The Three Village Teachers Association together with the Three Village School Administrators Association brought back the tradition of a scholarship show this November. Close to 100 teachers and administrators from across the district gave of their talent and time to learn the lines, songs and choreography for the beloved musical, “Peter Pan” as well as help back stage and during the production. The musical, directed by Anthony Pollera, debuted over several nights and was a tremendous success, raising an astonishing $25,000 in scholarships for Ward Melville students.

To help students better understand a variety of STEM-related careers and professions, R.C. Murphy Junior High School has initiated a program called “Lunch with a Scientist.” 

During the first event, the science department welcomed Dr. Sheri Glazer, who spoke with a group of seventh graders about the science of dentistry and the various career options in her field. She discussed how dental science requires a strong understanding of mathematics and biology, beyond the mouth. She also spoke about the different types of dentistry there are and the supportive professionals that assist each dentist. 

The project tied well into the grade level curriculum, which focuses on life sciences, and the department looks forward to welcoming additional speakers in the future.   

Working in small groups, eighth grade students in Jillian Visser’s science classes at R.C. Murphy Junior High School utilized their creativity and engineering skills to complete a Rube Goldberg-style project. 

The project was named after the American cartoonist, sculptor, author, engineer and inventor best known for his popular cartoons depicting complicated gadgets performing simple tasks in indirect, convoluted ways. It incorporated topics explored during the class’s units of study on simple machines and forces and motion. The students worked collaboratively to research, design and present a machine that accomplishes a simple task. The contraptions that the students designed and constructed were required to use all three laws of motion and incorporate three types of simple machines to accomplish one task. 

The groups presented their projects upon completion and conducted demonstrations in class. They discussed what they had learned in the design phase, the strengths of their design and the improvements that could enhance it. Additionally, each group shared which design aspects were responsible for the speed of the different sections. 

Setauket Elementary School’s student council helped to honor their building’s school related professionals during a special celebration. In recognition of all that the SRPs do at Setauket, the students created candy poppers and delivered them personally to the individuals to show them how much they are appreciated.