Middle Country Central School District in the Media

Four talented Centereach High School students recently represented their school at the New York DECA State Career Conference in Rochester, New York, where they joined more than 3,500 students from across the state to compete and demonstrate their business and leadership skills.

Centereach High School DECA advisor Michele Bradley and Newfield High School business teacher Kayla St. Denis accompanied the students to the conference, where participants presented projects, completed written assessments, and engaged in role-play scenarios judged by industry professionals.

The Centereach High School students competed in a variety of competitive events:

Cemal Tastan – Finance Operations Research, presenting a comprehensive 20-page research paper along with a formal presentation.

Jessica Dezendorf and Angelia Hirsch – Innovation Plan, developing and presenting a pitch deck for a new business concept.

Yusuf Atamy – Retail Merchandising, completing a written test and participating in two role-play scenarios that simulate real-world business challenges.

Throughout the conference, students had the opportunity to apply their knowledge of business concepts, strengthen their presentation and problem-solving skills, and connect with peers who share similar career interests. Centereach High School is incredibly proud of these students for their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.

DECA is a global organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. Through competitive events, leadership development, and career-focused learning experiences, DECA helps high school and college students build the skills necessary for success in today’s business world.

Students from Newfield High School and Centereach High School recently traveled to Albany to participate in Northwell Health’s Cohen Strong Program, a youth mental health leadership, education, and advocacy initiative designed for students in grades 10 through 12.

Accompanied by Mrs. Derasmo and Ms. Anderson, the students joined fellow Cohen Strong participants from across New York State at the Capitol to rally and meet with legislators. During their visit, students advocated for two bills currently in the New York State Senate that would provide funding for mental health training for both students and school staff.

The Cohen Strong Program focuses on educating young people about mental health while empowering them to become peer leaders within their schools and communities. Through the program, students learn how to recognize mental health challenges, support their peers, and advocate for policies that strengthen mental health resources for young people.

While in Albany, the students spoke with lawmakers about the importance of expanding mental health education and training in schools, sharing their perspectives and experiences as student leaders committed to promoting well-being and support among their peers. The experience provided students with a powerful opportunity to engage in civic leadership while raising awareness about the importance of mental health resources in schools.

The Middle Country Central School District is proud of these students for using their voices to advocate for meaningful change and for demonstrating leadership in promoting mental health awareness and support for students across New York State.

On Friday, March 6, Selden Middle School proudly hosted its annual Break the Fast event, bringing together members of the school and local community for an evening centered on connection, reflection, and celebration.

Families, students, staff, district leadership, and community members gathered to share in Break the Fast, an event that recognizes the spirit of Ramadan and the tradition of breaking the daily fast at sunset. The event provided an opportunity for attendees to come together, share a meal, and celebrate the values of unity, compassion, and cultural understanding.

The evening was filled with joy and gratitude as participants reflected on the importance of community and inclusivity. Events like Break the Fast help foster a welcoming environment where students and families can share traditions and learn from one another.

Selden Middle School administrators noted that the gathering served as a powerful reminder of the strength of the school community and the meaningful connections formed when people come together to celebrate the shared values of respect, kindness, and understanding.

The school extends its appreciation to everyone who helped organize and attend the event, making the evening a memorable and uplifting celebration for all.

Students and staff across the Middle Country Central School District proudly wore purple in honor of P.S. I Love You Day 2026, embracing this year’s theme, Be the Light. The annual observance promotes mental health awareness, kindness, and inclusivity, encouraging school communities to shine a light on the importance of connection and support.

Throughout the district, schools hosted a variety of meaningful activities designed to foster positivity and open lines of communication. For example, at Newfield High School, the Cohen Strong Program joined forces with the school’s S.A.D.D. Club to support Wellness Week and P.S. I Love You Day initiatives. Students received daily handouts focused on important mental health topics and were invited to respond to the “Cohen Strong Question of the Day.” Participants also contributed to a word wall filled with messages promoting positive mental health, reinforcing a culture of encouragement within the school community.

The Newfield High School Drum Club also marked the district’s 100th day of school by celebrating P.S. I Love You Day with students at Eugene Auer Elementary School. The Drum Club performed two assemblies where elementary students enthusiastically played along. Following the performances, Drum Club members visited classrooms for a meet-and-greet alongside the school’s friendly “Grimace” mascot. As a special gesture, the Drum Club gifted each classroom with purple mindful mindset bags filled with healthy mindset goodies and personal journal entries written by Drum Club students. The heartfelt messages promoted self-worth, kindness, and reminded every student that they matter.

