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

Islip High School seniors Ryder Miranda and John Oggeri were recently named Commended Students in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program. They are two of only 34,000 Commended Students recognized nationwide for their exceptional academic achievement. Miranda and Oggeri’s high scores place them among the top 50,000 of students who took the 2023 PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

Date Added: 11/14/2024

Students from Islip High School’s cosmetology program recently embarked on an enriching field trip to the New York Institute of Beauty, where they had an opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of esthetics. The visit was highly interactive, with students actively participating in demonstrations and hands-on practice, including giving and receiving facials under the guidance of professional estheticians. This real-world experience not only allowed them to refine their skills, but also provided valuable insights into potential career paths within the beauty industry. Additionally, students were given an overview of various trade college options and professional certifications available, opening their eyes to the diverse opportunities for further education and advancement in their chosen field.

“The trip proved to be an inspiring and informative experience, sparking new aspirations and solidifying my students’ commitment to their future careers in cosmetology,” teacher Lorraine Knoblauch said.

Date Added: 11/5/2024

Islip High School's Buccaneer University students hosted the annual Club Fair for freshmen on Oct. 9.Buccaneer University adviser Nicole Hall and Assistant Principal Meghan Stern coordinated with the organization’s Peer Ambassadors to offer freshmen an interactive experience. Islip High School faculty advisers and club officers piqued student interest in the multitude of extracurricular offerings at the high school by providing demonstrations and answering questions.

“It is our goal that every ninth grader participates in at least one sport, art or music group, school-based community service organization or club,” Principal Dr. Lara Gonzalez said. “This year’s Club Fair was a thoughtful way to introduce students to some of their options with the support of our upperclassmen who helped steer freshmen in a positive direction.”

Date Added: 10/17/2024

Islip’s Board of Education congratulated a dozen dedicated faculty members on their recent tenure appointments during the Board’s Sept. 25 business meeting. Recognized for this important career achievement were Islip School District Director of Technology, Innovation and Information Systems Chad Walerstein; Islip Middle School teachers Joseph Sabbatino and Alison Sweet; Commack Road Elementary School teachers Jillian Bohnaker, Christine LeMaire, Theresa Oberer, Stephanie Schumacher and Nicole Scicutella; and Wing Elementary School teachers Danielle McDonald and Maria Scammell. Wing Elementary School teacher Chelsea Panzica and Maud S. Sherwood Elementary School teacher Ashley Slane also recently received tenure but will be recognized at a future Board meeting.

“The achievement of tenure is an important milestone in every young teacher’s career,” Acting Superintendent of Schools Kathleen O’Callaghan said. “We are proud of these remarkable educators and the hard work, effort and dedication to their students they have demonstrated.”

Date Added: 10/2/2024