Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School students in Drawing and Painting 1 classes took a field trip to the Brooklyn Museum of Art. The students in Damin Gomes and Krystof Lipinski had the opportunity to sketch and view the Soul of a Nation exhibit.

The Copiague Middle School Chamber Singers, under the direction of teacher Courtney Folan, ushered in the holidays at the Copiague Chamber of Commerce’s tree lighting ceremony – on the corner of Dixon Avenue and Great Neck Road – on the evening of Nov. 30. The group provided a backdrop of carols for the event. 

Dressed head to toe in their New York Islanders hockey gear, eighth-graders at Copiague Middle School were treated to a special assembly when Islanders players Scott Mayfield and Anthony Beauvillier visited the school on Nov. 19 for Islanders School Day. Copiague Middle School was selected for its winning application on school spirt.

During School Day, select schools are visited by members of the Islanders team for an assembly. During the assembly, Beauvillier and Mayfield spoke to the Copiague students about the importance of education, staying active, eating healthy and making smart decisions in life.

Students in all grades had the chance to ask thoughtful questions and selected eighth-graders who received a “golden ticket” had the added opportunity to receiving the players’ autographs. 

Prior to Thanksgiving, members of the Future Chefs Club at Copiague Middle School baked 150 loaves of cornbread and delivered them to the Bethesda Seventh Day Adventist Church in Amityville. According to club adviser Karen Kazlauskas, the students loved learning about the importance of community service and helping those who are less fortunate.

As a way to honor veterans, Copiague Middle School created a Wall of Heroes in early November in the school’s lobby. As an optional social studies assignment, students created a tribute to a veteran they know, featuring a photo, name/branch of service, their relation to the hero and accomplishments/years served. From left: Mykelle Moore (sixth grade), Hailey Santana (eighth grade), Anthony Santos (eighth grade), Simeon Cooper (eighth grade) and Social Studies Chairperson Francis Salazar.

Copiague Middle School’s Builders Club participated in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk at Jones Beach in October. Despite the cold weather, the club came out in full force and so far, has raised $2,600 for breast cancer research in October through various efforts. 

The student council at Copiague Middle School sold pens, keychains and bracelets for Alex’s Lemonade Stand to benefit childhood cancer. The organization raised $385 for the charity. Shown here are members of the student council’s executive board. 

Copiague Middle School inducted 29 eighth-grade students into the National Junior Honor Society during a ceremony on Oct. 23. Advised by Copiague Middle School teachers Paul Harvey and Francesca Walker, the new inductees pledged their commitment to character, leadership, scholarship and community service in front of family and friends.

Eighth-graders with a culminative grade point average of 92 or higher are eligible for induction. Students must also demonstrate a strong commitment to community service. 

The district congratulates the newest members of Copiague’s National Junior Honor Society: Waseem Ahmad; Matthew Arias Perea; Sanahyah Byrd; Henry Canela Hernandez; Emmylie Coreas; Jaden Gomez; Griselda Guardado; Isaiah Harris; Elifnaz Kaya; Jack Langan; Jason Majano Mercado; Alyssa Mancuso; Mohammed May; Marcel Mazurek; Anthony Meneses; Jennifer Molina Salazar; Sean Moore; Sebastian Ortiz; Edison Peguero Rosario; Tamia Roberts; Quinn Rozmus; Martin Rybka; Venessa Seguino; Mina Senturk; Madison Sims; Alice Sztabinski; Bradley Williams; Anthony Woods; and William Yanes. 

The music program at Copiague Middle School is off to a successful start for the new school year. Two new staff members – Kevin Miller (instrumental and general music) and Diana Cotrone (general music) – have joined the Copiague Middle School’s music department.

This year, the instrumental and vocal programs have nominated 35 students to the Division I and II All County Festivals in March. Music teacher Courtney Folan takes on a new full-time role as director of choirs and the middle school musical.

Through the work connected to the district’s bond project, the general music and chorus rooms have been renovated and a lesson room for instrumental lessons has been established. Recent curriculum work for general music has incorporated a ukulele unit into the class.

The community, students, staff, administration and board of education joined together to celebrate the Copiague School District’s homecoming on Oct. 13.

Kicking off with a pep rally at Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School the day before, the weekend activities began with a homecoming parade starting at Great Neck Road Elementary School. Members of sports teams, school clubs, youth organizations and the homecoming court gathered for the march to the high school. Senior class king and queen Owen Rosenberg and Kembalee Rolle waved to the crowd down the parade route. The homecoming floats – themed board games – showed off the students’ creativity and featured members of the freshman, sophomore, junior and senior classes.

Prior to the start of the football game against Newfield High School, Sen. John Brooks and Leg. DuWayne Gregory offered their best wishes for the Copiague Eagles. Despite their best efforts, the Eagles were unable to come out on top against the Newfield Wolverines.

The halftime show featured performances from the award-winning Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School marching band, varsity cheerleaders and step team. The evening concluded with the Hall of Achievement induction ceremony, honoring four Copiague alumni who have made a difference.