Middle Country Central School District Celebrates Lunar New Year

Elementary schools across the Middle Country Central School District celebrated the vibrant and meaningful tradition of the Lunar New Year, embracing the cultural significance of the holiday and engaging students in a variety of hands-on activities. Schools such as Holbrook Road Elementary and Bicycle Path Elementary brought the festivities to life through creative learning experiences and student-led presentations.

“Celebrating Lunar New Year allows our students to explore and appreciate diverse cultures while engaging in creative and meaningful activities,” said Dr. Roberta Gerold, Superintendent of the Middle Country Central School District. “It is so important to us that students not only learn about other cultures but also participate in traditions that build community and global understanding.”

Excitement filled the air at Holbrook Road Elementary School, as students learned about the customs and traditions of the Lunar New Year. Students who celebrated the holiday with their families had the opportunity to share their personal Lunar New Year traditions and the origin of the holiday with their classmates. To mark the Year of the Snake in 2025, students participated in a fun and educational STEM project where they created their snake models. Additionally, students expressed their creativity by making colorful dragon masks, symbolizing strength and good fortune for the new year.

Meanwhile, at Bicycle Path Elementary School, students embraced the Year of the Snake through a series of cultural projects. Each student designed and wore their Year of the Snake headband, while also creating red lanterns to symbolize prosperity and happiness. The activities helped foster an appreciation for the rich traditions and history of the Lunar New Year.

The Lunar New Year celebrations were just one of the many ways Middle Country Central School District encourages cultural education and diversity in the classroom. These events offered students the opportunity to learn, create, and celebrate as they gained a deeper understanding of the significance of this global holiday.

Middle Country Central School District Announces January Students of the Month

The Middle Country Central School District is proud to announce the recipients of the January 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: Mubashirah Hasan from Centereach High School, Rosmalin Paulino from Newfield High School, Sario Mendez from Dawnwood Middle School, and Ethan Mangieri from Selden Middle School.

Mubashirah Hasan, a dedicated and hardworking student, has shown exceptional academic promise during her time at Centereach High School. Having transferred to the district from Queens in middle school, she quickly became an integral part of the school community. Mubashirah has maintained high honor roll status for the past four years, earned a place in both the National Honor Society and World Language Honor Society, and rigorously challenged herself with Advanced Placement and college-level courses.

Beyond academics, Mubashirah has been an active member of several school clubs, including the History Club, Environmental E-Stem Club, and Student Council. Her teachers and peers commend her for her leadership, positivity, and maturity. Mubashirah’s commitment extends to her community work as a tutor and volunteer at the Middle Country Library.

Looking ahead, Mubashirah plans to pursue business management and has already been accepted to prestigious schools, including Fordham University, Farmingdale State College, and SUNY Albany, with aspirations to attend NYU.

Ranked number 7 academically out of 383 students, Rosmalin Paulino is a standout senior at Newfield High School. With a 97.7 unweighted GPA, Rosie has taken 12 Advanced Placement and college-level courses, earning over 35 potential college credits by graduation. Her leadership roles include vice president of the National Honor Society, vice president of the Student Government, and vice president of The Quadrangle, Newfield’s school newspaper.

Rosmalin is known for her intelligence, work ethic, and compassion, earning praise from her teachers for her dedication and ability to lead by example. After applying to top universities such as SUNY Stony Brook, Harvard, and Columbia, Rosie hopes to major in biochemistry and attend medical school, with the goal of becoming a pediatric surgeon.

Sario Mendez, a 7th grader at Dawnwood Middle School, has been recognized for his academic excellence and leadership qualities. With a 97.2 average for his 6th-grade year and a remarkable 99.6 average for the first quarter of this school year, Sario is clearly an outstanding student. He is actively involved in the National Junior Honor Society, the orchestra, the Lego Club, and the Coding Club, among other extracurriculars.

Teachers consistently praise Sario for his intellectual curiosity and willingness to help his peers. Sario aspires to become a police officer, motivated by his admiration for his mother, who he says is his greatest inspiration.

Eighth-grader Ethan Mangieri from Selden Middle School has made a significant impact both academically and in extracurricular activities. Known for his brilliance, motivation, and hard work, Ethan has maintained high honor roll status throughout middle school and currently boasts an impressive 98.3 quarterly average.

