Helen B. Duffield students took an entire school day on May 13 to focus on wellness. Throughout the day, students focused on nutrition, exercise and their mental health to make them stronger and more focused on their academics and well-being, Principal Lisa Farrell reported.

During an assembly with Cohen Children’s Medical Services supervisor of outreach services, Marina Pettinicchi, the students completed five challenges dealing with positive affirmations, movement, the senses, breathing and doing what they love most.

“You have those superpowers, so you can practice mindfulness each day,” Ms. Pettinicchi said.

Students also joined personal trainer and nutrition coach Nicole Kaloustian on the school’s playground for a discussion on nutritious foods and where energy comes from, as well as some exercise. The students also streamed a motivating talk with the administration of the National Amputee Soccer Team. Teachers also hosted readalouds and wellness crafts, like Tracey Kramer’s class who made flowers with positive affirmations on the petals. There were also Zen Den workshops where discussions took place about the school tower gardens and music was played to soften moods. Each student also took a Wellness Walk and signed a pledge to focus on wellness, which hangs in the hallway.

Date Added: 5/24/2022

Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School English language arts teacher Michele Russo is the recipient of the Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar Teacher of the Year Award for bringing out the best in her students. Student Olive De Marco nominated Ms. Russo through the restaurant group’s sixth annual Above and BEEyond teacher Essay Contest, which encourages students to nominate teachers who make a difference in their lives.

Ms. Russo received a $500 scholarship, which she can use toward her classroom for the 2022-2023 school year. The OBMS class will also receive an end-of-year party from the restaurant.

Olive said she nominated Ms. Russo because “she is always caring towards us.” Olive also said that she challenges all of her students and she has personally improved as a seventh grade student.

Ms. Russo said she is honored to have been chosen as a recipient of this award. Her main goal is to “make them [students] feel comfortable in the classroom and to build rapport with them.”

Date Added: 5/23/2022

Unified Basketball Hosts Comsewogue High School: On Tuesday, May 11 Connetquot Unified Basketball coaches Kyle Black and Sarah Ecke welcomed their crosstown rivals Comsewogue High School to Connetquot High School. The home team played its second game of the season and remain undefeated at 2-0. Both teams’ family, friends and support staff were loud and excited to watch the teams play. Truthfully, at the end of the game the score was irrelevant. The players and coaches are so excited to participate in such sporting events, and the Connetquot School District is proud to host unified basketball for it second season. District Superintendent Dr. Lynda G. Adams and BOE President Lee Kennedy were on hand to cheer on the T-birds. BOE trustees Milynn Augulis, Marissol Mallon, Brian Murphy and Jaclyn Napolitano-Furno were on hand for the season opener on May 10.

The NY State Public HS Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA), along with Special Olympics, developed Unified sports to create athletic teams for training and competition combining students with, and without intellectual disabilities. According to the NYSPHSAA, “Participation is rooted in the principle of meaningful involvement which ensures that every player is given an opportunity to contribute to the success of his, or her, team.” Unified sports also provides students with the opportunity to take on leadership roles in their schools and communities. Congratulations to all the participating student-athletes from Connetquot and Comsewogue high schools!

Suffolk County Championship Week: With one of the most successful post-season results, Connetquot High School achieved playoff status for its baseball, softball, boys’ tennis, badminton and both boys’ and girls’ track! Outstanding effort by the players, coaches, parents and supportive friends.

The baseball team beat Bellport 8-7 in an exciting finish to start the week. They advanced to the next round, but dropped a 6-0 decision to Smithtown East, yet advanced to play, and beat, West Islip 13-2! The T-birds play Smithtown-West on Friday, May 20th for its fourth playoff game of the week.

The lady T-Birds softball team beat Riverhead 4-0 and play Lindenhurst on Friday in the second round of the county tournament.

Connetquot’s boys’ lacrosse team plays Huntington on Friday, under the lights.

The Girls’ badminton team will play Friday with a team and time to be determined.

The Connetquot boys’ tennis team finished the season this week, but three players advance to the Suffolk County playoffs.

The golf season is over, but one player qualified for the counties.

The Connetquot HS boys’ and girls’ track teams will host the Suffolk County championships on May 24.

Badminton Senior Day

Boys Tennis Seniors Vs. ESM

Baseball Playoff Vs. Bellport

May Softball SRS

Date Added: 5/20/2022