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Track and Field Season Ends at the National Championships Three talented student-athletes just returned from the New Balance National Track and Field championships held in Greensboro, North Carolina, the weekend of June 15, competing against some of the most talented female athletes in the country. Bryanna Holguin, Kianna Plummer and Serena Roopnarine returned home from the event with memories of tremendous competition, sports comradery and the pleasure of making new out-of-state friends. Serena Roopnarine finished 11th in the 3,000-meter walk in a time of 16:01.65. Kianna Plummer finished 15th in the same event in a time of 16:28.40 and Bryanna Holguin finished 18th in the triple jump at 36 feet, 11.75 inches. Coach Jim Crowley III, along with Bryanna, Serena and Kianna, were congratulated by District Director of Health, Physical Education, Athletics and Recreation Mark Dellecave for their outstanding performances and for representing this community in such an exciting fashion. Baseball Field Dedication On Monday, June 18, more than 100 members of the Connetquot community gathered to honor long-time coach and educator Bob Ambrosini and celebrated as the Connetquot High School baseball field was dedicated in his name. District Director of Health, Physical Education, Athletics and Recreation Mark Dellecave welcomed the assembled guests and shared anecdotes about Coach “Ambro” with all in attendance. Mr. Dellecave was followed by a number of guests who had stories and pieces of gratitude to share with the audience before the new signpost in center field with his name was unveiled. Bob Ambrosini graduated from Connetquot High School in 1970 and soon after accepted an athletic grant to attend Adelphi University. He was an outstanding talent on both levels and then returned to Connetquot to teach and coach both football and baseball. “Coach Ambrosini was an inspiration to all his players and taught us lessons as much about life as baseball,” said Rob Grable, a former MLB baseball player and current member of the Board of Education. During Coach Ambrosini’s varsity coaching career he has won 602 games, which is a record for Suffolk County high schools. Additionally, his teams have won 21 league titles, seven Suffolk County titles and two New York State championships. Bob Ambrosini was named Suffolk County Coach of the Year seven times and was inducted to the Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame in 2002. While his teams were winning championships, major league baseball was paying attention and signed six of his players to major league contracts: Anthony Ambrosini (Expos), Dominick Ambrosini (Expos), Rob Grable (Phillies), Matt Guiliano (Phillies), BJ LaMura (Blue Jays) and Rob Zachman (Mariners).
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Students at Ronkonkoma Middle School recently took part in the school’s second annual “Ramp Shot” fundraiser in an effort to raise money to support finding a cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, more commonly known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease. After contributing a $15 donation, students and their teammates were able to engage in fun and friendly competition in the school’s gymnasium for a few hours. Dozens of students put their skills to the test as they played the popular backyard game, which was created by Josh Bonventre and Kevin Texeira, both of Long Island. As a result of the fundraiser, the students raised $1,300 to support the cause. Additionally, the Ronkonkoma Middle School National Junior Honor Society hosted a highly successful car wash the week prior which raised $500 toward funding and awareness for ALS.
Students, staff, parents and local first responders recently gathered outside Slocum Elementary School to celebrate Flag Day on June 14. Those in attendance dressed in red, white and blue outfits, recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and sang patriotic songs around the school’s flag pole, including performances by the school band. After the flag-raising ceremony, the guests visited the classrooms to talk to students about their dedication to the community they serve. Physical education teacher John Zambriski helped organize the event in the hope that it would provide students with the opportunity to recognize the honorable service these professionals provide and to show their appreciation for that dedication. A special thanks goes out to the first responders who took the time to join with Slocum students on Flag Day — Anthony Baiocco, Robert Candela, Anthony Daniels, Anthony Fiore, Martin Gregg, Chris Germano, Jim Harrington, Jason McKevitt, Donna Monahan, Steven Slarcella and Robert A. Sowinski.
In celebration of all of the wonderful initiatives they took part in this school year, students enrolled in the district’s C-Quest program recently invited their family members to Bosti Elementary School for the school’s annual C-Quest Showcase event. With assistance from advisers Lisa Manzo and Kevin Keane, the students were able to show their proud family members all of the hard work they put into their projects while attending C-Quest. The students’ work was on full display for their guests, touching upon subjects such as exotic animals, argumentative topics such as whether or not college athletes should be paid or not, and whether or not school uniforms should be deemed necessary. Additionally, the students were able to engage in a real-time virtual planetarium, as they eagerly showed their family members the planets in the solar system and outlined constellations. The district’s C-Quest program is dedicated to enhancing the educational experience of fourth- and fifth-grade students. Based at Bosti Elementary School, C-Quest services the needs of approximately 140 students throughout the district.
