MCCSD Teachers are Honored at Annual SCOPE Awards Dinner

Three teachers in the Middle County Central School District were recently awarded the Teacher Service Award by SCOPE at its 24th Annual School District Awards Dinner at Villa Lombardi in Holbrook on March 24.

“The Middle County Central School District proudly congratulates these distinguished teachers for their hard work, passion, and unwavering dedication to fostering a supportive and enriching learning environment,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Roberta Gerold. “Each of these teachers are a staple of the community and continue to leave an everlasting impact on their students and school.”

Selden Middle School Biology Teacher Ed Miller is an anchor within his school’s Science Department who strongly believes that all students can achieve success. He is constantly striving towards continuous refinement of his teaching practice. Often, Mr. Miller can be found on his own non-instructional time mentoring teachers across content areas and expanding across all 14 buildings in the school district. Teachers know that they can ask him questions on any topic. He fosters curiosity in students and worked with them over spring break so that they could present their Growing Beyond Earth research findings to NASA and mentors the Science Computing Club in partnership with Brookhaven National Laboratory.

Newfield High School Earth and Space Science Teacher James Nelson is an active faculty member within the Science Department and broader District community. He has taken on leadership roles through participation in curriculum writing and professional learning communities. Through his role as Newfield High School’s Research Teacher, he has developed collaborative partnerships with scientists at Stony Brook University and Brookhaven National Laboratory. He has supported his students and helped train them to use the National Synchrotron Light Source II, where they conducted detailed analysis of invasive species found locally at Prosser Pines Nature Preserve. Mr. Nelson is known by students for bringing science to life with his interactive lessons and use of large-scale models in his classroom. 

Centereach High School Math Teacher Laura Melfi has taught the subject for 20 years and distinguished herself as an exceptional educator who cares deeply about her students. Ms. Melfi was instrumental in growing and developing the District’s AP Calculus program, and her students consistently outscore the state and national averages. She also teaches Algebra 2 and participates in item writing twice a year in Albany. Ms. Melfi is seen as a leader who views challenges as opportunities to innovate and ensure all her students succeed. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Melfi is a field hockey coach and club advisor. She is also the CHS GO advisor, through which she oversees all advisors and students while planning events such as Homecoming Carnival, Trick or Treat Street, Deck the Halls and Class Competition. 

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/.

Selden Middle School Biology Teacher Ed Miller, left, was pictured with SCOPE Executive Director/CEO George Duffy.
Newfield High School Earth and Space Science Teacher James Nelson, left, was pictured with George Duffy.
Centereach High School Math Teacher Laura Melfi, left, was pictured with George Duffy.
All three teachers were awarded at SCOPE’s 24th Annual School District Awards Dinner.

Middle Country Central School District Announces March Students of the Month

The Middle Country Central School District is proud to announce the recipients of the March 2025 Students of the Month honors. The award recognizes students for their exceptional academic achievements, leadership, and contributions to their school communities. This month, four outstanding students were selected: Meaghan Grieco from Centereach High School, Charlotte Farrugia from Newfield High School, Aurelio Luna from Dawnwood Middle School, and Emily Makiani from Selden Middle School.

Meaghan Grieco is a standout athlete, musician, and student leader whose GPA has her ranked just outside of the top 10 percent in her graduating class. She has taken a rigorous schedule over her four years, including five Advanced Placement courses and eight college level courses. What stands out with respect to Meaghan’s academics is the success that she has had in such a wide array of courses.  She has taken and excelled in an AP level class in all of her core areas. Meanwhile, she has proven herself in college courses that also span all disciplines including electives such as College Virtual Enterprise and College Business Law. She has successfully taken advantage of all that our district offers.

Meaghan has played Varsity Volleyball and Varsity Basketball since her freshman year. In volleyball, she was a four-year starter and captain who earned All-League Honors twice and All-Classification honors while leading her team to the playoffs this year. In basketball, she was voted the Rookie of the Year award her freshman year by the varsity basketball coaches in her league. Meaghan was also recognized by the coaches as an All-League player the past two years. Due to an injury she sustained in volleyball, Meaghan required surgery and had to sit out this basketball season. Nevertheless, she played an integral role to the team’s success this year. She was at every practice and game, providing the players with encouraging words and the coaches with suggestions and advice. Meaghan has been a member of the Wind Ensemble for the past two years, playing Tenor Saxophone, and a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society for the past four years, with which she has volunteered at various school and community service events. Next year, Meaghan plans to study to become a pediatric nurse at SUNY Farmingdale.  There she also plans to continue playing volleyball as she is almost all healed from her injury. 

Charlotte Farrugia is ranked 31 out of 383 seniors with a weighted GPA of 98.5370. She has the potential to graduate in June with more than 25 college credits. Through her high school career and currently she’s a member of Dr. Gerold’s leadership committee, DECA, Glamour Gals, The Environmental Club, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and The Foreign Language Honor Society. She also serves as the secretary of the National Honor Society, secretary of the newspaper club, vice president of the Quill and Scroll Honor Society, and secretary of the class of 2025. She was also the winner of the Middle Country Career Exploration Award last spring. In addition to her academic career, Charlotte works as a babysitter for multiple families, was a seasonal farm worker at Harbes Farm in Riverhead, is a council member on the Teen Advisory Council at the Middle Country Public Library, volunteers at Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church assisting the outreach program and is a girl scout who last June earned her Gold Award. Charlotte plans to attend Stony Brook University in the fall with the plan of working toward becoming certified library media specialist or teacher.

Aurelio Luna plays the cello in both the 8th grade Orchestra and the Chamber Orchestra. He is always ready to help or participate in class and goes above and beyond in everything he does. Aurelio’s overall average for his sixth and seventh-grade school years is 94.2 and Aurelio’s average for the first and second quarter of this school year is 93.2. Aurelio is involved in many activities at Dawnwood. He is the president of our National Junior Honor Society, a member of the eight-grade orchestra, chamber orchestra, peer leadership club, the singing club, and the student activities club. Aurelio is also a member of drama club, where last year he played the leading role of Sebastian in our production of the Little Mermaid. Outside of school, Aurelio is part of a group that perform songs in sign language for the community. Aurelio also loves playing with his three dogs and singing karaoke.

Emily Makiani has been described by teachers as humble, hardworking, motivated, and kind. She finished her sixth-grade year with an overall yearly average of 98.3 and bested that in seventh grade with an overall yearly average of 98.4. Looking at her quarterly grades this year, she is set to have her best year yet as she had a nearly perfect first quarter report card two 99s and five 100s. Having spoken to Emily about her dedication to her studies, I am quite sure she will keep up that exceptional work. Emily is a member of the National Junior Honor Society and enjoyed her community service work where she prepared and packed lunches for those in need. She likes to write stories and is enjoying reading S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders right now.

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 Student of the Month Meaghan Grieco
Newfield High School Student of the Month Charlotte Farrugia
Dawnwood Middle School Student of the Month Aurelio Luna
Selden Middle School Student of the Month Emily Makiani

Centereach High School Students Secure First Place in Financial Services Team Decision-Making Event

Centereach High School is excited to announce that two of its standout students, Ahmed Malik and Cemal Tastan, have earned first place in the prestigious Financial Services Team Decision-Making event at a recent DECA competition. This impressive accomplishment has secured them a spot to represent Centereach High School at the New York State Career Conference in Rochester, NY, this March.

The New York State Career Conference will bring together over 3,000 talented students from across the state, where Ahmed and Cemal will have the opportunity to showcase their knowledge and decision-making skills in front of industry professionals. The event will feature role-playing scenarios where students engage with business leaders, demonstrating their ability to solve real-world challenges in a competitive setting.

DECA is a globally recognized organization that provides high school and college students with the opportunity to prepare for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. It plays an essential role in fostering emerging leaders and entrepreneurs, equipping them with the tools they need for future success in the business world.

“We are incredibly proud of Ahmed and Cemal’s hard work and dedication,” said Thomas Bell. Centereach High School principal. “Their achievement showcases their talents and highlights the strong foundation of leadership and business skills fostered at Centereach High School. We wish them the best of luck as they continue their journey at the New York State Career Conference!”

This recognition reflects the commitment of Centereach High School’s DECA program to preparing students for success in a variety of fields, and we look forward to seeing Amad and Cemal compete at the next level.

Cris Johnson Inspires Students at North Coleman Road Elementary

North Coleman Road Elementary School recently welcomed performer Cris Johnson, who brought an unforgettable assembly to the students as part of the P.S. I Love You week celebrations. The event, which coincided with the 100th day of school, provided a fun and meaningful experience for students, focused on treating each other with kindness and respect while also incorporating a little magic!

Cris Johnson, a renowned school assembly presenter, author, magician, and speaker, captivated the students with his dynamic performance. His engaging presentation included messages about the importance of being STARS—Special, Talent, Anything, and Respect. The assembly also emphasized the Six Pillars of Character: Respect, Fairness, Responsibility, Caring, Citizenship, and Trustworthiness—key values that students were encouraged to embrace in their everyday actions.

