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8/29/22 - A “Jump Start” Into Literacy
The ENL Jump Start summer program provided eight days of fun, learning and new adventures for East Islip’s students. During the weeks of Aug. 15 and 22, enrichment activities were provided for English language learners with a focus on skill development in the area of literacy. Students from kindergartners to seniors were exposed to literature, art, music, STEAM and Latin dance.
“This program was developed to jump start the school year, both socially and academically, supporting our students for the upcoming year,” said Dr. Aileen M. O’Rourke, East Islip’s executive director for special education, pupil personnel services and ENL.
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8/22/22 - Elementary Students Get Inspired by a Day in Clay
Before the 2021-2022 school year was over, fifth graders at East Islip’s John F. Kennedy and Ruth C. Kinney elementary schools participated in an inspiring multicultural Day in Clay potter’s wheel workshop with professional artist, sculptor and potter Cliff Mendelson. The full-day event featured hands-on exploration of vessel making and design, empowering the students with knowledge concerning how vessels are designed and their connection to various cultures.
Samples of finished works were discussed in light of the history of art in various cultures and how its applications are alive in the world today, including African, Native American, Greek and Asian influences. The students inscribed patterns and symbols on newly made vessels using ancient sgraffito techniques.
A practicing artist in the community, Mendelson currently teaches at the Westchester Art Workshop and has taught at Parsons School of Design, Greenwich House Pottery and Hunter College.
“The students enjoyed learning about the process and effort involved in creating ceramics pieces and gained and appreciation for the skill involved making any work of art,” Mendelson said. “Through this program, they were able to witness someone who succeeds at what he enjoys most, while turning it into his life’s work. The students were exposed to seeing an artist create original works of art in an atmosphere that encouraged their inquiry, and involvement.”
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8/15/22 - Communication Stations” Arrive at Elementary Schools
With the help of EJ Autism Foundation founder Bea Huste-Petersen and Wantagh’s Fast Signs company, the East Islip School District recently created and installed “communication station” boards aat each of its four elementary schools – John F. Kennedy Elementary School, Ruth C. Kinney Elementary School, Connetquot Elementary School and Timber Point Elementary School. This new initiative was the brainchild of Connetquot special education teacher Crystal Ann Chiari.
“I saw this communication board at a playground in my home district and thought it would be a great addition to our East Islip community,” Chiari said. “The communication station can be used to help students with language difficulties while on the playground, and it uses icons that students can point to in order to help them socialize with peers and adults.”
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8/10/22 - HS Artists Celebrate Sierra Leone Children With Memory Project
HS Artists Celebrate Sierra Leone Children With Memory Project “It’s such an amazing opportunity to have this experience, and our tradition of continuing the Memory Project continues,” teacher Heather Toomey said. “The National Art Honor Society students that participated did such a wonderful job and I want to thank them for the art they made from their hearts and souls to give something special to these children."
"This project is a great way for students to share their talents with others, and it is a powerful project to participate in,” teacher Dan Figliozzi said. “It makes me happy knowing our students are creating beautiful artworks for children across the globe.”
“It’s such an amazing opportunity to have this experience, and our tradition of continuing the Memory Project continues,” teacher Heather Toomey said. “The National Art Honor Society students that participated did such a wonderful job and I want to thank them for the art they made from their hearts and souls to give something special to these children."
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8/9/22 - Rossa Wins Silver at State Games
Figure skater Vanessa Rossa, an incoming sophomore at East Islip High School, won a silver medal at the State Games of America, held July 27-31 in Des Moines, Iowa. The SGA is an Olympic-style event featuring competition between State Games medal winners from across the nation.
Rossa qualified to compete in the Pre-Juvenile Excel level after winning a gold medal in the Empire State Winter Games at Lake Placid in February. During the Games, the largest multi-sport amateur athletic winter sporting event in North America, was also part of the bronze-medal-winning Team Rinx synchronized skating team.
Rossa won another gold medal in the Excel National Festival, held July 14-17 in Norwood, Massachusetts.
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8/1/22 - EIMS Concert Band Proves “Superior”
East Islip Middle School’s Eighth Grade Concert Band participated in the annual Music in the Parks festival on June 3, held in Allentown, Pennsylvania, earning the day’s only Superior rating among all ensembles. Following their performance, the band visited Dorney Park, where they enjoyed going on rides and playing games.
“The students played their hearts out and did extremely well,” Band Director Concetta Stevens said. “I am so incredibly proud of their performance and how they represented both our music department and East Islip School District. I also thank the eiMAPS organization for their very generous contribution to help defray the cost of the trip.”
“We could not be prouder of our hardworking band students, under the guidance of Mrs. Stevens,” said Dr. Robert Wottawa II, the district’s director of art, ENL, music and world languages. “Due to her professionalism and passion for teaching, our students had a high level of success.”
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New Math and Science Director Named
Michael Hansen was recently appointed as the East Islip School District’s new math and science director, replacing the late Frank Pillitteri. Hansen had served as an assistant principal at East Islip High School for the last year. He previously worked for 22 years in the Connetquot School District as a science teacher and then as dean of students.
A Rocky Point resident, Hansen earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Rhode Island and master’s degree in education and administrative certification from Stony Brook University.
“I am very grateful and excited about my new role with the district and eager to serve the East Islip community in this new capacity,” Hansen said. “I hope to continue the work – while honoring the memory – of Frank Pilliteri by continuing to grow the math, science and STEAM programs, as well as nurture student engagement in these areas. I look forward to working with the outstanding staff, parents and students in this community.”
