Along with many other schools and communities, Albert G. Prodell Middle School students are doing their part to raise awareness and reduce the stigma for those living with mental or behavioral health issues during Mental Health Awareness month. As part of the Shoreham-Wading River School District's Wildcats with Character initiative and under the leadership of Mrs. Armstrong, Mr. Lynch, Ms. Monz, and Ms Moriarty, the school’s advisories created a door contest to showcase their creative skills while sharing colorful messages of the importance of paying attention to mental health.

Students in Mrs. Katie Mellas’ advisory – Ryan Bartens, Leo Castro, Keith Harris, Zach Higgins, Emma Korchma, Ryan Lewis, Finn Lynch, Hanna McAlvin, Jayden Santo and Victoria Torres – completed a unit of study on the plant kingdom where they worked hands-on in the school’s greenhouse to discover and learn about the germination process. “When they heard about the door decorating contest to support mental health awareness the students came up with the idea of incorporating growth and nature into the design,” Mrs. Mellas said.

The class discussed what all living things need to grow and thrive. Students constructed a watering can and water droplets. Each droplet contained an illustration with an activity that they do to benefit their mental health, such as music, drawing, pets, beach, talking with family, gardening, sports, playing with friends, finding solutions, being outdoors and reaching out for help.

Date Added: 5/18/2022

Albert G. Prodell Middle School students are always welcomed into an inviting atmosphere at the school library and are encouraged and challenged by its educational and fun offerings.

School librarian Mrs. Ann-Marie Kalin set out to celebrate National Library Month with MakerSpace fun, such as building and robotics, scavenger hunts, chess tournaments and a collaborative effort with a Stick Together Mosaic of a sunflower to honor Ukraine.

“Our library welcomed over a hundred new titles to celebrate, and all grades diligently worked on inquiry work with our robust Virtual Reference Center databases,” Mrs. Kalin said.

The school’s annual BIG Read event continues to engage students to read by inspiring them through active discussions about the selected book. This one is Newbery Medal winner “The Girl Who Drank the Moon,” by Kelly Barnhill, a tale of magical powers with twists and turns to keep the story flowing and the reader thirsty to read more.

“We are looking forward to all May has in store,” Mrs. Kalin said.

Date Added: 5/4/2022

Albert G. Prodell Middle School’s No Name Players put on four stage shows of “Fame The Musical JR.” this past weekend that showcased the skills of the school’s aspiring artists and performers.

The stage show, directed by music teacher Mr. John Samonte, featured a high-energy, contemporary pop score and a bittersweet coming-of-age story. Prodell students embodied a diverse group of characters who navigate the perils of competition, friendships and more in the inspiring story based on New York City’s celebrated High School for the Performing Arts.

“Although ‘Fame Jr.’ is full of love, laughter and fun characters, this show was chosen because of its themes of companionship and coming of age,” Mr. Samonte said, adding that in today’s society, it’s important to remind ourselves that we are all different and unique. Mr. Samonte thanked “the amazing cast, crew and production team of this year’s show for making this experience such a memorable one.”

In major roles were Mikey Ceschini, Natalee Cortina, Dominic Costa, Jake Donnelly, Lila Grosso, Ava Hernandez, Mairead Jaffe, Reilly Kenneally, Anthony Mango, Everett McClintock, Kate McQuade, Jordyn Potter, Gianna Ruggero, Charles Tacke, Forrest Tepfenhardt, Adalyna Villa, and Alyssa Wood.

In addition to Mr. Samonte, Prodell’s production staff included Mr. Walter Caskie, Mr. Jim Finnerty, Mrs. Danielle Senecca, Mr. Fred Volz and Mrs. Marisa Zambrano. Many other talented Prodell students and staff members rounded out the cast and crew to make another successful performance for the No Name Players history books.

Date Added: 3/29/2022

Albert G. Prodell Middle School students had a unique prelude to their recent production of “Fame, JR.” when they virtually met with Mr. Paul Rosenbaum, an original cast member of the television series based on LaGuardia High School, which served as the inspiration for the 1980 movie Fame.” The movie and subsequent television show focused on the fictional struggles of students at the competitive school.

Prodell music teacher Mr. John Samonte and Wading River School music teacher Ms. Jenilyn Smith organized this opportunity for the cast and crew, which also included an opportunity for questions for Mr. Rosenbaum.

Mr. Samonte also coordinated a video from an alumna from LaGuardia High School who shared positive messages about her experiences there and her passion for performing. Students watched the video prior to taking the stage for their own performance.

“Mr. Samonte's positive impact on the students of Albert G. Prodell Middle School is absolutely incredible,” said teacher Mrs. Danielle Senneca, who served as the producer of the Prodell performance. “His passion for music and making performing a positive and memorable experience is evident in his performances.”

Date Added: 3/28/2022