http://www.eischools.org Copyright 2012 Syntax Communications Former East Islip High School football star Jim Panagos, who was a first-team all-state player during his time with the Redmen, has been named the defensive line coach for Rutgers University's Scarlet Knights. After graduating from East Islip in 1989, the Brooklyn native attended and played football at the University of Maryland in College Park. Panagos majored in criminal justice and was a two-time letter-winner at defensive tackle, leading the UM Terrapins in sacks during his senior year. Panagos taught math and coached football at the C.R. James Alternative School in Tampa, Fla. and worked for Safelite AutoGlass before returning to the University of Maryland as an assistant defensive line coach. He joined the staff of the NFL's Minnesota Vikings in 2002, where he later served as the team's asssistant defensive line coach and assistant special teams coach. In 2007, Panagos began a five-year stint as defensive line coach for the University of Central Florida in Orlando, where he contributed immensely to the team's renaissance and three bowl appearances. In 2009, FootballScoop.com named him Defensive Line Coach of the Year. Coaching at Rutgers, based in New Brunswick, N.J. and often called "the birthplace of college football," is the culmination of a long and productive association with football that began in East Islip. In a statement, Panagos said "This is my dream job." Panagos and his wife Maureen have three children: Jack, Hayden and Olivia. To read more, go to the official statement from Rutgers. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4629 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT He is a figure known to almost everyone in the extended East Islip school and sports communities. A man of many identities – famous wrestler, powerlifter extraordinaire, EI and Penn State alumnus, Nike spokesman, motivational speaker – that all revolve around a singular vision of overcoming obstacles and living life with purpose. One of East Islip's finest success stories, Rohan Murphy now spends much of his time traveling the nation, speaking to students on topics such as transcending adversity, embracing differences, building self-esteem and setting goals. Murphy’s physical limitations would have deterred all but the most persistent human beings. He was born with severe birth defects – including a missing hip joint – that resulted in his legs being amputated at age four. Finding a niche was tough for the young man, who occasionally wore prosthetic legs to try and fit in with his schoolmates. Sports proved the key to unlocking his physical and inspirational talents. While Murphy was attending East Islip Middle School, physical education teacher Ron Croteau recognized his interest in athletics and his considerable upper-body strength. Croteau tried to get him involved, at first as manager of the soccer team. Croteau was also the coach of the high school’s wrestling team, and convinced freshman Murphy to give the sport a chance. “I tried it and loved it,” Murphy explained. Hard work and dedication eventually led to remarkable success on the mat – he was a three-time All-League and two-time All-County wrestler while at East Islip – and his subsequent wrestling career at Pennsylvania State University. Murphy also began powerlifting while in college, and was soon participating in Paralympic weightlifting events. He won a bronze medal at the 2006 IPC World Powerlifting Championships in Busan, Korea, where he lifted a record-breaking 281.1 pounds. Nike noticed, and featured him in one of their “No Excuses” campaign commercials in 2008. He graduated college in 2006 with a degree in kinesiology, but his entrepreneurial calling proved to be in the realm of speech. During Murphy’s years at Penn State, head wrestling coach Troy Sutherland helped interest him in public speaking by having him discuss his life experiences with summer sports campers. Over time, noting the incredibly positive response and the potential demand for his unique brand of motivational talks, Murphy decided to make a professional career of it. He has since kept a busy schedule, traveling across the United States to speak about his inspirational life story at dozens of middle and high schools, colleges, corporations and non-profit organizations, as well as launching his own social networking community CatchSpark.com. In Oct. 2011, Murphy paid an official visit to East Islip to talk to middle school students in the high school auditorium. His presentation awed the kids in attendance, much as it does everywhere else he speaks, but it meant something especially meaningful for him. “Speaking at East Islip High School last fall was a great honor,” Murphy said. “I usually don't get nervous before I speak, but that wasn't the case that day. As I was going through the hallways, memories of being a student at EI came back to me. Speaking at the school was just so special for me because if it wasn't for the teachers and administrators in that building, I wouldn't be where I am today. Now that I am an adult, I just want to give back to the students of East Islip.” Several times a week he can be found working out at Gold’s Gym in Islip, where he is a highly respected regular, pushing himself hard every time, as well as a workout instructor. Murphy had originally planned to train for the 2012 Summer Paralympic Games, but his burgeoning career in motivational speaking didn’t quite leave him enough time. “My goal now is to give a speech in every state in the country,” he said. “I want to motivate kids and help them get ahead in life.” RohanMurphy.com http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4640 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT BOYS VARSITY BASKETBALL Two Evan Maxwell free throws with 47 seconds gave East Islip a 55-53 lead they would not relinquish, sealing the team’s 60-59 first-round home playoff win over Kings Park High School on Feb. 18. Maxwell ended up with a career high of 40 points, including 13 out of 14 free throws and 20 rebounds. East Islip hosts Central Islip in the second playoff round on Feb. 21 at 4 p.m. GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL On Feb. 17, East Islip’s girls varsity team lost 41-16 to Patchogue-Medford in an out-bracket game of the Suffolk playoffs. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4624 Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT East Islip alumna Katelyn Koslosky, now a Delaware State University freshman, has found a way to successfully meet her academic goals while shining as a rookie goalkeeper for the university’s women’s soccer team. At one point, Koslosky was ranked fourth nationally in total saves for Division I goalkeepers. Another highlight of her freshman year at DSU was being named Great West Conference Defensive Player of the Week for Oct. 24, 2011. At the end of the season, she ranked 24th in total saves (seventh among freshmen), first in the Great West Conference for goalies in total saves and saves per game, and second in goals against average and save percentage. "She is a talented goalie and for her to be doing as well as she is as a starting freshman, means there are great things for her and our team in the future,” DSU head coach Nitan Soni said earlier in the season. “I was so happy to have been able to come right in as a freshman and play right away and contribute immediately,” Koslosky said. “I felt rewarded for all the hard work and training that I put in for so many years to earn a scholarship.” Koslosky is enjoying the academic challenge as well, and has some specific advice for current students at East Islip regarding the college experience. “Something I’ve learned that I would like them to know is that it is crucial to do well in high school to prepare for the heavy workload of college,” she explained. “For me the transition was difficult, being a Division I athlete and full-time student. It takes awhile to get it all together, but when it does come together, it’s that much more rewarding. It is an incredible experience to go away to college, and I am looking forward to getting Year One under my belt.” http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4626 Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Feb. 10 was Celebrity Read Aloud Day at John F. Kennedy Elementary School. Numerous "celebrity" readers – including the East Islip School District’s superintendent, assistant superintendents, administrators and members of the school board – took turns reading books to the children in different classrooms. Board member Kim Phillips visited Nuala Quinlan’s classroom to read Mo Willem’s classic “Knuffle Bunny” to the kindergartners. Assistant Superintendent Alise Becker-Santa tackled “Stella Louella's Runaway Book” by Lisa Campbell Ernst, while Dan Friedman, the district’s director of data and technological services, aptly utilized an iPad to demonstrate how technology can aid in reading. “Our students were truly inspired by our guest readers,” said JFK Principal Aileen O’Rourke. “They were exposed to new authors and titles. Our ‘celebrities’ really encouraged our students to become lifelong readers.” http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4608 Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT East Islip High School's girls and boys varsity basketball teams have both advanced to the Suffolk County playoffs, and will play this weekend. The girls team will be away against Patchogue-Medford High School on Friday, Feb. 17. The game starts at 5 p.m. The boys team will play at home against Kings Park High School on Saturday, Feb. 18. Game time is 4 p.m. There will be a $4 charge for admission for both games, per Section XI. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4609 Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT The EJ Autism Foundation's sixth annual Jigsaw 4 Mile Run/Walk for Autism will take place on April 22, 2012 at the East Islip Marina. Start times are 9 a.m. for the quarter-mile kiddie run and 9:30 a.m. for the four-mile event (one of the biggest on Long Island), which will feature raffle prizes and age-group awards. Pre-registration by mail is only $20. Online registration is $25. Participants can also register the day of the event for $25 at Islip Town Hall (busing will be provided). A $5 hamburger after-party will take place at Lily Flanagan's. All proceeds from the event will be used by the EJ Autism Foundation to support programs on Long Island that work with children diagnosed with autism. "Run or walk for autism! Get a T-shirt and a meal! Get entertained and feel your heart pumping! Be part of the difference, and make a difference," urges EJ Autism founder Bea Huste-Petersen. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4610 Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT As a sendoff to the school's Parents as Reading Partners (PARP) program, Connetquot Elementary held a special Bodacious Book Show assembly on Feb. 9. Hosted by the amusing duo of Bob Bookmark and Rita Digest, the fast-paced, thought-provoking "Nature Tales" featured fun poems about nature and wildlife and as a centerpiece, the "Have You Read It?" game show involving quizzes on books with animal characters. For the grand finale, they presented a classic African folk tale from Nigeria, "Home in the Sky," brought to life with costumes, masks and Bookmark's vivid facepainting of student volunteers. "We get students thinking and talking about their favorite books," said Bookmark and Digest. "We feel that the way to develop good readers is to help kids discover books so good they can't wait to read more." http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4612 Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT The East Islip Public Library recently hosted the East Islip Middle School’s Master Readers Book Discussion Club’s meeting to discuss “Okay for Now” by Gary D. Schmidt. The discussion on the novel, a 2011 National Book Award finalist, was held after school in the library’s Teen Bistro. Young-adult librarian Kassia Worst was a thoughtful host, supplying a thematic snack assortment of foods mentioned in the book, including hot chocolate, Coca-Cola and donuts. Holding the meeting in the public library enabled the students to view large illustrations from John James Audubon's “Birds of America” that are also mentioned in “Okay for Now.” “The public library/school library connection is an important part of our club,” said middle school librarian Valerie Ware. “Mrs. Worst attends our book discussions and facilitates the interloan process to make our selected titles available to the students.” http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4584 Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Go here for information on East Islip Middle School's "Month of Change" program to benefit the Special Olympics and a special wish. The homeroom that collects the most money will win a breakfast party. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4597 Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT East Islip Middle School’s 2012 production of “Into the Woods, Jr.” was the latest success for a program that has been producing musicals for over 28 years. Directed by Katelyn Keating, the Feb. 10 and 11 performances of this Stephen Sondheim classic delighted audience members on both nights. The cast consisted of Zach Halfter as the Baker, Megan Tohill as the Baker’s Wife, Amanda Baranek as Cinderella, Kevin Graydon as Cinderella’s Father, Cassandra Manfredi as Cinderella’s Mother, Jon Coffin as Cinderella’s Prince, Ashley Gala as Cinderella’s Stepmother, Catherine Graber as Florinda, Noelia Vazquez as Granny, Vinny Altman as Jack, Jenna Bernhardt as Jack’s Mother, Dominique Degener as Little Red Riding Hood, Jenny Casey as Lucinda, Jessica Muroff as Milky White, Dylan Sanders as Mysterious Man, Kierstin O’Hara as the Narrator, Kate Maretsky as Rapunzel, Jack Burke-McGoldrick as Rapunzel’s Prince, Emily Fishman as the Steward, Kyra Walls as the Witch and John Guiliano as the Wolf. Additional ensemble members were Alex Agati, Kristina Ali, Sarah Bloom, Julia DiCarlo, Sophia Gerace, Jackie Ginty, Sarah Hillman, Kent Hlavac, Ashley Karlin, Sara Mauro, Angelina Perrone and Marlie Siniscalchi. Musical director Keating is no stranger to the East Islip stage, having directed last year’s high school production of “Guys and Dolls.” While attending East Islip High School herself, she performed lead roles in several productions. Keating later graduated from Nazareth College in Rochester with a dual major in musical theater performance and music education, and she recently studied at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla. East Islip High School teacher and Alfred University graduate Dan Figliozzi designed a beautiful set for “Into the Woods, Jr.,” built by middle school students and members of the high school’s musical theater technology class. Set construction and crew members involved were Christian Arma, Julie Bonessi, Paul Brett, Katie Burke-McGoldrick, Kevin Capobianco, Jennie-Anne Cocco, Patrick Connoly, Matthew Cowdell, Stephen N. DeTurris, Jarrett Duncovich, Courtney Farbman, Emily Francois, John Fusco, Thomas Glynn, Alissa Helhuski, Arianna Kresh, Linda Iovino, Stephen Lynch, Rachael Maretsky, Bruce Morrow, Lauren Moskowitz, Annie O Sullivan, Danielle Pafundi, Joseph Pafundi, Alexander Postillo, Sabrina Seibert, Jamie Schnal, Madison Schrader, Cassidy Tatun, Barbara Tiernan, Jessica Wenk, Kira Westgate-Addessi, Michael Wienclaw, and Ebony Worlds. “The students performed with a professional Broadway quality, bringing forth powerful vocals and choreography,” said Art & Music Director Stephen Guarino. “We look forward to seeing many of these bright young stars in future productions at the middle school and high school in the years to come.” The next musical to grace the East Islip School District’s stage will be the high school's production of "Carnival!" It opens March 29, with tickets on sale March 5. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4598 Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT With her parents Tom and Mary Roccaro by her side, East Islip High School’s Caro Roccaro joined East Islip Athletic Director Stephen Restivo and coach Julie Susskind on Feb. 1 to mark another momentous occasion for the soccer phenom. Roccaro signed a national letter of intent to play for Notre Dame University on a full scholarship. It was a long process for the star senior, who also considered Duke, Wake Forest and Penn State, among others. The academic and sports history of Notre Dame proved most appealing, however. “The Notre Dame campus had a great feeling,” she said. “The athletic program of course was important, but so were the academics and the unity of the school. It was a perfect fit.” Her family and Albertson Fury club coach provided input, but Roccaro noted that the ultimate decision was hers alone. Roccaro’s goal at Notre Dame? “To create a name for myself,” she answered. “I am very excited and proud for her,” said Susskind, Roccaro’s soccer coach this year. “She deserves it and Notre Dame really is a perfect fit. I can’t wait to see how successful she is there.” Roccaro’s cavalcade of honors did not stop there. On Feb. 8, Roccaro learned that she had been named the 2011-2012 Gatorade New York Girls Soccer Player of the Year, the first from East Islip High School to be so honored. Presented by the Gatorade Company in collaboration with ESPNHS, the award recognized outstanding athletic excellence as well as high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field, all of which Roccaro has demonstrated to a superlative degree. The 5-foot-7 forward/midfielder led the Lady Redmen to an 11-3-1 record this past fall, notching 11 goals and 4 assists. She was a First Team ESPNHS All-American, a two-time National Soccer Coaches Association of America All-American, and was named Long Island Player of the Year. On the academic side, she maintained an A average and achieved National Honor Society membership, and her character was revealed when she volunteered for a local soccer program for children diagnosed with autism. Roccaro will be a finalist for the Gatorade National Girls Soccer Player of the Year, to be announced in May. In the meantime, she is playing soccer in the Four Nations Tournament in La Manga, Spain, competing as a member of the U.S. Soccer Federation Under-20 Women’s National Team. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4566 Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT East Islip High School senior Jamie Chambers is the latest in the school’s superb set of soccer greats to announce her college choice with the signing of a national letter of intent. Chambers will play next year for the New York Institute of Technology's Bears soccer team, where she has been granted a scholarship. She not only intends to major in occupational therapy at NYIT's campus in Old Westbury, but has already been accepted to the program. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4573 Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT In the midst of an 11-day trip to Canada, East Islip Middle School student Devin Heffernan is living the dream of many young New York ice hockey fans. The seventh-grader, who has been playing the sport since he was five, was selected by the New York Rangers PeeWee Hockey Club to compete in the 53rd annual Quebec International PeeWee Hockey Tournament held in Quebec City. He will be coached by Doug Messier, the father of Rangers legend Mark Messier. Heffernan is one of 20 players from the New York metropolitan area comprising this Rangers junior team, selected based on their hockey skills, dedication to the sport and exemplary off-ice conduct, including classroom achievement. Over 100 teams from around the world attend the tournament, which runs from Feb. 9-19 and attracts over 200,000 spectators. Students such as Heffernan will have the opportunity to absorb the culture and history of Quebec, and they will be staying with local host families who attend the games. "It is a wonderful cultural exchange for all involved," said Doug Messier. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4567 Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Under the direction of Ron Fox, the East Islip High School Jazz Ensemble performed at the annual SCMEA Day of Jazz Festival on Feb. 11, held at Sayville High School. After their performance, the ensemble watched Fox perform with the SCMEA Jazz Repertory Orchestra featuring guest artists Warren Vache and Joe Magnarelli, followed by the SCMEA All-County Jazz Ensembles. “It was a great educational and memorable day of jazz,” said Fox. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4570 Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Artists of the Week for Feb. 13, 2012: First-graders Daniel Bedoya, Eamonn Dreyer, Carlie Edmonds, Nina Gerace, Raymond LaRocca and Angelina Sekela of Connetquot Elementary School Kindergartner Brooke Tursi of John F. Kennedy Elementary Fifth-grader Max Calarco of Ruth C. Kinney Elementary Kindergartners Charlie Heffernan, Gabrielle Procaccini and Mikey Raguseo of Timber Point Elementary Sixth-grader Gabriel Sotek, seventh-grader Eve Collier, and eighth-graders Jake Christy and Phoebe Tedesco of East Islip Middle School http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4558 Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT East Islip's For the Kids Foundation will hold a special one day sale on Feb. 29 for tickets to the organization's 15th annual Black Tie Gala. This year's event, whose theme is "The Crystal Ball," takes place March 10, 2012 at Land's End in Sayville. The advance ticket sale (limited seating available) will be from 3:30-7:00 p.m. on Feb. 29 at East Islip Middle School. Cash, check and credit cards will be accepted. Black Tie Gala invitation http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4560 Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT East Islip High School's varsity Winter Sports Awards Night will be held March 7 at 7 p.m. in the school's auditorium. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4562 Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT After reading the 1985 classic "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" and several other Laura Numeroff circular texts in her "If You Give a..." series, ESL students in Diane Chiofalo’s classroom at Ruth C. Kinney Elementary enjoyed creating their own original “circular text” books, where the ending refers back to the beginning. The second-graders’ spectacular illustrations matched their interesting words. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4565 Sun, 12 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT BOYS VARSITY BASKETBALL At home against Smithtown East on Feb. 7, the boys varsity team clinched the League III title with a 42-33 victory, riding Evan Maxwell’s 13 points and 16 rebounds. Brian Bennett also had 13 points, while Josh Werner had 11. The team won again on Feb. 9, beating home team Riverhead 59-42. Maxwell scored 18 points with 18 rebounds, Bennett put up 17 points (12 in the second half), and Steven Frost added 12 points. GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL The girls varsity team beat home team Smithtown East 46-29 on Feb. 7, led by junior Mariah Cullen, who scored a career-high 20 points with 12 rebounds. Katie Walsh added 10 points. With this victory, 6-5 East Islip clinched the team’s first playoff spot in three years. Two days later at home, East Islip fell to undefeated Riverhead, 56-41. Mackenzie Houghton and Elizabeth Vetter led East Islip with 8 points each. GIRLS JV BASKETBALL In a close Feb. 7 game, the JV girls were defeated by Smithtown East 21-24. Christana Talamo had 6 points and Alexa Mattera had 5 During the last home game of the season against Riverhead on Feb. 9, the team struggled in the first quarter with a score of 6-16, and by halfime, they were down 18-26. East Islip came back during the second half of the game and went on to beat Riverhead 41-37. Cathy Marku and Rachel Dempsey had 8 points, while Talamo and Juliette Polis both had 7. The final season record for the JV squad was 12 wins and 5 losses. "I am extremely proud of all of the hard work the girls put in this season and I wish them the best of luck in their athletic and academic endeavors,” said head coach Heather Toomey. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4536 Sun, 12 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT The next Board of Education regular monthly meeting will be held on the rescheduled date of Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at 1 Craig B. Gariepy Avenue in Islip Terrace. There will be a motion to open public session at 6 p.m. The Board may then make a motion to adjourn to executive session to discuss employment histories of particular individuals for personnel appointments, Committee on Special Education cases, litigation and negotiations. It is estimated that if the Board holds an Executive Session they will return to general session at approximately 8 p.m. to hold the regular monthly meeting. The Board wishes to invite all community members to attend. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4537 Sun, 12 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT To celebrate the 100th day of school at Connetquot Elementary, the Connetquot Orchestra performed for the school’s students and staff as they entered the building on Feb. 10. Said pleased orchestra director Jaime DeMaria, “Bravo on a fine performance!” http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4539 Sun, 12 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Three of East Islip High School’s outstanding seniors have been accepted to Cornell University. Kendall Grant, Emma Hallowell and Athena Shea all have different stories to tell, all leading to the same place: the storied Ivy League university in Ithaca, N.Y, founded in 1865. “I instantly fell in love with Cornell when visiting,” said Kendall Grant, who said she always had the school on her college radar. She intends to major in industrial and labor relations, focusing on economics from a political and workplace standpoint in hopes of going to law school. “I worked in housekeeping with immigrants all summer,” she said. “That sparked my interest in labor studies and workplace communication.” Ranked fourth among her class, Grant summed up her senior year so far as “relaxed and enjoyable.” Athena Shea’s admiration for Cornell University goes back even farther, to her childhood. “I was eight or nine the first time I visited Cornell,” she explained. “I loved the large university with the population of a small city, and the old architecture instantly made me feel like I was at home.” Shea has plans for either a double major in biology and chemistry or a major in biochemistry, plus a minor in psychology, all with pre-med intentions. “Until the time arrives when I leave for Cornell,” said fifth-ranked Shea, “I will be spending my senior year enjoying the rest of my high school career.” “I chose to go to Cornell University because it is the place where I can reach my full potential,” said Emma Hallowell, whose goal is to become a large-animal veterinarian. “Cornell is the best place for that,” she added, noting the university’s top-notch veterinary classes and facilities. Hallowell, ranked eleventh in her graduating class, attributes much of her successful career planning to the atmosphere at East Islip. “The high school helped me reach another step in my dream of working with animals,” she explained. “The teachers at East Islip led me to do my best in class, while having fun.” She also cites the music and athletics programs for personal growth. “Sports and music are the things I will remember most. Music has been a great way to have an important voice even when you’re quiet, and going out every day to join a team on the court or track has really made me feel a part of something.” http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4542 Sun, 12 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT East Islip School District kindergarten registration will take place March 5-8, 2012. Click here for more information including times and location. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4554 Sun, 12 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT The following article on Long Islanders dealing with debt from school loans appeared Feb. 10 on Newsday.com and in their Sunday print edition two days later: "Shackled with school debt, 3 LI students' stories" "This article deals with college grads caught between student loans and the poor job market," said East Islip Board of Education trustee Joseph G. Sargent. "I think it would be good suggested reading for all of our students." http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4527 Sat, 11 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT High school and middle school students in the Family & Consumer Science Club (FACS) provided a big boost for the second annual East Islip SEPTA Snowflake Fundraiser, cooking and serving food at the Feb. 3 event. "The club worked hard preparing wonderful appetizers and desserts for the Snowflake fundraiser," said FACS Club adviser Patricia Emmons Fritz. Held at the local Ancient Order of Hibernians Hall on Champlin Avenue in East Islip, the successful and festive night helped raise money for SEPTA (Special Education Parent Teacher Association) and the organization's work on behalf of special education in East Islip's school district. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4517 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT In Newsday's Juice Box video "Grownups," students at John F. Kennedy Elementary talk about what it means to be a grownup. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4522 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT At the East Islip Board of Education monthly meeting on Feb. 9, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction and Personnel Alise Becker-Santa guided the attendees through a 2010-2011 secondary assessment presentation, providing a detailed overview of East Islip student achievement for grades nine through twelve. Superintendent of Schools John J. Finello was pleased to announce the good news that East Islip High School’s Academic Team were ranked No. 1 in Suffolk County, after their blowout 470-140 victory over Shelter Island High School in “The Challenge.” The Academic Team will face their next opponent, Patchogue-Medford High School, on Feb. 14, to be aired on Cablevision’s MSG Varsity network on March 8. Finello also congratulated high school soccer star Cari Roccaro on being named the 2011-2012 Gatorade New York Girls Soccer Player of the Year. Roccaro, who will attend Notre Dame on a full scholarship next fall, was unable to attend the meeting as she was playing in Europe in the U20 World Cup. Personnel reports included the appointing of tenure to East Islip Middle School teaching assistant Tami Schaber, and the retirements of Timber Point teacher Janis Harrington, East Islip High school psychologist Phyllis Carlson, and high school foreign-language teachers Carol Candela, Mary Carey and Dorsy Palios. Also announced was the upcoming retirement of plant and facilities administrator Robert Tartaglia, a district mainstay for the past 38 years. Donations announced included a $2000 grant from MSG Varsity for the Technology Club and two donations to benefit the middle school sports program, $20,000 from the East Islip Athletic Booster Club and $2,500 from the For the Kids Foundation. A Coca-Cola contest won by a grandparent of a Connetquot Elementary resulted in a $5000 in donated funds for the upcoming Connetquot playground upgrade (for which a new bid will be sought). A final donation came from the local fire department in the form of a 2005 Ford Expedition, to be utilized for district security or maintenance. Under new business, the Board approved various resolutions that included UPSEU earned vacation days, setting election workers compensation rates, and extending budget voting hours on May 15 to 6 a.m. through 9 p.m. In one resolution, Board trustee Joseph G. Sargent noted a change in senior citizens’ partial exemption from property taxes, raising the maximum income tier from $29,900 to $37,400. Lastly, the Board confirmed that its correct contact email address is AllBoardMembers@eischools.org. Rescheduled from its original date, the next Board of Education meeting will take place on March 13, 2012. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4524 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Cassandra Fitzpatrick is only in seventh grade, but has already made a name for herself as a writer. The East Islip Middle School student won the Suffolk County Award of Excellence in Literature from the Suffolk Region PTA. Her poem "Diversity Is You” was one of two East Islip entries in this year’s PTA Reflections art contest to achieve victory on the county level, and will move on to the next round of judging at the state level. The title of her entry was based on this year’s Reflections theme of "Diversity Means..." In Fitzpatrick’s artist statement, she explained, "This poem related to the theme because it explains that even though everyone is different from one another, we all have one important thing in common – we're all people in this world and should all be treated equally." “I am thrilled that Cassandra will represent the middle school in the PTA Reflections contest this year,” said her English teacher, Ann Mingione. “She is an excellent writer who consistently strives to improve her work and attain high grades. In addition, she is a positive role model for her peers and naturally takes on leadership roles during cooperative learning groups.” http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4525 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT There will be an informational Career Academy meeting tonight for all East Islip High School juniors and their parents, taking place at 7 p.m. in the high school cafeteria. Career Academy teachers will be discussing the two existing Career Academy programs – Environment Green and International Business Globalization – as well as unveiling the new Medical and Health Technology Career Academt program. "This is an excellent opportunity for both parents and students to come to the high school and learn about these programs and how they have helped to educate and inform our students about college and career readiness," said Guidance Director Israel Malinowitzer. "These programs offer our students internships, mentoring and opportunities to meet with CEOs and other administrators from different companies, both locally and globally connected. Our students are also informed about what courses they need to take in college in order to pursue a particular career from professionals in that field." http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4496 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT East Islip High School's Mock Trial Team defeated St. John’s on Feb. 8. The lawyers were Athena Shea, Angelica Guercio and Kristen Papillo. The witnesses were Bobby Rosenthal, Samantha Sanchez and Elizabeth Loizides. The bailiff was Tim Cerrito. The team is now 2-0 and looking forward to the third round at Harborfields on Feb. 15. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4497 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT “Parents, grandparents, and youngsters cooking together in the kitchen, sharing family recipes and secrets passed from one generation to the next, is a lost art in many households across America,” said East Islip Middle School teacher Rena Costello. Students in Costello's home and career skills classes are able to do exactly that several times a year, however. On “Chef Days,” parents and staff members are invited to cook their favorite recipes in a demonstration for the students. On Feb. 3, the most recent Chef Day, teachers shared recipes for Super Bowl Sunday, and students were encouraged to go home and prepare the recipes they learned for their families. Assistant Principal Janet Jones made buffalo chicken dip, Cindy Fruedenberg made taco salad, social studies teacher Gloria Cerrito demonstrated her Super Breakfast Blossom Bake, Pamela Avella made cheesy monkey bread, and French teacher Marina Poulis created an appropriately French-themed dessert of chocolate mousse cake. “These days, it's hard for busy parents to take time out to teach their kids basic cooking techniques,” said Costello. “Including the kids in cooking meals requires time, patience and perhaps some extra cleaning up, but it is worth it.” http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4506 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Winning the Suffolk County level of the PTA Reflections art contest is only the latest triumph for East Islip sophomore Emely Rodriguez. Her photograph was one of two entries selected from East Islip on the county level, out of over 100 student participants district-wide for this year’s “Diversity Means…” theme. She will be presented with a certificate from the Suffolk Region PTA at the annual Reflections showcase this spring, and her work will continue to advance to be judged at the state and possibly national level. Rodriguez, who is deaf, arrived in the United States at the age of eight, never having been in school before in the Dominican Republic. At the Cleary Elementary Program, she not only learned sign language, but was introduced to written English. Rodriguez began attending classes at East Islip Middle School in seventh grade and became part of the East Islip student body. At the high school, the Cleary School provides her with sign-language interpreters in her regular classes so that she can follow the instruction. Because Rodriguez lives in Montauk, she spends almost four hours every day traveling to and from school, but has found time to join both the East Islip yearbook team and girls track team. She has also participated in the Gallaudet University Academic Bowl, representing Cleary with four of her schoolmates. The prize-winning photograph depicts two identical twin sisters, one of which is deaf, gesturing love for each other while at the beach. Her explanation noted that “As ‘I love you’ in sign language is the same as the in-heart hands symbol, the deaf sister is equal to the hearing sister. As they look at each other, it is like looking in a mirror.” Asked about the photo’s genesis, Rodriguez said through her interpreter, “I created it to demonstrate the difference between the hearing world and the deaf world.” “Emely Rodriguez is an outstanding student,” said Cleary Secondary Program coordinator Richard Stelle. “Because Emely has learned that language is the key to her future, she is a voracious reader and always has a book in front of her face.” Whether in language or photography, Rodriguez has proven herself a talent. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4509 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Kindergarten students at Timber Point Elementary were visited by two representatives of East Islip Dental Care on Feb. 1 for a memorable lesson in how to take good care of their teeth. As part of National Children's Dental Health Month, hygienist Debbie Seegers, an Islip Terrace resident, and dental assistant Bianca Forgione came to Timber Point to explain all about brushing, flossing and maintaining dental health. With the visual aid of stuffed dog Puppy Pete, the kindergartners learn how to brush correctly. At the conclusion of the lesson, the students were given a goody bag filled with supplies for maintaining their smiles. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4510 Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Connetquot Elementary teacher Leslie Davis’ class has been conducting experiments on different types of energy. In their latest experiment, the students tested their theories on insulation and heat energy, analyzing different types of insulation (fat or blubber, fur, paper towel and plastic) to determine which was the best insulator. “After making a prediction, performing the experiment, collecting and comparing data, and drawing a conclusion, we found that the fat or blubber – we used Crisco shortening – was the best insulator,” said Davis. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4484 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Angela Pizzuto is well aware of what a significant honor it is to be chosen as a United States Presidential Scholar candidate. “It’s really important, considering how few students are selected,” said Pizzuto, who plans to study physics in college this fall. The East Islip High School senior and upcoming salutatorian is one of only approximately 3,000 candidates nationwide who attained this initial achievement based on their exceptional SAT or ACT scores. Each year, roughly 20 male and 20 female students are selected per state, by invitation only. In April, 500 candidates are named as semifinalists. Up to 141 students from this pool of candidates are then named U.S Presidential Scholars in May, recognized as some of the nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. The Scholars are invited on an expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. in June to participate in National Recognition Weekend, culminating in a ceremony sponsored by the White House in which the students are presented with medallions. In honoring these Scholars, the president symbolically honors all graduating seniors of high potential. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4485 Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT The young actors and actresses of East Islip Middle School are hard at work, rehearsing for this weekend's school musical, "Into the Woods, Jr." The students' performance of the classic 1987 Broadway musical by Stephen Sondheim will take place on Feb. 10 and 11, beginning at 7:30 p.m. (with a snow date of Sunday, Feb. 12). Advance tickets ($9 per ticket) are available here. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4478 Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT East Islip Middle School’s Master Readers Book Discussion Club recently had the opportunity to meet author Steve Kluger in the high school library. The visit was arranged by the East Islip High School PTSA Arts in Education Committee and librarian Wendy Turkington. Kluger is the author of acclaimed books such as “The Last Day of Summer" (1998) and “My Most Excellent Year: A Novel of Love, Mary Poppins and Fenway Park” (2008). The latter novel won the inaugural Amelia Elizabeth Walden (AEW) Book Award for Young Adult Fiction in 2009, sponsored by the National Council of Teachers of English. This award is given to the author of a young adult book that demonstrates a positive approach to life, widespread teen appeal and literary merit. “Defying sentimentality, his characters offer readers realistic, complicated—and inspiring—teenagers seeking both personal identity and connection with others,” said AEW selection committee chair Wendy Glenn at the time. During the meeting in East Islip, Kluger spoke to the excited students about his writing process, answered many questions from both club members and high school students, and autographed copies of his book. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4480 Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Artists of the Week for Feb. 6, 2012: First-graders Mariella Batista, Gianna Cipriano, Tyler Hirsch, Emily Lyons, Anthony Muscarella and Justin Shayew of Connetquot Elementary School First-grader Aaron Anaya of John F. Kennedy Elementary Fourth-graders Grace Hurlbert and Samantha Winegard of Ruth C. Kinney Elementary First-grader Alyssa Ancona of Timber Point Elementary http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4466 Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT BOYS WINTER TRACK East Islip’s boys winter track team competed at the Suffolk Large Schools championship meet on Feb. 4, held at Suffolk Community College in Brentwood. Photos by Glenn Reed. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4468 Sun, 05 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT With this year's theme of “Through the Years,” the biennial variety show at John F. Kennedy Elementary focused on music from the '50s, '60s, '70s, '80s, '90s and today. Directed by teachers and staff volunteers, each grade level was involved in an act during the Jan. 26 show, hosted by emcee Karl Von Glahn. Principal Aileen O'Rourke also performed, as did many teachers, including Christine Cirillo, Gina Fox, Donna Marshall and James Santoro. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4443 Sun, 05 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Through the combined efforts of Carol Brown, coordinator of Arts in Education programs at Eastern Suffolk BOCES, and East Islip’s Director of Art and Music Stephen Guarino, art and music teachers throughout Suffolk County participated in a Common Core Learning Standards workshop presented at East Islip by literacy trainer Amy Benjamin. Benjamin is a veteran English language arts teacher who taught on the middle and high school level for almost 40 years, and brought a wealth of knowledge to the attending staff. Her Feb. 1 workshop centered on Common Core learning shifts and integration in the art and music classroom. The participating teachers shared ideas and ways in which their classes incorporate literacy, and Benjamin helped the group find ways to continue to integrate instructional shifts and tiered vocabulary in their current lessons. “East Islip music and art teachers continually strive to deliver lessons to students that enhance learning across subject areas while maintaining the highest caliber of arts experiences for art and music students throughout the district,” explained Guarino. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4446 Sun, 05 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT East Islip senior Sierra Panzner is headed for sunnier skies this fall, as she begins her freshman year studying International Business at the University of Tampa. Panzner's excellent work as a member of East Islip High School's International Business Globalization Academy led to an immediate acceptance from the university, which was her first choice. "My senior year has really helped me in deciding my major," she explained. "As a part of the Career Academy, I have already taken courses such as Wall Street, accounting and marketing, and taking these classes introduced me to the business world." The University of Tampa looks to be a perfect fit for Panzner's skills, with its John H. Sykes College of Business being on the Princeton Review's list of "Best 300 Business Schools" for the fifth year in a row. "I chose this school not only because of its ideal location, but because of the opportunities they give you," said Panzner. "I am looking forward to pursuing my major and having fun at the University of Tampa, and I am thankful that I am getting the chance to go to this school and study something that I love." http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4448 Sun, 05 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT East Islip Middle School’s Tri-M Music Honor Society held an induction ceremony on Jan. 25, welcoming their latest members. Students apply for membership in this national music honor society based on their proficiency and achievement on the NYSSMA assessment, as well as character and scholastic achievement. Meeting biweekly, Tri-M functions as a service organization for both the local community and school. The new Tri-M inductees at East Islip Middle School were Amanda Baranek, Brittney Berke, Anthony Cialdella, Juliana Cialdella, James Daley, Catherine DiRosa, John Donovand, Victoria Dushaj, Emma Elliott, Vincent Harty, Beth Hillman, Heather Hoffman, Paige Hommel, Richard Hughes, Nicole Humpf, Kevin Jacobsen, LeeAnne Jacobsen, Samantha Levey, Evan Mauner, Elisa Mingo, William Reed, Zachary Schurman, Katrina Shea, Kylie Sorrentino and Emily Timmins. An honorary membership was also presented to Alise Becker-Santa, the district’s assistant superintendent for instruction and personnel, for her commitment to music education in East Islip’s schools. “This is a group of young people who have a common interest, but who also serve the school and community,” explained Tri-M adviser Judith Fischer. “The Tri-M Society is active in many fundraising ventures – sponsoring food drives, giving over $5000 in scholarships in the past three years, and partnering with East Islip’s For the Kids Foundation in constructing the newest courtyard.” The middle school’s Tri-M Society also sponsored the third annual East Islip Idol last October, spurring musical participation from throughout the entire student body. Tri-M students voted to donate 50 cents per ticket sold to support middle school athletics. This resulted in a $536 donation to the school’s sports program, presented at the most recent Board of Education meeting. “Fellow Tri-M adviser Concetta Stevens and I were very proud of the Tri-M members for their willingness to reach out to the student athletes,” added Fischer. The organization’s next project will be awarding a summer music study scholarship this spring. Photos by Glenn Reed http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4413 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT As part of Timber Point Elementary School’s continuing “Going Green” project, spearheaded by teacher Jen Giordano’s “Recyclinators” eco-class, over 750 reusable water bottles were given out to students and staff. Earlier this year, Giordano’s Recyclinators collected and recycled over 24,000 water bottles at Timber Point, a staggering number that convinced her students that a problem existed: too many people were relying on bottled water. The class then held a taste test, with 200 students from different grades participating. When offered tastes of refrigerated bottled water and refrigerated tap water, 48% of the kids actually preferred the taste of the tap water. Additionally, the Recyclinators worked with Suffolk County Water Authority to test Timber Point's water, and discovered that not only was the school's water quality as good as bottled water, in some cases it was better due to lower amounts of chlorine. These findings spurred Giordano’s class to try and effect a change. “We went on a mission to make sure that everyone – students and staff – at Timber Point had a reusable water bottle,” said Giordano. The class reached out to a few companies regarding volume discounts, and one of the firms, Inspire Green, decided to donate 750 eco-friendly water bottles to the school, each with a built-in filter. Timber Point only had to pay for shipping. “IG donated the bottles because they were very happy to see a group of children moved to help protect our planet,” explained Giordano. Timber Point’s students, from kindergarten to fifth grade, and faculty received a reusable, filtered water bottle in exchange for signing a pledge card promising to Go Green whenever they could. Dedicated parent volunteers helped pass out the huge volume of water bottles, ensuring the giveaway went off without a hitch. Inspire Green Inc. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4414 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT On Nov. 7, 2011, the Academic Team traveled to New York City to compete against Shelter Island in “The Challenge.” In this event, hosted by American Idol semifinalist Jared Cotter, teams of local academically gifted students are tested on their knowledge of arts and literature, history, math, science and current events. Did East Islip win or lose? The suspense–and final score–will bee revealed when the match is broadcast Monday, Feb. 6 on Cablevision’s MSG Varsity network (channel 14) at 6:30 p.m. The episode will be replayed on Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 6 p.m. on MSG Varsity, as well as on News 12 Long Island on Feb. 12 at 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4399 Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Five of East Islip High School's leading girls varsity soccer players signed national letters of intent on Feb. 1 to play for four different university programs. The teammates gathered in Athletic Director Stephen Restivo's office to celebrate the momentous occasion, joined by soccer coach Julie Susskind and their proud family members. Cari Roccaro signed with the University of Notre Dame, Jacqueline Niciforo will play for LIU Post in Brookville and Cristiana Votta signed with Ryder University in Lawrenceville, N.J., while Brianne LaFemina and Deanna Reynolds will both play for Concord University in Athens, W.Va. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4406 Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT This year's PARP/Literacy Weeks at Connetquot kicked off their "Surf and Soar" theme on Jan. 31 with a special "Coco Locos" faculty performance party followed by a game of bingo. The school's Literacy Committee, composed of PTA and staff volunteers, has planned additional activities through Feb. 9, including the Scholastic book fair, Mystery Readers, bookmark decorating and exchanging, and a concluding Bodacious Books assembly. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4407 Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT Robert Rohan has chosen to attend the State University of New York at Delhi in the Catskill Mountains this fall, where he plans to study electrical construction and instrumentation. "I picked SUNY Delhi because I love the location of the school, upstate in the woods, and most importantly due to their electrical construction program," said Rohan. The East Islip High School senior attributes much of his newfound confidence and ambition to his experience in the school's Environment Green Career Academy. "My senior year has changed my personality," he stated. "The Career Academy broke me out of my shell. I used to be shy and uncomfortable around kids my own age, but now I have confidence in myself." http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4408 Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT The East Islip School District Board of Education held a Community Budget Forum last night, presenting information about the upcoming 2012-2013 school budget, including the factual data and potential impact of the new state-imposed tax levy cap. Preliminary monetary figures were offered, and community members were invited to discuss their ideas and concerns. “Like each of you here tonight, East Islip is my home, where I choose to raise and educate my family,” noted Board of Education President Glenn Reed. “The current economic climate here in East Islip, and indeed the world, is challenging in many ways, most certainly for our system of education. Each of us must put forth our best efforts, recognizing and balancing the need for change as well as the need for continuity in order to achieve success.” After Reed’s opening remarks , the lights were dimmed and Superintendent John J. Finello presented “The Budget Challenge,” a sharp series of PowerPoint slides that not only illustrated these issues but brought clarity to the harsh and sometimes confusing effect of the tax cap legislation on the school budget. “This is a difficult time for school district to maintain educational programs while balancing increasing contractual obligations,” said Finello. Following the presentation, members of the community, including students, lined up to ask questions and make their voices heard. Community residents offered their thoughts and priorities related to the music program, athletics and special education, among other program areas. A recent East Islip High School alumnus and several current students in this year’s graduating class related their positive experiences in the district’s school system and the beneficial effects of extracurricular activities such as music, athletics and clubs. One who spoke was senior Raymond O’Connor, current president of the Honors Choir, vice-president of the Tri-M Music Honor Society and AP Scholar with Distinction. Ranking number three in his class, O’Connor exemplified the value of extracurricular programs, having served both as captain of the cross-country team and lead actor in the school musical. “When I grow up and come back here to raise a family, I will be at meetings like this,” he said. Fellow top-10-ranked senior Kayleigh Cook, an All-State musician this year, extolled the virtues of the music program, to which she attributes much of her success. Tom Barry, president of the East Islip Teachers Association, also spoke about his organization’s recognition of the issues at hand, and willingness to sit down respectfully to find solutions. You can view the full presentation by clicking on the link. It includes information on upcoming budget meetings, in which residents will be asked to further share their concerns about budget development for the 2012-2013 school year. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4394 Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT The entire first grade at Ruth C. Kinney Elementary School held a “Hibernation Celebration” on Jan. 27. Each pajama-clad student picked a different animal that hibernates and shared information with the class about how their chosen animal hibernates. Special snacks were also eaten, such as goldfish to represent fish, fruit snacks to represent berries, and pretzel sticks to represent sticks. “These are all foods that animals collect before hibernating,” explained teacher Kara Parker. “The snacks we were munching were a mixture of foods that a hibernating animal would eat,” added fellow first-grade teacher Jennifer Breen. “For example, for roots we had carrots, for leaves we had lettuce, and for worms we had spaghetti.” Parker came up with the idea for the hibernation celebration several years ago as a way to demonstrate what animals do in wintertime. The book “Hibernation Station” by Michelle Meadows is read in each class, to show animal patterns over the winter. The students also enjoyed Breen’s reading of “Sleep, Big Bear! Sleep!” by Maureen Wright. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4386 Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT The East Islip Union Free School District will hold a school budget and planning forum on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012. This community conversation with the District’s Board of Education will focus on topics related to the 2012-2013 budget as well as consideration for the years that follow. All school districts across New York State are facing a tax levy cap this year, and need to establish a strong dialogue with their communities to navigate the ensuing difficulties in budget preparation. The Board will be seeking input from all members of the community to help establish the budget that will be adopted and submitted for approval on May 15, 2012. East Islip’s Board of Education urges local residents to attend this very important meeting and share their views and opinions. The 7 p.m. meeting is open to the public, and will take place at the district office at 1 Craig B. Gariepy Ave. in Islip Terrace, in the first-floor cafeteria of the former Early Childhood Center. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4045 Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT John F. Kennedy Elementary School's Parents as Reading Partners (PARP) program came to a close on Jan. 27 with a creative and amusing finale in which JFK's parents judged a door decorating contest based on the "Reading with the Muppets" theme. The winning classrooms were of teachers Karl Von Glahn and Sheryl Mitchell (fourth grade) and Jessie Ferraro (second grade). http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4357 Sun, 29 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT East Islip Middle School musician Devin Thelemann was selected to participate in the Long Island String Festival held on Jan. 22 at Elwood Middle School. The seventh-grader was one of only 12 bassists chosen in Suffolk County for the all-county Long Island String Festival Association orchestra. Students nominated for this honor had been judged at a high level of performance in the New York State School Music Association festival the previous spring. “Devin is a hard worker and an excellent musician,” said middle school orchestra director Judith A. Fischer. “He is always focused in rehearsals and is a good role model for his peers.” http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4365 Sun, 29 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT GIRLS BOWLING The girls varsity bowlers defeated West Islip 3-0 on Jan. 23 at East Islip Lanes, finishing the regular season undefeated at 12-0. Kristina Freitag led the team with a 225 game and 659 series. Other scorers included Jordan Kruger (232 game, 651 series), Nancy Baione (258 game, 608 series), Kelsey Fryer (202 game, 582 series) and Courtney McGinn (225 game). This remarkable team has the following county highs for the season: points (456.5), win percentage (95.1), games won (36), matches won (12), high game (1201), high series (3431) and team average (1044.9). East Islip will play in the Suffolk County playoffs on Saturday, Feb. 4 at Sayville Lanes. BOYS BOWLING East Islip’s boys bowling team defeated North Babylon 2-1 on Jan. 24. They won 1091-795, 981-1050, 1039-948, led by Jacob Klein (236 game, 649 series) and Nick DeFazio (236 game, 621 series). The team won again at home on Jan. 26, beating Deer Park 3-0 (1223-954, 1087-934, 1117-913) and raising their record to 11-3. High scorers were DeFazio (a 256 in the first game of his 716 series), Klein (247 game, 700 series) and John Kavanaugh (266 game, 710 series). East Islip's 1123 points in the Game 1 is the highest game score in Suffolk County this year. BOYS VARSITY BASKETBALL East Islip clinched a playoff spot on Jan. 26 at home, beating Centereach 54-37. High scorers were Evan Maxwell (18 points, 16 rebounds) and Brian Johnson (15 points). GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL Home team Centereach defeated East Islip 44-30 on Jan. 26. Mariah Cullen was East Islip’s high scorer with 15 points. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4347 Sat, 28 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Throughout the month of February, students at East Islip Middle School will collect items that will be used to assemble birthday boxes for children whose families are not able to provide for them. Each grade has been assigned a different item to donate: cake mix and frosting for sixth grade, "happy birthday" wall decorations and candles for seventh grade, and small gifts, wrapping paper, and shoe boxes for eighth grade. Donation boxes can be found in the main lobby. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4325 Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT East Islip Middle School's 2012 Spirit Week is being held from Jan. 30 through Feb.3, 2012, featuring the following daily clothing themes: Monday, Jan. 30 - Crazy Socks Day (break out those crazy socks you are too embarrassed to wear outside!) Tuesday, Jan. 31 - Tie Dye Day (because who doesn't love tie dye?) Wednesday, Feb. 1 - Hawaiian Day (despite the cold, think tropical for a day!) Thursday, Feb. 2 - Team Jersey Day (Giants jerseys encouraged!) Friday, Feb. 3 - EI Pride Day (wear red and black!) http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4326 Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT In teacher Lauren Fitzmaurice's first-grade classroom at John F. Kennedy Elementary School in East Islip, the Year of the Tiger was celebrated in style, led by student Adelie Barbera. The class was treated to a special Chinese New Year party, courtesy of Adelie's parents, Mark and Cathryn Barbera. The culturally stimulating event included a quick mini-lesson in Mandarin, a taste of Chinese snacks, a Chinese New Year book reading and accompanying discussion of the zodiac animals, a fan dance demonstration, and a bubble wrap stomp parade that simulates the holiday's firecracker traditions. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4339 Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Tickets are now available for East Islip's For the Kids Foundation 15th annual Black Tie Gala. This year's event, whose theme is "The Crystal Ball," takes place March 10, 2012 at Land's End in Sayville. Advance tickets ($150 per person) can be ordered via the Black Tie Gala invitation. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4317 Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT First-graders at Timber Point Elementary School were treated to a demonstration by professional drummer Alfred J. Woods on Jan. 23. A veteran musician, Woods has a longstanding musical relationship with Timber Point teacher Patricia DeRosa-Padden, whose father was Woods’ music teacher in junior high school. They continued to make music together after she joined her father’s band after high school. The recently retired drummer offered to play for the Timber Point chorus’ winter concert, and the school’s first-graders showed particular interest in his playing. The students went back to class tapping their pencils, and the idea of the drum clinic was developed. In the classroom, Woods demonstrated playing techniques, performed various types of music with DeRosa-Padden and allowed the mesmerized students to come up and try his drum set. “A wonderful day was had by all,” said DeRosa-Padden. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4323 Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Greg Kguloian, an English teacher for 16 years at East Islip High School, has found a way to bring the playwright's art to life for his students. The “Lit.2Life” project enabled sophomores to create and perform a play of their own, captured on camera by video program teacher Jim Connell in East Islip’s video studios. As Kguloian notes, Lit.2Life is a real example of a student-centered, generated, and performed project, fitting into the school’s adherence to the Common Core State Standards for literacy. “We had learned about playwriting techniques from our research, reading and discussion of the works of Shakespeare,” he explained. “The pupils learned that a playwright is the one who ‘creates or crafts’ a play.” The script for Lit.2Life was chosen from several plays written as group efforts by the students themselves. Those who participated in the acting and filming of the video were volunteers from each of Kguloian’s three 10th-grade English classes, earning extra credit for working on the project after school. “It’s clear that Lit.2Life was a success, as the kids have all been talking about it for days now,” said Kguloian. “I love it when a plan comes together.” http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4307 Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT BOYS WINTER TRACK At the Last Chance Winter Meet on Jan. 21, East Islip’s 4x200 relay team of Jerel Williams, Ryan Smith, Jeloni Williams and Nicko Wythe broke the old school record of 140.22 with a new record of 139.24. Shane Martensen ran the mile in 452.24 to make the top 40 sheet. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4298 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT The Suffolk County Police Department’s innovative and effective “Police Smart” program educates students about the importance of safety and making good decisions. Officer Kelly Smith recently visited Connetquot Elementary School in Islip Terrace, presenting the program to each classroom from kindergarten through fifth grade, tailored for each grade level. In kindergarten and first grade, the students viewed a “Stranger Danger and Safety” presentation. Second-graders also saw “Stranger Danger and Safety” as well as a “Bullying” lesson. The third-grade session repeated “Bullying,” while fourth-graders had “Cyber Bullying.” The fifth-grade classes experienced three presentations –“Gateway Drugs,” “Cyber Bullying” and “Internet Safety” – before writing about their reaction to the program. Connetquot fifth-grader Nick Finger enjoyed “Police Smart.” “I learned a lot of new facts about bullying and the harmful effects of drugs,” he said. “It prepared us for middle school and high school, and taught us to stay away from illegal substances.” http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4300 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Alex Baier is as sharp as the knives he sells. The formerly shy East Islip High School alumnus, now studying business at the University of Albany, used the personal and financial skills he picked up last year as CEO of the International Business Academy at East Islip to excel in sales presentations in the real world. Baier’s talent for sales has come to the fore in his current part-time role as field sales manager at Cutco Cutlery, a leading direct-marketing purveyor of knives and kitchen accessories. His superlative sales quota figures – $7057 worth of knives in just nine days – earned him a free trip to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic last year, and are projected to get him to Jamaica this year. Baier is eager to finish his college prerequisites and delve further into business classes, and he has ambitious plans for his future. “I want to open my own business,” he says, “and be my own boss, or manage people for a company.” His days in East Islip’s school system have also left him with a strong sense of duty to give back, aided at the moment by Cutco’s incentives to donate a percentage of commissions to charity via the Front Row Foundation. Naturally, Baier chose to support the Career Academy program. “Students here don’t forget their alma mater, and Alex is no exception,” said Israel Malinowitzer, East Islip’s director of careers and student services. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4301 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Artists of the Week for Jan. 23, 2012: Second-graders Anthony Agresta and Shawn Watts, fourth-grader Sara Spruyt and fifth-graders Sean McGlone and Christian Roche of Connetquot Elementary School Second-grader Morgan Lanberg of John F. Kennedy Elementary Second-grader Guilianna Johnston of Ruth C. Kinney Elementary Fourth-grader Miranda D’Amico of Timber Point Elementary http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4295 Sun, 22 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT BOYS VARSITY BOWLING “East Islip boys bowling had a big week last week,” said coach Rick Papandrea, referring to two away matches where the team defeated Lindenhurst and North Babylon, including big scores by Nick DeFazio (663 series) and Jon Cheadle (659 series). “We’re sitting in third place with a very young team this year, after being defending county champs,” Papandrea said. After graduating four seniors last year, the team is returning only one starter from the championship team. Although expectations were low, they are now in a position to capture a seventh league title in a row, with two matches remaining this week, both at home. “The boys need another big week, but they are bowling well and the team is really coming together,” Papandrea added. “They own the high team game and high team series in all of Suffolk. These young men have started their ascent to the league title.” GIRLS VARSITY BOWLING On Jan. 17, the girls varsity bowling team defeated Northport 39-1, led by Lena Sorrentino’s county-high 279 game and 749 series, as well as Kristina Freitag (257 game, 730 series), Alexa DeFazio (234 game, 642 series), Courtney McGinn (224 game, 626 series), Nancy Baione (221 game, 612 series), Kelsey Fryer (256 game, 611 series), Jordan Kruger (247 game, 666 series) and Nichole Baione (238 game, 682 series). The team scored a county-high 1201 game and 3431 series. The team then beat North Babylon on Jan. 19, by the score of 35.5-4.5. Freitag led the way by rolling a 278 (703 series). Other notable bowlers were Fryer (226 game, 625 series), Sorrentino (227 game, 614 series), McGinn (226 game), DeFazio (204 game) and Nancy Baione (202 game). “We’ve increased our record to 11-0,” said coach Harold Cooley, noting that the team’s final league match takes place on Jan. 23 against West Islip. BOYS VARSITY BASKETBALL East Islip boys varsity basketball team enjoyed a decisive win at home over Riverhead on Jan. 17, beating the Blue Waves 73-59. Center Evan Maxwell led the way for the Redmen with 31 points, a career high for the imposingly tall East Islip senior. He also added 14 rebounds. BOYS JV BASKETBALL The boys JV team returned to their winning ways with a 58-43 victory over Riverhead on Jan. 17. The three-guard tandem of Matt Croce, Harley Spinks and Brandon MacMorris combined for 29 points. Freshman Zach Acocella was solid on both ends of the floor, notching 11 points and numerous defensive stops. After a run by Riverhead, the Redmen sealed the victory with a big jump shot by freshman Greg Palma. The JV boys next game is Jan. 23 against Long Island basketball powerhouse Lutheran High School. GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL On Jan. 17, East Islip fell to Riverhead, 62-31. GIRLS WINTER TRACK The girls varsity winter track and field team earned several medals at the League III relay meet in Brentwood on Jan. 19, including Emma Hallowell and Faith Penny (gold medal in the high jump), Jamie Curren and Emily Francois (gold medal in the 1500-meter race walk), Sam Taveras and Antonella Vasquez (silver medal in 1500-meter race walk), and Quinn Favilla, Grace Revello, Lexi Francisco and Kayla Murphy (silver medal in the distance medley relay). WRESTLING East Islip’s wrestlers were victors again at home on Jan. 18, edging Walt Whitman High School 34-31 with wins at 106, 120, 126, 182, 195 and 220 pounds. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4287 Sat, 21 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT The East Islip Athletic Booster Club has sold out its Applebee's Flapjack Fundraiser on Jan. 29. Proceeds from the pancake breakfast at Applebee's of East Islip will help reinstate East Islip Middle School spring sports. Please see theflyer for further information. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4164 Sat, 21 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Students from East Islip High School’s Environment Green and International Business Globalization Career Academies were recently invited to visit Rockefeller Group Technology Solutions, Inc. (RGTS), on invitation of the company’s CEO, John Tarduno. RGTS, whose office is located in the McGraw-Hill Building at 1221 Avenue of the Americas in New York City, is a leading telecommunications and data services firm. Originally established to provide telephone services for Rockefeller Center tenants, the company now delivers technology solutions to more than 500 clients. The Career Academy’s tour of the McGraw-Hill Building began on the 18th floor, currently unoccupied by tenants. The building owners are in the process of making the necessary changes to become LEED certified, which ensures buildings achieve high performance in key areas of human and environmental health, including sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. This difficult-to-achieve process requires numerous changes and updates to meet new federal requirements, but once certified, yields both financial benefits as well as environmental awards. Students in the Environment Green Academy are familiar with LEED certification and have discussed the issue with experts in the field. At RGTS, the students examined an area of approximately 48,000 square feet that had to changed or modified to meet the new standards for certification before it could be rented out to a new client. Next up was a tour of Sirius XM Radio, another McGraw-Hill Building tenant. “The tour guide made us aware of the different cubicle areas for each of the different radio hosts,” recounted Career Academy leader Israel Malinowitzer, the school’s director of careers and student services. “Some were small and some were larger – who the radio personality was would determine their room size. We also saw some live interviews taking place as we walked around the station.” The Career Academy group was then taken up to the 73rd floor roof, where they were able to walk around and view the entire array of Manhattan skyscrapers as well as Central Park, Fox News, the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building, among other sights. After their roof experience, the students were provided with a memorable luncheon courtesy of RGTS. Tarduno also arranged for some of the company’s business clients and associates to attend a panel discussion in the conference room. The Career Academy students were required to ready five to ten questions related to business or environmental issues. “The students were well-prepared,” said Malinowitzer. “They asked these business leaders many questions – how did you get this job? What does one need to take in college to pursue this career? How did you start your business? If you had to do it over again, would you remain in this field of work?” A full day of interaction with the firm’s CEO, CFO, attorney and vice presidents of accounting and human resources left the Career Academy participants absolutely thrilled to have been a part of this educational field trip. “This was an opportunity of a lifetime,” said Malinowitzer. “Our students were very appreciative and thanked all of the business leaders for taking the time to share their expertise in their fields. The committee answered many questions related to college and the importance of students continuing their education in order to be successful.” http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4261 Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Far from being unlucky, Friday the 13 was a special day for seven students from East Islip who attended the seventh annual Suffolk County Music Educators' Association (SCMEA) “Day of Horn” at Commack Middle School. SCMEA’s Day of Horn invites Suffolk County horn players of any age – students, music teachers and professional horn players – to come together and celebrate beautiful horn playing. Over 250 horn players join forces, practice a few horn ensemble pieces and then give an evening performance for family and friends. Every year there is a new world-renowned clinician on hand to work with the students and then perform a recital at the event’s conclusion. Day of Horn also has an annual all-star horn ensemble consisting of approximately 20 advanced horn players, all requiring NYSSMA participation at level 5 or 6. This year’s all-stars were senior Kayleigh Cook (for the third year in a row) and junior Tanner Schaper (his first year as an all-star) from East Islip High School, and for the fourth time, East Islip Middle School seventh-grader Michael Stevens. Other East Islip students playing in this year’s Day of Horn were Timber Point Elementary School fourth-grader Robert Dahl, East Islip Middle School seventh-graders Emily Orski and Zachary Oquendo, and East Islip Middle School sixth-grader Jason Burke. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4264 Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Artists of the Week for Jan. 16, 2012: Fourth-graders David Burk, Brittany Klub, Emily White and Christopher Zanone of Connetquot Elementary Fourth-grader Sarah Kern of John F. Kennedy Elementary First-grader Chad Glick of Ruth C. Kinney Elementary Second-grader Anthony Koehler of Timber Point Elementary http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4233 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Throughout the month of December, students in all of the East Islip School District’s buildings performed winter concerts to the delight of parents and community members. East Islip takes pride in having one of the strongest music departments in Suffolk County. In addition to the musical skills learned by students, connectivity to other subject areas such as mathematics and literacy are evident in their rehearsals and lessons. Nearly 500 students from East Islip Middle School displayed their talents for a packed audience of over 3000, while musicians from all four elementary schools performed holiday favorites such as “Hot Chocolate,” with beginner students demonstrating skills at an advanced level. Sung by the East Islip High School’s honors choir and accompanied by the school’s wind ensemble, “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” was a highlight of the winter concert series, with the audience invited to sing the final chorus as a tribute to the 10th anniversary of the 9-11 attacks. The string orchestra’s stirring rendition of Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24” resulted in a standing ovation. Other stellar performances from the two high school concerts included the overture from Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro” played by the symphony orchestra, as well as the closing performance by the wind ensemble. “Our community was treated to the ‘joy of music’ presented by our elementary, middle and high school music departments,” said impressed Board of Education President Glenn Reed. “As board members, we all appreciated the chance to hear the bands, orchestras and choirs perform in our beautiful auditorium, and we give thanks to the students for their performances, the faculty for their efforts in bringing out the best we have to offer, and the parents for getting the students to all of the rehearsals. Our scholar-musicians are a credit to East Islip and something – particularly during this recent holiday season – we can all be proud of.” Photos by Greg Fasolino and Glenn Reed http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4234 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT The Science Honor Society of East Islip High School recently organized a drive to send school supplies to the Tomás de Berlanga School in the Galápagos Islands. A marine reserve and province of Ecuador, the Galápagos has a population of slightly over 25,000. The iconic archipelago of volcanic islands in the Pacific is renowned for its array of distinctive flora and fauna, whose study by Charles Darwin helped to form his theory of evolution by natural selection. The Tomás de Berlanga School, named for the European discoverer of the Galápagos, focuses on conservation of the islands’ unique ecosystem. As an alternative to public education in the Galápagos, the school’s funds are predominantly spent on scholarships for needy students, so supplies are scarce. “I volunteered at the school while I was in theGalápagos for a biology class through Hofstra University,” said East Islip science teacher Genesis Dawson, who spearheaded the school supply drive. The Science Honor Society, supported by the National Honor Society, collected five boxes of stickers, art supplies, flash cards, DVD players, educational DVDs and sports equipment, which were then given to Hofstra professor Russell Burke to take to the Berlanga School on his nextGalápagos visit. “At Hofstra, we have been working with the Tomás de Berlanga School for over seven years,” explained Burke. “They teach a pretty sophisticated K-12 curriculum, but also a healthy dose of environmental reality. Surprisingly, despite how delicate theGalápagos environment is, the standard school system curriculum elsewhere in the islands teaches little about environmental conservation. The Tomás de Berlanga School is training a generation of local conservationists.” http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4236 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT East Islip High School will hold a practice SAT exam on March 3, 2012, provided by Revolution Test Prep. For more information on the exam, and their SAT test prep course, please go here. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4239 Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Please note the following documents pertaining to this month's high school Regents and mid-term exam schedule, and the resulting modified bus schedule. January 2012 Regents and Mid-Term Exam Schedule Modified Bus Schedule for January 2012 Exam Week http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4215 Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Three East Islip athletic teams – middle school boys soccer, high school varsity boys golf and high school varsity girls tennis – were recently awarded sportsmanship awards from Section XI for the fall season. “Out of all the middle schools in Suffolk County, only 15 schools received this award,” noted proud middle school soccer coach Ron Croteau. “I am thankful that we won this award,” added golf coach Chris Robertson. “I would like to thank all the players, coaches and families for their support and great values which are instilled in the East Islip varsity golf team.” The award winners are selected via a coaches’ rating system. After each match, coaches fill out a report about player, coach and fan sportsmanship. The highest combined total as well as coach input is factored into who wins. “Your team is rated every game by your opponent, and the teams with the highest sportsmanship rating are picked,” explained Croteau. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4221 Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT The next Board of Education regular monthly meeting will be held on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2011 at 1 Craig B. Gariepy Avenue in Islip Terrace. There will be a motion to open public session at 6 p.m. The Board may then make a motion to adjourn to executive session to discuss employment histories of particular individuals for personnel appointments, Committee on Special Education cases, litigation and negotiations. It is estimated that if the Board holds an Executive Session they will return to general session at approximately 8 p.m. to hold the regular monthly meeting. The Board wishes to invite all community members to attend. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4223 Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT BOYS VARSITY TRACK On Jan. 14 at the last crossover meet of the season, the boys winter track 4x200 relay team of Nicardo Whyte, Matt Walter, Jeloni Williams and Ryan Smith ran a 1:40.47. “That is .02 off the school record,” noted coach Marguerite Gomez. BOYS VARSITY WRESTLING After beating Smithtown West 57-18 on Jan. 13, East Islip brought home three championships at Jan. 14’s Lindenhurst Tournament, earning a second-place 240.5 team score. Other schools competing were Kings Park (the overall winners with 298 points), Lindenhurst (233.5), Patchogue-Medford (222), Copiague (123), Deer Park (84), Amityville (60.5) and North Andover, Mass. (158.5). In the 99-pound championship finals, Danny Orlando won by forfeit over fellow East Islip wrestler Jesse Dellavecchia. Sal Cipolla pinned Patchogue-Medford’s Andrew Jankowski in 2:57 at 113 pounds (Cipolla won Most Pins Least Time, with 4 in 15:53). Shawn Cummings pinned Keith Meisner of Lindenhurst in 2:50 at 170 pounds. Dan Hayden lost a decision to Jordan Myers of Amityville, 7-4, at 285 pounds. In the consolation finals, Erik Adon decisioned Kings Park’s Russel Manuello, 8-5, at 182 pounds, and Chris Chambers pinned Patchogue-Medford’s Jake Horton in 2:49 at 182 pounds. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4224 Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT The East Islip Board of Education will hold a special executive meeting on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012 at Ingerman Smith L.L.P. in Hauppauge, starting at 9 a.m. This meeting is being called to discuss contract negotiations. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4225 Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Connetquot Elementary School’s Kids Club meet twice a week, enjoying each other’s company through games and structured arts and crafts activities led by advisors Vivian VanKoolwijk and Crystal Chiari. The group promotes positive socialization skills between peer mentors and their buddies, and all of the students learn important lessons associated with acceptance and kindness. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4226 Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT A troop of local boy scouts marched into the district office boardroom on Jan. 12, leading the assembled members of the East Islip community in the Pledge of Allegiance. Continuing the spirited mood of this monthly Board of Education meeting, Superintendent of Schools John J. Finello then gave a detailed, informative and inspiring presentation on the state of the district – its mission, vision and beliefs. "We have a strong educational program," he noted, emphasizing such elements as a rigorous, purposeful curriculum, instilling college and career readiness in East Islip's high school students, producing life-long learners and productive, responsible citizens, and working toward a higher level of student achievement. Goals mentioned included the Common Core Standards, a district tech plan, RTI plan, senior experience internships, new career and technical programs, increased honors and AP enrollments and the introduction of pre-calculus and calculus courses. "Refreshing and delightful" was Board President Glenn Reed's assessment of the presentation. One of the other goals mentioned was the implementation of a third Career Academy at East Islip High School. Principal William Brennen took the floor to advocate for the new Medical and Health Technology Career Academy, and to discuss the ongoing benefits of the Career Academy program in general. Brennen noted that Career Academy participants improved their grades by over two points, as well as their attendance. "Career Academies prepare our kids for challenges," he said. Next up was the announcement that Timber Point Elementary School had been nominated for the 2012 National Blue Ribbon School award, one of only 19 in New York State. The National Blue Ribbon School program honors schools that rank among the highest performing schools in their state, based on state assessments (in this case, the 2011 ELA and math test scores). A quartet of notable donations were then announced. The East Islip Middle School Tri-M Music Honor Society raised $536.50 for middle school sports, the Connetquot Playground Committee donated $37,091.70 for a playground upgrade, the For the Kids Foundation (FTK) of East Islip provided $50,000 to expand academic and student experiences, and the EJ Autism Foundation donated $5000 in materials and programs. Assistant Superintendent for Business Carl Fraser and Finello then devoted significant time to the very important issue of the upcoming school budget and the impact of New York State's property tax levy cap. Fraser noted that what has been popularly deemed a 2 percent cap, is actually variable for each school depending on what is called the tax-based growth factor. He estimated that East Islip's cap may in fact be around 3 percent. After further discussion with community members who addressed the board, the district administration and Board of Education expressed their wish for an ongoing budget dialogue with the community, and recommended that all East Islip residents attend the upcoming public budget meeting on Jan. 31. The next Board of Education meeting will take place on Feb. 9, 2012. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4228 Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL East Islip’s varsity team clobbered Newfield on Jan. 10, winning 49-23. Mariah Cullen led the team with 13 points and six rebounds, while Deanna Reynolds added eight points and five steals. At Jan. 10’s Coaches vs. Cancer home game, East Islip won again, beating Smithtown East in overtime 28-26 and improving their record to 3-2. Cullen hit three free throws with 1:14 left in the fourth quarter to send the game into overtime. Jackie Nicoforo had the game-winning score on a putback with 1:56 minutes left in OT. GIRLS JV BASKETBALL The JV team defeated Newfield 48-31 on Jan. 10. Alexa Mattera had 10 points, Christina Talamo had 11 points and Dylan Hirx had 6. The team won again on Jan. 12 at the Coaches vs. Cancer event on home turf, beating Smithtown East 46-32. Mattera led the team again with 20 points. Other scorers of note were Cathy Marku with 9 points and Juliette Polis with 6. BOYS VARSITY BASKETBALL East Islip’s boys basketball team vanquished Newfield on Jan. 10, decisively winning 82-35 on the back of Brian Johnson’s 13 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists. The next game, on Jan. 12, saw East Islip fall to Smithtown East, 59-48. GIRLS VARSITY BOWLING The girls varsity bowling team blanked Central Islip 3 games to none on Jan. 12, winning on the road 1155-659, 1030-674 and 1069-789 and maintaining their superlative 9-0 record. Leading bowlers were Kristina Freitag (256 game , 697 series), Alexa DeFazio (254 game, 669 series), Nancy Baione (225 game, 630 series), Lena Sorentino (214 game, 611 series), Kelsey Fryer (222 game, 606 series), Jordan Kruger (238 game) and Courtney McGinn (190 game). BOYS VARSITY BOWLING The boys bowling team lost 2-1 to unbeaten Bay Shore on Jan. 10. East Islip’s Jacob Klein bowled a 267 in Game 2 of a 691 series. WRESTLING East Islip High School’s wrestlers continued their winning ways this past week, first crushing Centereach 74-6 on Jan. 11 at home, then visiting Smithtown West on Jan. 13, where they won 57-18. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4209 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT East Islip High School’s French Club paid a visit to fifth-grade classrooms at neighboring Connetquot Elementary School on Jan. 12, with the goal of sparking the younger students’ interest in studying the French language. The idea behind the club’s linguistic outreach was to introduce French through various games and activities taught by the high school’s French Club students, including monument and sound bingo, a color slap game and a beat-the-clock number game. The fifth-graders all received goody bags filled with French-themed items at the end of the presentation. “The Connetquot students had a terrific time,” said French teacher Lauren Pinka, urging them to "sign up for French, c'est fantastique!" http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4192 Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Pink was added to the traditional East Islip color palette of red and white on Jan. 12 as the high school's two girls basketball squads took on Smithtown East for the Coaches vs. Cancer charity event. The Lady Redmen JV team started off the event with a 46-32 win, followed by the varsity's exciting 28-26 overtime victory. Proceeds from raffles and refreshments will help fund the fight against cancer. Coaches vs. Cancer http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4199 Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT East Islip High School senior Kara M. Cellan followed in the footsteps of Sixto Portilla, scientific technical assistant at Dowling College’s Department of Earth and Marine Sciences, for Shadow Day — an initiative to provide hands-on opportunities for students to explore areas of interest and learn more about potential career paths. Venturing to Dowling’s Center for Estuarine, Environmental and Coastal Oceans Monitoring (CEECOM), a research and field station located in West Sayville directly on the Great South Bay, Cellan helped Portilla with his daily routine. Together the pair harvested algae, fed the clams and horseshoe crabs living in many of the lab’s 15 tanks, and maintained life support systems necessary for two major projects: a horseshoe crab maintenance and breeding program and a clam nutrition study. Cellan’s day continued at the Oakdale campus with a visit to the coral lab in the Kramer Science Center, where she was welcomed by Dr. John T. Tanacredi, chairman of the Department of Earth and Marine Sciences and director of CEECOM. At the coral lab, Cellan had a chance to observe the installation of a new 600-gallon tank that will house tropical coral reef organisms. She also helped a Dowling College senior set up software for an underwater video recording system which will be used to map underwater bottomland at three 25-acre sites in Great South Bay, through an agreement with the Town of Islip. The maps will help Dowling students design experiments aimed at learning how to make the bay’s bottom more attractive to clam larvae. All in all, a busy day for any aspiring scientist. Cellan hopes to pursue a minor in psych bio to study marine mammal behavior. “I have always loved learning about the ocean and the animals that inhabit it, so today was an exciting experience,” said Cellan. “I loved seeing the horseshoe crabs and learning about the clams at CEECOM. Sixto taught me much more than I expected to learn in one day, and I appreciate each fact.” Operated by the Dowling College department of earth and marine sciences, CEECOM contains a laboratory, saltwater well, and meeting space. It serves as a base for many of Dowling’s Earth and Marine Science programs, including the Long Island Horseshoe Crab Network Annual Horseshoe Crab Survey and a multi-year trend analysis of water quality in the Great South Bay. Its mission is to make hands-on research opportunities available to Dowling students, and to provide professional and academic researchers with data and analysis that advance knowledge about Long Island’s marine environment. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4188 Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT East Islip Middle School's top three superb spellers received their trophies this week, a reward for their terrific performance in Jan. 5's school spelling bee. Seventh-grader Michael Carolan, sixth-grader Riley Nichols and eighth-grader John Guilianowere all awarded medallion trophies. Additional prizes included one semester of the Powerspeak12 Online World Language course for Carolan, a one-year subscription to Britannica Online for Nichols, andcertificates and motivational pencils for all participants. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4189 Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT The Islip Fire Department will hold a blood drive on Friday, Jan. 13 for the benefit of volunteer firefighter Rob Wiedmann, who was seriously injured battling a fire in Brooklyn. Please see theflyer for further details. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4163 Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT East Islip Middle School's student government is hosting a Super Sibs card-making party on Thursday, Jan. 19 from 3-4 p.m.in the middle school's cafeteria.Students will be creating greeting cards to be sent to children whose siblings are undergoing treatment for cancer.This program is designed to give attention to the brother or sister of the patient during this difficult time. All are welcome to attend and stay as long as they can.Students should bring markers, crayons, stickers and any other items that could be used to decorate the cards. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4165 Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT The East Islip High School Lady Redmen girls basketball program plays Smithtown East for Coaches vs. Cancer. The JV squad plays at 4:30 p.m.; the varsity team starts at 6:15.Food, drinks and raffles will be available to help raise money and support the fight against cancer. More information about Coaches vs. Cancer can be found here. East Islip Coaches vs. Cancer flyer http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4166 Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT The parent training schedule for the remainder of the 2011-2012 school year has been revised. Please gohere for more information and dates of the next two parent trainings. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4174 Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT East Islip’s wrestlers grappled their way to several victories at the 25th annual Rocky Gilmore Classic wrestling tournament on Jan. 7. Finishing fourth overall on their home turf with 193.5 points, the team boasted four finalists and three titles. In the championship finals, East Islip freshman Jesse Dellavecchia (17-4) defeated Harborfields’ Tim Johnson, 10-7, at 99 pounds. Top-seeded Chris Chambers (16-3, 12 pins) pinned Brentwood’s Carlos Vasquez in 52 seconds at 182 pounds. Third-seeded Dan Hayden (15-5) pinned Jack Doyle (Harborfields) in 2:56 at 285 pounds. Dellavecchia edged Brentwood's Danny Murray 2-0 (the latter is ranked second in Suffolk County), and both Chambers and Hayden registered falls in the finals. East Islip’s Shawn Cummings was pinned by Sachem East’s Zac Nobre in 5:57 at 170 pounds. In the consolation finals, two East Islip wrestlers faced each other at 220 pounds: Jonathan Wilson and Marcus Rivera. Wilson won by decision, 12-7. East Islip’s Jacob Axelrod also was pinned by Kellenberg’s Tim Davison in 2:21 at 152 pounds. The Rocky Gilmore Classic is named in honor of the late Rocky Gilmore, who served as an educator and wrestling program coach in the East Islip School District for 20 years before being named head coach in Nov.1986. Gilmore passed away suddenly in Jan. 1987 at the age of 42. East Islip’s current head wrestling coach Guy Leggio has presided over all 25 years of the tournament, which was won by perennial power Brentwood. “I feel that the Rocky Gilmore Classic is a great tribute to the memory of a great man,” Leggio said. Photos by Diane Kelly. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4176 Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT The new year has brought an exciting new arts program to the East Islip School District. Changing on a weekly basis, “Artist of the Week” showcases the artistic spirit in East Islip’s schools. “Due to the large volume of fine artwork students create throughout the year, we wanted to acknowledge their creativity through an Artist of the Week program at each school,” explained Art & Music Director Stephen Guarino. “The work will be displayed in the lobby throughout the week for students, staff and community members to see. Congratulations to all of our fine artists.” Artists of the Week for Jan. 9, 2012 include fifth-grader Jolie Lenox of John F. Kennedy Elementary, kindergartner Alexandra Totillo of Ruth C. Kinney Elementary, and fifth-grader Julia Ryan of Timber Point Elementary. Connetquot Elementary School's Artists of the Week are fifth-grader Michael Vito Perrone, fourth-grader Eliza Channing, third-grader Nicole Piazza, second-grader Dominic Jordan, and first-grader Ruelin Man-Martinez. At East Islip Middle School, the Artists of the Week were sixth-grader Hazel Rodriguez, seventh-grader Walter Westoff and eighth-graders Ashley Karlin and Kristi Robson. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4155 Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Please note that teacher websites are now accessed via the Staff Directory link at left. Names of teachers with their own site are highlighted in red; simply click on the name to access their page. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4132 Sun, 08 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT On acrisp,clear morning in December, the Connetquot Chords performed at Radio City Music Hall.Directed by teacher Eileen Egbert, theacclaimed fifth-grade singing group dazzled an audience of thousands with their wonderfully expressivevoices. In their red and white shirts, the Chords showed their true East Islip pride on one of the world’s most famous stages. The children's experiences were captured in the written assignments they were later required to compose as part ofConnetquot's strongemphasis on literacy across the curriculum andimplementation of Common Core Learning Standards.The students shared their memorable impressions of their day at Radio Cityin the following reflections: “I will never forget my trip to Radio City Music Hall. I loved the Rockettes and the Christmas Spectacular. It was amazing how every Rockette kicked and moved at the same time.” (Alexandra Stewart) “It was an awesome experience performing at Radio City. It was a memory I will never forget.” (Sayha Oztas) “My experience at Radio City Music Hall was exhilarating. It was awesome when I met a Rockette. I met one that was dressed as a reindeer!” (Emily Mahoney) “I got up at five in the morning. I was so ecstatic. In the car I had the jitters from happiness. When we got there I was jumping joyfully. I felt like a star!” (Emily Kosiorowski) “At first I was calm, but then when we went into Radio City Music Hall I was psyched to actually be in Radio City. It was an honor.” (Zion Esquilin-Ikeshita) “I felt a little nervous going on stage, but when we sang I saw my family in the first row smiling at me. This is a trip I will never forget.” (Nikki Motto) “After we sang, the Rockettes were getting ready and we met some of them. It was very exciting.” (Danielle Kaczynski) “The trip to Radio City Music Hall was the best! I even saw the Tree.” (Lovely Lloyd) “It was amazing! I loved the feeling of performing at Radio City Music Hall.” (Hunter Lyons) “I don’t think I've ever performed in front of that many people.” (Nicholas Finger) “I was very excited going on the stage. Then we sang, and I cleared my mind and just sang the words. I think we all did a great job.” (James Finger) “Being at Radio City was one moment I will never forget – the bright lights, the big stage and the awesome Rockettes!” (Nia Kalodimos) “When I stepped onto the giant stage I was fascinated. I thought in my head if it wasn’t for Mrs. Eggy I wouldn’t be on this stage. When I started to sing I felt so proud.” (Bridget Launonen) The Chordsnext scheduled public appearance will be June 2, when they will sing the national anthem at a Long Island Ducks baseball game. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4134 Sun, 08 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Nine of East Islip High School’s varsity teams were recent recipients of the Scholar Athlete Team Award, courtesy of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association. “The NYSPHSAA’s Scholar Athlete award honors teams for their commitment to academic success,” explained East Islip’s Athletic Director Stephen Restivo. The East Islip teams lauded for their dedicated attention to both grades and games were girls cross-country, boys cross-country, football, boys golf, girls gymnastics, girls soccer, boys soccer, girls tennis and girls volleyball. Other accolades given out at the high school’s Dec. 15 awards night were Minds in Motion league and division plaques for girls soccer, field hockey, and boys golf, as well as all-league, all-division, all-tournament, all-county, all-state and all-American awards. The East Islip Athletic Booster Club also presented the White Letter Award to a senior on each team who excels in academics. Photos by Glenn Reed http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4144 Sun, 08 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT BOYS MIDDLE SCHOOL BASKETBALL The middle school boys basketball lost a hard-fought game to Bayport on Jan 6. The final score was 49-39. BOYS VARSITY WINTER TRACK The boys varsity winter track team went to the Armory in New York City on Jan. 7 to run in the NAVY/Hispanic Games. The 4x400 relay team of Jack Smith (1162 M 12), Erik Corral (1130 M 12), Jerel Williams (1169 M 12) and Andrew Sharkey (1159 M 11) ran a PB of 3:37, moving them up to No. 6 on the top 40 team list. They placed 24 out of 61 teams in the Hispanic Games. The 4x800 relay team of James Reed (1154 M 12), Brian Smith (1161 M 11), Raymond O’Connor (1150 M 12) and Shane Martensen (1144 M 11) finished 17th in the top 40 with a time of 8:59. They placed 25 out of 48 teams in the Hispanic Games. Other highlights came from Nicardo Whyte, who won and received a medal in his 200-meter heat with a time of :24.29, and James Reed (2:06.40 in the 800-meter). East Islip’s younger track hopefuls put on a promising performance at the Section XI Boys Frosh-Soph Championship meets at Suffolk West Community College on Jan. 8. “We placed second in the league in both the freshman and sophomore meets,” said East Islip coach Marguerite Gomez. “East Islip can jump!” Freshman Alex Russo won a gold medal in triple jump. Sophomore Sean Guzzetta earned a silver medal in triple jump, and sophomore Jeloni Williams won a bronze in long jump. Freshman Tom Koppelmann came in fifth in high jump, while in the sophomore high jump, Troy Revello and Dakota Kennedy finished seventh and eighth, respectively. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4146 Sun, 08 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT In order to avoid conflicts with state testing (mathematics and ELA), East Islip's All-District Concert will be moved from April 24, 2012 to April 30. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4117 Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Seventh-grader Michael Carolan was the last student standing in East Islip Middle School’s annual spelling bee, held on Jan. 5 in the school’s auditorium. Carolan, a student in Wendy Rauh’s class, nailed one difficult word after another, winning the competition after several tense championship rounds with the second-place finisher, sixth-grader Riley Nichols. Eighth-grader John Guiliano came in third. The final six spectacular spellers were Carolan, Nichols, Guiliano, sixth-grader Sarah Bloom, and eighth-graders Kevin Meade and Harrison Gieraltowski. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4121 Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT GIRLS VARSITY BOWLING East Islip’s undefeated girls varsity bowlers demolished home team Bay Shore on Jan. 3, winning 39-1. Nancy Baione bowled a 235 game and 633 series, Jordan Kruger a 244 game and 631 series, Lena Sorrentino a 233 game and 610 series, and Kristina Freitag a 215 game and 540 series. Two days later at home, the team defeated Sachem East 37-3. Top bowlers of the Jan. 5 game were Freitag (255 game, 687 series), Kelsey Fryer (226 game, 659 series), Alexa DeFazio (246 game, 601 series), Baione (213 game, 591 series), Kruger (205 game, 564 series), and Amanda Schilling (234 game). The team’s record now stands at 8-0. BOYS VARSITY BOWLING “The boys had a great week,” said varsity bowling coach Rick Papandrea, whose team played on Jan. 4 and 5, bowling a county-high 1216 team game and county-high team series of 3444. Nick DeFazio bowled a 715 series on Wednesday and a 716 series on Thursday, John Kavanaugh bowled a 722 on Thursday, and Jon Cheadle rolled a 701 series on Wednesday. GIRLS VARSITY WINTER TRACK The East Islip girls varsity track team had another terrific performance at the large school crossover D meet on Jan. 3 at the Suffolk West Community College indoor arena. Eight East Islip girls placed in a field of over 2000 athletes from 27 schools. Krista Cook finished fifth and Danielle Raccomandato sixth for all ninth-graders in the 55-meter hurdles. Grace Revello finished in the top 10 of all 11th- graders in the 1000-meter run. Quinn Favilla placed fifth in the 1500-meter race for all seniors, while Taylor Kenny and Sabrina Terwilliger placed fifth and sixth in the 1500-meter race for all freshmen. In the 1500-meter race walk, Emily Francois placed fourth for all freshmen, Samantha Tavares finished seventh for all sophomores, and Antonella Vasquez finished eighth for all juniors. Emma Hallowell finished in the top 10 in the high jump, and Faith Penny placed second for all ninth-graders for that event. BOYS JV BASKETBALL East Islip’s boys JV basketball team stretched their winning streak to five games on Jan. 3, defeating Smithtown West by a score of 56-48. Brandon MacMorris led all scorers with 14 points. The backcourt combination of Matt Croce and Harley Spinks combined for 19 points and numerous assists. Other scorers included Zach Acocella, Brian Philbin and Tyler Clehane, while Dominic Argenti provided two game-sealing free throws. “Congrats on the win, fellas,” said coach Timothy McDermott. On Jan. 3, the team overcame a 15-point third-quarter deficit to notch an impressive victory over North Babylon. The Redmen’s tenacious defense forced multiple turnovers, leading to a series of transition baskets by Zach Acocella, Hugens Tranquille and Brandon MacMorris. The 1-2 scoring punch of Matt Croce and Tyler Clehane led the way, combining for 26 points. The team takes on Newfield next on Tuesday, Jan. 10. GIRLSVARSITY BASKETBALL East Islip’s girls varsity basketball team played at Smithtown West on Jan. 3, losing a close 37-32 contest. Mariah Cullen was East Islip’s top scorer with 9 points. Back at home on Jan 6, the team was defeated 45-32 by North Babylon, with Elizabeth Vetter scoring a team-leading 10 points. GIRLS JV BASKETBALL On Jan. 5, the girls JV team defeated NorthBabylon 38-29. Leading scorers were eighth-grader Alexa Mattera with 13 points, Juliette Polis with 10 points and Cathy Marku with 8. Earlier in the week on Jan. 3, the Lady Redmen lost 37-33 to Smithtown West, with Mattera scoring 15 points. BOYS JV WRESTLING On Jan. 4, East Islip's boys JV wrestling team handily defeated Half Hollow Hills East by the total score of 53-27. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4125 Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Seniors Meagan Faughnan and Evan Maxwell were East Islip’s award recipients at the recent Suffolk Zone Dinner, held at the Hyatt Regency Wind Watch and Golf Clubin Hauppauge. The Suffolk Zone Award, chosen by the East Islip High School physical education staff, is given annually to the top male and female physical education students in the graduating class. Criteria for achieving this honor, as defined by the the Suffolk Zone Chapter of the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, include earning an A average or above a 90 in high school physical education classes, earning an overall grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale at the completion of the 11th-grade year, and being a physical fitness role model, as well as character and leadership assessments. “Throughout the year, both students displayed leadership, sportsmanship and outstanding character traits while in physical education class,” said East Islip Athletic Director Stephen Restivo, who attended the ceremony. “Meagan and Evan work very hard in class and always lend a helping hand to both fellow students and staff.” http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4104 Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT East Islip’s SEPTA (Special Education Parent Teacher Association) began a decade ago with a group of five parents meeting once a month to exchange stories, ideas, help and support. The organization grew and expanded over time, boasting over 410 members as of last year. “We are excited about creating awareness and we are still meeting once a month to exchange ideas and offer support to parents of children struggling in schools,” said SEPTA representative and PTA Council President Bonnie Buckley. “We maintain that all children struggle in schools at some time or another emotionally, socially or academically. SEPTA helps parents help their children.” At last October’s monthly Board of Education meeting, SEPTA President Frank Fritz presented the school district with a $2500 check for constructing a barrier-free, handicap-accessible playground at Connetquot Elementary School in Islip Terrace. “It was really a collective idea,” explained Fritz. “We saw a real need for this playground,” Buckley concurred, noting that it took four years of effort by the group to see the playground project get off the ground. Buckley remains proud of SEPTA’s scholarship fund, which awarded $3000 last year alone to children with learning disabilities. “We also have created a Disability Specific Parent Support List so parents can get in touch with parents of a child sharing a similar experience to theirs,” she added. This list can be accessed on SEPTA’s website. 2012 brings even more to SEPTA’s agenda. “We have a diverse group of speakers on our calendar this year, all designed to help parents better understand how their children learn and what they can do to help them,” said Buckley. Also on the calendar is the group’s second annual Snowflake Fundraiser, in conjunction with the local Ancient Order of Hibernians. The event will take place on Feb. 3 at the AOH Hall at Our Lady of Knock, at 65 Champlin Ave. in East Islip. “Please come meet us,” urged Buckley. “We welcome new parents and are here to help them navigate the very overwhelming and confusing world of special education – or as we like to call it, differently abled education.” East Islip SEPTA http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4107 Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT The East Islip Athletic Booster Club will hold a Sports Clothing Drive on Jan. 21, at the middle school's auxiliary gym. Proceeds will support East Islip Middle School spring sports. For more information, please see the event'sflyer. East Islip Athletic Booster Club http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4084 Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT World Statistics Day was celebrated with gusto at East Islip High School on Dec. 7.During lunch periods, the school’s AP Statistics students collected data on a multitude of situations. “They were able to introduce statistics to East Islip in a fun and exciting way, getting the entire school involved in the data collection,” said math teacher Raymond Willie. Recognized across the planet, World Statistics Day serves to strengthen public awareness of the important work that statisticians carry out each day in collecting accurate, objective and comparable data to support a wide range of national and international activities. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4124 Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT East Islip Middle School's Holiday Brass Ensemble spread cheer throughout the district on Dec. 22, playing wintry classics at each of the elementary schools as well as entertaining staff at the district office. The plucky students performing in the Brass wereJoseph Guarnieri (trumpet), Joseph Corrao (trumpet), Richard Hughes (trumpet), Michael Stevens (French horn), Emily Orksi (French horn), Jack Bonner (trombone), Jack Burke-McGooldrick (trombone), Kurt Eide (trombone), Jake MacMorris (tuba) and Dennis McCann. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4093 Mon, 02 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT East Islip Middle School Holiday Brass performing at Connequot Elementary School on Dec. 22, 2011. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4094 Mon, 02 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT There will be screenings and physicals for late winter sports at East Islip Middle School, on the dates and times noted below: Screenings: Wednesday, Jan. 18 – 3 p.m. Physicals: Thursday, Jan. 19 – 3 p.m. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4076 Mon, 02 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT On Dec. 23, “Santa” paid a special visit to Connetquot Elementary School in Islip Terrace. Members of the Connetquot PTA organized a holiday sing-a-long for the entire school and gifted each child with a Santa's helper hat. “While the students in kindergarten and first and second grades sang in the cafeteria, Santa visited the intermediate classrooms,” explained Principal Deborah Smith. “He then visited the primary grades, spreading joy and excitement to all he encountered. It was a wonderful afternoon of spirited holiday fun!” http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4077 Mon, 02 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Students at RCK recently participated in an ongoing physical fitness obstacle course, involving many aspects of fitness including endurance and agility as well as sport skills. Various challenges were held including timed relays of class versus class and boys versus girls. Students were also challenged to conquer the course backwards. “They are constantly moving through the course,” said teacher Bonnie Rabin. “Repeating it over and over helps to develop cardiovascular endurance.” http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4078 Mon, 02 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT In a Dec. 30 non-league away game, East Islip’s varsity girls basketball team crushed Rocky Point 50-21. Sophomore Lara Meehan had a big day, scoring a career-high 13 points. Meehan also tallied five rebounds for the Lady Redmen. Meanwhile, on the same day, the girls JV team defeated Rocky Point's JV squad by a score of37-14. Cathy Marku, Justina Marku and Alexa Mattera all racked up 7 points, and Emily Churpita scored 6 points. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4079 Mon, 02 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT Many generations of the East Islip community gathered together at the high school’s library on Dec. 10, celebrating the 16th annual Breakfast with Santa holiday party. Hosted by teacher Kelly Schwender and her 60 students in East Islip High School’s child development and parenting classes, the event centers on children enrolled in the district’s Toddler High preschool program – and their joyous visit with Santa Claus. “This party helps everyone get ready and get into the holiday spirit,” said Schwender. “Everyone enjoyed it – parents and grandparents as well as district administrators, faculty and staff.” Students and local youngsters ages three to five enrolled in Toddler High spent several weeks preparing for this event, creating hands-on holiday art projects to decorate the library, including jumbo gingerbread houses, gingerbread centerpieces and stuffed gingerbread boys and girls. All the projects were kept secret until the big day, in order to surprise the children’s family members. Everyone enjoyed breakfast while anticipating the arrival of Santa Claus, and once the red-clad guest of honor was there, the preschoolers took photos and shared their holiday wish lists with him. At the event’s conclusion, Santa gave the children gift bags filled with goodies from their high-school buddies as well as something special from him. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4051 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT East Islip High School senior Tyler Rigo has signed a national letter of intent to play lacrosse at Colgate University in upstate Hamilton, N.Y., where he will be offered a scholarship. The remarkable student-athlete has been a four-year starter in lacrosse, and was named captain for the 2011-2012 season. Also the star running back of the high school’s football team, Rigo was no slouch in the academic arena, earning National Honor Society recognition this year. For his final lacrosse season in East Islip, coaches Joe Ancona and Jason Lavey are confident Rigo will get the job done. “We are looking for Tyler, as a senior, to generate offense,” said a proud Ancona. “Opponents are aware of his name and put their best defenders on him.” Rigo is full of enthusiasm for his future home at Colgate. “It’s a beautiful campus,” he said. “I fell in love with it as soon as I visited and can’t wait to be there.” The 210-lb. lacrosse phenom will surely find new goals to achieve with Colgate coach Mike Murphy and the Raiders. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4047 Tue, 27 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT In keeping with the holiday spirit, Timber Point Elementary School held its first “Deck the Door” contest. From Nov. 28 through Dec. 12, students and faculty were hard at work decorating classroom doors using a holiday storybook theme, a bit of cheerful and creative design enjoyed throughout the school for the rest of December. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4044 Tue, 27 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT East Islip High School sophomore Vanessa Marques recently won the school’s contest to attend the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) Conference, a three-day seminar in June 2012, held at Adelphi University in Garden City. 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. HOBY programs such as the Adelphi conference provide selected students with unique leadership training, service-learning and motivation-building experiences. East Islip’s contest, sponsored by the local Lions Club, involved writing a short essay on the rewards and challenges of being a leader. In her entry, Marques eloquently expressed her thoughts on leadership, saying “It means acting in a way that others see you as a role model. Friends can pressure you into doing something that is wrong, so you have to use your judgment to do what is right, even if it means being different.” Matthew Cowdell finished second and will serve as the alternate. “Vanessa is a bright young lady and I congratulate her on being selected to represent East Islip at the Hugh O’Brian Leadership Conference this year,” said school counselor Jennifer Salvaggio. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4034 Mon, 26 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT East Islip High School's guidance department will be hosting a Junior Class Parent Presentation on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2012 at 7 p.m. in the school's auditorium. This event will be an informative session on such topics such as PSAT results, SAT, ACT and college planning. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4037 Mon, 26 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Just before the holidays arrived, members of the East Islip High School varsity softball team took time out to shop for 20 children currently living in a shelter. The players met up at the Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove, armed with “Dear Santa” lists from the kids. Each girl partnered up with a teammate and spent three hours shopping for the toys, purchasing $2,000 worth of presents. A few days after the shopping trip, the softball squad wrapped all the presents at the high school before an open gym workout. This wasn’t the team’s only charitable endeavor this season. On Dec. 16, the players spent a night volunteering at Sayville High School, helping the homeless who were attending the annual “Every Child’s Dream” event. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4039 Mon, 26 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT GIRLS JV BASKETBALL The girls JV team played on Dec. 20, falling 35-27 to Centereach. Top point scorers for East Islip were Alexa Mattera and Emily Churpita with 10 points each, and Rachel Dempsey with 5 points. “We had a slow start, and Centereach played a great game, but we played hard and battled till the final seconds,” said head coach Heather Toomey. “We look forward to learning from our mistakes and playing Centereach again after the new year.” BOYS VARSITY BOWLING “East Islip boys bowling had a good week,” said coach Rick Papandrea. The top highlight was a perfect game by eighth-grader and varsity starter Mike Orobello, who rolled 300 in a home match against Lindenhurst on Dec. 20. Orobello bowled a remarkable 256, 225 and 300 for a 781 series. “Mike is the first eighth-grader in the history of Section XI to bowl a 300 in a match,” said Papandrea with pride. Other notable achievements included a 256 game bowled by team captain Jacob Klein, and Mike Kissel bowling a 245 game. MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS WINTER VOLLEYBALL Following up last Friday’s 3-2 win over Ronkonkoma Middle School, the East Islip Middle School girls winter volleyball squad took on South Ocean Middle School on Dec. 19. East Islip won all five games against South Ocean. “The girls continue to work as a team as they bump, set and spike the ball over the net,” said coach Patricia Bush. GIRLS VARSITY WINTER TRACK The East Islip girls varsity track team will next compete in the crossover D meet on Jan. 3, following their outstanding showing at last weekend’s crossover C meet at the Suffolk West Community College indoor arena. The Dec. 18 event, featuring a field of over 700 athletes from 12 schools, resulted in high finishes for East Islip athletes Emma Hallowell, Justine Mack, Rachel Burns, Emily Fusco, Sabrina Terwilliger, Taylor Kenney, Grace Revello, Emily Francois, Samantha Tavares, Jamie Curran, Antonella Vasquez , Kendall Allmendinger and Faith Penny. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4062 Fri, 23 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Every year the members of Connetquot Elementary School’s Student Council hold elections for the school’s four officer positions, and the tradition continued for the 2011-2012 school year. Students interested in running for office conducted small campaigns by creating posters and writing speeches, both to describe themselves and to explain why they believe they should be elected. The entire Student Council participated in the assembly for the intermediate grades, and at the conclusion of the election presentation, Alexandra Stewart was elected as president, Danielle Kaczynski as vice president, James Mooney as treasurer and Justine Rizzo as secretary. “There were many wonderful presentations made by the candidates,” said Principal Deborah Smith. “Congratulations to the new officers!” The Student Council is more than a ceremonial organization – its work is substantial. The Council and advisor Heather Johnson have been developing a safety patrol during arrival and dismissal times, to encourage students to make good choices associated with their behavior. Council members have also collected paper from throughout the school building for recycling by the Town of Islip, and they visited classrooms to promote the Connetquot Caring Citizens program, which recognizes students who participate in “random acts of kindness” throughout the school day. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4035 Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT BOYS WINTER TRACK East Islip High School’s boys winter track team participated in a crossover meet at Suffolk County Community College in Brentwood on Saturday, Dec. 17. Fifteen runners made the top 40 list in their events, including the 4x200 and 4x400 relays. The meet’s MVP was Andrew Sharkey, who achieved personal bests on the 55-meter high hurdles (8.75) and 600-meter dash (1:29.97). GIRLS JV BASKETBALL The girls JV team played a non-league game on Dec. 17 at Herricks High School, winning 38-18. Eighth-graders Alexa Mattera (8 points) and Christina Talamo (10 points) were the leading scorers for East Islip. BOYS JV BASKETBALL The boys JV basketball team notched their first win of the season on Saturday, Dec. 17, beating Islip by a score of 52-21. Brandon MacMorris led the way with his second consecutive 18-point performance. The Redmen played tenacious defense, relying on the hot shooting of Harley Spinks, Matt Croce, Steve Cinquemani, Brennan Walsh and Steven Caturano to secure the victory. “Congratulations on your first win, boys!” said coach Timothy McDermott. BOYS VARSITY WRESTLING East Islip’s varsity wrestling team finished with a top team score of 264.5 in the Dec. 17 Cyclone Tournament at South Side High School in Rockville Centre. Other teams competing included Chaminade (217.5 points), Riverhead (204), Lynbrook (144), Manhasset (124), Hicksville (98), Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK (61) and Hempstead (32). In the championship finals, East Islip’s Jesse Dellveccia decisioned Chaminade’s Joseph Bocardo 5-1 in the 99-lb. weight class, James Burke (EI) pinned Cameron Cipolla (Hicksville) at 4:25 in the 106-lb, Justin Morena (EI) pinned Kyle Helgans (Riverhead) at 0:33 in the 120-lb., Peter Rooney (Chaminade) pinned Chris Sortino (EI) at 3:35 in the 132-lb., Dennis Ferro (EI) pinned Dan Normoyale (Riverhead) at 0:34 in the 138-lb., Shawn Cummings (EI) pinned Jason Espinosa (Lynbrook) at 1:53 in the 170-lb., Matt Mott (Lynbrook) pinned Chris Chambers (EI) at 0:25 in the 195-lb., and Jon Espinosa (Lynbrook) pinned Dan Hayden (EI) at 2:47 in the 285. In the consolation finals, East Islip’s Danny Orlando (EI) decisioned Ryan Holtzgruber (South Side) 11-4 in the 99-lb., Ethan Zaweski (Riverhead) pinned Frank Argenti (EI) at 3:17 in the 120-lb, and Erik Adon (EI) won a 9-3 decision over Manhasset’s Grant Weiss in the 145-lb. BOYS JV WRESTLING East Islip’s JV wrestling team scored 166 points in the Paul P. Grammatico VSS Tournament at Valley Stream Central High School on Dec. 17, coming in third place overall. Other teams competing included Island Trees, Babylon, Bellmore JFK and Valley Stream South. “We had 8 guys place at VSS,” said coach Michael Longobardi. Freshman Marcus Rivera placed second at 220 lbs., going 3-1 with 2 pins. Sophomore Sal Cipolla, senior Dylan Kruger and freshman Jonathan Wilson all placed third. Cipolla (120 lbs.) was 5-1 with 3 pins, Kruger (195) was 4-1 with 3 pins, while Wilson (220) was 3-1 with 3 pins. Freshman Griffin Brown, junior Zak Smalls, Justin Rigo and Kevin Ramos all placed fourth in their weight classes. Brown (99), Smalls (138) and Rigo (170) were all 3-2; Ramos (182) was 2-2. Photos by Glenn Reed. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4000 Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Please note the attached No Name-Calling Week message for East Islip Middle School parents and students, from Principal Mark Bernard. No Name-Calling Week letter from Principal Bernard No Name-Calling Week flyer http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4009 Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Please be reminded that all schools in the East Islip School District will be closed on Jan. 2, 2012. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=4002 Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Students in the afterschool programs in all four of East Islip’s elementary schools were treated to a special snowflake-themed activity this month. At each school, Jacqueline Briggs Martin’s 1998 children’s book “Snowflake Bentley” was read aloud by East Islip High School senior Scott Cole. The book, with award-winning illustrations by Mary Azarian, tells the story of Wilson Alwyn "Snowflake" Bentley of Vermont, renowned for being one of the first photographers to capture the unique beauty of snowflakes on film. After the readings, art teacher Heather Toomey and several other high-school volunteers helped the children create 3-D paper snowflakes as a collaborative installation to hang in their respective schools. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3978 Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Picking up right where they left off after last year’s undefeated season, East Islip High School’s kickline team started off 2011-2012 with another great win. The team competed at the Long Island Kickline Association’s first competition of the season on Dec. 18, and came out on top. After winning their Pom Division, the team enjoyed a celebration and the congratulations of their coach, Denise Naccarato, and the many spectators attending the event. “This year’s team is made up of 25 girls and 19 of them are new to the team, so I anticipated a very rough start,” said Naccarato. “This is the perfect example of how hard work and dedication pay off. I am so proud of them and am looking forward to a great season. Win or lose, they should be proud of how they have come together as a team. I couldn’t ask for a better group of girls to represent East Islip this year as we compete against other Long Island schools.” The East Islip kickline team’s next competition will be held on Jan. 15, 2012 at Uniondale High School, where they will be entering both the Pom and Kick Divisions. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3989 Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT East Islip High School's Drama Club wowed the community with the recent production of “Our Town,” a Thornton Wilder drama depicting life in small-town New Hampshire just after the turn of the 20th century. Junior Samantha Connolly served as the show's stage manager. The lead actors and actresses were junior Courtney Kenyon as Emily Webb, senior Jonathan Gutierrez as George Gibbs, senior Sean Kaiser as Dr. Frank F. Gibbs, junior Alexandra Konnerth as Mrs. Julia Gibbs, senior Brandon Missig as Mr. Charles Webb and senior Megan Monaghan as Mrs. Myrtle Webb. Konnerth also designed the show's poster and playbill cover. “We had an extraordinary sellout of both shows with a cast of high-school students who were dedicated and talented,” said Drama Club adviser Susan Jeffares. “It was wonderfully received by adults and students alike.” http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3990 Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Kindergartners at Islip Terrace’s Ruth C. Kinney Elementary School recently enjoyed reading the story of “The Gingerbread Man,” and continued the tale’s theme by making a list of ingredients for cinnamon ornaments. Teachers Barbara Whelan and Kim Tsirigotis helped the students to follow the recipe and create the ornaments. “The children used their senses to smell the cinnamon and feel the sticky and squishy dough,” said Whelan. “They then used cookie cutters to shape different types of ornaments, including gingerbread men, trees, stars, stockings, and snowmen.” Cinnamon Ornaments Recipe http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3991 Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Successful NFL reporter Andy Kent recently paid a visit to East Islip High School’s journalism, creative writing and English classes. The Boca Raton, Fla. Resident flew up to New York to write his first-ever book – a profile of Rohan Murphy, the 2001 East Islip graduate and champion wrestler who lost his legs at birth. Due to science teacher John Reilly’s efforts, Kent was able to visit East Islip’s students to discuss the difficulties and advantages of working as a journalist. Kent visited three classes during the day of his visit, each group of students seeming to take in every bit of information and showing keen interest in each detail. As a child, Kent discovered his huge interest in writing and reading, and that hobby has stayed with him throughout his life. After attending Jacksonville University and majoring in political science, he began to search his hometown for a local newspaper internship. He did eventually find one, jokingly adding, “That office was about the size of the bathroom in my current workplace.” Some of the students were surprised to learn that a journalist majored in political science. “Simply writing is only half the project,” Kent said by way of explanation. “It takes a lot of outside knowledge to become a successful writer and connect to the reader.” Kent couldn’t stress enough that through all his good and bad experiences, writing remained his passion and nothing was going to stop him. Kent was asked about the impact of technology and its effect on writing, and responded by explaining that the change from paper to computer will benefit writers by offering unlimited writing space on the Internet. “Because of the recent switch from print to internet, major publishers and newspaper distributors such as Newsday will continue to lay off workers, but it should affect only a minimal amount of writers,” he added reassuringly. Near the end of Kent’s presentation, he encouraged students to ask questions about his experiences and to seek advice on what it really takes to succeed. He emphasized the significance of first-time writers getting out and proving that they plan to devote extensive time to their work. As Kent and the students parted ways, it was evident that he had left a significant mark on the students’ thought processes, as well as the teachers. As senior Cristiana Votta said, “He was inspiring for young journalists.” Kent’s visit not only led potential journalists in a better direction, but opened the eyes of those who felt that a career in writing was a near impossibility. He showed the students that by working hard and being assertive, a person can accomplish anything imaginable. Article by Ryan Scalcione http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3974 Sun, 18 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT GIRLS WINTER TRACK The girls varsity winter track team had an outstanding showing at their first crossover meet last Saturday at at the Suffolk West Community College indoor arena. “A number of East Islip girls finished very high, in a field of over 500 athletes from 12 schools that competed,” said coach Mike Drozd. Emma Hallowell took second place in the high jump and Faith Penny placed first in the triple jump. In the 1500-meter race walk, Emily Francois finished first for all freshmen, while Samantha Tavares took third for all sophomores. Quinn Favilla placed second in the 1500-meter run. Krista Cook finished second for all ninth-graders in the 55-meter hurdles. Rachel Burns and Caileigh Apicella placed second and fourth for all ninth-graders in the 55-meter dash; Burns finished sixth overall. Kayla Murphy finished third overall in the 1000-meter run. Sabrina Terwilliger and Taylor Kenney finished first and second for all ninth-graders in the in the 1000-meter race. In the 4x400, East Islip’s A team finished second, and the B team finished fourth. “Congratulations to the entire team for a terrific meet and good luck next Tuesday at the crossover B meet,” Drozd added. BOYS VARSITY BOWLING In a December 13 bowling match, defending Suffolk County champions East Islip won all three games against home team Copiague by the scores of 978-820, 956-894 and 894-871. The total points for the match were East Islip 27, Copiague 6. According to head coach Rick Papandrea, the high bowler for the day was sophomore Jacob Klein, who bowled 224 in game 2 as part of a 623 series. GIRLS VARSITY BOWLING East Islip (4-0) shut down Northport 3-0 on Thursday, with Nancy Baione bowling a 216 in the first game of a 643 series. GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL In a non-league battle of the Islips, East Islip (3-2) defeated Central Islip 50-30 on December 15, spurred by Mariah Cullen's 13 points. Cullen went 4-for-4 from the free-throw line. GIRLS JV BASKETBALL The girls JV team has won all three of their games, defeating Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK 35-29, Babylon 29-22 and Central Islip 34-13. “We have a young team consisting of high-school and middle-school students that are talented and dedicated student-athletes,” said head coach Heather Toomey. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3975 Sun, 18 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT East Islip High School’s Career Development class recently spent time collecting "loot" for the Jacob's Light Foundation, whose mission is to send necessities and comforts from home to overseas American military personnel. The organization – which focuses their “lifeline from America” efforts on behalf of military without family or support from home –provided a list of needs, with toothbrushes and toothpaste at the top of November’s list. The Career Development students decorated boxes and placed them around the school building, in order to accept the dental donations. The items will be brought to the Jacob's Light warehouse in Port Jefferson and included in a "pack out" to all branches of the armed services in need. “During December we will be collecting hand warmers, as the mountains and deserts get quite cold at night,” explained Career Development teacher Mary Ann Coughlin. Jacob's Light Foundation http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3925 Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Over 30 East Islip High School graduates, many of them current college freshmen, were in attendance at a recent alumni reception at their alma mater. Held in the school library, the event gave the alumni time to reconnect with classmates and the high school community, and provided the school’s current seniors with a chance to hear from last year’s graduates and learn about their experiences in college. “The reception was organized to welcome back our grads from past years at a time when most college students are home for the holidays,” said advisor Lisa Neri. “In addition to giving our alumni a ‘welcome home,’ we wanted to provide a place for them to reconnect with fellow grads and to meet with seniors who were invited down from their ninth-period classes. We plan to hold it yearly – always on the day before Thanksgiving break.” Neri noted that many of the alumni wore their college sweatshirts and were eager to discuss their current schools with East Islip’s graduating class. “This is the first time we have invited our alumni to come back to the high school in several years,” said Israel Malinowitzer, the high school’s director of careers and student services. “Graduates were able to speak with some of their high school teachers and let them know how they are doing in college. It was also an opportunity for our current juniors and seniors to ask them what life in college is all about. The message for this year’s seniors is to start thinking about college, to make sure they have completed their college applications, and to understand what they need to do in order to be ready for this college transition.” “College has been a great experience,” said alumna Nicole Stringer, who is majoring in business administration at St. Joseph’s College in Patchogue. “I’m loving every moment of it.” Eric McMahon, a Spanish major at the State University of New York at New Paltz, echoed Stringer’s enthusiasm, saying “I love college!” Chris Lau, another student at SUNY New Paltz, is majoring in secondary education with a concentration in mathematics. “It’s really fun,” he said. “At points it’s hard, but if you study, you will do well.” Suffolk Community College student Erin Glynn’s reflections are practical ones. “I work at Dunkin Donuts to buy all the gas I need to get to the Selden campus every single day,” she explained. Glynn plans to transfer to St. Joseph’s College, where she will study education. Majoring in chemical engineering with a minor in management and technology, Sarah Brady has learned the importance of good study habits while attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY. “School is fun, but studying is very, very important.” Her motto is, “Study during the week, go to bed early, but don’t forget to have fun on the weekend!” Karen Sanchez is likewise attuned to studying while enjoying life at Stony Brook University. “The studying is brutal, but overall SBU is so much fun.” While up at Boston College, Chris Marchese is working on a double major in secondary education and history, with a potential minor in political science. Far from lacking in ambition, he aspires to the highest of offices. “I am on track to graduate in four years with my master’s in secondary education and a bachelor’s in history. I joined the College Republicans and am starting my ascent to the White House in 2040.” Alumni Alex Baier, Andrew Ferremi, Edward Terwilliger and Ken Zhang were all participants in last year’s International Business Globalization Academy at East Islip High. “Being CEO at the Career Academy and then going to college have both helped me to be able to find and access information for problem-solving, which I have found to be a much-needed skill,” said Baier, who was the first CEO of the Academy’s Mobile Revolution virtual company. He is now attending the State University of New York at Albany, where he is studying business. His sister Brianna Baier is currently a junior at East Islip High School. Excited to follow in her brother’s footsteps, she plans to apply to the Career Academy next year as a senior. Zhang, who had served as the vice president of accounting, is studying computer engineering technology at the Rochester Institution of Technology. “I am learning about CH programming and circuits,” he said. “For my final projects, I respectively created a bar code scanner and a traffic light.” Ferremi is majoring in sports management at the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts. “It’s been a great experience,” he said. “I’ve met many prestigious people from the sports industry and learned a lot about the business of sports.” Ferremi is also a member of the university’s Investment Club, gaining knowledge about stocks and investing. Terwilliger, who had been Mobile Revolution’s vice president of marketing, is a freshman at the University of Rhode Island. He is majoring in entrepreneurial management, with a minor in political science. “My experience in the Academy allowed me to harness critical skills such as public speaking and writing,” Terwilliger said. “These skills greatly enhance my collegiate and fraternal relations.” Being a member of East Islip High School’s Environment Green Career Academy left a strong positive mark on Kerri Becvar and Alisa Cipolla. “I loved every minute of it,” said Cipolla, a physical therapy major at St. Thomas Aquinas in Rockland County. Cipolla is also playing softball for the college. Two of the alumni who attended the reception are freshmen at the State University of New York at Potsdam, Nick Converso and Marisa Caliguri. The latter, a flute and piccolo player, is studying music education at the university’s Crane School of Music, while Converso is majoring in mathematics with a minor in biology. Marist College in Poughkeepsie is another school boasting two ambitious East Islip alumni, Allison and Kristen O’Brien. The latter is an English writing major with a double minor in global studies and music, while her sister Allison is studying digital media, fashion and advertising, with a minor in design. Dean Fatsis is another University of Rhode Island freshman, studying secondary education with a concentration in history. Like Terwilliger, he has fit right in as a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and credits his experience at East Islip. “I was provided all the necessary skills to achieve my collegiate scholastic goals,” he said. “The preparation that this high school gave me was essential for my success in my fraternity.” Also in attendance at the reception were Alex Schilling, a forensic science major at the University of New Haven, and Maggie Ward, a nursing student at the University of Vermont. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3939 Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Several years ago, students in East Islip High School’s computer technology program began helping senior citizens in the community learn how to better use their own digital devices. During those training workshops, it became apparent that changes to federal healthcare services plans required Medicare recipients to use an online website to manage their healthcare needs. This proved to be an intimidating and daunting task for some older East Islip residents, a situation which resulted in the formation of the Cyber Seniors Medicare.gov Workshop, under the direction of the East Islip/Dowling School-Business Partnership. With the help of Merri P. Ciano and Jamilyn Barna from the Long Island Senior Education Council (LISEC), East Islip students at a recent workshop were able to assist elder community members in learning how to navigate and utilize the many facets of the Medicare.gov website. “Feedback from participants was very positive,” said teacher Paul McHugh. “One workshop attendee told me that after working with the students, he has a new faith in the youth of our community. The East Islip/Dowling School-Business Partnership looks forward to working with LISEC to continue to offer this beneficial program.” http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3921 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT The East Islip Pupil Personnel Department will present a special workshop for parents of children with autism this Thursday night. The speaker is Donna Thiele, a representative of the Riverhead-based Institute for Children with Autism and Related Disorders (ICA). "What Do I Buy? Choosing the Right Toys for Children with Autism and Other Special Needs" takes place Dec. 15, 2011 from 7-9 p.m. in the district office board room at 1 Craig B. Gariepy Avenue in Islip Terrace. Additional seminars will follow on Feb. 16, 2012 ("Playdates 101") and April 26, 2012 ("Teaching Anger Management and Impulse Control Skills"). The workshop will include light refreshments. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3906 Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Connetquot Elementary School’s choral group, the Connetquot Chords, provided melodious musical accompaniment to the second annual Orphan Tree Lighting at the Islip Art Museum’s Brookwood Hall on December 7. Presented by the Islip Arts Council and East Islip Historical Society, the tree lighting celebrates East Islip’s history, and commemorates the 1942-1965 era when Brookwood Hall served as the town’s orphanage. The Neo-Georgian style mansion at 50 Irish Lane in East Islip was built in 1902 by the architectural firm of Delano and Aldrich, and today is the home of both the Islip Art Museum and Islip Arts Council. At the tree lighting ceremony, a beautifully decorated replica of the orphans’ Christmas tree was placed in the window of the museum’s office, just as it was over 50 years ago, and a former orphanage resident gave a speech recalling fond childhood memories of Brookwood Hall. Directed by music teacher Eileen Egbert, Connetquot’s caroling children sang holiday favorites such as "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," " Silent Night" and "We Wish You a Merry, Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Wonderful Kwanzaa." “The students' strong and melodious voices filled the halls of this grand mansion,” enthused Principal Deborah Smith. The standing-room-only crowd was served hot apple cider and cocoa, “for continued warm thoughts throughout the season,” as Smith aptly put it. The Connetquot Chords also perform this Saturday morning at Radio City Music Hall, singing prior to the 9 a.m. Radio City Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes show. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3916 Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT November became Movember this year for Daniel Falkman, a social studies teacher and Key Club advisor at East Islip High School, who raised awareness and over $365 in funding to support men’s health issues, solely through the birth and death of a mustache. During the month-long period of Movember, participants like Falkman agreed to grow mustaches and forgo shaving them. The ensuing attention and joking in turn sparked much-needed conversations about male cancer risks. As he began his tonsorial adventure, Falkman declared, “I have joined the Movember movement and will be donating my upper lip to the cause for 30 days, all in the name of raising vital awareness and funds for cancers affecting men. Funds that will help make a tangible difference to the lives of others. Through the Movember Foundation and their men’s health partners, the Prostate Cancer Foundation and LIVESTRONG, this event funds world-class awareness, research, and educational and support programs which would otherwise not be possible.” Falkman’s students were given the opportunity to donate a dollar and color in a picture of a historical figure with truly memorable facial hair. He noted that science-oriented students chose Einstein and English students picked Mark Twain, while the young historians went for Civil War general Ambrose Burnside, whose definitive "sideburns" coined the term. “Our Key Club is always looking for ways to help in our community as well as looking at problems that face our world. As advisor to the Key Club, I wanted to lead by example,” he said. “To put it simply, if I can donate my mustache, then they should be able to donate a dollar.” On December 1, a bemused and occasionally raucous group of students and faculty gathered in East Islip’s auditorium after school to watch Falkman shave off his ‘stache. After a brief but effective speech explaining the goals of Movember and the need for additional donations, he lathered up and attacked the bushy growth with both scissors and razor before the mustache was finally defeated. “For many, the thrill is what the mustache will look like when it grows in,” Falkman explained before the event. “For me, the anticipation is in wondering what I will look like when it’s gone.” He had last shaved his face almost a year before, as a 2010 Christmas present for his mustache-hating wife. Falkman’s daughter, however, was kind enough to kiss it goodnight – and goodbye – the evening before the shaving. Fundraising to help fight deadly diseases is nothing new for the determined educator. “When I was in kindergarten, I participated in a multiple sclerosis read-a-thon, raising money from friends and family, and I can still feel that sense of pride that I felt doing something for others. When I was in my twenties, my father was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and sadly passed away from the disease a few years later,” Falkman said. While the spectacle of one man shaving his whiskers might not appear newsworthy on the face of it, Falkman knows his hairy Movember journey meant something. “Even though my mustache might seem insignificant,” he said with a wink, “it is not the size of the mustache that counts, it’s what you do with it." http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3919 Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT FIELD HOCKEY The 12-5 team led by coach Christopher Veit and captains Alyssa Groneman, Rachel Lange and Jackie Vogelsang had a great run in the 2011 fall season. Sixth-seeded East Islip lost in the playoff quarterfinals to third seed Ward Melville. Key players included Rachel Lange in the midfield, Nicole Maccaldi in goal and Jackie Vogelsang, Alexa Martino and Alyssa Groneman up top. This team shows great promise for next year, thanks to underclassmen Nicole Levy, Carlie Ancona and Alexa Martino. GIRLS CROSS-COUNTRY Coach Steve Brown led one of his fastest teams ever to a 2-3 record. The four senior captains – Alyssa Febbraro, Lexi Francisco, Quinn Favilla and Niki Lund – helped form a great bond among their teammates. Kayla Murphy, who strived for a new personal record every time she ran, is just one of many underclassmen to look out for next season GIRLS SWIMMING Alanna Nawrocki, a new face for swimming in East Islip, brought great success to the team this fall season. Captain Olivia Carroll along with coach Marguerite Gomez led the team to two victories, with Nawrocki and Julia Llewelyn becoming state qualifiers. BOYS SOCCER Captains Evan Maxwell, Eric McKenna, Joe Braccioforte, Andrew Grosse and Dylan Kruger led a victorious 9-5-3 team to the first round of the playoffs, clinching a spot in a great overtime win over Riverhead. The boys were defeated by Commack in an overtime upset, much to East Islip fans’ dismay. Throughout the season, Steve Frost and the five captains proved to be key players, complimented by the team’s strong defense and great chemistry. BOYS CROSS-COUNTRY Led by coach James Marino and captains Dakota Lopez, Raymond O’Connor, Jack Smith and Brandon Vuolo, East Islip’s impressive cross-country team had a strong season. Next year doesn’t look to be much different; strong underclassmen include Shane Martensen, Brian Kennedy and Ryan Smith. In the division championships, their most crucial race of the season, the boys scored high enough to run in the state qualifier meet. GIRLS VOLLEYBALL With new head coach Stacie Wixted bringing high expectations, the girls varsity volleyball team went on to finish 9-6 for the season. Captains Kiersten Kissinger and Alicia Anderson helped to bond their team and instill great confidence in the players. Ranked ninth in the county, the team lost its first-round playoff appearance in a five-game match. Underclassmen such as Vanessa Marques and Sarah Varnot will ensure the team is competitive next year as well. GIRLS GYMNASTICS Senior captains Kaylin Schmidt and Rachel Domozych led East Islip’s gymnastics team to a 2-6 record, hampered by many hardships, including inconvenient injuries. All-county awards went to Schmidt and Rachel Silsdorf, with Elizabeth Sallie and Jaycie Snider earning all-league status. Every senior on the team had been a member since the seventh grade. GIRLS TENNIS Led by coach Mike Drozd and captains Jackie Clyne, Karen Serina and Sarah Schreiner, the girls tennis team had a successful 7-5 season. East Islip was seeded 12th out of a total of 54 schools, and advanced to the final 16. In the season’s most important match, they defeated Miller Place 7-0 in the first round of the playoffs. Serina was an all-state athlete for the second year in a row – the first such achievement in East Islip sports history. All-county honors were awarded to Shannon Murphy and Nicole Damore, while Schreiner received an all-division award. FOOTBALL The 8-3 football team marked a great season in the books. Head coach Sal J. Ciampi and senior captains Tyler Rigo, Robert Sconone, Mike White, Todd Collins, Pete Hanabergh, Joe Modica and Kyle Moller guided the team to one of its best seasons in recent years. Although the Redmen didn’t make it as far as they had hoped, losing a crucial county championship game against Newfield, they were the most successful team of the East Islip fall sports program. GIRLS SOCCER The 11-3-1 girls soccer team was defeated in the first round of the playoffs against Connetquot. The shoot-out loss was a major upset for third-seeded East Islip, guided by captains Rebecca Carucci, Brianne LaFemina and Cari Roccaro as well as coach Julie Susskind. Six girls took home honorable awards for the season. Underclassmen Kayla Roundsman, Shannon Cummings and Caylan Carracino look to be important players next season. BOYS GOLF New coach Chris Robertson strengthened the 8-2 boys golf team, which qualified for the county tournament. Captain Ryan Scalcione’s efforts were a major factor in earning the title the boys took home this season as league co-champions (with Bay Shore). The team’s biggest match was against Walt Whitman High School, which clinched a title spot for East Islip. Paul Caliguri and Frank Argenti show promise for next year. Article by Cristiana Votta http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3901 Sun, 11 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Winners of the Red Ribbon slogan contest were announced at the December 8 monthly Board of Education meeting. Fifth-graders Marykate Carroll of Timber Point Elementary, Jody Fragala of John F. Kennedy Elementary, Nicole LaPort of Ruth C. Kinney Elementary and James Sullivan of Connetquot Elementary were all recognized. Presenting the awards and prizes were Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) advisor Bridget Lopiccolo and SADD members from East Islip High School – Micaela Alberti, Julie Bonessi, Lea Briscoe, Amber Capobianco, Jonathan Gutierrez, Rachel Lopiccolo, Nicole DeRosa Padden, Kaitlyn Seltzer and Kinza Zia – who were also honored for their selfless work in speaking to the younger students during Red Ribbon Week. During his report to the Board, Superintendent John J. Finello discussed that morning’s power outage and decision to close East Islip Middle School for the day, praising the district’s staff response to the incident. “They took care of the kids and kept them safe. Everyone chipped in to help in our time of need,” he said. Finello also noted his appreciation for the efforts by N.Y. State Sen. Lee M. Zeldin, who had called to inform Finello that he would be voting to repeal the MTA payroll tax. The tax was in fact repealed, and East Islip School District will be exempt. The status of the bridge that overpasses the Southern State Parkway adjacent to school grounds also was addressed. Finello said “We’re making some progress,” and explained that due to Zeldin’s assistance, New York State Department of Transportation workers had visited East Islip to remove debris and trees surrounding the bridge, and that the Town of Islip will soon be repairing lights and fencing at the bridge site. Both Finello and Board President Glenn Reed expressed how much they have enjoyed the ongoing Winter Concert series at the high school auditorium, urging community members to attend one of the shows and hear the exceptional musicianship for themselves. Reed discussed the importance of upcoming budget meetings, including the Budget Advisory Committee Meeting to be held December 13. “On budget issues, we need to become an aware and informed community,” he said. The Board of Education also approved appointing administrative tenure to Math & Science Director Kristen Cummings and teaching assistant Christine O’Connell, and accepted two exemplary donations: iPads, office equipment and gardening tools from the EJ Autism Foundation, to create an "office" for the school district's older special needs children; and $5000 from the Connetquot Student Activity Fund for the school's new playground. The next Board of Education meeting will take place on Jan. 12, 2012. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3902 Sun, 11 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT East Islip High School senior Joe Malone serves as copy editor of the school newspaper, the Broadcaster, and plans to major in journalism when he enters college next year. Last summer, Malone was one of only 16 students from Long Island selected to attend the Robert W. Greene Summer Institute for High School Journalists, held at Stony Brook University. His new essay, “Occupy Hollywood,” serves as a strong indictment of what Malone perceives as the moral decay of celebrity culture. Occupy Hollywood http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3887 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT East Islip High School’s varsity winter track team began their season with a solid showing at the December 4 meet held at the Suffolk County Community College’s Brentwood campus. In one highlight, the East Islip foursome of 12th-graders Jack Smith and Ryan Smith, 11th-grader Andrew Sharkey and 10th grader Tyler Mittleman ran the 4x400-meter relay in 3 minutes, 49 seconds. In the same meet, Sharkey made the finals of the 55-meter high hurdles with a best time of 9:1, while Nicardo Whyte's time of 7:08 likewise earned him a finals spot. Ryan Smith jumped 19- 10 in the long jump. "The team looks strong and deep this year,” noted Board of Education President Glenn Reed. Coach Marguerite Gomez was also pleased with the results, and is looking forward to the team's next meet at Brentwood on Saturday, December 17. Photos by Glenn Reed. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3861 Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Review classes for the January Regents begin the week of Dec. 12, 2011. East Islip High School students who will be taking a January Regents exam should make arrangements to attend all classes, which take place from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Please note the attached Regents review calendar. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3862 Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Ruth C. Kinney Elementary School held a fun-filled fundraiser on December 2 at the Barnes & Noble bookstore in Bay Shore. Students' artwork was on display as they gathered with their parents in the store’s cozy children’s books section. Principal Danielle Naccarato was just one of several “mystery teacher readers” along with fifth-grade teacher Nancy Kane and third-grade teachers Meredith Shuren and Jerry Orlando. Capping off the evening were lovely performances by RCK’s band and orchestra ensembles. Participating band students were Logan Camp, Randi Jepson, Michael Piccinini, Katelyn Waldron, Emma Watson, Erin Wiedmann and Logan Witte, while the orchestra featured Caitlin Breitenbecker, Kaylin Cuba, Christie Czajka, Timothy Hartmann, Alexa Sortino and Cassidy Stephen. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3864 Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT East Islip High’s National Honor Society held a successful food drive at two local supermarkets on November 20. Over 100 bags of groceries were collected by NHS members – led by team leaders Kailani Acosta, Shawn Cummings, Dylan Kruger, Matthew Moore, Nicholas Pandolfo and James Reed – and delivered to a local charity for distribution to needy families during the upcoming holiday season. NHS advisor Lisa Neri quickly had the students mobilized and hard at work on their next charitable project, the annual district-wide coat drive, which ran through December 9. “All coats were contributed by school district students and residents, and donated to local Long Island families in need,” explained Neri. Over 400 coats were collected for distribution by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3867 Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT On Top Chef Day, the sight and scent of delicious foods – and the cooking methods and traditions behind their recipes – proved intriguing to the students in home and career skills teacher Rena Costello’s classroom at East Islip Middle School. At this December 1 event, faculty and parents alike were invited to cook a special dish for one of the classes. The students asked the “chefs" 13 questions during the latter's cooking demonstrations, including such queries as the reasons behind their recipe choices for the day, what cooking shows they watch, what they pack for typical work lunches, what foods they won’t eat, where they like to shop for groceries, the names of their favorite restaurants and what their favorite foods were when they were in middle school. All of the day’s recipes are set to be published in a “Cooking in Room 104” cookbook that the students will be able to take home in time for Mother's Day. “The experience is enjoyable as well as educational for the students,” said Costello. “I am very grateful to all the chefs who selflessly gave up their time.” http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3818 Sun, 04 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Students in East Islip High School’s video and broadcasting classes were involved in the creation of a special event: a live television show titled “The Lunch Break.” The December 1 program featured the students on stage in the school’s video room. Some manned the mixing boards, monitors, cameras and microphones. Others took the stage for a wide variety of performances, ranging from humor-filled beatboxing, comedy skits and poetry, to tuneful musical renditions of songs by such artists as The Beatles, Neil Young, Amy Winehouse and Death Cab for Cutie. “The ‘Lunch Break’ variety show was a great practical way for the students in the video production and broadcast television classes to design, create, produce and entertain their peers in a show that is unique to our school,” said their technology teacher, Jim Connell. A special guest for the day was former video teacher Doug Hodges, who retired last year after a long and memorable career at East Islip High School. “It was such a pleasure to see Jim Connell welcome back his mentor, Doug Hodges, as Jim takes the reins of this exceptional program,” said Technology department director Israel Malinowitzer. “Many of these students have been a part of the video program for several years. They were taught by Doug Hodges and are now working beautifully with Jim Connell. This is an awesome program, and I expect it to continue to incorporate new technological developments that will give these students the opportunity to produce and direct many more feature films and live broadcasts. With video and broadcasting now being part of the technology department, many exciting connections will be made.” http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3820 Sun, 04 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Rep. Steve Israel visited Timber Point Elementary School on November 21, on a mission to learn more about the environmentally conscious fifth-grade class known as “The Recyclinators” and the numerous projects they have initiated in order to help the East Islip school go green. Israel, who has served as representative for New York's 2nd congressional district since 2001, came to Timber Point in response to letters the students had written him about their difficulties in disposing of over 12,000 alkaline batteries they had collected through the school's recycling efforts. During the meeting, the congressman learned about upcycling from Julia Ryan and Owen Meddis, while Dylan Lopez and Charlie Curran spoke impressively about the school’s recycling program, using a triple bar graph to get their points across. Zaina Abdelbaky shared decomposition rates with Rep. Israel, finishing with a test for the congressman to see if he knew how long plastic foam takes to break down. His answer was the correct one – it never breaks down. Matthew Pinz presented information on the dangers of landfills, noting the specific problem of alkaline batteries, which contain chemicals that can leak into the water supply if the batteries are disposed of in landfills. Nick Dimitriou and Tom Hazell presented Rep. Israel with a reusable grocery tote made from recycled water bottles, informing the congressman that plastic bags begin leaking dangerous chemicals into the soil within 10 years of being placed in landfills. The students were impressed with both the congressman’s demeanor and the genuine interest he displayed in their projects. "He asked a lot of good questions about our work," said Julia Ryan. "I was happy that he treated us like people, not just kids,” added Kerri Smith. According to Recylinators teachers Jen Giordano, Rep. Israel plans to work with the class to draft legislation requiring that anyone selling alkaline batteries must collect them back. “He even gave us a homework assignment,” said Giordano. “We have to contact fifth-graders around the country and ask them to join our Recyclinator movement and contact their congressional representatives to support our legislation when it comes up for a vote.” http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3821 Sun, 04 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Virtual Enterprise International Business Globalization Academy, now is in its second year at East Islip High School, gave seniors the opportunity to create a company known as Mobile Revolution, and offers them the ability to run their own departments, which include Sales, Marketing, Accounting, Human Resources, Administration & Purchasing and Media & Graphics. “The program allows the students to be in a number of the same classes,” says East Islip senior Anton Hagberg, a Swedish exchange student who decided to enroll when meeting with his host parents. “It provides them with the time to get to know each other and appreciate what they are doing in the classes, and offers us a tremendous amount of knowledge and the proper techniques that we must use to be successful in this program.” Yu Zheng is the CEO of Mobile Revolution. “It is her job to work with the other departments to make sure all are on task,” explains Israel Malinowitzer, East Islip’s Director of Careers and Student Services and the prime mover behind the school's Career Academies. “She also needs to ensure the company is prepared for the business plan competition which will be held January 10 at Molloy College.” Mobile Revolution’s plan ideas must be submitted to the Virtual Enterprise judges by December 6. At the competition itself, students from each of the departments will be asked to represent the company and answer questions from judges from the Long Island and national corporate world. Mobile Revolution will need to provide a 20-page business plan, as well as PowerPoint and financial statement presentations. A Virtual Enterprise event on October 4 was the first workshop of the school year held at East Islip High School, providing all of Long Island’s school districts that have a Virtual Enterprise program the chance to come together and listen to business experts Irv Wortman and Ellen Palazzo. One of the workshop’s programs provided students with the vital accounting and financial information needed to create business plans and statements. Another, hosted by Palazzo, allowed students from different districts a chance to hear about other Virtual Enterprise companies and how they operate, as well as providing useful information about the people they will doing business with throughout the year. At the Career & Technical Education Conference at Hofstra University last month, East Islip administrators were asked to speak about the Career Academies. Program director Israel Malinowitzer, along with instructors Paul McHugh and John Reilly, modeled the academies and attested to their tremendous positive impact on both students and school districts. “We let them know what a positive impact the Career Academy program has had on our students,” Malinowitzer says. “Virtual Enterprise has kept them on task and given them an eye-opener as to how businesses are run and how much work it takes to be successful.” http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3796 Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Thanks to the generosity of the Connetquot Elementary Parent Teacher Association and local charity EJ Autism, East Islip’s special education schoolchildren have experienced the magic of gardening. The “Ground for Change” garden at East Islip High School, sponsored by EJ Autism, provides multifaceted value to the community. “The garden is meaningful in many ways,” explained EJ Autism founder Bea Huste-Petersen. “Each of the 12 beds was dedicated to a person, business or organization that had done something terrific for children in East Islip. The kids with disabilities did all the planting with the honorees. They watered the garden on Fridays in late spring and over the summer, and the summer school students harvested the veggies. We bagged them and then gave away a share to a couple of lucky people living in our community. In the late summer, when school started, the high-school kids used the veggies to cook with in their kitchen.” “Our kids truly enjoyed the walk to the garden, watering the plants and picking all the vegetables that they had watched grow,” said Lisa Palmeri, an aide in Linda Kunsch’s special-needs class at Connetquot Elementary School. “They didn’t really enjoy eating the vegetables but seeing them grow, feeling them and smelling them were things they loved. Maybe next year they will decide tasting will be fun too!” More recently, Kunsch’s class participated in the PTA’s Beautification Program, arranged by program chairperson Cindy Stauber. The children helped parent volunteers Kevin Michaels, Linda Centauro and Susanne Bradley dig holes and plant a section of new flowers on November 3, and are now continuing the program by watering the plants every other day with watering cans provided by the PTA. “My students are truly enjoying this experience and learning from this new responsibility,” said Kunsch. Additional planting will take place in spring 2012. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3797 Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Town of Islip's School Board Association held their latest meeting at East Islip High School. This recent visit also served as an opportunity for School Board Association members to learn about the high school's Career Academies. "They were given a full presentation of what the Career Academies are all about – they heard from both the instructors and the students, past and present," said Director of Careers and Student Services Israel Malinowitzer. The Association members were also given a tour of the International Business Globalization Academy office, where students explained what they do to promote business. "We entertained the group and explained how the Academies benefit the students and prepare them for college and career readiness," Malinowitzer said. Sisters Yu and Qian Zheng, both seniors enrolled in the International Business Globalization Academy, were impressed with the School Board Association's meeting. "It was very interesting how everyone cooperated and took everything that was discussed seriously," said Yu. "If they had something to say, they were serious and truly passionate about it," added Qian. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3799 Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT The East Islip High School Parent Teacher Student Association presented their 25th annual Craft & Gift Fair at the high school on November 19 and 20. “This was our most successful event to date in raising money to benefit the PTSA Scholarship Fund” said co-chairperson Sue Diesu. The PTSA awards scholarships, funded by the fair, to graduating high school seniors based on their academic excellence and community service. This year’s fair, which was held indoors, offered visitors a huge array of crafts and gifts from over 100 diverse exhibitors, including photographers, potters/ceramicists, jewelry designers, fabric crafters, candle and chocolate makers and gourmet food creators. “Each year, we are overwhelmed by the generosity of our community members as well as local businesses for their helping hands and donations that make this event so successful,” said co-chairperson Dina Salemo. “Through all of their efforts, we are proud to be able to help many of our students pursue their future academic goals." “We are grateful for the strong community support and look forward to next year,” added organizer Cathy DePasquale. The next PTSA Craft & Gift Fair is scheduled for Nov. 17-18, 2012. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3794 Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT Students at Ruth C. Kinney Elementary School in Islip Terrace have begun their annual two weeks of gymnastics, under the supervision of physical education teachers Bonnie Rabin and Bernie Ruhlig. Throughout the two-week interval, RCK’s students are given an opportunity to perform on a variety of gymnastics equipment, such as rings, parallel bars and balance beam. The children practice tumbling skills (including cartwheels, round-offs, walkovers, handsprings and different types of rolls), and climb ropes and rock walls. They also use their bodies to perform individual and partner balances. “This gymnastics unit is unique to our program since it involves students working both as individuals and with others to perform,” explained Rabin. “Because this is an annual unit, students are able to monitor their progress from year to year.” http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3795 Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT In honor of national Make a Difference Day, third-graders at Timber Point Elementary School in East Islip held a “Spread the Bread” event on November 22. As the delicious scent of fresh-baked grain filled the hallways, students from the classes of Donna Beal, Lisa Fallon, Joan Stone, Christine Vaglica and Carol Wilson took turns making bread in the school’s kitchen with parent volunteers. The hearty loaves didn’t stay put, however, but were intended for delivery to Long Island Cares, Inc. - The Harry Chapin Food Bank. “This program is really a community bread-giving campaign to help kids get into the spirit of giving and to spread goodwill to those in need,” said Stone. “For both bakers and recipients, ‘bread spreading’ promotes respect for the importance and dignity of each member of society.” http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3791 Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Five fourth-grade students from East Islip's JFK Elementary School – Emily Alexander, Clifton Brevard, Giavanna Dushaj, Angelina Edgar and Megan Ferrer – attended the third annual SCMEA Parents-Educators-Kids Festival, held November 19 at Northport High School. While at the PEAK Festival, students participated in morning workshops presented by expert music education clinicians, ranging from singing games and chorus to tap and maypole dancing, handbells and Orff instruments. The PEAK Festival culminated in a sharing session performance featuring highlights from each workshop. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3792 Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT East Islip High School was the scene of a fantastic feast on November 18 – a tribute to the tastes and traditions of Thanksgiving. Best of all, it was prepared by the students themselves, under the supervision of teacher Kelly Schwender, who runs the school’s burgeoning Food & Nutrition and Gourmet Foods programs. “We started with offering one course section of 16 kids,” said Schwender. “Now we’re up to two sections filled with 28 students per section, as well as another elective foods class with 25 kids each on alternating days. The culinary program has grown tremendously.” The participating students served 240 people, using nine turkeys and 60 pounds of potatoes. The feast took three and a half weeks to prepare, aided by donated food items. Turkey with all the trimmings was the star, accompanied by homemade applesauce, broccoli-cheddar muffins, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes and more. A tantalizing array of homemade desserts – carrot cake, cream puffs, candied apple pie and fluffy pumpkin cheesecakes – left all the feasters sweetly stuffed. “The feast supports the food programs offered to students at the high school,” said Director of Careers and Student Services Israel Malinowitzer, “and it also provides an opportunity for them to create a Thanksgiving meal for friends, family and staff.” http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3793 Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT East Islip High School students who might otherwise turn into smokers got a heavy dose of reality recently, when they were the recipients of math teacher Patricia Sawicki’s presentation on the dangers of tobacco use. “Every year I do a talk about the dangers of smoking because my cousin who passed away a couple of years ago asked me to tell the kids that I teach about it,” Sawicki explained. “She was a great person and she had a big heart. She got hooked on cigarettes in high school and put up a brave fight against emphysema.” In an accompanying demonstration, the students were given stirrer straws to breathe through, to provide a realistic experience of what it is like to live with emphysema. To their surprise, most could barely last a minute with such limited oxygen capacity. When Sawicki began her annual anti-smoking talks about 16 years ago, she started out with a huge box of straws from the cafeteria. Now the box is almost empty, illustrating just how many students she has reached and hopefully prevented from getting addicted to nicotine. “Many students have talked to me about how dramatic the effect of that day was and how it strengthened their determination to not smoke,” Sawicki says. “A lot of kids also talk to me about how they are cutting down on how many cigarettes they smoke per day. This is something that I am proud to do in her memory.” http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3785 Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Last month’s Red Ribbon Week in the East Islip School District featured a variety of programs and events, all geared towards encouraging impressionable students to avoid drugs. SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) members got into the Red Ribbon spirit a week earlier, holding a car wash at the Town of Islip Vehicle Repair Facility in East Islip that raised over $700 for the Red Ribbon program. With Red Ribbon Week officially under way on October 25, East Islip High School SADD students Micaela Alberti, Christian Arma, Amber Capobianco, Jonathan Gutierrez, Rachel Lopiccolo, Maggie McGrath, Moria McGrath, Gabby Saitta and Megan Seltzer visited each of the district’s elementary schools with advisor Bridget Lopiccolo, talking to the fifth-graders and spreading the message about the dangers of drug use. At Connetquot Elementary School, students celebrated Red Ribbon Week and their commitment not to do drugs with different events and tasks each day. They signed a pledge banner, put on mismatched socks to "sock it to drugs," showed school spirit by wearing red and received a "We Rule, We're a Drug-Free School" bookmark and sticker, culminating in an informative but fun “Brain Challenge” game show put on by Hollyrock Entertainment. During Red Ribbon Week, students pledged to make good choices and decisions that will ensure they are healthy and happy,” explained Connetquot Principal Deborah Smith. “The Hollyrock assembly was arranged to encourage students to live a drug-free life. The idea behind the intellectual game show was to involve students in activities that stimulate their minds and encourage them to learn. Participation in answering challenging questions deepens understanding and motivates students to continue to acquire knowledge.” http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3788 Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Students at East Islip Middle School took on their teachers in Hoops for Hunger last week, coordinated by the school’s student government. In the fun-filled November 18 basketball contest at the middle school gym, 25 students competed against 10 faculty members in five 10-minute games. The teachers, whose ranks included included Principal Mark Bernard, eked out a narrow 54-52 victory, but the needy were the true victors. Attendees were asked to bring non-perishable food items, which were donated to the St. Mary's Food Pantry in East Islip. Students who brought donations were entered into a raffle to play in mini-competitions throughout the night, including knockout and free throw shooting contests. "Hoops for Hunger was a great success,” said teacher Claire Voss, who helped organize the event. “Not only did we collect several boxes of food, but the teachers and students who participated had a wonderful time. It was a great opportunity for the students and teachers to see one another in a different light." http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3789 Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT The East Islip Music Department's Winter Concert Series begins Monday, December 5. The concert schedule is as follows: Dec. 5, 2011, 7 p.m. East Islip Middle School Concert I Rydzeski Hall, East Islip High School Girls Chorus Sixth-Grade Band Sixth-Grade Orchestra Sixth-Grade Chorus Dec. 6, 2011, 7 p.m. East Islip Middle School Concert II Rydzeski Hall, East Islip High School Seventh/Eighth-Grade Concert Choir Seventh/Eighth-Grade Concert Band Seventh/Eighth-Grade String Orchestra Dec. 7, 2011, 7 p.m. Timber Point Elementary School Winter Concert Rydzeski Hall, East Islip High School Dec. 12, 2011, 7 p.m. Ruth C. Kinney Elementary School Winter Concert Rydzeski Hall, East Islip High School Dec. 13, 2011, 7 p.m. Connetquot Elementary School Winter Concert Rydzeski Hall, East Islip High School Dec. 14, 2011, 7:30 p.m. East Islip High School Winter Concert I Rydzeski Hall, East Islip High School Women’s Choir String Orchestra Band Concert Choir Dec. 19, 2011, 7 p.m. John F. Kennedy Elementary School Winter Concert Rydzeski Hall, East Islip High School Dec. 20, 2011, 7:30 p.m. East Islip High School Winter Concert II Rydzeski Hall, East Islip High School Symphony Orchestra Wind Ensemble Honors Choir “We look forward to seeing you there,” said Director of Art and Music Stephen Guarino. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3790 Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Connetquot Chords chorus have been selected to sing at Radio City Music Hall before the Christmas Spectacular on Saturday, December 17. These young musicians passed a rigorous audition in order to be chosen, and will perform under the direction of music teacher Eileen Egbert, just prior to the 9 a.m. show. For those who wish to attend, Radio City Music Hall is offering orchestra seats ($110 value) to Connetquot families for $78 per ticket. Contact Mrs. Egbert for a ticket form (money is due by Tuesday, November 15). http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3739 Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT East Islip Middle School and East Islip/Dowling College School-Business Partnership will be participating in a Canstruction community service project, and need your help. The middle school will be building a colossal structure made entirely of non-perishable food items. The structure design requires specific cans. Please see the attached flyer for more details and a description of the cans needed. Students are encouraged to bring in requested items to their homeroom through Dec. 1, 2011. The homeroom that collects the most food items (average) will win a bagel party sponsored by Ms. Ware and Mrs. Zeffiro. All food items used in this project will be donated to Long Island Cares, Inc.-The Harry Chapin Food Bank. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3738 Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Board of Education regular monthly meeting will be held on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2011 at 1 Craig B. Gariepy Avenue in Islip Terrace. There will be a motion to open public session at 6 p.m. The Board may then make a motion to adjourn to executive session to discuss employment histories of particular individuals for personnel appointments, Committee on Special Education cases, litigation and negotiations. It is estimated that if the Board holds an Executive Session they will return to general session at approximately 8 p.m. to hold the regular monthly meeting. The Board wishes to invite all community members to attend. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3779 Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT The East Islip Middle School PTA is presenting the school's first open gym/game night on December 16, from 7 p.m to 8:30 p.m. All middle-school students are invited to join a non-competitive co-ed pickup game of volleyball, basketball or soccer in the gyms, or just hang out in the cafeteria playing board games with friends. Admission to the gym/game night is free. Refreshments will be sold. A permission slip is needed for admission and can be downloaded from the PTA link on the school website. The middle school's PTA is also looking for teacher volunteers and parent chaperones. Anyone interested can contact Kathleen McGoldrick at kamcgoldrick4@aol.com. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3780 Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Teacher Gina Fox’s class at John F. Kennedy Elementary School in East Islip celebrated Thanksgiving with a feast that included turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, string beans, sweet potatoes, cornbread, applesauce and desserts. The third-graders dressed as Native Americans and Pilgrims, recited a Thanksgiving poem and read Thanksgiving riddles to their classmates and guests. The students learned about the historical significance of Thanksgiving and the important role that Native Americans played in the Pilgrims' survival in the New World, as well as the latter's difficult journey on the Mayflower. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3781 Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Each year on the Thursday before Thanksgiving, the S.T.A.R.S. (Students Together Achieving Respect and Success) club of East Islip High School holds its annual food drive, going out into the community to collect frozen turkeys and non-perishable food items on behalf of the needy. Dorsey Palios, the S.T.A.R.S. advisor, maintains a map of the East Islip School District, sectioned off into 40 routes. Prior to the drive, the organization forms teams comprised of four students plus one parent driver, and each team then picks one of those routes to work with. The weekend before the drive, the S.T.A.R.S. students go to each house on their route to deliver a flyer, noting that they’ll be back on the following Thursday between 5 and 8 p.m. to pick up any food donations. During the food drive, the teams then return to those houses, with students going in pairs to collect the food “trick-or-treat” style while the parents stay in the cars. At this year’s drive, 32 of 40 possible routes were covered, and an enormous amount of food was collected, totaling over 15,000 items. Vehicles from local churches and food pantries were waiting at the high school’s parking lot as the students returned with the food donations. After each team unloaded the food they had collected, they warmed up with some hot cocoa before going home, secure in the knowledge that they had helped hungry families in their community. “The S.T.A.R.S. food drive is a wonderful experience for all involved,” said Palios, who cites it as her favorite school event of the year. “The students have fun and do something good for others. The community – which responds generously every year to the drive – gets to donate to others and also see the best of our East Islip youth in action. And the food pantries are very grateful…they have come to depend on our contributions to get them from Thanksgiving to Christmas.” http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3782 Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT “The Rap of the States” was not only a dynamic choral and musical competition, but a natural outgrowth of Connetquot Elementary School’s social studies curriculum. Fifth-graders at Connetquot are focused on learning not only the geography of the states, but also their capitals, in alphabetical order by state. The students were encouraged to produce a finished musical project in salute to the 50 states, under the guidance of music teacher Eileen Egbert. In the process, the children learned about musical form, composition, dynamics, phrasing and rhythms. Several played the musical instruments they study in band and orchestra. Each class decided on their own uniquely dramatic gestures and poses to emphasize certain phrases and state capitals, then unveiled their mini-masterpieces in a sing-off on November 17. The opening performance came from teacher Robert Chiarelli’s class, aka the Blue Team. They opted to sing the song as written, without any musical changes, instead utilizing black light, white gloves and choreography to convey their interpretation. Paraprofessional Patricia Henry sewed drawstrings on all the gloves and painted them for the students. Next up was the White Team – students from David Lake, Danielle Sternberg and William Young’s class. This group decided to use beatboxing and sing the entire first section a cappella, rearranging the rest of the rap. They also learned to play “Yankee Doodle” on their hand-painted soprano recorders. The final performance came from Deborah Graham’s class, the Red Team, whose arrangement proved the winner. After some minor technical difficulties that led to a restart, they put on an impressive show, making full use of each student’s talents on orchestral and band instruments, electric guitar, xylophone and Orff instruments. “As far as I am concerned,” said Egbert, “all of my students are first-place winners!” “This was a wonderful culmination of music and social studies lessons integrated into a fabulous performing arts production,” added Principal Deborah Smith. “The students participated in this competition with great excitement and enthusiasm. ‘The Rap of the States’ certainly brought out the best of their creative talents. Mrs. Egbert expects nothing but the best from the students at Connetquot, and they certainly lived up to her high expectations of perfect articulation and musical style.” http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3783 Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Second-graders in Patrice Mercurio’s classroom at Timber Point Elementary School held a poetry reading on November 23. Preparing for Thanksgiving, the entire class shared their thoughts on the theme “What I Am Thankful For,” then individual students took turns reading poems such as “Pumpkin, Pumpkin,” “Chief Seattle’s Lesson” and “The Terrible, Wonderful Day.” "Sometimes in life, people – especially teachers – can learn a lot from children,” said Mercurio. “I learned that my students may only be in second grade, but they have the ability to write, recite and teach all of us what Thanksgiving is truly about. I couldn't be prouder." http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3784 Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT The East Islip High School Orchestra will hold their annual Christmas wreath sale on December 2. In conjunction with a commercial wreath wholesaler, the orchestra program will offer fresh, double-faced balsam pine wreaths delivered to home or office at no extra cost. As in the past, all proceeds from the sale will help fund the orchestra’s Music Scholarship Fund and annual Spring Music Competition. The wreaths are hand-woven onto 16-inch diameter rings, yielding a 24-inch finished wreath. Double-faced wreaths are versatile because they may be hung on a door, window, wall or arch. A limited number of 3-inch wreaths are also available, as well as 2-inch x 3-inch grave blankets. All wreaths are decorated with a gold-lined red velvet bow; red, green and gold glass ball clusters (decorative picks on the grave blankets); and gold-tipped Jersey pine cones. To purchase a wreath, pick up an order form at the high school’s orchestra room, ask an orchestra student for an order form or simply call the music office at 631-224-2145. Checks should be made out to "East Islip Schools.” All wreaths must be paid for in advance, but purchases are covered by a 100% money-back guarantee. Order will be taken up until the day of the wreath sale. “Our music students raise the entire cost of our spring trip each year,” said East Islip High School Orchestra Directors Kelly A. Gelfer and Susan W. Rydzeski. “We thank the community for their support and patronage, and we are sure everyone will enjoy these beautiful wreaths.” http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3777 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT The East Islip School District received a request from the Suffolk County Department of Health Services to alert the school community to a probable case of pertussis (whooping cough). To date, the district has not confirmed the case. Please read the attached message from Superintendent John J. Finello as well as the original letter from Suffolk DOH, and contact your health care provider should you observe any of the symptoms described. For further information on this illness, please visit the pertussis page at CDC.gov. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3778 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT At last Thursday’s monthly Board of Education meeting, the first order of business was to celebrate the accomplishments of the East Islip students whose artwork appeared in the 2011-2012 district calendar. As a tribute to these students, who each received a certificate of achievement, East Islip Director of Art and Music Stephen Guarino prepared and presented a slideshow of the artwork in color, set to music. This PowerPoint presentation is available for viewing as attachment below. “The art staff was excited to have the opportunity to present this work to the community in a format that allowed viewers to experience the vibrancy, detail and color that black and white printing does not allow,” said Guarino. “Turn your sound on and enjoy the ‘museum walk.’” Also recognized was Timber Point Elementary School’s “Recyclinators,” an eco-class of fifth-graders who are spearheading the school’s efforts to go green, and in this specific instance, to inaugurate a paper-recycling program. The students sought approval for the necessary recycling bin, and promised to raise funds for the $540 yearly carting fee. The Board agreed to the young environmentalists’ offer, and accepted their symbolic check. The Board of Education also approved four field trips, a school media program contract with MSG Varsity and an amendment to the 2011-2012 school calendar. As a result of the latter action, East Islip schools will be closed on Monday, Jan. 2, 2012. The next Board of Education meeting will take place on Dec. 8, 2011. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3775 Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT East Islip's For the Kids Foundation Black Tie Gala will celebrate its 15th anniversary by honoring Ruth C. Kinney Elementary School Principal Danielle Naccarato as Educator Advocate of the Year, and Nancy Irace and Susan McGovern as Community Advocates of the Year. This year's Black Tie Gala event, whose theme is "The Crystal Ball," takes place on March 10, 2012 at Land's End in Sayville. Click Here for the Fall 2011 Newsletter http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3776 Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT “This is the season to be thankful, and we are!" exclaimed Connetquot Elementary School teacher Sue Stewart. First- and second-grade students at the Islip Terrace school put her words in action on November 18, demonstrating an act of kindness by donating their Halloween candy for a community service project. The children – including Stewart’s class as well as those taught by Leslie Davis, Rose Eger, Melissa Love, Jennifer Rizzo and Lesia Virga – stuffed the candy inside winter gloves, which were then decorated with hand-printed turkeys. These turkey treats will be delivered to a local charity for a special Thanksgiving gift. “The students were eager to share their candy in order to provide a sweet treat and warm gloves to children and adults in need,” said Stewart. “We’d also like to give a special thanks to Mrs. Bradley, a former Connetquot parent who will deliver the gloves for us.” http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3773 Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Redmen's eight-game winning streak – and a very memorable season to be proud of – came to an end Friday night. Despite dominating in the first half, East Islip's varsity football squad lost a nailbiting 14-13 Suffolk II championship game to Newfield's Wolverines at Stony Brook’s Lavalle Stadium. Redmen touchdowns came from Tyler Rigo on a 59-yard run (his school-record 23rd TD) and Joe Modica on a pass from Peter Hanabergh. Photos by Glenn Reed. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3774 Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT On Thursday, Nov. 17, 2011, the East Islip Board of Education approved an amendment to the school calendar for the 2011-2012 school year. As a result, schools will be closed on Monday, Jan. 2, 2012. Since New Year’s Day is a legal holiday and falls on Sunday, January 1, the East Islip School District is obligated to observe the holiday on the following day. Therefore, schools will be closed on Monday, Jan. 2, 2012. Please mark your calendars accordingly. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3772 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Pairing with the Great River Fire Department, Timber Point Elementary School’s fifth-grade eco-class sponsored a “Don’t Throw It in the Trash, Turn It into Cash” community garage sale on November 12 at Emmanuel Episcopal Church. Teacher Jen Giordano, organizer of the classroom’s green initiatives, called it a “great success,” enthusiastically describing the array of environmentally helpful, student-crafted items that were sold at the event, including upcycled crayons, bags made from snack wrappers, eco-calendars, bowls made from old vinyl records, earth lollipops and reusable grocery totes. Proceeds will support Timber Point’s recycling projects. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3767 Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT East Islip sports standout Cari Roccaro has become the first girls soccer player to ever be featured on the cover of “MSG Varsity The Magazine.” The senior, a 2010 Suffolk Class AA Player of the Year and All-American, joined four other Long Island student-athletes on the fall issue’s cover. “Our magazine staff had to choose from literally thousands of athletes on Long Island – and hundreds of soccer players alone – to pick the five that would be on the cover,” explained MSG Varsity regional manager Denise Calamusso, who presented Rocarro with a framed copy this week. “Cari was chosen because she is an elite athlete who represents her school proudly, and MSG Varsity couldn't be happier with our selection.” MSG Varsity had spotlighted the central midfielder before – they ranked the “soccer prodigy” as No. 10 in their 2011-2012 school year Top 31 Athletes to Watch, and the MSG Varsity website featured a Mike Gavin interview with her earlier this month – but Roccaro was gratified by this new honor. True to her team-first ethos, she appeared less concerned about her own accolades (which include 11 goals in her final season), instead expressing regret for East Islip’s shootout loss to Connetquot in last month’s soccer playoffs. Roccaro has accepted a scholarship to play for Notre Dame, and is looking forward to her freshman college season in 2012. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3770 Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Second-graders in Jennifer Beebe’s and Dennis Clancy’s class at Ruth C. Kinney Elementary recently learned that as the sun moves through the sky each day, the length and position of shadows change. The excited students launched their own investigation into this phenomenon, heading outside the classroom three different times during the day – morning, noon and afternoon – so that each student could have his or her shadow measured. The children used a compass rose that Clancy drew on the blacktop to identify which direction their shadow was positioned, and recorded the length and direction of their shadow each time. “It was great to see how engaged they were in the activity,” said Beebe. “They really enjoyed noticing the changes that occurred with each visit outside and comparing their results with their classmates.” http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3771 Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT In celebration of Veterans Day, fourth-grade classes at Connetquot Elementary School competed against each other under the direction of the school’s music teacher, Eileen Egbert. Each of the four classes took turns singing about “The 50 Nifty States” to an audience of parents, relatives and fellow students. Also in attendance were local veterans, who were recognized with tributes of appreciation. Student James Sullivan played “Taps,” in the morning’s most reflective moment. “Today’s competition brought out the best of our incredibly talented fourth-graders,” said Principal Deborah Smith. “While learning all about our nation’s states, the children developed their singing voices, and excellent articulation as well as diction.” After all the classes joined together for a finale of “Land Is Your Land,” the panel of judges – Donna Ciampi, Superintendent John J. Finello and Director of Art & Music Stephen Guarino – chose teacher Heather Degen’s class as the winners. “My class was proud to have performed in honor and memory of the veterans of the United States,” said Degen. “It was very gratifying for the students to win the trophy, especially when all of the fourth-graders performed superbly and showed excellent sportsmanship.” http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3763 Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT For John F. Kennedy Elementary School’s annual Veterans Day celebration, students were asked to invite a veteran to the festivities, where breakfast was provided by the Parent Teacher Association. At JFK’s Cafetorium, first- and second-graders performed patriotic songs for the local vets, thanking them for their service. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3764 Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Veterans Day festivities at Ruth C. Kinney Elementary featured a Gallery of Heroes and a patriotic parade throughout the school. Both students and vets enjoyed the celebration. “My father Edward Porter had a wonderful time,” said parent Janice Carrara, “and my son Anthony Carrara was so excited to see his Papa in uniform.” http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3765 Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Over 30 local veterans were honored as Timber Point Elementary School held its Veterans Day celebration. The school’s gym was festooned with a “Wall of Heroes” as students performed patriotic music. The vets they invited spoke of their wartime experiences and answered students' questions before sharing a commemorative breakfast together. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3766 Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT East Islip High School’s Career Academies hosted the school’s second annual pancake breakfast fundraiser on October 15, partnering with Sayville Ford to attract over 250 community members to the "Drive One 4 UR School" promotion. This test-drive program enables Ford Motor Company to help high schools raise money to support extracurricular activities. Ford donated $20.00 to the East Islip Career Academies for every person who tried out one of Ford’s dozen new vehicles in the high school parking lot. The event was beneficial for both the school and for local business, explained Israel Malinowitzer, East Islip’s Director of Careers and Student Services. “It raised awareness of the new cars that Ford is making available,” he said, “and provided the students in the Career Academies an opportunity to raise funds for their yearly educational trip to Key West and the Bahamas.” The connection is also a direct one – 2011 East Islip High School graduate James DiGiovanna started an internship at Sayville Ford last year in the course of his work in the Environment Green Career Academy, and now works full-time at the car dealership, where he assisted in organizing the event. Aside from the pancake breakfast, the event also included basket raffles, popcorn and cotton candy sales, and rousing performances by the school’s kickline and band, as well as the supportive presence of Suffolk County legislator Tom Cilmi and a contingent of marching Marines from Bay Shore. “Drive One 4 UR School was very successful in providing the students with their first fundraiser of the school year, and it inspired new bonding in a program supported by family and friends in the community,” said Malinowitzer. “We thank all the people who came out to test-drive, and Sayville Ford for their efforts in staying four hours to make the event such a success.” http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3759 Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Proudly donning hooded sweatshirts of every kind and color, parents, students and administrators from across the East Islip community came together on November 10 for a night of fun with a very special purpose. The second annual Black Tie Hoodie Event, held at the Irish Coffee Pub in East Islip, will provide funding for the EJ Autism Foundation’s work in supporting Long Island special needs programs that work with children diagnosed with autism. EJ Autism founder Bea Huste-Petersen explained that the Black Tie Hoodie Event’s fundraising focuses on older special education students at the high school. “It’s to let people know that they are out there working and trying their best,” she said. “They live in our community and are part of it.” Proceeds from the event will create an "office" for the school district's older special needs kids – complete with fax machine, scanner, copier, printer, mail slots, mail cart and file cabinets. “It will have all the components that would be found in a modern office,” said Huste-Petersen, “so that they can practice working with these machines in a setting that may one day lead to a job. Children with disabilities live their entire lives in the community they grow up in. We are preparing these children for a future, and concurrently, we are preparing East Islip as well.” http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3760 Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Tyler Burd was crowned No. 1 in the third annual East Islip Idol, but all 21 of the middle-school students competing to sing their hearts out at the November 3 event came away winners. Produced by Music Idol Entertainment at the high school auditorium, the finals show was sponsored by the East Islip Middle School Tri-M Music Honor Society and advisors Judy Fischer and Concetta Stevens. “The reason why we began East Islip Idol in 2009 was to have an event that would be fun for the entire school and district,” explained Stevens. This year over 125 students tried out, and 40 made it to the October 20 semifinals, whittled down to 21 children performing at the final show. Winner Burd’s prizes included gift certificates, the chance to record his chosen song in a professional recording studio and an interview on WBLI. The other top finishers– first runner-up Jenna Anderson, second runner-up Matthew Waldron and third runner-up Tynasia Whitaker – also received gift certificates and trophies. Proceeds from ticket sales went to benefit the Tri-M scholarship fund as well as a special donation for East Islip Middle School sports. "I think this is a wonderful event because it brings the community together to support and cheer for all the performers,” said Stevens. “It is just so fun. Kids have told us that East Islip Idol is their fondest memory at the middle school." http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3762 Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Teachers David Lake and William Young and teacher assistant Marguerite Marinaro conducted a science investigation on viscosity – the ability of a substance to resist flow – with their fifth-grade class. The Connetquot Elementary School students tested a substance called sodium polyacrylate (aka "waterlock"), a material that can absorb over 200 times its mass in water, used in such products as baby diapers, detergents and artificial snow. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3754 Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Timber Point Elementary School fifth-graders presented a Families Going Green program at the East Islip Public Library last weekend, helping to teach the simple things that kids can do to help their families become more environmentally conscious. The 26 participants were shown how to sort plastics, and learned about upcycling (taking unwanted items and turning them into something new). Each child then made their own “litter bug” out of discarded socks. The presenting Timber Point students – Dylan Lopez, Charlie Curran, Owen Meddis, Cassidy Triolo and Natalie Stergakos – are all part of teacher Jen Giordano’s “eco-class,” which has been firing on all cylinders in a quest to transform the school in Great River into a full-scale recycling facility. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3755 Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT Over 400 dedicated runners registered for the East Islip Athletic Booster Club’s Redmen 5K Run/Walk at Heckscher State Park on November 13. Coming on the heels of the Booster Club's Red and White Gala dinner at Timber Point Country Club last Friday evening, the race helped the organization raise $15,000 to benefit East Islip Middle School's spring sports program. The top finisher on this crisp, lovely fall morning was Thomas Meehon of Mastic Beach. The 15-year-old ran the course in 18:02.3, just a couple of seconds ahead of Oakdale’s Marcus Love. The top female finisher was Kate McGrath, also of Oakdale, who finished with a time of 20:07. East Islip’s Athletic Director Steven Restivo ended up 59th overall with a time of 25:15.8, while East Islip Middle School Principal Mark Bernard ran 27:35.4 for a 98th-place finish. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3753 Sun, 13 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT test http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3430 Fri, 28 Oct 2011 13:00:00 GMT Phasellus eu ipsum sed risus aliquam bibendum. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos himenaeos. Mauris in felis elit, ac volutpat nibh. Cras bibendum turpis gravida massa malesuada eget vulputate enim ultrices. Aliquam erat volutpat. Mauris sem dolor, tempus in vestibulum vel, blandit in neque. Donec ullamcorper eleifend elementum. Suspendisse potenti. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3322 Thu, 20 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT Phasellus eu ipsum sed risus aliquam bibendum. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos himenaeos. Mauris in felis elit, ac volutpat nibh. Cras bibendum turpis gravida massa malesuada eget vulputate enim ultrices. Aliquam erat volutpat. Mauris sem dolor, tempus in vestibulum vel, blandit in neque. Donec ullamcorper eleifend elementum. Suspendisse potenti. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3323 Thu, 20 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT East Islip High School’s International Business Globalization and Environment Green Career Academies participated in a “Key Hamas” educational field trip last April, exploring both Key West, Florida and Nassau, Bahamas. “One of the goals of the Career Academy program is to make students more aware of how what they are learning in the classroom will relate to jobs and careers they may have in their adult lives,” explained teacher Paul McHugh, noting that the Environment Green students learned about varied career paths in the wide category of "green" careers, and that the International Business Globalization students gained experience in seeing how local and international businesses operate in a global setting. While in Key West, the students had the opportunity to meet with entrepreneur Neil Asbury, CEO of The Legacy Companies and 2008 recipient of the National Champion Exporter of the Year award. Asbury has published over 100 articles on global trade issues and hosts the nationally syndicated talk radio show “Truth for America.” The Career Academies also toured Everglades National Park, boarded the USS Mohawk, visited Ernest Hemingway’s house, toured the Pompey Museum of Slavery and Emancipation in Nassau, and met with local government officials of both Key West and the Bahamas. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3740 Mon, 10 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT Phasellus eu ipsum sed risus aliquam bibendum. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos himenaeos. Mauris in felis elit, ac volutpat nibh. Cras bibendum turpis gravida massa malesuada eget vulputate enim ultrices. Aliquam erat volutpat. Mauris sem dolor, tempus in vestibulum vel, blandit in neque. Donec ullamcorper eleifend elementum. Suspendisse potenti. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3324 Sat, 01 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT Phasellus eu ipsum sed risus aliquam bibendum. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos himenaeos. Mauris in felis elit, ac volutpat nibh. Cras bibendum turpis gravida massa malesuada eget vulputate enim ultrices. Aliquam erat volutpat. Mauris sem dolor, tempus in vestibulum vel, blandit in neque. Donec ullamcorper eleifend elementum. Suspendisse potenti. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3325 Sat, 01 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT Phasellus eu ipsum sed risus aliquam bibendum. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos himenaeos. Mauris in felis elit, ac volutpat nibh. Cras bibendum turpis gravida massa malesuada eget vulputate enim ultrices. Aliquam erat volutpat. Mauris sem dolor, tempus in vestibulum vel, blandit in neque. Donec ullamcorper eleifend elementum. Suspendisse potenti. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3326 Sat, 01 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT Phasellus eu ipsum sed risus aliquam bibendum. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos himenaeos. Mauris in felis elit, ac volutpat nibh. Cras bibendum turpis gravida massa malesuada eget vulputate enim ultrices. Aliquam erat volutpat. Mauris sem dolor, tempus in vestibulum vel, blandit in neque. Donec ullamcorper eleifend elementum. Suspendisse potenti. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3327 Sat, 01 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT Phasellus eu ipsum sed risus aliquam bibendum. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos himenaeos. Mauris in felis elit, ac volutpat nibh. Cras bibendum turpis gravida massa malesuada eget vulputate enim ultrices. Aliquam erat volutpat. Mauris sem dolor, tempus in vestibulum vel, blandit in neque. Donec ullamcorper eleifend elementum. Suspendisse potenti. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3328 Sat, 01 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT Phasellus eu ipsum sed risus aliquam bibendum. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos himenaeos. Mauris in felis elit, ac volutpat nibh. Cras bibendum turpis gravida massa malesuada eget vulputate enim ultrices. Aliquam erat volutpat. Mauris sem dolor, tempus in vestibulum vel, blandit in neque. Donec ullamcorper eleifend elementum. Suspendisse potenti. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3329 Sat, 01 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT Phasellus eu ipsum sed risus aliquam bibendum. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos himenaeos. Mauris in felis elit, ac volutpat nibh. Cras bibendum turpis gravida massa malesuada eget vulputate enim ultrices. Aliquam erat volutpat. Mauris sem dolor, tempus in vestibulum vel, blandit in neque. Donec ullamcorper eleifend elementum. Suspendisse potenti. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3330 Sat, 01 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT Phasellus eu ipsum sed risus aliquam bibendum. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos himenaeos. Mauris in felis elit, ac volutpat nibh. Cras bibendum turpis gravida massa malesuada eget vulputate enim ultrices. Aliquam erat volutpat. Mauris sem dolor, tempus in vestibulum vel, blandit in neque. Donec ullamcorper eleifend elementum. Suspendisse potenti. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3331 Sat, 01 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT Phasellus eu ipsum sed risus aliquam bibendum. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos himenaeos. Mauris in felis elit, ac volutpat nibh. Cras bibendum turpis gravida massa malesuada eget vulputate enim ultrices. Aliquam erat volutpat. Mauris sem dolor, tempus in vestibulum vel, blandit in neque. Donec ullamcorper eleifend elementum. Suspendisse potenti. http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3332 Sat, 01 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT Welcome to the start of a new school year and another year of A+ School Rewards. Starting Oct. 7, 2011, through March 30, 2012, East Islip Middle School will have the opportunity to earn cash through the Stop & Shop A+ School Rewards Program. All you have to do is log on to www.stopandshop.com/aplus to register online, or dial 1-877-275-2758 to register your card over the phone. After you register your card, each shopping trip at Stop & Shop using your Stop & Shop card earns cash for our school! Each month, the amount of money awarded will be updated on the Stop & Shop website. You can track the amount of points you earn for our school by checking your grocery receipt and online when you create an account at stopandshop.com. East Islip Middle School will receive a check at the end of the program. The money can be used for any of our school's educational needs. Remember, even if you registered your card last year, you must re-register this year for our school to receive credit. Attending to this simple process makes a huge difference to our school. We need your support, so please be sure to register your card to benefit East Islip Middle School using ID#08439. Also, don't forget to encourage your friends and relatives to do the same...it could mean the world to our children. Thank you! http://www.eischools.org/News/Story.aspx?id=3737 Tue, 06 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT