Island Trees Memorial Middle School

The NY Knicks are the Champions!!!

Congratulations to all the Knicks fans and supporters in our community. It has been such a fun run for our students, our families, and all of New York. For those like me who have been mired in decades of unfulfilled seasons, this is an amazing moment of celebration and joy!

Like many of you, I am continually impressed by the team's star point guard, Jalen Brunson. As celebrations raged all around him after the big win, Brunson was asked how he was able to summon a 45-point performance while the defense hounded him for 48 minutes. In a statement that reflected both his humility and his confidence in his preparation, he said:

"My confidence comes from my work ethic. Every time I had the ball, all I could think about is all the hours in the summer... making this a reality. So, whenever I had the ball, I'm just thinking about just me alone in the gym."

May this incredible message inspire our students as they begin their exams this week. We hope they arrive at school each day comforted by the hard work they have put in all year, and all of those quiet—and sometimes solitary—moments of studying and preparation.

There is a wonderful quote by Jacob Riis that perfectly captures this sentiment:

“When nothing seems to help, I go and look at a stonecutter hammering away at his rock, perhaps a hundred times without as much as a crack showing in it. Yet at the hundred and first blow it will split in two, and I know it was not that last blow that did it, but all that had gone before.”

With just two weeks to go in the school year, let's encourage our kids to keep hammering away!

Entering the Final Stretch

As we step into the week of June 15th, the incredible momentum and energy from last week’s milestone celebrations are still carrying us forward. We have officially entered the final stretch of the school year, and it is a time to truly appreciate how far our students and our entire community have come.

The days ahead are all about reflection, gratitude, and finishing strong. While the calendar begins to shift toward closing out the year, our focus remains on maintaining a warm, supportive, and positive environment for your children. Every high-five in the hallway, every final review session, and every shared smile makes a world of difference as they wrap up this chapter.

This week is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the enduring connections we’ve built, the growth we’ve witnessed, and the community spirit that keeps us anchored. Let’s work together to make these final days both meaningful and memorable for our students.

Thank you for your remarkable partnership, support, and dedication throughout this busy school year. You are a vital part of our school's heartbeat, and we couldn't ask for a better community to close out the year with.

Let's keep the energy high, the focus sharp, and have a beautiful week ahead!

All the best,

Mr. Keegan

June 15- 24

Final Exams, Regents, & Checkpoint Exams

June 19th

Juneteenth - No School

June 23rd

8th Grade Moving Up Ceremony - ITHS @ 9:00 AM

8th Grade Dance - The Sterling in Bethpage 5:00 PM-8:00 PM

June 26th

Last Day of School - Dismissal at 10:50 AM

Wednesday, June 17

ELA Final Exam - Pusateri & Verdone

Thursday, June 18

ELA Final Exam - 6 of the 5th Grade sections

Monday, June 22nd

Math Final Exam

Tuesday, June 23rd

Science Final Exam

Wednesday, June 24th

Social Studies Final Exam

Tuesday, June 16th

Social Studies Final Exam

Wednesday, June 17th

Math Final Exam

Tuesday, June 23rd

Science Final Exam

Wednesday, June 24th

ELA Final Exam

Tuesday, June 16th

Social Studies Final Exam

Wednesday, June 17th

Math Final Exam & Algebra Regents

Thursday, June 18th

Science Final Exam

Monday, June 22nd

Spanish/French Final Exam

Wednesday, June 24th

ELA Final Exam

Monday, June 15th

ELA Final Exam

Tuesday, June 16th

Social Studies Final Exam

Wednesday, June 17th

Math Final Exam & Algebra Regents

Thursday, June 18th

Science Final Exam & Biology Regents

Monday, June 22nd

Spanish/French Checkpoint Exam

We are excited to announce that our 8th grade yearbooks have arrived and will be distributed to all students who ordered the yearbook following the 8th grade English Final Exam on Monday morning. While students may have some time on Monday to sign yearbooks, students may also bring their yearbooks to school over the next two weeks to have their teachers and classmates share a note or signature.

