Prekindergartners at John Quincy Adams Primary School and May Moore Primary School recently welcomed their families into the classroom for special winter craft workshops, turning the schools into spaces of creativity, collaboration and community connection. The events gave students the opportunity to share their classroom experiences with loved ones while working together on seasonal projects that celebrated the winter season.

At JQA, students and their guests worked side by side to create winter lanterns, while families at May Moore constructed cheerful sock snowmen together.

“We love hosting multiple pre-K family workshops each year, as they provide meaningful opportunities for families to build connections with our school and engage in positive experiences alongside their children within the learning environment,” May Moore Associate Principal Kimberly Essig said. “The turnout is always wonderful, and our students are genuinely proud to share and complete projects with their special guests.”

“It was wonderful to welcome our prekindergarten families into the classroom for the winter workshop,” JQA Principal Christopher Molinelli said. “This experience strengthens connections between home and school while celebrating creativity, joy and togetherness.”

Click here to view the Deer Park’ Winter Workshops Bring Pre-K Families Together for Creative Fun 2026 slideshow.

Date Added: 2/11/2026

Kindergarteners at May Moore Primary School recently learned songs and poems about snow as part of their winter classroom activities. The songs were taught in music class by Kristen Lombardo, while the poems were practiced with their kindergarten teachers. Students proudly performed their selections for their families during a special “Blizzard Day” concert at the school.

Date Added: 2/10/2026

Congratulations to Robert Frost Middle School seventh grader Jayden Rivers for finishing in first place in the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of New York’s Concerto and Vocal Competition on Feb. 4. Rivers has earned a $500 award and the chance to perform as a vocal soloist with his MYO ensemble during the 2026-2027 season.  

Date Added: 2/9/2026

The marvels of Mad Science were on display at Deer Park’s May Moore Primary School on Feb. 4 during an interactive “Fire and Ice” show that included lessons on vortexes and levitation. To the students’ amazement, an everyday hairdryer was used to create a mini tornado that lifted balloons. 

“When planning our assemblies, we intentionally align the themes and lessons with the curriculum being taught in our classrooms,” Assistant Principal Kimberly Essig said. “During the Mad Science assembly, our students were incredibly excited to observe experiments and make meaningful connections between their classroom learning and the real world. Students arrived with background knowledge that allowed them to actively engage with the presenter, ask thoughtful questions and develop a deeper understanding of how different scientific reactions take place.” 

Click here to view the Science Comes to Levitating Life at May Moore Primary School slideshow.

Date Added: 2/6/2026

Deer Park High School’s girls winter track team competed against the best in Suffolk County at the Large School Team County Championship, held Saturday at Suffolk Community College in Brentwood, and delivered a historic performance. Entering the meet as one of the county’s top-ranked teams, the Lady Falcons rose to the occasion by finishing third overall, the highest placement in the indoor program’s history.

Chelsea Cornelia led the way, capturing the county championship in the 1,000-meter race with a time of 3:03.00. Just 45 minutes later, she returned to the track and nearly completed a second county title, placing third in the 600-meter run in 1:38.8 – just four-tenths of a second from first place – for a total of 16 team points.

Kayla Beaumont also earned county champion honors, winning the triple jump by more than a foot with a leap of 37 feet, 8 inches and contributing 10 points to the team score.

Additional scoring performances included All-County honors for Nadia Elsergany, who placed fourth in the shot put; Vanessa Cayea, who finished third in the high jump; and the 4x400-meter relay team of Ama Asare, Vanessa Cayea, Chelsea Cornelia and Bailey Corcoran, who placed third overall. Asare also earned sixth place in the 600-meter run.
Both county champions also hold school records in their events, Cornelia in the 1,000 meters (2:55) and Beaumont in the triple jump (38 feet, 2 inches).

“What goes unnoticed are all the athletes who played such a major role in our success this season, such as the girls who didn’t score or get those accolades,” Coach Jim Petti said. “We had girls who were hitting big personal records and improving meet-to-meet. This wasn’t about just two or three girls – this is a complete team that can go toe-to-toe with any team in this county. Although we came up short on our goal, we didn’t go down without scaring the two teams ahead of us. We sent a clear message that we are coming for that title in the spring. As much as finishing top three in arguably the best track and field section in New York State is honorable, we want more. However, I couldn’t be prouder.” 

Click here to view the Deer Park Girls Winter Track Team Earns Historic Third-Place County Finish slideshow.

Date Added: 2/6/2026