Solder joined together more than wires during the Build It Forward Project at Sachem High Schools East and North as students worked collaboratively with the Sachem Public Library to assemble a pair of 3D printers constructed of mostly 3D printed parts.

The yearlong collaborative effort created an important community connection in which the Sachem Public Library aided students in the assembly of a fully functional 3D printer. Working to construct individual printing devices, 3D Printing students at High School North and Computer Repair Technician students at High School East conferred with library staff as they referenced plans and printed parts of the printer on a 3D printer they had in the classroom. 

“Pooling our resources and working with open source designs and software, our students can collaborate in the planning, printing, building and even refining of the parts and pieces necessary for the project,” said Administrative Assistant for Instructional Technology Jack Renda. “As we integrate with our technology department and the focus of our elementary STEAM lessons in problem-solving and innovating, we know this real-world application will be an outstanding learning experience.”

Together students reviewed the intricate plans before printing each piece of the printer that they were tasked with constructing. As part of the tedious construction process, students displayed their knowledge of wiring, electronics, electronic communication and the installation of firmware and software. 

With the completion of the extensive project, the connection will continue between the library and school district as they plan to utilize the two 3D printers to create other printers for middle school and elementary school buildings throughout the district in the future. 

“We are thrilled to be partnering once again with the Sachem Public Library on this project,” Renda said. “Together, we continue to build great relationships with our buildings and libraries, and are excited for the opportunity our students will receive learning in depth about the inner workings of these devices as we build them.” 

A sun-filled sky greeted an enthusiastic crowd of family, friends and distinguished guests at the Sachem High School East commencement ceremony on June 27, honoring the tremendous achievements of the Class of 2019 and wishing them well as they begin the next chapter of their lives.

As a sea of seniors took to the field adorned in red caps and gowns, the 15th commencement ceremony at Sachem East began with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by the graduates who would be entering a branch of the armed services. 

High School East Principal Louis Antonetti offered the seniors a noble challenge to stand above the rest as they embark on their future journeys. “What is common in the world is people who see problems, complain and critique,” he said. “Be uncommon, be part of the group that finds solutions and stays positive, and always have the mentality of ‘I will find a way.’” 

During a lighthearted address that followed, valedictorian Vincent Zhang concluded his speech with words of encouraging advice directed at his fellow graduates. “Persistent self-reflection is the only way we are able to judge our success and, ultimately, the legacy we leave for others,” he said. “The relationships, memories and experiences you make will define your impact on yourself, on others and on society, so do not be afraid of change. It is the only way we can reach our best self.”     

Class President Joseph Traina then delivered a celebratory speech that turned back time and emphasized memories from the Class of 2019’s collective experiences that made their journey as Sachem students special. 

As superintendent of schools, Dr. Kenneth Graham reflected on all that the graduates have achieved and he spoke with great promise of what they will accomplish in the future. “This class has been involved with so many actions to make positive changes in the community,” he said. “Our students have been involved in food drives, blood drives, St. Baldrick’s and even fundraisers for one of Sachem East’s own students battling cancer. The actions of each and every one of our graduates have made and will continue to make a big impact on the world around us.” 

As the congratulatory remarks concluded and the diplomas were presented, family and friends cheered emphatically as the new graduates threw their caps toward a setting sun, exiting the field as alumni of Sachem High School East. 

On Wednesday, May 29, Mr. Massimo’s and Mrs. DiMaggio’s Italian 4 Honors classes from both Sachem High School North and East went on a field trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan.  

For the last few weeks, students in Italian 4 Honors have been learning all about the Italian Renaissance and its contributions to the modern world. They explored a variety of topics, such as how the architectural innovations of Brunelleschi and the inventions of Leonardo DaVinci would change the world. Students were introduced to some of the masters of Italian art, such as Bernini, Botticelli, Donatello, Michelangelo and Raphael, as well as other important figures of the time like Machiavelli and Galileo. 

To enhance the experience, Mr. Massimo came up with a scavenger hunt that would challenge the students while they strolled through one of the greatest museums in the country. Working in teams, students had to use what they learned in class to decipher clues that would lead them to not just the paintings and sculptures of Italian masters such as Bernini, Canova, Caravaggio and Michelangelo, but also to other famous masterpieces from all over the world, such as the paintings of Monet, Rembrandt, Vermeer and van Gogh, and the sculptures of Rodin and Degas, just to name a few.  

As they wandered through the halls of the Met, students had the chance to appreciate more than just art. They discovered artifacts from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, weapons and armor from the Middle Ages, and rare musical instruments, such as Stradivari violins and the world’s oldest piano, not to mention the rock-and-roll exhibit.  

After leaving the museum, students ate their lunch in beautiful Central Park before boarding the bus back home.  

The field trip was a wonderful experience for everyone. For many, it was their first visit to the Met; for others, their first to a museum. Students seemed to truly appreciate being able to see for themselves, in person, beautiful works of art by the world’s greatest masters and amazing artifacts from all over the world and from throughout human history. However, what really made the trip special was how it brought to life so much of what they have learned in the classroom.