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9/29/2021 - Senior Pitcher Kyra Kreuscher Earns All-State Nod

Senior softball player Kyra Kreuscher was recently named a Second Team All-State athlete for her exceptional results during the 2021 season. The League IV Pitcher of the Year also earned All-County, All-Long Island and NFCA Regional All-American accolades. Kreuscher’s season highlights include a 12-1 record, 0.80 ERA, 14.6 strikes per game (based on seven innings), 2.08 strikes per inning, 165 strikes in 79 innings, 32 RBI in 15 games, five home runs, six doubles, 26 hits, a .500 batting average and a .904 slugging average.

9/28/2021 - Start With Hello Celebrates Inclusion

The high school recently devoted a week to exploring the Sandy Hook Promise’s Start With Hello Week, an age-appropriate program geared toward students of all ages that stresses the importance of positivity with various themes and events, each day focusing on inclusivity and anti-bullying.

The week at the high school began on Sept. 20, with a visit from Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department representatives, who discussed the “See Something, Say Something” program with students during physical education classes. The representatives spoke about the importance of being vigilant and reaching out to fellow classmates, and raised awareness about social isolation.

Throughout the week, over 75 students assisted in hanging up positive banners, posters and sticky notes on lockers around the building, and the National Art Honor Society created an Instagram picture board for students to take selfies with during lunch periods.

“This past year and a half, students all over have lived through so much,” Assistant Principal Jean Marie D’Aversa said. “The Start With Hello program teaches them how our strength lies in celebrating each one of our differences, not our similarities. If we can begin this year fostering a mindset of inclusion and acceptance, then we can start on a path where we grow together as a building and we come back stronger than ever.”

9/28/2021 - RCK PTA Appreciates “Superhero” Staff

The PTA at RCK sponsored a superhero-themed Staff Appreciation Breakfast on Sept. 17. The PTA had previously provided the staff with a superhero gift on the first day of school. 

“The entire RCK staff would like to thank our awesome PTA, led by President Dorgan, for the delicious breakfast,” said Principal Janet Jones. “The RCK PTA as always been an integral part of helping create a successful school year. The effort to provide the entire staff with such thoughtful special recognition was greatly appreciated.”

9/27/2021 - Diver Kelsey Kreuscher Heads to States

High school sophomore Kelsey Kreuscher competed in the Connetquot Diving Invitational on Sept. 26, scoring a personal best of 485.35, receiving five scores of 9 on her dives throughout the competition and placing second to teammate Morgan Cassidy. Both girls qualified for the New York State Swimming and Diving Championships, to be held Nov. 17-18 in Ithaca.

9/22/2021 - “Hands-On” History at EIHS

High school freshmen and sophomores in Greg Kguloian’s classes focused on a “hands-on” history lesson and presentation for the 20th anniversary of 9/11, using physical pages from “Newsday” and other newspapers dating to the days before and after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

“I kept these actual vintage newspapers and use them in the classroom as tangible artifacts as well as touchable and visual teaching tools from the past,” Kguloian said. 

Four groups of four students each were formed to cooperate in creating an informative set of paragraphs on 9/11 and the Zadroga Act of 2010. Each student was expected to do their own research and verify the facts they presented as accurate via reliable resources of information such as the newspaper excerpts. Half of each group worked on writing a script, while the other half was tasked with reading the scripts out loud to the rest of the class. Each student took notes about what they learned from the other three groups’ presentations, either to reinforce the information their group offered or gather additional information gleaned from the other groups.

9/20/2021 - Newsday Top Football Players Include Burrell and Lopez

9/20/2021 - Two Earn Spots in Newsday's Top 100 Girls Soccer Players

9/17/2021 - Three EI Boys Make Newsday Top 50 in Volleyball

9/17/2021 - Orlando and Banville Named to Newsday Top 25 Gymnasts

9/16/2021 - Three From EI Listed in Top 50 LI Field Hockey Players

9/16/2021 - Hansen Appointed as HS AP

Michael Hansen was recently appointed as assistant principal at the high school. He had worked at Connetquot School District for the past 22 years as a science teacher and then as dean of students.

A Rocky Point resident, Hansen received a bachelor's degree from the University of Rhode Island, and a master’s degree in education and administrative certification from Stony Brook University.

