Eight
senior student athletes have recently signed letters of intent
to play at Division l or ll colleges. This year's graduating
class currently has over 20 senior student athletes signed to
play Division I or II athletics next year in college.
Sitting (left to right): Christian S., Baseball, CW Post; Ann
O’C. Track, Lehigh University; Mike P., Lacrosse, Florida
Southern University; AJ P., Lacrosse, Mercy College; Matt B.,
Lacrosse, Sacred Heart; Erin B., Volleyball, Mercyhurst College;
Mike A., Lacrosse, Tampa University; Chris A., Baseball, CW
Post.
Standing (left to right): Nick Grieco, Varsity Girls Track
coach; Shawn Rush, Varsity Baseball coach; Dr. Bridgeman, HS
Principal; Dan A., Lacrosse, Air Force Academy; Scott Craig,
Head Varsity Boys Lacrosse coach; Jim Klimkoski, Varsity Girls
Volleyball coach.
Congratulations
to the fifth and eighth grade students who were recently
recognized by the NYS Suffolk Zone Association for Health and
Physical Education with their “Outstanding Leadership Award.”
These individuals excelled in the areas of fitness, citizenship
and leadership. By their positive attitude, behavior and
performance, they have demonstrated they have high personal
standards and care about others.
From March 6 through March 9, 2012, seven students from West
Islip High School, along with chapter advisor Diana Saadat and
Fulbright Scholar exchange teacher Nikki Sutherland, attended
the 52nd Annual New York State DECA Career Conference at the
Rochester Riverside Convention Center, located in Rochester, New
York. DECA is a co-curricular, student-centered organization.
The purpose of DECA is to provide learning opportunities to
marketing education students through goal-oriented chapter
activities. The focus of these activities is always upon
developing greater understanding and appreciation of marketing,
management, and entrepreneurship. The conference highlighted
several DECA goals: civic consciousness, social intelligence,
leadership development, and vocational understanding, which were
instituted throughout the conference.
West Islip students who excelled in their competitive events
were: Madeline McE., Accounting Applications; Edward S., Sports
and Entertainment Marketing; and Zacharey C., Marketing
Management. Students who placed in the prestigious “top ten” as
finalists for their competitive event were: John H., Sports and
Entertainment Marketing; Lindsey R., Business Service Marketing;
and Nicholas B., Free Enterprise. Special congratulations to
Courtney F., who was awarded first place in her competitive
event: Free Enterprise. Courtney has advanced to the
International Career Development Conference held April 28
through May 1, 2012 at the Salt Palace Convention Center,
located in Salt Lake City, Utah.
WIHS DECA Chapter President, John H., was reflective in his
final days in Rochester. “My Business Education classes and DECA
involvement have prepared me to meet the demands and excel in my
future career. I am fortunate to have shared in this
experience.” Chapter Advisor Diana Saadat said, “I am so proud
of our students. I am very pleased with their individual
accomplishments as there are thousands of students competing
from New York State. Their hard work and achievements are
commendable.”
PAWS,
(Partners Advancing West Islip Students) West Islip’s Education
Foundation, is sponsoring its Seventh Annual Gala on Friday,
April 27, 2012. This event, which will be held at Southward Ho
Country Club, promises to be an exciting evening where two
outstanding community members will be honored. Sue Huscilowitc,
Director of Instructional Technology and Student Information and
Maria McNamee, Founder of the Elizabeth T. McNamee Run held
annually in West Islip on Mother’s Day are this year’s honorees.
All our welcome to join us for an evening filled with dining,
dancing and the opportunity to win a number of wonderful
raffles. For further information, please contact Jamie Winkler
at 631-321-8400 or via email at wre93@aol.com. You can visit
their website at www.wipaws.org
.
This year with the helpful guidance and determination of Ms.
Colleen Reilly and Mr. Joseph Nicolosi, Paul J. Bellew
Elementary School raised over $12,600.00 for the American Heart
Association. Prior to the opening of school on February 15 and
17, the students participated in an amazing morning of
fun-filled events such as jump roping, scooter races, and
basketball just to name a few.
The students ended their adventures by participating in a
whipped cream pie event where students, who raised $30.00 or
more ,where selected to throw a pie in the faces of their
beloved Physical Education teachers. Bellew’s top fundraiser was
Sara R., a student in Mrs. Connor's second grade class who
raised over $3,000.00! It was an exciting, heart-warming day for
all!
Throughout
the week of February 27th the Paul J. Bellew students
participated in various activities that promoted ‘Say No to
Drugs!’ The students placed ribbons around the school and on
their doors at home, wore red to promote awareness, as well as
wore boots to "Stomp Out Drugs."
On the last day, the entire student body and staff stood outside
in the front of the school and linked hands/arms to pledge to
hand-in-hand fight against drugs! It was a memorable day for the
students, faculty and staff at Paul J. Bellew Elementary School!
The West Islip Physical Education staff in conjunction with
COMPASS brought together the Class of 2018 (current sixth
graders) and 2019 (current fifth graders) for a district-wide
volleyball tournament on Friday, March 2nd and Saturday, March
3rd. The event involved approximately 280 students who were
coached by their physical education teachers. Players from the
varsity boys' and girls' volleyball teams also volunteered their
time to assist in the event. The Physical Education staff
coordinated the event to take place as one of the culminating
events of Red Ribbon Week. “It was a fun filled event that
allowed the students to interact with each other in an
atmosphere of friendly competition.”
During the month of March, students at Oquenock Elementary
School participated in Health and Wellness Week. Students
and staff kicked- off the week with "Morrison's Movin' Monday".
Oquenock principal Dawn Morrison played songs throughout the day
over the intercom where the children stopped what they were
doing and got up to dance to the music The "Fresh Fruit Friday"
celebration was sponsored by Oquenock's PTA. They provided fresh
apples, oranges, strawberries, and grapes which were cut up and
served during each lunch for every student and the entire staff
to enjoy. All activities were a big hit!
The
annual College Awareness Day will be held in all West Islip
Schools on Thursday, March 29. All faculty, students, and staff
are encouraged to wear a t-shirt or sweatshirt with a college
logo. This event helps to promote awareness of college
opportunities and stimulates discussion of post-secondary
planning. The College Awareness Day is also being held in
conjunction with our annual College Fair from 7 to 9 p.m.
Click
here for more information about the College Fair.
Please help to make this day a success by wearing a shirt from
your alma mater or the college of your dreams.
Congratulations to West Islip gymnast Paula P. who recently
participated in the NYS Gymnastics' State Championships at
Shaker High School in Albany. Paula competed in the uneven bars,
scoring an 8.3, and helped Section XI (Suffolk County) place 3rd
in the team finals.
The NYSPHSAA Boys' and Girls' Indoor Track Championships were
recently held on March 3, 2012 at Barton Hall on the campus of
Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. West Islip athlete,
Jessica B., won her heat of the 1000 meter run and placed 7th
overall with a time of 3:00.30 Jessica was the third fastest
Junior in the event which included five of the top ten
performers in the US.
The West Islip 4 x 400 meter relay team of Dominic M., Chris N.,
Matthew B., and Colin O'Co. finished third overall and second in
the NYS public schools with a school record time of 3:25.46 only
.8 behind the first place team and .3 behind the second place
team. This team also broke the school record in the 4x200 meter
relay during the Eastern State Championship meet running the
fastest time in Suffolk County at 1:33.00.
Bayview
fifth graders have taken on a new responsibility and leadership
role as “safety patrol” officers. The primary responsibility of
this student-led team is to reinforce and model appropriate
arrival, dismissal, and hallway procedures at Bayview. Students
are assigned designated areas to patrol in the school and have
been issued signs and bright orange belts. The signs remind
students to sit quietly in the halls, walk, don’t run and to
line up for the buses.
Students who were interested in this job were given a “job
application” to complete and were asked to provide references.
The Bayview Site-Based Compact Team reviewed the applications
and were very impressed with the students, their qualifications
and reasons for wanting to help ensure that our school is safe
and orderly. According to Gianna, a fifth grader in Mrs.
Gagliardi’s class, “More people are listening because there are
more of us to help out.” Mitchell, a safety patroller says, “We
are able to reinforce the rules and keep kids safe.” It was
decided that all students who have expressed an interest in this
important job will be given a chance to patrol at Bayview.
After the February break, a new group of students will receive
training and start work. The staff at Bayview is very proud of
this group of responsible students and appreciates the extra
help they are offering during bus duty. Way to go!
Congratulations
to the West Islip Varsity Cheerleading Team who participated in the UCA
National High School Cheerleading Championships! This national
tournament was held at the Disney Hollywood Studios in
Orlando, Florida from February 10-14.
The National High School Cheerleading Championship (NHSCC) is
known to be the most prestigious cheerleading championship in
the country. The competition is nationally televised on ESPN and
ESPN2 to over 100 million homes and 32 countries nationwide each
year.
Congratulations to our athletes and their coaches Dina Barone &
Reanna Fulton, who have worked so hard for a spot in this
competition!
At
a Section XI relay meet on January 13, 2012, the West Islip High
School team of Kate B., Annie O'C., Julie L. and Jessica Ball
won the 4x1600m relay with a time of 22:09.54. This impressive
time is a new West Islip school record. As of this week, the
national rankings have the West Islip relay team ranked first in
the nation in the 4x1600m relay.
Pictured from left to right is Alison C. (alternate), Annie
O'C., Julie L., Jessica B., and Kate B..
The
Varsity athletic teams had another very successful season this
past fall on and off the field of competition. In addition to
winning numerous championships, 10 of the 12 fall varsity teams
were recognized as Scholar Athlete Teams by the New York State
Public High School Athletic Association for having team GPAs of
90 or higher. Recently, 22 fall varsity student athletes were
recognized by the Board of Education for receiving All County
Honors from the Suffolk County Coaches Association in their
respective sport. In addition, Matt Brady and Nicole Shaw were
recognized for being selected as West Islip’s Wendy’s High
School Heisman Award winners for excelling academically and
athletically and demonstrating tremendous leadership traits.
Pictured are:
(Front row left to right)- Amanda M., Brooke K., Kate B.,
Rebecca R., Jessica B., Julie L., Annie O’C. and Nicole S..
(Back row left to right)- Matt B., Erin B., Taylor LaR., Nick
A., Pat R., Brian M., Sean S., Devon B. and Bridget W..
Recently,
eight fall athletic teams were recognized by Section XI (which
is the governing body of Suffolk County Athletics) for “best
exemplifying the spirit of sportsmanship during their season.”
The following teams received top sportsmanship honors: Varsity
Girls Cross Country, JV Field Hockey, JV Football, Udall
Football, Varsity Boys Soccer, Udall Boys Soccer, Varsity Boys
Volleyball and JV Boys Volleyball.
The teams and their coaches were honored at the January Board of
Education meeting. The leadership of the coaches has been
essential in the achievement of these honors.
Pictured at left is Director of Athletics, Physical Education,
Health and Recreation
Tim Horan with coaches Michelle Studley, Dennis Mazzalonga,
Frank Franzone, Debra Mock-Dorfman, Shanan Mauro, Nick LaGiglia,
Ed Pieron and Natalee Rubcewich.
The
West Islip Varsity Wrestling team hosted West Islip Holiday
Breast Cancer Awareness Wrestling Tournament. Teams attending
this year's tournament included: Amityville, Bellport, Central
Islip, West Islip Holiday Breast Cancer Awareness Wrestling
Tournament, Comsewogue, Freeport, William Floyd, South Windsor
CT.,
and West Islip.
The wrestling team raised approximately $1,000.00 for the West
Islip Breast Cancer coalition by donating proceeds from t-shirt
sales and a 50/50 raffle. The Lions also took home the team
title by edging out two-time defending champions William Floyd.
Pictured at left: Back Row Coach Nick LaGiglia, coach John
Ferrara, coach Tom Powers, and coach Tom Longobardi. Second Row:
Coach Chris Ferrara, William G., Nick G., Pat R. and Joe B.
Front Row: Tori P., Joanne Marquardt, Rachel R., Patricia K.
Mary O'Leary and Laura Knipe from the Maurer Foundation recently
spoke to Ms. Perperis and Ms. Mileti's health education classes
at the West Islip High School. They are Breast Health Educators
and discussed with students the easy ways to lower your risk of
breast cancer through a proper diet, exercise and avoiding
alcohol and tobacco.
The Maureer Foundation is a Long Island non-profit organization
that is dedicated to breast cancer prevention through early
detection, risk reduction & healthy lifestyle choices.
Udall
Road Middle School principal Dan Marquardt is pleased to report
that Udall eighth grade student, Stephen M.’s poem “Watch and
Wonder” has been published in the Acclaimed 2011 Poetry
Collection.
The Acclaimed Student Poetry Contest is sponsored by The America
Library of Poetry in San Diego, California and Houlton, Maine.
The contest is open to all students enrolled in grades 3-12 in
the United States (including home schooled and tutored
children). Each entrant may submit one poem of no more than 20
lines on any subject, and in any form, provided that the content
of the poem is not vulgar or offensive, does not employ
profanity, and is the original, individual work of the entrant.
Poems are then judged based on originality, creativity, and
artistic quality.
Congratulations to Stephen for all of his hard work!
Several
classes at Bayview Elementary School joined forces and sponsored
a candy cane reindeer sale for West Islip families in need. The
students worked tirelessly making posters, visiting classrooms
and constructing the candy cane reindeers for the sale. Pipe
cleaners, glitter and googly eyes were used to decorate the
candy canes. The students involved learned a lot of lessons
during this project including marketing, math, and
manufacturing.
Teamwork and goal setting were important aspects of this holiday
project as well. According to Mrs. Pratt, principal of Bayview,
“Over $1,000 was raised and the gift of joy and kindness was
shared with others in a very “sweet” way. Special recognition
goes to the following staff members who spearheaded this
project, Mrs. Kouroutis, Mrs. Florea, Miss Warren, Mrs. Rush,
and Miss Peterson.
At
its December 8th meeting, the West Islip Board of Education
recognized select high school students for their outstanding
performance in the area of music and fine arts.
Pictured with the students are Bernie Jones, Director of Fine
Arts and Music Education, K-12, David Kaufman and Jim Krais,
music teachers.
This
year the students at Paul J. Bellew Elementary School have
expanded their successful recycling program from paper to
bottles. Along with a box to collect paper, each classroom also
collects used water bottles each day. At the end of the week,
students send their bag of bottles to be picked up by members of
the PTA who then return the bottles for recycling!
Students in third grade also collect paper from classroom
recycle boxes a few times a week. The students are very excited
and enthusiastic to take part in such a thrilling environmental
challenge to keep our earth clean!
Congratulations to the “Sparkle Cheerleading Program!”
who were recently honored at a Board of Education meeting. Senior Varsity
cheerleaders Allie R. and Olivia U. researched and
instituted the Sparkle Program in West Islip which happens to be
the first program in the Northeast!
The entire varsity
cheerleading team embraced the program and is being overseen by
Varsity Cheerleading coaches Dina Barone and Reanna Fulton.
Participating students are Alexis P., Breanne C., Lainey H., Ashley T., Hailee R., Caroline S.,
Lauren M., Jessica M., Priscilla R., Alissia
A. and Sarah B..
The NYSPHSAA recently recognized the West Islip community with a
plaque for demonstrating a strong commitment to promoting
sportsmanship. Everyone shares in this recognition; the
custodians, the supervisors, security, administrators, coaches,
parents, spectators, the grounds crew and of course the
athletes!
Congratulations to the community! Be Loud, Be Proud, Be
Positive!
Pictured at left Board of Education Vice President
Annmarie LaRosa presents the plaque to Athletic Director Tim
Horan.
Recently, eight spring athletic teams were recognized by the
NYSPHSAA and Section XI (which is the governing body of Suffolk
County Athletics) for “best exemplifying the spirit of
sportsmanship during their season.”
They were ranked as the top team in their sport. The leadership of the following coaches has
been essential in the achievement of these honors: Tara Peterson,
Chelsea Reimer, Dan Sparby, Brain Dieumegard, Shanan Mauro, Greg
Iorio, Mac Loudon and George Botsch.
On
Wednesday, September 21, 2011 the students and staff at
Westbrook Elementary School held an outdoor assembly to
celebrate International Day of Peace.
Prior to the event, students created pinwheels which they placed
in a peace symbol on the the front lawn of the school. Westbrook
principal Mr. Jack Maniscalco spoke to the students about the
importance of good citizenship and character.
The
Suffolk Zone of the New York State Association for Health,
Physical Education and Recreation will recognize Kailey L. and
Jack K. as West Islip’s Outstanding Physical Education Students
at a gala event on December 7th at the Hyatt Regency Wind Watch
Hotel. The annual award is given to students who best exemplify
exceptional physical performance, scholarship, character, and
citizenship.
