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Baseball Team Advances in Suffolk County Championships The Connetquot High School baseball team defeated William Floyd High School in the second round of the Suffolk County Championship Tournament by an unblemished score of 5-0 on May 21. The No. 3-seeded T-Birds took an early 1-0 lead that the visitors were unable to overcome. Connetquot then scored three additional runs in the third inning, along with their game-ending fifth run in the sixth. Matt Brown-Eiring went 3-3 with two RBIs to lead the T-Birds to victory and improve the season record to 16-4. Pitcher Joe Savino was also credited with contributing toward the win, striking out nine batters in seven innings. With this victory, Connetquot now advances to the third round of the Suffolk County AA tournament on Friday, May 24, at home, against No. 6 seed Sachem East High School. Softball Team Advances with 7-1 Win Over Northport The Connetquot High School girls softball team advanced to the next round of the Suffolk County championships with a convincing 7-1 win over Northport High School. With this win under their belt, coach Goodwin’s T-Birds improved to 13-7, thus declaring themselves as the most successful Connetquot softball team ever! Connetquot overcame a first inning 1-0 deficit to outscore the visitors 7-0 for the final score of 7-1, and, ultimately, the win. During the game, Emily Hess went 2-3 with a triple and two-run homer in the bottom of the sixth. Additionally, Reilly Murphy had an RBI and a double, while Cailin Hall reached base on all three at-bats. Bella Andres was credited with contributing toward the win, striking out two batters in seven innings. The team’s roster currently consists of four eighth graders and no seniors. The T-Birds will play the losing team of the upcoming Smithtown East-West Islip game on May 23. Go T-Birds! Girls Lacrosse Season Ends in First Round of Playoffs Connetquot High School girls lacrosse coach Sal Piscatelli is very proud of his T-Birds this season. Despite a series of injuries to several key players, this year’s team persevered and earned a spot in the Suffolk County postseason championship tournament. Playing “away” against No. 7 seed Commack High School on May 17, the T-Birds held their own and kept the game close, trailing the home team 3-2 at the half. Unfortunately, Commack outscored the T-Birds despite their valiant team effort, and ended the game by a final score of 7-5. Connetquot came on strong in the final week of the season, earning a No. 10 seed and a spot in the playoffs. Anna Thornton (2), Hayley Weltner (2) and Jolie Urraro (1) scored for the T-Birds, while goalie Sydney Danseglio was credited with seven saves against Commack. The T-birds finished the year with an even 8-8 record for the season. Congratulations to the Connetquot High School girls varsity lacrosse team on its outstanding season and determination. The T-Birds graduate five seniors this year – Gina Barbera, Emma McLoughlin, Julia Napolitano, Kelsi Richardson and Jolie Urraro – but expect the returning members of the team to work hard and build on this year’s success.
On May 11, friends, family, coaches and administrators gathered at Connetquot High School to induct 13 former student-athletes and coaches to the high school’s Athletic Wall of Fame. A committee of veteran coaches, teachers and administrators culled the nominations and selected the newest members of the prestigious Connetquot Athletic Wall of Fame. The district congratulates Christine Bentz Dellavechia (’83/tennis, basketball, volleyball); Kristopher Cuozzo (’85/football, lacrosse); Rob DiLello (’86/football, baseball); Nicolle Dionne (’94/gymnastics); Bob Drzal (basketball coach 1991-2014); Phil Karlstad (’76/community/sports photographer); Sean McCabe (’12/wrestling); Chuck McAuley (athletic director/coach); Nick Monastero (’05/lacrosse, football); Mike Pellegrino (’11/football, lacrosse); Marianne Santoro Loose (’85/track, basketball, volleyball); Philip Stolfa (’95/soccer, lacrosse) and Michele Waring Rocco (’95/track, soccer). A delicious brunch was served prior to the inductions, which were handled by Director of Health, Physical Education, Athletics and Recreation Mark Dellecave, along with committee member and assistant football coach Mike Konsevitch. Each inductee was introduced with a “snapshot” of their accomplishments when they wore the school’s red and white colors, and as another token of appreciation, the inductees were presented with a replica of the plaque which has now been added to the Connetquot Athletic Wall of Fame, located outside of the “new” gymnasium. Board of Education trustee Mark Warshaw was on hand to congratulate the inductees on behalf of the board and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Lynda G. Adams.
