Wing Elementary School welcomed local community members to Community Reader Day on the morning of March 5. The annual event, part of the Pick a Reading Partner program, invites guests to read favorite books to Wing students in support of the school’s initiative to instill a love of reading.

Guest readers visiting the Wing classrooms this year included Islip Board of Education Vice President Paul Austin and trustees Eric Buehler, Matthew Clareen, Tom Leggio and Laura Rogacki; Superintendent Dr. Dennis P. O’Hara; Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Michael Giacchetto; Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, Administrative Services and Operations Donna Brower; Fine and Performing Arts Director Michael Hershkowitz; Technology, Innovation and Information Systems Director Dr. Chad Walerstein; World Language/ENL Coordinator Rabia Hirji; Science and Technology Coordinator Dan Oggeri; English Language Arts, Family and Consumer Sciences, and Cosmetology Coordinator Barbara Wagner; Islip High School Principal Dr. Lara Gonzalez, Islip Middle School Dean of Students Jamie Wright; Commack Road Elementary School Principal Jacqueline Beckmann; Maud S. Sherwood Elementary School Principal Briana James; Islip Town Councilman James P. O’Connor; Islip Town Clerk Linda Vavricka; Islip Town Receiver of Taxes Andy Wittman; and several of the district’s counselors, social workers and teachers.  

“Community Reader Day is one of our favorite events at Wing,” Principal Catherine Glaser said. “We are deeply grateful to the members of our Board of Education, central office administration, district and building administrators, and local elected officials who took time out of their morning to read to our UPK, kindergarten and first-grade students.”

Date Added: 3/11/2025

The Islip School District held its annual Multicultural Night on March 4, celebrating the school community’s 20 different languages and numerous vibrant cultures through performances and displays.

The evening began with an exciting performance showcase in the Islip High School auditorium by multicultural clubs and the student population. The audience of over 200 attendees then moved to the school cafeteria to explore cuisine and displays, led by high school students. Family and consumer science classes cooked and served food, the functional academics students who operate the Bucs Brew beverage cart sold coffee, and cosmetology students offered face painting and henna. Three local eateries – Bubba’s Burrito Bar, Pizza Corner and The Pizzeria of Islip – also donated food for the event.

“Our students have been learning about different holidays and cultures through our multicultural clubs,” said Rabia Hirji, Islip’s administrator for ENL and world languages. “They were excited to show the displays they had created and eager to share what they’ve learned with the community. We are proud to highlight the diversity in our district.”

Date Added: 3/11/2025