This year, the Connetquot High School Tri-M Music Honor Society sponsored the fourth annual Addie’s Army Toy Drive to benefit children and families staying at the New York Metro Ronald McDonald House.

Addie’s Army was established in 2021 by Connetquot High School choir teacher Nicole White and her family in honor of her daughter, Addison. Nicole and her husband, Ryan, lived at the Ronald McDonald House in the spring of 2021 while Addison received critical care at Cohen Children’s Medical Center. When Addison came home, they wanted to give back to the amazing charity and help others in the way they were supported during a time of need.

“When I asked the Tri-M officers if they wanted to ‘sponsor a box’ for the toy drive, they agreed without hesitation and were enthusiastic about spreading the word,” said Nicole White. On Nov. 19, Tri-M officers Hannah Antony Raj, Brynn Burke, Samantha DeLuca, Ava Ross and Gianna Stecker, alongside club adviser Nicole White, presented approximately 175 toys and a $250 check from the Connetquot Teachers Association. In total, Addie’s Army donated over 1,000 toys this year to families in need.

“It is truly touching to see the Connetquot community come together to support our charity and the thousands of families that stay at the Ronald McDonald House each year,” said Nicole White. “Ronald McDonald House Charities is a home away from home with fully stocked kitchens, a meditation room, an exercise room and one-of-a-kind designer bedrooms and bathrooms. The students received an invaluable experience by being there and contributing to such a worthy cause.”

 

Date Added: 12/17/2024

Connetquot High School Italian students in Signora Santi’s class had the unique opportunity to connect live via Google Meet with Pietro Baltieri, an Italian engineering student currently studying near Verona.

Students engaged in conversations, asking about the Italian educational system, comparing its similarities and differences to their own. Pietro shared the challenges of student life, the importance of the Italian language in the field of engineering and the importance of being bilingual.

Overall, the virtual meeting was a wonderful opportunity for the students to make real life connections with their language studies.

 

 

Date Added: 12/17/2024

During the Dec. 10 Board of Education meeting, the board, Superintendent Dr. Centamore, members of the administration and Director of PE, Health, Athletics and Recreation Mr. Melore recognized several exceptional student-athletes on their athletic accomplishments this past season.

Congratulations to Olivia DiGaetano who qualified for the Public State Championship and State Federation meet for cross country and to Emily Anderson, an All-State goalie, who was named Suffolk County Goalie of the Year. Additionally, congratulations to Addelyn Dorgan, Shaelee Doran, Ava Lettieri, Nicolette Julich and Amanda Tedesco who were named New York State qualifiers for swimming.

 

 

Date Added: 12/11/2024

 

Congratulations to the newest inductees of the Connetquot High School Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor Society! Mu Alpha Theta recognizes those who excel in math and offers access to exclusive scholarships, grants and awards. This society also provides incredible opportunities to explore the many fascinating branches and applications of mathematics, while celebrating the passion and dedication of students who thrive in the world of numbers.

Date Added: 12/10/2024

Students from the Future Teachers of America program at Connetquot High School led an inspiring lesson on kindness for first and second graders at Cherokee Street Elementary.

The lesson began with a reading of “How Full Is Your Bucket?”  by Tom Rath and Mary Reckmeyer. In the story, Felix, the main character, learns that every interaction he has throughout the day either fills or empties his “bucket.” As Felix discovers, positive actions not only make others feel good, but they also f his own bucket with happiness. The story served as the perfect foundation for a discussion on how small acts of kindness can create a ripple effect.

Following the reading, the first and second graders participated in an interactive “bucket-filling” activity. Each student was given a cup, and as they complimented one another or shared kind words, they added a pompom into another student’s cup. By the end of the activity, the cups were filled with colorful pompoms, visually representing the positive impact kindness can have.

The students then completed a reflection worksheet that asked questions such as, “What was the nicest thing someone said to you?” and “How can you fill someone’s bucket outside of school?” This reflective exercise encouraged the students to think about the importance of kindness not just in school but in their everyday lives.

 

Click here to view the CHS Future Teachers of America share the power of kindness with Cherokee Street slideshow.

Date Added: 12/9/2024