Islip Middle School students in the EXCEL program recently participated in a two-part wilderness survival course taught by John Scott, a forest ranger from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. In the first session, the students learned about the job of a forest ranger before delving into survival skills such as how to use a compass, make a splint, improvise a stretcher and retrace their footsteps, as well as the value of resilience, team communication and maintaining morale. They had the chance to test out their new skills in the second session with mock training exercises.

“My idea for this course is teaching the students wilderness survival to help them in case they are with somebody who gets hurt while they’re camping, so they can get out to the road and get some help,” Scott said.

Date Added: 6/2/2023

Islip School District special education students Bentley Alfaro, Connor Brennan, Ashton Deras, El Evans, Mickey O’Connell, Liam Ochoa, Alex Ruiz and Donovan Zecchini proudly participated in the 2023 Special Olympics New York Track and Field competition, held on May 6 at the Farmingdale School District. Additionally, Islip student Tommy Capolongo attended practices but could not attend the final event.  

“We would like to congratulate all the participants on a job well done,” Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services Dr. Kathleen O’Callaghan said. “Thanks to coaches Dave Claps, Chris Evans and Kristy Evans for all of their time and effort.”

Date Added: 5/25/2023

Seventh graders in English teacher Claire Nyman’s classes at Islip Middle School recently enjoyed a special acting adventure with visitor Heather Von Thorgersen. A teaching artist in the fields of dance, music and drama, Von Thorgersen worked with the students to use their creativity in body positioning and gestures.

“Acting is not telling, it’s showing,” Von Thorgersen told the students as she guided them through fun theater exercises such as “I Am a Tree.”

“My students loved every second of their time with Heather,” Nyman said. “It was a great experience.”

Date Added: 5/24/2023

Islip High School and Islip Middle School students recently raised $1,000 by participating in the Islip School District’s fourth American Legion Walk-A-Thon for veterans on April 27. After classes, students bearing patriotic banners walked with teachers and administrators to the U.S. Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Main Street, where they presented a check to American Legion representatives. The money students raised will help fund honor flights for veterans’ organizations.

“Thank you to all the students who participated today,” Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter said. “There are so many more students here this year than last year, and I am hoping that next year it will grow even more. You are doing so much to lift the spirits of our veterans.”

“This is a cause that is near and dear to my heart,” said Superintendent Dr. Dennis O’Hara, who has two sons actively serving in the U.S. military. “You should be proud of yourselves for doing service and putting in effort that will help people beyond yourself. I’m proud of you for all the hard work you’ve been doing.”

Date Added: 5/23/2023