Without having to book an international plane ticket, sixth and seventh grade students from Ronkonkoma Middle School recently interacted and learned about 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 “Bananas” the toucan, “Bubbles” the African Barbary falcon, “Meatloaf” the Flemish giant rabbit, “King Arthur” the Western crowned pigeon, along with “Fabio” the Chilean flamingo. In addition to offering rich descriptions detailing the animals’ native land, diet and life cycles, Nature Nick also allowed a handful of volunteers to hold the animals for a few moments, which they clearly enjoyed.
Hundreds of administrators, staff and students from Ronkonkoma Middle School recently lined Peconic Street in Ronkonkoma to show overwhelming support for Chris Pendergast and the ALS Ride for Life participants as they honorably paraded throughout the community. Under the direction of school guidance counselor Tara Sullivan, who organized the event, the group made their way along the front of the school building as spectators cheered. Students were kind enough to create banners and posters which featured words of encouragement. Bohemia resident Paul Weisman, who also battles ALS on a daily basis, was among the individuals who also walked alongside Mr. Pendergast. ALS Ride for life was founded in 1997 by Chris Pendergast and his supporters. Each May, during ALS Awareness Month, those diagnosed with ALS ride their power wheelchairs across Long Island all the way to Manhattan in order to raise awareness of the disease, which currently has no cure.
Second, third and fourth grade students from Cherokee Street Elementary School were recently treated to a thrilling presentation about the importance of maintaining optimal physical health and powerful antibullying techniques courtesy of the Flowstyle BMX Trick Team. Led by X-Games alumnus and Bicycle Motocross Icon Stephen Cerra, the Flowstyle BMX Trick Team incorporated a series of thrilling flatland stunts with important topics which will assist the students with living a healthy lifestyle on a daily basis. During the exciting program, Mr. Cerra showcased stunts such as “The Hitchhiker,” “Whiplash” and “Hang Five,” and let the students know that these tricks were not mastered overnight, but instead required hours upon hours of practice and hard work. In between showcasing their impressive array of stunts, Mr. Cerra stressed the importance of bicycle safety with the students, suggesting that they always wear a helmet when riding, and remain fully aware of their surroundings at all times. Additionally, he taught them the “Three R’s” of antibullying techniques, consisting of “Recognize,” “Refuse” and “Report.” At the end of the presentation, students were quizzed on their ability to recall the names of the tricks performed, and were rewarded with signed posters upon answering the correct responses.
Connetquot High School students enrolled in Vincent Osmer’s Sculpting and Ceramics classes recently took a field trip to Long Island University, CW Post Campus to engage in the traditional Japanese style of ceramics known as “Raku.” During their visit, the 18 students were busy participating in the Raku process, which included glazing their pieces, loading the kilns, prepping the fire pit and cleaning their work afterward. Additionally, the students were granted the opportunity to speak with artist and professor Frank Olt who talked about ceramics and working in a studio environment at the collegiate-level.
The district would like to congratulate Patrick Brennan, Idle Hour and Sycamore Avenue elementary schools’ computer science and engineering specialist, for winning the 2019 TangerKIDS Grant, as he received a check in the amount of $1,800 to fund future STEM-based endeavors for the district’s students. “It is wonderful and yet not surprising that Tanger Outlets awarded Mr. Brennan this grant; his love for teaching, paired with his knowledge of engineering and computer science is evident through all his work in and out of the classroom,” said Connetquot Central School District Elementary STEM Chairperson Bethanie Rizzo. “Mr. Brennan is part of an amazing team of computer science specialists who provide these innovative learning experiences to students grades K-5.” According to Mrs. Rizzo, the funds from Mr. Brennan’s awarded check are going to be used toward purchasing Ozobot Evos and Bee Bots, which will further enhance the students’ knowledge of computer programming and coding. The TangerKIDS Grants program is designed to assist schools in Tanger Outlet Center’s primary markets by providing grants for special projects and needed programs or equipment. Grants can also support groups within the school, including fine arts, music or athletic programs.
