Deer Park High School varsity boys basketball coach John McCaffrey earned his 300th win on Jan. 31, when his team defeated East Islip by a score of 53-48. The league champion Falcons will start the playoffs with a rematch at home against East Islip on Feb. 26 at 6 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here.

Date Added: 2/20/2025

Darla the therapy dog visited each of the kindergarten classrooms at John Quincy Adams Primary School in early February. Students had the opportunity to pet Darla and interact with her as they learned about therapy dog training and the different ways she helps people in her community.

“Our kindergartners were excited to meet Darla and experience firsthand the joy she brings to people,” Kathryn Outcault said. “It was a valuable and positive learning experience for young children.”

Date Added: 2/18/2025

Some of Deer Park’s youngest students are making a heartfelt impact this Valentine’s Day. Kindergarten through second-grade students at May Moore Primary School recently created beautiful handmade Valentine’s Day cards to spread cheer and gratitude to our nation’s veterans. These thoughtful cards were shared with New York State Sen. Monica Martinez’s office, which distributed them to veterans and seniors in local nursing homes. 

“Through this initiative, our students are learning the importance of kindness, appreciation and giving back to the community,” Principal Tammy Alcalde said. “We are proud of our students for embracing the spirit of Valentine’s Day by brightening the days of those who have served our country and those in need of a little extra joy.”

Date Added: 2/13/2025

Just in time for the NFL championship, the student government at John F. Kennedy Intermediate School conducted its annual “Souper” Bowl last week. The entire school joined forces to collect a total of 230 soup cans to donate to the food pantry at St. Cyril and Methodius Church.

“As we prepared for the big game, JFK worked to tackle hunger in our very own community,” teacher Darlene Matulich said.

Date Added: 2/13/2025

Second graders at John Quincy Adams Primary School took an in-school field trip to the beach at the end of January, courtesy of Cornell University’s Seashore Safari program. This hands-on presentation introduced the students to local marine life, including shellfish, hermit crabs, horseshoe crabs and Long Island’s largest sea snail, the whelk. The second graders had the opportunity to touch live seashore animals that they could find here on Long Island, and learn about how these animals use shells to protect their bodies and search for food.

Date Added: 2/10/2025