Apple Visits MS

John Couch, Vice President of Education for Apple, visited our middle school today. I was so proud of the opportunity to ’show off’ our students and teachers to a senior Apple executive who was genuinely interested in all aspects of our program – the 3D capabilities, the way specific apps are differentiating instruction, and how teachers and students alike are acclimating to the iPad universe. It has been quite a week for us here.

Smart Schools Press Conference

Of course when the governor was considering locations to host the Smart Schools Commission Report press conference and announce a proposition to bring $2 billion for technology into schools across the State, he wanted to visit with students who are already using technology in the classroom – and thus came to Mineola Middle School. It was a unique experience for our school and our students. Here is a photo of him, County Executive Edward Mangano myself and a member of the commission in our 3D classroom. 

Cultural Arts Series Begins

The district together with the District Council of PTA’s presents a series of three fun events for children each year. The first one for 2014-15 will be held next Saturday, November 1 at 2:00pm and will feature Muttville Comix Canine Comedy Show.  Tickets are only $5 per child. The next one is Dec. 6 at 2pm, and then Jan. 10 at 2pm. All at the Mineola High School Theatre. Bring your entire family, the shows are really enjoyable! Contact Debbie Tobar at debtobar@yahoo.com for more information or to get tickets in advance.

‘Fools’ Rush In

On November 21 and 22, the Drama Club and Thespian Troupe # 276 will present Neil Simon’s hilarious, family-friendly comedy, Fools. Originally produced on Broadway in 1981, Fools begins with the arrival of a young, idealistic teacher named Leon Tolchinsky. Leon’s determination to break a local curse and to marry the girl of his dreams sets in motion a plot that will keep the audience laughing right up to the final curtain.

The talented cast includes seniors CJ Asam, Aldrian Diaz, Melissa Dunlop and Tyler Villalona, juniors Theo Bischoff, Julie Ortiz, Kristina Shevlin and Felicia Villa, sophomore Zachary Sloan and freshman Sarah Harty.

Performances will be held Friday, November 21 at 7:30 and again on Saturday at 2:00 and 7:30 at the Theatre at MHS. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased in advance by calling the Mineola UFSD Department of Fine and Performing Arts at 516-237-2625 or at the door.

Musical High Note

The awards for our students and our schools just keep coming … Three of our talented student musicians have been selected for the 2014 Long Island String Festival Association Honors Orchestra. Sam Trested (grade 8), Samantha Kessler (grade 9), and David Kim (grade 10) have all been selected to perform this  November.  Congratulations!

Another Award for Innovation

Our district has been making such strides in education with regard not only to our technology, but with our STEAM program. Check us out in today’s Newsday (below)  for the latest Be the Change Innovation Award that we received – and the photo of us receiving the grant money. The acknowledgement really goes to all of our teachers, who continue to embrace change and innovation for the benefit of the students.