Welcome to Islip Middle School

211 Main Street
Islip NY 11751

School Hours: 8:20 a.m. – 2:24 p.m.

Telephone Directory
Main Office: (631) 650-8500
Fax: (631) 650-8508
Principal’s Office: (631) 650-8505
Asst. Principal: (631) 650-8515
Guidance: (631) 650-8550
Health Office: (631) 650-8525
Attendance: (631) 650-8510



Timothy P. Martin Principal	Curt Juengerkes Assistant Principal	Jamie Wright Dean of Students

Islip Middle School Staff

Principal's Message

January 2025
Happy Holidays Parents/Guardians,

Welcome back to our Islip Middle School Family and Friends,

I hope this New Year is Healthy and Prosperous for all of our readers. In Islip Middle School, we are reminded the second semester will begin in just a few days. Students should be aware of their current achievements and grades. Viewing the Parent Portal and Gradebook is a great way to be informed on your child’s progress.

We begin this New Year with our New Islip Middle School Seal. You can see the seal in the upper right. What does it mean?

Purple and Gold - Our Islip Colors

Light House - Welcoming, established, safe, secure

RM Bridge - Connecting our schools, a bridge to the future

Light - Knowledge, learning, guiding, navigating, we are here to teach and help
Circle - There is no beginning or end, you will always be a member of Islip

With the new year, we are reminded of the changing temperature. Please know, when possible, we will make every effort to remain outside upon arrival, giving the students some room and space to socialize. We will also go outside during lunch recess. Please have your child dress accordingly each day, so they can be comfortable outside for the morning arrival and lunch recess. Coats and jackets are highly recommended for recess.

Each January we begin the budget and scheduling processes for the next school year. Parents should be on the lookout for important literature regarding the middle school and 9th grade high school courses. As in the past, we will not be accepting teacher or team requests. Such correspondence places students, parents, and teachers in precarious situations; however, we welcome a discussion about your child’s educational needs and any information that can help your child be successful at Islip Middle School. Please send any written correspondence directly to me. Letters are not retained from year to year, so any pertinent information/requests must be sent each year. This year’s deadline is Friday, January 24th.

As always, if you have a desire for a parent conference simply call our Guidance Office at 631-650-8550. We prefer to meet in person; however, we can meet via the internet or by phone.

We look forward to the year ahead and wish our Islip Middle School learning community the best of health in the New Year.

As always, feel free to contact me at tmartin@islipufsd.org.

Kind Regards,
Dr. Timothy Martin
Principal
631-650-8505

Middle School Naturalists Learn Marine Biology on Floating Classroom

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

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Holiday Flashback: Remembering Last Month’s Caroling Extravaganza

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

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Middle School Chamber Ensemble Celebrates Season With Library Concert

The Islip Public Library resonated with festive melodies on Dec. 14 as the Islip Middle School Chamber Ensemble delighted the community with their second annual holiday concert. Performing to a full audience in the library’s community room, talented orchestra students in grades 6 through 8 presented a vibrant program of holiday and seasonal favorites. Their heartfelt renditions showcased weeks of dedication and enthusiasm, creating a memorable afternoon for attendees of all ages.

“The ensemble’s performance was a perfect blend of joyful tunes that warmed hearts and lifted spirits,” said Julia Bartlett, the ensemble’s director. “It was a wonderful way to celebrate the season.

“The event underscored the power of music to bring people together, truly embodying the spirit of the holiday season,” Director of Fine and Performing Arts Michael Hershkowitz said.

Date Added: 1/2/2025

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