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Redmen Winter Track Team Succeeds at Championships
The high school’s boys winter track athletes competed in the Section XI Boys Indoor League Championships, held on Jan. 20 at Suffolk Community College in Brentwood in front of an audience that included several alumni from East Islip’s track program. Individual place winners for the Redmen included senior Anoune Basse, who finished second in the 55-meter dash and second in the long jump; senior Rob Skidmore, who earned third place in shot put; senior Zac Abbate, who took fourth in high jump; and the 4x200 relay squad of junior Max Castronova and seniors Basse, Mike Drywa and Brian Snyder, who placed third. East Islip’s team finished seventh overall out of 10 teams participating. “Our alumni came back to cheer the Redmen, and the team was excited and grateful for their loyal support,” said coach Ralph Tubello.
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Eight Excellent EI Wrestlers Place at Rocky Gilmore
With eight place winners for the day, the high shool’s varsity wrestling team were happy hosts of the 31st annual Rocky Gilmore Classic wrestling tournament on Jan. 6. Senior Zach Cabrera placed third overall at 126 pounds. Cabrera pinned his first opponent and came from behind to earn victory over fifth seed Esteban Sandoval of Brentwood in the quarterfinals. Cabrera lost a hard-fought semifinals match but came back to face second seed Shane Santora of Bayport for third place, winning 9-3 by decision. Sophomore Nick Agresta also placed third overall at 182 pounds. Agresta pinned Kellenberg’s Alex Cooper in 44 seconds in the quarterfinals. After losing in the semifinals, he took third with a win over second seed Malachi Lord-Kelly of Central Islip. Other place winners for the Redmen were freshmen Emily Conlon (106 pounds), Jack Flynn (106 pounds) and Nick Vetrano (120 pounds); junior Jonathan Guadagno (160 pounds); and seniors Nick Picece (132 pounds) and Kiernan Stanton (220 pounds).
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Sophomore Photog Picked for SVA Show
“Weep for the Departed,” a photograph by East Islip High School sophomore Rebecca Bast, was recently chosen for “2017 America” at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, a show that displayed photography from high schools all across the United States. “Rebecca is a very bright and creative student,” said her photography teacher, Joy Taylor. “I’m really proud of her and excited that she could be a part of this.” Bast, who attended the gallery showing with her family at the opening reception at SVA, is currently attending Sunday Live classes at Fashion Institute of Technology, studying principles of design in FIT’s pre-college program. She hopes to continue her studies in the arts at East Islip.
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Board Honors Advocates and Students
The district recognized noteworthy community advocates and students at its Jan. 17 Board of Education meeting. Honored were eighth-grader and All-County gymnast Evie Orlando; high school seniors and National Merit Scholarship Program Commended Students Claudia Banville and Evan Mauner; and members of the East Islip Music and Arts Program Support group, also known as eiMAPS.
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O’Neill Honored with HOBY Award
Tyler O’Neill, a sophomore at the high school, was recently named the 2017-2018 Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Award for his outstanding leadership skills and participation in community service. O’Neill will representing East Islip at this year’s HOBY New York Metro Leadership Seminar, a three-day conference held at Adelphi University in Garden City from June 8-10. O’Neill was selected for the award based on his entry in the school’s annual 300-word essay contest, asking students in 10th grade to describe the most rewarding and challenging aspect about being a leader in their school or community. O’Neill’s essay discussed his involvement in Boy Scouts and his experiences working with and helping younger scouts develop their skills. “Tyler is a well-rounded young man and dedicated student,” said his guidance counselor Nicole Vincenti. “He is passionate about his service to Boy Scouts of America and is looking forward to working on his Eagle Scout project. I am very proud of Tyler and happy that he will have this amazing opportunity to attend the HOBY leadership conference.” Each year, the Lions Club of the Islips sponsors the school’s HOBY winner and donates the expenses for attending the seminar. Lions Club representative Eugene Petraitis visited the school to congratulate O’Neill and present a check. Founded in 1958 by civic-minded actor Hugh O’Brian, HOBY’s mission is to inspire a global community of youth and volunteers to a life dedicated to leadership, service and innovation. Programs like the Adelphi seminar provide selected students with unique leadership training and motivation-building experiences.
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Dr. Dewey Discusses Addiction
Dr. Stephen L. Dewey, a research professor at NYU School of Medicine's Department of Psychiatry, gave a hard-hitting presentation to high school students in grades 8, 9 and 10 on Jan. 16 regarding his research on the disease of addiction and the effects of addictive drugs on the human brain. He spoke about the substances that can lead to addiction, and answered student questions throughout and after the presentation. Dr. Dewey also held a second, in-depth assembly that evening in the high school auditorium for students, parents and other community members, regarding the problems with drugs facing Long Island schools and communities. “This presentation was absolutely amazing and so informative for parents and students,” said Guidance Director Israel Malinowitzer. “Substance abuse is an epidemic in the United States and everyone must work together in order to find a way to control these substances from entering our country and even our homes.”
