Author: middle-country

Schools throughout the Middle Country Central School District recently came together to celebrate P.S. I Love You Day, a day dedicated to promoting kindness, mental health awareness, and spreading positive messages. In honor of the occasion, students, faculty, and staff wore purple to show visual unity and solidarity with the mission of fostering love and kindness within the school community.

The day was filled with activities designed to inspire positive change and emphasize the importance of kindness. School buildings were decorated with colorful kindness chains, purple hearts, and affirmations, all created by students to help spread love and encourage uplifting words. These heartfelt decorations reminded everyone of the power of kindness and the difference it can make in the lives of others.

“Our district is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for our students, and P.S. I Love You Day is a wonderful opportunity to reinforce that message,” said Dr. Roberta Gerold, Superintendent of Schools. “It was amazing to see our schools unite through the color purple and witness the students’ creativity in sharing affirmations and kindness.”

P.S. I Love You Day, which encourages people to speak out about mental health and create an atmosphere of compassion, is a day that resonates deeply with students and staff alike. It serves as a reminder that small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact and that everyone deserves to feel supported and appreciated. The Middle Country Central School District is proud to have participated in this meaningful initiative and is committed to continuing to foster kindness, unity, and mental well-being among all students.

Elementary schools throughout the Middle Country Central School District recently marked an annual milestone with the celebration of their 100th day of school. Students from across the district participated in a day filled with excitement, creativity, and fun as they celebrated 100 days of learning and growth.

Students embraced the theme of the day with enthusiasm, dressing up as “100-year-old” senior citizens or showcasing their creativity by wearing homemade t-shirts that featured the number 100. The halls were filled with students proudly displaying their outfits, with some adding glasses, walking canes, and grey wigs to complete their look, while others sported colorful T-shirts adorned with artistic representations of the number 100.

In the classroom, the 100th day of school was marked with engaging lessons and activities that highlighted the significance of the number 100. Students participated in a variety of math exercises, including counting by tens, creating groups of 100 items, and completing fun challenges that helped them practice their addition and subtraction skills. Teachers also incorporated art and writing projects where students reflected on the first 100 days of school and imagined what they would be doing in the next 100 days.

A special day unfolded at Hawkins Path Elementary School as 2nd grader Aliyah Baker stepped into the role of Principal for the Day, following her success in raising the most money for the PTA’s annual booster-thon fundraiser. With the help of her dedicated family and friends, Aliyah raised an impressive $1,820 to support the school’s programs and initiatives.

As Principal for the Day, Aliyah made her mark with a series of fun and exciting announcements, bringing joy to both students and staff. In a celebratory mood, she declared:

• No homework for the day, an announcement that brought cheers from students across the school.
• Front of the lunch line passes for the winning classes.
• Extra recess for Aliyah’s 2nd grade class.

Aliyah’s duties didn’t stop there. She made sure to patrol the hallways with her trusty walkie-talkie, embodying the role of principal with a sense of responsibility and excitement. In a special presentation, the Hawkins Path PTA unveiled a new sign for the bus lane, purchased with PTA funds and designed to improve student safety. The sign, which aims to deter drivers from entering the bus lane during arrival and dismissal, was made possible thanks to a stand built by dedicated parent and PTA executive board member, Chris DeMaio.

In large part thanks to the participants of  the booster-thon, Hawkins Path Elementary School is able to continue supporting a variety of enrichment activities and programs for the students. The PTA looks forward to more successful fundraisers in the future!

Students and staff of Eugene Auer Memorial Elementary School came together to celebrate and honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a heartfelt peace assembly. The event was a powerful reminder of Dr. King’s message of equality, kindness, and nonviolence, with student performances serving as the highlight of the program.

The assembly featured a variety of moving and inspiring student performances. The school’s talented musicians showcased their skills, including a beautiful piano accompaniment that captivated the audience. A student skit brought to life the message of peace creatively and engagingly, while the school chorus filled the air with uplifting songs that reinforced the values of harmony and unity. Additionally, interviews with both students and staff explored the personal meanings of peace and reflected on the profound impact Dr. King’s work continues to have on our world today.

The assembly also tied in with the school’s ongoing focus on promoting kindness. The message of peace and kindness resonated throughout the event, with students and staff alike committing to spread these values within their school community. The event was a powerful reminder of the importance of working together for a more compassionate and peaceful world, and it serves as a testament to the values Dr. King championed throughout his life.

High school students from the college business law and AP law and government classes at Middle Country Central School District recently visited Judge Joseph Bianco at the Federal Court in Central Islip. Judge Bianco, who serves on the Second Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in Manhattan, hosted the students for a memorable and educational experience that highlighted the importance of law and citizenship.

The visit began with students attending a naturalization ceremony, during which over 100 individuals were sworn in as new U.S. citizens. This meaningful event provided the students with a firsthand look at the legal process involved in becoming a citizen of the United States. Following the ceremony, Judge Bianco shared insights from his distinguished career, offering students a rare opportunity to hear from a federal judge with over 30 years of experience in the legal field. His reflections on his career and the legal system were both inspiring and informative, offering valuable perspectives for aspiring legal professionals.

The day concluded with an interactive mock trial where students had the chance to assume roles as judges, lawyers, and jurors in a courtroom setting. This hands-on activity allowed students to apply the concepts and skills they’ve been learning in the classroom, while also developing a deeper understanding of how legal proceedings unfold. The field trip provided students with a deeper understanding of the legal system, government, and citizenship, further enriching their academic experiences and fostering a stronger connection to the

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.