Despite only being a sixth grade student at Ronkonkoma Middle School, Cristian Martinez has already garnered an impressive number of accolades due to his profound work in the world of poetry. Most recently, Cristian was awarded the title of Grand Champion at the Walt Whitman Student Poetry Contest of 2019 for his poem a “A Glimpse of Tomorrow” out of a total of 2,500 other entries. Due to his successes, his poem will be published in the anthology, “Whitman’s Apprentice Anthology.” He will also be published in the “Poets to Come Anthology” for his original work “Unanswered Questions,” along with two poems in the “Leaves for Me Anthology” for his other works “The Glory” and “My Mentor Robert,” and the Suffolk County Poetry Review for his poem, “Winter.” In addition to his multiple publications, he won first place for his poem, “Clouds Have Secrets” in the Princess Ronkonkoma 2019 Poetry Contest. Cristian was also a featured poet at his first poetry reading which was held at the Barnes & Noble in Lake Grove in April. He shared that this experience was amazing because he was able to read several poems on different themes that he is concerned about.
As a culminating activity for National Autism Awareness Month, Edward J. Bosti Elementary School recently hosted their inaugural “Bubbles for Autism” event, as hundreds of students and staff members from the school community gathered in the back of the school to support autism awareness. “As a sign of community and respect for students, family members and friends living with autism, members of our community gathered on the field in the outline of a large heart and blew soap bubbles,” said Bosti Elementary School Principal Laura Kimball. Mrs. Kimball expressed her gratitude toward Nichole Johnson for coordinating the event, Joanna Zalewski and the “Recycling Rangers” for donating the bubbles, along with Michael Oldis, Jusin Maas and Mike Johnson for their invaluable help throughout the course of the day. April is recognized as National Autism Awareness month, as schools and students across the country go above and beyond to promote autism awareness. Click here to watch a video
The Connetquot High School Concert Choir recently visited Minnesota, where they participated in several musical performances alongside internationally-renowned musicians. During their visit, they took part in a workshop at St. Olaf College led by choir conductor Dr. Anton Armstrong, who is known in the choral music world for his talents. Based on their high level of achievement and musical successes in the past, the CHS Choir joined the world-famous St. Olaf Choir in their rehearsal, and were given the opportunity to sing for them as well. The students were also able to collaborate with the Concordia Choir students in conducting classes and rehearsals, singing a pre-planned song together and impressing all in attendance. While in Saint Cloud, Minnesota, the Connetquot choir attended a performance by and later performed with the Rose Ensemble, a vocal group specializing in “early music.” Jordan Sramek, Rose Ensemble’s founder and artistic/executive director, showered the CHS Choir with words of praise for their performance. “The events that took place on the trip to Minnesota were once-in-a-lifetime experiences for the students of the Connetquot High School Concert Choir,” said Concert Choir Director Brad Drinkwater. “Not only have they transformed into more skilled, knowledgeable and complete human beings, but the choir itself has elevated its standing amongst the top high school choirs in the country.”
Second grade students from Cherokee Street Elementary School recently increased their engineering skills with assistance from a representative of the Long Island Maritime Museum during the recent “Launch It” event. The goal of the day’s lesson was to use the provided materials in order to build a catapult which could safely send a clay ball through the air and onto a designated area, located a few feet away from the launch site. The students were supplied with a handful of quarters, which could be used in an effort to “purchase” materials which would assist with creating their catapults. The materials at their disposal included paper clips, rubber bands and spoons, which could all be utilized to assist in creating the perfect catapult. Working in small groups, the students created drafts of what they envisioned their launchers to look like, including design features and the proper materials required to bring them to life. After designing their launchers and “purchasing” the right materials, the students engaged in a trial and error method in order to successfully launch the clay ball from the starting point to their destination.
Three Connetquot High School student-athletes recently committed to attending some of the nation’s premier colleges and universities to run track this fall during a signing ceremony held at Connetquot High School on April 16. The district congratulates Emily Fieseler (Muskingum University), Bryanna Holguin (George Mason University) and Andrea Martino (Molloy College). The students were joined by Connetquot High School Principal Kenneth J. Costa, Director of Health, Physical Education, Athletics and Recreation Mark Dellecave, girls track coaches James Crowley III and Mike Austin, along with friends and family members. Each of these T-Birds achieved All-League honors during their careers at Connetquot High School. Bryanna Holguin achieved All-Suffolk County and All-State honors in the Triple Jump and Long Jump, and was also named both a Long Island and Suffolk County Champion in 2019.