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FTK Annual General Meeting on Jan. 25
FTK will hold its annual general meeting on Thursday, Jan. 25 at 8 p.m. in the district office boardroom. All are welcome.
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Embers Showcases Creative Crew
In an annual early winter tradition, the Embers Coffee House variety show at the high school entertained student audiences throughout the day while giving technology education teacher James Connell’s video production and broadcast television classes the chance to put their studies into practice and produce and film a live TV program. Alexa Benitez, John Camlet, Stone Locke, Andrew Johnson and Stephanie Milito served as genial hosts for the event, held in the broadcast room, while creative student talents Mal Brewster-Holland, Jess Chirpita, Micheal Gengo, Julia Lambert, Evan Mauner, Isaiah Robertson, Alicia Rodriguez and Katie Spina performed an array of music and comedy. Producers Emily Baio, Kathryn Bingham and Jenna Donnelly; technical directors Kimberly Halliday and Michael Soloman; audio technician Bailey Nelson; and stage crew members Robert Heller IV, Eddie Sallie and Zach Wenksus ensured that Embers ran smoothly, while baristas John DiOrio, Rob Iadanza and Kim Villano served up hot coffee and snacks to the more than 500 students who attended this year’s show. “This was my third year being a part of the event,” said Camlet. “I feel like I can safely say that this was my favorite year by far. I love being a part of this crew.”
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High School English Students Visit NYC
Accompanied by teachers Jean Flood, Linda Leach and Carene Mahoney, 42 high school English students visited New York City in December, including viewings of Macy’s decorated windows, Bryant Park’s Christmas tree, and Rockefeller Center’s Christmas tree and ice rink. “The best part of the field trip was the tour of NBC Studios,” said Leach. During this segment, the students got to see the stages used for “Saturday Night Live,” “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” and “Late Night With Seth Meyers” while soaking up behind-the-scenes information and gossip from their tour guides, the NBC pages. The tour ended with an interactive video where the students were able to participate in an Olympic broadcast production.
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Suffolk Zone Winners
High school seniors Jenna Anderson and Evan Mauner were recognized as this year’s winners at the 2017-2018 Suffolk Zone Awards dinner, held on Dec. 6 at the Hyatt Regency Long Island in Hauppauge. The Suffolk Zone awards are presented annually by the Suffolk Zone Chapter of the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance to the top male and female physical education students in each Suffolk County high school’s graduating class. “Both Jenna and Evan contribute to the overall positive tone of the physical education class as well as the school,” said Athletic Director Stephen Restivo. “They continue to make an outstanding effort to be cooperative, honest and enthusiastic in class, and Jenna and Evan have made East Islip proud once again for their accomplishments.”
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Beautiful Winter Concert Performances
The young musicians in the district showed off their growing talents and the results of long hours of practice through a memorable series of winter concerts held during December in the high school’s auditorium. Audiences flocked to the performances by the students of Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½, RCK, the middle school and the high school, with highlights including Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ band director Ronald Fox dressing up as Darth Vader to conduct music from “Star Wars,” the Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ and RCK advanced orchestras both sharing their experiences through a “Vivaldi School Year” program; selections from the musical “Hamilton” performed by the middle school concert choir and girls chorus, directed by Patricia Bryan; and the audience joining hands to sing John Lennon’s “Imagine” with the high school’s honors choir and director Bethany Affelt. “During our winter concert series, our students performed beautifully, and it is a pleasure to watch each grow under the direction of our dedicated teachers,” said Dr. Robert J. Wottawa II, the district’s director of art, ENL, music and world languages.
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HS Video Classes Learn from Local Pro
James Connell’s video production classes at the high school recently participated in an interactive lighting workshop with returning visitor, local professional photographer John Lennon. The students were given a chance to use Lennon’s professional camera and lighting equipment, enhancing their technical skills. Lennon, whose son Jack is enrolled in the video production class, talked to the students about lighting as it pertains to digital video. His full-period lesson covered everything from his own personal professional philosophy and skills to a hands-on activity in which students practiced various techniques on his equipment. “I always enjoy bringing professionals into my classroom to speak with my students,” said teacher James Connell. “These types of visits really help put the topics we cover in class in perspective. Mr. Lennon was an amazing guest speaker and the students thoroughly enjoyed the hands-on portion of the presentation.”
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Board Accepts Facilities Committee Report
At the Jan. 10, workshop meeting, the Board of Education accepted the Facilities Committee report. The Facilities Committee recommended approximately $59.9 million in capital improvements for the district to be funded with a previously established capital reserve fund and bond. The vote to expend funds from the capital reserve account and bond is expected to be held in May on the same day as the budget vote. The Board of Education plans to vote at the Jan. 17 Board of Education meeting on the resolution to put a bond referendum up for community vote.