Please also note that we will distribute our Moving Up gowns to our 8th grade students at this time. Students will bring their gowns home on Monday following our 10:40 AM dismissal. These gowns must be worn at our Moving Up Ceremony on June 23rd.

Over the Memorial Day weekend, 11 Island Trees students traveled to Orlando, Florida with their families to participate in the prestigious IAC National Championships. These students qualified for the competition after successfully participating in the regional competition back in March. Congratulations to the following students for their outstanding accomplishments and for representing Island Trees with great distinction.

8th grader:

Brian Morgan- National History & Geography Bees

7th Graders:

Connor Anderson- National History & Geography Bees

Nathan Yip- National History Bee

6th Grader:

Mannat Goel- National Science & Mathematics Bees

5th Graders: National History Bee

Atharv Chawla

Carlo Colago

Krishaan Nandami

Mason Muniz

Grace Pereira

Lucas Sposato

Johnson Weng

4th Grader:

Cyra Goel- National Mathematics Bee

Please join us in congratulating our most recent recipients of Caught Being Kind certificates at Island Trees Memorial Middle School. Our students continue to demonstrate kindness, thoughtfulness, and respect for one another throughout the school day. These wonderful students (and so many more) show through word and action that character counts and that they will do all that they can to help others even when nobody is watching!

Please join me in congratulating Alivia Munro for being named a runner-up for the Levittown Community Council's Jr. Volunteer of the Year Award! Alivia was nominated by Holly Harouche, who wrote a beautiful letter highlighting the incredible, positive impact Alivia has made on both our school and the wider community.

This prestigious honor recognizes one exceptional student in grades 6–8 across Salk, Wisdom Lane, and ITMMS who has gone above and beyond in service to others. To be eligible for this award, a student’s volunteer work must be entirely unpaid, completely separate from school coursework, and truly extraordinary in nature. It honors those who show deep compassion, a genuine desire to help, and a commitment to responding to real needs within our community.

We are incredibly proud of Alivia for representing our school community with such heart and dedication. Please join us in celebrating her wonderful achievement.

Dear 8th Grade Families,

The 8th grade end-of-the-year dinner dance will take place on Tuesday, June 23rd from 5:00-8:00 pm. The event is being held at The Sterling, located at 345 Hicksville Road in Bethpage. Tickets are $70 each and include a hot buffet dinner and dessert bar, DJ, photobooth, and souvenir. Tickets will go on sale during lunch beginning Wednesday, May 27th and can be paid for in cash or by a check made payable to ITMMS.

We are looking forward to a wonderful event!

Mrs. Azar and Ms. Aponte

Please join me in celebrating the incredible success of last evening’s Art and Technology Expo! We had an absolutely spectacular turnout of families in attendance, which served as a wonderful illustration of our school's strong home-school connection. It was a true joy to see our community come together to appreciate the amazing, creative, and innovative projects our students have been working on all year.

An event of this magnitude requires tremendous dedication, and we want to extend a huge "thank you" and special commendation to Mrs. McNally for her tireless hard work in coordinating this amazing experience for our school and community. This evening could not have been the success that it was without Mrs. McNally's leadership and creative vision.

We would also like to express our deepest gratitude to our incredible teachers and staff members who contributed their time, energy, and talents to make the event a success: Mr. Seigneuray, Mr. Norton, Mrs. Bunster, Mr. Ingenito, Ms. Vasco, Mrs. Greci, Ms. Matalevich, Ms. Goldstein, and Ms. Lospitalier.

It really was an amazing night, and it would not have been possible without your enthusiastic support.

Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate our students' achievements! If you couldn't make it, or if you simply want to relive the evening, we have posted many photos to our X account here: https://x.com/IslandtreesMMS.