Students, staff, administration and community members of the district recently gathered at the Connetquot High School track to celebrate the district’s second annual Relay For Life event. Due to the district’s fundraising efforts, more than $35,000 was raised for the American Cancer Society to provide research and services for those undergoing cancer treatment. Through moving ceremonies, musical entertainment, a survivor/caregiver walk, lawn games and delicious food, Relay For Life honored survivors and caregivers while offering a space for those affected by cancer to come together as a community. “We could not have asked for a more beautiful day for Connetquot's second annual Relay For Life event,” said Connetquot High School psychologist and Relay for Life coordinator Courtney Huguenin. “The success of this event was made possible through months of collaborative efforts of community volunteers, the administration of the Connetquot Central School District, the Connetquot Civic Club, and the American Cancer Society.” Relay For Life Video
The fifth-grade students of Idle Hour Elementary School recently put on a wonderful theatre production, entitled ‘A Kid’s Life,’ with assistance from director and Idle Hour Elementary School music teacher Kelly Daugherty. The play, which was written by John Jacobson and Mac Huff, tells the story of a community that loses all electricity due to invaders from outer space, thus preventing kids from using their cell phones, laptops and video games. In the play, students portraying “Grandma and Grandpa” show up and introduce them to a day filled with adventure, music and imagination, all without the use of electronic gadgets. The young actors entertained their family, friends and schoolmates with songs, dancing and games that the older generations enjoyed before the age of electric tools and games. Additionally, the students’ “Grandfriends” from the Arbors Assisted Living at Bohemia were in attendance and highly enjoyed the show.
Students enrolled in Lauren Merdinger’s fourth-grade class at John Pearl Elementary School recently channeled their inner poet and crafted beautiful pieces of writing which were recited to their fellow classmates and invited guests in the school’s library. Examples of genres explored during the presentation included “I Am…,” limerick, Haiku, silly poems, Cinquain and feelings. Additionally, after delivering their individual poems, the students came together and recited an impressive choral poem entirely by memory.
Connetquot High School sophomores Biproprosad Das, Atif Khan and Keith Grant recently competed against more than 600 students from 34 states and countries in the SeaPerch Challenge held at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. According to their website, SeaPerch is an innovative underwater robotics program that equips teachers and students with the resources they need to build an underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle in an in-school or out-of-school setting. It provides students with the opportunity to learn about robotics, engineering, science and mathematics. The students received individual awards for their efforts and Connetquot High School Science Research teacher John Halloran received the Challenge Winner Award for the team. The International SeaPerch Challenge is only open to teams that have earned a space to advance by winning at a properly registered Qualifying Competition. This innovative Connetquot High School team completed the first challenge in seven minutes, 13 seconds and the second part in three minutes.
The first-grade classes at Sycamore Avenue Elementary School recently invited their family members to visit the classrooms for a celebration of students’ yearlong writing experiences. The young authors took the time to read to their invited guests, while the teachers distributed gifts as a token of appreciation for all of their efforts this school year. At the conclusion of the celebration, certificates were presented to each of the excited first-graders. Additionally, refreshments were made available to the students and their visitors.
Click here to view: The Sleepover Queens
Click here to view: Clay Invasion
Click here to view: Junk Yard Prison Break
Click here to view: Pizza Girls
Click here to view: Stranger Lego Things
Click here to view: Summer Camp Fun
Click here to view: The Bumblebee Horse Race
Click here to view: The Sleepover Party
Click here to view: An African Jungle Party
Click here to view: Fortnite Comedy
Click here to view: Guess Who Saves The Day
Students of all grade levels at Bosti Elementary School were recently paid a visit by Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr., along with Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department K-9 officers Kevin Tracy and Jason Korte, for an informative presentation along with a demonstration of the K-9 Unit. Sheriff Toulon introduced himself to the young students by describing his role as the Suffolk County sheriff, along with the many duties and responsibilities that come along with his title. He informed the attendees that a sheriff is not appointed but is instead selected for the role by form of an election. Additionally, he hosted a question and answer session, in which the students were able to ask questions such as, “Where do all of the bad guys go?” and “How is your job different from a police officer’s?” After Sheriff Toulon’s informative session, Deputy Sheriff Tracy took the floor as joined by Deputy Sheriff Korte, along with their two K-9’s Phillip and Jet. The officers let the students know that the dogs first and foremost role was to find specific materials and keep them safely off of the streets. The dogs are trained anywhere from two-to-six months depending on their age before they are officially able to conduct searches. The officers also demonstrated the dogs’ keen sense of smell through a hands-on activity.
AM Pre-K Graduation
PM Pre-K Graduation
Click the video links below to see what OBMS students have to say about the Five Qualities of Friendship.
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Third-grade students of the Duffield Elementary School Recorder Club recently dazzled an audience consisting of invited guests, fellow students and school staff with their musical talents during a recent concert held at the school. The attendees were highly impressed, as the students performed songs including “Twelve Bar Blues,” “Voices from the Past,” “Ode to Joy” and “Rock On.” Additionally, students were granted the opportunity to showcase their talents with improvised solos both during and after some of the songs. This event was brought to fruition with assistance from music teacher Jenna Micalizzi and director Michael Innace.
As a collaborative art project between building’s, students in Krystal Zaglool’s art classes at both John Pearl and Idle Hour Elementary School recently used their imaginations to draw silly and colorful monsters. After creating their monster, the completed artwork was sent over to students from Dave Pascarella’s sculpting and ceramics students at Connetquot High School, and then brought to life by means of their incredible ceramic skills. Additionally, the elementary-level students were able to keep the completed ceramic monster as a gift.
Students enrolled in Jennifer Horodyski’s, Kelly Randazzo’s and Melanie Carlsson’s second-grade classes at Duffield Elementary School recently hosted a writing celebration in recognition of their successful completion of Unit Four of the Units of Study Writing Program. To celebrate their accomplishments, each student wrote a letter about one of their favorite books. In that letter they explained why they enjoyed reading their chosen book and they provided evidence from the text to support their reasoning. The students were also able to jot down titles and authors of books that interested them based on their classmates’ writing pieces, helping them create a list of summer reading ideas. Additionally, the school’s first-grade classes were invited to join in the celebration, read the second graders’ work and create their own book lists. This opportunity gave them a preview of what is to come for them next school year when they participate in the second-grade writing program.
Congressman Peter King recently visited Connetquot High School and talked to the students in attendance from Christine Lennihan’s and William VanNostrand’s social studies classes about how the United States government serves its citizens. After his insightful speech, the U.S. representative answered the questions the students had for him and added anecdotes about the current administration and efforts to keep Americans safe. Additionally, he told stories about his experiences and travels, and added a few facts about his relationships with notable individuals, including several presidents. King is both a nationally and internationally recognized senior member of the United States House of Representatives. He is a member of the Homeland Security Committee and Chairman of the Sub-Committee and Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
Click the video links below to see some of Duffield's activities throughout the year.
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Castle of Dromore Video The Old Carrion Crow Video Clinic Video
In an effort to take a stand as a community against bullying, members of Duffield Elementary School’s Anti-Bullying Club, along with fellow students, teachers, administrators and staff members, recently covered designated walls of the school with colorful handprints. “Our Anti-Bullying Club members have brought their vision to life,” said Youth and Family Services Coordinator Joanne Pisani. “The students were inspired by the Connetquot High School Anti-Bullying Club project to decorate the halls with colorful handprints, and so we made one of our own. The handprints of each student, staff and faculty member represents our unity in standing together against bullying.”
In an effort to raise funds for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event taking place at Connetquot High School on June 8, Bosti Elementary School physical education teachers Tara West and Michael Oldis were safely duct-taped to the walls of the school’s atrium during a highly successful fundraising event. With assistance from “Bosti Buddies” Relay for Life Team Captain Mary Bertuccio, strips of duct tape were sold to the students for $1, with all proceeds directly benefitting the American Cancer Society and the districtwide event. “The students were so excited to tape their teachers to the wall,” said Bosti Elementary School Principal Laura Kimball. “They had so much fun, and the Bosti community raised over $600 to help fund research to prevent and treat cancer patients.”
Connetquot High School students enrolled in business classes recently volunteered to be guest teachers at Duffield, Idle Hour and John Pearl elementary schools in an effort to enhance the younger students’ understanding of business and economics. At each of the schools, they conducted a handful of lessons and activities dealing with banking, money management, entrepreneurship and business in the global economy. The students utilized a hands-on program called “More than Money” which was developed by Junior Achievement, the world’s largest organization dedicated to educating students about workforce readiness. This JA program helps high school students to develop personal and professional success skills while teaching younger students to practice wise financial management. This mutually beneficial interaction between high school and elementary students empowers them to succeed in a competitive global economy.
