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/.
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/.
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/.
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/.
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/.
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/.
