The entire fifth grade at Bayview decided to participate in Operation Goodie Bag this year, in honor of the people who sacrificed their lives in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Decorated and filled with candy, many of the bags were brought to the memorial service of New York Police Department detective Joseph Pidoto, who lost his battle with 9/11-related cancer.  Retired and active members of the NYPD paying their respects were able to take home a bag full of goodies as a thank you for their service.

More than 700 members of the community joined in the fantastic fun at the second annual West Islip Health and Wellness Alliance Color Run. The Color Run helps the Alliance fulfill its goal to reduce substance abuse among local youth, to create a strong collaboration within the community and to cultivate healthy attitudes and behaviors.

“This year’s Color Run was another success story,” said Tim Horan, the district’s director of health, physical education, athletics, recreation, and family and consumer science. “Students, children, parents, families, community groups, teachers and administrators braved the winds and had a blast. My special thanks go out to all the volunteers for their efforts, as it couldn’t happen without their help.”

Students and staff at Bayview welcomed over 40 veterans on Nov. 8 as part of the annual Veterans Day celebration and breakfast. The veterans’ names and military backgrounds were announced with great enthusiasm before an exuberant crowd of more than 400 students and staff, district administration, and Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter.

In preparation for the celebration, the building was decorated with original student artwork displays. Some of the artwork was framed and presented to veterans through a raffle.  A “Wall of Heroes” photo display of military family members connected to Bayview’s students and staff was proudly displayed in the main hallway. Band and chorus musicians prepared patriotic selections, and students throughout the school worked to create letters of gratitude in honor of the veterans. The celebration culminated with a special breakfast provided by Bayview’s PTA, complemented by songs performed by various grade levels.

“Our gymnasium was brimming with excited cheers, tears of gratitude, and an overwhelming sense of humility and pride,” said Principal John Mullins. “It was a morning filled with celebration of our true heroes.”

Six student-artists from West Islip recently had their work displayed at the New York State Art Teacher's Association exhibition, held at the 99th annual NYSSBA Conference at the Sheraton NY Times Square.

The honored NYSATA students were second-graders Richard Guerrera of Bayview Elementary School and Abigail Heron of Paul J. Bellew Elementary School, sixth-graders Emerson Ammirata and Julia Kennedy of Beach Street Middle School, and West Islip High School sophomores Sophia Gutierrez and Ava Shanley.

Fourth-graders at Bayview were immersed in Native American culture during a recent PTA-sponsored assembly program, “Journeys Into American Indian Territory,” giving them a hands-on experience that they will never forget.

Throughout the day, the students were involved in a museum experience, participated in Native American games, utilized question and answer periods, and took part in authentic ceremonies including an Iroquois council, where they assumed the roles of the clanspeople. For some of the students, the highlights included walking through a longhouse and creating their own clay pots.

“The reaction of our students was one of admiration for those who lived on Long Island long before them,” said Principal John Mullins Jr.