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

Islip High School’s new ninth graders attended the school’s annual freshman orientation on Aug. 27, where they were greeted and guided by building administrators, counselors and teachers as well as upperclassmen in the Buccaneer University peer mentoring program. The incoming freshmen learned about numerous topics including student government, homecoming, spirit days, athletics and technology areas such as ParentSquare and the care of their new Chromebooks.

“At Islip High School, we believe in a student-centered approach to education, and this belief extends to how we welcome our newest students at the beginning of each school year,” Principal Dr. Lara Gonzalez said. “Under the leadership of Assistant Principals Meghan Stern and Lisa Ward and school counselor Nicole Hall, dozens of upperclassmen were trained as peer leaders through our Buccaneer University program. Today, these students helped to facilitate small break-out groups with entering freshmen to orient them and to encourage the Class of 2028 to take full advantage of the academic and co-curricular offerings at our high school. Our incoming freshmen are officially ready for the first day of school!”

“We are here to help the transition from middle school to high school,” Hall told the rising freshmen. “We are here to make it easy, we are here to make it fun and we are here to support you. We cannot stress enough how important it is for you to get involved and find out what your passion is. We have so many opportunities, and we hope you take advantage of as many of them as you can.”

Date Added: 8/30/2024