Commack Schools Forging Beneficial Partnerships

By Brenda Lentsch

Businesses that partner with education are an important part of the authentic learning process in the Commack School District. An initiative that began in 2003, the Commack School Business Partnership strives to provide Commack students with the knowledge and experiences that they will need to be successful in their chosen professions.

This past school year, members of the Partnership were on hand at the high school’s annual College and Career Fair, answering questions about their chosen professions as students and their parents talked to admission counselors from potential colleges. Lawyers, physical therapists, financial advisors, bankers, technology specialists, and the armed forces, to name a few, shared their knowledge and experience. Many students found their assistance invaluable in choosing a future course of study.

Commack’s School Business Partnership now has 800 plus members. “We are expanding regionally each year,” said Paul R. Infante, Director of Fine and Applied Art, and the founder of the partnership. “Our members are extremely helpful in assisting our students; opening doors for internships and jobs for our youth as the students investigate possible career choices.”

In photo, Commack’s ICA Jazz Ensemble performed at the opening of the community’s new LOWE’s store. Two students, Abrey Feliccia and HongJoo Ahn, had approached science teacher Ryan McGrath about the possibility of starting an organic garden in the high school courtyard in order to grow vegetables to donate to local food pantries.  “That spring (2013), we built our first garden bed in the courtyard with the help of the Long Island Community Agricultural Network and planted our first plants. On April 3, 2014, we received a generous gift from LOWE’s to continue and expand our efforts in the courtyard,” said Mr. McGrath, “and we were the guests of honor at the ribbon cutting ceremony.”

Helping others and forming long-lasting alliances is part of the Commack School District culture. “The entire community benefits from the interaction between our schools and our business partners,” said Mr. Infante. “I see the results of the bonds that are forming as wonderful opportunities for all parties involved.”  For more information, visit www.commack.k12.ny.us/schoolbusiness/index.htm<http://www.commack.k12.ny.us/schoolbusiness/index.htm>.

In photo (6152) at the grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony, (from left to right): Commack High School Assistant Principal Susan Shapiro, Asst. Supt. for Curriculum Adele Pecora, Teacher Ryan McGrath, Lowes representative Brian, students  HongJoo Ahn and Abrey Feliccia, Principal Catherine Nolan, and Director of Science Alison Offerman-Celentano.

In photo 6154, the Commack High School ICA Jazz Ensemble, led by teacher Frank Hansen, with Principal Catherine Nolan and Assistant Principal Susan Shapiro welcomed shoppers with their sweet sound at the opening.