Congratulations go out to Island Trees Memorial Middle School 8th graders Paul Forde and Kailey Pierce on being named the Nassau County Nassau Zone Physical Education Students of the Year. This prestigious honor recognizes students who truly embody what it means to be leaders in fitness, health, and character. Both Paul and Kailey were selected for their exceptional sportsmanship, their deep dedication to the core goals of physical education, and the outstanding effort they bring to class each and every day. By consistently demonstrating respect for their peers, a passion for healthy living, and a top-tier work ethic, they have set a wonderful example for the entire student body.

The Island Trees community is incredibly proud of Paul and Kailey for representing our district with such pride and integrity, and we congratulate them on this well-deserved success.

Reflecting on the past ten days, we are still smiling from our incredibly rewarding 8th-grade trip to Washington, D.C., which took place from May 6th through May 8th. The trip was a resounding success, and our students had an unforgettable time exploring our nation's capital, building lasting memories, and bringing their history lessons to life.

An undertaking of this size is only possible through the dedication of our wonderful chaperones and organizers. We want to extend a very special thank you to our trip coordinators, Ms. Aponte and Mrs. Azar, whose meticulous planning and tireless effort ensured our students had a safe, educational, and seamless experience from start to finish. Their leadership and deep commitment to our students truly made all the difference.

We would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our families. These enriching programs, trips, and milestone events are only possible because of your unwavering support, enthusiasm, and partnership with our school. Thank you for helping us provide these unforgettable opportunities for our 8th graders!

Please join us in congratulating these kind and community-minded ITMMS students and members of Girl Scout Troop 3053 for creating and donating a beautiful Buddy Bunch to our recess courts. Such a wonderful display of kindness!

At Island Trees Memorial Middle School, we hold a deep respect and appreciation for the law enforcement and peace officers who work tirelessly each day to serve, protect, and defend our communities. These dedicated professionals put their lives on the line to ensure our neighborhoods remain safe, welcoming places for our families to thrive, and we are incredibly grateful for their unwavering service.

As part of our commitment to fostering community connections and civic awareness, all of our 5th-grade classes had the unique opportunity this year to visit the Nassau County Police Training Center. During these visits, our students got a firsthand look at the rigorous preparation, skill, and dedication required of our officers. It was an invaluable educational experience that allowed our students to better understand the vital work the Nassau County Police Department does to protect and serve us all every single day.

We are proud to stand in support of our local law enforcement, and we thank our 5th-grade teachers, families, and the Nassau County Police Department for partnering with us to bring this meaningful experience to our students.

Thank you for your continued support of our school community.

Over the past month, our 5th graders have had the wonderful opportunity to visit the Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center, an experience that perfectly aligns with our mission to provide transformational learning outside of the classroom. These field trips brought science to life through hands-on activities and outdoor exploration designed to enhance STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) learning. Fully aligned with the NYS Next Generation Learning Standards, the programs allowed our students to explore the coastal environment, examine local ecosystems, and learn about energy systems in a dynamic, real-world setting.

We would like to extend a special thank you to our families for your continued support of these programs and events. Your partnership allows us to provide these enriching, memorable experiences that expand our students' horizons well beyond the school walls!

Island Trees community, thank you for your amazing support of this principal and our outstanding middle school! What a joy it is to work alongside each of you to support our students.

A huge note of thanks to the students, families, and staff who attended International Night on Tuesday, April 21st. It was truly a spectacular evening that showcased the vibrant heart of our school and community, and the energy in the room was a testament to the incredible bond we share.

We want to extend a special shout-out to all those who led sessions and helped share their cultures with our attendees. From the stunning displays and traditional performances to the beautiful stories shared, your contributions transformed the night into a rich tapestry of global heritage. It was an inspiring reminder of the wealth of perspectives we are lucky to have in our backyard.

Thank you for making this event so meaningful and for bringing such warmth and spirit to our halls. What a beautiful night for our school and community to come together and celebrate the world as one.

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we begin the final quarter of the school year this Monday, I would like to share some important notes on our students' digital well-being.

