With purple-clad well-wishers lining Main Street, and the Bucky the Buccaneer mascot leading the way, the Islip school community began its homecoming celebration on Sept. 16 with a proud parade, highlighted by floats created by each class at the high school.

First came the freshmen with a take on the Magic School Bus, followed by the sophomores’ Willy Wonka-themed float and the juniors’ winning Alice in Wonderland creation. The seniors and their Clifford the Big Red Dog float claimed the prize for most spirit. A festive carnival followed the parade.

“Islip’s students truly showed spirit for their school and commitment to their community, evident in the creative floats, a well-attended parade and a carnival that welcomed children of all ages,” said teacher Ann Gordon.

In their Suffolk III football contest later in the afternoon, Islip’s valiant varsity Bucs played hard but fell short against Bellport, with a final score of 37-20.

During halftime, the school’s marching band, cheerleaders and kickline put on spectacular shows. Billy Bowling was named homecoming king and Kassidy Mullins was crowned as homecoming queen, joined at center stage by their fellow homecoming court members Ryan Abravanel, Nicole Arey, Ashley Howell, Kristen Julich, Justin Kerr, Grace Klomp, John Luzzul, Kristopher McDonald, Gia Sciara and Sean Skahan.

“As always this year’s homecoming demonstrated how amazing this community is,” said Principal Michael Mosca. “It was great to see the entire town come together to support their school. Despite the score sheet, our boys played their hearts out for their community and the students came together to support one another. That’s really all you can ask for.”

Four industrious high school students – senior Joshua Monteforte and juniors Malik Ellis, Victoria Lockamy and Chrystal Weiner – participated in the district’s Summer Youth Employment Program in conjunction with the Suffolk County Department of Labor, earning valuable hands on experience.

“This county program is designed to give teens an opportunity to gain work experience by working with mentors in various types of occupations,” said Renee Clock, the school’s coordinator of work based learning programs, who assisted the students in filling out their applications, preparing for the interview process and obtaining the necessary documents to participate.

During the seven-week program in July and August, the students worked for five hours a day from Monday through Thursday throughout the district. Under the direction of Director of Facilities Brian Graham and the high school’s head custodian, Steve Seidler, they worked inside with the custodial crew and outside with the district grounds operation, assisting on a multitude of projects. They also met weekly with Graham and different local vendors to discuss possible career paths, work readiness, and employability skills. 

“This program truly helps students prepare for a career, not just for college,” said Superintendent Susan Schnebel.

From students to staff, principals to parents, the Islip school community were excited and ready for the year ahead as school began across the district on Sept. 5. Students took stock of their new classrooms, teachers, classmates and educational goals at the high school and middle school as well as Commack Road, Sherwood and Wing.

“The children arrived for their first day with refreshing, joyful smiles,” said Islip Middle School Principal Timothy Martin. “As a principal, I could not be prouder of the positive energy, and I wish everyone a happy new school year.”

“The starting of each school year brings great opportunity to reconnect with friends, have new experiences and set goals for success,” said Commack Road Principal James Cameron.

“The first day of school was great,” said Sherwood Principal Chad Walerstein. “It was good to see all of our returning students, and nice to welcome our newest students, the second-graders.”

“We're looking forward to another fantastic year,” said Michael Mosca, the principal of the high school. “We have continued to add to our an already impressive slate of courses and programs to prepare our students for their post secondary experience.”

The district has named John Sparacio as the new director of health, physical education and athletics.

Prior to joining the Islip team, Sparacio had served as athletic director for the North Babylon School District for nine years. He had previously worked in the West Islip School District from 1997 to 2008 as a physical education teacher and high school dean of students as well as coaching high school and middle school wrestling, football and softball. He has earned numerous honors during his career, including CAS Administrator of the Year, the NYSPHSAA Sportsmanship Promotion Award, the Carol M. White PEP Grant Award, League III Varsity and Junior Varsity Wrestling Coach of the Year, and the Who’s Who Among American Teachers Award.

Sparacio, a Bayport resident, earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education at Hofstra University, and his master’s degree in liberal studies/physical education and school administrator’s degree at Stony Brook University.

“My passion and desire to work hard is fueled by our students, staff and community,” said Sparacio. “They deserve the very best of me every day in order to seek out resources and opportunities that will benefit our students, programs and community as a whole. There is no better feeling for me than glorifying and recognizing others for their hard work and commitment to accomplishing their goals and going after their dreams.”

Before her graduation, recent high school alumna Ashley Goveia spent developed the Early Childhood Literacy Program with two of the district’s elementary schools, Commack Road and Wing, to help inspire children of the Islip community to read. Goveia was invited to be a speaker at the Sayville Rotary Club’s annual Literacy Celebration and the Rotary District 7255 leadership meeting, and was presented with the Rotary Literacy Leadership Award for 2015 and 2016 for this project.

Goveia’s interest in literacy began when she was 3 or 4 years old.

“I heard on TV that there were young children who were homeless and I wanted to make them feel better by giving them my favorite books,” she said. “I collected all of my books in a blanket and dragged them to the door, to give what I thought were the only six homeless children in the world something special. I repeatedly asked my mom when were we giving my books to the kids, until we figured out a way to do it.”

They started the Legacy of Literacy program 13 years ago through local Rotary Clubs, proving thousands of free books to hundreds of children. As Goveia grew older, she continued working on these events, but also wanted to do her own projects, which led to the Islip program.

“I chose to develop the Early Childhood Literacy Program because I can relate to children struggling to read, as it was my most difficult area of study, and it has been my inspiration to give to others since I was small. I wanted to inspire small children to love to read and become lost in a good story, and I especially wanted to give them something to love that they could have their entire lives.”

The process began with Goveia meeting with the elementary principals to introduce the project and to try to develop specific events tailored to their schools. The events provided fellow high school students who participated with community service credit. Goveia also chose younger Interact Club members to shadow her so that the club can keep the project going after her graduation.

“Literacy and community service is something I have dedicated myself to for nearly my entire life,” she said. “I know I will continue serving my community throughout my life and I hope in some small way, to inspire others to do the same.”