Kailey excels both academically and athletically. Kailey has
been an active member of the National Honor Society and the
National English Honor Society. Because of her leadership, she
was selected captain of her gymnastics team and has received All
League and All County Honors…as well as being recognized as a
scholar athlete. She has selflessly dedicated herself to over
100 hours of community service. Kailey is deciding to attend the
University of Delaware, Fairfield University or Stony Brook
University.
Jack has maintained a 96 average in Honors and Advanced
Placement courses…has an A+ average in Physical Education and
will be receiving a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation
with Honors. He has been on the Principal’s List every quarter
and is an active member of the National Honor Society, DECA,
Future Business Leaders of America and treasurer of the Student
Senate. Jack is captain of the football and lacrosse teams due
to his commitment to excellence and work ethic. In the fall,
Jack will attend Brown University.
This
fall, twelve West Islip senior student athletes have signed
letters of intent to play at Division I or II colleges.
Sitting (left to right): Anthony DeL., Lacrosse, CW Post; Tom
M., Lacrosse, Denver University; Brooke K.. Soccer, Loyola
University; Kelsey A., Lacrosse, Virginia Tech; Lorraine H.,
Lacrosse, Ohio State University; Brendan S., Lacrosse, Marquette
University; Jack K., Lacrosse, Brown University.
Standing (left to right): Dr. Bridgeman, HS Principal; Scott
Craig, Head Varsity boys lacrosse coach; Philip D., Soccer,
Albany University; Paul R., Lacrosse, Marquette University; Jon
R., Lacrosse, Yale University; Anthony S., Lacrosse, Sacred
Heart; Sean S., Soccer, St. John’s University; Joe Nicolosi,
Head Varsity girls lacrosse coach; Tim Horan, Athletic Director.
Every
summer, Kirdahy Elementary School students participate in the
“West Islip Summer Reading Club”. Children in grades
kindergarten through 5, who successfully complete the program,
are rewarded with a celebratory breakfast.
This year, over 120 students fulfilled the WI Library
requirements. Pictured are 5th graders who have been part of
this program for the past 6 years!
Devon
P., a kindergarten student at Manetuck Elementary School, beams
with pride as he stands below an American Flag which was donated
to the school by Devon’s father, who is currently deployed in
Afghanistan.
This flag was actually flown into combat onboard a Navy E A-6B
Prowler Aircraft 502 during "Operation Enduring Freedom" on
September 11, 2011.
West
Islip Schools is proud to announce that Andrew P., a current
sixth grade student, attended the National Young Scholars
Program this past summer.
The National Young Scholars Program (NYSP) is designed and
created specifically for the nation's most outstanding 3rd, 4th
and 5th grade students, each of whom have been personally
selected for nomination by a teacher. NYSP is a renaissance of
interactive, hands-on learning for young leaders eager for
knowledge and ready to celebrate the joy of discovery. Andrew’s
attendance at this program culminated with his construction of a
museum model, which he designed and is shown at left.
Congratulations to Adam for his participation in this program
and for his nomination to the National Young Leadership Program
in Washington, DC.
The West Islip High School Marching Lions Band, Flag Team,
Kickline and Percussion Line, under the direction of Mr. James
Krais, lead the West Islip High School Homecoming Day parade
down Higbie Lane on October 1st. The hundreds of West Islip
residents attending the parade enjoyed their outstanding
performance.
During
the Varsity Football game the Marching Lions Halftime Show
included the Spicy Latin favorite “Evil Ways” and the pop
sensation “Dynamite” under the conducting of drum majors Abhinn
M. and Raymond R.. Special congratulations to our Flag Team
captains Jill B. and Pauline G. and percussion captains Mike D.
and Caitlin C..
The West Islip High School Marching Lions, also under the
direction of Mr. James Krais, was awarded 2nd place in New York
City’s annual Columbus Day Parade held on Monday, October 10,
2011. The parade, televised on ABC channel 7, is held every year
on Columbus Day and proceeds up 5th Avenue from 42nd Street to
82nd Street. This year’s parade featured over 125 contingents
with the Marching Lions placing 2nd among the competing groups.
Come
to the West Islip High School Courtyard on October 14th, 2011 at
7:00 for a night of great music for a great cause. “Now!
Concerts for Equality” is a student run concert series that
features talented West Islip High School musicians playing
everything from classical music to rock and roll. All proceeds
go to Equality Now, an international human rights organization
that fights for the rights of women and girls around the world.
There will be raffles and prizes! Come support your local
student musicians and this worthwhile cause. Admission is $5. In
case of rain, the concert will be held in Cafeteria C.
This event is a part of an International Baccalaureate
Individual CAS Project. The CAS (Creativity, Action, Service)
requirement is a fundamental part of the International
Baccalaureate Programme. Participation in the school’s CAS
program encourages students to be involved in artistic pursuits,
sports, and community service work, to foster students’
awareness and appreciation of life outside the academic arena.
IB Diploma candidates are expected to fulfill a prescribed
number of hours engaging in CAS activities in local, national
and international contexts, both as individuals and as part of a
team.
From
October 27 through October 30, the New York State School Boards
Association (NYSSBA) will have an annual art exhibit sponsored
by NYSATA which displays student artwork from schools throughout
New York State. A reception is held for the artists and school
board members. Students will receive a certificate and seal of
distinction. The conference is at the Buffalo Niagara Conference
Center. P.J . Bellew school is proud to have Loren V.,
Kevin R., and Grace M. exhibiting their artwork.
Pictured are Mr. Hunter -Principal, Mrs. Stephenson-Art teacher,
Loren V., Kevin R. and Grace M.
Students
and staff at Bayview Elementary School celebrated International
Peace Day on September 21st. A Peace Pole was planted in the
courtyard and grade level gatherings were held to recognize and
discuss ways in which we can all become peacemakers. A Peace
Pole is an internationally recognized symbol that shares the
message "May Peace Prevail on Earth." There are over 200,000
Peace Poles in the world and they serve as a reminder that peace
begins in our hearts and minds.
Throughout the day, books were read, poems were written, and
handshakes were shared. Students viewed a video clip on the
classroom Smart boards and the song, “Put a Little Love in your
Heart,” was heard on the morning announcements. The Bayview PTA
supported this project and purchased the Peace Pole for the
school. Principal Rhonda Pratt commented, “It’s wonderful to be
a part of a project that unites students, staff and parents in
such a positive experience.”
Teacher Noreen Matthews, a social studies teacher in West Islip High School, has been awarded a Fulbright Classroom Teacher Exchange Grant to teach in Glasgow, Scotland for a year, it was announced recently. Ms. Matthews is one of approximately 60 U.S. citizens who will travel abroad for the 2011-12 Fulbright Program, reports the United States Department of State and the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. Nikki Sutherland from Glasgow High School will be replacing Ms. Matthews in West Islip.
The Fulbright Program is the international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government and is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and those of other countries. Recipients are selected on the basis of academic or professional achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential in their fields. Since its establishment in 1946 under legislation introduced by the late U.S. Senator J. William Fulbright of Arkansas, the program provides opportunities to study, teach and conduct research, exchange ideas and contribute to finding solutions to shared international concerns. Fulbright alumni have achieved distinction in government, science, the arts, business, education and athletics. Forty Fulbright alumni from 11 countries have been awarded the Nobel Prize.
West Islip High School social studies teacher Noreen Matthews (pictured in the front row, third from the left, with several of her students in Guatemala) has received a 2011-2012 Fulbright Scholarship and will be teaching in Scotland.
Eight
senior student athletes have recently signed letters of intent
to play at Division l or ll colleges. This year's graduating
class currently has over 20 senior student athletes signed to
play Division I or II athletics next year in college. 
Congratulations
to the fifth and eighth grade students who were recently
recognized by the NYS Suffolk Zone Association for Health and
Physical Education with their “Outstanding Leadership Award.”
These individuals excelled in the areas of fitness, citizenship
and leadership. By their positive attitude, behavior and
performance, they have demonstrated they have high personal
standards and care about others. 
PAWS,
(Partners Advancing West Islip Students) West Islip’s Education
Foundation, is sponsoring its Seventh Annual Gala on Friday,
April 27, 2012. This event, which will be held at Southward Ho
Country Club, promises to be an exciting evening where two
outstanding community members will be honored. Sue Huscilowitc,
Director of Instructional Technology and Student Information and
Maria McNamee, Founder of the Elizabeth T. McNamee Run held
annually in West Islip on Mother’s Day are this year’s honorees.
