Middle Country Central School District in the Media

Middle Country Central School District Presents Profile In Courage Award to NYS Assemblyman Steve Englebright

School District Superintendent, Roberta Gerold; Board of Education President, Dr. Karen Lessler; and Board of Education Vice President, Kristopher Oliva recently presented New York State Assemblyman Steve Englebright with a Profile In Courage Award. Assemblyman Englebright was presented the award to celebrate his exemplary leadership and dedication to the success of public education.

School District Superintendent, Roberta Gerold (second from right), Board of Education President, Dr. Karen Lessler (left) and Board of Education Vice President Kristopher Oliva (right) presented New York State Assemblyman Steve Englebright (second from left) with a Profile In Courage Award for his leadership and dedication to improving public education.

Newfield High School Wolverines Football Team Wins the Long Island Class II Championship

At a recent District Board of Education meeting, Director of Physical Education, Health and Athletics Joseph Mercado presented the Newfield High School Wolverines Varsity Football Team and coaches with Certificates of Pride for winning the Long Island Class II Championship this season. The team completed an undefeated season for the first time in the program’s 58-year history and ended the season with an island-wide championship title. The athletes were honored for their dedication and commitment to their sport and for their superb athletic skill.

In addition, the team was presented with the Rutger’s Trophy, an award given by the Rutgers Club of Long Island to the season’s outstanding team in Suffolk County. Two students athletes and players Elijah Riley and Jelani Greene also received recognition for their talent. Riley received the Carl A. Hanson and Tom Cassesse awards, presented to Suffolk County’s top player and the top defensive back respectively. Greene received the school’s first National Football Foundation award, presented to Suffolk County’s top wide receiver.

Newfield High School Wolverines Varsity Football team and their coaches were awarded Certificates of Pride for their outstanding athletic performance throughout the season and for being named the Long Island Class II Champions. The students and coaches were presented with the award at a recent board meeting by Director of Physical Education, Health and Athletics Joseph Mercado.

Newfield High School student and varsity football player, Jelani Greene, received the school’s first National Football Foundation award. In addition to winning the Long Island Class II Championship with his team, Jelani received this recognition as Suffolk County’s top wide receiver.

Newfield High School student and varsity football player, Elijah Riley, received the Carl A. Hanson and Tom Cassesse awards. In addition to winning the Long Island Class II Championship with his team, Elijah received this recognition as Suffolk County’s top player and the top defensive back respectively.

Holiday Traditions at Unity

“English as New Language Learners” Make Gingerbread Houses With Family

In celebration of the holiday season, kindergarten students at Unity Drive Pre-K/Kindergarten Center are studying holiday traditions for Hanukah, Kwanza and Christmas. One of those traditions involved making gingerbread houses. Families joined students who are “English as new language learners” to celebrate a tradition that transcends all languages and cultures.

Unity Drive Pre-K/Kindergarten “English as new language learners” and their families built gingerbread houses as they continue their lessons in holiday traditions

Middle Country Central School District Presents Appreciation Award to Assemblyman Al Graf

Superintendent Roberta Gerold and Board of Education President, Dr. Karen Lessler, present New York State Assemblyman Al Graf with a well-deserved Appreciation Award.   Assemblyman Graf was presented the Appreciation Award to celebrate his unwavering dedication and support for improving public education. For years, the Assemblyman has defended public education; pushing for increased funding and bringing power back to local school districts. Dr. Lessler says the award was to thank Assemblyman Graf for believing in public education, taking a stand and fighting for children.

Superintendent Roberta Gerold (right) and Board of Education President, Dr. Karen Lessler (left), presented New York State Assemblyman Al Graf with an Appreciation Award for his dedication and support of improving public education. Assemblyman Graf has been a constant defender of public education, trying to bring funding and power back to local school districts.

Middle Country Students Selected as NYSSMA All-State Musicians                 Six students selected to perform in Statewide Concert

Six student musicians and three alternate student musicians from the Middle Country Central School District (MCCSD) were selected to perform in the New York State School Music Association’s (NYSSMA) All-State Performing Ensembles. Newfield High School students Tyler Berns and Dorothy Burns were chosen for the All-State Symphonic Band and the All-State Women’s Chorus, respectively. Centereach High School students Michaela Catapano, Troy Lee, Sherry Mayce and Emily Napoli were chosen for the All-State Women’s Choir, the All-State Mixed Chorus, the All-State Women’s Chorus and the All-State Symphony Orchestra, respectively. Alternates selected were James LaCava (Voice) from Newfield High School and Rachel Schaarschmidt (Violin) and James Vann (Voice) from Centereach High School. Selected students participated in the concerts at the Eastman Theatre in Rochester, New York during the annual NYSSMA Winter Conference held from December 3 to December 6, 2015.

