Author: MillerPlace

Schools host food drives for local pantries and families in the community

Students and staff throughout the Miller Place School District worked together this Thanksgiving season to host several food drives helping families in need throughout their community.

“As a District, we’re so proud of the dedication and efforts our students and staff put forth to support our community,” said Superintendent of Schools Seth Lipshie.

Andrew Muller Primary School parent Ryan Jones, the owner of Chubs Meats butcher shop and catering company, donated turkeys. Students donated non-perishable food items and gift cards to the school’s collection efforts. SCOPE Behavior Counselor Corien Bologna delivered the donations throughout the community, bringing Thanksgiving meals to seven local families.

Students at Laddie A. Decker Sound Beach School helped stock a local food pantry through their Thanksgiving food drive. Each grade was assigned a different list of foods to donate. Thanks to their generosity they were able to provide local families who may be facing food insecurity with the necessary items to have a delicious Thanksgiving meal.

North Country Road Middle School is home to a food pantry that serves those in need in the community throughout the school year. Donations to the pantry included gift cards that are used to purchase specific items for the holiday such as turkeys, yams and stuffing. The District’s student behavior counselors, Marissa Prager and Jeanine Pedersen, worked with members of the Student Government to prepare Thanksgiving meals and distribute them throughout the community. The District thanks the behavior counselors

The Miller Place High School National Honor Society led a Thanksgiving Food Drive with their peers to support local families in need. Homerooms competed against each other, donating non-perishable food items.  Mr. Sztabnik’s Period 1 class donated the most food and was rewarded with a bagel breakfast. Thanks to the efforts of each class, the District was able to fully stock the Miller Place High School food pantry and provide food for seven families in the community. The donations will also go toward helping families throughout the December holidays as well.

District Office held a fundraiser of its own, raising $775. The Business Office staff purchased various food items to donate to help stock the local Saint Louis de Montfort Food Distribution Center, the North Country Road Middle School Food Pantry and the Miller Place High School Food Pantry.
For more information about the Miller Place School District, please visit the District’s website at www.millerplace.k12.ny.us. To read more about the great things happening in Miller Place schools, visit www.millerplaceinthemedia.com and ‘like’ our Facebook page. 

Panthers place second at Suffolk Country Championships

The Miller Place High School Boys Cross Country Team have been racing to victory throughout their fall season. They finished the season as Team Divisional Champions and placed second overall in Class B Suffolk County Championships.

“I’d like to congratulate our high school boys cross country team for putting in such hard work and dedication all season. Their efforts have paid off and they represent their community with pride every time they compete,” said Superintendent of Schools Seth Lipshie.

The team competed in the Suffolk County Championships/New York State Qualifier at Sunken Meadow State Park, clinching second place in the Section 11 Class B 5,000-meter race with a combined time of 64. Senior James Loughlin led the team by finishing in ninth place out of 61 runners with a final time of 17:46.51.

For more information about the Miller Place School District, please visit the District’s website at www.millerplace.k12.ny.us. To read more about the great things happening in Miller Place schools, visit www.millerplaceinthemedia.com and ‘like’ our Facebook page. 

High school drama production draws a crowd to two performances

The Miller Place Panther Troupe recently captivated audiences with two performances of their fall drama production The Curious Savage, written by John Patrick.

“I’d like to commend the actors, set designers, musicians and everyone involved in the incredible production of The Curious Savage. Our students put on two engaging performances that moved their audience with scenes that were both poignant and comedic. Congratulations to everyone involved,” said Superintendent of Schools Mr. Seth Lipshie.

Over the course of this fall, cast members developed their characters and honed their acting skills while crew members sharpened their technical theatre skills and helped curate the set. Director Jenna Ely and Assistant Director Colleen Annicelli led a talented cast that had their audiences laughing, crying and thoroughly enjoying the show.

The Curious Savage follows the story of an elderly widow named Ethel Savage who was left $10 million from her late husband. She seeks to donate the fortune, but her stepchildren seek to thwart her plan and have her committed to a sanatorium called The Cloisters. She bonds with the kind residents there and discovers the meaning of love and family. The dramatic comedy opened on Broadway in 1950 and starred Lillian Gish as Ethel Savage.

For their work on The Curious Savage, the Miller Place Panther Troupe is eligible for the East End Arts’ 22^nd Annual Teeny Awards. The annual high school theater awards show, given its name as a reference to the Tony Awards, will take place this June.

For more information about the Miller Place School District, please visit the District’s website at www.millerplace.k12.ny.us. To read more about the great things happening in Miller Place schools, visit www.millerplaceinthemedia.com and ‘like’ our Facebook page. 