The May 22 Board of Education meeting celebrated the accomplishments of multiple individuals throughout the district, including students, retirees and those staff members receiving tenure. After a stunning performance from the Ronkonkoma Middle School General Music Guitar Ensemble with direction from Dr. Frank Saladino, the night’s recognitions were underway. Connetquot High School senior Alexis Falco was recognized for being an active member of Animal Conservation Club and Keep Islip Clean. In honor of such, she received the "Service to People in Need" award from the Town of Islip for her work with Relay For Life and the Animal Conservation Club fundraisers and was presented with a token of appreciation from the Board of Education for doing so. Connetquot High School senior Kayla Naldrett, also an active member of the Animal Conservation Club and Keep Islip Clean clubs, received the "Science" award for her work in the clam program in which she helped raise 200,000 clams for seeding in the Long Island Sound and was recognized by the Board for her accomplishments. Marina Duszak, the Connetquot High School senior who serves as president of student government, captain of the girls cross-country team and has raised money and awareness for both the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Relay for Life was chosen from 13,000 applicants to win a $20,000 scholarship from Foot Locker. The Board of Education presented Marina with a certificate for her accomplishments and thanked her for all of her efforts thus far. Sabah Bari and Nicholas Keddy, the Connetquot High School students who served as the Board of Education Student Government Representatives for the 2017-18 school year, were recognized for their attendance and contributions to the community. Connetquot High School students Liza Aquilino, Sabah Bari, Matthew Downing and Vincent Fasano were presented with tokens of appreciation for their social media presentation given at the Social Media Parent Forum held on May 2. Multiple district administrators, teachers and staff members who will be retiring from the district as of this school year were presented with a bouquet of flowers from Superintendent of Schools Dr. Lynda Adams and thanked for their cumulative years of service. The district congratulates Peter Harris, JoAnn Ianne, Dawn Jackson, John Lynch, Susan McNeil, Terry Mennona, Michelle Moretti, Patricia Nixon, David Pascarella, Lucy Pugli, Teresa Rowden and Peter Schultz. Additionally, in honor of their dedication and commitment, several administrators and staff members were honored and granted tenure by the Board of Education. The newly tenured staff included Kenneth Costa, Wayne Meyers, Mark Canonica, Lauren Farrell, Mary Goldacker, Stephanie Gozaloff, Kristen Haufe, Stephanie Mann, Michele O'Connor and Ashley Rivera.
Military veterans representing the Wounded Warriors Amputee Softball Team recently visited with staff and students at Sycamore Avenue Elementary School to talk about the honor that comes with serving the country, along with their schedule of upcoming games. The Wounded Warriors in attendance each lost their limbs while serving in either the Marines or U.S. Army, taking part in the Afghan and Iraq campaigns. The purpose of the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team is to inspire and educate others while promoting the health and welfare of other wounded veterans. In honor of their visit, the Sycamore students prepared flags, banners and wrote letters of thanks and respect, which were presented to the veterans during the visit.
Connetquot High School students enrolled in Alaina Bennett’s health classes were recently paid a visit by Donna Cioffi and Linda Bonnano of the “Got Checked” organization, as they spoke to the students about breast cancer awareness and the proper screening techniques beneficial toward saving lives. Both Mrs. Cioffi and Mrs. Bonnano are breast cancer survivors and co-founders of the organization formed in 2015 geared toward spreading the word that early detection can save lives. Through the use of music, videos, fitness and school assemblies, they encourage students to converse amongst their friends and family members to be aware of any sudden changes they might notice in their bodies. Students were asked to sign a pledge in an effort to pass the word along, and to get into the habit of self-examination.
In an effort to bring history to life, the fourth-grade students of Sycamore Avenue Elementary School recently participated in the school’s annual Writing Celebration Wax Museum. The young historians first researched a well-known historic figure, then created an informative display board and prepared an appropriate costume to display for invited guests, staff members and fellow students. The individuals that students chose to portray included famous professional athletes, America’s Founding Fathers, well-known inventors and civil rights leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr.
