Second graders from Ms. Rotbart’s and Ms. Lubin’s classes took to the stage on Apr. 8 to perform a heartwarming Reader’s Theater production of “Charlotte’s Web” for an audience of proud families and staff.

The performance marked the culmination of a month-long project led by school librarian Ms. Roseann Davidson, who spearheads the school’s Reader’s Theater program. As part of the school-wide initiative, each second-grade class selects a book to read and then prepares a staged reading, complete with character assignments, a few props and a live audience.

With scripts in hand and hats featuring portraits of their characters, students brought E.B. White’s classic story to life. Their matching t-shirts—printed with spider webs—added a playful, thematic touch. A beautifully illustrated banner, inspired by the book’s original cover art, hung above the stage to set the scene.

The students took turns at the microphones, delivering their lines with confidence and expression. The performance included both solo and group readings and concluded with a joyful song-and-dance number to “Wherever We Go” from the musical “Gypsy”, prepared under the guidance of music teacher Ms. Brenda Murphy. Art teacher Ms. Meredith Brustman worked with students to create the character illustrations for their hats and the striking banner overhead.

The show was filled with laughter—and even a few tears when Charlotte said her final goodbye—showcasing the students’ ability to convey both humor and to tug at the audience’s heartstrings.

In a fun nod to the school’s growth, Reader’s Theater was held on the cafeteria stage, now available once again for performances. The stage—formerly used for various learning support services—has been returned to its original purpose, thanks to the addition of new dedicated instructional spaces in the recently opened wing.

Following the presentation, families were invited to stay for refreshments and celebrate the students’ achievement together—a sweet ending to a memorable morning.

Click here to view the Second Graders Shine in “Charlotte’s Web” Performance at Theodore Roosevelt School slideshow.

 

Date Added: 4/11/2025

On Apr. 9, Oyster Bay High School welcomed internationally acclaimed composer and violist Jessica Meyer for a special visit and workshop with student musicians.

A native of Bay Shore and a graduate of The Juilliard School, Ms. Meyer is recognized as one of the leading violists in the world and currently serves on the faculty at the Manhattan School of Music. She began composing approximately a decade ago and has since produced notable works, including compositions for the United States Marine Band.

OBHS is proud to be part of a unique collaboration with four other Long Island schools—Baldwin High School, East Meadow Middle School, Manhasset High School, and Bay Shore High School—to commission an original work by Ms. Meyer. The resulting piece, “From City to Shore”, offers a musical exploration of Long Island, tracing a path from the energy of New York City to the peaceful landscapes surrounding the Montauk Lighthouse.

During her visit, Ms. Meyer participated in a Q&A session with members of the symphonic band and wind ensemble, offering insight into her creative process and the art of composition. Following the discussion, the wind ensemble had the opportunity to rehearse the new piece under her guidance, receiving valuable feedback as they prepared to bring her vision to life.

As a department, we believe it's crucial for our students to not only hone their performance skills but also gain a deep understanding of the broader landscape of the arts, including composition, said Ms. Erica Giglio Pac, Oyster Bay’s director of fine, performing and media arts. Learning about the creative process behind a composition helps our musicians develop a stronger connection to the music they perform. It is important for them to recognize the dedication, vision and meticulous work that goes into every piece created by composers like Jessica Meyer. By experiencing this firsthand, students can enrich their own artistic journeys and appreciate the collaboration that brings a composition to life.

The commissioned piece will be performed publicly for the first time during the OBHS Spring Concert on Apr. 28.

 

Click here to view the OBHS hosts renowned composer Jessica Meyer for collaborative commission slideshow.

 

Date Added: 4/10/2025

At the Apr. 8 meeting of the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Board of Education, students from James H. Vernon School and Oyster Bay Middle/High School were honored for their participation in the prestigious American Mathematics Competition (AMC). Their involvement reflects not only individual achievement but also the district’s ongoing commitment to fostering academic excellence and a love of learning.

Founded in 1950 and administered by the Mathematical Association of America (MAA), the AMC is the premier mathematics competition for students in grades K-12. The MAA is one of the largest global communities of mathematicians, educators, students and math enthusiasts, united by a shared passion for mathematics. The AMC challenges students through rigorous, timed assessments that build critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Middle school students compete in the AMC 8—a 25-question, 40-minute exam—while high school students take on the AMC 10 and AMC 12, both 75-minute tests with 25 challenging multiple-choice questions.