Four students from Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School recently attended the inaugural OYO Hackathon/Code Conquest which took place at Mineola Middle School on April 12. The four student-representatives from Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School –Akshat Kamboj, Shawn Kovarik, Tyler Ramos and Sameer Umar – were joined by students from Bellmore-Merrick, Eastport South Manor, East Williston, Harborfields, Hauppauge, Kings Park, Manhasset, Mineola and Syosset school districts during the event. During the competition, students competed by creating coded projects to conquer territories on a map. Large monitors throughout the event displayed the live map as game play occurred during a three-hour, highly competitive period, with one team ultimately emerging as the Code Conquest winner. “Although the team’s score didn’t make it to the top of the charts, they showed amazing perseverance, and fought until the very end,” said Connetquot Central School District Elementary STEM Chairperson Bethanie Rizzo.
The Connetquot High School’s National Business Honor Society held its fourth annual Badminton Tournament on April 10 at the Connetquot High School gymnasium. According to advisers Andrea Pizzimenti and Gina Senft, more than 75 participants and advisers took part in the fun, as many of the participants displayed their spirit and creativity by creating matching uniforms. The National Business Honor Society officers demonstrated leadership and professionalism throughout the planning stage, and on the night of the event as well. Players, supportive fans and friends agreed that the 2019 National Business Honor Society Badminton tournament was a big success for all involved.
In an effort to sharpen their scales and improve techniques, elementary-level students from the district recently visited with Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School music students for one-on-one musical mentoring sessions. After being welcomed by a number of student volunteers, the younger students were paired up with a Tri-M Music Honor Society representative who further prepared them for their New York State School Music Association performances.
The Duffield Elementary School Drama Club recently put on two stunning performances of Disney’s “The Lion King” for invited guests for two consecutive days of performances beginning on April 8. The students did an excellent job recreating the classic film through song and dance, as they told the tale of the young cub Simba and his many adventures. The district would like to thank Karen Pitka and Michael Innace for co-directing the production and assisting the students throughout the many weeks of rehearsals leading up to the performances.
On April 5, the district hosted its annual Showcase of the Arts event, inviting students throughout the district to highlight all of the wonderful art projects they have been working on throughout the course of the school year. On display were beautiful illustrations, unique sculptures and stunning photographs, to name a few. Additionally, joining the student-artists as a musical accompaniment during the evening was an orchestra section from both district middle schools, the Kickline team from Ronkonkoma Middle School, Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School and Connetquot High School, along with elementary-level orchestra, recorder, band and chorus groups.
In recognition of Autism Awareness Month, students enrolled in Tiffany Prin’s class at Ronkonkoma Middle School recently launched a detailed project in an effort to create a sense of inclusion throughout the school community. “My students have been selling Autism Awareness T-shirts, puzzle piece lollipops and rubber bracelets,” said Mrs. Prin. “Half of our profit from these sales will be going to a boy with autism who was diagnosed recently with Ewing’s sarcoma, while the remaining funds will be used for student-supplies and for end of the year activities with our pen-pals from Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School. Additionally, students and staff members will be wearing our special T-shirts each Friday in the month of April.”
Staff and students from Idle Hour Elementary School recently took on Maggie's Kindness Challenge in late March in honor of Maggie Schmidt of Greenlawn, who lost her battle with a rare form of cancer in 2017. With assistance from PTA Cultural Arts Representative and Maggie’s Mission Advocate Michelle Burke, the students at Idle Hour took on the challenge to live life to its fullest, show kindness to all and be mindful of others and surroundings. As students performed challenges such as donating clothes, baking for friends and family, enjoying a sunset, spending time with others and dressing up for theme days, pictures were sent to Mrs. Burke as she put them together and displayed them during a schoolwide assembly for all to see. Throughout course of the week, more than 100 students participated in the challenge and kindness was spread throughout the community. Students also received bracelets as they handed in their participation pledges and certificates after they submitted their challenge trackers. According to the official website, Maggie’s Mission was created in an effort to raise awareness of pediatric cancers, fund research and provide help to families and children in need. Although Maggie passed away in 2017, she is remembered as a wonderful young woman who loved everything life had to offer.
Earlier this April, 110 Connetquot High School students were inducted into the Connetquot High School chapter of Rho Kappa, the National Social Studies Honor Society, by adviser Gregory Nizewitz. Mr. Nizewitz introduced the officers of this prestigious group along with Margaret Ronai, the Connetquot Central School District director of social studies and business. Mrs. Ronai welcomed the newly inducted members, as well as the proud family members and friends who attended the ceremony. Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter, Connetquot High School Principal Kenneth J. Costa and Board of Education President Milynn Augulis were also on hand to congratulate the honorees and their proud family members. The three co-presidents of the Connetquot chapter of the Rho Kappa Honor Society – Victoria Cipriani, Michael DiMaio and Crystal Monge – introduced the new members. Additionally, treasurer and founding member Lauren Kennedy led the students in reciting the pledge. The new inductees joined together in reciting, “I do promise to serve others, to search for truth, to utilize knowledge, and to seek wisdom through the pursuit of academic excellence in the social studies. I promise service to Connetquot High School and to the community, for true scholars of the social studies lead by example.” Congratulations to the newly inducted members of the Connetquot High School Chapter of Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society: Class of 2019 – Fariah, Basharat, Christopher Battista, Nicolle Brodowski, Emma Bunicci, Anesha Chowdhury, Sarah Delillis, Christopher Guevarra, Alex Halinar, Ciana Kaplan, Kendall Lillie, Matthew Lopez, Courtney Lyons, Andrea Martino, Hannah Mayer, Christina Monahan, Abby Navarez, Melissa Olcay, Christina Otero, Sara Perez, Sarah Rahim, Serena Roopnarine, Noel Root, Paige Sapienza, Alexis Smith, Sara Vincente; Class of 2020 – Paige Adamo, Sayida Afghani, Jenna Anderson, Abigail Audia, Emily Augulis, Daniel Bach, Deanna Beattie, Kelby Bishop, Alyssa Brady, Joseph Brimlow, Hannah Causin, Dmitri Cavanagh, Diproprosad Das, Colleen DiMarzo, Alaina Drennan, Hellena Elster, Sarah Fonsecca, Toni_Elena Gallo, Kayley Gross, Alexa Hartmann, Audrey Joseph, Dominick Katrivanos, Niko Keddy, Atif Khan, Meagan Lenihan, Denise Llivicura, Amanda Manuel, Kylie McGee, Karly McGee, Alexa Molinelli, Genevieve Moulton, Reilly Murphy, Victoria Opiela, Amanda Perrone, Kimberley Pettersen, Maddie Pittigher, Anna Polcini, Katie Postel, Kate Priolo, Kelly Romadi, Giovanni Santiago, Grace Saravia, Nicole Serravillok Ashley Sullivan, Nicole Thumann, Mackenzie Waile, Alex Young; Class of 2021 – Francis Aiello, Lisa Baldinucci, Kainaat Sacharat, Emma Brenner, Emma Cochran, Nicolette DiSilvestre, Joseph Duszak, Carmella Eade, Morgan Elliott, Adrianna Empaynada, Kate Engeldrum, Kylie Ferrentino, Mikayla Gibbons, Scott Gifford, Kayla Hansen, Michael Hanson, Daniel Haughie, Olivia Herrera, Keeghan Lavery, Julianno Leddy, Emily Medina, Emily Mysliwiec, Jacqueline Palumbo, Jenna Pellicano, Julianna Pereira, Hayley Rodriguez, Adriana Romano, Gabrielle Rowe, Tugce Sezer, Anna Stahurski, Isabella Truglio, Isabella VanKalmthout, Melanie Walsh, Kevin Wilk, Amanda Young, Elaina Zacynski. The induction ceremony was held in the Eric Martinsen Performing Arts Center, followed by a reception where the students were presented with their certificates and offered light refreshments for them and their proud family members and friends. The mission and purpose of the Rho Kappa National High School Social Studies Honor Society is to promote scholarship and to recognize academic excellence in social studies among high school students; to provide through its local chapter, opportunities for exploration in the social studies in secondary school environments, and the community; and to encourage interest in, understanding of, and appreciation for the social studies.
In celebration of Financial Literacy Month, Connetquot High School students enrolled in Pamela Carey’s Personal Finance Classes recently travelled to Cherokee Street Elementary School to share important money saving tips with the Universal Pre-K Students. In addition to enlightening the young students on financial tips, the students also read from “One Cent, Two Cents, Old Cent, New Cent” by Bonnie Worth in an effort to further reinforce these skills.
The Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School drama club members recently took to the stage to put on a fantastic performance of “Anything Goes” before audiences for three consecutive evenings. The school’s adaptation was based off the classic 1934 musical, which chronicles the humorous antics of the passengers along an ocean liner on a path from New York to London. To prepare for this year’s production, which was directed by David Bentley-Garfinkel, the students spent months rehearsing their lines and perfecting the choreography before opening night.
