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Young scientists at RCK put on their thinking caps to concoct an exciting array of projects for the school’s annual fourth-grade science fair. Charlotte Galli was the winner for her project “My Dog Ate My Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½work.” Jacob Crowell was the runner-up for his work on “Fortnite Brain Rot,” while Kate Habel (“Is Your Dog’s Mouth Cleaner than Yours?” and Juliana Schmidt (“Are Your Hands Clean?”) earned honorable mention.

Galli will represent RCK at the Brookhaven National Laboratory Elementary Science Fair Competition, held on May 4 at Brookhaven National Laboratory in Upton.

East Islip's For the Kids Foundation will hold its 22nd annual Gala, with the theme "Sunset on the Bay," on Saturday, April 6 at 7:30 p.m. at Land's End in Sayville. Timber Point teacher Teresa Frisina and high school teacher Bridget Lopiccolo will be honored as Educator Advocates of the Year, and Suffolk County Legislator Tom Cilmi will be honored as Community Advocate of the Year.

See attached invitation for more information.

 

 

For the third consecutive year, Connetquot participated in bringing birthday parties to homeless children through the Birthday Wishes organization. Classes made birthday boxes containing everything needed for a great birthday celebration, while students brought in items such as balloons, plates, party hats and streamers.

Rylie Meyer, a second-grader in Melissa Love’s class said, "The kids who get the boxes will be so happy.”

National Foreign Language Week was celebrated in the high school’s library from March 4-8, bringing a diversity of cultures to the forefront, including American Sign Language. For ASL Day, advanced students signed popular songs, taught vocabulary and the alphabet as well as other survival signs, and played fun, interactive games to spread deaf awareness. On a day for Italian culture, students danced the Neapolitan tarantella.

In Dr. Janet Hiller’s annual Foreign Language Week poster contest, Olivia Zhang took first place, Shannon Wodicka came in second and Olivia Pena in third, with Christian Guiliano earning honorable mention. Hiller, the district’s retired world language chairperson, provided the winners with Barnes & Noble gift cards.

Four high schoolers were also honored as World Language Students of the Month, representing each of the four languages taught by the World Language Department: George Ayoub for American Sign Language, Markus Higgins for French, Gianna Armstrong for Italian and Victoria Keenan for Spanish.

To emphasize the East Islip school community’s commitment to supporting the Sandy Hook Promise movement to save lives and protect all students from harm, eighth-graders Kaylee Norton and Marisa Triolo recently read important morning announcements each day at the middle school during Say Something Week. Like many other participating students, the pair wore green in support of the cause. Norton and Triolo told their classmates, “If you see something, say something,” and urged them, “be an upstander not a bystander.”

“This was a very important week that sent a very important message,” said Triolo. “Sandy Hook made many people sad for the lives lost, but it also made others scared, wondering if their school was next. Little did everyone know things like Sandy Hook can be prevented by saying something when you see something. If you see something that could be concerning, you should tell a trusted adult. If you tell a trusted adult, they might be able to do something to help someone or prevent something. If you see a warning sign, you especially need to tell a trusted adult. Say Something Week was very powerful.”

Artwork by seniors Sabine Gebhard and Cassidy Stephen was recently showcased at the New York State Art Teacher's Association exhibition, held at the 99th annual NYSSBA Conference at the Sheraton NY Times Square.

“It was very nice to have my artwork exhibited,” said Gebhard. “I worked really hard on my digital painting in electronic illustration class.”

“I am so proud of Cassidy and Sabine,” said art teacher Heather Toomey. “They were two of the top students in electronic iIllustration when I had them last year, and it was an honor to have their work exhibited.”

