As the high school’s band serenaded freshmen on Aug. 29, the incoming ninth graders entered their new school for orientation, greeted by the school’s Bucky the Buccaneer mascot, older student mentors, and Principal Jon LaRochester and his staff.

“Orientation is always unique in that you want to convey all the wonderful opportunities and experiences that students are going to have coming into a building like Islip High School, from academics to athletics, arts, the people and the human resources,” LaRochester said. “This is an overwhelming day for the kids. They’re the graduating class of 2023 and in a blink of an eye, this is going to be the senior class graduation meeting. We want kids to enjoy their experience here, and utilize every tool and opportunity to grow.”