East Islip Board recognizes National Merit students and staff; Timberpoint outlines student-directed art and library programs
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Summary
At its November meeting the East Islip Union Free School District Board honored two National Merit Commended students and athletic trainer Taylor Kenny, and heard presentations on Timberpoint Elementary's transformed library and a Teaching for Artistic Behavior (TAB) art program emphasizing student-directed projects.
The East Islip Union Free School District Board of Education on Nov. (meeting date not specified) recognized students and staff and heard two school presentations highlighting student-centered learning.
Lamonta Morales introduced National Merit Scholarship Program Commended Students Joseph Aman and Liam Eichler, saying, “Our students Joseph Aman and Liam Eichler are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise,” and noting their qualifying scores place them in the top 2.6% nationally. Certificates were presented to the students.
The board also acknowledged athletic trainer Taylor Kenny for her work with student athletes. A presenter said of Kenny, “Taylor, your work doesn't always get the spotlight, but I want you to know that it does matter,” citing her role in injury prevention, assessment, rehabilitation and coordination of care across preseason and practices.
Administrators then presented improvements at Timberpoint Elementary School. Amanda La Stella (art teacher) and Jamie Lynn Celeste (library media specialist) described a redesigned library-media program that integrates coding and digital storytelling tools, maker technologies (Dash and Ozobots) and hands-on discovery aligned with New York State’s Portrait of a Graduate framework. As the presenter summarized, “The library is no longer just a destination. It's become a launchpad for creativity and discovery.”
Timberpoint staff also described the Teaching for Artistic Behavior (TAB) approach used in K–2 art instruction. The teacher explained that “Teaching for Artistic Behavior is all about putting the students in the driver's seat,” describing a three-sentence curriculum that emphasizes process over product, studio habits of mind developed from Project Zero research, and multi-week collaborative projects in which students direct material choice, setup and cleanup.
Board members thanked the presenters and the PTA for community support. The student board member also provided a brief report noting recent senior events and an upcoming food drive.
The presentations concluded with recognition of the role such programs play in cultivating creativity, collaboration and long-term learning skills; no formal actions were taken on the classroom programs at this meeting.