Second graders at Mt. Pleasant Elementary School took a literal trip around the world when the Earth Balloon program from Earth Adventures, a 20-foot model of the Earth, visited the school.
Students had the opportunity to learn about the different continents, their habitats, climate and geography as they traveled around the world. As they explored the different continents, they had some special visitors such as a corn snake, tree frog, a long-tailed lizard and a bearded dragon. During a hands-on portion of the program, students touched some of the animals as well as the skin of an anaconda. They learned about the different oceans, the climates in the different continents and how animals adapt to their habitats.

The district’s School of Business and the World Language department, in conjunction with the Smithtown Industry Advisory Board, presented the 2019 International Business Career Day at the High School West library. 

More than 75 students, chosen by their teachers to attend, participated in the 16th annual event. Eleven guest speakers presented to the business-minded students from both High School East and High School West. The professionals spoke about the careers and fields of interest. Krupa Lauricella of FTZ Strategies offered the keynote address. 

Following the opening presentations and keynote, the students spent the morning and early afternoon rotating through different breakout sessions in small groups depending on their area of interest. Lunch was catered by the home and career students from High School West and featured international delights from various regions. 

St. James Elementary School held its 11th annual “Nutcracker” performance in December. Performed by the first and second graders, under direction of Mrs. Braunreuther, the students showed off their weeks of hard work to friends and family during the dance performances.

Society for Science and the Public Society for Science has announced the top 300 scholars in the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2020, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. High School West’s Stephanie Lin and High School East’s Caitlin Wilkinson have both been selected as Regeneron scholars.

Stephanie’s project is “Convolutional Neural Network of Dynamic Contrast Enhanced MRI Detects Axillary Lymph Node Metastasis in Breast Cancer Patients Pre Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy.” Caitlin research focused on “Rates and Traits: The Potential for Utilizing Above-ground Plant Traits to Predict Denitrification in Long Island Salt Marshes.”

Caitlin was shocked by the news of her win. “When we were all together in the research room for the announcement, I was expecting someone else's name to be called out, and I felt like the rug was pulled out from under my feet when Ms. Zeitlin looked at me. I am honored and thankful for the recognition.”

Maria Zeitlin, High School East research coordinator, said, “Caitlin’s project exemplifies citizen science by analyzing local Long Island salt marshes. I am thrilled that Caitlin was inspired to pursue her passion for environmental science and contribute toward an understanding of how to mitigate human impact on the marine environment. She is very deserving of this recognition.”

Dr. Joanne Figueiredo, High School West’s research coordinator, spoke about her student’s work. “Stephanie has been a dedicated and tenacious science research student,” she said. “She is a passionate young scientist who isn’t afraid to chart new territory. The future is bright because of talented young people like Stephanie.”

Stephanie was also surprised when she heard the announcement that she was named a Regeneron Scholar. “I had put the announcement completely out of my mind and was so happy to hear that I was chosen,” she said. “I am honored to be part of this cohort of students who are the next generation of leaders in industry.”

The Regeneron Science Talent Search scholars were selected from 1,993 applications received from 659 high schools across 49 states. Scholars were chosen based on their exceptional research skills, commitment to academics, innovative thinking and promise as scientists. The top 40 finalists will be announced on Jan. 22. The 300 scholars and their schools will be awarded $2,000 each.

High School East Family, Career and Community Leaders of America Club made 28 holiday wreaths for residents at Mills Pond Nursing Home. The club members visited the nursing home on Dec. 10 and played Pokeno with the residents. The wreaths were prizes for the winners. At the end of the game, all the residents got a wreath.

The second graders at Tackan Elementary School are using all five of their senses during a recent writing assignment. Writing about winter, the students were asked to use all five of their senses when describing the season and what it means to them during a poetry lesson. They brainstormed different ideas of how winter makes them feel, how it smells, the different touches and sounds, and how it tastes. Their final drafts were mounted to a cup of hot cocoa brimming with cotton ball marshmallows.