Messages and Calendar of Events & Activities - Week of September 21, 2026

 

Dear Island Trees School Community,
 
Please see the messages, as well as the calendar of events & activities below:  
 
Reading Is the Key

Reading is one of the keys to school success. From an early age, children should be surrounded by books. I understand that we cannot buy every book our children might want to read. That is one of the reasons libraries were created -- they provide access to a world of books for everyone.

Naturally, we want our children to choose books at the library. Let them pick the books that interest them and, most importantly, let them enjoy reading. But there are books, and then there are books.

Just as adults read different types of books, children benefit from being exposed to a variety of genres, topics, and ideas. Parents can play an important role by occasionally choosing a few additional books to supplement their children's selections.

When my child was younger, one of my routines was to fill a canvas library bag with books she had chosen and then add a few books of my own. I would select books from different genres so that she was exposed to more than just fantasy or whatever happened to capture her attention at the time. I wanted to provide a broader background and, perhaps, introduce her to a new interest.

Admittedly, I picked a few duds along the way. But I also picked plenty of books that opened the door to new interests and new passions.

So, for our UPK and elementary school parents, my advice is simple: Get that book bag and head over to the Island Trees, Levittown, or Bethpage libraries.

There is an entire world waiting to be opened for your child.

And you never know which book might open the door.
 
 
 

 Every Day Matters
 
There is growing research about the impact of chronic absenteeism on student learning. Chronic absenteeism is generally defined as missing 10% or more of the school year -- about two days a month.
 
Many parents are surprised to learn how quickly absences can add up. Two days a month may not seem like a lot, but over the course of a school year, those missed days can mean a significant amount of lost instruction.
 
And, when you think about it, the connection is pretty simple: miss school, miss learning.
 
Of course, there are times when students should stay home. If your child is sick, has a fever, or has the flu, staying home is the right thing to do -- for your child and for others.
 
At the same time, we ask parents to be mindful of the impact that frequent absences can have on academic progress. Every school day provides opportunities to learn something new, practice a skill, and participate in a discussion.
 
Our students have different needs, circumstances, and expectations. We understand that. But one thing remains true for every student: regular attendance gives students their best opportunity to be successful in school.
 
As parents, you have an important role in setting that expectation. Encourage your child to come to school, be engaged, and make the most of every school day.
 
Every day matters. Every lesson matters. And every opportunity to learn matters.

 

High School Track Resurfacing Update

As shared previously, the District plans to resurface the Island Trees High School track this fall.

After further discussion with the contractor, we have determined that it is preferable to complete the work while weather conditions are still favorable rather than risk completing the project later in the fall as temperatures become colder. The project is expected to take approximately 10 days of work, but it will be completed intermittently and coordinated around the athletics schedule.

As a result, you may begin to see work on the track in the coming weeks. We appreciate everyone's patience and flexibility as we work to complete this important capital improvement while minimizing the impact on our student-athletes and athletic programs.

Thank you.

 
Emergency Contacts
As we begin a new school year, we encourage parents and guardians to review and update their child’s emergency contacts. Families and relationships can change over time, and someone who was previously listed as an emergency contact may no longer be an appropriate person to pick up your child.

Please take a moment to review your child’s emergency contact information and make sure that the individuals listed are people you trust and who are authorized to pick up your child in the event of an emergency or when you cannot be reached.

Important Custody Information
In addition, it is important that the school and district are made aware of any custody arrangements or court orders that affect who may have contact with or pick up your child. If a court has issued an order restricting an individual's access to your child, please make sure the school has the appropriate documentation on file.

When we are provided with this information, the school will flag the student’s records so that staff are aware of the restriction and can take appropriate steps to help ensure that an unauthorized individual does not pick up the child.

Keeping this information current helps us protect our students and ensures that, especially in an emergency, we know exactly who is authorized to care for your child.
 

 
 
We Transport – Employment Opportunities 
 
We need bus drivers! We Transport will train drivers to obtain their CDL license.  
 

 
 
The Cat in the Hat – Social Media
 
This has been making the rounds on social media – this is not a credible threat. 
  
   

 
Girls Soccer Off to a Good Start - Newsday

SAVE THE DATE - TRUNK OR TREAT!


This Week’s Calendar
   
Monday, September 21 – Yom Kippur – Schools Closed
Tuesday, September 22 – College Fair for Students, ITHS, 8:15 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
Wednesday, September 23 – MMS/ITHS School Pictures – Smile!
Thursday, September 24 – MMS/ITHS School Pictures – Smile!
Friday, September 25 – Emergency Early Dismissal Drill (schools dismiss 15 minutes early) “Go Home Early Drill”

 Athletics Game Schedule Link
 https://www.islandtrees.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=415372&type=d&termREC_ID=&pREC_ID=767844
  
  
 Island Trees Home Page – Parent Square Link and Pop-Up
 https://islandtrees.org/
  
  
 Island Trees Social Media Sites
  
 Twitter/X - Sparke School
 @SparkeShines
 https://twitter.com/SparkeShines
  
 Twitter/X - Stokes School
 @WeRStokes
  
 Twitter/X - MMS
 https://twitter.com/IslandtreesMMS
  
 Twitter/X – Special Education
 IT_SpecialEd
  
 Island Trees High School
 Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/islandtreeshs
 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/IslandtreesHS/
  
 Instagram – Athletics
 islandtreesathletics
  
 Island Trees Curriculum and Instruction Instagram:
 islandtreeslearns
 https://www.instagram.com/islandtreeslearns/
  
  
 Two-Week Calendar Look Ahead
 
Monday, September 28 – Meet the Teacher Night, ITHS, 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, September 29 – Meet the Teacher Night, MMS, 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, September 29 – Washington Trip Parent Meeting, MMS, 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 30 – Elementary PTA and Class Parent Meeting, Sparke, 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 30 – Grade 12 Add/Drop Deadline
Friday, October 2 – National Custodians’ Day