The fifth-grade students of Duffield Elementary School recently completed an in-depth research and writing project covering the chosen topics of civil rights, girls in education or women’s suffrage. Students researched such events/individuals as the Greensboro Sit-In, Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision, Malala Yousafzai, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the Seneca Falls Convention. Working in a cooperative group, the students then utilized their research to create a poster to complement their project and presented their findings to their classmates.
Students from Bosti Elementary School recently fastened their helmets and elbow padding to prepare for the school’s Bicycle Rodeo, an annual event funded by the Connetquot Foundation for the Advancement of Children Foundation. Despite the less than favorable weather, the students that attended had their bicycle helmets checked for proper size and fit, as well as having their bicycles inspected and tire pressures adjusted. The young athletes then rode their bicycles through an obstacle course with multiple turns and stops along the way. Participants received bicycle safety literature, activity booklets, reflective armbands and collars as well. Additionally, representatives of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office were on hand to teach the students real-world skills necessary to ride bicycles safely, such as proper hand signaling and traffic guidelines.
The district recently hosted the Honors Art Show and Awards Night at Connetquot High School, recognizing the artistic talents of both elementary and secondary students alike. Proud family members, art teachers and Director of Fine Arts and Music Education Jon-Michael Lasher appreciated the displayed work and congratulated the students for their wonderful contributions to the art community. Elementary-level students were recognized and received colorful certificates in a ceremony held in the Eric Martinsen Performing Arts Center, while Connetquot High School students were honored at a ceremony in the school’s artistically-decorated cafeteria. Categories for the high school students included achievements in film, studio & art, photography, ceramics and computer graphics, to name a few.
In celebration of the student-athletes who represent Connetquot High School for the spring sports season, the Connetquot High School Student Government recently organized and celebrated its an inaugural “Spring Fest” with the school community. “The reaction and the smiles on the faces of our students – to those on Student Government to the hundreds of athletes, coaches and parents that attended – made the effort worthwhile,” Student Government co-adviser Jen Piscitelli said. At halftime of the Connetquot High School boys lacrosse game, the members of each of the spring sports were recognized, and paraded before the loud and supportive fans attending the ceremony. After the lacrosse team’s 12-5 victory, a spectacular fireworks show took place for all to enjoy.
The Connetquot High School Drama Club recently put on a wonderful performance of “Proof” in the Erik Martinsen auditorium for two consecutive evenings. The play, based off of playwright David Auburn’s 2001 Pulitzer Prize-winning production of the same name, tells the story of an intellectual young woman living in the shadow of her mathematical genius father who passed away. The production was brought to life by Connetquot High School English teacher Chris Cartusciello.
In recognition of Police Week and all of the sacrifices police officers make on a daily basis to ensure the community’s safety, third through fifth-grade students from Slocum Elementary School recently visited the Suffolk County Police Department Headquarters located in Yaphank, NY. Throughout the duration of their visit, the students were able to witness a K-9 unit demonstration, an SCPD helicopter in motion and toured the Police Museum and 911 Center.
Prior to meeting in person for the first time, third-grade students from Stephanie Zelinski's class at Idle Hour Elementary School recently interacted with their third-grade pen pals from Valerie O'Connell’s and Susan Meade's class at Cherokee Street Elementary School using video conference technology. With the help of their teachers, the students eagerly introduced themselves to their pen pals and were able to ask questions about their pen pal’s town, school building and current classroom projects.
Students enrolled in Tina Feil’s fifth-grade class at Cherokee Street Elementary School recently engaged in a series of fun and educational science lessons with the help of former science teacher Tom Seff. During Mr. Seff’s visit, the students created thought-provoking puzzles utilizing both the alphabet and numerical values, and then shared their work amongst one another. Mr. Seff began his career as a science teacher in the Connetquot Central School District in the late 1960s and served as an inspiration to thousands of students during his time teaching. Later in his career, he assumed the role of chairman of the district’s science department.
Third-graders enrolled in Jill Burns’ and Sarah Wilson’s classes at Sycamore Avenue Elementary School recently showcased their completed nonfiction writing projects to parents, teachers and district administrators during an afternoon celebration held at the school. The students spent time in the classroom, library and at home researching a topic they were interested in and wanted to write about. Selected topics included travel, culture, occupations, sports and leisure activities. Throughout the process, the students learned how to use information presented in a variety of nonfiction material that they are exposed to every day, such as books, newspapers, brochures, magazines, recipes and maps.