Recent national reports continue to highlight the significant risks social media poses to adolescent mental health. To support our students, we are maintaining an ongoing dialogue in school regarding the themes from our STOP, Then Send assembly. We also continue to reflect on the powerful testimony from Mr. Halligan's Ryan Story presentation regarding the real-world harms of social media, as well as the legal guidance provided by the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office. Additionally, our school maintains a close relationship with the Nassau County Police Department's 8th Precinct. They have shared that if a parent feel as though a child is being victimized or wants to make a report, they should contact the 8th Precinct to make this report.

Key Takeaways for Students

We have reminded our students that being a member of the Island Trees community requires acting with safety, respect, and responsibility—both in person and online. We continue to discuss the serious consequences of digital misconduct, which include:

• Legal Risks: Potential law enforcement involvement regarding harassment, bullying, or privacy violations.

• School Consequences: Formal investigations and the potential loss of privileges, including participation in sports, clubs, honor societies, and school trips.

How Families Can Help

The start of Quarter 4 is an ideal time to reset expectations. I encourage you to continue these conversations at home using the following strategies:

• Create a "Family Media Plan": Establish clear boundaries regarding content, privacy settings, and daily time limits.

• Prioritize Connection: Designate mealtimes and family gatherings as "device-free zones" to foster genuine social interaction.

• Encourage Reflection: Remind your child to pause and consider if a single post or message is worth the long-term academic or legal risks.

Thank you for your partnership in helping our students navigate the digital world with maturity and integrity.

Best regards,

Mr. Keegan

This past Saturday, students in grades 4-8 from all over the region came to Island Trees Memorial Middle School to compete in the IAC Regional History, Science, and Geography Bee Competitions. As in years past, ITMMS had over 300 students qualify to compete, and many came out to represent our school and even earned golden tickets to compete in the National Competitions to be held in Orlando and the International History Bee in Paris, France and International Geography Bee in Khao Lak, Thailand. We'd like to congratulate all of our students for their participation and the following Island Trees students for their accomplishments.

5th Grade

Johnson Weng- History Bee 1st place Champion-National/International Qualifier

Carlo Colago- History Bee 2nd place winner- National/International Qualifier

Mason Muniz- History Bee 3rd place winner- National/International Qualifier

Krishan Nandwani- National/International Qualifier

Akira Ni- National/International Qualifier

Lucas Sposato- National/International Qualifier

Grace Pereira- National Qualifier

Atharv Chawla- National Qualifier

6th Grade

Mannat Goel - Science Bee National Bee Qualifier and Mathematics National Qualifier

Sawyer Kealey- History Bee National Qualifier

7th Grade

Connor Anderson - Geography Bee 1st place Champion- National/International Bee Qualifier and History Bee 3rd Place winner- National/International Bee Qualifier

Nathan Yip - History Bee 1st place Champion- National/International Bee Qualifier

8th Grade

Brian Morgan- History Bee 2nd place Winner- National/International Qualifier and Geography Bee National Qualifier

Jayden Tran - History Bee National/International Bee Qualifier

Congratulations to all and best of luck in the next round of the competition!

I hope that this note finds you well. As we look to the coming Spring Recess, I wanted to share with you an outline of our late-June schedule. Please be sure to review the attachment to this post. We will add to this schedule with many fun and exciting end-of-year activities, but for now we wanted you to have an overview of our finals/Regents schedule.

You will see that our 5th & 6th Grade students will be in school for full days all the way up to our school's last day. Dates and times for 5th & 6th grade final exams, school programs, and fun activities will be shared with you as we get closer to the exams.

Additionally, please enjoy this week's edition of the Home-School Connection newsletter.

Have a wonderful (short) week!

Mr. Keegan

Dear 7th & 8th Grade Families,

Island Trees Memorial Middle School is committed to taking proactive steps to curb a problem found in schools everywhere: bullying and cyberbullying. In support of this, we invited Mr. John Halligan, an international speaker and author, to conduct a presentation for our students. This presentation was held during the school day on Wednesday, March 25th.

