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Islip Middle School

Welcoming, Connecting, Learning

May 2026 Newsletter

Posted Date: 05/12/26 (11:46 AM)


The IMS Connection

Islip Middle School-May 2026

May 1, 2026
IMS Group Photo
Principal's Message

May 2026

Dear Islip Middle School Community,

Spring has truly sprung at IMS, and we are energized by all the opportunities this season brings. With warmer weather, many of our classes and recess periods have moved outdoors, giving students a chance to learn and connect in new ways. Our 8th grade students recently returned from their trip to Washington, D.C., where they experienced American history firsthand, strengthened friendships, and created lasting memories. We are now looking forward to our 7th grade trip to Boston in the coming week. These historical field trips are more than just travel experiences—they bring classroom learning to life, deepen students’ understanding of our nation’s past, and provide meaningful opportunities for social growth and connection among peers.

In April, we were grateful to partner with our PTA to host a presentation focused on teen mental health and wellness. Representatives from local agencies joined us, along with a School Resource Officer from the Suffolk County Police Department, to share valuable information about the supports available to students and families within our community. In addition, our school support staff developed resources to help families navigate challenging conversations with teens, particularly around topics such as school safety drills and other situations that may cause fear or anxiety. These resources are attached, and we encourage you to review them. We remain committed to continuing this important work and sharing helpful tools with our community moving forward.

The spring season is also filled with exciting recognition and opportunities for our students. We recently celebrated many of our talented athletes and musicians at the district’s Night of Champions. Looking ahead, we are excited to welcome our incoming 6th grade students for orientation on Thursday, May 7th. Additional upcoming events include a PTA meeting on May 11, SEPTA Awards on May 12, Spring Concerts on May 13th and 14th, our National Junior Honor Society Induction on May 18th, the Budget Vote on May 19th, and our Middle School Academic Awards Ceremony on June 1.

We look forward to seeing many of you at these events as we continue to celebrate the accomplishments and growth of our incredible students.


Sincerely,
Meghan Stern
Principal
 
Mr. J's Journal

May 2026

Islip Middle School Families,

It’s the home stretch and we can see the finish line. This wonderful school year will soon come to a close, but not before we visit Washington DC with our 8th graders (soon to be high school students) and Boston with our 7th graders, and have another spirit week (May the 4th be with you). Not to mention a host of other activities.
 
Testing Dates
NYS Science Assessment, May 5th
Algebra I Regents, June 17th @ 8:00 AM (Location: Islip High School)
Geometry Regents, June 23rd @ 12:00 PM (Location: Islip High School)
Earth Science, June 18th @ 12:00 PM (Location: Islip High School)
Checkpoint A, June 22nd @ 8:00 AM (Location: Islip High School)
 
The Washington D.C. trip will be amazing. Special thanks to as Ms. Cabanas for spear heading and organizing. The Lincoln Memorial, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Vietnam, WWII, and the Korean War Memorial not to mention James Madison University and an Orioles/Yankees game (Go Yanks!). It was truly something to remember!

Thank you to Ms. Nyman for our 7th graders inaugural trip to Boston this May to celebrate this great country's 250th birthday. No doubt it will be very special.

Most importantly let's have a huge applause for our chaperones who took precious time from their families and friends to enjoy the trip and support out students in an unforgettable experience. And as for the students who were tremendous throughout the experience. It will be something we will never forget. THANK YOU!
 
June brings with it the opportunity to reflect and sharpen the saw. Our advisory activities will be focused on considering where we have been throughout the school year, where it has taken us, and where we’ll be going. It’s a very exciting time of year with much influx and the scent of opportunity, warmth, and new beginning in the air.
 
Always enjoy,

Curt Juengerkes
Islip Middle School
Assistant Principal
 
Bodner's Bulletin

May 2026

Dear IMS community:

Spring is finally here, and we are beginning to enjoy the warmer weather and longer days. April was a wonderful month at IMS, filled with meaningful learning experiences, exciting trips, and student accomplishments both inside and outside the classroom.

Our 6th grade students had the opportunity to visit the historic Fire Island Lighthouse. Students enjoyed exploring the landmark, learning about local history, and experiencing the beautiful scenery along the South Shore. The trip provided a memorable hands-on learning experience that connected classroom lessons to the real world.

Our 8th graders traveled to Washington, D.C. for an amazing and educational class trip. Students visited many historical sites, museums, and colleges throughout the nation’s capital. Highlights included seeing important monuments and memorials, exploring museums filled with American history, and experiencing firsthand the significance of our country’s culture. It was a trip full of learning, fun, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Meanwhile, our spring sports teams are well into their seasons and continue to work extremely hard. We are proud of the dedication, teamwork, and sportsmanship our student-athletes display each day. Thank you to our coaches, families, and supporters who continue to encourage our teams throughout the season.

May has so much to look forward to! Our 7th graders will soon experience their first overnight class trip to Boston. There are many exciting activities and experiences on the itinerary, and students are eagerly anticipating this memorable opportunity.
We will also be hosting several orientation events for our incoming 6th graders. We cannot wait to welcome our future IMS students and families and introduce them to our school community.

In addition, our 6th and 7th grade chorus, band, and orchestra students will be showcasing their talents during their spring concerts. We are excited to celebrate the hard work and dedication of our student musicians and look forward to wonderful performances.

This continues to be a busy—but awesome—time of year at IMS. We are excited for a strong finish to a wonderful school year and are incredibly proud of all of our students for their participation, performances, accomplishments, and involvement in the many activities that make our school community so special.

Thank you to our students, staff, and families for helping make IMS such a positive and supportive place to learn and grow. Have a wonderful May!


Sincerely,

David Bodner
Dean of Students
Islip Middle School
 

Renaissance Rave !

April showers brought May flowers! The last raffle was a HUGE Success! A bunch of prizes were won. We will be celebrating Quarter 3 Achievements: in our FINAL RAFFLE of the year! Stay tuned for the date. Listen for announcements for important information. Remember, your Renaissance ID card should be on you at all times! Replacement cards are available for purchase, $5, in the Assistant Principal's office. As always, continue to work hard and be kind!

LOOK GOOD! FEEL GOOD! DO GOOD! 
 
Counselors Corner

May 2026

Dear IMS Families,

The end of the year is rapidly approaching! Current 6th and 7th grade student families should have received a letter and courses your student will be taking next school year. These course request papers should have been handed into Guidance by April 30th. If you have not done so, please have them signed and handed in. If you have any questions about these courses, please feel free to contact your child’s counselor.

Ms. Appel, Mrs. Comiskey and Ms. Garren visited 5th graders at Commack Road and Sherwood Elementary Schools to discuss all things 6th grade! During these classroom lessons, the counselors discussed the transition to middle school, including changes to schedules, classes, and responsibilities. Students also learned about available support services and strategies for staying organized and managing their time, as well as, the multitude of opportunities to get involved here at the middle school. 

Incoming 6th graders and their parents should be sure to attend our 5th to 6th Grade Orientation Night on Thursday, May 7th at Islip Middle School. 


Warmly,
The IMS School Counseling Team
 
KIC
KIC
KIC
KIC
 
Safety First
 
Food & Nutrition
 

Contact information

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can reach out via the following: