West Islip Union Free School District

December 30, 2025

West Islip Hosts Night Under the Stars

West Islip Union Free School District’s science, world language and English as a new language departments collaborated to host a magical Night Under the Stars event on Dec. 11 at the West Islip High School planetarium.
Families enjoyed storytelling, cultural activities and hands-on STEM exploration. Science teacher Tom Vitti led the live planetarium story time, and guest readers — including Superintendent of Schools Dr. Paul Romanelli and library media specialists Kristyna Acerno, Kevin McLoughlin and Gina Marie Hildebrandt — shared stories celebrating language and culture.
Coordinated by Director of ELA, ENL and Library Media Lauren Lay, high school librarian Christine Maniscalco and world languages lead teacher Elyse Patti-McDonald, the evening featured cultural stations by English as a new language teachers Vanessa Daige, Tatiana McDermott, and Anna Domingo, and STEM activities supported by Science Honor Society advisor Kathleen Scrivani.

A man with glasses smiles while working at a desk with a computer. A group of people stand around a table, possibly at an event. A group of students and adults gather around tables, possibly working on a project. A man in a suit speaks into a microphone at a soundboard. A crowded room with people gathered around tables, possibly at an event. People gather around a long table, possibly at an event or workshop. Four people stand together, each holding a book, in a room with planet decorations.