Attachments: Dec_2017_EISD_Facilities_Report.pdf
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Science of Addiction Presentation by Dr. Dewey on Jan. 16
Dr. Stephen L. Dewey, a research professor at NYU School of Medicine's Department of Psychiatry, will be offering a presentation to students in grades 8, 9 and 10 at 8:30 a.m. on Jan. 16 regarding his research on the effects of addictive drugs on the human brain. Dr. Dewey will also hold a parent/student assembly that evening at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium. Attachments: Click to view Dr. Dewey's bio
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Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ Fourth-Graders Donate a Dozen for Pajama Project
Donating a dozen pairs of pajamas, students in Jessie Ferraro’s fourth-grade class at Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ participated in Scholastic’s Pajama Program as a way of spreading some cheer to at-risk children during the holiday season. The Pajama Program offers at-risk children the gifts of pajamas and books through matching donations from Scholastic Book Clubs. “Our class believes that every child has the right to a loving good night, complete with new, clean pajamas and a comforting bedtime story,” said Ferraro.
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Ten Terrific Student-Artists Displayed at Suffolk Competition
High school students Niamh Amitrano, Sophie Bingham, Alli Bunde, Hailey Cooke, Julia Desiderio, Cassandra Fernandez, Gia Piazza, Jordan Rant, Paige Roses and Zoe Stengel participated in Suffolk County Community College’s 10th annual High School Art Competition. The students are currently enrolled in Joy Taylor’s photography class and Heather Toomey’s electronic illustration class. Work by the 10 terrific student-artists was on display as they attended a reception in the Captree Commons Building at the college’s Michael J. Grant Campus in Brentwood on Dec. 14, with friends, family and teachers in attendance. “These students are some of the most dedicated in my class, and I'm so happy they showcased their outstanding photographs in this show,” said Taylor. “I'm fortunate to work with such great kids.” Sophie Bingham, who had pieces chosen for display in both photography and electronic illustration, said, “I’m honored to have both my skillsets represented.” “This was a wonderful opportunity for students to showcase their creative talents,” said Toomey. “I am so proud of these young artists and look forward to seeing how they continue to grow and develop their artistic skills.”
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HS and Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ Students Sang and Signed for the Holidays
Two dozen high school students enrolled in teacher Jovina Bratta’s advanced American Sign Language program visited Christine Cirillo’s fourth-grade class at Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ on Dec. 18 for over an hour of celebratory singing and signing. The two groups of students sang holiday songs together, and the high schoolers taught the younger students signs and the ASL alphabet, followed by an engaging interactive game that served to enforce both receptive and expressive signing skills.
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Santa's Elves Greet Children at HS
The high school welcomed Santa last month for a pair of holiday events hosted by family and consumer science teacher Kelly Schwender and students in her child development classes, beginning with the sixth annual Evening with Santa. The high school students dressed as elves to help Santa as he greeted more than 200 children and posed for photos. Stations were set up for different activities, including face painting and games. The classic Breakfast with Santa followed, providing additional opportunity for fun and photos. “These events bring families and community members together, and everyone has a great time watching the children’s faces as they are greeted by Santa Claus,” said Guidance Director Israel Malinowitzer.
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Schools Closed on Jan. 5
The East Islip School District will remain closed tomorrow, Friday, Jan. 5, due to inclement weather and road conditions. The safety of our staff and students is always a priority and we want to ensure that all roads and bus stops are safe.
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Hour of Code Proves Engaging
The district kicked off its annual Hour of Code initiative last month with high school computer programming students visiting classrooms in the four elementary schools to work with second- and fifth-graders, preparing the younger students for a week of coding in the computer labs. The high schoolers shared games they created to demonstrate how computers and coding work. “Our fifth-graders were fortunate to have the high school students visit to discuss coding,” said Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ Principal Deborah Smith. “The computer science students shared their expertise about the syntax of computer programming, and their presentation was engaging and interactive.”
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Spreading Some Holiday 'Magic'
High school students from the STARS club, National Honor Society and varsity softball team teamed up with local nonprofit Christmas Magic this holiday season, spreading cheer and acting as Santa’s personal shoppers for kids in need on Long Island. After shopping for the presents, purchased with donations from Christmas Magic, the students wrapped the gifts with care. “It was a good feeling knowing that these kids will wake up to a bunch of presents that we helped pick out and wrap,” said softball team captain Katie Burk, whose team’s efforts were for children at a Middle Island shelter.
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Kindergarten Registration in February
Please see the attached document for information on kindergarten registration for the 2018-2019 school year, which will take place from February 12-15. Attachments: Click for info