All our welcome to join us for an evening filled with dining,
dancing and the opportunity to win a number of wonderful
raffles. For further information, please contact Jamie Winkler
at 631-321-8400 or via email at wre93@aol.com. You can visit
their website at 
Throughout
the week of February 27th the Paul J. Bellew students
participated in various activities that promoted ‘Say No to
Drugs!’ The students placed ribbons around the school and on
their doors at home, wore red to promote awareness, as well as
wore boots to "Stomp Out Drugs." 
Bayview
fifth graders have taken on a new responsibility and leadership
role as “safety patrol” officers. The primary responsibility of
this student-led team is to reinforce and model appropriate
arrival, dismissal, and hallway procedures at Bayview. Students
are assigned designated areas to patrol in the school and have
been issued signs and bright orange belts. The signs remind
students to sit quietly in the halls, walk, don’t run and to
line up for the buses.
Congratulations
to the West Islip Varsity Cheerleading Team who participated in the UCA
National High School Cheerleading Championships! This national
tournament was held at the Disney Hollywood Studios in
Orlando, Florida from February 10-14. 
At
a Section XI relay meet on January 13, 2012, the West Islip High
School team of Kate B., Annie O'C., Julie L. and Jessica Ball
won the 4x1600m relay with a time of 22:09.54. This impressive
time is a new West Islip school record. As of this week, the
national rankings have the West Islip relay team ranked first in
the nation in the 4x1600m relay. 
The
Varsity athletic teams had another very successful season this
past fall on and off the field of competition. In addition to
winning numerous championships, 10 of the 12 fall varsity teams
were recognized as Scholar Athlete Teams by the New York State
Public High School Athletic Association for having team GPAs of
90 or higher. Recently, 22 fall varsity student athletes were
recognized by the Board of Education for receiving All County
Honors from the Suffolk County Coaches Association in their
respective sport. In addition, Matt Brady and Nicole Shaw were
recognized for being selected as West Islip’s Wendy’s High
School Heisman Award winners for excelling academically and
athletically and demonstrating tremendous leadership traits.
Pictured are:
Recently,
eight fall athletic teams were recognized by Section XI (which
is the governing body of Suffolk County Athletics) for “best
exemplifying the spirit of sportsmanship during their season.”
The following teams received top sportsmanship honors: Varsity
Girls Cross Country, JV Field Hockey, JV Football, Udall
Football, Varsity Boys Soccer, Udall Boys Soccer, Varsity Boys
Volleyball and JV Boys Volleyball. 
The
West Islip Varsity Wrestling team hosted West Islip Holiday
Breast Cancer Awareness Wrestling Tournament. Teams attending
this year's tournament included: Amityville, Bellport, Central
Islip, West Islip Holiday Breast Cancer Awareness Wrestling
Tournament, Comsewogue, Freeport, William Floyd, South Windsor
CT., 
Udall
Road Middle School principal Dan Marquardt is pleased to report
that Udall eighth grade student, Stephen M.’s poem “Watch and
Wonder” has been published in the Acclaimed 2011 Poetry
Collection. 
Several
classes at Bayview Elementary School joined forces and sponsored
a candy cane reindeer sale for West Islip families in need. The
students worked tirelessly making posters, visiting classrooms
and constructing the candy cane reindeers for the sale. Pipe
cleaners, glitter and googly eyes were used to decorate the
candy canes. The students involved learned a lot of lessons
during this project including marketing, math, and
manufacturing. 
At
its December 8th meeting, the West Islip Board of Education
recognized select high school students for their outstanding
performance in the area of music and fine arts. 
This
year the students at Paul J. Bellew Elementary School have
expanded their successful recycling program from paper to
bottles. Along with a box to collect paper, each classroom also
collects used water bottles each day. At the end of the week,
students send their bag of bottles to be picked up by members of
the PTA who then return the bottles for recycling! 
Congratulations to the “Sparkle Cheerleading Program!”
who were recently honored at a Board of Education meeting. Senior Varsity
cheerleaders Allie R. and Olivia U. researched and
instituted the Sparkle Program in West Islip which happens to be
the first program in the Northeast! 
The NYSPHSAA recently recognized the West Islip community with a
plaque for demonstrating a strong commitment to promoting
sportsmanship. Everyone shares in this recognition; the
custodians, the supervisors, security, administrators, coaches,
parents, spectators, the grounds crew and of course the
athletes!
On
Wednesday, September 21, 2011 the students and staff at
Westbrook Elementary School held an outdoor assembly to
celebrate International Day of Peace. 
The
Suffolk Zone of the New York State Association for Health,
Physical Education and Recreation will recognize Kailey L. and
Jack K. as West Islip’s Outstanding Physical Education Students
at a gala event on December 7th at the Hyatt Regency Wind Watch
Hotel. The annual award is given to students who best exemplify
exceptional physical performance, scholarship, character, and
citizenship. 
This
fall, twelve West Islip senior student athletes have signed
letters of intent to play at Division I or II colleges.
Every
summer, Kirdahy Elementary School students participate in the
“West Islip Summer Reading Club”. Children in grades
kindergarten through 5, who successfully complete the program,
are rewarded with a celebratory breakfast. 
Devon
P., a kindergarten student at Manetuck Elementary School, beams
with pride as he stands below an American Flag which was donated
to the school by Devon’s father, who is currently deployed in
Afghanistan. 
West
Islip Schools is proud to announce that Andrew P., a current
sixth grade student, attended the National Young Scholars
Program this past summer. 
During
the Varsity Football game the Marching Lions Halftime Show
included the Spicy Latin favorite “Evil Ways” and the pop
sensation “Dynamite” under the conducting of drum majors Abhinn
M. and Raymond R.. Special congratulations to our Flag Team
captains Jill B. and Pauline G. and percussion captains Mike D.
and Caitlin C..
Come
to the West Islip High School Courtyard on October 14th, 2011 at
7:00 for a night of great music for a great cause. “Now!
Concerts for Equality” is a student run concert series that
features talented West Islip High School musicians playing
everything from classical music to rock and roll. All proceeds
go to Equality Now, an international human rights organization
that fights for the rights of women and girls around the world.
There will be raffles and prizes! Come support your local
student musicians and this worthwhile cause. Admission is $5. In
case of rain, the concert will be held in Cafeteria C.
From
October 27 through October 30, the New York State School Boards
Association (NYSSBA) will have an annual art exhibit sponsored
by NYSATA which displays student artwork from schools throughout
New York State. A reception is held for the artists and school
board members. Students will receive a certificate and seal of
distinction. The conference is at the Buffalo Niagara Conference
Center. P.J . Bellew school is proud to have Loren V.,
Kevin R., and Grace M. exhibiting their artwork. 
Students
and staff at Bayview Elementary School celebrated International
Peace Day on September 21st. A Peace Pole was planted in the
courtyard and grade level gatherings were held to recognize and
discuss ways in which we can all become peacemakers. A Peace
Pole is an internationally recognized symbol that shares the
message "May Peace Prevail on Earth." There are over 200,000
Peace Poles in the world and they serve as a reminder that peace
begins in our hearts and minds.
Teacher Noreen Matthews, a social studies teacher in West Islip High School, has been awarded a Fulbright Classroom Teacher Exchange Grant to teach in Glasgow, Scotland for a year, it was announced recently. Ms. Matthews is one of approximately 60 U.S. citizens who will travel abroad for the 2011-12 Fulbright Program, reports the United States Department of State and the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. Nikki Sutherland from Glasgow High School will be replacing Ms. Matthews in West Islip.
The Fulbright Program is the international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government and is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and those of other countries. Recipients are selected on the basis of academic or professional achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential in their fields. Since its establishment in 1946 under legislation introduced by the late U.S. Senator J. William Fulbright of Arkansas, the program provides opportunities to study, teach and conduct research, exchange ideas and contribute to finding solutions to shared international concerns. Fulbright alumni have achieved distinction in government, science, the arts, business, education and athletics. Forty Fulbright alumni from 11 countries have been awarded the Nobel Prize.
West Islip High School social studies teacher Noreen Matthews (pictured in the front row, third from the left, with several of her students in Guatemala) has received a 2011-2012 Fulbright Scholarship and will be teaching in Scotland.