At North Coleman Road Elementary School, the celebration extended throughout the week. Students decorated the building with hearts featuring motivational statements and participated in “Chalk the Walk,” filling hallways with uplifting and kind messages. Together, staff and students embraced the “Be the Light” theme by promoting inclusivity and ensuring that every member of the school community feels valued and supported.

Meanwhile, at Selden Middle School, students made a heartfelt contribution to the districtwide initiative. Ms. Scott’s sixth-grade Family and Consumer Sciences students created self-esteem snowflakes, while seventh graders designed color-scheme-inspired hearts—simple yet powerful projects centered on kindness, confidence, and self-care. In a touching extension of the day’s mission, Ms. Scott delivered 136 handcrafted hearts to veterans at the Long Island State Veterans Home. The hearts were created by Selden Middle School students, their families, and faculty members, reflecting a true community effort.

Through creative activities, meaningful conversations, and acts of service, students and staff across the Middle Country Central School District demonstrated that even small gestures can make a powerful impact. By choosing to “be the light,” the school community once again affirmed its commitment to supporting mental health awareness and building a culture of compassion and connection.

The Middle Country Central School District proudly celebrated Black History Month across its high schools with dynamic, student-led programs honoring Black history, culture, and contributions. Both Newfield High School and Centereach High School hosted meaningful events that brought together students, staff, and community members in celebration and reflection.

At Newfield High School, students organized an engaging and educational program that showcased artistic expression, musical talent, and thoughtful dialogue. The event was facilitated by student Sreya Roy and opened with a powerful performance of the Black National Anthem. The program continued with spirited performances by the school’s Drum Club and talented student dancers, highlighting the vibrancy and influence of Black culture in the arts.

A special highlight of the celebration was guest speaker Dr. Judith Brown Clark, who delivered inspiring remarks and engaged students in a meaningful Q&A session. Her discussion encouraged reflection on leadership, perseverance, and the ongoing pursuit of equity and opportunity.

Students also presented a moving Mask Art Exhibit. Each participant designed a personal mask and spoke about the symbolism behind their work, explaining what each element represented or meant to them. The exhibit provided a powerful platform for self-expression, identity exploration, and storytelling.

The celebration concluded with refreshments and continued conversations among attendees, reinforcing a strong sense of community and appreciation.

Centereach High School hosted its Black History Celebration, a student-facilitated event supported by teacher advisors Patricia Duryea and Vanessa Matlock. The program began with a stirring rendition of the Black National Anthem performed by Jaleeyah Cortes. Students then welcomed guest speaker Deborah Mann-Rodriguez, a Trustee on the district’s Board of Education, who shared her insights and experiences with the audience. Her remarks emphasized civic engagement, representation, and the importance of student voice.

The celebration featured several vibrant dance performances and a powerful “Past to Present” short drama. The performance traced the evolution of the struggles Black people once faced, highlighting the many rights, opportunities, and freedoms that were denied to them in the past and contrasting them with the progress achieved today. The event concluded with an energetic Soul Train Line, inviting audience members to join in the dance floor festivities—an interactive and joyful finale that brought the entire community together.

Through music, art, dance, and dialogue, Middle Country Central School District’s high schools created meaningful opportunities for students to honor Black history while celebrating culture, creativity, and unity. The district commends the students, advisors, performers, and guest speakers who made these events impactful and memorable for all involved.

—New Lane Memorial Elementary School proudly announced that Alyssa Hughes, a first-grade teacher, was awarded a generous grant from Tanger Outlets. Ms. Hughes used the grant funds to purchase new outdoor recess equipment, enhancing student play opportunities and promoting physical activity for young learners.

The newly purchased equipment provided students with engaging, developmentally appropriate ways to stay active during recess while supporting physical, social, and emotional growth.

Representatives from Tanger Outlets visited New Lane Memorial Elementary School to formally present Ms. Hughes with an award, along with flowers and a gift basket. During the visit, Tanger Outlets representatives took photos with students and staff to commemorate the occasion and celebrate the partnership between the school and the community.