Oyster Bay High School students rose to the occasion in both the AMC 10 and AMC 12. Maalika Mehta earned first place in the AMC 10, followed by Madeline Bencal in second place, and Luke Kugler and Elise Kim, who tied for third. In the AMC 12, Jack Sapienza took top honors, with Anastasia Sakellis and Rose Lindstrom tying for second, and Alex Arnedos placing third. These students demonstrated remarkable problem-solving abilities and a deep understanding of advanced mathematical concepts.

At the middle school level, students from both James H. Vernon School and Oyster Bay Middle School proudly represented the district in the AMC 8. This year marked Vernon’s first participation in the national competition, a milestone that reflects the growing enthusiasm for mathematics at the elementary level. Students from both schools approached the challenge with energy and determination, showcasing their analytical skills and perseverance. Participants from Vernon included Jonathan Evers, Mattheos Giorgiou, Blake Hansen, Emma Jorgensen, Connor Leary, Brendan Mollah, Claire Monahan, Emily Morea, Axel Petrara, Sabrina Rella and Caden Walsh, while Benjamin Kansler, Joseph Kopacz, Liliana McEvoy and Layla Zahirovic represented the middle school.

Participating in the AMC is a noteworthy academic achievement. It encourages intellectual growth, strengthens resilience and helps students build the skills necessary to tackle complex problems under pressure. It also enhances college applications, highlighting students’ curiosity, discipline and commitment to excellence. Whether earning a top score or simply embracing the challenge, every student who participated in the AMC should take pride in their accomplishments.

The district congratulates all of the students who took part in this prestigious competition and celebrates their dedication to learning and achievement in mathematics.

Date Added: 4/10/2025

On Apr. 7, students at Theodore Roosevelt School were treated to a unique and entertaining performance—an original play about protecting the environment, written and performed by none other than their own teachers and administrators!

The story followed two lovable polar bears—portrayed by Principal Devra Small and librarian Roseann Davidson—who discover that their Arctic home is in trouble. As they journey to understand the changes in their habitat, they encounter several other animals facing environmental challenges, including a bee (played by kindergarten teacher Holly Janoska) and a monarch butterfly (played by reading specialist Michele Taube).

The polar bears also receive guidance from Mother Earth (played by ENL teacher Kim Kaufman) and Mother Nature (played by science and technology teacher Regina D’Orio). But every good story needs its villains, and in this tale, the mischievous forces threatening the environment were Carbon and Methane (played by technology coach Brian Agostini and gym teacher Jeff Schiereck).

By the end of the play, the polar bears come to a powerful conclusion: the future of the planet depends on the help of Roosevelt’s students.

To encourage eco-friendly behavior, students were challenged to take small but meaningful actions—like recycling, using reusable water bottles and turning off lights when leaving a room. These actions are included as part of a special “Golden Coupon Book,” which every student received. As they complete each task, students can bring in the corresponding coupon to enter a raffle. Winners will be drawn on Earth Day for a chance to receive exciting prizes.

The performance was both fun and impactful—a memorable way to energize students around environmental stewardship and show them that even small actions can make a big difference.

 

Click here to view the Roosevelt teachers take the stage to inspire earth-friendly habits slideshow.

 

Date Added: 4/9/2025

Mila Yurter, a 10th grade art student at Oyster Bay High School, earned first place in the photography category at the 2025 Long Island Media Arts Show, held on Mar. 28.

Her photograph, titled “Key to the City”, was selected from among 157 photography submissions—part of a total of 316 entries from 28 school districts across Nassau and Suffolk counties. The piece was created during a photography field trip to the Brooklyn Bridge, organized by art teacher Mr. Boris, which provided students with the opportunity to explore urban landscapes and develop their creative perspective.

The Long Island Media Arts Show is a respected educational conference and juried exhibition that highlights the digital and visual arts talents of high school students across the region. Student work is evaluated by a panel of professionals in the field, including industry experts, high school and college faculty, and judges from FTC Film/TV and Interactive Media Arts.

Mila’s recognition is a testament to her creativity and technical skill, as well as the strength of the OBHS’s visual arts program.

 

Date Added: 4/8/2025