On Sunday, Nov. 3rd, East Rockaway High School senior chorus members Kylie Curtis, Aleksandra Kolakowska, Jason Manzano and Harrison Tyrrell joined the eVoco Voice Collective for a special performance. eVoco, a choir of musicians and music educators from across Long Island, includes East Rockaway’s own choral director, Seanna Silver.

The students participated in the final song of the concert, a powerful rendition of “93 Million Miles” by Jason Mraz, arranged by Susan LaBarr. Titled “Celestial,” the concert took place at St. Peter’s by the Sea in Bay Shore, and the East Rockaway students were among a select group from Long Island chosen to perform. The East Rockaway Music Department is incredibly proud of the dedication and effort they put into preparing for this memorable event!

 

Date Added: 11/12/2024

East Rockaway High School recently took part in the Canstruction Long Island competition, creating a unique canned-food structure titled Lighting the Way to End Hunger. The team’s design was awarded Best CANfiguration at the competition’s reception, celebrating the structure’s ingenuity in design and structural elements. The competition, held at RXR Plaza, runs until November 11, with visitors encouraged to participate by voting for their favorite structure.

Comprised of a Christmas bulb with cord and plug, the ERHS team’s creation aims to light the way towards a solution to hunger, using thousands of cans meticulously arranged into a cohesive form. The Canstruction team from East Rockaway High School includes the following talented and dedicated students: Mackenzie Gallagher, Julia Giannotti, Natalia Jandinski, Caitlin Kulins, Camila Lemus, Kaitlyn Lewald, Joey Lu, Melanie Colon, Janella Poorajah, Emily Perez, Timmy Poland, Gabriella Schaefer and Mickayla Sharkey. These students have dedicated countless hours to planning, building and perfecting their structure, embodying both teamwork and a commitment to social causes.

East Rockaway High School began participating in Canstruction in 2019, and this year is the only school competing alongside professional architecture and design firms. The students are responsible for every aspect of the project, including selecting the design, mapping it out in CAD software, calculating the number of cans required and organizing fundraising efforts to purchase the canned goods. After two practice builds at the school, the students had 12 hours to assemble their final piece for the exhibition.

For those interested in supporting East Rockaway High School’s entry, voting for the People’s Choice Award is available through non-perishable food donations at RXR Plaza, with one can equaling one vote. Supporters can also donate remotely at https://www.canstructionli.org/event/peoples_choice/73/, where each donation adds to their vote count. All canned food used in the displays, along with donations from voters, will go to local food banks, including Long Island Cares, NEST, The INN and Island Harvest.

Canstruction is on display until Monday, November 11, and visitors are encouraged to stop by RXR Plaza, experience the creativity of East Rockaway students and join them in their mission to end hunger on Long Island.

 

Date Added: 10/31/2024

On Wednesday, October 16th, students from the East Rockaway High School Tri-M Music Honor Society had the exciting opportunity to attend a matinee performance of Hamilton on Broadway. The experience allowed students to witness world-class musicians and performers bring this iconic musical to life on one of the world’s most renowned stages.

The Tri-M Music Honor Society, a prestigious national organization for music students in grades 9-12, was founded in 1936. East Rockaway's chapter is made up of approximately 28 dedicated students who are actively involved in the ERHS Music Department. These students work tirelessly to support music in both the school and local community through fundraisers, performances, and volunteering at various events.

 

Date Added: 10/23/2024

As part of National Bullying Prevention Month, East Rockaway Junior/Senior High School celebrated Unity Day on Oct. 16, uniting students in a powerful stand against bullying. Social worker Lucy Gordon worked closely with 7th and 8th graders throughout the week, equipping them with essential strategies to become upstanders — individuals who actively stand up for themselves and advocate for their peers.

Throughout the week, students participated in interactive sessions, learning techniques for promoting kindness, handling difficult situations, and supporting others in need. These activities culminated on Unity Day, when students were invited to sign a pledge banner, symbolizing their commitment to fostering a safe and supportive school community. This banner will be displayed in the main lobby, serving as a daily reminder of the students' pledge to uphold respect, inclusivity, and empathy in their interactions.

Click here to view the East Rockaway Junior/Senior High School Celebrates Unity Day with an Upstander Pledge slideshow.

Date Added: 10/17/2024

The East Rockaway Junior-Senior High School auditorium came alive with music, laughter, and cheers as students and faculty took the stage for “East Rockaway’s Got Talent,” an evening of performances hosted by the Tri-M Music Honor Society on Oct. 10. This annual event showcased the talents of students from 7th to 12th grade and featured some unforgettable faculty acts, with all proceeds benefiting the music department’s senior scholarship fund.

The night kicked off with a variety of performances from students across different grades. From heartfelt ballads to energetic rock numbers, the evening highlighted the incredible diversity of talent among the East Rockaway school community.

One of the evening’s most anticipated acts, however, came from the “Rock & Rolls”, a special faculty band featuring Mr. Ceglio, the director of fine arts; Mr. DeTommaso, superintendent of schools; Mr. Kennedy, assistant director of Pupil Services; and Mr. Luft-Weissberg, a member of the music faculty. The Rock & Rolls performed a rousing rendition of Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll.” The audience erupted in applause as the faculty members took the stage, with students and families alike cheering them on. Their high-energy performance was met with a standing ovation, making it the highlight of the night.

The talent show, organized by the Tri-M Honor Society, is not only a celebration of the arts but also a fundraiser dedicated to supporting students pursuing their passions in music. All proceeds from ticket sales went directly to the music department’s senior scholarship fund, which provides graduating seniors with financial assistance to continue their musical education and training.

 

Click here to view the East Rockaway’s Got Talent shines bright in support of the music department slideshow.
Date Added: 10/15/2024  

East Rockaway High School is proud to announce its silver recognition on the 2024 AP School Honor Roll, awarded by the College Board. This recognition highlights the school’s outstanding commitment to expanding student access to advanced placement courses and supporting academic success.

In addition to the silver honor roll distinction, East Rockaway High School has also earned the prestigious AP Access Award. This honor is given to schools that demonstrate a clear commitment to equitable access by encouraging more low-income and underrepresented minority students to participate in AP courses. The percentage of these students taking at least one AP Exam before graduation is proportional to or above the school's overall student population, reflecting East Rockaway’s dedication to ensuring opportunities for all students to excel in advanced coursework. 

Schools can earn recognition on the AP School Honor Roll annually by demonstrating a commitment to increasing AP course participation, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and enhancing college readiness. The AP School Honor Roll includes four levels of distinction: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.

East Rockaway High School is honored to receive these awards and will continue to strive for excellence in providing students with the academic tools and opportunities they need to succeed in their future endeavors.

 

Date Added: 10/3/2024