Islip High School juniors Samantha Krut, Gabrielle Longobardi and Emma Newman recently earned third place and a $25 award each at the Islip Arts Council’s Art of Healthy Eating contest. The students’ joint artwork entry, titled “Primary Colors Meets Primary Food,” was guided by fine arts teacher Jenna Buzzeo.

Date Added: 1/13/2025

Continuing to honor a beloved late alumnus, Islip High School’s annual basketball tournament last month raised over $1,000 for the Anil John Memorial Scholarship.  
 
On Oct. 6, 2015 the Islip school community lost one of its best and brightest when Class of 2015 graduate Anil John lost his life in a tragic accident. John was a three-year varsity basketball player and senior captain who inspired and touched the hearts of everyone who met him. Later that year, in collaboration with the Islip Booster Club, the varsity basketball team renamed their annual tournament the Anil John Tip-Off Classic and established the memorial scholarship in his name. The number 22 has been retired forever in the Islip boys basketball program in his honor. Each year, Anil John T-shirts are sold to the community, students, athletes and teachers to raise money for the scholarship, which is awarded to one female and one male basketball player.  

“From students, coaches, teams, teachers and administrators to food services staff, custodians and community members, just about everyone comes together to remember Anil,” physical education teacher Patricia Whitehouse said.

“We are blessed to have the support we have each year from Anil’s family, the Islip teachers, administrators, students, staff, opposing teams and the Islip community to raise the funds for the scholarship,” Islip boys basketball coach Jamie Lynch said.

Date Added: 1/13/2025

Student singers from Islip High School and Islip Middle School embarked on their caroling rounds across the district on Dec. 19, making cheerful stops at Commack Road, Sherwood, Wing and the district office, as well as over the high school’s PA system. Led by Dr. Rich Harris, who accompanied the singers on keyboards, the approximately 100 choral students worked hard to prepare for this exuberant annual celebration of holiday music and community spirit.

“This is one of our favorite Islip traditions, and a reminder of music’s ability to connect us all, especially during the holidays,” Director of Fine and Performing Arts Michael Hershkowitz said.

Date Added: 1/9/2025

Islip Middle School students in teacher AnnMarie Mills’ science class recently ventured aboard a floating classroom on a research vessel from Stony Brook University’s Southampton Campus. During this special field trip, they learned about local marine biology by conducting water quality tests and assisting with the collection and identification of animals they caught using a drag net. The students were able to hold different species of fish and crabs including pufferfish, fluke and horseshoe crabs. Also in attendance on the trip was renowned wildlife photographer, writer and lecturer Chris Paparo, who also serves as proprietor of Fish Guy Photos and manager of Stony Brook’s Marine Sciences Center.

“We were fortunate enough to be able to bring home some tropical fish that we caught to keep in the classroom this year,” Mills said. “The lessons learned aboard the boat will be revisited throughout the school year. We were beyond grateful to have Chris Paparo as our expert. He was an outstanding addition to the trip and connected beautifully with the students.”

In addition, the Islip students wrote persuasive letters to letters to New York State Governor Kathy Hochul, urging her to sign the Horseshoe Crab Protection Act. The self-proclaimed naturalists were excited to join in the Seatuck Environmental Association’s campaign to help save this ecologically important animal.

“When cleaning out my classroom this year, I stumbled upon a large stack of handwritten letters that my former students wrote right before the world shut down during the pandemic,” Mills said. “Those letters were also written with the goal of conserving the horseshoe crab. I sent the ‘forgotten’ letters to the governor as well. It seemed only fitting that their voices were heard at this critical time of conservation.”

The middle school naturalists continued their mission to help save the environment and combat the “insect apocalypse” by replanting the seeds from the school’s native garden into pots so they can sponsor a future garden at one of the district’s local elementary schools this spring. While harvesting seeds from the garden, they identified and removed some invasive plants to help foster continued growth of native plants.

Date Added: 1/9/2025

First graders in Justin Lollo’s class at Wing Elementary School continued their annual goodwill tradition on Dec. 19, making 170 bologna sandwiches to donate to the Bethany House shelter at St. Patrick Church in Bay Shore. This year, their efforts were aided by Sal Coppola, the owner of Villa Sorrento restaurant in St. James.

“Our class moms had difficulty finding a local deli who was willing to donate the bologna needed to make the sandwiches,” Lollo said. “However, Mr. Coppola went out to purchase and slice the necessary amount of bologna needed to make all the sandwiches. Thanks to him, the children were able to take part in this wonderful learning experience of giving and helping to feed members in their community.”
 
Date Added: 1/6/2025