He relayed his own tragic experience as a parent whose 13-year-old son, Ryan, took his own life in 2003 after experiencing bullying from his peers since the 5th grade, both in school and online. Mr. Halligan further shared that Ryan wrestled with underlying mental health issues and depression, and these factors contributed to Ryan’s vulnerability and ultimate suicide. His story was riveting and compelling, serving as a powerful reminder to students that there is a face, a person, and a heart on the other end of the screen.

Presentation Details
The presentation on March 25th will included:

• A Memorial Tribute: A short video collection of home movie clips and still pictures of Ryan.
• The Journey: Mr. Halligan told the story of Ryan’s life and the factors that led up to his son’s suicide.
• Inside Perspective: Students gained a unique perspective from inside the family of a child who is a victim of bullying.
• Life Lessons: The session wrapped up with lessons on forgiveness, suicide prevention, the role of bystanders, and a personal challenge for students to apologize to someone they may have hurt.

We encourage you to visit the website named for his son, www.RyansStory.org, for more information and resources.

Dear Parents/Guardians:

Just a friendly reminder that April brings us the start of NYS testing. Like last year, the Island Trees School District will be participating in Computer Based Testing in grades 3-8 in ELA and math. Like the last two years, the NYS Science Assessment is administered in Grades 5 and 8. Here is some important information you need to know:

The ELA Test will be administered over two days at ITMMS:

• April 14th and April 15th for all grades

The Science Test will be administered on one day at ITMMS:

• April 29th for Grades 5 & 8

The Math Test will be administered over two days at ITMMS:

• May 4th and May 5th for all grades

As a reminder, our students have already participated in multiple experiences similar to the testing format, and we are excited about their progress. If you have made the personal decision to have your child refuse participation in any part of the NYS Assessments, please send a note to me as soon as you have made that decision. You can e-mail me at: dkeegan@islandtrees.org or send me a written note prior to our testing dates. Parent Square messages will not be accepted.

Important Notes:

• Please be reminded that there will be a normal bus schedule during testing days.

• Tests will be administered at the beginning of 1st period (8:17 AM) on each of our testing days.

• As always, on-time school attendance is most supportive of our students and our staff.

• Students who have opted out of testing but arrive at our normal time are expected to bring a book to read. Students who are not testing will report to a separate location from the testing rooms.

• Students who have opted out of testing but choose to stay home until the end of testing, are asked to arrive to school between 10:10 AM-10:25 AM.

If you have any questions about other ways that you can assist your child at home or additional questions about state testing, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher or reach out to me directly. If you might be interested in test samplers that NYS provides, please take a look here: https://ny.nextera.questarai.com/tds/#practice.

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Daniel Keegan
Principal

These sessions will be run by Emely Chica, our school's Bilingual Collaborative Care Coordinator. Please feel free to call Ms. Chica at (516) 262-0875 if you have any questions.

Please join us in congratulating Robert Murphy on being named State Senator Steve Rhoads's Student of the Month for January. Such a well-deserved honor for a great young man.

Dear Families,

We would like to come together as a school community to support a wonderful local organization, Vinny’s Army.

Vinny was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 10. During his treatment, his family created what they called “clinic bags” or “go bags.” These bags were filled with activities and comfort items to help keep him distracted, occupied, and supported through difficult days.

Inspired by Vinny’s journey, he and his family turned this idea into an organization dedicated to helping other children undergoing cancer treatment. Through the distribution of “Soldier Sacks,” the organization aims to bring comfort, encouragement, and a sense of strength to young patients and their families during an incredibly challenging time.

As a school community, we will be collecting items to help create Soldier Sacks. Examples of items that can be donated include: crayons, colored pencils, markers, coloring books, stickers, card games, activity books, handheld games, stress balls, LEGO sets, charging wires, journals, crossword puzzles, and similar small activities. Please note: please, no stuffed animals.

