The entire seventh-grade class at Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School recently took part in their annual Brave Day event alongside faculty and staff in an effort to promote togetherness, antibullying and self-appreciation.

Throughout the course of the day, students took part in programs consisting of team-building activities and thoughtful discussions around the topics of breaking boundaries and prejudices, and being brave enough to share authentic feelings while making peer connections. The students highly enjoyed themselves as they engaged in the “Would You Rather Activity,” which asked them questions such as which superpower they would prefer, and if they would rather have a cat or a dog as a pet.

According to the staff, their mission is to create a safe learning environment that brings forth a culture of compassion, connection and curiosity, all in an effort to eliminate bullying at the roots. 

The district would like to thank OBMS staff members Diana Burke, Shannon Lehnert and Mairead McInnis for their help in coordinating this wonderful event.

Private First-Class U.S. Marine and Connetquot High School alumna Lauren Sherer recently returned to the Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School to visit with a few of her former teachers and surprise her sister in class this past December.

Lauren’s sister, Brooke, who was completely unaware of the visit, was overwhelmed with joy when her older sister stepped foot into her social studies class taught by Jonathan Agatstein. Mr. Agatstein displayed a video about the history and traditions of the U.S. Marine Corps during Lauren’s visit, and she then answered students’ questions which ranged from the types of training she underwent, to makeup and hair styles that are regulated while she is in uniform.

PFC Sherer graduated from Connetquot High School in June 2018, and three days later she was headed for Parris Island Recruit Depot in South Carolina. The 12-week training program turns recruits into a fighting force and earns each of them the title of U.S. Marine when they receive their Eagle, Globe and Anchor. 

It was a wonderful visit home for Lauren, and even more enjoyable for Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School Principal Susanne Bailey and Lauren’s former teachers who remember a young and shy little girl, who blossomed into a confident and highly trained member of the U.S. Marine Corps.
Additionally, while Lauren was on holiday leave at home, she had the chance to visit Connetquot High School as a recruiter, answering questions from graduating seniors who had an interest in knowing more about the military branch.

Lauren will be headed to Mississippi for additional training in the area of Aviation Supply, and is hoping to be assigned to a base on the California coast after her training is complete.

#MyConnetquot #ConnetquotLEADS

After a three-year hiatus, the Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School’s music department made a triumphant return during the Oakdale Tree Lighting ceremony held at the Oakdale railroad station. Under the direction of Tri-M Music Honor Society adviser Melissa Johnson, the OBMS band performed several popular holiday tunes for an excited audience of several hundred community members. Following the musical portion of the program, Santa made his grand entrance, escorted by a line of vehicles from the West Sayville Fire Department.

Student-musicians from Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School recently put their musical talents on full display during the school’s annual Tri-M Music Honor Society Talent show held on the evening of Nov. 16.

During the course of the talent show, students shone brightly as they sang, danced and played their musical instruments for their family members and the Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School staff members in attendance, including Tri-M Music Honor Society adviser Melissa Johnson. 

The district congratulates all of the student-participants – along with the humorous emcees who hosted the event – for contributing to a highly successful evening: Kieron Conroy, Charlotte DeSimone, Jack Dowdell, Morgan Gibbons, Olivia Hirt, Melanie Humsjo, Akshat Kamboj, Michael Kerr, Halle Lescak, Lauren Longo, Olivia Medina, Anthony Pepitone, Summer Perry, Brandon Perticone, Lindsey Quinn, Brian Schaefer and Lilly Zaccheo.