Class of 1989's Panagos Named Rutgers D-Line Coach
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.
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Motivator Rohan Murphy
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
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Sports Results for Weekend of Feb. 17, 2012
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.
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EI Grad Koslosky Making Big Saves at DSU
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.”
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EJ Autism's Jigsaw 4 Mile Run/Walk Set for April 22
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.
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Middle School Master Readers Meet at Public Library
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.”
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Middle School's "Month of Change" for Special Olympics
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.
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“Into the Woods, Jr.” Wows EI
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.
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Roccaro Signs with Notre Dame, Wins Gatorade Award
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.
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Hockey Tournament for Heffernan
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.
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High School Jazz Ensemble Performs at SCMEA Festival
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.
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Artist of the Week for Feb. 13, 2012
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
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One Day Sale for FTK Black Tie Gala Tickets
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
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High School Winter Sports Awards Night Set for March 7
East Islip High School's varsity Winter Sports Awards Night will be held March 7 at 7 p.m. in the school's auditorium.
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ESL Students at RCK Create Circular Books
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.
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Sports Results for Week of Feb. 6, 2012
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.
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Next BOE Meeting Is March 13
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.
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Cornell Bound
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.”
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Kindergarten Registration in March
East Islip School District kindergarten registration will take place March 5-8, 2012.
Click here for more information including times and location.
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Suggested Reading on Student Loans
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."
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JFK Students on Newsday's Juice Box Video
In Newsday's Juice Box video " Grownups," students at John F. Kennedy Elementary talk about what it means to be a grownup.
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Board of Ed Views Student Achievement Presentation
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.
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Fitzpatrick Wins Literature Award
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.”
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Super Bowl Cook-Off at Middle School
“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.”
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Reflections Triumph for Rodriguez
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.
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Presidential Scholar Candidate Pizzuto
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.
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Artist of the Week for Feb. 6, 2012
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
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Middle School Musical Rehearsal
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.
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Master Readers Club Meets Author Kluger
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.
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Sports Results for Weekend of Feb. 3, 2012
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.
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“Through the Years” Variety Show at JFK
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.
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Sierra Panzner Is Tampa Bound
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."
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Middle School Tri-M Induction
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
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Timber Point Makes Green Switch to Reusable Water Bottles
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.
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Robert Rohan Chooses SUNY Delhi
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."
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Community Budget Forum
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.
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Hibernation Celebration at RCK
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.
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Bassist Thelemann Selected
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.”
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Sports Results for Week of Jan. 23, 2012
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.
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Birthday Box Donations Needed at Middle School
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.
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FTK Black Tie Gala Tickets Available
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.
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Drum Clinic at Timber Point
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.
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Sophomores Create “Lit.2Life”
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.”
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Sports Results for Weekend of Jan. 20, 2012
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.
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Alex Baier Has the Edge
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.
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Artist of the Week for Jan. 23, 2012
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
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Sports Results for Week of Jan. 16, 2012
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.
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A Tour of Rockefeller Group in NYC
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.”
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Day of Horn for East Islip Seven
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.
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Artist of the Week for Jan. 16, 2012
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
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Winter Concert Series Remembered
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
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Science Honor Society Aids the Galápagos
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 the Galápagos 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 next Galápagos 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 the Galápagos 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.”
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SAT Prep and Practice Exam Information
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.
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Section XI Sportsmanship Awards
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.
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Sports Results for Weekend of Jan. 13, 2012
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.
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Board of Ed Celebrates Vision, Talks Budget
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.
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Sports Results for Week of Jan. 9, 2012
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.
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Coaches vs. Cancer Basketball Game
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
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A Passion for Marine Science
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.
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Spelling Bee Trophies Awarded
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 Guiliano were 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, and certificates and motivational pencils for all participants.
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Parent Training Schedule Revisions
The parent training schedule for the remainder of the 2011-2012 school year has been revised.
Please go here for more information and dates of the next two parent trainings.
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Artist of the Week for Jan. 9, 2012
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.
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Change to Teacher Websites
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.
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Connetquot Chords Live in NYC
On a crisp, clear morning in December, the Connetquot Chords performed at Radio City Music Hall. Directed by teacher Eileen Egbert, the acclaimed fifth-grade singing group dazzled an audience of thousands with their wonderfully expressive voices. 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 of Connetquot's strong emphasis on literacy across the curriculum and implementation of Common Core Learning Standards. The students shared their memorable impressions of their day at Radio City in 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 Chords next scheduled public appearance will be June 2, when they will sing the national anthem at a Long Island Ducks baseball game.
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Scholar Athletes Excel in East Islip
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
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Sports Results for Weekend of Jan. 6, 2012
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.
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All-District Concert Date Changed
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.
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Sports Results for Week of Jan. 2, 2012
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.
GIRLS VARSITY 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 North Babylon 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.
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Suffolk Zone Awards
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 Club in 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.”
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SEPTA Shows Support
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
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RCK Students Tackle Obstacle Course
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.”
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Girls Basketball Teams Beat Rocky Point
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 of 37-14. Cathy Marku, Justina Marku and Alexa Mattera all racked up 7 points, and Emily Churpita scored 6 points.
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Breakfast with Santa
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.
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Deck the Doors at Timber Point
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.
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Rigo Signs with Colgate Lacrosse
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.
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Vanessa Marques Shows Leadership
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
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