Ethan’s talents extend beyond academics—he is an accomplished trumpet player, composer, and karate master. He has written seventy compositions, some of which have been featured in school performances. In addition to his musical pursuits, Ethan is president of the Math Team and participates in the Jazz Band, Chess Club, Lego Robotics Club, and Technology Club.

Ethan plans to double major in music and technology at Stony Brook University, to create innovative music that merges technology and artistry.

The Middle Country Central School District is incredibly proud of these outstanding students and their many achievements. They have demonstrated exceptional dedication to their studies, leadership in their school communities, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world around them. Congratulations to Mubashirah, Rosmalin, Sario, and Ethan on being named the January 2025 Students of the Month!


Dawnwood and Selden Middle Schools Showcase Research at National History Day Symposiums

Eighth-grade students from Dawnwood and Selden middle schools in the Middle Country Central School District recently presented their meticulously researched projects at the National History Day Symposiums. These events were attended by teachers, administrators, and members of the Board of Education, who were deeply impressed with the students’ knowledge, dedication, and expertise in their respective historical topics.

The National History Day Symposium is an academic platform where students can demonstrate their research, critical thinking abilities, and presentation skills while exploring significant historical themes. This year, the projects showcased diverse topics, each reflecting the students’ commitment to uncovering and understanding history through various lenses, including social justice, political movements, and scientific achievements.

The participating students will earn credit toward the Seal of Civic Readiness as part of the district’s ongoing effort to promote civic engagement and community involvement. This prestigious recognition honors students who actively engage in projects that promote social responsibility and a deeper understanding of their communities and history.

“These events truly highlight the exceptional talent and commitment of our students,” said Dr. Roberta Gerold, Superintendent of the Middle Country School District. “It is inspiring to see our young scholars engage so deeply with history, and we are incredibly proud of their accomplishments. The National History Day not only honors their hard work but also empowers them to think critically and contribute meaningfully to the world around them.”

A select group of students from Dawnwood and Selden middle schools will continue to refine their research projects with guidance from their National History Day advisors Lisa Cook for Selden Middle School and Niko Dovas for Dawnwood Middle School. These students will represent the district at the Long Island History Day competition, which will be held in March at Hofstra University. The event serves as a springboard for students to advance to the state and national levels, further showcasing their scholarship and passion for history.

Oxhead Road Fifth Graders Demonstrate Community Service with the Citizenship Project

Fifth graders at Oxhead Road Elementary School demonstrated the true meaning of citizenship and community service through their work with the Citizenship Project. As part of the school’s Character Education Program, students worked together to create beautiful hand-painted artwork to brighten the lives of the residents at Sunrise Nursing Facility in Setauket.

Under the guidance of Ms. Heather Fitzgerald, the character education teacher, and Ms. Michelle Heinz library teaching assistant, the students crafted unique and colorful paintings to be gifted to the elderly residents as holiday presents. The project was designed not only to cultivate creativity and artistic expression but also to instill the values of empathy, kindness, and generosity.

“The goal of this project was to help our students understand the importance of giving back to the community and to spread love and positivity beyond the walls of Oxhead Elementary,” said Ms. Fitzgerald. “It has been an enriching experience for the children to see how their small acts of kindness can make a big impact.”

The students’ hard work and dedication were evident in each piece of art; the smiles on the faces of the Sunrise Nursing Facility residents confirmed the success of the initiative. The heartfelt gesture allowed the students to directly connect with the senior community and make their holiday season brighter.

“This project not only allowed our students to express themselves artistically, but it also taught them valuable lessons about empathy and compassion for others,” said Ms. Heinz. “We are so proud of their efforts and the positive impact they’ve made.”

The Citizenship Project was a resounding success, touching the lives of many and fostering a strong sense of community and kindness. Oxhead Road 5th graders proved that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a lasting and meaningful effect.

NYPD Jazz Band Brings Joy to Unity Drive with Musical Performance

On Friday, the vibrant sounds of the NYPD Jazz Band filled the air at Unity Drive, bringing a special treat to our Pre-K and kindergarten students. The talented musicians performed an exciting set that spanned all genres of music, creating an unforgettable experience for the young audience.

The children were filled with joy as they danced and sang along to the diverse melodies, fully engaging with the performances. The event provided a unique opportunity for the students to experience live music in a fun and interactive setting, fostering creativity and a love for the arts.

“We are so grateful to the NYPD Jazz Band for bringing such energy and joy to our students,” said Denise Ferrera, Unity Drive principal. “Their performance was entertaining and educational, offering a wonderful introduction to different musical styles and cultures.”

The District would like to thank the NYPD Jazz Band for their generous participation and for making this a memorable event for everyone involved and looks forward to future collaborations that inspire and engage the community.

Eugene Auer Students Embrace Powerful Mindsets in Inspiring Schoolwide Assembly

 Eugene Auer Memorial Elementary School kicked off the new calendar year with a dynamic and interactive assembly inspired by the book The Power of One Word. Students from all grade levels gathered to participate in this uplifting event designed to inspire focus and positive growth for the year ahead.

The assembly began with a captivating video presentation of The Power of One Word being read aloud by one of the authors. The book encourages children to select one powerful word to guide their actions, mindset, and goals throughout the year, fostering personal growth and kindness.

Following the video, the school community came together under the direction of Mr. Bernardino, Ms. Buttino, and Ms. Vanore, taking turns sharing words they chose to focus on for the remainder of the year. Words like “courage,” “believe,” “gratitude,” and “kindness” were offered as examples, each selected to encourage students to embrace positivity and personal development in the coming months.

To culminate the exciting assembly, the students and staff participated in a festive New Year’s Eve-style countdown, ringing in the year with enthusiasm and anticipation. Everyone was encouraged to “dress to impress” as they welcomed 2025 with a sense of excitement and renewed purpose.

“We are thrilled to introduce our students to the concepts of The Power of One Word,” said Bruno Bernardino, Eugene Auer Memorial Elementary School principal. “This exercise promotes reflection and self-awareness and helps build a strong sense of community as we support one another’s growth throughout the year.”

As the assembly ended, students and staff left with a renewed sense of purpose and determination, ready to carry their chosen words into the school year. The Power of One Word initiative aims to empower students to focus on their unique strengths, promote kindness, and encourage personal achievement. Eugene Auer Memorial Elementary School looks forward to seeing the positive impact of this initiative throughout 2025, as students continue to embody the power of their chosen words.

Middle Country Central School District Announces December’s Student of the Month

The Middle Country Central School District is proud to announce that Josangel Almonte, Parker Kozlowski, Madisyn DiRocco, and Sofia McArdle have been named the District’s Students of the Month for December. Each has demonstrated exceptional academic performance, a strong commitment to their school communities, and a positive influence on their peers.

Centereach High School student Josangel Almonte is an outstanding student, citizen, and leader. Academically, Josangel’s GPA ranks sixth in his graduating class of 375 seniors. His SAT score ranks him in the top two percent of the country. He has taken 14 advanced placement courses and two college-level courses. He has attained the highest possible score of five on nearly all the AP exams he has taken to date, earning him recognition by the College Board as an AP Scholar with Distinction.

Outside of the classroom, Josangel is involved in various school activities. He is the secretary of the National Honor Society, vice president of the math team, member of the Science Olympiad team, and a member of the Spanish Language Honor Society. He is a member of the Best Buddies Club while in school and also volunteers through his church. He has accumulated more than 1,000 hours of community service, and every summer he goes to the Dominican Republic to assist people with clothing donations. Josangel is waiting to hear from several prestigious schools. Most recently he was accepted to Notre Dame with a significant scholarship. His top choice is Boston University. There he plans to major in Biomedical Engineering before heading off to medical school.

Newfield High School student Parker Kozlowski is on the honor roll with a GPA of 93. Parker is an exemplary student and a leader in the classroom who sets the tone every class period with his diligent work habits and positive attitude. The level of respect and kindness he displays is amazing. Parker is the ideal student who consistently goes above and beyond all expectations put forth by his teachers. After high school, Parker plans to attend Suffolk Community College for two years before transferring to SUNY Cortland where he will study to become certified as a P.E. teacher.

Dawnwood Middle School student Madisyn DiRocco embraces the challenges of middle school with enthusiasm and grace. Her positive attitude shines through in everything she does. Madisyn is an active member of the Peer Leadership Club, where she has participated in initiatives such as the food drive and Kindness Day activities. 

Madisyn was born at just 25 weeks and weighed 1 pound 6 ounces. She spent her first 28 days on a ventilator and battled many serious, life-threatening medical conditions. After 114 days in the hospital, Madisyn was able to go home. Her positive outlook and determination were present at an early age and still are present today. Madisyn’s story was published at Stony Brook’s NICU and presented on Stony Brook’s NICU’s Wall of Hope.

