Centereach, N.Y. (December 2019)—Middle Country Central School District high school students in the child development class at Newfield High School recently visited various classrooms at North Coleman Road Elementary School to complete their first field study experience. The upperclassmen observed and interacted with several of North Coleman’s Pre-K students to explore and gain first-hand experience in the educational career field.
Centereach, N.Y. (December 2019)—Six student musicians from the Middle Country Central School District were selected to perform in the New York State School Music Association’s (NYSSMA) All-State Performing Ensembles. From Newfield High School, Victoria Bartunek was chosen for All-State Symphonic Band, Logan Mazer was selected for All-State Wind Ensemble, Gabrielle Pegg was chosen for All-State Mixed Chorus, and Natalie Wilson was chosen for All-State Wind Ensemble. From Centereach High School, Laura Diaferia and Natalie Walsh were chosen for All-State Mixed Chorus. These six students traveled upstate to Rochester, N.Y. to perform at the Eastman Theatre. All-State Alternates from Newfield High School were Nick Douglas, Maggie Lasher, and Isabel Rodriguez for All-State Band, Julia Ingemi for All-State Orchestra, and Centereach’s Robert Montano was selected for the All-State Mixed Chorus but declined as he is currently performing at Radio City Music Hall in the Christmas Spectacular.
Middle Country’s students were among 900 students selected to take part in this esteemed performance. The District is committed to providing students with opportunities to build their skills and hone their talents, sparking creativity and innovation. The District is proud of each of these students and their teachers—Dr. Harold Goldstein, Mr. Brian Hough, Ms. Joan Meichner, and Mr. Dan Martinez—for their continuous dedication and incredible work ethic.
Centereach, N.Y. (December 2019- Sixteen students from Middle Country Central School District (MCCSD) were selected to perform in the NYSCAME/SCMEA All-County Band, Orchestra and Chorus Festival. Held at Huntington High School, students from across Suffolk County convened to rehearse and perform an impressive repertoire of pieces under the direction of expert conductors.
MCCSD’s participating students were selected based on their NYSSMA All-State score(s) from the previous spring, alongside various recommendations from their teachers. The District strives to provide students with opportunities such as this to foster creativity, hone their talents, and develop skills in an environment outside of the classroom.
Centereach High School students:
Laura Diaferia, Soprano 2 – Mixed Chorus
Nick Galdemis, Bb Clarinet – All-County Band
Evan Jenkins, Percussion – All-County Band
Robert Montano, Tenor 1 – All-County Mixed Chorus
Suzanne Scaccio, Trombone 2 – All-County Band
Natalie Walsh, Alto 2 – All-County Mixed Chorus
Newfield High School students:
Victoria Bartunek, Baritone Sax – All-County Band
Nicholas Douglas, Baritone Euphonium 1 – All-County Band
Jacob Grijalva, French Horn 3 – All-County Band
Eviana Holmes – All-County Treble Choir
Julia Ingemi, Violin 2 – All-County Orchestra
Maggie Lasher, Alto Sax 1 – All-County Band
Logan Mazer, Clarinet 1 – All-County Band
Gabrielle Pegg, Soprano 2 – All-County Mixed Chorus
Isabel Rodriguez, Flute 2 – All-County Band
Natalie Wilson, Trumpet 2 – All-County Orchestra
Centereach, N.Y. (December 2019)—Middle Country Central School District’s Centereach High School recently competed in the Long Island Mentor Moot Court competition, a constitutional law competition that stimulates the mind and provides experience for aspiring law and litigation students. Led by Ms. Reilley and Ms. Strong, Centereach High School brought a team of seven to the competition. Student participants included David Stein, senior; Gianna Gurovich, senior; Joshua Hunsucker, senior; Thomas Gambra, senior; Madison Murray, junior; Olivia Nobs, junior; and Payton Lancer, sophomore.
“This experience has been one of a kind for these driven and intelligent students,” said Dr. Roberta A. Gerold, superintendent of Middle Country School District. “The District strives to provide students with these real-life and career-building experiences to help open doors and provide insight into future career paths. It helps to instill in them the skill, passion, and motivation necessary to thrive in the working world. All students who participated should be proud of all that they accomplished.”
MCCSD’s participating students spent weeks preparing with a real attorney to present a constitutional case to a panel of federal judges. Beforehand, students had the opportunity to practice their litigation skills in an educational setting that represents constitutional law in an accurate light. During the competition, participants assumed the role of lawyers to stand before the U.S. Supreme Court on a constitutional question. The Long Island Mentor Moot Court was developed in 2016 as part of the Second Circuit’s Civic Education Initiative, “Justice for All: Courts and the Community.” This new addition to the civics education program for Long Island high schools was born from a partnership between the Nassau County Bar Association, Hofstra University Law School, the Federal Bar Association, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, and the Justice Resource Center.
