Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½

11/27/2020 - Supporting SADD in East Islip’s Schools

At the Nov. 7 Board of Education meeting, the district honored Alivia Ancona from Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ and Lana Mollica from RCK as the winners of the annual SADD Red Ribbon anti-drug slogan contest. The two fifth graders were recognized by Superintendent John Dolan and Board of Education President William Carpluk.

During October, the high school SADD Club visited each fifth-grade class at Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ and RCK to present information on drugs, alcohol, bullying and what to expect in the middle school. SADD members also ran the districtwide Red Ribbon contest, asking fifth graders to submit creative anti-drug slogans. The younger students then wrote inspirational congratulatory letters to graduating seniors, reminding them of the lessons they had just learned from SADD, which will be presented at next June’s commencement.

“Having the high school students connect with the fifth graders, helping them learn how to avoid destructive decisions, and then the fifth graders relaying that message back to the graduating seniors is so worthwhile,” said Bridget Lopiccolo, the SADD Club’s adviser. “Hopefully every message is heard and practiced, and we can stop this scary epidemic and

11/27/2019 - Photography Students Explore Bayard

Guided by teachers Joy Taylor and Heather Toomey, high school photography students recently enjoyed a field trip to Bayard Cutting Arboretum. While cold, it was a sunny day and proved conducive for taking photos. Some of the students were working on shooting film photography for their narrative project while also completing a digital scavenger hunt.

“Bayard is such a beautiful and serene place,” said Taylor. “I’m glad we brought the photo students as many of them had never been there before.”

“It is such a wonderful experience to go on location to a site and photograph a beautiful local place,” said Clarinda Vilardi.

“It was a fun learning experience and a great environment to be able to practice using my camera skills and have questions answered by my teacher,” said Katryna Mullen.

“The arboretum was a very open area to explore,” said Gerson Tamayo. “It lets a photographer really capture the moment.”

“There were so many opportunities to capture beautiful photos, ones that you don’t get to see in a regular park,” said Victoria D’Amico.

“It is extremely valuable to the learning experience to be able to go to a beautiful local spot and help students on location have a better understanding of their cameras and natural lighting,” said Toomey. “We also had a lot of fun as a class.”

11/26/2019 - Timber Point Second Graders Present a ‘Thankful’ Show for Families

In advance of Thanksgiving, second graders in Patrice Mercurio’s class at Timber Point presented a charming “We Are Thankful For” show for their families on Nov. 20, held in the school’s cafeteria.

11/26/2019 - Catch-a-Career Preps for the Future

The high school’s career exploration program recently held its annual Catch-A-Career Breakfast at the Irish Coffee Pub, allowing 50 business professionals in various career fields and 70 juniors and seniors to meet, network and discuss careers. Set up like a speed dating event, Catch-A-Career helps students understand and decide on their future jobs.

“This event was awesome because I got to speak with businesspeople and ask them important questions about their fields,” said senior Eric Berke. “Most students are not usually given that opportunity, but through this program, we get to do that. Before the breakfast, we practiced and went over how to prepare for the event, which helped me think about the questions before the breakfast and make the most of it.”

“East Islip is a step above most schools in this area because we have been holding this event for 16 years, recognizing that students need to be college and career ready, which is what this program provides,” said Bridget Lopiccolo, who developed and organizes Catch-A-Career with fellow teacher Paul McHugh.

In the program’s next step, students can participate in Mentor Me, spending a day shadowing a professional in their desired career field.

11/25/2019 - Annual Tree Lighting - Dec 3

11/22/2019 - EJ Autism Foundation Black Tie Hoodie Event - December 3

11/21/2019 - HPV & Flu Letters

11/19/2019 - Four Girls Lax Seniors Sign for College

Four terrific senior girls lacrosse players – Hannah Calarco, Alexa Fusco, Alyssa Levy and Rachel Schlesinger – signed national letters of intent on Nov. 13, committing to continue their athletic careers next fall in college.

Calarco, who plays midfield/attack, will attend Coastal Carolina University in Conway, South Carolina, where she plans to major in physical education. An Honor Roll student, she has been on the varsity lacrosse team for four years, was named a Scholar-Athlete and earned 2019 All-County honorable mention. Calarco also played for the Legacy travel lacrosse team.

Fusco, a middle defender, will play for Long Island University team, where she will major in mathematics and secondary education. A member of the varsity team since her freshman year, Fusco earned All-Division honors for the last two years and the Suffolk Zone award. A multi-sport athlete, she played on the varsity basketball team for three years as well as the varsity soccer team for all four years, earning All-Division and All-County honors in the latter sport. Fusco serves as president of the school’s Girls Leaders Club and vice president of the Foreign Language National Honor Society, and is a member of its National Honor Society, Yearbook Club and symphony orchestra.

Levy, who plays attack, will attend Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. She is undecided on a major. A lacrosse player since prekindergarten, Levy has been on the varsity team all four years of high school, earning All-County honors twice as well as All-County honorable mention. She also played for three years on EI’s varsity field hockey team, earning All-County honors twice as well as All-Division and All-Tournament honors; on the school’s basketball team for one year; and for the Legacy travel lacrosse team since seventh grade. Levy is a member of the school’s National Honor Society, Foreign Language National Honor Society, Girls Leaders Club and Yearbook Club.

Schlesinger, a goalie, signed with Rollins University in Winter Park, Florida, where she plans to study pre-med and major in biology. A four-year varsity lacrosse starter, she earned All-Division honors. As an athlete, Schlesinger earned Scholar-Athlete and High Minds in Motion awards, and was also a member of both the East Islip varsity swim team and Legacy lacrosse travel team since seventh grade. She is a member of the school’s SADD club and Key Club.

