The Connetquot High School turf field was the backdrop for Edward J. Bosti, Cherokee Street, Duffield Avenue, Edith Slocum, Idle Hour, John Pearl and Sycamore Avenue fifth grade students who enthusiastically gathered for the Connetquot Central School District’s annual Coming Together Day on May 31. Sponsored by the Athletes Helping Athletes club and the high school athletic department, this tradition is an excellent, fun-filled opportunity for students to meet new acquaintances prior to moving-up to Oakdale Bohemia and Ronkonkoma Middle Schools this coming fall.

The students filed onto the bleachers, according to school and wearing their red or black school T-shirts. Prior to the activities, Joe Nelson riled the students up as he announced each school. Additionally, student-athlete and AHA club member Alexa Colondona was presented the Tim Bassett Award for her extraordinary leadership qualities.

“These athletes are the true leaders in the school,” AHA club adviser Alaina Bennett said. She and co-advisers Phil Clark and Jeff Tacke noted that the club pushed into each of the school’s fifth grade classrooms during the school year to discuss bullying, substance abuse and being a true leader.

During the morning, the students participated in activities called the cannonball, potato jack race, water relay, noodle tag, crab soccer and more. Best of all, the fifth graders went back to their respective schools confident that they made new friends.

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Date Added: 6/6/2023

Under the direction of Jenna Micalizzi, the Ronkonkoma Middle School Soul Singers sang the national anthem at the Long Island Ducks baseball game earlier this spring. The PTA organized the event and sold almost 300 tickets. It was a great opportunity for the students to sing in front of a larger crowd and the Long Island community was able to hear talented students from the Connetquot Central School District.

Date Added: 6/5/2023

John Pearl Elementary School students and faculty believe that having a healthy mind and body is essential. On May 24, the school focused on nutrition, exercise and mental health to make them stronger as well as concentrate more on their academics and well-being.

Students attended an assembly with Cohen Children’s Northwell Heath educator and nutritionist Melissa Ganz, who talked about the importance of eating a well-balanced breakfast, the optimal amount of exercise, reducing screen time and limiting sugary drinks. Students created calm down jars filled with glitter and went on a scavenger hunt with their class. There were also opportunities to participate in a yoga class to achieve physical and mental wellness. The most popular activity of the day, however, was a KerboomKidz Dance Fitness assembly which challenged students to dance into a healthy and productive lifestyle.

Date Added: 6/1/2023

Tom Sheehan, who is currently the assistant principal of Cherokee Street Elementary School, was appointed by the Connetquot Board of Education as principal of Sycamore Avenue Elementary School, effective July 1.

Prior to working in Connetquot Central School District, Mr. Sheehan served as an elementary school teacher at Floral Park Bellerose Elementary School in the Floral Park School District from 2014 to 2021 and was the school’s before- and after-school coordinator and grade chair leader. His leadership role also extended to working as a building administrator leave replacement substitute, leading the building when administrators were absent.

Mr. Sheehan earned a Bachelor of Arts in education from SUNY Cortland and a Master of Arts in special education from Touro College, as well as certification in educational leadership and administration from The College of Saint Rose’s Center for Integrated Teacher Education.

Mr. Sheehan said he is thrilled to join the Sycamore Avenue Elementary family.

“I am excited to be part of this remarkable school and work collaboratively with everyone involved, to nurture a love for learning, foster growth, and create an extraordinary educational experience for each and every student,” Mr. Sheehan said. “Together, we will embark on a journey of learning, growth, and discovery, filled with moments that will be etched in the students hearts and minds for a lifetime.”

Date Added: 5/31/2023

Idle Hour Elementary School third graders Jordan Lewis and Demi Breen took time out of their weekend on May 13 to participate in the 2023 Spring great Oakdale Cleanup. They met with community members at the Oakdale train station and were dispersed throughout the community where they picked up garbage to beautify their surroundings. Also in attendance was school social Worker Lara McNally. The event was organized by the Oakdale Civic Association, Oakdale Improvement Society and the Knights of Columbus Sunrise Council 6607 in partnership with Keep Islip Clean.

On May 6, members of the student government club, their parents and Mrs. Rubin, Ms. Gehrke and Mrs. McNally also participated in New York State's " I Love My Park Day." Participants met at the Bayard CuttingArboretum and were assigned to weed and mulch around a 120 year old beach tree. The students did a wonderful community service to beautify our Oakdale community.

Date Added: 5/30/2023