Recognition of service – both past and future – was one of the key themes at the Islip School District’s June 18 Board of Education meeting.

First, students entering the military after graduation were recognized, among them Kathryn Quinn, who was accepted as a cadet at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Suffolk County West Point Admissions Coordinator David Goldstein was on hand to personally present Quinn with her certificate of appointment. Other Class of 2025 seniors who will be proudly wearing our nation’s uniform include Tatyana Carter (U.S. Navy), Michael Guerrero (U.S. Army), Caleb Rader (U.S. Marine Corps) and Caden Tierney (U.S. Navy).

Seniors recognized for making the choice to pursue vocational training and provide much needed services to our society included Katelyn Cavanagh, Carmine Conti, Richel Galban Rodriguez, Vincent Martell, Jake Minsky, Evelyn Napoleone, Jashua Pena, Jasiah Pena, Lauryn Pena and Luke Truhn.

Next, athletic achievements of Islip High School’s spring varsity sports teams – girls golf, baseball, softball, boys lacrosse, girls lacrosse, boys spring track and girls spring track – were recognized.

Finally, the district honored those who are retiring after decades of faithful service, including Assistant Superintendent for Business Michael Zeterberg, Islip Middle School Principal Tim Martin and Board of Education trustee Danielle Flora. Other recognized retiring teachers and staff members were Donna Hennigan from Maud S. Sherwood Elementary School; Jeaneen Dehler, Theresa Hanna, Edwin Palm and Karen Maisano from Islip High School; Janet Algeri and John Wenzel from Islip Middle School; and Rose Ann Apostolico from central administration.  
  
“We are here to celebrate the remarkable careers of our colleagues,” Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, Administrative Services and Operations Donna Brower said. “These individuals have dedicated many years of service to the Islip community and have significantly impacted our schools, our students, our staff and all of you sitting here. They leave an incredible mark on our school district as they enter into their retirement in the next few days. On behalf of the Islip School District, please accept our heartfelt gratitude. We wish you much happiness in your retirement and this next chapter of your lives. It is certainly well deserved.”

Date Added: 6/25/2025

Commack Road Elementary School’s LEGO Robotics Club teams used their STEAM skills to create amazing projects this year, with the theme of ocean exploration. They showcased their hard work and accomplishments on June 11, viewing other teams’ creations and celebrating a year of creativity.

LEGO Robotics Club is a fun and engaging program where students explore the basics of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) by building and coding with LEGO Education robotics kits. In this club, students work in teams to solve real-world problems, design creative projects, and bring their ideas to life through hands-on learning. Along the way, they build important skills such as problem-solving, collaboration and confidence, all while preparing for exciting competitions that challenge their innovation and teamwork.

Date Added: 6/25/2025

Flag Day was celebrated at Commack Road Elementary School and Maud S. Sherwood Elementary School on June 13 in red, white and blue-themed ceremonies featuring the raising of the school’s flags, recognition of local veterans and joyful performances of music celebrating the flag and America itself. At Sherwood, student winners of the Flag Day principal’s challenge to create their own artistic version of the American flag were recognized, while at Commack Road, second-, third-, fourth- and fifth-grade contest winners were honored alongside academic and music award winners. Both ceremonies displayed the pride and civic bonds shared by the Islip community, its students and its veterans.

“It is a true pleasure to see so many of our families and honored guests here with us today as we gather to reflect on the meaning of the American flag and what it represents for our nation and our community,” Commack Road Principal Jackie Beckmann said. “Flag Day is a special time for us to come together, not only to celebrate the symbol of our country, but also to recognize the values it stands for: freedom, unity and hope. Each year, this special event honors and recognizes all those that serve our country and community. Your presence today reinforces the importance of community and the values we strive to instill in our students. And finally, to our students, you are the heart of this celebration. Your voices, your ideas and your patriotism inspire us all. We are so proud of the way you represent Commack Road and the future of our country.”

“The flag has waved above us through moments of triumph, like when we gained our independence and took meaningful steps towards justice and equality,” Sherwood Principal Briana James said. “It has stood tall during our hardest times, through wars, struggles and moments when we have been called to come together, even when it wasn’t easy. Through it all, the American flag has remained a steady presence, a quiet but powerful reminder of the values that bind us: freedom, courage, unity and perseverance. It represents the belief that even in difficult times, we can hold on to hope, stand up for what is right and move forward together. The flag reminds us that we are part of something bigger than ourselves, no matter where we come from or what challenges we face. We are united by a shared promise to keep working toward a better future for all.”

Date Added: 6/24/2025
 

Students in Jennifer Beck and Jenna Laura’s second-grade class at Islip’s Commack Road Elementary School successfully hatched eight baby chicks as part of a unit on the life cycle of a chicken. After incubating the eggs for 21 days, the students were able to watch them hatch during school. Following a week of observation in the classroom, the chicks went to their forever homes with two of the students.  

“It was such a positive and memorable experience to share with our class,” Beck said. “This hands-on learning experience fostered a sense of empathy and responsibility within our classroom.”

Date Added: 6/17/2025

Families of the Islip School District attended the annual Festival of the Arts at Islip High School on May 20, an event that celebrates the district’s outstanding art and music programs. A walkable art exhibition showcased hundreds of student artwork from grades K-12 displayed in the school’s auditorium, hallways and cafeteria, including paintings, drawings, sculptures and mixed media pieces. Musical performances in the cafeteria featured the Islip Middle School Chamber Orchestra and Show Choir, as well as the high school and middle school jazz bands. Visiting families were entertained with an art scavenger hunt, and a special instrument petting zoo gave younger students from prekindergarten to third grade the chance to try out string, brass and woodwind instruments for their upcoming instrument choice in fourth grade. 
 
“The Festival of the Arts is my favorite event of the year,” Director of Fine and Performing Arts Michael Hershkowitz said. “Our community has the chance to experience what the students of Islip experience everyday – absolutely top-notch art and music education. The creativity on display speaks for itself, and I am grateful for the hard work of our Fine and Performing Arts team.”

Date Added: 5/29/2025