Fifth graders across the Connetquot Central School District are preparing to take the next step in their educational journey as they transition to middle school. Throughout June, students from Edward J. Bosti, Cherokee Street, Helen B. Duffield, Idle Hour, John Pearl, Edith L. Slocum, and Sycamore Avenue elementary schools marked this important moment with moving up ceremonies.

Each celebration featured special awards, honoring students for outstanding achievement in academics, music and the arts, physical education, health and other areas. Principals, staff and student speakers took the stage to reflect on the experiences and memories that shaped their elementary school years.

In front of proud families, students received their moving up certificates, symbolizing their elementary school accomplishments and their readiness for the exciting challenges ahead at Oakdale-Bohemia and Ronkonkoma middle schools.

Click here to view the Connetquot fifth graders mark educational milestone with moving up ceremonies slideshow.

Date Added: 6/25/2025

Cherokee Street and Helen B. Duffield elementary schools recently came together for a special event where students had the chance to meet their ENL (English as a New Language) pen pals in person.

After spending months exchanging letters, artwork and learning about one another’s cultures and experiences, the students were thrilled to finally connect face-to-face. The day was filled with smiles, laughter and shared activities that celebrated their growing friendships and diverse backgrounds. Teachers and staff from both schools were proud to see how the pen pal project had helped build confidence, language skills and meaningful connections across school communities.

Click here to view the Cherokee Street and Duffield pen pals meet face-to-face slideshow.

 

Date Added: 6/13/2025

Cherokee Street fifth graders wrapped up their Earth Systems unit in Science with a creative project all about water conservation! After learning that only a small percentage of Earth’s water is drinkable, students designed posters filled with tips and reminders on how we can all help protect this vital resource.

Date Added: 6/12/2025

On June 10, representatives from the Connetquot Public Library visited Cherokee Street Elementary School to introduce students to their districtwide 2025 summer reading challenge, “Color Our World.” This annual program invites all seven elementary schools in the Connetquot Central School District to participate in an interactive and rewarding summer reading adventure.

The challenge encourages students to read, earn and win all summer long. For every 30 minutes read, participants can earn exciting rewards, including free books, collectible “brag tags” and virtual raffle tickets. These tickets offer a chance to win gift cards or the grand prize: a Toniebox audio player complete with Tonies characters, headphones and a carrying case.

The school with the highest level of participation will be rewarded with a special assembly in September to celebrate their achievement. Happy reading, Connetquot!

Date Added: 6/10/2025

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Connetquot Central School District proudly hosted a series of Wellness Days throughout May, bringing students, staff and community partners together to celebrate and support emotional well-being.

Each school in the district participated in activities aimed at promoting mental, emotional and physical health. These events featured dynamic presentations and assemblies from a variety of organizations, including Cohen Children’s Medical Center, Dragon Gate Martial Arts Academy, Youth Enrichment Services, Fit for Life, KidStrong, the Bionic Project, Kerboom Kidz and Northwell Health.

The district’s elementary schools enjoyed interactive sessions such as yoga, mindful reading and crafts, music and art activities, guided painting, self-love meditation and Zumba. Creative activities like affirmation stations and scavenger hunts helped students connect to wellness in fun, accessible ways.

At Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School, students explored a Wellness Fair, featuring healthy food samples, mindfulness education and wellness-themed activities, including “peaceful puzzles”, a Zen garden, “calm coloring”, “mindful music” and “fun with fidgets”. Ronkonkoma Middle School hosted a variety of self-care activities, including self-care bingo, an affirmation station, a spirited volleyball tournament in support of the Dezy Strong Foundation and a themed spirit week.

At Connetquot High School, students were encouraged to explore holistic wellness through yoga and meditation sessions, nutrition and food samplings and health and wellness vendors. The event emphasized the importance of mind-body balance and introduced students to local resources for maintaining their overall well-being.

While Connetquot’s commitment to student wellness continues year-round, May’s Wellness Days served as a great reminder of the importance of self-care.

Click here to view the Connetquot champions self-care through Wellness Days slideshow.

 

Date Added: 6/9/2025