Members of the Unkechaug Nation visited Center Moriches middle and high schools to share their culture through a celebration of traditional songs and dances. Students learned what several dances represent as well as the importance of the “big drum” and how it symbolizes the heart of Native American people.

Date Added: 5/26/2023

The ALS Ride for Life stopped in Center Moriches on May 18 as part of its major advocacy event. Patients who have ALS led the ride that first stopped at the middle and high schools, and then made its way to Clayton Huey Elementary School. The Ride for Life was welcomed by elementary school students holding handmade signs and posters with messages of hope.

Throughout the month of May, or ALS Awareness Month, the Center Moriches school community raised money for the cause through several fundraisers and the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. At the Ride for Life ceremony, the district presented the organization with a $4,000 check to support patient services. Additionally, Center Moriches High School student Romina Lopez-Flores gave a powerful speech about how ALS has affected her family and the importance of continuing the fight.

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Date Added: 5/22/2023

The Center Moriches School District held its Cultures Around the World event on May 16 and invited students and their families to experience the traditions of several countries. Classrooms throughout Clayton Huey Elementary School each represented a different nation. Once inside, students could experience music of that country and complete an art activity. Students stamped their passports as they ventured through the halls, or across the globe.

Additionally, several performance groups took the stage. Elementary performers, the secondary jazz band, Poospatuck Reservation cultural dancers and drama club performers all stepped in front of an audience to share songs and dances. The event brought the Center Moriches community together while celebrating diversity.

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Date Added: 5/17/2023

Following a visit from Sweethearts & Heroes, students at Center Moriches Middle School participated in the organization’s “Circles” program. Circles are designed for students and staff members to listen and share while creating a community. This is achieved by fostering a safe environment with small, shared moments of vulnerability. Circles align with Sweethearts & Heroes messages of student empowerment, anti-bullying and social emotional learning.

Students and staff gathered in the gymnasium during assigned time slots to participate in Circles with a facilitator. They played introduction games before getting into discussions with one another. Students walked away from the experience with a better understanding of empathy and empowerment.

Date Added: 4/26/2023

Students at Center Moriches Middle School displayed the service projects they worked on this year at the Community Project Showcase on March 31. As part of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme, eighth grade students complete a research and service project to mark the completion of their time at Center Moriches Middle School. The project encourages students to explore their responsibilities to implement service as action in the community.

Eighth graders chose their own project to complete. They ranged from community clean-up projects to raising money for nonprofits. Students spent time volunteering, collecting donations, raising funds and creating things. Through service-learning, they were given the opportunity to realize and address needs in their own community.

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Date Added: 4/3/2023