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  

On Nov. 8, Connetquot High School proudly honored three alumni as well as veteran community members for their service with a special ceremony. Additionally, their Flags of Honor fundraiser raised over $1,600 for Tunnel to Towers, an organization supporting veterans and first responders. The Connetquot High School community is deeply grateful to all who serve, have served, and to their families for their sacrifices. Thank you for your unwavering dedication!

Click here to view the Connetquot High School raises money for Tunnel to Towers slideshow.

Date Added: 11/15/2024

At Connetquot High School, students in Signora Fusco's College Italian class learned all about Dante Alighieri, known as the father of the Italian language. He is a poet best known for the “The Divine Comedy” which famously includes Dante’s “Inferno”.

After reading Italian biographies and watching Italian videos about his life and literary contributions, the students created their own infographics in Italian to demonstrate what they learned.

Date Added: 11/13/2024

On Nov. 8-9, Connetquot High School's drama club proudly presented, Almost, Maine.

Almost, Maine takes place over a period of about 17 minutes on a cold, mid-winter Friday night in the fictional locale of Almost, which is...almost a town in northern rural Maine. As the northern lights begin to hover in the star-filled sky above, Almost’s residents find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and often funny or slightly fantastical ways. Knees are bruised. Hearts are broken. But the bruises can heal, and the hearts can mend— almost. Each character takes their own journey to try to find what they need.

“The cast has worked very hard over the past few weeks to put this production together and bring these characters to life,” Director Mr. Bowie said. “The stories they told were challenging and filled with emotion, but each actor on that stage rose to the occasion and made the audience laugh, gasp, and shed a few tears. Thank you to Mr. Wilans, Mr. Coffin, and the stage crew students who gave us amazing sets, lights, and sounds to help complete our play!

Bravo to the cast and crew on a spectacular show!

Click here to view the Connetquot High School presents “Almost, Maine” slideshow.

 

Date Added: 11/12/2024