Smiles and sunshine were out in abundance on the first day of school in the Islip School District on Sept. 7, as excited students returned to Islip High School, Islip Middle School, Maud S. Sherwood Elementary School, Commack Road Elementary School and Wing Elementary School.

“Despite the heat, our students, staff, and faculty enjoyed a positive start to the school year on our first day of classes,” Islip High School Principal Dr. Lara Gonzalez said.

“Students engaged in a variety of community-building activities and their first lessons in each subject area. Our students and teachers were energized and excited to begin a new school year.”

“Our first day was wonderful,” Islip High School Assistant Principal Charlie Rizzuto said. “It was such a great feeling to have students back in the halls of our school. Watching the students reconnect with each other as well as the faculty and staff who they adore so much was heartwarming, to say the least. Islip pride was on full display!”

“What a wonderful and exciting beginning to another school year,” Islip Middle School Principal Timothy Martin said. “The brilliance of the sunshine was only outshined by the joyful smiles on the children’s faces.”

“The best part of the first day was watching the children, as they entered the school, saw the CRES welcoming adults, recognized a familiar face and ran for a big hug or just to share a loving smile,” said David Seinfeld. Commack Road’s new interim principal. “This even happened for some of our second graders who saw a familiar face from Wing. So special!”

“The first day of school is simply one of my favorites, it’s just so special,” Sherwood Principal Briana James said. “It represents new beginnings, new adventures, new friendships and new challenges. The sky is the limit, and we’re all off and running! We are looking forward to an incredible new year.”

“Wing was full of laughter and smiles as we welcomed our new and returning students,” Principal Catherine Glaser said. “The first day always brings so much energy and enthusiasm as students meet new friends, learn new routines and begin their educational journey. We are so happy to have our children back and are excited about the endless possibilities of this new school year.”

Date Added: 9/13/2023

Islip School District’s Fine Arts Department recently announced the appointment of two new art teachers. Alexsandra Haraden, originally a leave replacement for the 2022-2023 school year, has been hired as a full-time probationary teacher at Islip Middle School, teaching sixth and eighth grade art, while Lisa Sacco has been hired as a full-time probationary teacher at Islip High School following the retirement of longtime art educator Laura Vogelsberg.

Having successfully completed her stint as a leave replacement last year, Haraden has been rehired as a full-time probationary instructor. She earned her bachelor’s degree in interactive media and animation from the Fashion Institute of Technology and her master’s degree in childhood education from Long Island University. Haraden is triple certified to teach grades 1-6 in general education, special education and K-12 visual arts.
“With each stroke of the brush and every pencil line, I aim to empower my students, teaching them that art is not just about the final product, but the journey of exploration and growth,” Haraden said.

Sacco is entering her fifth year as an art educator, having previously taught in the Three Village School District. She graduated from SUNY New Paltz with a degree in visual arts education and is currently pursuing a masters in instructional technology at Touro University.

“I love teaching all types of art, but ceramics and pottery are what I like to do most in my free time,” said Sacco, an avid hiker and gardener who raises monarch butterflies each summer.

“The Islip School District has a rich history of high-level art instruction at every level,” Director of Fine and Performing Arts Michael Hershkowitz said. “Mrs. Haraden and Ms. Sacco not only bring to Islip their incredible talents as working artists, but an enthusiasm for working with students and fostering their creativity and mastery.”

Date Added: 8/28/2023