A special quest was recently completed by senior Kailyn Cornell, the captain of the girls varsity bowling team.

Cornell joined the varsity team as an eighth grader, and in her first season, West Islip competed in the 2017 Suffolk County bowling playoffs. Now, as a senior in her fifth year on the team, Cornell capped off her senior year with a great send-off as the Lady Lions again earned an invite to the county playoffs on Feb. 27 at Bowlero in Sayville. 

“It has been an incredible journey, from starting off my first year with the team as an eighth grader going to counties, and finishing my senior year going to the counties,” said Cornell, who boasts an astonishing record of 95 match game wins in five years. “It has been the best.”   

Across the district, students and staff celebrated P.S. I Love You Day on Feb. 12 with kindness, unity and inclusivity. The day’s activities ranged from a door decorating contest at the high school to chalk art in front of Beach Street, while at Manetuck , fifth graders posted inspiring messages to promote awareness. Also at Manetuck, physical education teachers Edward Pieron and Beth Sherwood created a P.S. I Love You Day “brain break” video featuring students, which highlighted the importance of attending to physical and mental health.

Dressed as centenarians, students at Bayview and Oquenock recently celebrated the 100th day of school by participating in numerous fun activities.

At Oquenock, students celebrated with songs, stories, writing, math, STEM challenges, exercises, crowns, certificates and a paper chain counting down the days until they are officially first graders. Third graders at the school also collected over 100 cans and boxes of nonperishable food items to donate to Our Lady of Lourdes Outreach food pantry.  

At Bayview, kindergartners decorated their shirts with 100 items for a fashion show, while third graders in JoAnn Sheridan’s class reflected on the many milestones achieved during this unique school year. Sheridan’s students were recognized as “superheroes” for being responsible, brave and determined in the quest for learning.

“Especially this year, school-aged children should be celebrated for their resilience, adaptability and love for learning,” Sheridan said. “They have had to rise above the challenges, learn new protocols and adapt to technology platforms. Meeting the mark of our 100th day was definitely a cause for celebration.”

Beach Street welcomed an unusual new “student” recently, a bearded dragon named Mushu. The lucky lizard is serving as the school’s library helper while teaching students about reptiles.

“I had found a website called that provides teachers with grants to purchase classroom pets,” said Lisa Cosgrove, Beach Street’s library media specialist. “I thought it would be a great way to boost spirits and morale since COVID and give the students something to be excited about. I applied for the Pets in the Classroom grant and they sent me a check to purchase a pet. With the help of the student council, we decided on a bearded dragon. We held a contest to name her and the students chose Mushu. She is busy giving book recommendations, creating spine poems and making everyone smile. The students love coming in to see her and watching her grow and eat her vegetables. She’s an amazing addition to the library.”