Students’ creative interests were recently sparked with a hint of magic as Broadway star Carla Stickler recently paid Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School a visit. Ms. Stickler, a native of Chicago, has been a featured player in a number of Broadway productions including the role of Elphaba in the hit Broadway show, “Wicked.” During her visit, she sang two wonderful songs from the show, then spent the rest of her time answering students’ questions and taking photos. “Today's visit came about because of some bad luck with the weather,” said Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School music teacher Lauren Drinkwater. “A snow day back in March prevented us from taking these students to Manhattan to see ‘Wicked,’ and so Carla graciously agreed to bring Broadway to us.” Lauren Drinkwater, and her husband Brad Drinkwater, who teaches music at Connetquot High School, both attended New York University with Carla to study music. In addition to hearing Carla perform, the students learned some of the secrets behind the magic in the show and understood a bit more about what it takes to be a successful performer on Broadway. #MyConnetquot
Fourth-graders enrolled in Karen Pitka’s class at Duffield Elementary School recently displayed both their acting capabilities and superior reading skills during the class’ “Reader’s Theater Publishing and Performance Presentation.” During each of the performances, students assumed the role of popular story book characters and acted out humorous scenarios for the family, school staff and administrators in attendance. The skits performed during the afternoon included “Three Little Elephants,” “Three Elves & Young Stu Baker,” “Little Late Riding Hood,” “Claynocchio,” “Cheetah and the Sloth” and “Popsicle Boy.” At the conclusion of the wonderful performances, the students invited their family members back to their desks where they were able to share their published writing portfolio, which included original pieces of poetry along with Units of Study writing pieces.
In connection with the school’s theme for the year and in celebration of many of the countries that participated in this year’s winter Olympics, John Pearl Elementary School recently hosted a fun and interactive assembly, “One World, One Dream.” This year’s school theme — which carried the same name as the assembly program — promoted not only good sportsmanship, but global citizenship as well. All classes researched one nation and representatives from the classes shared information about the culture, geography and traditions at the assembly. Additionally, the project included learning more about each country in music, art and physical education classes. During the assembly, students enjoyed “traveling the world” as they visited the creative national displays set up around the gymnasium. Before leaving for the day, the students sang songs that related to their research, along with the John Pearl School song.
Based on their commitment to higher learning, 15 Connetquot High School students recently attended Nassau Community College’s 18th annual Yes 2 Mathematics workshops and mathematics competition, as hosted by the mathematics and computer science departments at NCC. During their time spent there, the students attended either a LINUX operating system or a day of Cyber mini-courses, along with data workshops on baseball, biometric, earthquake, marathon, payment, soccer, test and visualizing. Additionally, the students participated in a mathematics-based competition along with other school districts from both Nassau and Suffolk counties. Participants Brady Ferguson, Tyler Hane, Dan Haughie, Jessica Chau and Giridhar Mula secured the first-place title, while Michael Vincente, Thomas Szostak, Albert Ang and Dominic Manicone took home third place.
Without having to book a plane ticket to a foreign land, sixth- and seventh-grade students from Ronkonkoma Middle School recently interacted with a handful of exotic animals, courtesy of Nature Nick of Nature Nick’s Animal Adventures. For his presentation, Nature Nick brought along a number of animals to showcase, including a milk snake, “Bubbles” the African Barbary falcon, “Warlock” the eagle owl, a mata-mata turtle, and the students’ clear favorite, “Pebbles” the Fennec fox. Not only did Nature Nick offer rich descriptions detailing the animals’ native land, diet and life cycles, he also allowed a handful of volunteers to hold the animals for a few moments.
In an effort to enhance their computer coding proficiency, staff and administrators from the district attended a full day of training surrounding the computer science platform, KidOYO. The training session consisted of working on the KidOYO platform, alongside other popular programs such as Maze, Hatch, Python Mini and various other web development programs. The professional development opportunities enabled the teachers to experience some of the most up to date computer coding practices, which they will now be able to incorporate into classroom lessons as part of the district’s commitment to enhanced STEM education offerings.
Connetquot High School’s Future Teachers of America Club recently hosted an “Open Study Night” for district students in grades kindergarten-through-eighth in the Connetquot High School cafeteria. During the two-hour tutoring session, FTA Club President Gianna Guzo, along with her fellow members, engaged the students in a series of mathematical equations and formulas. This event provided an opportunity to further the students’ understanding of the subject and served as a means to give back to the school community.