“P.S. I Love You week is all about spreading kindness and building a positive school community,” said North Coleman Road Elementary School Principal Kim Pelan. “Having Cris Johnson come to our school was the perfect way to remind students of the importance of treating each other with respect and celebrating the joy of learning. His magic tricks were the perfect blend of fun and important life lessons!”

P.S. I Love You week includes a series of heartwarming activities designed to promote kindness, inclusion, and positive social interaction among students. From special events to random acts of kindness, students have been encouraged to make a difference in their school and community. The week ended on February 14, with PS I Love You Day, where the school wore purple and celebrated this year with a, “A Brighter Tomorrow Begins Today.”    

Newfield High School and Centereach High School Music Students Recognized at 44th Annual Scholarship Pops Concert

During the 44th Annual Scholarship Pops Concert held recently, several talented student musicians from Newfield High School and Centereach High School received prestigious Middle Country Friends of Music scholarships. These awards recognize the dedication and hard work of students who have demonstrated exceptional skill and passion for music.

Newfield High School:

Band

  • $700 James Truscello Award: Thomas Lasher
  • $600 Alfred Longo Award: James Stafford III
  • $500 Marc Greene Award: Addison Rothwell

Chorus

  • $700 James Truscello Award: Kyle Bogad
  • $600 Alfred Longo Award: Alyssa Harney
  • $500 Marc Greene Award: Makayla DeMeo

Orchestra

  • $700 James Truscello Award: Emma Haberstroh
  • $600 Alfred Longo Award: Emma Geraci
  • $500 Marc Greene Award: Cameron Waldeck

Centereach High School:

Band

  • $700 James Truscello Award: Matthew Suzzi Valli
  • $600 Alfred Longo Award: Michaela Lucivero
  • $500 Marc Greene Award: Ceylan Tastan

Chorus

  • $700 James Truscello Award: Joelle Washington
  • $600 Alfred Longo Award: Rowan Willis
  • $500 Marc Greene Award: Zacharacy Atkinson

Orchestra

  • $700 James Truscello Award: Jillian Garcia
  • $600 Alfred Longo Award: Sarah Williams
  • $500 Marc Greene Award: Allen Zeng

These scholarships, presented annually at the Scholarship Pops Concert, are made possible by the generous support of the Middle Country Friends of Music, an organization dedicated to enhancing musical education and opportunities for students in the district. This year’s concert was an incredible showcase of the talents of Newfield High School and Centereach High School’s music students, with each award recipient receiving recognition for their contributions to their respective musical ensembles.

“We are incredibly proud of our students and the achievements they’ve made in the field of music,” said Dr. Diana Cook, Director of Music, Fine Arts and Community Media Relations. “These scholarships are a testament to their hard work and passion. We also want to extend our gratitude to the Middle Country Friends of Music for their continued support of our music programs and for helping to foster the next generation of musicians.”

Congratulations to all the recipients for their well-deserved recognition, and thank you to the Middle Country Friends of Music for their dedication to supporting the arts in education!

Middle Country Central School District Celebrates P.S. I Love You Day with Unity and Kindness

Schools throughout the Middle Country Central School District recently came together to celebrate P.S. I Love You Day, a day dedicated to promoting kindness, mental health awareness, and spreading positive messages. In honor of the occasion, students, faculty, and staff wore purple to show visual unity and solidarity with the mission of fostering love and kindness within the school community.

The day was filled with activities designed to inspire positive change and emphasize the importance of kindness. School buildings were decorated with colorful kindness chains, purple hearts, and affirmations, all created by students to help spread love and encourage uplifting words. These heartfelt decorations reminded everyone of the power of kindness and the difference it can make in the lives of others.

“Our district is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for our students, and P.S. I Love You Day is a wonderful opportunity to reinforce that message,” said Dr. Roberta Gerold, Superintendent of Schools. “It was amazing to see our schools unite through the color purple and witness the students’ creativity in sharing affirmations and kindness.”

P.S. I Love You Day, which encourages people to speak out about mental health and create an atmosphere of compassion, is a day that resonates deeply with students and staff alike. It serves as a reminder that small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact and that everyone deserves to feel supported and appreciated. The Middle Country Central School District is proud to have participated in this meaningful initiative and is committed to continuing to foster kindness, unity, and mental well-being among all students.

