Holbrook Road Elementary School Welcomes NYPD Jazz Band

Holbrook Road Elementary School was recently honored with a visit from the New York Police Department’s Jazz Band. The ensemble, comprised of 18 talented members from the ranks of the NYPD’s police band, delighted students and staff with a lively performance of jazz and pop standards.

“We are thrilled to have had the NYPD Jazz Band visit our school. Their performance was not only entertaining but also educational. Our students were introduced to a genre of music they may not be familiar with, and they learned about the important role music plays in our society,” said Dr. Craig Unkenholz, Holbrook Road Elementary School Principal. “We are incredibly grateful to the NYPD Jazz Band for taking the time to perform for our students. Their visit has left a lasting impression on our school community, and we look forward to future collaborations.”

The NYPD Jazz Band, known for their musical prowess and dedication to community outreach, brought a unique blend of entertainment and education to the school. Their performance not only showcased their musical talents but also provided an opportunity for students to learn about the rich history and cultural significance of jazz music.

Middle Country Schools Celebrate Thanksgiving

Schools across the Middle Country School District celebrated Thanksgiving in various ways before heading into their break. The celebrations were inspired by a variety of different subjects including art, nutrition, and STEM.

At Oxhead Road Elementary School, students created their version of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, complete with drawings of balloon dogs inspired by artist Jeff Koons. Holbrook Road Elementary School held a parade, with students showcasing their STEM project, Balloons Over Broadway. This project challenged students to design a method to keep their balloon suspended in the air as if it were filled with helium.

Another example of how students in the District celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday took place at Selden Middle School, where students engaged in a math-based scavenger hunt to find the missing turkey. The turkey was eventually found in the school library, thanks to the students’ problem-solving skills.

At Centereach High School, students participated in a disguise a turkey art project, adding a creative twist to the holiday celebration. Newfield High School students in the Food and Nutrition and Culinary Techniques classes prepared a full spread of Thanksgiving foods and held a Friendsgiving celebration.

Newfield High School Tri-M Honor Society Sleighs at the Selden Fire House Tree Lighting Ceremony

Newfield High School’s Tri-M Honor Society, under the direction of Dr. Harold Goldstein, brought holiday cheer to the Selden Fire House Tree Lighting ceremony with a performance of classic holiday carols. The talented group of students, all members of the prestigious Tri-M Music Honor Society, showcased their musical abilities and holiday spirit, adding a festive touch to the annual tree-lighting event. The performance included a variety of traditional carols, delighting attendees of all ages.

Dr. Goldstein, the director of the Tri-M Honor Society, expressed his pride in the students. “These young musicians have worked tirelessly to prepare for this performance. Their dedication to their craft and their community is truly inspiring.”

The Selden Fire House Tree Lighting is a beloved community event that marks the beginning of the holiday season. The addition of live music by the Tri-M Honor Society members added a special touch to this year’s ceremony.

“We are grateful to the Tri-M Honor Society members and Dr. Goldstein for their wonderful performance,” said Dr. Diana Cook, Director of Music, Fine Arts, and Community Relations at the District. “Their music brought joy and warmth to the tree lighting ceremony and we look forward to their future performances.”

Centereach High School Presents Hansel and Gretel

Centereach High School recently staged Hansel and Gretel, a play based on the famous Brothers Grimms story. The classic fairy tale was vividly brought to life by a group of talented young thespians.

The production was a collaborative effort among students, the drama department, the music department, and the art department. The actors worked tirelessly to create a visually stunning and captivating performance that transported the audiences into the enchanting world of European folklore.

 Patricia Duryea., the director of production, was moved by the commitment and talent of the students. “I am so incredibly proud of the dedication and talent they displayed,” she said. “These students have truly embraced the magic of theatre and have worked so hard to bring this beloved fairy tale to life.”

Under Ms. Duryea’s careful guidance, the students researched and worked for months to perfect their roles and bring the story to life. From the intricate set design to the beautiful costumes and the captivating performances, Hansel and Gretel was a challenging work but provided a visual and auditory feast for the audience.

