Lynn Stensen (Maffie)

That was one, the other was RC...about driver ed

Lucky Lindy flies something..Civil ,I think a Fire bird theme,

a Oriental or Budda theme, Our Town..was I think our Junior year, as I remember painting the City Hall.

How have you been Artie...loved all the pictures from the reunion...everyone really looks fantastic. 

Barbara Matsik (Titus)

I remember drivers Ed.  I already had my license so I never got out of the back seat.  I do remember a bad driver though  in the car with me but I don't remember who it was.  They never went over 10 mph.   

Paul Newman

Hee hee.... Art... my lips are sealed! 

Becky.... well...a "jorgasin" is a bastardized pronunciation of a.... certain article of sports-related masculine underwear.... and trust me, a two dollar one could be tight!  Capiche?

Next we take up everyone's all time favorite teacher.  We'll take a poll here and see if we all can agree on this one individual.  I'll give you a hint to at least my choice:  Before he came to Islip as a teacher, he was a fireman in Queens I believe.

Joan Gilday (Edmonds)

Paul, I agree with you on remembering the old school vs the new school.  When Susan Darcy said they were going to have a tour of the new school, I said I would really like to have a tour of the old school as that's where all the memories are for me!  Thankfully, we were able to tour both buildings.  I thoroughly enjoyed the tour of the new school; but, it was as if I was never in it before.  When we toured the old school, everything was so familiar--that's where my heart is!  The six months in the new school were a blur--I was working after school and just don't recall much of the new building.

Here are the Sports Nights and the places that we came in:

7^th--3^rd place—The Roaring 20s

8^th--2^nd place—The Firebird

9^th--1^st place—Master of the Orient

10^th—1^st place—Civil War—we had male & female cheerleaders

11^th—1^st place—Our Town

12^th—1^st place—Hansel and Gretel

Sports Nights were a highlight of the years at Islip--does anyone know if they still do them?  In 11th grade, we did a skit where I was dressed up as Miss Weber (baby powder in my hair to make it grey) and was in front of a class of kids in their desks and all I recall is my loudly telling them "And don't you forget it."  This must have been something she always said?  That was the beginning and end of my acting career!

Lynn Stensen (Maffie)

 Paul and Joan, I have to agree with you, I have fond memories of the old Islip High...Does anyone remember Ms Barnes( wore a bun) anyway I remember a couple of the guys in her class decided to play a trick on her.  I think it was the Bradford boys or Mason , since I can not recall the names do not want to blame anyone.  But as I remember, a heated dicussion  was taking place, as one stood by the door to distract Ms Barnes, one of the boys jumped out the window and lay on the ground, of course we all screamed..Ms Barnes ran to the window and I think Ms Barnes almost had a heart attact....

And then there were the cherry bombs in the toilets....and smoking in the bathrooms...

I don't know about a fireman...but Mr.McHugh was my favorite teacher.

And even tho Mr Newport was a menacing teacher...you really learned.  He used to call me Screwball Stensen and Ruthie  Cheatham you fool...never did find out why.  And one day after weeks of him telling me to cut my fingernails, he took me in front of the class and cut them.  And said now you are ready to type.  Years later I was walking into Gimbles(long gone) and I hear this bellowing voice call--Hey, Screwball Stensen, where is your partner, Cheatnam you fool....We laugh and talk for awhile....

John Monteleone

It has been fun following all these responses and memories of the past.  While some of these things were beyond my vision at the time I do recall a few that you are talking about.  I thought I'd chime in.

Going back to Paul's fencing days, I did sign up for fencing with Mr. Handler, a teacher whom I admired and who also lost me in class...but somehow managed to pass.  In time I later learned to love history and on occasion I'd think back to Handler, Heisig and Finley.  But the fencing thing left me with headaches from having to look through that ridiculous mesh helmet.  And the smell of that sweaty unsanitized thing, and all the rest of the protective gear one had to don had nothing at all to do with the swashbuckling moves of Eroll Flynn... no less my own. So with that I soon put down the sword and picked up the golf club.

On bow ties...Mr. McHugh was a dapper enough dresser and it seemed he mostly wore a skinny-tie, and a bow-tie on occasion.  The real bow-tie guy was John Burrows, the chorus teacher.  He also had a rather fast Plymouth that he enjoyed impressing a few of his students with...at full speed!  I can attest to one of those hair raising rides.

On favorite teachers...Mr. Cooper stands out as one of the greats.  There were some excellent teachers in our school and I could mention other memorable teachers but this wonderfully interesting and beatifully spoken man had a warm command of his classes and seemed to be liked by many.  

Okay, I should also mention Harvey Eagan and Joe Andreucci as being influential to my desire to pursue music as a profession, although that would take an interesting turn in my college years.

On driver's ed... Mr. Beninati was our instructor.  I looked forward to getting out of the school to go for a drive in the white Ford D.E. car.  I think most of us in the car already had licenses and we'd often just take turns driving all over the place until time to return.

On Sports Nights...I recall hearing the Beatles "I Want To Hold Your Hand" for the first time in Teddy Knight's basement while painting the scenery for OUR TOWN. We understood even then that we were witnessing a transitional moment in our lives.  No matter where the house it was always party time at scenery painting sessions.

Gary Crawford (Ph. D. )

Hi Folks:

     Just read thru most of the responses.  Mr.  Handler. Mr. McCugh and Mr. Cooper stand out.  Most of my memories are from old High School as well.  I remember changing clothes after gym and hearing rumblings that JFK was shot.. One of my first social activities was going to high school basketball games.  I was very shy.  My first "protest" was parading in front of old high school "on strike" because we had to buy a book.  ("Isnt this a public school.")  I had many more protests later in my life but have mellowed quite a bit since then.

   Sad to hear about all the classmates we have lost.  Not all my memories are pleasnat ones but I feel a sense of humor from you all and positive honest relection on our old days.  Growing up is hard to do as the song says...ah but to be young again...

Be Well

Gary Crawford

Paul Newman

Chiming in and a pop quiz

Now that's better!  We're starting to hear from more lurkers.  That's great!

Ah Giovanni, Bongiorno!   You are absloutely right.  When I first started fencing and had to put on the jacket and the mask, the smell liked to drop me to my knees!!  About 3 weeks later, I asked Mr. Handler, "Have these ever been washed, and is it ok to wash them now?"  When I took the jacket home, my mother , who was a retired nurse, had a cow.  "How could anyone wear these?  And so, the team suddenly went from dingy stinky gray, to startling white.... didn't improve the fencing, but at least we weren't gasping for air when we suited up.  :-)

Speaking of sabre slashing,,,, does anyone remember one day during some program that took place in the gym, Steve Mutoni and I put on a demonstration with sabres... even slashing at each other as we went up the aisles?  That took a bit of off line training, as the sabre was not the weapon of choice in high school, but Mr. Handler gave Steve and me special lessons for the show.... eeeee yaaaaa.

Mr. Cooper!  Yep, he evidently was almost everyone's favorite, although as was pointed out, there were in fact quite a few excellent teachers.  My story about Mr. Cooper was one day when he was finished with class, I asked him a question, and while he was answering, he did something that was quite impressive.  As I recall, we had a more or less standard sized text book for that class.  I could pick it up and carry it with my hand over the spine.  Mr. Cooper, I think in fun, looked at me while he was talking, and put his entire hand over the book the long way.  Outstanding!   Mr. Cooper was also the advisor to the Secatogue and I got to work with him on that.  I don't know how many of yyou remember the comment I put in about him being a fireman before he took up teaching, but it's true.

Hi Gary, welcome to the mosh pit!  Yep, I think a lot of us had our first school related social "do" going to a basketball game.  However, do any of you also remember what ocassionally also happened at the game...make that after the game?  Why of course... Mr. Egan and his band of renown!!!  The floor was doused in saw dust, the school dance band struck up a tune ( usually 40's swing stuff as I recall) and it was what passed for rock n roll!

