Commack School District

Students at Sawmill have been voting on their favorite songs the last few weeks and today their top six was unveiled at the Student Council’s Throwback Thursday’s fundraiser event during lunch periods.

Laura Keen and Tara O'Grady served as MC's and after eating their lunch, students sang and danced in the cafeteria to the hits. The number one spot went to Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline, which led to a rousing ovation by the students.

Rolling Hills Helpers worked on various charity projects throughout the school year.  Most recently, they participated in a Cereal Domino Run, after collecting more than 130 boxes.

The second grade became the "Breakfast Champions" as the result of bringing in the most boxes.

To celebrate the collection, the cereal boxes were set up in the gym, with the same amount of boxes for each grade. A kindergartener, first grader and second grader then pushed their respective row of boxes like dominoes to see which grade level's boxes toppled the fastest. All the K boxes went down first! 

Some Hills Helpers then ventured to Christ the King Pantry and the Sharing Table at the Jewish Center to deliver the cereal boxes to help those in need.

Commack had a bevy of students inducted into the National Technical Honor Society.

Congratulations to honorees Kylie B., Saphire C., Gabriella E., Jack F., Joseph G., Michael G., Kaitlin K., Madison M., Gloria M., John N., Jack P., Kylie R., Emma S. and Juan V.

The students are involved in programs including cosmetology, veterinary medical assisting, aviation science/flight, automotive technology, aircraft/drone technology, criminal justice and electronics/robotics & automation.

Sawmill fifth-graders are learning cartooning from an accomplished illustrator on Thursday.

The students are drawing Batman and the Hulk while learning techniques from professional designer David Miller. The pointers included drawing with perspective so the characters appear three-dimensional rather than flat.

Miller also shared how cartoonists sketch with a blue pencil — akin to a blueprint — before doing the final product in black.

Miller also encouraged the students to create their own characters rather than sketch established characters.

The visit from the veteran cartoonist came via the Arts-in-Education program.

The district paid homage to silver anniversary achievers and upcoming retirees at the annual Retirement Awards Ceremony and Silver Anniversary Testimonial Wednesday afternoon at Commack Middle School. 

 

Forty-six honorees celebrated their 25-year anniversary, while 31 retirees were recognized.

 

“To those celebrating their silver anniversary, we thank you for your continued service to our district, and to those retiring, we will truly miss you all,” assistant superintendent for human resources Scott Oshrin said.

 

The event was accompanied by music from the Commack High School Jazz Messengers, and refreshments were served. Speeches were made for each honoree, making it a truly wonderful event for all in attendance. A huge thank you to the Human Resources Department for staging the event, and congratulations to all of the honorees!

CHS honored seven soon-to-be-graduates on Wednesday morning who are putting country above self.

Joined by U.S. Marines sergeant Christopher Rosarioventura, Air Force technical sergeant Nathaniel Miles, Army major Brewster Tisson, retired Navy lieutenant Francis Martin from congressman Nick LaLotta’s office, legislator Robert Trotta, superintendent Dr. Jordan Cox and high school administrators, the seniors and their families were recognized at the annual CHS Military Breakfast.

Senior James C. is headed to the Marines, while Anthony S. and Lucas M. are headed to the Air Force, Brandon Y. is headed to the Navy and Emma H., Ethan D. and Jay B. are headed to the Army.

Legislator Trotta, who served as keynote speaker, praised the seniors for their commitment to America.

“You are doing something that most people never do,” he said. “You made a decision to stand up for our country.”

Dr. Cox drew on three generations of his family serving in the military to praise the students.

“I know how successful you will be,” he said, “and I want you to know from the bottom of our hearts how proud we are.”

Superintendent Dr. Jordan Cox presented Andrea Beatty and Jeanette Collette with the Commack Star Award at the Celebration of Research Tuesday evening. 

The Commack Star is awarded to district employees who demonstrate exemplary achievement, contribution and performance in their roles.

Beatty has been an integral part of the Commack Science program, as well as the entire high school.  In addition, Beatty has been a part of Commack’s Discovery Camp since its inception. As a member of the Sunshine Committee, she is constantly supporting events to help improve the culture of the building.  

“Andrea’s creativity and enthusiasm always get staff excited about events,” Dr. Cox said. “She brings this same attitude to the students. From mentoring academically or even addressing stressors - she is there.”

Collette works tirelessly to support her students in the research program to help prepare them for the highest levels of competition. Her endless dedication to the program and her students goes well beyond expectations. She is in the research room every period of the day, before and after school, helping students and staff to better the program.

“Jeanette is the true definition of going above and beyond,” Dr. Cox said. “Not only does Jeanette support the students academically, but she fosters a sense of pride among them.  She has built a sense of community and family with the whole research team, students, and staff.”