Middle Country Central School District’s Elementary Schools Celebrate 100 Days of School

Elementary schools throughout the Middle Country Central School District recently marked an annual milestone with the celebration of their 100th day of school. Students from across the district participated in a day filled with excitement, creativity, and fun as they celebrated 100 days of learning and growth.

Students embraced the theme of the day with enthusiasm, dressing up as “100-year-old” senior citizens or showcasing their creativity by wearing homemade t-shirts that featured the number 100. The halls were filled with students proudly displaying their outfits, with some adding glasses, walking canes, and grey wigs to complete their look, while others sported colorful T-shirts adorned with artistic representations of the number 100.

In the classroom, the 100th day of school was marked with engaging lessons and activities that highlighted the significance of the number 100. Students participated in a variety of math exercises, including counting by tens, creating groups of 100 items, and completing fun challenges that helped them practice their addition and subtraction skills. Teachers also incorporated art and writing projects where students reflected on the first 100 days of school and imagined what they would be doing in the next 100 days.

Second-Grader Takes the Helm as Principal for the Day at Hawkins Path Elementary School

A special day unfolded at Hawkins Path Elementary School as 2nd grader Aliyah Baker stepped into the role of Principal for the Day, following her success in raising the most money for the PTA’s annual booster-thon fundraiser. With the help of her dedicated family and friends, Aliyah raised an impressive $1,820 to support the school’s programs and initiatives.

As Principal for the Day, Aliyah made her mark with a series of fun and exciting announcements, bringing joy to both students and staff. In a celebratory mood, she declared:

  • No homework for the day, an announcement that brought cheers from students across the school.
  • Front of the lunch line passes for the winning classes.
  • Extra recess for Aliyah’s 2nd grade class.

Aliyah’s duties didn’t stop there. She made sure to patrol the hallways with her trusty walkie-talkie, embodying the role of principal with a sense of responsibility and excitement. In a special presentation, the Hawkins Path PTA unveiled a new sign for the bus lane, purchased with PTA funds and designed to improve student safety. The sign, which aims to deter drivers from entering the bus lane during arrival and dismissal, was made possible thanks to a stand built by dedicated parent and PTA executive board member, Chris DeMaio.

In large part thanks to the participants of  the booster-thon, Hawkins Path Elementary School is able to continue supporting a variety of enrichment activities and programs for the students. The PTA looks forward to more successful fundraisers in the future!

Eugene Auer Memorial Elementary School Commemorates Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. With Peace Assembly

Students and staff of Eugene Auer Memorial Elementary School came together to celebrate and honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a heartfelt peace assembly. The event was a powerful reminder of Dr. King’s message of equality, kindness, and nonviolence, with student performances serving as the highlight of the program.

The assembly featured a variety of moving and inspiring student performances. The school’s talented musicians showcased their skills, including a beautiful piano accompaniment that captivated the audience. A student skit brought to life the message of peace creatively and engagingly, while the school chorus filled the air with uplifting songs that reinforced the values of harmony and unity. Additionally, interviews with both students and staff explored the personal meanings of peace and reflected on the profound impact Dr. King’s work continues to have on our world today.

The assembly also tied in with the school’s ongoing focus on promoting kindness. The message of peace and kindness resonated throughout the event, with students and staff alike committing to spread these values within their school community. The event was a powerful reminder of the importance of working together for a more compassionate and peaceful world, and it serves as a testament to the values Dr. King championed throughout his life.

Middle Country Central School District Students Visit Federal Court, Gaining Insight into Legal System

High school students from the college business law and AP law and government classes at Middle Country Central School District recently visited Judge Joseph Bianco at the Federal Court in Central Islip. Judge Bianco, who serves on the Second Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in Manhattan, hosted the students for a memorable and educational experience that highlighted the importance of law and citizenship.

The visit began with students attending a naturalization ceremony, during which over 100 individuals were sworn in as new U.S. citizens. This meaningful event provided the students with a firsthand look at the legal process involved in becoming a citizen of the United States. Following the ceremony, Judge Bianco shared insights from his distinguished career, offering students a rare opportunity to hear from a federal judge with over 30 years of experience in the legal field. His reflections on his career and the legal system were both inspiring and informative, offering valuable perspectives for aspiring legal professionals.

The day concluded with an interactive mock trial where students had the chance to assume roles as judges, lawyers, and jurors in a courtroom setting. This hands-on activity allowed students to apply the concepts and skills they’ve been learning in the classroom, while also developing a deeper understanding of how legal proceedings unfold. The field trip provided students with a deeper understanding of the legal system, government, and citizenship, further enriching their academic experiences and fostering a stronger connection to the