In an effort to optimize their physical health and keep a close eye on their fitness levels, students at Ronkonkoma Middle School are currently utilizing heart monitors in their physical education classes.

Using the HeartZones system technology, the students strap a rubber band which resembles a wrist watch to their arm, as it accurately reads their active heart rate while they engage in cardiovascular activities. With assistance from physical education teacher Justin Hertz, a part of the school’s gymnasium was transformed into multiple stations where the students could test out the new technology, including a calisthenics course, a station for planking and a section devoted to jump rope. 

As the students continue to work out and engage in their activities, they are able to reference a giant screen displayed in front of the gymnasium so that they are easily able to keep track of their heart rate and pace themselves at a more appropriate speed. 

The Connetquot Central School District would like to thank the Ronkonkoma Middle School PTA, school administrators, computer teacher Jackie Houston and network and systems technician John Mocko for their assistance with bringing the monitors to life at the school.

“The students have really been into it and are learning a lot about how to manage their heart rates during a workout,” said Mr. Hertz. 

The Ronkonkoma Middle School drama club recently put on an incredible nautical-themed performance of “The Little Mermaid Jr.,” for three consecutive evenings beginning on Feb. 7. Adapted from the popular Disney classic, the play tells the tale of mermaid Ariel who dreams of visiting the surface world, bringing her trusty friend Flounder along for her many adventures. The production was brought to life with assistance from co-directors Michael and Carmela Newman, along with music director Dr. Frank Saladino.

Ronkonkoma Middle School eighth-grade students enrolled in Anthony Carbonaro’s, Alma Campanelli’s, Matthew Montilleone’s and Jaclyn Salerno’s math, science and technology courses tested their creativity and engineering skills during a recent regatta boat race on Jan. 25 held at Connetquot High School.

As part of a lesson on buoyancy, the young engineers spent weeks using scientific calculations to design and construct boats out of cardboard and duct tape in hopes of successfully crossing the high school pool. Although some students chose to commandeer their boats in an individual fashion, they all worked in teams when creating their boats in the classroom setting.

Despite the fact that not every boat was able to stay afloat during the race, the students enjoyed cheering one another to see which boat would make it across. According to Mr. Carbonaro, the top three competitors were able to successfully make their boats across the pool in a highly impressive time of less than 20 seconds. 

This past December, the Ronkonkoma Middle School Soul Singers performed holiday tunes at MacArthur Airport for all of the travelers going to visit their loved ones during the holidays. Under the direction of Nicole White, the vocal performers were joined by the RMS Select Band members, conducted by Stacy Stollberger and Elizabeth Piekut, as they filled the air will holiday favorites, such as “Frosty the Snowman” and “Let it Snow,” for the sixth year in a row. The event was part of the airport’s annual Holiday Concert Series.