If you and your family would like to donate, please send items to school with your child to give to their teacher. We will be collecting from March 10, 2026 until March 19, 2026.

Thank you for your support!

During Saturday's Science Olympiad Competition, all of the students did a wonderful job in both their building and knowledge events and truly showcased the hard work and dedication they put into preparing for the competition.

A special congratulations to Jun Lin and Ibrahim Ahmed Uddin for receiving 10th place, and Matthew Forsaith and Lixuan Du for receiving 9th place in the Hovercraft event!

We are very proud of all of the students who competed and represented our school so well.

Please join us in congratulating our most recent recipients of Caught Being Kind certificates at Island Trees Memorial Middle School. Our students continue to demonstrate kindness, thoughtfulness, and respect for one another throughout the school day. These wonderful students (and so many more) show through word and action that character counts and that they will do all that they can to help others even when nobody is watching!

A big shoutout to Mr. Norton, Mr. Seigneuray, and our Lego Robotics teams on their strong performances at the Lego Robotics Competition on Saturday at Kings Park High School.

Our Robodawgs took 1st place in the FIRST Lego League Challenge Qualifying Tournament. The Dawgs demonstrated incredible innovation, teamwork, and programming skills, coming home with not one, but two first-place awards. The team received the Robot Performance award for the highest score out of 30 teams in attendance, as well as the first finalist core values award given to the team that most exemplifies the FIRST Robotics values. Great Job Robodawgs!"

Guided by coaches and mentors, students participating in the FIRST® Long Island FIRST® Tech Challenge Championship are developing STEM skills and practicing engineering principles, while realizing the value of hard work and innovation.

Robot Performance Award Winners

Gio Allocca

Robert Ciccone

Maverick Daly

Tristan Espiritu

Luke McCotter

Yarnish Saththiyaroopan

John Schuman

Samarjit Singh

Lucas Verdes

Core Values Award

Nolan Crowley

Leandro Ladisa

Lincoln Martinez

Riain Molloy

Robert Murphy

Jack Neferis

Joshua Romero

Lucas Vargas

Adam Zuffante

As our team has been working since October as a group to prepare for this competition, we also congratulate the following team members for their great preparation, support, and dedication to our program.

Lixuan Du

Matthew Forsaith

Johnson Jin

Randy Julca

Tavin Ratanaburi

Brayden Roventini

Ethan Sposato

Jeremy Tang

Nathan Yip

Qingyuan Zhang

Give it up for our incredible 5th and 6th Grade Talent Show stars! From jaw-dropping skills to effortless stage presence, these performers absolutely wowed the crowd. We are so proud of their bravery and hard work. Huge thanks to the students, staff, and families who cheered them on and made the magic happen!

Join us in celebrating the gifted (and brave!) performers of the 5th & 6th Grade Talent Show. Our students wowed the audience with their skill, training, and serious stage presence. We commend these talented performers and send a big thank you to the families and staff who continue to support our arts community!

We want to extend our deepest gratitude to our incredible students, staff, and families for your overwhelming support of PS I Love You Day on Friday, February 13th. Seeing our community come together in a sea of purple was a powerful testament to the compassion that defines us. This day served as another great reminder of the ways we rally together to champion important programs and mental health initiatives. Whether through kind words, active participation, or simply showing up for one another, your collective energy ensures that no one ever has to walk their journey alone. Thank you for making our school a place where support and kindness aren't just celebrated once a year, but lived every day.

ITMMS Schoolwide Spelling Bee Results

Today at ITMMS, winners from our 32 classroom spelling bees competed in the ITMMS Schoolwide Spelling Bee. It was an incredible competition that pushed our students through 10 intense rounds of spelling.

