel of judges.

 

Members of the Middle Country Central School District Newfield High School robotics team recently received the Tournament Champions and THINK Award trophies for their performance in the Massapequa VEX Starstruck Robotics Competition. The team, dubbed the Roverines, finished in first place in every statistical category at the competition, and won the THINK award for having the best autonomous programming out of any other participating high school. In addition, the team was also recognized as the team with the “best overall record,” “best offensive robot,” “best defensive robot,” “best autonomous score,” and “largest win differential.”

 

The Roverines competed against 34 other robots, and ultimately improved upon their score last year. This victory has earned the team a spot in the New York State VEX Robotics Championship in March, where they hope to keep improving.

 

The Middle Country Central School District recognized their December Students of the Month at a recent Board of Education meeting. Centereach High School senior Colin Birch, Newfield High School senior Tyler Berns, Dawnwood Middle School sixth grade student Diego Avendano, and Selden Middle School sixth grade student Isabella Yannotti were honored for the many different ways in which they excel.

 

“It is an honor and privilege to have the opportunity to teach and watch the growth of these four students,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Roberta Gerold. “The diligence and heart represented by these four honorees is rare and we are humbled each day, as we watch them act as leaders and role models for their peers. Congratulations on this much deserved achievement.”

 

Centereach High School senior, and December student of the month recipient, Colin Birch was chosen for his remarkable growth throughout his academic career. Starting out as a shy student who struggled with his grades, Colin discovered his strengths in technology courses and began serving as a mentor for his fellow students. Colin has taken and aced every technology-focused course offered at Centereach High School—including Design and Drawing Production, Electronics, Computer Repair, Programming and Design, Computer Graphics and C++ Programming. He is also a member of the National Technical Honor Society and the Audio Production BOCES program.

 

Colin is described by his teachers as having “rare, heartfelt sincerity” and is recognized for his positive attitude, his politeness, diligence and kindness. Colin has applied to a variety of tech schools and is awaiting acceptance to study as a computer/audio engineer.

 

Tyler Berns is a senior at Newfield High School. He has the potential to graduate with a total of 30 college credits and a 92.0851 GPA—thirteenth in his class. Tyler is described by Principal Scott Graviano as a “Jack of all trades,” excelling in academics, music and extracurricular activities. Tyler is currently the President of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, member of the National Honor Society, the Thespian Honor Society, the Foreign Language Honor Society and the Percussive Honor Society—for which he is a student delegate for the New York State Chapter. He is also a member of the leadership club, President of the Book Club and has been a Varsity Tennis player since 2013.

 

Tyler has put his heart into excelling in his music studies, and he has been acclaimed by his teachers as the best in his class. He was also selected by the Suffolk County Music Educators Association as a member of the All County Percussion Ensemble, the All County Band and the All County Orchestra. In addition, Tyler has been a percussionist for the New York Youth Symphony, the Sound Symphony Orchestra and was selected as an alternate for the St. Agnes Cathedral Christmas Orchestra. Tyler awaits acceptance from a number of colleges where he will study music performance for percussion.

 

Dawnwood Middle School sixth grade student, and December student of the month, Diego Avendano was chosen for his unbelievable work ethic. After arriving in the United States from El Salvador just over a year ago only speaking Spanish, Diego has almost mastered the English language. He has successfully moved from the “entering” status to the “transitioning” status within the District’s English as a New Language program. This is a rare feat for such a short period of time. Diego continues to display his diligence by attending the ENL After-School Study Sessions twice a week. Diego is also interested in different extracurricular activities such as trying out for the soccer team next year, maintaining his role in the Hispanic Heritage Month activities—all while maintaining an 89 GPA.

 

Isabella Yanotti is a sixth grade student at Selden Middle School and has already achieved High Honor Roll status after one quarter with a GPA of 94.33. In addition to her passion for education, Isabella is also passionate about giving back to her school and community. She is a member of the service club, through which she has fundraised for the STAR wildlife rehabilitation center collecting and recycling bottles. She also brought in 175 canned food items for the Thanksgiving Food Drive. Outside of school, Isabella also gives back through her church—recently making beaded angel ornaments for children in the hospital during the holidays. Isabella is described by her teachers as “one of the most compassionate and empathetic students” and as “a true role model for her peers.” Isabella’s future career goals include management of a Walt Disney World Resort.

 

Middle Country Kindergarten Students’ Reading of The Polar Express Comes to Life

The Middle Country Central School District recently arranged for students at District’s Unity Drive Pre-K/Kindergarten Center to ride the Polar Express as part of an interactive reading comprehension lesson. Principal Debbie Wolfe read the The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg, to students in Ms. Lozzi and Ms. Brennan’s classes. Then, the story came alive as the students boarded the train and used their imaginations to go on an adventure.

 

Students received a Polar Express ticket that was “punched” by the conductors—played by the teachers—to board the train, which was actually two long tables turned on their sides with painted paper decorations of windows and wheels.

 

The students sat in rows of two, side-by-side, on the train as they were treated to chocolate milk and a cookie before arriving at Santa’s Village. Once at Santa’s Village, Santa Claus himself handed out little bells on necklaces to each student.

Middle Country Kindergarten English as a New Language Students Constructed Gingerbread Houses to Celebrate Holiday Season

The Middle Country Central School District’s Unity Drive Pre-K/Kindergarten Center recently brought the classroom community together in the spirit of the season as English as a New Language (ENL) students and their parents participated in the holiday tradition of creating gingerbread houses. The families of Ms. Rudich and Ms. Canevari’s classes used frosting to stick together gingerbread pieces and assorted candy to build and decorate the houses and gingerbread cookie people.

The students exercised their Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics lessons to efficiently build gingerbread houses that stand on their own. Simultaneously, the students tapped into their creativity to decorate their houses and gingerbread people in an artistic and unique way.

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

Middle Country Kindergarten Students Lead Schoolwide Holiday Sing-Along

The  Unity Drive Pre-K/Kindergarten Center recently united in song to celebrate the holiday season with a week of caroling. Four separate kindergarten classes, wearing holiday hats and reindeer antlers, led their pre-kindergarten classmates in a chorus of holiday melodies. The students were conducted by music teacher Kelly Zachar and sang “Celebrate Song,” “Must Be Santa,” “I Have a Little Dreidel,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” and “Jungle Bells.”

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

Five Students Selected to Perform in Statewide Concert

Five student musicians from the Middle Country Central School District (MCCSD) were recently selected to perform in the New York State School Music Association’s (NYSSMA) All-State Performing Ensembles. From Newfield High School, senior Tyler Berns was chosen for the All-State Symphonic Band, and juniors Bilal Hafeez and Alyssa Jordan were named All-State Mixed Chorus. From Centereach High School, junior Madison McNally was chosen for the All-State Mixed Chorus and junior Julia Prigl was chosen for the All-State Symphony Orchestra. The selected students performed during the NYSSMA Winter Conference, held at the Eastman Theatre in Rochester, New York.

 

More than 6,500 students auditioned for this honor, and the five from MCCSD were among the 900 students in all of New York State to be selected. The Middle Country Central School District is dedicated to providing students with opportunities to hone their creative talents, and participating in the NYSSMA program is one of the many ways the District showcases student abilities. The District commends the students and their teachers—Mr. Tom Austin, Dr. Harold Goldstein, Mr. Ed Adams, Ms. Kristi Adams, Ms. Ashleigh Hahn, Mr. Brian Hough, Ms. Joan Verdi, Mr. Lee Schaarschmidt and Mr. Greg Sevian—for the commitment and hard work throughout the year.