Stacey Pinto, an expert in trauma injury prevention from Catholic Health’s Good Samaritan University Hospital, ran a special Teddy Bear Clinic for students at Deer Park’s May Moore Primary School on Jan. 29. The Teddy Bear Clinic is designed to help students learn about medical safety and procedures in a fun, hands-on and developmentally appropriate way. After a safety education talk, students practiced caring for their own “injured” stuffed animal patients using medical supplies. 

Click here to view the Teddy Bears Get Checkups at May Moore Primary School slideshow.

Date Added: 2/2/2026

Two Deer Park High school students, Lucas Di Vanna and Aubriella Nunez, were recently named finalists in the New York Times Learning Network’s second annual Open Letter Contest. This year’s prompt asked students, “If you were to write a letter to someone asking for change, who would you write to? What would you say?”

The contest drew 9,946 entries from teenagers around the world. From that field, The New York Times selected 10 winners, 13 runners-up, 40 honorable mentions and 139 additional finalists.

Di Vanna was named a runner-up for his letter, “Our Island Has a Heartbeat – Don’t Silence It,” while Nunez was selected as an additional finalist for her piece, “Chocolate, Sweet, Sweet Chocolate!” Both students were advised and supported throughout the submission process by teacher Teresa Greco.

Date Added: 1/30/2026

Students at John Quincy Adams Primary School recently engaged in a “cosmic” bowling activity during physical education classes, promoting motor development and cooperation while experiencing an enjoyable lesson highlighted by smiles and laughter.

Teachers recreated a bowling alley environment by dimming the gym lights and illuminating the Falcon Lanes sign with black lights. The school’s Parent Faculty Club enhanced the atmosphere by providing disco-style lighting, which projected colorful moving lights and laser effects throughout the gym. 

“We felt this would be a fun and interactive way to teach students proper bowling skills, especially since the second-grade field trip this year will be to the local Strike 10 Lanes,” PE teacher Matthew Kanyuk said.

Date Added: 1/29/2026

Four dedicated members – Reanissa Norton, Caleb Pierre, Ceica Pierre and Khira Russel – of Deer Park High School’s Black Student Union recently volunteered with the Nu Phi Zeta Chapter of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority at the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless in Amityville. Guided by adviser Aleisha Forbes, the students spent four hours sorting through donations to help local families as part of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Global Day of Service.

Date Added: 1/28/2026

Jayden Rivers, a seventh grader at Robert Frost Middle School, was recently named a finalist in Vocal Division I of the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of New York’s Concerto and Vocal Competition. Out of 80 competitors, only 16 finalists were selected to perform at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Cold Spring Harbor on Feb. 4. The winners of the competition, selected by special guest panelists, will earn a $500 award and the chance to perform as a soloist with their MYO ensemble during the 2026-2027 season. This significant achievement serves to highlights the strength of Deer Park’s perennially strong performing arts program.

Rivers is currently in his first year as a vocalist in the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra Suffolk Treble Choir. MYO provided feedback on his application recording, praising his professional presentation, beautiful voice, expressiveness and intonation. For the Concerto and Vocal Competition, he will sing the Italian aria “Alma del Core” by composer Antonio Caldara.
  
“I was surprised, extremely humbled and excited when I learned that I was a finalist in the competition,” Rivers said. “I really want to win, so I am working on my Italian. The Metropolitan Youth Orchestra has some of the most talented young musicians across Long Island. To be a finalist is an honor to me. I would like to thank my parents, my music teachers and the Metropolitan Orchestra for giving me this opportunity, and I hope to see some of my Deer Park friends and teachers at the concert.”

“I am incredibly proud of Jayden and this outstanding accomplishment,” said Grace Donofrio, his vocal teacher. “His voice is truly beautiful, and this recognition reflects his hard work, dedication and natural musicality. Bravo to Jayden on being named a finalist.”

“Being selected from as one of just 16 finalists from more than 80 competitors is a remarkable achievement and a testament to Jayden’s talent, dedication and musical artistry,” Director of Fine and Performing Arts Bradley Murphy said. “This recognition reflects the high level of excellence our students strive for and consistently achieve.”

Additionally, exceptional Deer Park High School student musician Joseph Graziano was named to the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of New York’s Nassau Principal Orchestra. Graziano will perform on trumpet with the MYO on March 22 at the Adelphi University Performing Arts Center in Garden City, and on May 9 at Carnegie Hall in Manhattan.

“Joe has been a hardworking musician in our program since he arrived at the high school,” Band Director Derek Schmelter said. “I’m very proud of his accomplishments and delighted to see his talents recognized by those outside of our community.” 

Date Added: 1/27/2026