SHSE's Jolene Cao Places 2nd In National Science Illustrated Poem Contest

Smithtown High School East student places 2^nd in National Science Illustrated Poem Contest 

From left, Smithtown High School East Principal Mr. Robert Rose, East ThINK Discovery Research Coordinator Maria Zeitlin, Jolene Cao, Smithtown Science Director Dr. Stephanie O’Brien.Smithtown High School East student Jolene Cao has won 2^nd Place in the National American Chemical Society Illustrated Poem Contest

In celebration of National Chemistry Week, the American Chemical Society sponsored an Illustrated Poem Contest. In 40 words or less, contestants were challenged to write an illustrated poem centered on the theme of “The Healing Power of Chemistry.” Entries were judged on the quality of their poem, the imagery of their artwork and the creativity of their overall submission. 

Jolene crafted a submission due to her passion for the subject of chemistry. She single-handedly created a Chem Club at East, and she strives to spread the wonders of chemistry to her peers. 

According to Ms. Maria Zeitlin, the East ThINK Discovery Research coordinator, “Chemistry is the central science. From polymers to drug delivery, we owe many of our modern healthcare marvels to the wonders of chemistry.” 

For her win, Jolene will receive $150. 

Photos courtesy of Smithtown CSD

St. James Elementary Student Amanda Denton Teaches Students About Diabetes

St. James Elementary third grader educates about Diabetes

Amanda Denton spoke to fellow students about diabetes awareness at St. James Elementary.Students and staff at St. James Elementary School wore blue on Nov. 14 to mark World Diabetes Day and support third grader, Amanda Denton.

Amanda, who has Type 1 diabetes, gave a morning announcement to remind the school to wear blue and presented to every class on her grade level to teach them about diabetes and how she manages it. 

“Her family and teachers are tremendously proud of her vision and hard work to bring awareness to her school,” St. James Elementary Principal Adam Javidi expressed. 

Photo courtesy of Smithtown CSD

SHSW Senior Douglas Antaky Makes School Racing History

Douglas Antaky makes Smithtown High School racing history

Smithtown High School West senior Douglas Antaky Douglas Antaky finished as the state runner-up in the boys Class A Cross-Country State Championship on Nov. 11Smithtown High School West senior Douglas Antaky finished as the state runner-up in the boys Class A Cross-Country State Championship on Nov. 11.

Douglas, running for the Smithtown High School East/West team, finished second out of 107 runners in the 5K, with a time of 15.56.
             Douglas is just the second Smithtown High School athlete ever to place runner-up in the event (1969, 2007)

Photos courtesy of Smithtown CSD

Mills Pond Students Host Veterans Parade

Mills Pond Elementary hosts first Veterans Parade

Mills Pond Elementary School Principal Ireen Westrack proudly told local veterans that, “We wanted to do something more personal this year.”

So, she, Mills Pond staff and students hosted their first “Mills Pond Veterans Parade” on Nov. 9.

Veterans related to students and staff were invited to the school in honor of Veterans Day.

The veterans walked down a red carpet with their relatives, were served a hot breakfast, received thank-you certificates and participated in a parade in front the school.

The 5th grade choir also performed some patriotic songs and local Girl Scouts proudly led the parade.

Photos courtesy of Smithtown CSD

 

Sawmill Students Honor Veterans With "Bookmarks For Bravery"

Special Veteran Visit!

Mrs. Sabatelli’s fifth-grade class at Sawmill Intermediate School in Commack honored our veterans this week. Students created “Bookmarks for Bravery” with American Flag icons and quotes about bravery. The bookmarks are being sent to local veterans organizations to share the students’ love of literacy, as well as to student’s family members serving in the armed forces.

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Special guest visitor, Vietnam Army veteran Paul Pedersen, who is Mrs. Sabatelli’s grandfather, shared his experiences in the armed forces with the children. He also shared his favorite pastime - reading! The class was so excited to do their part to help veterans and to thank their Mr. Pederson for his service.

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Photo courtesy of Commack Schools

SHSW's Eva Supa's Essay Earns Her A $2,000 Scholarship From Smithtown Historical Society

Smithtown High School West student wins essay contest 

From left, Smithtown High School West Assistant Principal Annemarie Freund, social studies teacher Joan Havranek, Eva Supa and Director of Social Studies Charles Benvenuto.Smithtown High School West student Eva Supa is this year’s winner of the Mildred Smith Scholarship Essay, sponsored by the Smithtown Historical Society. 

Eva will be awarded a $2,000 scholarship for her essay addressing the theme: “The Immigrant Experience in Smithtown.” 

Eva did extensive research in the L.I. Room at the Smithtown Library, and wrote about the history of Irish immigrants in Kings Park. 

