One of the new initiatives this school year at Islip High School was the implementation of its first AP Summer Institute. Students entering ninth through 12th grades were invited to participate in a five-day, 10-hour course designed to provide them with the skills needed to be successful in their Advanced Placement classes. Eighty-five students participated in all or part of the course offered last August at Islip High School, where they were introduced to course material as well as strategies to support their learning.

In October, at roughly the midpoint of the quarter, students were invited again to meet as a group with administrators to reflect on their experience in AP courses to date. Additionally, students were asked to provide feedback about which aspects of the institute were helpful and what could be offered to support future cohorts of students.

“Taking the AP summer prep class made me feel more comfortable and at ease with taking multiple AP classes,” senior Jailany Pacheco said.
 “The Institute prepared me with study skills that have been useful to me,” sophomore Jacob Secor said.

The students will be invited to meet with administrators again at midyear and the end of the school year to discuss ways to enhance and support student learning in AP courses.

“When I first suggested last spring that we consider offering this type of program to students taking AP courses, I never dreamed that it would be so well received and so well attended,” Principal Dr. Lara Gonzalez said. “I am grateful to our curriculum administrators in English (Barbara Wagner), mathematics (John Ferrito), science and technology (Dan Oggeri) and social studies (Dr. Robert Drysielski) for their willingness to implement a brand-new summer program at Islip High School. The curriculum administrators planned lessons to support students and provided instruction.”

“The AP Summer Institute proved to be a game-changer for our students, giving them the tools, resources and confidence they needed to excel in advanced coursework,” Dr. Drysielski said. “By offering targeted support before the school year began, students entered their AP classes with a stronger foundation and a deeper understanding of the material.”

Date Added: 12/9/2024

During a recent field trip to 1760 Homestead Farm in Riverhead, Islip High School family and consumer science students in Alexandra Catalano’s Baking 1 class had the opportunity to learn from Larry Kaiser, the farm’s owner and a former contestant on Netflix’s “Blue Ribbon Baking Championship.” Kaiser is especially known for his unique potato candy, which he demonstrated for the group. Students watched as he prepared a delicious focaccia, showcasing his expertise in baking.

During the visit, students sampled a variety of dishes, including lamb stew, pumpkin bread, and butternut squash mac and cheese, all made with locally sourced ingredients. They also took a tour of the farm, learning about the process of growing and harvesting food, and gaining a deeper understanding of where their ingredients come from.

“This experience emphasized the value of thinking creatively and outside-the-box to achieve success, a lesson Larry shared through his innovative approach to both baking and business,” Catalano said. “Overall, the field trip offered valuable insights into the world of baking and sustainable food practices, leaving students inspired by Larry’s passion and approach to his craft.”

Date Added: 12/9/2024

A dozen dedicated Islip High School seniors recently signed national letters of intent confirming their commitment to participate in collegiate athletics next fall. School administrators and proud family members joined the student-athletes for a Nov. 13 recognition ceremony in the school’s cafeteria, congratulating them on their decisions.

The students signing to continue their athletic careers in college include Sara Geldmacher (lacrosse, Long Island University), Anthony Giel (baseball, SUNY Old Westbury), Erik Heimlich (lacrosse, Bryant University), Olivia Johnson (golf, SUNY Geneseo), Nicole Matute (soccer, University of Rochester), Peighton McKenna (soccer, Mercy University), Alex Rahner (baseball, American International College), Dylan Ruland (baseball, Mercy University), Dylan Smith (lacrosse, Stony Brook University), Michael Vitale (lacrosse, Mercy University), Jack Whitehouse (lacrosse, Long Island University) and Callahan Zusi (lacrosse, Springfield College).

“The passion, the dedication, the time management and the natural leadership that comes with being an athlete at the level that you are now and will continue to be, it’s something that’s very special, very unique,” Principal Dr. Lara Gonzalez said. “I applaud you and can only imagine the doors that will continue to open for you, and I know that you will open doors for kids who are coming through this high school who are just a little bit younger.”

“My message is always the same,” Assistant Principal Charlie Rizzuto said. “Don’t underestimate the power of the little things while you’re an athlete on a college campus and playing for a team.”

“To continue on in your sport after high school really is a testament in itself, and I couldn’t be more proud of each and every one of you,” Athletic Director John Sparacio told the seniors. “Like I said at the beginning of the year, make every single step count. You guys obviously are doing that because that’s why you’re going to the next level, and that’s a great thing to do.”

Date Added: 11/25/2024

Six outstanding artists from Islip High School – seniors Alexa Diaz, Alexandra Mendez Duran and Kathiangelys Rios-Cruz and sophomores Abigail Butler-Lentini, Gianna DeMonte and Matthew Levy – were recently accepted for the 2024 New York State Boards Association Student Art Exhibit, sponsored annually by the New York State Art Teachers Association. The public can view the NYSSBA virtual art exhibit through Dec. 31 here.

“Bravo to our amazing students, and to fabulous high school art teachers Jenna Buzzeo and Lisa Sacco for their mentorship,” Director of Fine and Performing Arts Michael Hershkowitz said.

Date Added: 11/22/2024

Six outstanding Islip High School musicians were selected for All-County honors by the New York State Council of Administrators of Music Education. Seniors Isabella Dragos, Alexandra Noles and Aaron Thorn, and juniors Addison DeFalco and Juliana Sclafani were chosen for the All-County Chorus, while senior Sofia Zurbaran was chosen for the All-County Orchestra. These students were nominated by their teachers and selected based on both a recommendation as well as scores at the most recent NYSSMA festival. Rehearsals begin in November, culminating in the NYSCAME Suffolk All-County Music Festival concert, held Nov. 15 at Hauppauge High School.

“I am so proud of the hard work these students have done in and out of their music classrooms, and proud of the teachers who have encouraged them through their musical journeys since kindergarten,” Director of Fine and Performing Arts Michael Hershkowitz said.

Date Added: 11/18/2024