Islip Social Studies and Business Coordinator Dr. Rob Drysielski and Science and Technology Coordinator Dan Oggeri coordinated with EF Educational Tours to organize a transformational trip to Costa Rica over the February break, in which 37 Islip High School students experienced the history, beauty and biodiversity of this beautiful country. Students displayed incredible growth and development as they immersed themselves in new experiences. From kayaking on a peaceful lake, to navigating the thrilling rapids while white water rafting, to soaring through the lush canopies on exhilarating ziplines, students and chaperones gained a unique perspective of the country’s breathtaking natural beauty.

In addition to thrilling adventures, students delved into the heart of Costa Rican culture through immersive experiences, learning the intricate processes of making coffee and chocolate from local plantations. Furthermore, observing local wildlife such as colorful macaws, blue iguanas and a surprisingly active sloth offered invaluable insights into the rich biodiversity that thrives within the lush landscapes. By the end of the trip, all who participated truly understood Costa Rica’s motto: Pura Vida!

“It was an absolute pleasure getting to experience the sights and sounds, flora, fauna and food of Central America with our students,” High School Principal Dr. Lara Gonzalez said. “For me, this trip will always be a highlight of my career. We had so many incredible experiences; every one of our students seemed to learn a great deal and grow during this excursion to Costa Rica. They were so wonderful, and I would travel again with them anywhere, anytime. A special thank you to Dr. Drysielski and Mr. Oggeri, who were instrumental in bringing back the option of international group travel for students at our high school. We thank Steve Campanella, Wayne Mennecke, Meghan Stern and Alison Sweet for being chaperones, and for their care, support and sense of adventure.”

Date Added: 4/22/2024

Islip High School’s Class of 2024 valedictorian and salutatorian are Jaci Narducci and Erica De Lapi, respectively.  

Narducci, who earned a 105.08 weighted GPA, is an AP Scholar with Distinction, treasurer of the National Honor Society, president of the Interact Club, a Keep Islip Clean Club Junior Commissioner, and a participant in the Women in Science and Engineering, Student Partnerships for Advanced Research and Knowledge, and American Legion Auxiliary Empire Girls State programs. She will graduate with an AP Seminar and Research Certificate. Narducci will attend SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, majoring in wildlife biology.

“I’m very excited,” Narducci said. “I am really happy because I feel like my parents supported me a lot and I’m glad that I’m able to make them proud.”

De Lapi, who earned a 103.31 weighted GPA, is an AP Scholar with Distinction and a member of the National Honor Society, National World Language Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Business Academy and varsity tennis team. She will attend the University of South Carolina, majoring in business marketing.

“It’s really surreal,” De Lapi said. “Honestly, I never really envisioned myself achieving this, but now that it’s here, I just can’t believe it.”

Date Added: 4/19/2024

Islip High School students participating in the Student Partnerships for Advanced Research and Knowledge (SPARK) program at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) recently visited the lab to work on a beamline at the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLSII). SPARK provides high schoolers with an opportunity to become visiting researchers at the lab’s scientific facilities.

The young Islip scientists, in conjunction with fellow high schoolers from Eastport-South Manor High School, are working to determine the structure of a protein that has never been resolved before: a Beta-lactamase that plays a role in antibiotic resistance.  After trying to grow the crystals themselves without success, they worked collaboratively with Dr. Scott Lovell at Kansas University. He grew the crystals with his far superior lab equipment, then shared the images with the students remotely. They selected the crystals most likely to produce good data, and Dr. Lovell shipped them to Long Island. With the help of NYX beamline scientist Dr. Kevin Battaile, students gathered data on a total of eight samples. The next step will be to use the imaging software Phenix and COOT to determine the protein structure. Islip students will be presenting their work at both the NSLSII Users Meeting and the OSSP Symposium at BNL later this spring.

Date Added: 4/9/2024

Islip High School Virtual Enterprise students recently visited a new local store, Redefine Meals, a healthy meal prep business. Students met with the owners and management team to learn about their business plan, target market, supply chain and logistics of the business.

“It was a great way for our entrepreneurial students to connect what they’ve learned in the classroom with real world businesses,” teacher Renee Clock said. “Students experienced a firsthand account of how two college students looking for a healthy, well-balanced meal turned that ‘want’ into a business idea. Our students were able to relate to the business plan idea, and asked about break-even configurations and customer and employee retention, among other topics.”

Date Added: 4/4/2024

The Islip High School PTSA’s recent Fashion Show was a huge success. The annual event acts as a fundraiser for scholarships and student events. For this year’s show, student Lucas Bohr served as the dapper master of ceremonies and Suffolk County Legislator Samuel Gonzalez was the guest announcer. Dresses were provided by the Town of Islip Youth Bureau, Sweet Simplicity of Islip and Nalu Dry Goods in Bay Shore.

“As always, the students who modeled and those who helped set up, organize and run the show did a fantastic job,” PTSA President Stacey Zurbaran said.

Date Added: 4/2/2024