A terrific transformation has taken place at the middle school with
the addition of new gardens to beautify the main entrance. The project,
two years in the making, was led by special education teacher Suzanne
Lange, who has pulled double duty as the chairperson of the middle
school’s Standards of Excellence Committee for the past few years.
“Suzanne was able to harness the energy of many entities to see this
project come to fruition,” said Dr. Timothy Martin, the principal. “This
was no easy task when you take budgeting, clubs, volunteers and
timelines into account.”’
Taking advantage of favorable weather, a creative coalition –
including SOE Committee members; KIC Club, student government, art, and
technology students; and the buildings and grounds crew – worked over
the course of the two months to plant the two new garden beds to enhance
the school’s curb appeal. Retired math teacher Barbara Knoth and her
horticulturist husband Bob volunteered to spearhead the garden display.
An assortment of purple asters and gold mums, as well as native Long
Island grasses and shrubs, now adorn the building facade. The native
plants will be incorporated into an outdoor learning environment and
living classroom.
According to Dr. Martin, the garden project is not finished, but is a
work in progress seeking to grow and expand as the creativity
continues. Expressing his excitement with the makeover, he said, “There
are all kinds of first impressions, and when people approach the doors
of Islip Middle School, they should get the impression that we care.”