The Mud Puddle

As we continue our pursuit of educational excellence and work to cultivate a dynamic learning environment, it’s essential to reflect on the rich history that has shaped Paul J. Gelinas Junior High School. As we launch the first edition of this year’s newsletter, it feels appropriate to honor the legacy of Gelinas’ original publication, the “Mud Puddle,” as we celebrate our past and look forward to a bright future.

As we reflect on our rich history, we are also excited about the future, especially as we prepare to embark on a new journey. This change will bring new opportunities for growth, learning, and collaboration, as we continue to adapt to the needs of our students and the ever-changing world around us. We are excited about the future and remain dedicated to providing a nurturing environment where each student is empowered to thrive. Together, we will continue building on our tradition of excellence as we step into this new phase.

We are thrilled to announce that the 2024-2025 school year is off to a flawless start for our 7th, 8th, and 9th-grade students! The energy and excitement in the building have been incredible, with students eagerly diving into their classes and reconnecting with friends and teachers. It’s clear that everyone is ready to chart new horizons and make this year one of growth and achievement.

Our faculty and staff have worked tirelessly over the summer to ensure a smooth transition for our students. From curriculum planning to classroom preparations, their dedication has truly paid off. As we continue to navigate this exciting journey, we are confident that the hard work put in by our entire team will pave the way for a successful year ahead. With new opportunities and challenges on the horizon, we look forward to seeing our students thrive as they embrace this new chapter.

Here’s to a great year of learning, discovery, and growth!

Students in Ms. Cappiello and Ms. Maritato's classes embarked on a creative journey exploring sailboats as metaphors for charting new horizons in our lives. Each student brought a unique perspective to their sailboat designs, reflecting personal journeys and aspirations. Some sailboats were adorned with vibrant colors and intricate designs, symbolizing the diverse dreams and ambitions of our group. Others featured elements inspired by our individual backgrounds, merging cultures and experiences into a tapestry of shared imagination. As we created we discovered parallels between the process of creating art and navigating through life’s challenges. Together, we celebrated the spirit of exploration and the courage to venture into uncharted waters.

In preparation for their cooking unit, the 7th graders in Ms. Doran's classes turned into detectives to investigate safety and sanitation "crimes" in the kitchen. As part of the activity, students collected evidence, discussed the case, and identified over fifteen kitchen offenses. This interactive experience was a fun and engaging way for students to learn about safety, cleanliness, and proper protocols, not only in the classroom but also in their own homes. It was a great start to the cooking unit, and the students are now more prepared to stay safe in the kitchen!

This year, we introduced a new policy limiting cell phone use during school hours, and the positive effects have already been noticeable. By reducing distractions, students are more engaged in the classroom, actively participating in discussions, and focusing on their studies. Teachers have observed a marked improvement in student attention and collaboration, creating a more focused and productive learning environment.

The policy aims to foster face-to-face communication and encourage students to be present in the moment. We believe this change supports not only academic success but also the social and emotional well-being of our students. We’re excited to see how this policy continues to enhance the school experience as we work together to promote responsible and balanced technology use.

On Friday, September 20th, Paul J. Gelinas Junior High School buzzed with excitement as 7th and 8th graders gathered for an incredible Rec Night. With around 75 students attending, the evening was filled with energy, featuring popular activities like Spike Ball, Corn Hole, Basketball, and Volleyball in the gym, all set to an upbeat soundtrack that kept the fun going.

For those looking to relax, there was a cozy area dedicated to board games, and thanks to our amazing PTSA, students enjoyed a delicious array of snacks. The night wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our dedicated PTSA, parent volunteers, and teacher chaperones, who helped create a safe and engaging environment for everyone.

Rec Night provided the perfect opportunity for students to connect with friends and enjoy a variety of activities. We’re already looking forward to the next one—stay tuned for more fun to come!

We are thrilled to welcome Luke Ferland to the Paul J. Gelinas school community. As a student, Luke always had a passion for technology classes, which fueled his desire to become a teacher. Luke holds both a master’s degree in energy management and a certificate for educational leadership, which reflect his dedication to education and leadership. Over the years, he has gained a wealth of experience working in various school districts, where he focused on fostering student growth and expanding technology programs.