Cast:

Hansel – Shivam Mahadevan
Gretel – Amanda Gallarello
Witch – Addison Kirk
Mother – Angela Thomas
Father – John Woolard
Angel – Dee D’Andraia
Ole (Sandman) – Allen Zeng
Vigo – Rowen Willis
Sonje – Alex Senior
Maida – Ecrin Uyar
Johna – Zachary Voskinarian
Astrid – Dakota White
Ulva (Dwarf) – Reese FOley
Thorin (Dwarf) – James Rutkowski
Thorin (Dward) Understudy – Kaleb Fernandez
Olga (Elf Princess) – Sharbojoya Mattrik
Helga (Elf) – Alicia Robles
Llega (Elf) – Liana Chivu
Ensemble (Dwarfs/Fairies) Garbelisa Destra, Renand IBrahim and Julia Nissen

Middle Country Central School District Salutes the Heroes That Served Our Country

Middle Country Central School District’s elementary schools celebrated Veterans Day with events and activities that honored the brave Americans who served in the armed forces. Throughout the district, elementary schools organized a veterans parade, breakfast, and various classroom lessons and activities that instilled a sense of gratitude and appreciation among the students.

Holbrook Road Elementary School and New Lane Elementary School, for example, hosted a heartwarming veterans parade, during which local veterans were invited to walk through the school hallways lined with students, teachers, and staff. The parade route was adorned with flags and posters created by the students, showcasing their artistic talents and patriotism. The community came together to cheer and applaud the veterans, expressing their gratitude for their service and sacrifice. 

Over at Eugene Auer Elementary School and Bicycle Path Elementary School, students engaged in various activities and lessons designed to foster appreciation and respect for veterans. In one heartwarming activity, the students wrote thank you letters and cards expressing their admiration for \veterans in the community. Additionally, students created flags and posters that were proudly displayed throughout the school buildings. 

Habitat for Humanity

Students from Middle Country School District’s National Tech Honor Society, DECA, and the LGBTQ+ clubs recently volunteered their time and skills to help build a house in Riverhead in partnership with Habitat for Humanity.

The students, who are part of various clubs and societies at the schools, came together to contribute to a cause that directly impacts their local community. The project not only provided a home for a family in need but also offered the students a unique opportunity to apply their technical skills in a real-world setting.

“We are incredibly proud of our students for their dedication and commitment to serving their community,” said Dr. Roberta Gerold, Superintendent of Schools. “This project allowed them to utilize their technical skills, learn about the importance of affordable housing, and understand the value of teamwork and community service.”

The students worked alongside Habitat for Humanity professionals, learning about construction, project management, and the importance of affordable housing. The project also fostered a sense of unity among the students, as they worked together to achieve a common goal.

Middle Country Central School District Student Hannah Hughes Claims Second Consecutive Suffolk All-Around Individual Title

Hannah Hughes, a standout gymnast from Middle Country Central School District, has once again proven her exceptional talent by claiming her second consecutive Suffolk all-around individual title on Friday, November 3, 2023. This achievement comes just four days after she set a personal best on floor exercise and led Middle Country Central School District to its first team county championship in 20 years.

“Hughes’ dedication, talent, and consistent performance have made her a role model for young gymnasts in the region,” said Melissa Valentino, Middle Country Central School District’s Coach. “As Hannah prepares for the state championships she continues to inspire others with her commitment to excellence in the sport of gymnastics.”

Hughes scored an impressive 38.200 at the competition held at West Islip High School. This victory further cements her status as one of the top gymnasts in the region and sets her up for a promising run at the upcoming state championships.

Hannah Hughes is now setting her sights on the all-around state championship and the vault state title, both of which she has previously won. If successful, this will be her second straight all-around state championship and third straight vault state title. The state championships are scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Clarence High School.

Middle Country Central School District Fourth Grade Students Participate in SCMEA PEAK Festival

Middle Country Central School District is proud to announce that five fourth-grade students were recently selected to participate in the Suffolk County Music Educators SCMEA PEAK (for Parents, Educators, and Kids) Festival.