More than 6,500 students auditioned for this honor and the six from MCCSD were among the 900 students in all of New York State to be selected. Congratulations to the students’ teachers Ms. Heather Wesnofske, Mr. Brian Hough, Ms. Joan Meichner, Mr. Ed Adams, Ms. Kristi Adams, Mr. Tom Austin and Dr. Harold Goldstein.

(NYSSMA All-State): Middle Country Central School District student musicians Tyler Berns, Dorothy Burns, Michaela Catapano, Troy Lee, Sherry Mayce and Emily Napoli were selected to perform in the NYSSMA All-State Performing Ensembles at the Eastman Theatre in Rochester, New York. Alternate student musicians James LaCava, Rachel Schaarschmidt and James Vann were also selected. Not pictured: James Vann.

Centereach High School Performs Drama ‘Cinderella

The Middle Country Central School District’s Centereach High School Theatre Department recently put on a production of the Drama “Cinderella.” Members of the Centereach community, students and faculty showed up to watch students transform into the famous characters and tell the tale of the famous characters.

Audience members even wore costumes of their favorite Cinderella characters. Before the show, at ‘Prince Charming’s Royal Ball’ the cast approached the crowd to greet some of the young princes and princesses in the audience while snacking on some Royal Treats.

For more information about the Middle Country Central School District and upcoming theatrical performances, please visit the district’s website at www.mccsd.net

Middle Country Central School District’s Centereach High School recently performed a production of “Cinderella,” for families of the District and members of the Centereach Community.

Middle Country Central School District’s Centereach High School cast of this year’s production of “Cinderella,” greeted audience members in costume in preparation of the show.

Four Students are Recognized For Their Academic and Extra-Curricular Achievements

Centereach, NY (November 2, 2015) — Four students from the Middle Country Central School District were recently named October Students of the Month for achieving excellence as leaders in the areas of academics, athletics, music and extracurricular activities. Centereach High School senior Isaiah Washington, Newfield High School senior Brianna Reyes, Dawnwood Middle School eighth grader Joshua Ackerler and Selden Middle School eighth grader Tyler Alestra are this month’s honorees.

“These students not only impress us academically, but through their positivity, values and character,” said Middle Country Central School District Superintendent of Schools Dr. Roberta Gerold. “We are extremely proud of the people they are becoming in the classroom and beyond.”

Centereach High School senior Isaiah Washington will graduate in June 2016 having completed four Advanced Placement (AP) courses and seven college-level courses. Outside the classroom, Isaiah is heavily involved in the musical department. He has been in musical productions since his time at Dawnwood Middle School. In his NYSSMA competitions, he has earned perfect scores for his vocal and piano solos for six years and was recently selected to participate in the NYSSMA All-State festival in Rochester, NY. He was also recognized to perform this year at the NAFME All-National Festival in Nashville, TN. Isaiah is also involved in a lot of charity work through his church where he worked with disabled, orphaned children in Ecuador and sang for patients at St. Charles Hospital. After college, Isaiah hopes to pursue a doctorate in Music Education and teach music at the high school or college level.

Newfield High School senior Brianna Reyes is currently enrolled in four college level courses and one advanced placement course. Brianna is the G.O. President, playing an active role in the planning, execution and participation in events such as Homecoming, Trick or Treat Street, Holiday Lane, blood drives and many other day-to-day tasks. She is also a member of National Honor Society, the varsity field hockey team and varsity lacrosse team. Brianna plans to attend William Paterson University where she was scouted to play field hockey and will major in elementary education.

Joshua Ackerler has maintained High Honor Roll status since entering Dawnwood Middle School in sixth grade. He is now an eighth grader and is praised by teachers for the pride he takes in his work. Josh’s strong character was commended by his teacher who added that it is a rare find for someone at Joshua’s young age.