Since joining us at Gelinas, he has already found joy in working alongside such positive and collaborative colleagues, describing this as a highlight of his experience so far. When he’s not busy in the technology room, Mr. Ferland enjoys spending time outdoors. You might find him hiking with his wife and two dogs, or enjoying a peaceful day of fishing.

We are excited to see the positive impact Luke will make here at Gelinas!

We’re thrilled to welcome Annabelle Field, a new 7th grader to our Gelinas family! When asked how her school year is going so far, Annabelle described it as "pretty good" and couldn’t pick a favorite class because she enjoys them all. She’s most excited about auditioning for the musical and getting involved with the swim team this year.

Outside of schoolwork, Annabelle loves to read and is a big fan of The Unwanteds series. Her advice for new 7th graders, especially those coming from a different district, is that "things get better with time." In just a few short weeks, Annabelle has already become a positive light at Gelinas, and we’re sure she’ll continue to make a huge impact on our school community!

The 2024 Gelinas field hockey season is off to an impressive start with a 3-0 record! The girls have displayed outstanding teamwork, hustle, and determination, which is evident in both practices and games. Their commitment to improving skills, gameplay, and coordination has led to some exciting plays and victories. The team’s coachability and desire to learn have been key to their success. Their positive attitude has helped them push through tough drills and challenging games, showing true resilience. We've had players stepping up in various roles—whether it's a solid defensive line, a goalie rising to the occasion during critical moments, or impressive offensive plays and goals. The entire team has contributed in unique ways, and the progress so far has been inspiring. We’re excited to keep building on this momentum and finish the season strong.

The Gelinas boys soccer team is off to a strong start this season. After a scrimmage against Islip, the boys opened the regular season with a 1-1 draw against Central Islip Gold, a team that had beaten them by a wide margin last year. Colin Pickford's free kick in the 5th quarter equalized the match for the boys in green.

The team followed up with a dominant 7-0 win over Nesaquake. Ramsay Fayed scored four goals, James Russo added two, and Ozzy Jones contributed one. The defense has been solid, anchored by returning goalkeeper James Wright and defenders Colin Pickford, Angelo Rulli, and Johnny Glennon. Standout 7th graders Jackson Marksberry and Luka Rippe have made a big impact on the A squad, while the midfield is bolstered by veterans Chase Ukeily, Andrew Brown, Gavin Leite, and Michael Lynch.

Seventh graders Adam DeGorter, Finn Frankenberger, Alex Labelson, and Liam Mauser are demonstrating the commitment and talent needed to become future leaders of the team. Coach Neuberger is proud of the team’s spirit and determination in every match. Come support the boys at their next home game against Murphy on Tuesday, October 8, at 4:00 PM.

Your involvement supports various programs and initiatives that benefit our students. Don’t miss the next meeting on October 15th at 7:00pm —a great opportunity to connect, share ideas, and stay informed. We look forward to seeing you there!

We are thrilled to invite you to this year’s Adolescent Issues Play, titled "Looking Back," premiering on October 10th at 7 PM in the school auditorium. This original production poses the thought-provoking question: Have you ever wondered if you’re on the right track? Wished you made a different choice?

"Looking Back" offers students the unique opportunity to revisit key moments in their lives, providing a chance to reassure their younger selves or offer crucial advice at pivotal moments. Through this compelling story, the play delves into the complexities of growing up, making choices, and navigating the challenges of adolescence.

We encourage families to attend this powerful world premiere and support our talented students as they explore these important themes. It promises to be an evening of reflection, connection, and inspiration. We look forward to seeing you there!

Don’t be haunted by regret—mark your calendars for our Halloween Dance, happening on October 25th from 6:30 to 8:30 PM in the cafeteria! Get ready to put on your costumes, dance with your ghoulish friends, and enjoy a night of spooky fun!

"To dare to navigate the unknown, to explore the uncharted, to boldly go where no one has gone before - that is the stuff of dreams." - Unknown