“Our students had a fantastic time participating in the SCMEA PEAK Festival, and we are incredibly proud of their achievements. We believe that such experiences such as this enrich musical skills and contribute to overall personal development,” said Dr. Roberta Gerold, Superintendent of Schools. “Thank you to the Suffolk County Music Educators for organizing such a wonderful event and for providing our students with this opportunity. We look forward to participating in the SCMEA PEAK Festival in the coming years and continuing to support our students in their musical journeys.”

SCMEA PEAK is a unique festival designed specifically for fourth-grade students. It provides an opportunity for students to create music alongside their parents and music teachers, fostering a collaborative and creative environment. This year’s festival featured a diverse range of musical activities, including ukulele, Drumtastic Drum Alive, folk dancing, parachute games, singing, world music

Centereach High School E-STEM Club Cleans the Beach

Centereach High School’s E-STEM Club recently participated in its annual beach clean-up initiative, demonstrating its commitment to environmental conversation and community service.

The students visited West Meadow Beach for their first clean-up of the year, where they collected approximately 12 bags of trash. This initiative is part of the club’s ongoing efforts to promote environmental awareness and responsibility among students and the broader community.

“We are incredibly proud of our E-STEM Club students for their dedication to preserving our local environment, said Ms. Agnieszka Taciak, E-STEM Club advisor. “Their hard work not only helps keep our beaches clean but also serves as a powerful example of the positive impact young people can have in their communities.”

The E-Stem Club is an environmental-based STEM club with members who work together to raise awareness of environmental conservation and respect for local wildlife, vegetables, beaches, and soils. The beach clean-up is designed to provide students with hands-on experience in environmental conversation, while also contributing to the cleanliness and preservation of local natural resources. 

Middle Country Central School District Outstanding October Students of the Month

The Middle Country Central School District has a community of dedicated and exceptional students whose character and achievements continuously deserve to be recognized. Congratulations to Erin Ersoy, Angelie Falcones, and Kara Nunez.

Centereach High School’s senior student Erin Ersoy amazes the staff and her peers with her positive attitude and her approach to school, life, and the challenges ahead.  People feel inspired when around Erin. They are left in awe of her drive, dedication, and compassion for others. Many of her teachers agree that she is wise beyond her years and has used her own experiences to foster a unique sense of kindness and generosity.

Erin took some of the darkest days of her life and turned it into something positive. She is now giving back by helping raise awareness about childhood cancer and trying to help others who are faced with the same diagnosis she had. Erin, with the help of Mr. Joseph Mercado, the District’s Director of Physical Education, Health, and Athletics, spearheaded a school initiative that grew into a county-wide program. She spoke to all the athletic directors in Suffolk County, convincing them to buy into having all their athletes wear gold shoelaces in September to help raise awareness of childhood cancer. She raised thousands of dollars for the Daniela Conte Foundation.

Selden Middle School’s student Kara Nunez was a popular choice amongst the staff for nominations. Many of her teachers were quick to describe Kara as a wonderful and outstanding student.  She is self-motivated and takes pride in her work. Since her first quarter in sixth grade, Kara has maintained a quarterly average of 95 or better. She has improved her yearly GPA each year.

Kara’s favorite subject is Art because she likes to tap into her creativity. She also enjoys ELA and Social Studies. Kara is a member of the Drama Club and Art Club and she is currently the President of the Best Buddies Club. Outside of school, she is taking karate lessons.

Eighth-grade Dawnwood Middle School student Angelie Falcone is a wonderful and fantastic bass player.  She has been the bass section leader every year since sixth grade. Angelie’s overall average for her sixth and seventh grade school years is 96.6 and her average for the first quarter of this school year is also 96.

Angelie is involved in many activities outside of the classroom. She served as the President of the National Junior Honor Society and is currently the President of the Advisory Club. Angelie is also a member of the Yearbook Club, member of the Dawnwood Field Hockey Team, the Dawnwood Lacrosse Team, and the Dawnwood Basketball Team. Angelie participates in many hours of community service. This includes assisting children at the Middle Country Library with reading, arts and crafts, science projects, and crocheting. Angelie can also be found volunteering at the Old Towne Gardens scaring visitors in their haunted house.