Students at Oquenock Elementary School participated in Celebrate Math Week, a district-wide event, with themed days that offered opportunities to talk about math/numbers in sports, art, games and puzzles. Oquenock staff and students embraced the opportunity, and students were engaged in meaningful, fun activities all week. Classes had a chance to sign up with Ms. Wheeler, math coach, for a variety of math activities: number recognition bingo, addition/subtraction bingo, multiplication Jenga and war, and the rainbow arc challenge.

Click here to view the Oquenock Celebrates Math slideshow.

Date Added: 4/24/2025

On March 24, West Islip High School science research students in Mrs. Kroll’s class competed at the New York State Science and Engineering Fair. Unlike other competitions, NYSSEF only has two broad categories. Two West Islip High School students were recognized for their projects. Emilia Miranda won second place in life science for her project, “Analyzing Microplastic Quantity and Chemical Composition in Farm-Raised vs Wild-Caught Shrimp for Human Consumption Using Infrared Spectroscopy.” Emily Podolska earned honorable mention in life science for her project, “Evaluating Herbal Supplements through Mineral Content and DNA Analysis.” Congratulations to all the West Islip student researchers and to Mrs. Kroll for her inspiring mentorship. 

Date Added: 4/23/2025

Fourth and fifth graders at Paul J. Bellew Elementary School had an interactive lesson in electrical safety when members of PSEG Long Island visited the school on April 2.
The program taught the importance of safety when dealing with electricity and downed power lines. Rotating through two classroom stations, students learned about the potential dangers in their homes and neighborhoods.
PSEG’s Mobile Electric Safety Unit truck was set up outdoors as part of the lesson. Through various demonstrations on the model two-story home, PSEG technicians showed real-world scenarios of potential hazards. Students learned about hazards that can happen in everyday life. In addition to acquiring knowledge on electrical safety, they also received a hard hat to take home.

Click here to view the PSEG Visits Paul J. Bellew for Interactive Safety Lesson slideshow.

Date Added: 4/22/2025

West Islip students who are part of the West Islip Thirst Project spent the afternoon of March 23 walking the West Islip High School track to celebrate World Water Day. The annual “Walk for Water” helps raise money and awareness to combat the global water crisis. Each day, millions of women and children in developing countries walk an average of 3.75 miles to collect water. West Islip students, family members, community members and club advisor Ms. Ferruzzi walked while carrying jerry cans filled with water to symbolize the daily struggle that many must endure. Members are hopeful that this event will help bring them one step closer to their $12,000 fundraising goal for the year. That’s the cost to fund one sustainable water well for a community in need, so they no longer need to walk such long distances for water.

Date Added: 4/21/2025