The Winners

• 1st Place: Congratulations to 5th grader Shawn Zheng, who emerged victorious after correctly spelling "ominous" and "syndrome."
• 2nd Place: A special commendation goes to 6th grader Sukhmani Madhan for a fantastic runner-up performance.
• Final Four: High praise to 5th graders Ronald D'Agostino and Sofia Acosta for their impressive finishes in the final group.

Special Thanks

We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Mrs. Benjamin, Mrs. Bordeman, and Mrs. Villano for coordinating this wonderful experience. Additionally, thank you to the English Department for their steadfast support throughout the qualifying rounds.

Congratulations to all our talented participants!

Throughout the month of January, a quiet but powerful wave of kindness swept through the halls of Island Trees Memorial Middle School. While our students are often recognized for their academic, artistic, and athletic achievements, each month we turn our focus toward the heart of our community: those moments of genuine character that happen when students think no one is watching.

Our faculty and staff spent the last several weeks keeping a keen eye out for our "Caught Being Kind" moments. These did not need to be grand gestures or rehearsed performances. Instead, they were the small, authentic choices that define who our Bulldogs are becoming.

We witnessed students:

• Stopping to help a peer pick up dropped books in a crowded hallway.

• Offering a seat or a friendly word to someone sitting alone at lunch.

• Quietly tidying up a classroom without being asked.

• Holding the door for others with a genuine smile.

These "extra efforts" are the threads that weave our school into a supportive and welcoming home. By choosing kindness in the quiet moments, our students are proving that character isn't just about what you do in the spotlight—it’s about how you treat others when you think nobody is looking.

To our families, thank you for reinforcing these values at home. We are incredibly proud of our students for starting the new calendar year with such compassion and spirit. Let’s keep this momentum going throughout the school year.

On January 28th, students at Island Trees Memorial Middle School had the profound honor of hosting Holocaust survivor Manfred (Manny) Korman. His visit offered a rare and deeply moving firsthand account of history, providing our students with a living connection to the past.

Born in Hamburg, Germany, in 1931, Manny was only six years old when his life was upended. He shared the harrowing details of his family’s deportation to Poland alongside thousands of other Jewish families. Students listened intently as he described the meager conditions of their displacement, including being forced to live in horse stables, and the eventual, agonizing separation from his parents.

Manny’s story is a testament to the challenging and desperate nature of the era. While his father sought passage on the ill-fated St. Louis, his mother returned to Germany in a perilous attempt to secure visas for the United States. Meanwhile, Manny and his brother, Gerd, were accepted into the Kindertransport program, which provided them safe passage to England and likely saved their lives.

After years of uncertainty and living through the war in England, Manny and Gerd were finally able to travel to the United States, where they were miraculously reunited with their family.

This unforgettable educational experience would not have been possible without the dedication of our faculty. We would like to extend a sincere thank you to our English Department, led by Mrs. Friedman, for coordinating this visit. By bringing history to life through Manny’s incredible journey from no man's land to reunion, you have provided our students with a lesson in empathy and resilience that they will carry with them forever.

The 8th grade class swapped the classroom for the bright lights of Manhattan this past Thursday for a special performance of The Outsiders on Broadway. This immersive cultural excursion provided students with a front-row seat to one of the most celebrated new productions in American theater.

Bringing Literature to Life

The production offered a breathtaking reimagining of S.E. Hinton’s classic novel. Set against the backdrop of 1960s Tulsa, the story follows Ponyboy Curtis and his Greaser brothers as they navigate a bitter rivalry with the wealthy Socs. Through visceral choreography and a haunting folk-rock score, the musical brought the story’s core themes of brotherhood, sacrifice, and the search for belonging to life in a way that resonated deeply with the students.

From the Page to the Stage

This trip served as a direct extension of the English Language Arts curriculum. By witnessing the adaptation firsthand, students were able to engage in high-level literary analysis, observing how internal monologues from the text are translated into stage directions and song.

