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March SEL Newsletter

Posted Date: 03/31/26 (03:32 PM)


March SEL Newsletter

A Month of Integrity, Inspiration, and Achievement

March Recap

March was an exciting and meaningful month at SIS, filled with opportunities for students to grow, connect, and celebrate our shared values. Our SEL theme of the month, Integrity, was woven throughout daily school life, from morning announcements to classroom activities and school-wide gatherings. Students explored what it means to act with honesty, take responsibility, and do the right thing even when no one is watching.
In celebration of Women’s History Month, we proudly hosted our Second Annual Women’s Leadership Panel on March 20th. We were honored to welcome an incredible group of women leaders from our local community, including Mary Crosby (President & CEO of East End Hospice), Denise Smith (community helper and advocate), Wendy Pearson (Executive Director of Stony Brook Southampton), Erika Angula (chef), Carolina Fuentes (musician), Bonnie Cannon (Executive Director of Bridgehampton Childcare Center), Maria Botsacos (Executive Director of the Southampton Playhouse), and Ann Welker (Suffolk County Legislator). Each panelist shared their personal journey, offered advice, and inspired students to pursue their goals while making a positive impact in their communities. It was truly a powerful and memorable event.
March was also Music in Our Schools Month, and our music department went above and beyond to showcase student talent and dedication. Students worked hard preparing for NYSSMA, and their efforts were highlighted during our wonderful “Night of Musical Moments” concert, featuring performances by chamber choir, strings, band, and NYSSMA participants.
World Down Syndrome Day was in March. To celebrate, students from Mrs. Giolando’s class created a joyful and inclusive celebration in the cafeteria. They invited peers to participate in activities, receive flowers, candy, and gifts, and celebrate by “rocking their fun socks.” It was a beautiful example of kindness, awareness, and community.
We also enjoyed a spirited March Madness Spirit Week, where students and staff participated in themed days such as Pajama Day, Jersey Day, Anything But a Backpack Day, and Twin/Duo Day. The creativity and school spirit were incredible to see!
March included several meaningful field trip experiences as well. Our 8th grade science and biology students visited Stony Brook University for an engaging and hands-on lab experience. Meanwhile, our 5th and 6th graders traveled to the Southampton Playhouse to see Out of My Mind, a powerful film about a non-verbal girl with cerebral palsy who communicates using an AAC device. Both trips provided valuable SEL connections, encouraging empathy, curiosity, and understanding.
A huge congratulations goes out to our Mock Trial Team, who earned two impressive wins at their competition this month! We are incredibly proud of their hard work, teamwork, and dedication. Special thanks to Mr. Sisco for his leadership and support.

Students of the Month

The following students were nominated by SIS staff members for being examples of our theme of the month Integrity. Congratulations to all our Students of the Month and thank you for being great examples for our school community.

Maria Pulgarin Buritica

Maria received a better score in power school than she received on an assignment and came to the teacher to point out the error. She shows integrity daily by being honest and forthright, even when that's hard to do.

Faith Mack

Faith is always doing her work on time and does extremely well on her assessments. She helps her friends and classmates just because she wants to. Faith is a perfect example of integrity and doing the right thing because she wants to! 

Samantha Gutierrez Rojas

Samantha is a brilliant mathematician who always has her work completed and excels on her assessments. She is always willing to help her friends and always does the right thing. Samantha is the definition of integrity and always stays true to herself!  

Amy Pacheco

Amy has demonstrated integrity throughout the school year. She is very responsible, reliable, and honest in all interactions, both academic and social. 

Juan Gamble

Juan demonstrates integrity by leading by example. He is a role model to his peers. Juan consistently shows up for class ready to learn, participates every single day and goes out of his way to be kind and respectful. Juan is a reliable, honest young man who has shown that hard work and consistency leads to success.  

Cassia Lis

Cassia has consistently shown what it is to be a good friend and a good student even while nobody is looking. Without being asked, Cassia has shown up for classmates with patience and kindness.

Avery Armusewicz

Avery is a great example of integrity in action. No matter where teachers encounter her: hallways, classrooms, or the cafeteria, she consistently makes positive choices. Her strong sense of values and character truly stands out.

Raymond Prieto Rodriguez

Ray consistently demonstrates honesty in everything he does. Whether he’s in the hallway, classroom, or cafeteria, teachers can count on him to make responsible decisions. His solid principles and character are evident every day.

Colleen Lynch

Colleen is as honest as they come. Anytime teachers see her, whether it be the hallway, classroom, or cafeteria she is always doing the right thing. She possess outstanding morals and principles.

Adrian Rodriguez

Adrian always does the right thing and is always consistent with following class agreements and our school rules.

Vincent Delzatto

Vincent demonstrates integrity by always applying what he learns in class independently. He takes pride in his work and is not afraid of a challenge. He is responsible and trustworthy. 

Blake Epley

Blake consistently models our theme of integrity by knowing to do the right thing in class, regardless of what is going on around her. She shows up prepared to work, is kind and helpful to her classmates and always listens to instructions simply because she knows it is the right thing to do.

Looking Ahead to April

As we move into April, we look forward to continuing our SEL journey with a focus on Inclusion while celebrating Autism Awareness Month. We are excited for another month of learning, growth, and community building at SIS!