Middle Country Central School District in the Media

The Middle Country Central School District proudly celebrated Thanksgiving across all grade levels with a series of festive, memorable, and community-centered activities that brought students, families, and staff together in the spirit of gratitude.

For example, at Selden Middle School, the Home and Careers Club kicked off the season with a Fun Food Friday favorite, “Pumpkin Pie in a Cup.” Simple, delicious, and perfectly festive, the event was a hit with students who enjoyed preparing and tasting this seasonal treat.

Over at Bicycle Path UPK/ Kindergarten Center, holiday celebrations brought families into the classroom in meaningful ways.

• Mrs. Hanson’s UPK Class welcomed parents for a morning of Thanksgiving Centers, where one highlight was creating personalized Thanksgiving placemats for residents of the Stony Brook Veterans Home.
  
  
• Mrs. Lomonaco’s Silly Goose Kindergarten Class enjoyed a hands-on celebration filled with creativity and collaboration. Students made Play-Doh turkeys, played Thanksgiving bingo, and crafted colorful turkey headbands. The young learners shared what they were thankful for as they learned, laughed, and made cherished memories alongside their families.
  
  
• Ms. Gulino’s Pre-K Class participated in engaging Family Thanksgiving Centers, featuring Thanksgiving bingo, pumpkin corn hole, story time, and the creation of a Thanksgiving candle to display at home year after year.
  
  

At New Lane Elementary School, students in Mrs. Prisco’s 5th-grade class embraced the true meaning of giving by assembling Thanksgiving food baskets from generous schoolwide donations. These baskets were delivered to families in need within the community to help ensure everyone enjoyed a warm holiday meal.

Students at Eugene Auer Elementary School embraced gratitude and connection through multiple events.

• Mrs. Buttino’s class, along with chaperones, visited residents of The Bristal of Lake Grove for a heartwarming Friendsgiving brunch, sharing stories, smiles, and meaningful conversations.
  
  
• The school’s Speech staff also hosted a special Thanksgiving Feast for the PRAISE and Life Skills programs. Students crafted festive placemats, welcomed their families, and shared a warm holiday meal together, filling the room with joy, gratitude, and community connection.
  
  

Newfield High School students in Mrs. Derasmo’s culinary arts classes spent two full days preparing a Thanksgiving feast from scratch. They gathered to enjoy the fruits of their labor, sharing a delicious homemade meal and celebrating the teamwork that brought it all together.

The Middle Country Central School District extends warm Thanksgiving wishes to all families. These celebrations reflect the district’s commitment to fostering community, kindness, and connection—values that shine brightly during the holiday season.

Pre-K students at North Coleman Road Elementary School had an exciting and educational experience recently as part of an ongoing unit on community helpers. The children were treated to a special visit from Hamilton, a service dog with the Suffolk County Police Department, as well as several members of the police force.

Officers spoke with Mrs. Grzymala’s Pineapple, Mrs. Cullen’s Rainbow, and Mrs. Doall’s Ladybug classes about the critical role service dogs play in keeping the community safe and helping others. The students were thrilled to meet Hamilton, who demonstrated how service dogs assist police officers in their daily work.

Adding to the excitement, students also had the opportunity to explore a real police cruiser, sparking curiosity and admiration for the brave men and women who serve their community. The visit was a memorable highlight in the students’ study of community roles, combining hands-on learning with an inspiring message about care, courage, and community connection.

The Middle Country Central School District is proud to congratulate 19 outstanding student–musicians from Centereach High School and Newfield High School who have been selected as NYSCAME/SCMEA All-County musicians. These accomplished 11th- and 12th-grade students earned this prestigious distinction based on their exceptional NYSSMA solo performance scores and strong recommendations from their music teachers.

Their hard work and dedication culminated in a beautiful performance at the All-County Concert held Friday, November 14 at Hauppauge High School.

Congratulations to the 2025 All-County Musicians:

Yoseni Chen – Centereach High School
Devin Chester – Centereach High School
Trinity Columbel  – Centereach High School
Kayleigh Hacker  – Centereach High School
Sharbojoya Mattrik – Centereach High School
Christopher Morales Jr. – Centereach High School
Annie Paulino  – Centereach High School
Domenic Santora  – Centereach High School
Gavin Wahlen  – Centereach High School
David Zuckerman – Centereach High School
Sophie Chen – Newfield High School
Emme Contreras – Newfield High School
Caiden Davis – Newfield High School
Justin DeRosalia – Newfield High School
Ryan Gudelinis – Newfield High School
Lily Hutter – Newfield High School
Alyssa Micari – Newfield High School
Joseph Strong – Newfield High School
Alexandra Kathleen Zographos – Newfield High School

The district extends heartfelt congratulations to these students for their remarkable achievement and applauds the dedication of the music educators who continue to nurture their talent.

—The Middle Country Central School District congratulates Newfield High School senior Sreya Roy, a talented young documentarian who was recently awarded a Certificate of Merit in the Grades 9–12 Division of the 2025 New York State Archives Student Research Awards competition for her outstanding film, Power to Pardon!

The judges commended Sreya for her extensive historical research and her effective use of text and imagery to explore and present her topic. Her documentary demonstrated exceptional depth of understanding and creativity, earning her well-deserved recognition at the state level.

Earlier this year, Sreya also represented Newfield High School—and the entire Middle Country community—with pride at Long Island History Day. There, she presented her research to peers and historians from across the region. The district extends its sincere appreciation to Lisa Cook, Newfield High School’s library media specialist and Selden National History Day advisor, for her guidance and mentorship throughout Sreya’s research journey.

“We are incredibly proud of Sreya’s achievement,” said Scott Graviano, Principal of Newfield High School. “Her dedication to scholarship and passion for history exemplify the spirit of academic excellence we encourage in all our students.”

Congratulations to Sreya Roy on this remarkable accomplishment and for continuing to inspire her peers through her curiosity, intellect, and commitment to learning.

Newfield High School welcomed families from across the Middle Country Central School District for its annual Trick-or-Treat Street, a festive evening filled with Halloween fun, community spirit, and charitable giving.

Students and families arrived in costume to enjoy a safe, indoor trick-or-treating experience throughout the decorated halls of Newfield High School. Attendees also participated in games, activities, and Halloween-themed entertainment organized by Newfield students and staff. Local food trucks joined in the celebration, offering a variety of delicious treats for guests to enjoy.

In addition to providing family fun, the event had two meaningful purposes: collecting non-perishable food items and canned goods to support local food pantries for families in need, and to raise funds for senior scholarships for members of the National Honor Society. 

Selden Middle School contributed to the fun as well! Thanks to the generosity of faculty, students, staff, and administrators, the home & careers club, and National Junior Honor Society created 428 allergy-friendly goodie bags and donated more than 300 pencils for the special event. Their efforts helped make the evening inclusive, fun, and memorable for all who attended. 

Newfield High School extends its thanks to the participating students, staff, families, and local businesses who made the evening a success. Events such as Trick-or-Treat Street highlight the strong community partnerships that make Middle Country Central School District such a special place to live and learn.

Students from Newfield High School (NHS) and Centereach High School (CHS)—accompanied by advisors Mrs. Derasmo and Ms. Saladino, from CHS and NHS, participated in the 2025–2026 Cohen Strong Mental Health Advocacy Kick-Off Event at Zucker Hillside Hospital. The event marked the beginning of another year of student-led initiatives promoting mental health awareness, wellness, and stigma reduction in local schools and communities.

At the event, students attended interactive workshops, learned about mental health resources, and connected with peers from other districts who share a commitment to promoting wellness and reducing stigma. Through these efforts, student advocates from Newfield and Centereach high schools are poised to make a meaningful, positive impact within their schools and community.

Centereach High School proudly hosted its annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration organized by Victoria Cuomo, teaching assistant and history club advisor, bringing together students, staff, and community members to honor the rich cultural contributions, history, and traditions of Hispanic and Latino communities.

The event featured a variety of engaging activities, including cultural performances, student presentations, traditional music and dance, and authentic Hispanic cuisine. Attendees had the opportunity to experience the diversity and vibrancy of Hispanic heritage through interactive displays and educational exhibits highlighting the achievements and influence of Hispanic and Latino individuals throughout history.

“Our Hispanic Heritage Month celebration is a special time for our school community to come together, learn, and celebrate the diverse cultures that enrich our lives,” said Thomas Bell, Principal of Centereach High School. “It’s an opportunity for students to explore different perspectives and take pride in the cultural traditions that are part of our shared history.”

Centereach High School remains committed to fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity, education, and cultural awareness. The annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration exemplifies the school’s dedication to these principles.

 Throughout the month of October, students, staff, and faculty across the Middle Country Central School District united in a powerful show of support and solidarity by wearing pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Schools across the districts participated in various “pink out” days and awareness activities designed to educate and empower the community about the impact of breast cancer. Hallways were adorned with pink decorations, bulletin boards highlighted stories of hope and resilience, and many classrooms held age-appropriate discussions on health and advocacy.

“By wearing pink, we’re doing more than just showing our support. We’re teaching our students the importance of compassion, community engagement, and raising awareness for causes that affect millions,” said Dr. Roberta Gerold, Superintendent of Schools. “It’s inspiring to see such a strong sense of unity and purpose across all of our schools.”

Middle Country Central School District remains committed to supporting important health and wellness initiatives, and this October’s district-wide effort exemplifies the power of education and community coming together for a cause that touches so many lives.

Elementary schools across the Middle Country Central School District received special visits from local fire departments and emergency medical technicians this week, as part of an engaging and educational Fire Prevention and Safety initiative.

Eugene Auer Elementary School students were treated to an exciting and informative visit from the Centereach Fire Department. Firefighters spoke to students about the importance of fire safety, including essential skills such as Stop, Drop, and Roll and how to call 911 in case of an emergency. Students then went outside to explore a real fire engine, learning about the tools and equipment used to fight fires and protect the community.

Over at North Coleman Road Elementary, the Centereach Fire Department also conducted fire safety lessons for all students. The interactive presentation emphasized awareness and readiness, teaching students how to stay calm and safe during emergencies. Students had the opportunity to climb aboard the fire truck, explore its compartments, and ask firefighters questions about their important work.

Students from Bicycle Path Elementary PreK/Kindergarten Center recently participated in their annual Teddy Bear Clinic, arriving with their favorite stuffed animals in tow. During the event, paramedics conducted playful “checkups” on the children’s furry friends, guiding students through an imaginative and educational experience. Through hands-on activities, students learned how EMTs check vital signs, collaborate with firefighters, and respond to emergencies. It was a fun and comforting way to introduce medical care and emergency services in a positive and engaging setting.

Hawkins Path Elementary welcomed the Selden Fire Department for a day of fire prevention education. Firefighters shared tips on how to stay safe, prevent fires at home, and be prepared in emergencies, further reinforcing the district’s commitment to safety and community education. 

The Middle Country Central School District extends its heartfelt thanks to the Centereach Fire Department, Centereach Ambulance, and the Selden Fire Department for their time, service, and dedication to educating our students. These visits not only provided valuable safety information but also helped build strong, positive connections between students and our community’s first responders.

The Middle Country Central School District was filled with pride and school spirit as Centereach High School and Newfield High School each hosted their highly anticipated homecoming celebrations this past weekend. Students, staff, families, and alumni gathered for a variety of festivities highlighting school pride, student talent, and community involvement.

Centereach High School kicked off its homecoming with a spirited homecoming dance on Thursday evening, where students dressed to impress and celebrated together. On Friday night, the energy continued with class skits and pep rallies held under the lights at the school’s football stadium, bringing the student body together in a show of unity and Cougar pride.

Saturday brought a festive atmosphere to the school grounds with the annual Cougar Carnival, featuring games, food, and fun for all ages. The weekend culminated at the homecoming football game, where fans filled the stands to cheer on the Cougars in an exciting matchup that capped off a memorable celebration.

Over at Newfield High School, students kicked off their festivities with a lively homecoming dance on Friday night. The celebration continued Saturday morning with a spirited parade led by the marching band. Each class marched proudly showcasing their unity and creativity. The parade concluded with student-performed skits, entertaining the crowd and rallying excitement ahead of the game. The festivities concluded with a football game on Saturday, drawing a strong crowd of Wolverines fans who came out to support their team and celebrate school pride.

Both high schools showcased the energy, creativity, and enthusiasm of their student bodies, making this year’s homecoming celebrations a resounding success. The Middle Country Central School District congratulates all participants and thanks the families, faculty, and community members who helped make the events possible.