Middle Country Central School District in the Media

MIDDLE COUNTRY SCHOOLS, NEW YORK (NOVEMBER 2026) — Oxhead Road Elementary School in the Middle Country Central School District celebrated Veterans Day with a special parade on November 10, bringing students together with their families and local veterans.

The parade, held at 10:30 a.m. in the school’s bus circle, featured veterans who were family members of students marching alongside the school community in honor of their service and sacrifice. Families were invited to attend and join in celebrating and thanking the veterans for their dedication to our country.

“We are incredibly grateful to the veterans in our school community who took the time to join us for this special celebration,” Oxhead Road Elementary School Principal Dr. Phyllis Saltz said. “It was a wonderful opportunity for our students to show their appreciation, honor their service, and learn the importance of recognizing those who have served our country.”

For more information regarding the Middle Country Central School District and its students’ many achievements, please visit the District’s website: https://www.mccsd.net/.

MIDDLE COUNTRY SCHOOLS, NEW YORK (OCTOBER 2026) — Newfield High School and Selden Middle School, of the Middle Country Central School District, joined for a No Place for Hate walk in Centereach on the morning of October 28 to promote a message of kindness, respect, and inclusion among classmates.

All Selden Middle School students exited their building, one grade level at a time, to meet up with the Newfield High School students, who were members of the Leadership Club and Student Government. Middle and high school students carried signs and banners featuring positive messages before gathering at the nearby Newfield High School bleachers to recite the No Place for Hate pledge and hear student reflections on what the national initiative means to them.

The event also featured music, a balloon arch for photo opportunities, and a visit from the middle school mascot. Students kept the energy high even as they continued the walk back to Selden Middle School.

No Place for Hate is a national school climate improvement initiative run by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) that helps pre-K through 12th-grade schools combat bias, bullying, and discrimination. The student-centered framework empowers students, staff, and family members to take an active role in shaping a safe and respectful school campus.

For more information regarding the Middle Country Central School District and its students’ many achievements, please visit the District’s website: https://www.mccsd.net/.

MIDDLE COUNTRY SCHOOLS, NEW YORK (OCTOBER 2026) — Newfield High School, in the Middle Country Central School District, celebrated school pride with a homecoming dance, a spirited parade, grade-level student performances, and an exciting Wolverines football game, bringing the school community together in a showcase of unity.

Held on Saturday, October 24, the homecoming parade featured performances by the Newfield High School marching band, cheerleaders, kickline team, NHS Thespians, NHS varsity cheer, NHS junior varsity cheer, the combined middle school kickline team, Selden Middle School cheer, and the Middle Country Wildcats cheer. Students from each grade level—the freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior classes—presented skits that highlighted their creativity, teamwork, and enthusiasm.

The Newfield High School Wolverines varsity football team defeated previously undefeated Commack High School to secure a spot in the postseason. During the parade, Jocelyn Krill and Aidan Velasquez, of the Homecoming 1st court; Jasmine Farrugia and Jada Matthias, of the Homecoming 2nd court; and Jocelyn Washington and Matthew Sheridan, of Homecoming Royalty; and grand marshal Lauren Mangine waved to onlookers.

The celebration kicked off on Friday, October 23 with the homecoming dance, where students gathered in a beautifully decorated gymnasium to enjoy an evening with classmates. From the dance to the football game, Newfield High School’s homecoming celebration celebrated school traditions and demonstrated its continued commitment to supporting students and bringing the community together.

For more information regarding the Middle Country Central School District and its students’ many achievements, please visit the District’s website: https://www.mccsd.net/.

MIDDLE COUNTRY SCHOOLS, NEW YORK (OCTOBER 2026) — Middle Country Central School District’s Centereach High School celebrated homecoming with a fun-filled weekend of Cougar pride and community spirit. A lively pep rally on Friday, October 2 kicked off the weekend’s festivities, followed by the Cougar Carnival on Saturday, October 3.

The pep rally energized the crowd as the kickline team delivered a spirited routine and students from each grade level performed rehearsed skits for a packed gymnasium. The performances highlighted the creativity, teamwork, and enthusiasm that make Homecoming such a memorable Centereach tradition.