In recognition of Autism Awareness Month, staff and students from Cherokee Street Elementary School recently wore blue-colored outfits and focused on lessons that celebrated the unique qualities that all individuals bring to the school community. Due to the efforts of speech and language pathologist Nicole Bren and Cherokee students, a beautiful art piece featuring puzzle pieces stating “I am unique because…” was put on display in the school hallway. Students contributed their creative talents to come up with myriad reasons why they themselves are unique. Additionally, throughout the month of April, the school will be accepting monetary donations to benefit the Special Olympics.
Third-grade classes at Cherokee Street and Edward J. Bosti elementary schools recently worked collaboratively to complete a series of Breakout EDU activities, which aligned with their current unit focused on cultural and geographical aspects of Australia. During the activity, the students worked through a sequential order of clues in an effort to “escape” from their computer science classrooms. The puzzles featured popular elements of the continent such as wildlife, geographical location and traditional cultural aspects. At the conclusion of the breakout portion of the activity, the students then formed a circle and discussed how they went about their methods, and what they could have done in order to “escape” in a more efficient manner. Breakout EDU, which is based upon the popular “escape the room” interactive games, grants students the opportunity to communicate, collaborate, team build, and develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills. All third-grade participants were able to "crack the codes" in less than the forty-minute time frame provided.
On the evening of March 20, staff members, students and their families gathered within the Cherokee Street Elementary School cafeteria as the school hosted their annual “Faculty Feud” event in the style of the popular “Family Feud” game show. Prior to the start of the game, the survey questions utilized were answered by the third-, fourth- and fifth-grade students of Cherokee. The competing teams consisted of teachers, parents, office staff and Principal Jill Lahey as they answered the survey-style questions in hopes of picking the top answers for each category. The district congratulates all of the evening’s participants – “The Good Sports,” consisting of Mrs. Lahey, Mrs. Francess, Mrs. Leo, Mrs. Lagravinese, Mr. Mike; “The Dynamic Duo’s,” featuring Mrs. Litchhult, Mrs. Suarez, Mrs. Campanella, Ms. Skahill, Mrs. O’Connell and Mrs. Meade; “PTA T-Birds,” with a lineup of Mrs. DeSiano, Mrs. Martin, Mrs. Widing, Mrs. Beisel and Mrs. Miller; and “Sesame Street,” rounded out by Mrs. Bren, Mrs. Raimondi, Mrs. Gallo, Mrs. Valenti and Mrs. Mongiello. By the end of the final round, the “PTA T-Birds” were declared the winners of this year’s event. The district would also like to thank Assistant Principal Patricia Murthy and her son, Joshua Murthy, for coordinating the game, recruiting the players and coming up with the survey questions.
Students enrolled in the district’s C-Quest Program based out of Edward J. Bosti Elementary School recently experienced a fun and educational field trip to the reopened Long Island Science Center in Riverhead. During their time spent in the center, the students were able to expand their scientific horizons with a number of hands-on activities and games. Included within the experience were an immersive Virtual Reality simulator, a “Magnetic Reality Wall” and an “Art in Action” station in where students scanned still pieces of art into a tablet in an effort to bring the pieces to life. In addition to the hands-on experiences, the students were able to engage in interactive classes with assistance from representatives of the Long Island Science Center, in which they were afforded the opportunity to take part in themed maker space activities.
Students, faculty and staff members from Edward J. Bosti Elementary School were recently congratulated by representatives of the Teachers Federal Credit Union for their outstanding efforts to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Due to their ability to come together to support a good cause, students collected more than $500 in pennies, while the Teachers Federal Credit Union donated an additional $500 of their own. At an assembly held in the school’s atrium marking this milestone, mathematics specialist Stephanie Gozaloff joined TFCU representative Jennifer Gunn in presenting a check in the amount of $1,050 to Make-A-Wish Foundation representative Frank Gaeta Jr. The school would like to thank Mrs. Gozaloff and Youth and Family Services Coordinator Ryan McGuckin for arranging this annual fundraiser. The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants a wish on average, every 34 minutes to a child with a critical illness in hopes of bringing out some extra smiles. The district congratulates Michelle Semder’s pre-school class for being named the top fund-raiser this year, and being rewarded with a celebratory pizza party in the near future.