Now for today's pop quiz:

Quite a few of us indicated our memories were more of the old school building rather than the new one, so let's see.  You might remember where Mr. Kline taught art in his class room.  Always a rollicking time as I recall.  How many of you, however, remember what was in the room directly across the hall from that class?  Don't ask me why I do, but it somehow popped into my mind.

Susan Giarratano (Finnegan)

Have enjoyed reading all the memories.  I participated in all the Sports Nights scenery . Cheerleading for 7th 8th and 9th.   Good times and fun.

Susan Pletka (Darcy)

I have just come on to this forum.  As I  remarked at the reunion, my husband would be very happy that the reunion was over  so my iPad would not be permanently attached to me.  With the reunion planning my iPad and it was never far from my side.

There are so many things I do not remember from our school years and; I am amazed at how many of you remember so vividly all that you do.  However, Becky, I do remember you and I thought you were with us longer than one year!

 Paul,  it is too bad that you did not attend our reunion.  You could have been the historic storyteller that might have awakened memories in many of us.  Next get together you MUST attend.

In response to the question: is there still Sport's Night?  Mike Mosca, the principal of IHS, who conducted the tour of the "new" high school, was asked that question and told us it was still a yearly event.  Nice to see the tradition is still continued.   It was always fun and something we looked forward to each March.  

I still have fond memories of my favorite teachers.  Loved both Mr Mc Hugh and Mr. Cooper.  In many ways they were very much alike.  Both were well-dressed gentleman, well spoken  and inspiring teachers who tried to inspire and bring out the best in us. 

It is nostalgic to recall both the good and not so good actions and words of some past teachers.  No teacher in today's educational system is allowed  the authority or latitude to conduct themselves in the manner that many of our teachers did.  It is hard to imagine today's teacher getting away with cutting someone's nails in the front of the class.  Sounds like cause for a lawsuit...

Arthur Weisser

The "Coop", Mr. Mc Hugh and Mr Handler were tops with me. Mr. Cooper had HUGE hands so I can envision him Palming your book,Paul.

The dance band atfter the games was great. Not great enough, however to give me the nerve to dance.One of their standbys was "You go to my head". Oddly that tune by Sinatra became one of my alltime favorites.

...you make my temperature rise Like a summer with a thousand Julys you intoxicate my soul with your eyes..

Certainly better than Gansta rap.

Edward Manfredi

Hi everyone to answer Pauls question it was the media room it was long and dark saw some good flicks there lol. just in case anyone is wondering who threaten to jump out of  Miss Barnes window it was me in 8th grade she ran out and Mc Hugh ran in and then the trip to Pennys office you know the rest....

Sarah Voorhies (Uva)

From my memory, in the old high school I believe Mr. Kline's art room was opposite the AV room. That is so funny, if I asked my grandkids what an AV room is that would stare at me blankly. But hand them my iPhone or iPad and they can make it do things I have no idea it is capable of doing. Of course we all remember the old HS and the unforgettable Miss Barnes, who taught 7th or maybe 8th grade history, spitballs in her class as well as all the other memories of her out of control class. I do remember the classrooms in the new HS, the gym, art classroom with a kiln, Artie Weiser introducing our art class to Bob Dylan, the new cafeteria and the senior room where we could gather after lunch. I love the info and photos posted about Sports Night. Basketball in Islip was the best. Great memories!!

Paul Newman

Eddie and Sarah...Bingo!!  You're both right... The A/V. room....  Those hard backed metal chairs.... The projector... And by the time it was over, the temperature in the room was high enough to raise lizards!

