Members of the Board of Education were honored for School Board Recognition Week at the East Islip School District’s Oct. 8 board meeting, with each of the district’s schools presenting artwork to signify the Board’s positive impact on the school community.
“We appreciate your ongoing support of our students, staff and community,” Superintendent Paul Manzo told the Board members. “Your dedication to our district is truly commendable and your leadership has been instrumental in fostering an environment where growth, safety, security and opportunity thrive. Thanks to your continued support, we have been able to expand both our course offering and extracurricular programs, providing our students with numerous opportunities to grow academically, socially and personally. Additionally, your focus on the safety and security of our students and staff has allowed us to continuously adjust security measures to ensure that we maintain a secure and welcoming environment where everyone can succeed. We are deeply grateful for your commitment. Thank you again for your leadership, for inspiring our collective growth, and for ensuring safety and security for everyone in our district.”
“Each year we have the opportunity to recognize our Board of Education during October to celebrate their contribution and positive impact on our students,” Director of Humanities Korin Scarles said, introducing the student artwork. “This year, the art department collaborated with our art students and club members to design a thank you that can be displayed the entire year. We hope that the posters will be a reminder of the Board’s impact on our schools.”
Connetquot Elementary School students recreated the famous Henri Rousseau painting “Apes in the Orange Grove,” adding the message “Thanks a Bunch,” while Timber Point Elementary School’s space-themed poster, “You Lift Up Our Dreams,” depicted students lifting their dreams to the stars. “Growing a Brighter Tomorrow” from Ruth C. Kinney Elementary School featured bright fluorescent flowers and plants to show how bright the school’s students are, with each class represented by one flower or plant that was in turns made up of student-created petals. John F. Kennedy Elementary School students created an oversized collage with a hot air balloon in the sky, reinforcing their message “Thank You BOE for Helping Our Students Soar.” East Islip Middle School’s message, “Thank You for Helping Us Grow,” depicted a tree with a trunk of two student hands and colorful leaves representing aspirations, while East Islip High School’s Art Club and classes constructed an impressive nautical-themed piece with sailors representing each Board member, thanking them for all they have done to keep the school community “afloat.”
The meeting continued with a tribute from the music department, as Tri-M Music Honor Society co-presidents Julianna D’Addario and Ella Tantillo gave a detailed presentation on music offerings, performances and accolades to share their appreciation for the Board.
Next up was a video presentation from members of the high school’s rejuvenated journalism elective “The Broadcaster” and the video production class, who collaborated in a multidisciplinary project, conducting interviews with members of the Board to produce a video highlighting their meaningful contributions. The journalism students prepared questions which were provided to the Board, and conducted additional research to write an article discussing the role each member plays in their efforts to continually improve the education of East Islip’s students, and also conducted in-person interviews which were recorded, edited and produced by the video production students.
During the meeting, the Board also honored outstanding high school academic and musical achievements. Principal Mark Bernard presented recognition of those awarded AP Scholar, AP Scholar with Distinction and AP Scholar with Honors status; those earning AP Capstone Diplomas and AP Seminar and Research Certificates; and NYSCAME All-County and NYSSMA All-State musicians.
