While students throughout the Rocky Point School District celebrated school spirit days with various themes – including tie-dye apparel, goodbye summer/hello fall clothing and dress as your favorite teacher – Rocky Point Middle School staff members joined in on the fun by honoring one of its own.

Dubbed “Bob Ciaccio Day,” it was a tribute to technology teacher Mr. Robert Ciaccio who has educated thousands of students in his five decades of teaching in the district. Mr. Ciacco’s signature plaid button-down shirts and safety goggles were donned by his colleagues throughout the day!

Date Added: 9/23/2022

Joseph A. Edgar Intermediate School students honored those who died and those who were affected by 9/11 with a tribute and commemorative museum walk. Fifth graders in Ms. Leah Larson and Ms. Laura O’Mahoney’s class created posters and dioramas and designed Freedom Towers using materials such as cardboard, Styrofoam and Legos.

The young student-architects displayed their unique designs to honor all of the heroes of Sept. 11, 2001.

Date Added: 9/20/2022

Rocky Point School District’s Director of Math, Science and Technology Mr. Jachan Watkis has been named to a New York State Education commission that will work to review the current state diploma requirements. Mr. Watkis went through a comprehensive selection process with more than 400 applicants and was one of only 64 members selected statewide and one of only eight from Long Island.

The advisory group, known as a blue ribbon commission, will meet monthly and work toward a goal of issuing a final report with recommendations by summer 2024.

“I am excited to be able to represent Rocky Point and our region during this process,” Mr. Watkis said. “I am hoping to be a part of defining the portrait of a NYS graduate. I also look forward to helping to create a flexible multiple-pathways approach to graduation requirements which empowers students and meaningfully incorporates student voice and choice. I am confident that this process can yield transformative results for all learners in our state.”

Date Added: 9/16/2022