East Islip alumnus Jesse Dellavecchia, a graduate of the Class of 2015, is wrestling for Rider University in the Division I NCAA tournament, held on March 21-23 in Pittsburgh. The tournament will be televised on ESPN 3 and ESPN, with the first round starting at 12 p.m. on Thursday. Dellavecchia is the first wrestler from East Islip to ever qualify for the Division I NCAA tournament. A two-time New York State finalist, three-time All-State selection and four-time All-American while with the Redmen, Dellevecchia won the county title in 2015.

The middle school held its 12th annual Breakfast of Champions on March 14, recognizing 47 sixth- and seventh-graders who best demonstrated the school’s “six pillars of character” – citizenship, dedication, integrity, positive attitude, respect and responsibility – during the 2018-2019 school year. Each honoree was selected by a team or department at the middle school.

With the students’ families in attendance, the ceremony began with greetings from Principal Bill Brennen. Assistant principals Jason Stanton and Michael Thorley then presented the students with certificates and lanyards commemorating their achievement.

Honored for outstanding character were Logan Alfalla, Derek Alfaro, Adian Allen, Max Berlin, Breanna Blacks, Amanda Bolen, Logan Brandt, Quinn Carolan, Ryan Fioresi, Ryan Flad, Leah Garvey, Dylan Gaulrapp, Charles Heffernan, Samuel Henderson, Jonathan Henke, Keira Higgins, Georgia Hodge, Jesse Hodge, Sophie Jensen, Emma Johnson, Christian Kozak, Brendan Kroupa, Johanna LeRoux, Jason Lopez, Jordan Maloney, Reese McGuire, Emily McIntee, Natalia Mendolia, Rachael Mercado, Lorelai Mucciolo, Dylan Nelson, Samantha Olsen, Sophia Parrillo, Samantha Penny, Andrew Perez, Gabrielle Procaccini, Isabella Procaccini, Matthew Rigogliosi, Gabriela Rivera, Hanna Ross, Catherine Sasso, Melissa Stewart, Ella Tantillo, Devin vonHassel, Kaylee Wilko, Casey With, and Jack Wodicka.

History came alive on March 7 at RCK as third-graders presented a Night at the Wax Museum.

Prior to the big night, each student read a biography and researched a historical figure, created a presentation board to display what they had learned about their chosen person’s life and historical significance, and wrote a speech in the voice of their subject. During the Wax Museum, the students came in costume and stood like wax figures in front of their displays. When family or friends pushed their buttons, the students came to life and gave their speeches. 

“Everyone was amazed by the students’ hard work and creativity,” said Principal Janet Jones.

This year's East Islip High School musical, "Miss Saigon," will be performed on Thursday, March 28; Friday, March 29; and Saturday, March 30, all at 7 p.m. at the high school's Rydzeski Hall.

Exploring love and loss during the Vietnam conflict, "Miss Saigon" is one of the most stunning theatrical spectacles of all time. Nominated for an impressive number of Olivier, Tony and Drama Desk awards, the musical is the second highly successful offering from Claude-Michel Schonberg and Alain Boublil, the creators of "Les Misérables."

Please visit the link below for tickets, or call the box office at 631-224-2145.

The high school's Key Club will hold its annual talent show from 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10.

Tickets are a $5 suggested donation.

The club has raised thousands of dollars over the years for charitable causes, and the talent show extravaganza is a big part of this fundraising tradition, having served to obtain donations for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, the Red Cross and even various members of the East Islip community who are facing financial crisis due to mounting medical bills.

"Our Key Club is always looking for ways to help in our community as well as looking at problems that face our world," said teacher Daniel Falkman, the club's adviser.

Students interested in performing can sign up in front of Room 262.

High school freshman Johnathan Yankus was recently recognized for his exemplary community work at the Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead, earning Prudential’s President’s Volunteer Service Award. The East Islip Board of Education honored Yankus at its March 14 meeting, where he was presented with a certificate by Prudential representatives.

Presented annually by Prudential Financial as part of its Spirit of Community Awards, the President’s Volunteer Service Award recognizes Americans of all ages who volunteer significant amounts of time to serving their communities.

