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

Students representing Islip High School’s Unified sports teams attended the third annual Special Olympics Suffolk County Unified Youth Summit in November. The goal of the event was to bring students with and without disabilities together to educate and inspire them to become active participants in making a difference within their schools and communities.

“At Islip High School, we are so incredibly proud of our Unified sports teams,” Principal Dr. Lara Gonzalez said. “We are committed to ensuring that all students have opportunities to participate in the extracurricular life of our high school, since we know that the experiences provided to students beyond the school day afford them chances to make lasting friendships, explore new interests and develop new skills. These are the types of activities that make for long-lasting, fond memories of high school.”

Date Added: 1/2/2025
 

Islip High School proudly announces its receipt of the Silver with Access Award on the 2024 Advanced Placement School Honor Roll, a testament to its unwavering commitment to educational excellence and inclusivity. This prestigious recognition, which the school has received for the second consecutive year, comes from the College Board, and highlights Islip High School's outstanding efforts in providing rigorous AP courses to the student body.

For the past several years, the district has focused its attention on broadening access to advanced coursework for all high school students. Those efforts are bearing fruit. Islip students are participating in the AP program at impressive and increasing rates. Although the overall rating is Silver, in two of the three New York AP School Honor Roll Recognition categories, Islip High School achieved Gold status.

Islip High School’s metrics were as follows:
College Culture: Percent of students in the graduating class who took an AP exam at any point in high school regardless of the score. At Islip High School, 58% of the Class of 2024 took an AP exam, earning the school a Silver rating in this category.

College Credit: Percent of students in the graduating class who score 3+ on any AP Exam in high school. At Islip High School, 45% of students in the graduating class scored a 3+ on any exam, earning the school a Gold rating in this category.

College Optimization: Percent of students in the graduating class who took five or more AP Exams in high school, where at least one exam was taken in ninth or 10th grade. At Islip High School, 11% of students attained this distinction, earning the school a Gold rating in this category.

For two years in a row, Islip High School has demonstrated its dedication to not only achieving high academic standards, but also to ensuring these opportunities are available to all students. The Access Award reflects the hard work and commitment of the entire school community, from faculty and students, to parents and local supporters, in creating an environment where every student can excel in college-level courses.

“We are thrilled to see our students’ dedication to their studies being acknowledged,” Assistant Principal and AP Coordinator Lisa Ward said. “This award is a testament to our school’s dedication to academic excellence.”

“Receiving the Silver with Access Award for the second year is not just an honor, it's a clear indication of our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where every student has the chance to challenge themselves and succeed,” Principal Dr. Lara Gonzalez said. “This recognition encourages us to continue our efforts in expanding access to our AP courses.”

The Silver with Access Award celebrates schools that are leaders in AP program implementation, emphasizing both achievement and access. Islip High School’s repeated success in this regard not only celebrates its ongoing achievements, but also underscores its role in promoting equitable educational opportunities. Only 10% of all qualifying schools in the U.S. and Canada achieve the Silver AP School Honor Roll Award.

Date Added: 12/18/2024