Rocky Point High School students Alexander Bonacci and Delaney Vu have been named 2018 Suffolk Zone winners by the Suffolk Chapter of the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.

The pair was honored for being the top female and male senior physical education leaders in their school during the association’s annual awards dinner. The award criterion considered students’ leadership in physical education, scholarship, character, being a role model to their peers and academic excellence.

In honor of November being designated National Diabetes Awareness Month, Rocky Point Middle School students and staff helped raise funds for one of the fastest-growing diseases around the world – type 1 juvenile diabetes.

Under the leadership of the Middle School Natural Helpers Club, students and staff at the Rocky Point Middle School hosted a Dimes for Diabetes contest to see which grade could collect the most dimes for diabetes. The students and staff wore blue to show support for diabetes awareness and donated spare change throughout the month. 

As a result of the school community’s generosity, Rocky Point donated $586.36 to JDRF, a nonprofit organization that works to find better treatments, preventions and, hopefully, a cure for type 1 diabetes and its complications.

In recognition of the Thanksgiving holiday, fourth-grade students at Joseph A. Edgar Intermediate School recently held a Native American celebration.

As an additional activity to the grade level’s Native American social studies unit, students visited with several fourth-grade teachers. During the activity, the students enjoyed listening to Native American folktales, creating and decorating a craft, completing a scavenger hunt and playing an authentic Native American game.

Rocky Point High School varsity cheerleaders captured their 14th Regional title at the UCA Empire Regional competition at Nassau Community College on Sunday, December 2, with an outstanding, stand out performance. Their medium varsity division was competitive and their performance was action packed, exciting to watch and on point.

“We are so proud of these girls – they are dedicated, determined and driven,” said Coach Anna Spallina.

Creativity and innovation abounded at Rocky Point High School as the district hosted its second annual STEM Exposition.

This event provided students with opportunities to meet and talk with representatives from academic institutions and industry. Representatives included private astronaut and Princeton University professor Dr. Gregory Olsen, Verizon Fios meteorologist Geoff Bansen and Dr. John Tanacredi, professor of earth and environmental studies at Molloy College. Adelphi University, Brookhaven National Laboratory and New York Institute of Technology also attended and provided students with information related to STEM majors and STEM careers. 

In addition to speaking with STEM representatives from a variety of organizations, attendees engaged in hands-on STEM challenges. Attendees constructed sturdy tables from masking tape and newspaper, created small-scale parachutes to safely transport materials, built bridges made of marshmallows and toothpicks, and assembled aluminum foil boats. These activities allowed participants to devise creative solutions to engineering problems.

The STEM Exposition also showcased Rocky Point students’ accomplishments. Rocky Point Middle School and High School robotics, High School math, High School cosmetology, High School computer science and High School technology groups all presented at the event.

“Rocky Point will seek to build on the enthusiasm generated from the STEM Exposition, continuing to create opportunities to promote STEM college and career opportunities,” said Aaron Factor, director of math, science and technology. 

After a comprehensive application process, Rocky Point Middle School was proud to be the recipient of a site visit by the prestigious Schools to Watch Committee this November.
  
This is an organization that was started by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform. The Schools to Watch Program examines four essential elements: academic excellence, developmental responsiveness, social equity and organizational support. It is a distinct honor to be selected to have a site visit as part of this multistep process. 

The Schools to Watch Committee is comprised of current or retired educators or administrators from around New York State. They spent two days this November visiting classrooms, meeting with students, parents, teachers, building and district level administrators and Board of Education members to gain firsthand insight into the wonderful programs and activities at the middle school. 

There were only three middle schools recognized by New York State as new Schools to Watch in 2018, and the district hopes to join the 2019 listing.  

Rocky Point Middle School students and staff, through the building’s advisory program, have been promoting kindness through positive messages and uplifting quotes by participating in the Kindness Rock Project. 

As part of the initiative, each student created a colorful rock inscribed with a powerful message of hope and kindness for the kindness garden in the school’s courtyard. When visiting the garden, individuals looking for inspiration are invited to take a kindness rock and create a replacement, which will serve as a source of hope and inspiration for someone in the future. 

In honor of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, Frank J. Carasiti Elementary School students and staff worked to give to those in need by hosting a unique food drive focused solely on snacks. 

The initiative, coordinated by the school’s Holiday Help Committee, ran for a week in November. Throughout the drive, individuals donated their favorite snack items, hoping to fill a large-wheeled bin to the brim. 

At the end of the drive, the school’s second-grade service squad helped to sort the donations into food categories and prepared them for distribution to local families in need of assistance. 

Rocky Point High School students, staff and community recently came together to honor and celebrate approximately 70 members of the school community who have volunteered to serve the country as part of the armed forces.

In an effort organized by teacher Rich Acritelli, students and honored guests began the day gathered in the school’s auditorium for a moving Veterans Day assembly program. During the event, Mr. Acritelli, along with History Honor Society and History Club members, paid tribute to graduates who served our country in the armed forces. Individuals’ names were announced and their photos and credentials were displayed on a large screen on stage. Those in attendance were also invited to speak with the crowd. Many members of the local VFW Post 6249 were also on hand to part take in the event, as well as be celebrated for their unwavering support of the school and community. 

Following the assembly, the building’s newly created Veterans Wall of Honor was ceremoniously unveiled. Located in the main lobby of the school, the wall features plaques inscribed with the names and images of those honored and are surrounded by beautiful emblems from each of the different branches of the military. Veterans in attendance had the chance to officially unveil their plaque, and all collectively applauded them for their service and commitment. 

“We are grateful for the many organizations who helped make this tribute possible, and thanks to Mr. Acritelli for the countless hours he spent to make this Wall of Honor possible,” Principal Susann Crossan said. 

Rocky Point Middle School students and staff are working to ensure others in the community have a joyous holiday by participating in a fun-filled food drive. 

To draw excitement for the event, eighth-grade teacher John Mauceri dressed in a turkey costume and visited the students’ lunch periods to kick off the food drive. During the days leading up to the big day, individuals made donations of nonperishable food items in bins outside the cafeteria. 

On Wednesday before break, students and staff took part in a turkey trot around the track led by the turkey. All students who donated an item of food for the needy will get a “Ticket to Trot” with the turkey. 

Rocky Point High School’s Interact Club members recently volunteered their time to participate in the Camp Paquatuck fall cleanup event. 

Students helped prepare the grounds and buildings of Camp Paquatuck for winter season. They helped rake leaves, paint the barn and clean the cabins. 

Camp Paquatuck is a summer camp and year-round respite care center for children with disabilities, created by the Rotary Club of Moriches and supported by many Rotary Clubs on Long Island. Rotary International is the parent organization of Interact. 

The Crafty Cooks Club at Joseph A. Edgar Intermediate School provides students with an outlet to express their creativity and passion in a fun-filled environment. 

Open to third-grade students, this after-school club is advised by special education teachers Gina Hale and Kim O’Connor. During their meetings, students have the chance to make seasonal crafts in a social environment, which promotes new friendships and teamwork. 

Surrounded by proud family members, coaches and district administrators, four Rocky Point High School seniors put pen to paper this November as they took part in 2018 NCAA Signing Day.

After countless hours on the athletic fields and arenas, these student-athletes were selected to not only attend some of the nation’s top colleges but also compete as part of their premier athletic programs. The Rocky Point School District is proud to congratulate the following seniors on this distinction and wishes them well in their future academic and athletic endeavors. 

Jacqueline Bauer - Lacrosse - Mercy College
Megan Greco - Lacrosse - Wagner College
Brianna Lamoureux - Lacrosse - University of Maryland
Robert Milopsky - Baseball - Hillsborough Community Colle

Rocky Point High School students worked to develop new skills and build inner strength during a recent assembly program with keynote speaker John Perricone.
 
During the event, this nationally sought-after speaker guided students through interactive exercises, storytelling, psychological insights and age-appropriate philosophical discussions, all geared toward awakening the power that each student has to shape their lives and forge their destinies. Students were encouraged to understand what motivates them personally, to accept that life will be difficult but that the stress and pressure one faces can help to make one stronger and more resilient. 

“Though we are a society that celebrates physical strength, we rarely, if ever, talk about the cultivation of inner strength – the strength that enables us to make sound decisions in the face of adversity, peer pressure, bullying, media influence, etc.,” Mr. Perricone said. 

In addition to the assembly programs with the entire student body, Mr. Perricone held a one-hour breakout session with student leaders, enabling them to further develop their skills and inspire their peers to do the same. 

Schools throughout the Rocky Point School District took time to pause, remember and give thanks to local servicemen and women this November by taking part in a number of Veterans Day events and activities.

At Frank J. Carasiti Elementary School, second-graders gathered in the school’s gymnasium to celebrate and honor local servicemen and women for their bravery and service. After the nation’s colors were presented by a member of the Rocky Point Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6249, the veterans in attendance were individually introduced and presented with a paper medal of honor. 

Each honored guest was invited to share about which branch of the armed forces they served and their personal connection to the school. Additionally, the students learned about the evolution of the trumpet and the part the bugle plays in the military from a member of Post 6249. The students performed a special song, giving thanks to all who served. 

The Rocky Point High School marching band took part in the 56th annual Newsday Marching Band Festival, showcasing its fine musicals skills, talents and pristine choreography. The event took place in Uniondale at the Mitchel Athletic Complex and brought together student marching bands from throughout Long Island.

Marvels and mysteries were unveiled at Frank J. Carasiti Elementary School when students attended a highly visual assembly program called Extreme Science 2.0 with Hagerman the Magician.

During the event, the presenter showcased how magic is based in science as he completed a number of experiments. Students watched with awe as crystals caused water to “vanish,” and a liquid transformed a Styrofoam cup into a malleable substance that, before it hardened, was added to help shape the largest ball made of recycled Styrofoam. Students also learned about static electricity, gravity and electric properties using a series of other devices. 