The East Islip Community Book Club's next meeting will be held on Thursday, March 21 at 6:30 p.m. in the district office boardroom. All members of the East Islip learning community are invited to join Dr. Sara Anderson, the district's director of humanities, in a book discussion of “The War That Saved My Life” by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley.

See the attached flier for more information on the meeting.

Honoring her outstanding volunteer service, senior Heather McNamara was named a top runner-up in the 2019 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, earning a Distinguished Finalist bronze medallion. She also qualified for Prudential’s President’s Volunteer Service Award.

McNamara was recognized for her remarkable achievement at the March 14 Board of Education meeting, where Prudential representatives were on hand to present her with the medallion.

The East Islip High School Key Club president is also a member of the National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society and SADD Club; a Make-A-Wish Foundation and Kiwanis Club of the Islips ambassador; a New York Blood Center and NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center spokesperson; and a diligent volunteer at the Hospitality Too Soup Kitchen at St. Anne’s Church in Brentwood. Following graduation in June, McNamara plans to major in special education and minor in sign language, with the goal of teaching as a career.

High school students Louis Akl, Nicholas Bentrewicz, Camila Corral, Jake Kenny, Samantha Koslow, Madison Kranz, Michael Laird, Emily LaMorta and Michaela Penafiel were chosen to participate in the annual High School Art Competition at Suffolk County Community College, culminating in an artist reception. Kenny earned an honorable mention in the exhibit, held at the college’s Michael J. Grant Campus in Brentwood. The nine students are all enrolled in classes with art teachers Joy Taylor and Heather Toomey.

“I had a positive experience at the art show,” said Penafiel. “It was cool to see art from other people who share the same interest as me.”

“It was nice to be exhibited in a gallery at a local college, and I am so happy I was picked to have my artwork shown,” said Corral.

“These students work hard consistently and always do exceptional work,” said Taylor. 

“I am incredibly proud of all of the students that were selected to be exhibited, and I am happy Suffolk Community College provided this opportunity to showcase student work in a professional gallery,” said Toomey. “Their artwork demonstrates their hard work, talent and

High school senior Brianna Campson signed a national letter of intent on March 7 to play soccer at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford this fall. She was congratulated at the ceremony by her family and Athletic Director Stephen Restivo.

Campson, who plays defense, chose UPB after an invitation from the college’s soccer coach. She began playing soccer at the age of 4 and went on to earn 10 varsity letters by the end of her senior year as well as eight High Minds in Motion awards. As a track athlete, she was named All-League and was a key member of the 2015-2016 undefeated league-champion spring track team. She is a member of East Islip’s Foreign Language Honor Society and Girls Leaders Club.

The Board of Education will hold the following upcoming workshop and business meetings regarding the 2019-2020 budget. They will be held at 1 Craig B. Gariepy Ave. in Islip Terrace. The community is invited to attend.

Thur., March 14 at 8 p.m. - Business Meeting and Budget Presentation #2

Thur., March 28 at 7 p.m. - Workshop Meeting and Budget Advisory Committee Presentation

Thur., April 11 at 8 p.m. - Workshop Meeting and Board Response to Budget Advisory Committee

Wed., April 17 at 8 p.m. - Business Meeting and Annual Budget Adoption

The East Islip Chamber of Commerce recently recognized three fifth-graders – Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½’s Jason Engel and RCK’s Krista Deutsch and Grace Micali – as February Students of the Month, chosen for their outstanding community service and participation in school activities.

Engel has been an important member of the Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ Student Council, where he actively participates and demonstrates exceptional citizenship qualities.

“Jason always comes into my classroom every morning with a smile on his face,” said Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ teacher Danielle Chiapetta. “He is respectful, responsible and always ready to work. Jason is a natural leader as well as a natural helper who sets a positive example for his classmates and peers daily. He is an absolute pleasure to have in class.”