Photos courtesy of Smithtown CSD

Oceans Students + Engineering + Dedication Make For Brighter Shores

Full steam ahead! Oceans students use engineering and dedication for brighter shores 

        Smithtown High School West students recently explored and researched ways to protect local waters at Sunken Meadow State Park.    Students in Ms. Carone and Ms. Williams “Oceans” classes at Smithtown High School West recently headed to Sunken Meadow State Park to model how researchers explore, monitor and protect the water. In the morning, they worked with staff at Western Suffolk BOCES to design and engineer underwater robots called Remotely Operated Vehicles that had to perform various tasks when deployed in the water at the park. 

 In the afternoon, students participated in a beach cleanup and completed a training they’ve been working toward with the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society. The goal of the training was to help students learn how to monitor the beaches for marine debris. Additionally, students searched for federally protected sea turtles, who, while migrating may get caught by a sudden cold shift in the weather, resulting in a state similar to hypothermia.                   

Students used models of turtles to role play proper procedures they would use to help facilitate the AMSEAS rescue and rehab process. 

Photos courtesy of Smithtown CSD

Six Commack HS Students Semifinalists In National Merit Scholarship Program

Commack High School Announcement!

Seated: From L to R: Jack Damato, Sofia Ahmed, Eunice Jeon, Alyssa Pascale Standing: Timothy Russo, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment; James Yu; Dr. Jordan Cox, Superintendent; Jonathan Zhang; Nicole Kregler, Director of Counseling, and Carrie Lipenholtz, Principal.Photo is Courtesy of the Commack School District.Commack School District is proud to announce that six students were selected as Semifinalists in the 69th annual 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program: Sofia Ahmed, Jack Damato, Eunice Jeon, Alyssa Pascale, James Yu and Jonathan Zhang. The National Merit Scholarship Competition (NMSC) honors students with exceptional academic capability and poses the potential for success in rigorous studies.

These talented students now have the opportunity to continue on in the competition. National Merit Scholarship winners for 2024 will be announced beginning in April and concluding in July. Good luck to our students as they continue the application process to become a finalist. Finalists compete for a $2500 scholarship or one of the college and university or corporate-sponsored scholarships.

NMSC, a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance, was established in 1955 specifically to conduct the annual National Merit Scholarship Program and to honor individual students who show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

Photo: Permission granted for use on all digital and print platforms.

Photo is Courtesy of the Commack School District.

Seated: From L to R: Jack Damato, Sofia Ahmed, Eunice Jeon, Alyssa Pascale

Standing: Timothy Russo, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment; James Yu; Dr. Jordan Cox, Superintendent; Jonathan Zhang; Nicole Kregler, Director of Counseling, and Carrie Lipenholtz, Principal.

KP Student Emma Murphy Presents Research At NYS Ornithological Conference

Kings Park High Student Presents Research at NYS Ornithological Association Conference

Kings Park High Student Presents Research at NYS Ornithological Association ConferenceBelted Kingfishers are common along streams and shorelines across North America, and a healthy population exists in Kings Park along the Nissequogue River.  Chances are you’ll probably hear a loud, rattling call before you see the kingfisher. This bird has a distinctive large head and hefty bill.  It nests in burrows along earthen banks and feeds almost entirely on aquatic prey, diving to catch fish and crayfish with its heavy, straight bill. 

From left to right: Mr. Ken Ferrazzi (WTRMS Principal), Emma Murphy, and Dr. Timothy Eagen (Superintendent).

While in 7^th grade, Emma Murphy conducted a study on the Belted Kingfisher for her Science Fair project.  Emma shared her study with her club, New York State Young Birders Club. One of the club’s adult leaders suggested that she share her study with the New York State Ornithological Association.  In September, Emma present her study on the Belted Kingfisher at the New York State Ornithological Association’s annual Birders Conference in Tarrytown. She was by far the youngest presenter at the conference, which included two Ph.D’s.  Dr. Eagen shared, “The District in incredibly proud of Emma and the research that she has conducted, and it is outstanding that she was asked to present her findings at this state conference.”

Accompset Elementary Student Help 'Change' Kids' Lives

Accompsett Elementary students help ‘change’ kids’ lives

Students at Accompsett Elementary School donated coins to help raise money to fight pediatric cancer.Accompsett Elementary School students raised $1,482 in coins to the nonprofit Solving Kids’ Cancer on Sept. 22.

Throughout Smithtown Central School District, students and faculty members wore gold shoelaces as part of the organization’s Lace Up for Kids campaign.

This is the third year Accompsett Elementary School Principal Tim Hellmuth has invited students to participate in “changing kids’ lives” by generously donating coins.

Photos courtesy of Smithtown CSD