Leadership in the Arts

This significant cultural experience was made possible through the dedicated leadership of Mrs. Friedman and Ms. Losi. Their meticulous planning and commitment to experiential learning ensured that the logistics of the trip were seamless, allowing students to focus entirely on the artistic and educational value of the performance.

Our school extends a sincere thank you to the 8th grade families for their continued support in making these vital enrichment opportunities a reality for our students. It was truly a day to stay gold.

Dear Island Trees Memorial Middle School Students, Staff, and Families,

It is with immense pride and gratitude that I share some wonderful news regarding our school community. U.S. News & World Report has officially named Island Trees Memorial Middle School a "Best Middle School" in the country.

Based on a rigorous evaluation of multiple academic indicators, our school has been ranked within the Top 12% of middle schools nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the "middle school mindset" we strive to cultivate every day—a unique approach that prioritizes the specific social, emotional, and academic needs of students during these pivotal years. This achievement belongs to our dedicated staff, who work tirelessly to inspire our learners, and to our students, whose curiosity and hard work define our halls.

To our families and the wider community: thank you for your unwavering support. We are honored to partner with you in fostering an environment where our students can truly thrive.

Congratulations to all!

🌟 Calling All Stars: Middle School Talent Show 2026!

Whether you are a singer, dancer, musician, comedian, or magician, we want to see your talent! This year, we are hosting two separate shows: one for Grades 5–6 and one for Grades 7–8.

📱 Join the Google Classroom

Stay updated on schedules and announcements by joining your grade-level classroom:

• Grades 5/6 Code: 7t2xgwex

• Grades 7/8 Code: p3by5deo

🎤 Audition Information

Sign-ups begin Wednesday, January 21st on the sheet outside Room 159 (Ms. Wilson’s Room).

• Grade 5 & 6: Tuesday, January 27th | 2:40 PM | Room 101

• Grade 7 & 8: Wednesday, January 28th | 2:40 PM | Room 101

Important Audition Rules:

• Capacity: Limited to the first 20 acts to sign up.

• Participation: Students may only perform in one act (solo or group).

• Readiness: Acts must be fully rehearsed and "performance-ready" for the audition.

• Format: Audition time slots are 10 minutes. You may leave school and return for a later slot, or head home as soon as your audition is finished. Please have rides ready!

🎹 Performance Requirements

• Time Limit: All acts must be 3 minutes or less.

• Music: All music (including dance mixes) must be in MP3 format.

• Submission: Email files to Mr. Ingenito at JIngenito@islandtrees.org prior to your audition. No exceptions.

🗓️ Important Dates

Attendance at both the audition and dress rehearsal is mandatory to participate.

Location:

All performances will take place in the Middle School GPR. Parents and friends are invited to attend!

Questions? Please reach out to Mr. Ingenito or Ms. Wilson.

Dear Parents/Guardians of 5th & 6th Grade Students,

As New York State continues to move towards computer-based testing, part of the transition includes ensuring that districts around the state have the technology and network capacity to accommodate this shift. Island Trees is ready; in fact, we successfully administered computer-based tests in 3-8 ELA, Math, and Science assessments last spring. Additionally, our Island Trees High School students took the PSAT digitally for the third time this fall, and they will be taking the digital SAT for the third time this spring. In fact, the majority of the AP exams we offer here at Island Trees High School will either be fully digital or hybrid digital.

This spring, we will once again move forward with computer-based testing for all 3-8 assessments in ELA, Math, and Science (grades 5 & 8). Our students, teachers, and staff are becoming increasingly familiar with the digital test format, question types, and the online assessment tools they will experience during testing using the New York State Testing Program Question Sampler, which can be accessed here.

In addition, on January 27th, we will once again participate in computer-based testing simulations to evaluate our readiness for the actual testing this spring, as required by New York State. Our 5th grade (Science) and 6th grade (Math) students will review a sampling of standards-based questions utilizing the digital platform. Results are not stored and are not graded or evaluated.

If you have any questions, please reach out to me.

Thank you,

Daniel Keegan, Principal