Tyler Alestra has shown dedication and diligence toward his school work. Tyler was a member of the Selden Fire Department Juniors and a competitor on a community soccer league, which he has temporarily put on hold to focus on his studies. He is admired by Selden Middle School staff for his positive attitude and character, having helped a student when visibly upset about an interpersonal conflict. Tyler aspires to become a psychologist to help those around him.

For more information regarding Middle Country Schools and district happenings please visit the district’s website: middlecountry.k12.ny.us.

Middle Country Central School District’s Centereach High School October Student of the Month Isaiah Washington will graduate in June 2016 having completed four Advanced Placement (AP) courses and seven college-level courses. Outside the classroom, Isaiah is heavily involved in the musical department. After college, Isaiah hopes to pursue a doctorate in Music Education and teach music at the high school or college level.

Middle Country Central School District’s Newfield High School Student of the Month Brianna Reyes is currently enrolled in four college level courses and one advanced placement course. Brianna is the G.O. President, playing an active role in the planning, execution and participation in events such as Homecoming, Trick or Treat Street, Holiday Lane, blood drives and many other day-to-day tasks. Brianna plans to attend William Paterson University where she was scouted to play field hockey and will major in elementary education.

Middle Country Central School District’s Dawnwood Middle School October Student of the Month Joshua Ackerler has maintained High Honor Roll status since entering Dawnwood Middle School in sixth grade. He is now an eighth grader and is praised by teachers for the pride he takes in his work. Josh’s strong character was commended by his teacher who added that it is a rare find for someone at Joshua’s young age.

Middle Country Central School District’s Selden Middle School October Student of the Month Tyler Alestra has shown dedication and diligence toward his school work though he sometimes struggles. He is admired by Selden Middle School staff for his positive attitude and character, having helped a student when visibly upset about an interpersonal conflict. Tyler aspires to become a psychologist to help those around him.

Senior Varsity Volleyball Player Scored Over 1,000 “Kills” Throughout Career

Middle Country Central School District’s Newfield High School Senior Gabrielle Darnaby will be honored before the “Senior Volleyball Game” for scoring over 1,000 kills throughout her varsity volleyball career. Gabrielle will receive an award and be presented with a volleyball that will remain in the school’s trophy case. Each senior student athlete will also be introduced and their accomplishments shared with approximately 100 spectators including sports fans, friends, family and school administrators.

A “kill” refers to an attack that leads directly to a point. Not many athletes ever reach this mark, as in comparison to sports such as basketball where each basket equates to two or three points each, volleyball points are gained one point at a time. Gabrielle is the first student throughout coach Christy Innes’s 16 years of coaching to receive this honor.

Gabrielle has been a member of the Varsity Volleyball team for five years. In ninth grade Gabrielle was recognized as “All League,” in tenth grade “All Conference” and in eleventh grade “All County.” Gabrielle was also named Athlete of the Month in September 2014 and Female Athlete of the Month in September 2015. During her junior and senior years, Gabrielle was named the Max Preps/AVCA Player of the Week. She was also named Newsday’s Top 25 Players to Watch on Long Island this year.

  

Gabrielle Darnaby receiving an award for scoring over 1,000 “kills” throughout her volleyball career.

 Gabrielle Darnaby receiving a game ball for scoring over 1,000 “kills” throughout her volleyball career.

 

Students Overcome Physical and Mental Challenges During Physical Education Field Trip

Approximately 40 Centereach High School (CHS) students went on an adventure as they visited Long Island Adventure Park for a physical education field trip. At the park, students overcame physical and mental challenges as they worked together to climb and traverse wires and wooden obstacles 30 feet in the air. After conquering each course, the students were rewarded with a zip-line glide down to the ground. The field trip is part of the District’s dynamic physical education program which aims to promote teamwork in conjunction with healthy living practices.

Centereach High School recently announced two scholastically talented students have been named Commended Students in the 2016 National Merit Scholarship Program. Students, Kyle R. Grolz and Peter M. Van Nostrand have scored among the top 5% of the more than 1.5 million students who took the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) and are among 34,000 Commended Students throughout the country recognized for their exceptional academic promise.

Kyle R. Grolz was announced as a Commended Student in the 2016 National Merit Scholarship Program for scoring among the top 5% of the more than 1.5 million students who took the PSAT.

 Peter M. Van Nostrand was announced as a Commended Student in the 2016 National Merit Scholarship Program. He is among 34,000 Commended Students throughout the country recognized for their exceptional academic promise.