Prekindergartners at Bayview recently enjoyed practicing the letter K and writing their names in shaving cream.

First graders at Bellew recently investigated the science of animal adaptation and why birds have beaks. After learning about different types of beaks, and watching a video showing birds eating in their natural habitats, the students tested which was the best beak for eating by picking up different types of “bird food” with straw tweezers. They discovered that a long, thin hummingbird-shaped beak could only extract food from a liquid, such as nectar. A duck, which has a wide, flat beak, can easily eat seeds, rocks and fish.  

Between Nov. 30 and Dec. 4, 37 students from the West Islip High School Marketing Club participated in DECA’s Suffolk County Regional Competition, held virtually and involving more than 1,800 students from high schools throughout the county.

West Islip’s trophy winners included John Boniberger in Marketing Communications, Alana Dell’unto in Hotel and Lodging Management, Olivia DiStefano in Business Service Marketing, Maya Marino in Hotel and Lodging Management, Alec Miller in Human Resources Management, Abigail Narra in Apparel and Accessories Marketing, Braden Pritchard in Principles of Business Management and Administration, and Tobias Wefering in Human Resources Management.

Team trophy winners included Jay Carpinello and Ryan Lucas in Sports and Entertainment Marketing, Cassidy Cullen and Alyssa DiPietro in Hospitality Services, Caden Dragelin and Charles Labeck in Entrepreneurship, and Giavanna Genna and Jenna Ostrove in Business Law and Ethics.

Students who were awarded Honorable Mention in their competitive events were Alexander DeVries and Connor Mushorn in Sports and Entertainment Marketing, Konrad Maciejny in Business Service Marketing, Brooke Patricola and Meghan Spence in Business Law and Ethics, and Anthony Riviezzo in Accounting Applications.

Additional West Islip students participating in DECA events were Dylan Avella, William Baumert, Kadence Braga, Carly Cenci, Alyssa Collins, Alexander Czarnomski, Christina D’Achille, Joseph D’Avanzo, Lauren Hughes, Isabelle Magee, Gilad Moskowitz, Jenna Perrone, Nicholas Scarmozzino, Julia Schmidt and Ryan Wilson.

Trophy winners will advance to the 59th annual DECA New York State Career Conference, to be held virtually Feb. 8-12, 2021. Over 4,000 DECA members from high schools statewide will compete in events, participate in workshops and enhance their business skills.

Suffolk County police officer Sabrina Pitch recently paid a visit to Bellew to speak with students on various topics.

As part of the community education program Police Smart, Pitch discussed internet safety with fifth-grade classes, providing detailed information on how to safely navigate the web, which websites to avoid and the dangers of misusing social media. She also reinforced the importance of never giving out personal information on the internet. While at Bellew, Pitch met with third graders to talk about bullying, personal safety and being a good citizen.

Pitch will return to Bellew later in January to discuss alcohol and tobacco use with the fifth graders.

Learning the skills of future engineers, West Islip High School students in James Stidd’s technology class recently used calipers to measure blocks and a milling machine for precision.