The Middle Country Central School District recently announced the October students of the month at its Board of Education meeting. Newfield High School senior Nicholas Douglas, Dawnwood Middle School eighth grade student David Class and Selden Middle School eighth grade student Tiffani Barosa were all recognized for their many academic achievements, serving as a role model for their peers within the District and community, and their dedication to extracurricular activities.
“We are proud to recognize these students as they demonstrate the true spirit, passion and values of the Middle Country Central School District” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Roberta Gerold. “Nicholas, David and Tiffani have achieved so much at such a young age, and we have no doubt that their powerful drive, innovative minds and shining personalities will take them far in their lives.”
Newfield High School senior Nicholas Douglas was honored for his academic excellence, strong commitment to extracurricular activities and his thoughtful yet disciplined disposition. With a GPA of 99.5625, Nicholas will potentially be able to graduate in June with 40 credits. Nicholas is a member of the National Honor Society, the Foreign Language Honor Society and is the Executive Director of the Tri-M Honor Society. He is vice president of the senior class, captain of the cross country team, and a member of both the spring and winter track teams. Nicholas has also excelled within the music department as a member of the drum club and has been selected for all-county band for the past seven consecutive years. Nicholas is a 5-time recipient of the Middle Country Minds in Motion Award and the varsity athletic award.
Nicholas is described by teachers as hard-working and diligent and he is always seeking constant improvement. A fan of chemistry and calculus, Nicholas plans to continue on to higher education to major in chemical engineering. He is applying to Stony Brook, New York University, Northeastern University, Manhattan College, and Penn State.
Eighth grade student David Class was honored as the Dawnwood Middle School Student of the Month due to his contagious positivity, constant kindness and his dedication to making each of his peers feel welcome and included. David is said to have an impressive enthusiasm for learning; his favorite subject is history and he can educate almost anyone he meets on the Reconstruction Era. David is described by those around him as a well-rounded student who always tries his best to succeed, no matter what task.
Selden Middle School eighth grade student Tiffani Barosa is a shining example of what it means to be a Selden student. With a cumulative GPA of 97.4, Tiffani excels in her two favorite classes math and social studies. She is involved in a number of extracurricular activities within the school community as well as out of school programs. An accomplished athlete, Tiffani is a member of Newfield’s JV Cheer Squad, plays soccer in her free time, and assists with dance instruction at the “On the Edge Performance Center.” Tiffani hopes to one day attend the University of Florida and ultimately become a profiler for the FBI, as she is inspired by the TV show Criminal Minds, which she watches routinely with her family.
For more information regarding Middle Country School District and its students’ many achievements, please visit the District’s website: https://www.mccsd.net/.
Middle Country Central School District’s Newfield High School senior Ashley Wall was recently recognized as a Long Island Merit Scholar Artist in Dance. Ashley is one of only five dancers on Long Island that was recognized this year, bringing tremendous pride to the Middle Country community. She was nominated in June by her dance instructor, Kristi Adams.
Ashley, accompanied by her family, was recognized at the Long Island Arts Alliance Induction Ceremony, held at Long Island University on September 11, 2019. This accolade is a tremendous accomplishment earned through hard work, dedication and passion. The District will continue to implement a diverse and well-rounded curriculum, providing students with numerous opportunities to shine in art, music and theater. Congratulations to Ashley and all other award recipients!
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 Central School District’s Jericho Elementary School recently hosted and honored a special group of 42 veterans for Memorial Day, all of whom are family members of Jericho students. The veterans were welcomed with patriotic signs, specialized “Thank You to Our Veterans” letters, a student-led national anthem, and poppy corsages to honor the beloved parents, grandparents and siblings.
The event was made possible due to the organizing and creativity of dedicated teachers Mrs. Triandafills, Mrs. Campanelli and Mrs. Kempf. The District continues to seek opportunities that allow its students to give back to the community and showcase the career paths of those in our Middle Country community.
For more information regarding Middle Country Central School District and its students’ many achievements, please visit the District’s website: https://www.mccsd.net/.
The Middle Country Central School District announced its May students of the month at a recent Board of Education meeting. Dawnwood Middle School eighth grade student Lauren Hoppe and Selden Middle School eighth grade student Paul Sutherland were both honored for their accomplishments in academics, dedication to extracurricular activities, and for showcasing great potentials as their time in middle school comes to a close and they look ahead to high school.
“On behalf of the Board of Education, faculty and staff members, I want to congratulate these two remarkable students for their achievements and for setting the bar high for all who will follow in their footsteps,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Roberta Gerold. “I look forward to witnessing the continued successes of Lauren and Paul as they grow into leaders in our Middle Country community.”
