Islip’s Board of Education congratulated a dozen dedicated faculty members on their recent tenure appointments during the Board’s Sept. 25 business meeting. Recognized for this important career achievement were Islip School District Director of Technology, Innovation and Information Systems Chad Walerstein; Islip Middle School teachers Joseph Sabbatino and Alison Sweet; Commack Road Elementary School teachers Jillian Bohnaker, Christine LeMaire, Theresa Oberer, Stephanie Schumacher and Nicole Scicutella; and Wing Elementary School teachers Danielle McDonald and Maria Scammell. Wing Elementary School teacher Chelsea Panzica and Maud S. Sherwood Elementary School teacher Ashley Slane also recently received tenure but will be recognized at a future Board meeting.

“The achievement of tenure is an important milestone in every young teacher’s career,” Acting Superintendent of Schools Kathleen O’Callaghan said. “We are proud of these remarkable educators and the hard work, effort and dedication to their students they have demonstrated.”

Date Added: 10/2/2024

In recognition of the International Day of Peace and the school’s final day celebrating Start With Hello Week, the pre-K, kindergarten and first grade students at Islip’s Wing Elementary School participated in the annual Pinwheels for Peace project on Sept. 20, imagining “whirled” peace by decorating their own pinwheels and gathering for a schoolwide photo on the playground. Wing began this memorable tradition in 2005.

“With each colorful and unique pinwheel, we talked about being peaceful, kind and showing respect for others and ourselves,” school social worker Allison Rutsky said. “We practice problem solving in peaceful ways every day at Wing.”

Date Added: 9/25/2024

On a sunny Sept. 14, the school community of Islip celebrated homecoming pride all day long, beginning with a joyful parade from the Oconee East Diner to Islip High School. First up were the Fire Department, Board of Education members, and district and school administrators as well as the high school’s marching band, cheerleaders and kickline. Islip Middle School, Maud S. Sherwood Elementary School, Commack Road Elementary School and Wing Elementary School were all enthusiastically represented with marchers bearing banners, while the high school’s students offered grade-level floats including the seniors’ winning “Under the Sea-niors” octopus creation. Following the parade, students and the community walked to the high school’s soccer field for the annual carnival, which featured games, inflatable slides and a memorable dunk tank.

The varsity football team came out pumped and ready to show off their skills and Islip pride, bursting through the banner held by the cheerleaders and champing at the bit to start their Suffolk III opener against Kings Park. The Bucs got on the board quickly, thanks to Jake DeGennaro returning a punt for a 62-yard touchdown, and walked off the field with a 34-20 victory. In other highlights, Christian Hall scored on a 55-yard blocked field goal return, and rushed for 75 yards and a TD. Quarterback Brady Nash passed for 190 yards, going 12-for-16, and rushed for 60 yards and a TD. Dylan Smith racked up three sacks and four catches for 110 yards, while Robbie Rais and Caden Tierney added two sacks apiece.

At the beginning of halftime, the school announced Homecoming King Jason Cuttler and Homecoming Queen Brianna Gabbidon. Shalaya Coke, Sophia Martinez, Nicole Matute, Brady Nash, John Oggeri, Josiah Patterson, Dylan Ruland and Tatyana Wilson rounded out this year’s homecoming court.

“I look forward to homecoming every year,” student union adviser Kristen D’Attoma said. “The weather was perfect and everyone had a great time marching in the parade. The carnival was fun for everyone, but I think the crowd favorite was getting to dunk their teachers and administrators in the dunk tank.”

Date Added: 9/19/2024

Students walked into the Islip School District’s five schools – Islip High School, Islip Middle School, Commack Road Elementary School, Maud S. Sherwood Elementary School and Wing Elementary School – on a sunny Sept. 3, excited for the first day of school and ready to begin a new year of learning.  

“The first day of school is always a great reminder of why we do what we do,” Sherwood Principal Briana James said. “Seeing the excitement in everyone’s eyes was proof that together we can do great things, and that this year might just be our best yet.”

“We were thrilled to welcome students to a new school year at Islip High School,” Principal Dr. Lara Gonzalez said. “We’re off to a strong start already. With Spirit Week and homecoming only 10 days away, we have so much to look forward to during this back-to-school season.”

"We are excited to welcome students back to Commack Road for a new year and see them set their goals and work towards achieving them,” Principal Jackie Beckmann said. “Every student has the potential to succeed, and we are here to support and guide them each step of the way. Together, we will make this year one of growth, learning and accomplishment.”

“This morning's arrival at Islip Middle School was simply wonderful,” Principal Dr. Timothy Martin said. “The children’s smiles brought the sunshine in more ways than one. We are so grateful to kick off this year with such joyful children.”

“Today was another magical first day at Wing,” Wing Principal Catherine Glaser said. “There is always so much excitement and energy as we welcome back returning students and meet children who are new to our district. We are looking forward to learning and growing together throughout this school year.”

Date Added: 9/3/2024