Newfield High School and Selden Middle School Hold Combined No Place for Hate Walk

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/.

Newfield High School Homecoming Celebration Inspires School Spirit

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/.

Centereach High School Homecoming Celebrates Spirit and Community

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/.

Middle Country Schools Community Honors 25th Anniversary of September 11th on Patriot Day

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 11th 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 11th 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 25th 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 11th, 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/.

Oxhead Road Elementary Hosts 9/11 Hero Garden Dedication

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/.

5th Annual Lemonade Stand Fundraiser Supports Middle Country Students

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/.

School Supply Giveaway Benefits Middle Country Students

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.”

5th Annual Lemonade Stand Fundraiser Supports Middle Country Students

Muccio Family Continues the Back-to-School Tradition

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.”

Middle Country Central School District Celebrates the Graduating Classes of 2026 at Centereach High School and Newfield High School

The Middle Country Central School District proudly celebrated the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 as Centereach High School and Newfield High School each held commencement ceremonies honoring their graduating seniors. Surrounded by family, friends, faculty, staff, administrators, and members of the Board of Education, graduates from both schools marked the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and personal growth.

Each ceremony reflected the unique spirit of its school while celebrating a shared milestone for the district’s newest graduates. Student speakers offered heartfelt reflections on their high school journeys, recalling memorable experiences, lifelong friendships, and the lessons that shaped them into the individuals they are today. School and district leaders congratulated the graduates on their resilience, determination, and accomplishments, encouraging them to embrace the opportunities and challenges that await them.

As each graduate crossed the stage to receive a diploma, proud families and loved ones filled the venues with applause and celebration. The ceremonies concluded with the traditional turning of the tassels and cap tosses, symbolizing the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.

Throughout their high school careers, members of the Class of 2026 distinguished themselves through academic excellence, leadership, athletics, the arts, community service, and countless contributions to their school communities. Their achievements reflect not only their individual dedication but also the unwavering support of teachers, staff members, families, and mentors who helped guide them along the way.

Whether continuing their education at colleges and universities, entering the workforce, pursuing technical or trade programs, serving in the military, or exploring other career pathways, graduates from both Centereach High School and Newfield High School leave Middle Country equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed.

“The Class of 2026 has demonstrated resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to achieving their goals,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Roberta Gerold. “We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished during their time in Middle Country. As they begin this exciting new chapter, we know they will continue to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond. Congratulations to every graduate.”

The Middle Country Central School District extends its heartfelt congratulations to the graduating seniors of Centereach High School and Newfield High School and wishes the entire Class of 2026 continued success and happiness as they embark on their next chapter.


Middle Country Board of Education Celebrates Students, Staff, and Trustees for Outstanding Achievements

At a recent Middle Country Central School District Board of Education meeting, students, teachers, and Board of Education members were recognized for their outstanding accomplishments, dedicated service, and contributions to the school community.

Among those honored were student interns from Centereach High School and Newfield High School, along with inaugural advisors Ms. Angelina Saladino and Ms. Margaret Derasmo, who were presented with Certificates of Pride for their work in helping launch and support the Cohen Strong Mental Health Program. Their leadership and commitment were instrumental in making the program a success. Students recognized included Lukas Wolpiuk, Anisha Nur, Mustafa Lodhi, and Emerald Compton from Centereach High School, as well as Janiah Forthe and Jada Matthias from Newfield High School. Rebekkah Peltz and Sreya Roy of Newfield High School were also recognized.

Board President Mrs. Dawn Sharrock presented Certificates of Appreciation to Ex Officio Student Board Members Rose Miller and Dyllon Blake in recognition of their dedicated time and service to the Board of Education during the 2025–2026 school year. In addition, Mrs. Sharrock presented plaques of appreciation to Board Trustees Mrs. Doreen Feldmann, Mrs. Deborah Mann-Rodriguez, and Ms. Laura Talamo for their passionate, diligent service and unwavering commitment to the students of Middle Country.

The meeting also featured special recognition from the New York State School Boards Association. Mr. Robert Vecchio, executive director of N-SSBA, presented Mrs. Dawn Sharrock with the Level 4 Lifetime Achievement Award and Mr. Robert Feeney, Board Vice President, with the Level 3 Board Mastery Award as part of N–SSBA’s Board of Excellence Recognition Program. Mr. Vecchio also presented former Board Trustee Ms. Kathleen Walsh with the N-SSBA Outstanding School Board Service Award. Mrs. Sharrock also presented Certificates of Pride to two Newfield High School science teachers for their professional achievements.

Ann Marie Hassett, a chemistry teacher at Newfield High School, was recognized for receiving a distinction at Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay’s second annual Assembly District 4 Women of Distinction Award Ceremony. Hassett was honored in the Law Enforcement/First Responder category for her service to the community as a firefighter with the Coram Fire Department. As the department’s only female firefighter, she has become a role model for young girls and women.

Donna D’Auria, who teaches biology and AP Environmental Science at Newfield High School, was recognized for receiving the LISTEMELA STEM Star Award. A New York State Master Teacher, D’Auria was honored for her unwavering commitment to students and innovative instructional practices. She works with a wide range of learners, including ENL students, inclusion classes, and students in the Alternative Learning Center, consistently striving to make science meaningful, accessible, and engaging for all.

Also recognized at the meeting were students who earned the New York State AHPERD Suffolk Zone Health and Physical Education Leadership Award. Mr. Joseph Mercado presented Certificates of Pride to Centereach High School students Cemal Tastan and Madelyn Madrigal, as well as Newfield High School students Jason Krol and Lily Kolasinski.

Mr. Mercado also presented Certificates of Recognition to three seniors for their distinguished high school lacrosse careers: Joseph Farrugia and Jake Mikochik of Centereach High School, and Dominic Otis of Newfield High School.

In celebration of student achievement in career and technical education programs, Mr. Nick Cangero, Coordinator of Career and Technical Education, introduced students who earned honors through DECA, the Career Exploration Challenge, SkillsUSA, and College Virtual Enterprise. Mrs. Liz Scott Pothier, Mrs. Michele Bradley, Mrs. Traci Bernardino, along with Rita Tsoukaris, presented Certificates of Pride to the Career Exploration Challenge winners.

The evening served as a meaningful celebration of the many accomplishments of Middle Country students, staff, and Board members, highlighting the district’s continued commitment to excellence, leadership, and service.