Dawnwood Middle School eighth grade student Lauren Hoppe is widely known among her peers and teachers as hard-working, passionate, caring and energetic. In her three years at Dawnwood, she has earned an overall average of 98.9 and has been an active member of the National Junior Honor Society and the school’s band. Lauren has also been a tremendous asset on the soccer and lacrosse teams due to her tremendous leadership skills and competitive nature. She hopes to one day become a lawyer or a math teacher.
Paul Sutherland from Selden Middle School consistently receives 100 marks on his report cards and completed his most recent quarter with an overall average of 99. He has a true love for learning, and his most fond memories of middle school include visiting different classrooms, learning from different teachers, and benefiting from his peers’ ranging viewpoints. Paul is a dedicated trumpet player and golfer. Through his continued determination, he hopes to one day become a meteorologist.
The Middle Country Central School District announced its April students of the month at its recent Board of Education meeting. Centereach High School senior Zanab Qureshi, Newfield High School senior Jennifer Mzobe, Dawnwood Middle School seventh grade student Nora Pedersen and Selden Middle School eighth grade student Kevin Cosgrove were all honored for their accomplishments in academics, dedicated membership in a wide array of extracurricular activities, and for serving as young leaders to their peers and school communities.
“We are consistently proud to recognize four highly-motivated young people each month who encompass the values of Middle Country Central School District,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Roberta Gerold. “Based on the accomplishments they have accumulated at such young ages, we are confident these students will go on to achieve even greater things as they continue their educational journeys.”
Centereach High School senior Zanab Qureshi was honored for her academic growth, overall positive attitude and extracurricular involvement. Not only is Zanab a mainstay at her school’s PTSA Fashion Show and Asian Awareness Night, she is a dedicated member of the Art Honor Society, Video Club and Best Buddies. She has a passion for volunteering and gives her time to Life Skills Social at the end of each school year.
Zanab is described by her teachers as someone who has incredible patience with others and who always looks to find the best in everyone. Her teachers are also impressed with her willingness to assist others and with her ever-growing leadership skills. Upon graduation, Zanab plans to further her studies at Suffolk County Community College before attending a four-year institution—where she plans to study to become a psychologist.
Jennifer Mzobe is a senior at Newfield High School who displays consistent academic excellence and boasts an impressive selection of extracurricular activities. Throughout high school she has maintained a weighted GPA of 100.82 and currently ranks sixth out of the nearly 350 students in her class. Along with taking twelve AP courses and four college credit courses, Jennifer is also a member of Art Honor Society, National Honor Society, DECA, Video Club, Environmental Club, G.O., Newspaper Club, SADD Club, Art Club and the Literary Magazine Club.
Jennifer’s teachers describe her as having an inexhaustible passion and enthusiasm for learning as she continuously strives to improve her academic abilities. After graduating, Jennifer plans on attending Stony Brook University in the fall and is set to double major in neuroscience and chemistry.
Dawnwood Middle School seventh grade student Nora Pedersen was selected for her academic distinction, achievement in athletics and personal values. Nora has earned a 98.9 overall average during her time at Dawnwood. Along with excelling in pre-algebra, she is a four-sport athlete who plays soccer, volleyball, basketball, and lacrosse. Nora is commonly known by her teachers as a student who possesses great maturity, kindness and is an asset to every classroom she enters.
Kevin Cosgrove is an eighth grade student at Selden Middle School and is being honored for his positive influence on his peers and academic successes. Over his three years at Selden, Kevin has maintained a 97 overall average. On top of his academic accomplishments, he plays trombone in Jazz Band, and has been a member of the Lego Robotics Team, Technology Club, National Junior Honor Society, cross country team and track team. Kevin is known by his teachers as a leader amongst his peers and a student who shows determination by never giving up.
For more information regarding Middle Country Central School District and its students’ many achievements, please visit the District’s website: https://www.mccsd.net/.
Centereach High School senior Zanab Qureshi.
Newfield High School senior Jennifer Mzobe.
Dawnwood Middle School seventh grade student Nora Pedersen.
Selden Middle School eighth grade student Kevin Cosgrove.
Middle Country Central School District’s Selden Middle School students recently received a variety of handwritten letters and postcards from their pen-pals in France. The seventh and eighth grade students learned more about French geography from their pen-pals, who wrote about their hometown of Toulouse—the fourth largest city in France. The District’s French program students also learned from their pen-pals that Toulouse has a booming aerospace industry and is nicknamed La Ville Rose—The Pink City.
The Selden students will continue working on their responses, all in an effort to improve their French vocabulary and writing skills. Selden Middle School French teacher Mrs. Gabriela McCawley noted, “It is inspiring to see how much our students love learning about new cultures and are driven to master the French language.”
The District continues to offer interactive and engaging programs that encourage students to expand their worldview through the learning of a second language.
For more information about academic programs available at the Middle Country School District and a calendar of events, please visit www.mccsd.net.