Spirit week, pep rally and parade lead to a winning home game

The Miller Place School District recently held an exciting Homecoming celebration with students, staff, alumni and friends on September 30th. Throughout the week, students and staff members at all school buildings displayed their school spirit for “Spirit Week” in preparation for the celebratory weekend parade and football game. The District concluded the week with a High School pep rally, at which Varsity teams were introduced and classes completed in friendly events and competitions. It all led up to a victorious home game for the Miller Place Panthers, who defeated the Islip Buccaneers with a score of 33-7.

“Homecoming brought together the Miller Place community for a tremendous showing of Panther Pride. It was exciting to see staff and students enthusiastically participating in “Spirit Week,” culminating in a High School pep rally,” said Superintendent of Schools Seth Lipshie. “A spirited parade combined with a deserving win before a crowd full made for a successful Homecoming on many fronts.”

Students celebrated Spirit Week by dressing up each day according to different themes. The week concluded with Spirit Day, highlighted by students donning their favorite Miller Place School District clothing and a pep rally at the high school. Varsity teams were introduced, and classes competed in friendly events and competitions in preparation for Homecoming.

For the Homecoming parade, Panther cheerleaders, members of the MPHS pep band, and students from each building in the District marched alongside the handcrafted floats. The parade began at the Miller Place Fire Department South and navigated to the high school’s Stadium Field where the Miller Place Panther’s football defeated the Islip Buccaneers with a score of 33-7.

For more information about the Miller Place School District, please visit the District’s website at www.millerplace.k12.ny.us. To read more about the great things happening in Miller Place schools, visit www.millerplaceinthemedia.com and ‘like’ our Facebook page. 

District celebrates the start of construction on new elementary school gym

The Miller Place School District recently celebrated the start of construction of a new gymnasium at Andrew Muller Primary School.

Superintendent of Schools Mr. Seth Lipshie joined with members of the District administration, the Board of Education, District Architect and representatives of RENU Contracting & Restoration to celebrate the groundbreaking.

“We are thrilled to announce the start of construction of the new gymnasium at Andrew Muller Primary School. Our District has worked diligently to make this possible. This provides an excellent physical education environment for our students. The current shared gymnasium space can now be utilized for a dedicated cafeteria and an area to host school assemblies,” said Mr. Lipshie.

The site of the new gymnasium will be located to the left of the main entrance with an adjoining hallway. The construction of the Andrew Muller Primary School Gymnasium is part of the District’s bond referendum approved by voters in October 2021.

For more information about the Miller Place School District, please visit the District’s website at www.millerplace.k12.ny.us. To read more about the great things happening in Miller Place schools, visit www.millerplaceinthemedia.com and ‘like’ our Facebook page. 

Nicholas DiCaprio participated in the annual benefit for Tunnel to Towers Foundation

Miller Place High School freshman Nicholas DiCaprio finished eighth out of 3,503 runners in the annual Tunnel to Towers 5K on September 24^th. Nicholas completed the race with a time of 19:51:3 and was the only Long Island runner to place in the top 10.

“We are so proud of Nicholas for this incredible accomplishment. He is a powerful runner and an earnest student who competed with pride for such a humbling cause,” said Superintendent of Schools Seth Lipshie.” In speaking with News12 about competing in the event, Nicholas noted that it was more than simply another 5K race, but a way to honor the over 3,000 lives lost on September 11, 2001. “It was definitely special to me. I envisioned the towers there and thought about it a lot [during the race].”

Nicholas is a standout on the track at Miller Place High School, where he is only one of two freshmen on the Varsity Cross Country Track Team. His goal is to continue competing in 5Ks and possibly train for a full marathon in the future.

The Tunnel to Towers 5K Run and Walk symbolizes the late firefighter and 9/11 hero Stephen Siller’s final footsteps from the Battery Tunnel to the Twin Towers. It takes place the last Sunday of every September in New York City. The event began with 1,500 people in 2002 and has since become one of the most prominent 5Ks in the country. All proceeds go toward the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which is committed to fighting veteran homelessness, provides mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children, and builds accessible homes for injured veterans and first responders.

For more information about the Miller Place School District, please visit the District’s website at www.millerplace.k12.ny.us. To read more about the great things happening in Miller Place schools, visit www.millerplaceinthemedia.com and ‘like’ our Facebook page. 

NYSPHSAA names Miller Place among its exclusive 2022-2023 School of Distinction list

Miller Place High School was recently named a 2022-2023 School of Distinction by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association. The recognition was bestowed on only 20 schools throughout Suffolk County. The list included 35 schools throughout Long Island and 84 throughout the state. Miller Place earned the honor for the third consecutive year and fifth time over the past seven years.

 Miller Place High School qualified for the esteemed School of Distinction status by having its Varsity teams reach NYSPHSAA Scholar Athlete Team status throughout the course of the school year. Such teams were honored for having 75% of the participating Varsity athletes on each roster achieve a 90+ GPA for their season of participation. 

