The district again broke the record for the highest attendance at the Suffolk County Music Educators Association’s annual Day of Tuba, sending 32 students from grades 5-12 to participate in rehearsals, clinics and a massed ensemble. Several West Islip students were also selected to perform in the event’s All-Star ensemble. Held at Central Islip High School, the event featured several hundred tuba and euphonium players from across the county.

West Islip participating student-musicians were Victoria Swicord from Bayview; Lucille Charbonneau, Joseph Nealon, Savas Sioutopoulos and Colin Stueber from Bellew; Salvatore Randazzo and Matthew Rao from Oquenock; Billy DeWitt, Andrew DiStefano, Alexander Dumitru, James Kennedy, Thomas Mueller and Samantha Rivelli from Beach; Robert Govier, Michael Harbord, Thomas Kerrigan, Sydney Krowles, Laveeza Malik and Daniel Pipitone from Udall; and Matthew Cammarano, Drake Castonguay, Eve Castonguay, Andrew D'Agostino, Jonathan Delanoy, Timothy Hantzschel, Dylan Latargia, Andrew Palmer, Marisa Pastore, Sophia Randazzo, Vincent Santini, Nicholas Vallejo and Nicholas Veiga from the high school.

Students in Justin DeMaio’s and Marie Lucie’s classrooms at Bayview have been participating in UNICEF Kid Power Up, giving them the power to save lives and make a local impact.

The students take short brain breaks periodically throughout the week to dance while watching videos created by UNICEF, earning valuable “Kid Power Coins” that can be given back to local causes in the Kid Power Exchange. The students decide how to help communities through such options as supporting food banks, tree planting or health supply deliveries.

“When students make an impact globally and locally, they realize they have the power to make a difference,” said DeMaio.

Students and staff at Bayview welcomed over 50 local veterans on Nov. 7 as part of the school’s annual Veterans Day celebration and breakfast. The vets’ names and military backgrounds were enthusiastically announced before an exuberant crowd of more than 400 students and staff as well as district office representatives and Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter.

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

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

For the third consecutive year, district students, staff and families enjoyed a terrific time at the West Islip Health and Wellness Alliance Color Run.

“The Color Run serves in fostering good health and lifestyle practices, decreasing stress, enhancing self-worth, learning to set goals, and building connection and communication,” said Tim Horan, the district’s director of health, physical education, athletics and recreation.  

Led by the high school’s proud Marching Lions band, the blue and gold-clad community proudly participated in the homecoming parade on Oct. 26. From the color guard and cheerleaders, to festive floats, the sunny autumn day proved perfect for a walk to Wayne Shierant Field at Alumni Stadium. Homecoming king Paul Ciesluk and homecoming queen Jenny Brodmerkel were lauded as Mr. and Miss West Islip, flanked by runners up Mark Lu and Jaymie Espinola.

Once at the football field, the varsity Lions took on Division II rival Bellport. A thrilling Matt Calhoun touchdown with 59 seconds left in the fourth quarter earned the home team a 38-34 victory, improving their record to 6-1. Highlights included a fourth-quarter interception by Anthony Sagginario, 130 rushing yards and two touchdowns for Joe Costantino, 50 yards rushing and a TD for Dominic Sagginario, and two sacks each by Kyle Haff and Donnie Ryan.