Mr. Giagios’ Introduction to Technology class at Ronkonkoma Middle School wrapped up the year with an awesome project, building Adirondack chairs from repurposed pallets! Students broke down the pallets themselves while Mr. Giagios prepped the wood to size. Using plans and patterns, each student crafted their own unique chair. Great job to Avery Baker, Ryan Candela, Ashley Ramos, Valentina Fabbri, Ishaq Hoque, Malaya McKines, Sophia Orlando, Hanrui Ouyang, Sylvia Raimondi and Keylla Corella!

Click here to view the Ronkonkoma Middle School’s Intro to Technology students craft one-of-a-kind chairs slideshow.

 

Date Added: 6/18/2025

Members of Girl Scout troop 1202 recently completed a school beautification project at Ronkonkoma Middle School, painting themed murals for the school’s restrooms and building a bench to complete the sitting area near the school garden. Thank you to students Lily Schropfer, Emily DeVita, Marisa Carey, Reagan Green, Krysta Abbatiello, Antonia Brucculeri and Anna LaGrandier!

Date Added: 6/17/2025

Ronkonkoma Middle School sixth graders released their sixth grade “writing books” at a writing celebration with their families, teachers and administrators.

The books contained over a dozen published writing pieces, including paragraphs, poetry and a small moment narrative. The students were proud to share their finished products and what they learned about the writing process.

Date Added: 6/13/2025

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Connetquot Central School District proudly hosted a series of Wellness Days throughout May, bringing students, staff and community partners together to celebrate and support emotional well-being.

Each school in the district participated in activities aimed at promoting mental, emotional and physical health. These events featured dynamic presentations and assemblies from a variety of organizations, including Cohen Children’s Medical Center, Dragon Gate Martial Arts Academy, Youth Enrichment Services, Fit for Life, KidStrong, the Bionic Project, Kerboom Kidz and Northwell Health.

The district’s elementary schools enjoyed interactive sessions such as yoga, mindful reading and crafts, music and art activities, guided painting, self-love meditation and Zumba. Creative activities like affirmation stations and scavenger hunts helped students connect to wellness in fun, accessible ways.

At Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School, students explored a Wellness Fair, featuring healthy food samples, mindfulness education and wellness-themed activities, including “peaceful puzzles”, a Zen garden, “calm coloring”, “mindful music” and “fun with fidgets”. Ronkonkoma Middle School hosted a variety of self-care activities, including self-care bingo, an affirmation station, a spirited volleyball tournament in support of the Dezy Strong Foundation and a themed spirit week.

At Connetquot High School, students were encouraged to explore holistic wellness through yoga and meditation sessions, nutrition and food samplings and health and wellness vendors. The event emphasized the importance of mind-body balance and introduced students to local resources for maintaining their overall well-being.

While Connetquot’s commitment to student wellness continues year-round, May’s Wellness Days served as a great reminder of the importance of self-care.

Click here to view the Connetquot champions self-care through Wellness Days slideshow.

 

Date Added: 6/9/2025

During the May 27 Connetquot Board of Education meeting, the trustees and administration recognized exemplary students and faculty for leadership and academic honors.

Helen B. Duffield Elementary School lunch aide Diane Rambold was recognized for her quick decision-making. She performed abdominal thrusts on a second grade student, dislodging a piece of a bagel and potentially saving her life.

Adrianna Clarelli and CJ Connolly from Ronkonkoma Middle School and Maeve Boland from Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School were also honored with the National Junior Honor Society’s Outstanding Achievement Award. This prestigious recognition celebrates the students’ exceptional dedication to scholarship, service, leadership, character and citizenship. Adrianna, CJ and Maeve are three of the 500 students nationwide to receive this honor, along with a college scholarship to support their educational goals.

Nicolas Dilorio, a sixth grade student at Ronkonkoma Middle School, was recognized for being a 2025 Scholastic Storyworks National Contest winner. In his award-winning entry, Nicolas chose the animal superpower of night vision and explained how he would use it. His writing was chosen over entries from across the nation.

Connetquot supports student growth through emotional awareness and social learning, helping students build self-awareness, manage emotions and strengthen relationships. Each month, the district highlights an EASL theme such as collaboration and teamwork, responsibility, gratitude, citizenship and acceptance. Schools nominate standout students to be recognized as Connetquot’s Caring Leaders for their leadership in those areas. The following students were recognized as Caring Leaders: 

Roman Bradley (grade 8) – Ronkonkoma Middle School – responsibility

Aubrey Dean (grade 5) – Cherokee Street Elementary – grit

Emelia D’Antonio (grade 7) – Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School – collaboration and teamwork

Makayla Dowd (kindergarten) – Helen B. Duffield  Elementary – responsibility

Dylan Getty (grade 5) – Idle Hour Elementary – responsibility

Casey Mammolito (grade 4) – Edith L. Slocum Elementary – collaboration and teamwork

Vince Neckin (grade 5) – Idle Hour Elementary – acceptance

Peter Nicpon (grade 8) – Ronkonkoma Middle School – grit

Evangelos Paravalos (grade 4) – John Pearl Elementary – collaboration and teamwork

Francis Pipino (kindergarten)  – Edward J. Bosti Elementary – citizenship

Parissa Rana (grade 10) – Connetquot High School – responsibility

Gabrielle Takacs (grade 4) – Sycamore Avenue Elementary – citizenship

Alesa Wilson (grade 8) – Ronkonkoma Middle School – gratitude