Both Deutsch and Micali are active members of RCK’s Student Council. Both are gifted athletes, Deutsch playing for the U-12 Clarkstown Elite girls soccer team and earning an invitaton to compete in Barcelona, Spain, this year in the biggest children’s international soccer tournament in the world, and Micali recording the best long jump for her age group and receiving the 2018 USA Track & Field Long Island’s Athlete of the Year award. 

“Krista is an exceptional student who is always there to help her classmates,” said RCK Principal Janet Jones. “She is a wonderful person and always puts forth her best effort in the classroom. Her teachers are all very proud of her.

“Grace is an excellent student and exhibits high achievement in all subject areas,” said Jones. “She always comes to school prepared for her classroom exams, and never misses a homework assignment. She is a world-class role model for her peers and is always involved in school-related activities.

Students and staff at both the high school and across the street at the middle school celebrated P.S. I Love You Day on Feb. 8, wearing purple and signing banners to promote positivity.

“It was great to see our school come together for this event,” said Jessica Pignataro, the high school’s Student Council adviser. The founders of P.S. I Love You Day believe that positivity and kindness can change the world, and our kids and staff showed that. We hope everyone will continue spreading love throughout our schools and community all year round.”

In January, 39 students from East Islip High School spent an entire day 15 miles west at Amityville Memorial High School as part of a Cultural Exchange program to promote friendship and cultural diversity. East Islip returned the favor in February, welcoming 39 Amityville students for the first time.

“Guys, get out there and have a great day,” Superintendent John Dolan told the gathered students. “Smile and make new friends.”

At both schools, the visiting students enjoyed breakfast, conversation and icebreaker activities before attending classes with their “buddies” from the host school. They finished the day with a shared lunch and an informal discussion of what they had experienced. Suffolk County Legislator Tom Cilmi was in attendance to speak to the students from both schools.

Amityville teacher Jason McGowan, who also serves as the coach of East Islip’s varsity girls volleyball team, has been coordinating Amityville’s Cultural Exchange program for years.

“I started this in 2009, with Plainedge High School, and now we do it with Bayport-Blue Point and East Islip,” said McGowan. “Our kids love this tradition.”

“We are really glad that we got to do our first Cultural Exchange and we’d like to see this partnership grow,” said teacher Genesis Dawson, who coordinated the event for East Islip. "I’m really grateful to the great bunch of kids who volunteered for a program that has never been here before. These students really stepped out of their comfort zone.”

 

At Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½, a new afterschool club has sparked student awareness and creativity. Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½’s Social Media Club, a group of fifth-graders, meets weekly after school to learn about social media, including digital citizenship and issues facing society as technology changes the ways in which people connect, communicate, collaborate and relate to each other. Guided by Laura Meehan, the students are also working to promote the school by writing for the school’s online newsletter and using various social media platforms.

“I love being in the Social Media Club,” said James Downey. “We have so much stuff we want to learn, and we get to have a chance to get some of our writing into our school newsletter.”

“We have lots of fun,” said Nicholas Costantini. “We type and do videos on the Chromebooks. We all follow the rules and we also respect them and respect others.”

“This club teaches kids about social media and videos as well as cyber bullying and how to stop it,” said Nicholas DeSantis. “We’ve learned to remember to always watch your electronic footprint, and that when you post something, it’s out there forever.”

 

“We learn loads of awesome things, like how to be safe on the Internet, work with others and type on the computer,” said Olivia Primiano. “I think my favorite part is hanging out with my friends doing fun activities. This is a really fun after-school club.”

The high school’s Scholar-Athlete Cassie Bergin competed for Section XI against 121 gymnasts from across the state at the New York State girls gymnastics championships, held March 2 at Cold Spring Harbor High School. It was the sophomore’s third consecutive effort as part of the county team. With hard work, determination and focus, Bergin finished an outstanding seventh on floor exercise and uneven bars, ninth in vaulting, and 10th in all-around.