“I look forward to working with the students, staff and community of East Islip and do my part in helping to attain the level of excellence expected here while sustaining the pride this community has in its schools and young adults,” Hansen said.

9/15/2021 - Honoring the Heroes of 9/11

On Sept. 10, the East Islip School District held a 20-year commemoration to remember and honor the heroes and victims of 9/11. The back-to-back ceremonies – one attended by East Islip High School students, the second for East Islip Middle School classes – were both held at Sal Ciampi Field at Boomer Esiason Stadium.

Guests included Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter, Suffolk County Legislator Tom Cilmi, members of the East Islip Board of Education, and the Islip Terrace and East Islip Fire Departments. Also in attendance were members of the Cross and Otten families. Three FDNY firefighters from East Islip were lost in the Sept. 11 attacks: Dennis Cross, Thomas Kennedy and Michael Otten. 

“Twenty years ago on a beautiful, sunny day, as Americans were putting their children on school buses and going about their daily responsibilities, our nation was attacked,” said Assistant Superintendent for Instruction and Personnel Paul Manzo. “This attack was intended to break our spirits. However, it actually strengthened the resolve of the American people. An amazing reaction that day was the unity, compassion and strength that flowed through our country. Strangers cried together, held hands, helped one another, stood in line to donate blood and rallied together in a bond, which was extended through tears. A sense of brotherhood and unity swept across our nation in a way of many of us have never seen before. America vowed to never forget, and we never will.”

“Patriot Day is a national observance that honors the memory of those who were killed in the 9/11 attacks,” said Superintendent John Dolan. “This day seeks to turn the tragic anniversary into a day of unity and service. Charitable acts are done in tribute to those who were killed and injured as well as our first responders and military who have served and are serving us all around the globe today. To the brave Americans who gave their lives at the Pentagon, the field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and in New York City at the World Trade Center, and to their families – you live on in our minds and in our hearts. We grew stronger through your sacrifice and thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

Addressing the assembled students, Dolan said, “We honor those we have lost by never forgetting. Honor their memory by always helping others. EI Pride is based on a belief that through hard work, community-minded spirit and a positive attitude, we will all be better at sunset than we were at sunrise. EI Pride honors the memory of 9/11, never forgetting, never ending our quest for justice. EI Pride channels the pain of our loss into the energy to build a better future. EI Pride honors the memory of 9/11 by reminding all of us that good will conquer evil when good people never forget. So today, let’s all promise to honor the memory of all our loved ones and brave soldiers and first responders by rededicating ourselves to reaching out to help others, not just on Sept. 11, but every day.”

To close the ceremony, East Islip Executive Director of Special Education/Pupil Personnel Services K-12 and CPSE Aileen O’Rourke sang Lee Greenwood’s “I’m Proud to be an American” and “God Bless America,” accompanied by her husband Eamonn O’Rourke on guitar.

9/13/2021 - Proudly Placing Flags for Patriot Day

Across the district, students placed flags in the ground on Sept. 10, symbolizing the schools’ Patriot Day signs declaring “United We Stand” and observing the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

“Last Friday, we recognized patriotism and took the time to decorate the outside of Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ with many flags,” said Principal Deborah Smith. “It was a beautiful day to reflect on how fortunate we all are to live in our great country. Students wore red, white and blue and engaged in activities that focused on recognizing heroes in our communities and honoring those who dedicate their lives to protecting us. Each class took a photo of everyone holding a flag. It was a great day to show our pride in being Americans.”

9/11/2021 - Honoring 9/11

9/7/2021 - School Year Starts With Smiles

In contrast to the gloom of the hurricane the night before, excited East Islip students enjoyed beautiful weather on Sept. 2 as they began a new school year ready to learn. Each of the district’s buildings – from the high school and middle school to Connetquot, Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½, RCK and Timber Point elementary schools – welcomed new and returning faces to the next step in their educational journeys.

“We had an amazing first day at Timber Point,” said Principal Danielle Naccarato. “Students and staff were full of enthusiasm and excitement for what is sure to be a sensational year. It was a fabulous way to start.”

“The first day of school brought sunshine, smiles and sounds of happiness,” said Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ Principal Deborah Smith. “It was inspiring to see the enthusiastic children return to school to engage in new and exciting learning experiences. The staff was equally energized to begin a new school year.”