Throughout the months of October and November, Ronkonkoma Middle School and Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School students held donation drives for Long Island’s chapter of Blue Star Moms NY6, a non-profit organization that supports military families and veterans.

On Nov. 6, students from Ronkonkoma Middle School’s National Junior Honor Society gathered to pack donations to send to currently deployed service members. They were joined by President of Blue Star Moms NY6 Patricia Harper who graciously picked up the donations for distribution.

Similarly, at Oakdale-Bohemia Middle School, the social studies department led the initiative, asking students to collect various goods throughout the month of November, from toothbrushes and socks to medicine and non-perishable food items. In addition to collecting items, students wrote thoughtful, encouraging cards for veterans and those actively deployed. The students will be donating their items at the end of November.

Date Added: 11/21/2024

On Nov. 19, Connetquot High School students visited Edward J. Bosti Elementary School for a workshop on mindfulness. The collaborative event introduced the elementary students to various mindfulness techniques aimed at promoting well-being, emotional awareness and gratitude.

Students from Connetquot High School’s Psychology and Mindfulness in Music with Peer Mentorship classes organized and led a series of interactive stations where the Bosti students explored different mindfulness practices.

At one station, the high school students guided their elementary peers in writing down things they were thankful for on fall-themed worksheets, which they then colored in. The exercise helped students reflect on what they appreciate and how gratitude can be a powerful tool in maintaining a positive mindset.

At another station, students gathered in a circle to play a game of “Pass the Pumpkin,” similar to “Hot Potato,” where they shared something they were thankful for when the music stopped.

Music also played an essential role in the mindfulness workshop. Students learned how different sounds can affect emotions by experimenting with a variety of instruments, including a rain stick, chimes and a wooden percussion frog. Students also learned various breathing techniques for reducing stress and centering themselves.

This hands-on experience not only benefited the elementary students, but also offered Connetquot High School students the opportunity to engage with their younger peers, model positive behaviors and create lasting connections.

Click here to view the Connetquot High School students lead mindfulness workshop at Bosti Elementary 2024 slideshow.

Date Added: 11/20/2024

Connetquot High School hosted its inaugural Alumni of Distinction ceremony on Nov. 14, honoring three distinguished graduates: Alison Napolitano (Class of 1993), Marianne Loose (Class of 1985) and Thomas Croci (Class of 1990).

Marianne is the founder and director of Lauren’s First and Goal Foundation, a non-profit started in 2004 to honor her daughter, Lauren, a pediatric brain tumor survivor. Since its inception, the organization has raised more than $2.87 million toward its mission to provide financial support for brain tumor research and cancer services.

Thomas Croci served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Central Asia from Feb. 2020 to Jan. 2021. Prior to this, he was Deputy Director of Operations for a Joint Special Operations Task Force and represented the 3rd Senatorial District in the New York State Senate, where he chaired key committees on homeland security, military and veteran affairs. As a U.S. Navy Reserve officer, he deployed to Afghanistan multiple times and held key roles, including Senior Duty Officer in the White House Situation Room and Director of Strategy at the Homeland Security Council.

Honorable Alison Napolitano is a New York State Supreme Court Justice. Alison began her legal career with the Suffolk County Legal Aid Society, where she spent 12 years providing criminal defense services. She was committed to ensuring fair representation for all, regardless of circumstance, and her dedication to justice was unwavering. She then became the Principal Law Clerk to Supreme Court Justice Santorelli, where she worked for another 12 years, further honing her legal expertise. In Nov. 2023, Alison was elected as a Justice of the New York State Supreme Court, taking her oath of office in Jan. 2024. Her election to the bench reflects her exceptional legal career, built on fairness, integrity and a deep commitment to the rule of law.

Each honoree was celebrated with the unveiling of plaques, featuring their names and titles. They will hang in Connetquot High School’s main hallway for all to appreciate for years to come.

Click here to view the Connetquot Honors Alumni of Distinction slideshow.

Date Added: 11/19/2024  

Fourth graders at Idle Hour Elementary School brought history to life with their Native American “museum”. After learning about the Iroquois tribe and their culture, the school’s atrium was transformed into a “museum” full of incredible, handmade artifacts.

With families and loved ones in attendance, each student took on the role of a museum guide, sharing stories behind their models of Iroquois villages, longhouses, fishing traps, bows and arrows and more. Students also explored the powerful connections between the Iroquois government and our nation’s own democratic system.

Click here to view the Hands-on History at Idle Hour Elementary slideshow.

Date Added: 11/18/2024