“It has been an incredible experience watching this group develop as athletes,” said Steven Levy, East Islip’s varsity girls head coach. “I have had the pleasure of being in the front row throughout their careers. They are a special group of athletes, students and members of our community.”

11/19/2019 - HS Artists Showcased at Library

Artwork from more than three dozen high school students from photography, electronic illustration and studio in art classes was recently showcased at the East Islip Public Library's Bohlsen Gallery. The event was curated by National Art Honor Society student Michael Kilbourne.

Dr. Deborah Smith, principal of the district’s John F. Kennedy Elementary School, initiated the partnership with the library and attended the opening along with John Dolan, the district’s superintendent of schools; Assistant Superintendent Paul Manzo, the assistant superintendent for instruction and personnel; and Dr. Robert J. Wottawa II, the district’s director of art, ENL, music and world languages.

“It was my first time being shown in a gallery and it was nice to have my family there,” said student Steven Brown. “This is a huge step for me and my future.”

“It was an honor to be chosen, and it was exciting to see the great work other students contributed to the show,” said student Thomas Tricoukes.

“It was our first year at the library gallery and it was a great night of beautiful artwork for our students and their families,” said teacher Joy Taylor.

“The library has such a beautiful space and it was such a wonderful opportunity to showcase student artwork,” said teacher Heather Toomey. “They are all so talented.”

11/18/2019 - Sen. Martinez Talks to Connetquot Second Graders

State Sen. Monica Martinez recently visited East Islip’s Connetquot Elementary School to speak to Melissa Love’s second grade class about her job as a senator, her and the students’ respective interests, and how to make good decisions and help people.

11/18/2019 - Redmen to Play in County Football Championship Game on Nov. 21

East Islip will play Sayville for the Suffolk County Division III football championship. The game will take place at Stony Brook University on Thursday, Nov. 21 at 7 p.m.

East Islip spectators will be seated on the visitors side of the stadium. Please note that alcoholic beverages and tailgating are strictly prohibited on the Stony Brook campus.

11/15/2019 - RCK’s Ruber Awarded

The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department representative recently visited RCK to present fourth grader Dakota Ruber with her award for being one of three “Start With Hello” grand-prize winners. Students competing in the contest were asked to color in a picture and write a way to be kind.

11/11/2019 - Vets Celebrated at Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½

East Islip veterans enjoyed a patriotic parade and student musical performances on Nov. 7 during Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½’s Veterans Day celebration.

11/11/2019 - EI Chamber Honors Two Connetquot Students

On Oct. 29, the East Islip Chamber of Commerce recognized Connetquot first graders Adriana Fortunato and Sal Tringali as Students of the Month, chosen for their outstanding community service, leadership and character.

Fortunato was recognized for reading a remarkable 680 books in the district’s 1,000 Book Project during a year’s time, over 200 more books than anyone in her grade. She is on pace to finish all 1,000 books by January 2020.

“This is an extremely impressive achievement,” said Principal Nicholas Bilotti. “Well done, Adriana.”

Tringali was recognized for working hard to be kind and friendly to all.

“Sal is highly responsible, respectful and humble,” Bilotti said. “He has a natural ability to work collaboratively with others and takes the time to listen and assist those in need. Last year, Sal entered kindergarten a shy, quiet young man. As the year progressed, Sal grew in confidence. He began to regularly visit my office, usually with a friend and a drawing for me. He routinely would invite me back to his classroom. Most importantly, Sal is a gentleman. He’s always looking to help or console others and is the first to give up his spot in line or model exemplary behavior through his own actions. Congratulations, Sal.”

Thank You to Our Vets!

11/4/2019 - Family Feedback for College Fair

Turnout was immense for the high school’s college fair on Oct. 15, with more than 280 parents and students in attendance to talk to representatives of over 100 colleges and military service branches. The event also featured NCAA and financial aid college presentations to assist families in making informed decisions about students’ future educational plans.

“It was a very community-oriented night, and we received a lot of excellent feedback from the parents,” said Jason Stanton, the district’s new guidance director.

11/4/2019 - Football Playoffs

EI will play Comsewogue on Nov. 9 at 1 p.m. on the new turf.

11/4/2019 - Continuing the Mandala Tradition at EIHS

For the third consecutive year, high school students in Heather Toomey's electronic illustration classes continue a tradition of creating a mandala coloring book as a class project. Sarah Kern’s work was voted to be on the cover of the book.

“It was an honor to be chosen by my classmates for the cover,” said Kern.

“I am so proud of Sarah,” said Toomey. “Her work definitely deserves to be on the cover. Everyone in the electronic illustration 1 classes created an amazing mandala to create this collaborative art project. I invite everyone to color a page and post it on social media with #eifinearts.”

11/4/2019 - Redmen Roundup - EI Sports News Item of the Week

11/1/2019 - Booster Club Redmen 5K Run/Walk on Nov. 9

On Saturday, Nov. 9, the East Islip Athletic Booster Club will sponsor its annual Redmen 5K Run/Walk at Heckscher State Park in East Islip. Please come out and support the event.

To our coaches in the district, the EIABC is always looking for volunteers to assist in this event. It is is a great way to get your team involved in a community event and they can earn volunteer hours as well. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Susan Zachry here.

See attached fliers for information on how to register for or sponsor the race.