Selected eighth-grade students from Dawnwood Middle School and Selden Middle School recently presented their research projects to an audience of teachers, administrators, and members of the Board of Education during the district’s National History Day Symposium.

Participants were chosen by their Social Studies teachers in recognition of their exceptional dedication, curiosity, and commitment to the research process. This year’s National History Day theme, “Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History,” challenged students to examine pivotal moments and movements that shaped societies and sparked change throughout history. Students showcased their findings through a variety of formats, including interactive websites, digital presentations, and formal research papers, highlighting months of in-depth historical inquiry, critical analysis, and creative presentation.

The district extends special recognition to its eighth-grade Social Studies teachers for inspiring student scholarship and skillfully guiding participants through every stage of the research process. These projects represent a cornerstone of the district’s capstone research initiative, designed to foster civic engagement, analytical thinking, and academic excellence. As a result of their participation, students will earn credit toward the New York State Seal of Civic Readiness, reflecting their commitment to informed citizenship and historical understanding.

Several students will continue refining their projects alongside their National History Day advisors—Ms. Cook at Selden Middle School and Mr. Dovas at Dawnwood Middle School as they prepare to compete in the Long Island History Day competition at Hofstra University this March. The district congratulates all participating students and educators for their outstanding work and dedication to historical scholarship.

Newfield High School art students recently participated in an enriching cultural field trip to The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) in New York City, combining artistic exploration with memorable recreational experiences.

During the visit, students explored the world-renowned museum’s extensive collections, gaining firsthand exposure to masterworks spanning centuries and cultures. The trip provided students with the opportunity to study artistic techniques, styles, and historical contexts, enhancing their classroom learning through direct engagement with fine art.

Following their time at The Met, students had the option to bring lunch or eat at Wollman’s skating rink cafe, with views of Manhattan from Central Park. The day concluded with an exciting ice-skating experience, providing students with an opportunity to relax, have fun, and bond with their classmates after a day of learning.

The trip offered a perfect blend of education, culture, and recreation, leaving students inspired and energized. Newfield High School continues to support experiential learning opportunities that broaden students’ perspectives and foster creativity beyond the classroom.

The Middle Country Central School District (MCCSD) hosted a Legislative Priority Planning Day on Friday, December 12, 2025, bringing together student leaders for a full day of immersive civic engagement and advocacy training.

The event involved members of the district’s Student Legislative Ad Hoc Committee, which is composed of 50 students in grades 9 through 12 from Centereach High School and Newfield High School. Throughout the day, students participated in hands-on workshops and discussions designed to strengthen their understanding of government, advocacy strategies, and legislative priorities as they prepare for the district’s second annual Legislative Advocacy Day, scheduled for February 2026 at the New York State Capitol in Albany.

Students had the opportunity to learn directly from distinguished guest speakers who shared insights into the legislative process and the importance of civic participation. Guest speakers included Assemblyman Doug Smith, Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay, Board of Education President Dawn Sharrock, Superintendent Dr. Roberta Gerold, and Assistant Superintendent for Business Dr. Beth Rella. Each provided mentorship and guidance on effective advocacy, policymaking, and the functioning of state government.

The Legislative Priority Planning Day underscored the district’s commitment to fostering student voice and civic responsibility. By engaging students in real-world policy discussions and advocacy preparation, the Middle Country Central School District continues to empower young leaders to become informed and active participants in the democratic process.

Selden Middle School’s Yearbook Club and staff proudly teamed up this year with Stony Brook Hospital’s CICU Level 5 Unit to support a meaningful community initiative benefiting EJSPJs (Emma & Jack’s Safe PJs). Through this collaborative effort, the Selden Middle School community successfully collected over 65 pairs of cozy pajamas for children in need.

The initiative was met with tremendous generosity and enthusiasm from Selden Middle School students and staff, whose donations helped make a positive impact on families served by EJSPJs. The school extends heartfelt thanks to the Stony Brook CICU Level 5 staff for their partnership and support throughout the collection.

Selden Middle School was also honored to welcome Ms. Patricia Poggi and Mr. Kevin LaValle, who visited the school to show their support for this meaningful cause. Their presence further highlighted the importance of community collaboration and giving back.

Selden Middle School is proud of its Yearbook Club members for leading this effort and demonstrating compassion, teamwork, and civic responsibility. Together, this partnership helped bring comfort and warmth to children who need it most.