Welcome to our January edition! We hope the new year has started off well for you and your families. As we settle back into our routines, there is a renewed energy in the hallways. This is often the most productive time of the year, where students build on the foundations laid in the fall. We are excited to see what our students will achieve in this second half of the school year and we are grateful to have such supportive families as we navigate the rest of the school year together!

Mr. Scomillio, Mr. Macaluso and Mr. Olsen

Congratulations to our students who were Caught Being Kind during the month of January! Keep spreading the kindness all around! Great job!

Congratulations to our Artists of the Month for January! Beautiful work is on display in the library hallway, from the following students:

6th grade: Natalie Castellane

7th grade: Maria Reyes

8th grade: Kiaara Joshi

On Friday, January 9th, Rohan Murphy spoke to our 6th grade students. Rohan is a nationally recognized youth speaker that has spoken in over 40 states. Rohan, who lost his legs at a very early age, began wrestling during his freshman year of high school in East Islip. After a successful high school wrestling career he went on to wrestle at Penn State University. In addition to wrestling, he is also an accomplished power lifter, competing in international competitions all over the world representing the USA. Rohan shared with the students his gripping tale of adversity, dedication, and living life with a purpose.

On Thursday, January 15th, David Flood presented to our 7th grade students. David is a nationally recognized youth speaker. His presentation, titled “You’re Not Alone” focuses on how empathy changes the way we see each other and ourselves. His message challenges students to look past appearances, stop judging, and start connecting. You can learn more about David Flood HERE.

Over the past few weeks, students in 8th Grade Honors Social Studies classes, have been focusing on a research project connecting a reformer from the Progressive Era to a modern day civics issue that still exists today. This American Reformers Civic Issues Project was developed by Social Studies teacher Mrs. Riviello, with the assistance of Mr. Restifo, Mrs. Jakubowsky, Library Media Specialist, and Ms. Casale, SS TA. The project is an important part in the development of the essential research skills students will need to put them on a pathway to earn the NYS Seal of Civic Readiness in high school if they so choose, and be successful in future AP history classes and the AP Capstone course. Students have worked diligently on this project which will culminate in an Elevator Pitch and a Long Essay Question. We are so proud of their hard work!

A message from Krissy Lonetto from the Smithtown Children's Foundation:

At the Smithtown Children's Foundation, we are busy kicking off our winter fundraisers which are intended to help replenish our general funds after the holiday season. I'm looking for your support in promoting our upcoming event to your student body and families.

On March 7, 2026, we are hosting our 5th annual Polar Plunge. This event is intended for plungers of all ages! In fact, we offer community service to any middle school or high school student who plunges as they are donating their time and registration fee to support SCF.