GHMS ~ In the News

As we wrap up an incredible school year at Great Hollow Middle School, we want to take a moment to look back on everything our community has achieved. This newsletter is packed with wonderful highlights of what makes our school so special, from celebrating our talented Artists of the Month and dedicated Star Students, to seeing kindness in action with our Caught Being Kind recognitions.

Our students have truly shined outside the classroom as well! Our 6th graders had an unforgettable time diving into history and science at the Cold Spring Harbor DNA Laboratory, and our 8th graders celebrated their middle school journey with a fantastic day of fun at the 8th Grade Palooza. We also loved kicking off our America 250 celebrations with "Declaration Signing Day," and we owe a massive thank you to our wonderful PTA for keeping our spirits high all year with Popcorn Fridays!

Thank You to Our Families

None of these amazing experiences would be possible without the unwavering dedication of our school community. We want to extend our deepest gratitude to all of our families for your incredible support throughout the year.

A special, heartfelt thank you goes out to our 8th grade families. Thank you for partnering with us over the last three years to support, guide, and cheer on your children. You have been an essential part of the Great Hollow family, and we appreciate everything you have done for our school.

Celebrating Our 6th & 7th Graders

To our rising 7th and 8th graders: we are so incredibly proud of you! This year, we have watched you achieve immense academic, social, and emotional growth. You have taken on new challenges, built deeper friendships, and shown incredible resilience. We are already looking forward to next year and can't wait to see you continue to lead and inspire our school community when we welcome you back on September 2nd!

Wishing Our 8th Graders the Best of Luck

Finally, to the GH Class of 2026—congratulations! As you prepare for your Moving Up Ceremony on June 25th, remember that you are ready for this next big step. We wish you the absolute best of luck as you enter high school next year. We know you will go on to do GREAT things, and we will miss you dearly!

Have a safe, restful, and wonderful summer!

Mr. Scomillio, Mr. Macaluso and Mr. Olsen

Congratulations to our Artists of the Month for the month of May! Their beautiful artwork is on display in the library hallway. Our artists are:

6th grade: Logan Fardig

7th grade: Nate Drinkwater

8th grade: Mikayla Froehlich

📚On May 29, Mrs. Jakubowsky welcomed Smithtown Public Library Teen Services librarian, Colleen Navins, to speak to our 6th grade ELA classes about summer programs at the library. Students were very excited to learn about all of the fun and engaging things going on all summer at the library. A copy of the public library slideshow with important dates can be found below. Have a great summer and don't forget to READ! 📚

Our Star Students were recognized in a special breakfast on May 13. Congratulations to all of these students. Keep up the great work!

Congratulations to all of our students who were CAUGHT BEING KIND during the month of May! We are so proud of you. Continue to spread your kindness everywhere you go!

Thank you to all students who participated in Mrs. Jakubowsky's Word of the Week Challenge this year! Five of our students completed the challenge every week, for 25 weeks, and were invited to a special celebratory breakfast in the library. Congratulations to: Alexa Afif, Sara Jain, Anthony LaTorre, Tristan Mercaldi, and Stuti Prabhu.

Please click HERE to read this year's magazine, written by our Literary Arts Club. Great job done by all of our talented Great Hollow writers, and special thanks to advisors: Mrs. Baumeister and Mrs. Haynes!

During the last week of May, our 6th grade students visited Cold Spring Harbor DNA Laboratory to learn how forensic scientists analyze materials to understand ancient life. They learned how these techniques were used to examine Ötzi the Iceman’s clothes and gear. Using microscopes to analyze fabric, hair, and fur from different animals, students were able identify which materials the Iceman sourced for his Neolithic wardrobe and toolkit. This trip aligns with the 6th grade Science curriculum and their study of Otzi the Iceman.

Click HERE for a slideshow of pictures from the trip!

Our 8th graders had a blast at the Great Hollow Palooza on May 29! Grit 'n Wit provided students with outdoor obstacle courses, lawn games, and fun physical challenges throughout the day. In addition to Grit 'n Wit, the PTA supplied a BBQ lunch and a dessert truck, along with a DJ. We thank our wonderful PTA for giving our 8th graders such a fun filled day!

To continue our America 250 celebrations, students participated in a "Declaration Signing Day," on June 4. All students were given the opportunity to sign a copy of the Declaration of Independence using a real quill pen, just as the original signers of the Declaration used, in 1776. You can see highlights from the day by clicking HERE!

We are pleased to recognize our Academic Award winners, Great Hollow Middle School's "best of the best!" These students have done outstanding work in each of the academic and special subject areas during this school year. We are proud of their accomplishments!

Congratulations to the Great Hollow Girls' Lacrosse Team for being recognized by the Smithtown Booster Club as the Spring Scholar Athlete Team! These girls finished the season with an 8-1 record. In the classroom, they performed just as well, earning the highest combined GPA of all spring middle school sports teams. Way to go, girls!

Thank you to our generous PTA for providing the popcorn for our fun Popcorn Fridays!

August 25: 6th Grade Orientation, 10:00 am - 11:30 am

August 26: Open House, 8:30 am - 12:00 pm

September 2: First Day of School for students