“This is a proud opportunity for me to recognize the hard work and efforts of our student-athletes from the 2022-23 school year,” said Ron Petrie, Administrator for Physical Education, Health, Athletics, and Intramurals. “This is a true reflection of the quality and commitment our students have to being the best versions of themselves.” 

For more information about the Miller Place School District, please visit the District’s website at www.millerplace.k12.ny.us. To read more about the great things happening in Miller Place schools, visit www.millerplaceinthemedia.com and ‘like’ our Facebook page. 

Students wear big smiles on a sunny opening day

The Miller Place School District officially opened its doors for over 2,300 students across its four schools for the start of the 2023-2024 school year. Students high-fived their teachers, greeted their peers and displayed beaming smiles on a warm and sunny first day.

“Our students were thrilled to be back for a new school year and our staff did an incredible job of making everyone feel welcome and ready to learn. The District is excited and eager for the new school year and we are prepared to continue building on our student successes,” said Superintendent of Schools Mr. Seth Lipshie.

Elementary students at Andrew Muller Primary School and Laddie A. Decker Sound Beach School entered school with enthusiasm as they greeted their principals, teachers and staff as they found their way to their new classrooms. Students at North Country Road Middle School and Miller Place High School were reunited with their friends and peers after the two-month summer break. 

For more information about the Miller Place School District, please visit the District’s website at www.millerplace.k12.ny.us. To read more about the great things happening in Miller Place schools, visit www.millerplaceinthemedia.com and ‘like’ our Facebook page. 

District earns distinguished honor for Vending Machine Books for Kindness Initiative

The Miller Place School District’s Board of Education was recently recognized by the New York State School Boards Association’s Champions of Change program for its Vending Machine Books for Kindness Initiative.

NYSSBA’s Area 12 Director Catherine Romano presented the Miller Place Board of Education with a celebratory banner at last week’s Board of Education meeting, where she commended the District and Miller Place Parent Teacher Organization for working together to promote literacy and kindness.

“It’s an honor to be recognized for our book vending machine program and the work our PTO and administration have done to get children excited about reading, while encouraging acts of kindness,” said Superintendent of Schools Mr. Seth Lipshie. “Thank you to the NYSSBA for recognizing our Board members as Champions of Change and thank you to our PTO for everything you do to support our students.”

The NYSSBA Champions for Change initiative goes to districts with family and community partnerships or collaborations that contribute to a positive student experience and strengthen the bond between the district and community. NYSSBA usually announces seven to eight recipients every quarter and Miller Place is the only school district in Suffolk County to receive this honor in the past half-year.

Last January, the Miller Place School District and the Miller Place Parent Teacher Organization unveiled its book vending machines at North Country Road Middle School, Laddie A. Decker Sound Beach School and Andrew Muller Primary School. Each book costs one token, which students earn by displaying good behavior and performing acts of kindness. Earning tokens is built into the District’s existing character education programs, which reward exemplary students each month.

The Miller Place Parent Teacher Organization donated the book vending machines as part of its commitment to increasing literacy and generating excitement around reading. One of their goals was to keep children reading and ensure they could always have books at home and not just in school or at the library. Their research led them to Inchy, the only book vending machine company in the country.

The PTO purchased the vending machines through the District’s Read-a-Thon and has been stocking them with an assortment of books for students to choose.

The PTO executive board includes Kristin Hennig, Suzanne Cloke, Jackie Maloney, Monique Caccavale, Sharda Soohkdeo, Gayle Mancini and Dawn McCarthy.

For more information about the Miller Place School District, please visit the District’s website at www.millerplace.k12.ny.us. To read more about the great things happening in Miller Place schools, visit www.millerplaceinthemedia.com and ‘like’ our Facebook page. 

District prepares for the 2023-2024 school year

The Miller Place School District recently held its annual organizational meeting, at which time Lisa Reitan was sworn in for her new term as a trustee and newly elected Board member John Galligan was sworn in for his first term as a trustee.

Lisa Reitan was re-elected by the Board as its president and Bryan Makarius was re-elected as Vice President. Lisa Reitan was first elected President by the Board last year for the 2022-2023 school year and served as the Board’s Vice President in the 2021-2022 school year. Bryan Makarius was first elected Vice President last year for the 2022-2023 school year and served as a trustee in the 2021-2022 school year. The 2023-2024 Board also includes trustees Johanna Testa and Andrea Spaniolas.

“I look forward to working with the Board of Education as we continue to improve our student success to make Miller Place the best possible District” said Superintendent of Schools Seth Lipshie, who was sworn in as Superintendent for his second year.

The District wishes a warm welcome to the 2023-2024 Board of Education as it prepares for the school year ahead.

For more information about the Miller Place School District, please visit the District’s website at www.millerplace.k12.ny.us. To read more about the great things happening in Miller Place schools, visit www.millerplaceinthemedia.com and ‘like’ our Facebook page.