Month: January 2024

Middle Country Central School District is proud to announce that 15 talented students have recently been selected to participate in the prestigious Long Island String Festival Association (LIFSA). 

The Long Island String Festival Association is a well-regarded organization that brings together the most talented young musicians across Long Island. It provides an opportunity for students to showcase their skills, learn from professionals, and collaborate with their peers in an enriching musical experience.

Our selected talented students have consistently demonstrated their passion and dedication for music,” said Dr. Diana Cook, Director of Music, Fine Arts, and Community Media Relations. “Their selection for the Long Island String Festival Association is a testament to their hard work and talent. They have been chosen among a competitive pool of applicants, highlighting their exceptional musical abilities. Congratulations and well done!”

Heather Wesnofske, Kimberly Tynebor, Max Woods, Kevin Matias, Dan Martinez, and  Melanie Maiorca played a crucial role in nurturing the musical talents of these students. Under their guidance, the 15 students have flourished, and their commitment to excellence and their ability to inspire the students have been instrumental in their selection.

School	Division	Name	Instrument
Centereach High School	D 11-12	Jillian Garcia	Violin
Centereach High School	D 11-12	Nadine Torillo	Violin
Centereach High School	D 9-10	Danielle Andrada	Violin
Dawnwood Middle School	D 7-8	Jacob Khazanovich	Violin
Dawnwood Middle School	D 6	Jennilyn Espinosa	Violin
Hawkins Path Elementary School	D 5	Patrick Long	Double Bass
Jericho Elementary School	D 5	Sophia Doscher	Violin
New Lane Elementary School	D 5	Luke Giglio	Double Bass
Newfield High School School	D 9-10	Sophie Chen	Violin
Newfield High School	D 9-10	Alexandra Kathleen	Violin
Newfield High School	D 11-12	Emma Geraci	Violin
North Coleman Road School	D 5	Isis Whalen	Violin
Selden Middle School	D 6	Rebecca Orban	Violin
Selden Middle School	D 7-8	Peyton Melideo	Violin
Stagecoach Elementary School	D 5	Samanta Austin	Violin

In a heartwarming display of unity and aspiration that highlighted the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Jericho Elementary School students recently participated in a special storytelling session in honor of the iconic civil rights leader. 

During the session, the students listened to a captivating story about Dr. King’s remarkable journey and his tireless efforts to fight for civil rights and equality for all. The story emphasized the significance of Dr. King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech, which continues to resonate with people around the world.

In a creative portion of the program, students were encouraged to express their dreams and aspirations by crafting “I Have a Dream” crowns. The students adorned their crowns with colorful markers and symbols and words that represented their dreams for a better world.

Eighth-grade students from Dawnwood and Selden Middle Schools in the Middle Country School District recently presented their research projects to a distinguished audience at a National History Day Symposium. The event was attended by teachers, administrators, and members of the Board of Education, all of whom were very impressed with the students’ dedication and expertise in their chosen topics.

Participating students were selected by their social studies teachers based on their commitment and enthusiasm for their research projects. Projects revolved around this year’s contest theme, “Turning Points in History,” allowing the students to explore significant events that have shaped the world we live in today.

The presentations included a diverse range of project formats, including trifold and Google Slides presentations, websites, and research papers. These projects are part of the District’s capstone research initiative, which aims to provide students with an opportunity to delve deep into their research and develop their critical thinking and research skills.

Participating students will also earn credit toward the Seal of Civic Readiness, recognizing their dedication to civic engagement and community involvement. Furthermore, a select number of students will continue to work closely with their National History Day advisors to refine their projects for the upcoming Long Island History Day at Hofstra University in March.

New Lane Elementary School, in partnership with their PTA and BOCES Arts-in-Education, recently organized an exhilarating laser light show that promoted anti-bullying, teamwork, and doing the right thing. The event captivated students with a mesmerizing display of laser lights while delivering a powerful message.

“The laser light show provided an innovative and engaging platform to educate students about the importance of standing up against bullying and promoting a positive school environment,” said Robin Newberg, Principal of New Lane Elementary School. “Our students were entertained while they learned valuable lessons about empathy, respect, and inclusivity. ”

The captivating visuals and interactive elements of the laser show served as a backdrop to convey the message of doing the right thing. By integrating dance and the science of lasers, the show aimed to inspire students to find joy in learning while emphasizing the significance of making positive changes.”

To further reinforce the positive message and values, several dedicated teachers volunteered to be part of the laser light show. They actively participate in a laser light show game, demonstrating the power of collaboration and unity. By showcasing their ability to work together as a team, the teachers set an example for the students, encouraging them to support and uplift one another.

The students at Hawkins Path Elementary School are embracing the winter season by participating in a unique STEM activity: A snowman-building challenge! The project engages fourth-grade students in hands-on learning while fostering their creativity and problem-solving skills.

The STEM snowman building challenge encourages students to apply what they have learned in critical thinking and engineering to construct innovative and structurally sound snowman. The challenge not only provides a fun and interactive experience but also promotes teamwork and collaboration among students.

Throughout the challenge,  students worked in groups to design and build their snowmen using various materials and techniques. They were required to consider factors such as balance, stability, and aesthetics. To further enhance the learning experience of the challenge, students documented their design process, recorded observations, and analyzed the results.