SCHOOL NEWS

Beach Street named School of Distinction

Beach Street Middle School in the West Islip Union Free School District has been selected as an Association for Middle-Level Education School of Distinction. Beach Street is the only school in New York State to receive this honor and one of just 17 middle schools recognized across the U.S. This prestigious honor recognizes and celebrates schools that are actively implementing the essential attributes and characteristics of successful middle grade schools. Schools of Distinction are honored for providing students with the resources to support their continuous improvement journeys.

Surprise! Former student makes impromptu visit to Central Islip High School

Ash Harnandan graduated from Central Islip High School in 2021 and joined the United States Navy. Three years later, she made a surprise appearance.

Only home for a few days, Harnandan visited the high school to say hello to her old teachers and administrators.

“All my teachers were so kind to me when I was here,” Harnandan said. “I was a lot different from my peers growing up, but that didn’t stop teachers being so friendly and nice to me. They were my best friends.”

One of those teachers is Nicole Keilitz, who taught Ash science. When she saw her walk into her classroom, she was instantly moved to tears. “I’ve been crying the last hour walking around with Ash,” Keilitz said while smiling and having her arm around Ash. “This girl is such a wonderful person. Her coming back speaks volumes to her character.”

Ash didn’t come home empty handed. In her spare time, she put together plastic eggs filled with gifts from her stops overseas. The gifts included flowers, leis and seashells from Hawaii and Guam, where she is currently stationed.

Harnandan serves Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 in aviation ordnance, where she works on mounting aircrafts and cleaning weapons for all soldiers.

Even though it’s a short visit, Harnandan was grinning ear-to-ear when walking through the halls of her former school.

“It’s so cool being back here now,” she said. “I want to spread joy and positivity and I hope I did that today.”

She has a 36-hour flight back to Guam, where she is stationed for another two years.

East Islip ELL students get a ‘Jumpstart’ with summer program

To better prepare English language learners academically and socially for the start of the new school year, the East Islip School District recently hosted the Jumpstart Multilingual Summer Program at East Islip Middle School.

The two-week program ran Monday through Thursday and was implemented by Director of World Languages, ENL and Assessments Christian Seifert with the support of the district.

Designed by two dedicated teachers, Melissa Henderson and Barbara Huether, the program used their knowledge and experience in teaching various subjects to treat students to lessons in reading, writing, speaking, project creation, physical education and even community service.

“This was a wonderful opportunity for our ELL students to get ready for the upcoming school year, keep their English skills sharp and get the chance to socialize and learn across the different grade levels,” Seifert said. “A big thank you to all the students, teachers, administrators and the district for making the experience a success.”

An exciting first day of school in Islip

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.”

West Islip’s warm welcome on opening day

The West Islip Union Free School District was abuzz with activity as students and staff members were welcomed back for the first day of the 2024-2025 school year on Sept. 4.

As they entered their respective school buildings, students were greeted with a smile by members of central administration and the Board of Education.

With their schedules and locker combinations in hand, students in West Islip High School, Beach Street Middle School and Udall Road Middle School were ready to kick off the new school year.

The district’s youngest learners headed to their elementary classrooms to unload their school supplies and meet their newest classmates. Students spent the day settling into their new routines and are looking forward to the year ahead.