The celebration also featured a football game earlier in the week on Monday, September 28, and another exciting matchup on Saturday. The Homecoming festivities brought together students, families, staff, administrators, and community members to celebrate the Cougars and support the school’s student performers and athletes. At the Cougar Carnival, everyone enjoyed games, activities, food, ice cream, and large inflatable slides and attractions for all ages.

The Cougars football team added to the excitement with an impressive come-from-behind victory over Lindenhurst School District, winning 30-24 in a thrilling game that showcased the team’s determination and Cougar spirit.

From the pep rally and carnival to the football games, Centereach High School’s Homecoming celebration demonstrated the strength of the Middle Country Schools community and its continued commitment to supporting students, celebrating school traditions, and bringing the community together.

For more information regarding the Middle Country Central School District and its students’ many achievements, please visit the District’s website: https://www.mccsd.net/.

Students, Staff, and Local Fire Departments Unite in Remembrance

MIDDLE COUNTRY SCHOOLS, NEW YORK (SEPTEMBER 2026) — In honor of Patriot Day and the 25th anniversary of September 11th, the Middle Country Central School District came together this month to honor the heroes of that historic day and reflect on the courage, unity, and service that continue to define the community today. Across the district’s schools and alongside local fire departments, students, staff, and community members took part in special tributes, lessons, and memorial ceremonies honoring the first responders who protect their peers every day.

At Hawkins Path Elementary School, students and faculty wore red, white, and blue to show their unity, honor their heroes and first responders, and demonstrate their pride as a school community. At Bicycle Path Pre-K/Kindergarten Center, Ms. Hanson’s Pre-K class marked the occasion by spending time outdoors, proudly wearing red, white, and blue while enjoying the September sunshine. At Eugene Auer Elementary School, third-grade students in Ms. Merkle’s class learned about the vital role first responders played on September 11^th and the impact they continue to have on the community today, while fifth graders in Mrs. Rodrigues’ class explored the bravery first responders showed that day and discussed how local heroes continue to protect and support the Middle Country community every day.

At Holbrook Road Elementary School, Mrs. Garcia’s fourth-grade students commemorated the heroes of September 11^th by reading the book “Fireboat” by Maira Kalman and reflecting on how true heroism shines through in the face of disaster. Students shared personal connections to that day, including the story of Mrs. Garcia’s father, a Selden firefighter who traveled into New York City to help, before placing flags along the school’s bus loop in remembrance.

The community’s tributes extended beyond the classroom to local firehouses, where Middle Country students, staff, and families joined neighbors for 25^th anniversary 9/11 memorial ceremonies. At the Centereach Fire House, chorus teacher Mr. Hough and members of the Centereach High School choir performed a reflective musical tribute, and CHS band teacher Ms. Bush performed Taps on her trumpet. At the Selden Fire Department, members of the Newfield High School select vocal ensemble, under the direction of chorus teacher Ms. Meichner-Shaw, sang and signed the Star-Spangled Banner, and senior Tonimarie Guarisco performed a solo of “Somewhere” from Bernstein’s “West Side Story.”

Middle Country Central School District Superintendent Dr. Roberta Gerold joined local elected officials in sharing remarks honoring the day, and retired Fire Chief Michael Matteo served as master of ceremonies for the dedication of a new memorial. Twenty-five years after September 11^th, the Middle Country community continues to honor the memory of those lost and the bravery of the first responders who answered the call, ensuring that the lessons of service, sacrifice, and unity are passed on to the next generation of students.

For more information regarding the Middle Country Central School District and its students’ many achievements, please visit the District’s website: https://www.mccsd.net/.

First Responders Recognized for Their Commitment to Service

MIDDLE COUNTRY SCHOOLS, NEW YORK (SEPTEMBER 2026) — Oxhead Road Elementary School, part of the Middle Country Central School District, hosted a 9/11 Hero Garden dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 11. The Hero Garden serves as a lasting tribute to the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and to the brave firefighters, police officers, and first responders who continue to protect and serve our communities each day.

Oxhead Road students and staff were joined by Schools Superintendent Dr. Roberta Gerold, Board of Education trustees, local elected officials, and first responders, who were recognized for their dedication and service to the community. The school community worked together over the past few months to build the living space as a special tribute to our heroes’ courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to our local and regional communities. The garden features a Unity Tree, a path of inspiring hand-painted stones, and a place for reflection.
Oxhead Road Elementary School Principal Dr. Phyllis Saltz offered opening remarks and a moment of silence before students recited poems and an essay they had prepared for the occasion. Fifth grade students sang “God Bless America,” led by music teacher Mrs. Rebecca Ferdman, ahead of sharing light refreshments in the STEM lab.

“The Hero Garden dedication ceremony was a meaningful opportunity for our school community to come together to honor our local heroes, recognize the dedication of our first responders, and remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001,” Dr. Saltz said. “This special tribute will serve as a lasting reminder of the courage, compassion, and selflessness that continue to inspire our community.”

For more information regarding the Middle Country Central School District and its students’ many achievements, please visit the District’s website: https://www.mccsd.net/.

Muccio Family Continues the Back-to-School Tradition

MIDDLE COUNTRY, NEW YORK (AUGUST 2026) — The Muccio family’s lemonade stand fundraiser returned this summer to support Middle Country Central School District families in need during the start of the new school year.

Now in its fifth year, the Muccio siblings—Michael, a Newfield High School freshman; Isabella, a Newfield High School graduate; Giavanna, a seventh-grader at Selden Middle School; and Madelyn, a fourth-grader at Eugene Auer Elementary School—continued the local tradition outside their home. The fundraiser raised $5,440 to purchase backpacks and school supplies for students in need across all 14 schools in the Middle Country Central School District. The inspiring act of generosity highlighted how the community shows up to support their neighbors during the back-to-school season.

As part of the effort, Walmart presented the Muccio family with a $1,500 gift card to purchase backpacks and school supplies. Every dollar raised goes towards helping local students start the school year prepared for success. Additionally, Ralph’s Italian Ices, of Centereach, donated 120 ices to contribute to the cause, and Brendel’s Bagels donated an assortment of bagels.

On August 31, the Muccio children delivered the school supplies to Newfield High School Principal Scott Graviano, with assistance from Board of Education Trustee Gina Cutillo-Siegelbaum, who helped transport the large donation. Library Media Specialist Lisa Cook and the Newfield High School Honor Society students are sorting and packaging all of the supplies into the backpacks to deliver to students in need at all 14 schools. The Muccio family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the community for its continued support and to Walmart for its generous donation to this great cause.

“Our family would like to thank the Middle Country Central School District and the Middle Country community for supporting our children’s mission to help students in our school district,” Michele Muccio said. “We are incredibly proud of our children’s determination, kindness, and compassion, but this would not be possible without the community’s love, support, generosity, and networking. Our children wanted to ensure students in their own neighborhood would be prepared for a successful year with new backpacks and supplies. It has brought them immense joy to help alleviate some of the financial burdens of back-to-school shopping for local families.”
For more information regarding the Middle Country Central School District and its students’ many achievements, please visit the District’s website: https://www.mccsd.net/.

Newfield High School alumni recently teamed up with Hawkins Path Elementary School leaders and the Middle Country Teachers Association to host a school supply giveaway for Middle Country Central School District students. Beginning the new school year on a positive note, the giveaway supplied students with back-to-school essentials to ensure they are prepared for success.

Newfield High School alumni Frankie DiAntonio and Maria Daume, of the Lexington Foundation, joined Hawkins Path Elementary School Principal Kristi Leonard, the Hawkins Path PTA, and volunteers from the Middle Country Teachers Association for the event. The Lexington Foundation, founded by DiAntonio, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families in need. Together with the Hawkins Path PTA, the group helped provide more than 200 local students with backpacks and other essential school supplies to ensure they begin the school year ready to learn.

“We are grateful to see our Middle Country Central School District alumni give back and make a meaningful impact in the community that helped shape them,” Mrs. Leonard said. “This giveaway is a wonderful example of our community coming together to support our students and help them start the school year confident and ready to learn.”