Selden Middle School student Sofia McArdle is a kind, responsible, and helpful student.  She takes pride in her culture and heritage and is a leader both in and outside of the classroom. During the first nine quarters of her middle school career, Sofia maintained a quarterly average that dipped below 99 only twice, and those quarters, one in the sixth grade and one in the seventh grade were 98.8 and 98.9. In her first quarter of eighth grade, Sofia had a perfect 100 average and she may continue that trend in the second quarter. 

Sofia is the secretary of her chapter of the National Junior Honor Society; vice president of the chamber orchestra, where she plays violin; and the concertmaster of the eighth-grade orchestra. Sofia used to kickbox and she has enjoyed doing community service at her church. 


Centereach High School’s National Technical Honor Society Collects 95 Pairs of Pajamas for ‘EJ’s PJ’s’ Pajamas Drive

he National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) at Centereach High School reinforced  its commitment to community service by collecting an impressive 95 pairs of pajamas for the annual EJ’s PJ’s Pajama Drive. This year’s donation effort aimed to bring warmth and comfort to children in need, and thanks to the generosity of students, staff, and the local community, the drive was a resounding success.

EJ’s PJ’s Pajama Drive is an initiative that provides new pajamas to children who may not otherwise have access to such essential items. The NTHS students worked diligently throughout the month to gather the pajamas, which will be distributed to children in local hospitals, shelters, and care facilities. The generosity of Centereach High School’s students and their families ensured that even more children experienced the comfort of a new pair of pajamas this holiday season.

The NTHS members organized the pajama collection, encouraging students and faculty to donate pairs of new pajamas for children of all ages. With the support of the school community, the drive exceeded expectations, with a 95 pairs collection goal of 75.

Centereach High School Choirs Spread Holiday Cheer at St. Charles Hospital Rehabilitation Center

In the spirit of the holiday season, Centereach High School’s Select Vocal Ensemble, Women’s Choir, and Men’s Choir, all under the direction of Mr. Hough and student conductors Joelle Washington and Gavin Whalen,  brought festive joy to the residents and guests of the St. Charles Hospital Rehabilitation Center.

The talented student choirs performed a heartwarming selection of holiday music, spreading cheer and goodwill to those in attendance. Residents were delighted as the groups performed a variety of holiday classics, showcasing their dedication and passion for music. The event provided a moment of joy and community connection, filling the center with the sounds of the season.

“We are so proud of our students and their ability to bring happiness to others through music,” said Brian Hough, the choir director at Centereach High School. “This performance is a beautiful way for our students to give back to the community, and we are thankful for the opportunity to share in this meaningful experience with the residents and staff at St. Charles Hospital.”

The event was made even more special by the leadership of student conductors Joelle Washington and Gavin Whalen, whose hard work and dedication helped bring the performance to life. Their leadership allowed the choirs to perform with skill and confidence, further enriching the holiday spirit.

The visit to St. Charles Hospital Rehabilitation Center is part of Centereach High School’s ongoing commitment to community engagement, where students have the chance to use their talents to make a positive impact on others. The choirs’ performances were a wonderful reminder of the power of music to uplift and connect people, especially during this special time of year.

The Promise of Hope Foundation Spreads Holiday Cheer to Middle Country Elementary Schools with Annual Toy Spectacular

The Promise of Hope Foundation brought joy and excitement to the elementary students of Middle Country with its annual Toy Spectacular, a heartwarming event that brought smiles to hundreds of young faces just in time for the holiday season.

This year, each student from the district’s elementary schools was given the special opportunity to select a free toy to take home. The event created an atmosphere of pure joy; students eagerly picked out gifts, many of them beaming with happiness as they walked away with a toy they had always wanted or a gift they could share with someone they loved.

“We are beyond grateful to The Promise of Hope Foundation for their generosity,” said Dr. Roberta Gerold, Superintendent of Schools. “This event has been a meaningful experience for our students, one they will never forget. The excitement and gratitude on their faces say it all—it’s a true holiday gift that goes beyond just the toys themselves.”

The Annual Toy Spectacular has become a highly anticipated tradition for the Foundation, which strives to bring moments of joy to families and children in need throughout the community. By providing toys at no cost to families, the Promise of Hope Foundation ensures that every child can experience the joy of the season, regardless of their circumstances.