The Islip School District held its annual Multicultural Night on March 4, celebrating the school community’s 20 different languages and numerous vibrant cultures through performances and displays.

The evening began with an exciting performance showcase in the Islip High School auditorium by multicultural clubs and the student population. The audience of over 200 attendees then moved to the school cafeteria to explore cuisine and displays, led by high school students. Family and consumer science classes cooked and served food, the functional academics students who operate the Bucs Brew beverage cart sold coffee, and cosmetology students offered face painting and henna. Three local eateries – Bubba’s Burrito Bar, Pizza Corner and The Pizzeria of Islip – also donated food for the event.

“Our students have been learning about different holidays and cultures through our multicultural clubs,” said Rabia Hirji, Islip’s administrator for ENL and world languages. “They were excited to show the displays they had created and eager to share what they’ve learned with the community. We are proud to highlight the diversity in our district.”

Date Added: 3/11/2025

Islip High School senior Isabella Field successfully participated in the 2025 New York State Public High School Athletic Association Gymnastics State Championships, held on March 1 at Clarence High School outside of Buffalo. Competing against 115 other student athletes from across the state, Field placed seventh overall in the All-Around, seventh in the Vault, eighth on Beam, 10th on Floor and 11th on Bars.  

“A big congratulations to Izzy for her performance,” Islip Athletic Director John Sparacio said.

Date Added: 3/4/2025

Islip High School experienced an incredible week leading up to the 15th anniversary of P.S. I Love You Day on Feb. 14, as students and staff wore purple to celebrate a day of fostering love, kindness and acceptance.

This year’s theme was “A Brighter Tomorrow Begins Today,” and the week began with students entering the building on Monday morning to find every locker adorned with inspirational, positive magnetic messages and posters displayed throughout the building. they also found the senior lounge artfully decorated with messages of love and encouragement. Each day, various organizations visited the school and set up tables for students to participate in activities to promote positive mental health, coping skills and the many resources available to students to turn to in times of need. Students also wrote positive messages for survivors of domestic violence and those struggling with mental illness. In addition to learning about positive self-care and mental well-being, the students listened to presentations from the National Alliance for Mental Health Institute, where guest speaker Miss Long Island shared her experiences with mental health issues and the stigma that surrounds it. 

To raise funds for suicide prevention programs for American veterans, many high school clubs organized activities such as shirt, bracelet, coffee and dessert sales, and the school’s cosmetology students offered purple hair extensions. Meanwhile, the Business Leadership and Commerce Club designed shirts with the saying. “Don’t let the hard days win, tomorrow needs your light.” and sold them throughout the Islip learning community. 

The week concluded with a visit from P.S. I Love You Day cofounder Brooke DiPalma and Suffolk County Legislator Steve Flotteron.

“It truly was a collaborative effort of teachers, students, community members, high school clubs, the PTSA and our community partner organizations,” teacher and event organizer Renee Clock said. “Keep spreading positive messages of friendship, kindness, love, acceptance and the message that ‘you are never alone,’ and together, we can continue to make our community a great place for everyone.”

Date Added: 2/27/2025

Islip High School’s athletic department held a recognition ceremony in the school’s cafeteria on Feb. 12, honoring four outstanding seniors who recently signed national letters of intent confirming their commitment to participate in collegiate athletics next fall. Their proud families and school administrators were on hand to congratulate the students on this happy achievement.

The students signing to continue their athletic careers in college were Jamie Atlas (soccer, Springfield University), Christian Hall (football, Western Connecticut State University), Brooke Martin (indoor track, Molloy College) and Brady Nash (football, University of New Haven).

“This is an amazing accomplishment and another milestone in your athletic careers,” Athletic Director John Sparacio told the senior athletes, before offering advice for college. “No matter what adversity comes your way, always try to keep a positive attitude on what it is you're doing. Your schoolwork is still first and foremost the most important thing. Obviously being part of that athletic program in your college is right up there as well, and making and developing friendships, too. That’s the trifecta. Enjoy it, continue to work hard like you did here, and remember we are always here for you. Just because you walk out these doors doesn’t mean you’re not an Islip Buccaneer. You are forever a Buccaneer.”

Date Added: 2/14/2025
 

Finding a unique way to give back to their community, several Islip High School students in Jesse Eilbeck’s Design and Drawing for Production, Home Improvement and Wood/Materials classes recently volunteered to combine their skills to craft 50 toy cars. The students cut, sanded, painted and assembled these cars to donate to the Town of Islip Youth Bureau, who added them to baskets for families in need.

Date Added: 2/12/2025