As part of their art studies, Frank J. Carasiti Elementary School first-graders recently expanded their knowledge of primary and secondary colors during a fall-themed project.

With the help of art teacher Laura Goelz, the students worked to mix together the primary colors – red, yellow and blue –to create exquisite hues of the secondary colors – purple, orange and green. Once they perfected each shade, the students used them to paint fall-themed items such as pumpkins and leaves. 

Frank J. Carasiti Elementary School students in grades K-2 took part this October in one of the school’s most treasured events, the annual Harvest Day Parade.

During this memorable event, each student, dressed as his or her favorite storybook character, marched around the high school track to the cheers of parents and onlookers. Among the favorites portrayed were Alice in Wonderland, the Cat in the Hat, Charlie Brown, Harry Potter and Pete the Cat. 

The Rocky Point High School marching band was also on hand to perform some popular tunes for the students and their adoring fans.

In an effort organized by the school’s Human Rights Club, Rocky Point High School students and staff celebrated Unity Day this October by wearing orange and making monetary donations to Pacer’s National Bullying Prevention Center. Orange is the color associated with bully prevention. 

Unity Day is an event when individuals come together – in schools, communities and online – to send one large orange message of support, hope and unity to show that we are united against bullying and united for kindness, acceptance and inclusion. At the high school, participating students and staff received an orange ribbon for a small donation. 

Rocky Point High School junior varsity and varsity girls volleyball teams recently hosted their 10th annual Dig Pink Breast Cancer fundraiser.

The entire district contributed to the success of this event, and the community has embraced this event as one that defines the quality of their character – a giving, selfless, uplifting, supportive, strong team of individuals. The young women of the volleyball program and their parents continue, year in and year out, to exceed expectations. In an era when news about cancer permeates the airways, Rocky Point’s athletic community and beyond regularly stands united to honor those who have fallen, stand with those who are fighting and admire those who have survived. 

In 2018 alone, the Rocky Point School District raised more than $4,500 for the cause, bringing their 10-year total to over $65,000. Special thanks to visiting teams from Longwood and Amityville high schools who joined the district’s event and to all those who played a vital role in the success of the program, including parent volunteer Laura Wheeler and teachers Kelly Calamita and Maria Amoscato. The teams are coached by Conor Sussillo (varsity) and Kevin Parker (JV).  

Music, rhythm and fun reverberated throughout Joseph A. Edgar Intermediate School as students, family and staff came together to participate in a fun-filled evening of family folk dancing this October.

The annual event provided the opportunity for students to bring their parents to school, where together they participated in several folk dances led by school music teacher Craig Knapp. This multigenerational experience builds appreciation of the process of music making and community spirit.

Traditional folk dancing promotes building of community, teamwork, discipline, respect and following instructions. Folk dance has links with many other subjects, including history, literacy, art, music and physical education. The students enjoyed the event, learning valuable social skills as well as improving coordination and confidence. 

Rocky Point Middle School science teacher Audra Hallock has been selected as a New York State Master Teacher, the first in the school district. 

The NYS STEM Master Teacher program is a competitive program and only selects veteran educators who demonstrate a commitment to student achievement, promote STEM inside and outside the classroom, seek out professional development opportunities and work with colleagues to improve STEM instruction. As a STEM Master Teacher, Audra will create, design, facilitate and participate in STEM professional development for the next four years at Stony Brook University. 

“Being selected as a New York State Master Teacher in STEM is truly quite an honor, and I am excited to begin working with and learning from other master teachers from the region and state,” Ms. Hallock said. “Learning truly is a lifelong process and I am eager to continue my own learning at this level and to then be able to bring new ideas and techniques into the classroom.”

There are approximately 980 STEM Master Teachers statewide, and Audra is one of only 93 STEM Master Teachers on Long Island.

“We are very proud of Ms. Hallock being selected as Rocky Point’s first-ever NYS STEM Master Teacher, and we are looking forward to her sharing new, meaningful strategies and resources with her colleagues, in support of Rocky Point students,” said Aaron Factor, director of math, science and technology.

Prior to being selected as a STEM Master Teacher, Ms. Hallock had to go through an exhaustive application and interview process, including a demonstration lesson. She also shared information about her work with sixth-grade GATES students and Brookhaven National Laboratory. Through a partnership with the lab, Ms. Hallock has facilitated students’ exploration of plant and animal populations on Rocky Point School grounds. Specifically, she has helped students examine specific changes to Allegheny mound ant populations and the effect of those changes on surrounding flora.
          
“Education is the cornerstone to success, and it is the brilliant, dedicated teachers in New York who make a difference in countless lives and inspire the leaders of tomorrow,” Governor Cuomo said. “Congratulations to the 275 newest members of the Master Teacher program, who will join the ranks of the top educators in the state as they work to further their skills and their impact on students in every corner of this great state.”