Accompsett Middle School student Sophia Carpenter took the initiative to educate her classmates and raise awareness for epilepsy on Nov. 4, which is Epilepsy Awareness Day. Carpenter, who has lived with epilepsy since the age of 5, is a member of the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America club at the school, under the advisement of Valerie Gompers and Taylor Walsh. Working together, they created a short public service announcement for the students of Accompsett. Students and staff at Accompsett Middle School wore purple to raise awareness. Dogwood Elementary School, where Carpenter’s mother Renee serves as principal, also jumped on board and went purple for the day.

Two eighth grade students from Accompsett Middle School – Haley Sasbon and Isabella Spilotros – were recently recognized for their essays in the Suffolk County Taste of Italy event, sponsored by the office of Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and Order Sons of Italy in America. This year’s theme was “Passing the Torch of Heritage,” and the student essays focused on the “melting pot” of culture. The ceremony aimed at honoring those who present a positive image in promoting the culture. Haley (middle right), who placed first in the contest and Isabella (middle left), who placed third, were honored at the event along with their Italian teacher Maria DiLiberto (left center) and Principal Paul McNeil (second from right). 

As a way to thank local veterans for their service, the members of the National Junior Honor Society from Accompsett Middle School held a veterans day reception in their cafeteria on Nov. 4. Students used the opportunity to connect with the veterans, some of whom were family members and friends. They spent the afternoon enjoying each other’s company, playing games and sharing stories. Accompsett Middle School student-musicians sang and played the piano as the veterans shared snacks and conversation.

To celebrate New York State School Board Recognition Week from Oct. 21-25, the Smithtown Central School District came together to show their appreciation for their board of education during the Oct. 22 meeting.

To kick off the meeting, the High School East select choral group sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Smithtown Elementary School’s ENL also serenaded the board members by singing a thank-you song in 11 different languages. Nesaquake Middle School’s select chorus also showcased their skills by singing “I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You.”

Dogwood Elementary School’s students created posters featuring the top 10 things they love about the district. Mt. Pleasant Elementary School students created a tree of appreciation to present to the board featuring every student’s fingerprints.

Tackan Elementary School students purchased books at its recent book fair and donated them back to the school’s library in the board’s name. Accompsett Elementary School’s fifth grade classes created a poster board of thanks, while Mills Pond Elementary presented each board member with a pen and flashlight because they light the way for the district. Student in Karen Dennis’s fourth grade class at St. James Elementary School created their own Flip Grid thank-you video for the board members.

Members of the National Junior Honor Society at Accompsett Middle School created a thank-you card and Great Hollow Middle School students gifted each board member with a drawstring bag. Members of the National Honor Society at High School West gave each board member a “Support Our Troops” shirt and Athletes Helping Athletes gifted them with Smithtown athletic spirit wear. Members of the Career and Technology Education department presented the board members with handcrafted wood nameplates for their board table, water bottles, tote bags, homemade muffins and pillowcases. To end the evening, the school’s central administration showed a thank-you video featuring faculty, staff and administrators from throughout the district. 

Student-artists in Michelle Maino’s class at Accompsett Middle School are working on their Oaxacan sculptures using air-dry clay. The eighth graders learned about Oaxaca culture and then created their own animals. The sculptures were made using wedge, scoring and slip techniques and finished patterns using acrylic paint.

Seventh and eighth grade members of Girl Scout Troop 814 at Accompsett Middle School used their Silver Award project as an opportunity to beautify and spread positivity in their school. Madelyn Law, Fabiana Gorre, Grace Viola, Adira Pizzaro, Ayla Gannon, Morgan Matejka, Jennah Ahmed, Madison Dominger, Victoria Starkey, Mya DeClue, Kylie Muir and Jillian Donnelly created, designed and added their artistic touches to signs that are now on display throughout the school. The signs feature messages of empowerment and positivity and can be found in the girls restrooms, locker rooms, main office and guidance office. “We wanted to brighten up our school, inspire our classmates and leave a legacy for the next set of students who come here,” the girls said.