Another tale from memory lane....   Senior Faculty Basketball Game.   Even though I wasn't varsity material, I was lucky enough to play in it.  I remember one play in particular....  We rebounded the ball after a missed faculty shot, and I spotted my man Jodie Zator, loose and alone under the basket at the other end of the court.  I fired the ball (or one of us did) down to Jodie.  Unfortunately, "fired" is a relative term... And the ball took its time getting to Jody.  Worse, Mr Meddis, who was probably in better shape than any of us, lit out for Jody.  Jody was about to go up for an easy layup, but sadly, he fumbled the ball for an instant.  By then Mr. Meddis had launched himself towards where the ball should have been.  Also unfortunately, instead of whacking the ball, he whacked poor Jody practically into the wall.  Anyway, no harm, grins all around, Jody was more shocked than hurt... But he did get two foul shots.   Didn't help much though... As I recall, we got clobbered by those old geezers!   I tell ya, there's no justice. ;-/. 

Gary Crawford (Ph. D. )

Other teachers-

   I recall some other teachers as well - Mr. Transue in chemestry and his sidekick Mr. Abrams who had a son or brother on baseball team.  Miss Jerkice was my French Teacher - I had adolescent fantasies about her.  Didn't appreciate foreign lanquages until I was much older and studying sanskit for my PhD (some similiarities to latin.)

   Mr. Romero in 11th grade English.  We read Sinclair Lewis' Arrowsmith, later read other novels by him including Main Street.

   Who was biology teacher?  Mr. Biangardi was such an intimidating JV Baseball coach - I got nervous just being on field with him.  He once was going to start me in outfield.  I went out there and muffed first ball he hit me.  He said " If you dont catch the next one you are not starting."  Naturally, I dropped it...

Joan Gilday (Edmonds)

Favorite and Not-so-Favorite Teachers:

I was serious about my business classes; but, not so about the sciences and history.  One of my favorite teachers was Mr McHugh.  He was so down to earth and enjoyable.  He was very caring and took time to talk to kids that weren't necessarily the best students.  I haven't seen discusion about any of the Business teachers.  Two that were excellent were Miss Greco and Miss Hambley.  They were so dedicated and really worked with the girls.  Mr Newport certainly taught you how to type well; but, his personality left a lot to be desired! 

Now, a teacher that didn't inspire me in 7th grade Science was Mr Seifer.  He was only there for one sad year!    I came in from Catholic school where there was no science and was at a disadvantage, for sure; but, Mr Seifer certainly didn't teach me a thing other than how to play in a zoo!  It was very different than having strict nuns in charge.  Oddly, I am married to a man with a chemistry degree and he is still attempting to teach me about Science!

Mr Finley, our Senior history teacher was terrible.  He wasn't at all inspiring.  I now love history, in spite of not liking it as a teenager. 

All in all, we were highly qualified to get a decent job when we graduated in 1965.

Joan Gilday (Edmonds)

Sports Night--I just typed "Islip High School Sports Night" wanting to see the date it is held.  I didn't find that; but, a number of you tube videos of skits are there.  They were interesting--all similar it seems with contemporary dancing and singing and outfits.  The scenery that I could see appears to be much smaller than what we painted.  It was fun looking at these videos and recalling our six Sports Nights at Islip.  Wouldn't it be fun if we could see videos of the Class of 1965 during the Sports Nights?  It was fun seeing Lynn Stenson's pictures.  Does anyone else have any from our Sports Nights?  It really was amazing how much work went into the scenery, the cheerleading (we had to sew our own outfits and they were quite elaborate) and all the practices for the skits, dance contest, etc. etc.  It is very nice being retired and having time to enjoy looking back on all these wonderful memories.  Oh, and did I say, it is really nice to be retired?

Lynn Stensen (Maffie)

Joan were you in first period Business Law..I can not recall the teacher, I loved that class.  And had the most fun in the process of learning.  I remember Barbara Mussenden, Joe Luna and Don Allen to name a few were in the class with me. 

Yes, being retired gives one time to clean out and relive wonderful memories.

Eddie...so you were the one...hmmm....

A vivid memory from 7th grade....a poor mouse and George Craft...he sat behind me in one of the classes, he thought he could scare me with the mouse, putting on my neck,...when that didn't work,(I felt so sorry for the tiny thing)  he put the mouse in his pocket and started to stab it with his pencil...wether he really was stabbing it or not I don't recall,  I just raised my hand to leave the room, ran to the bathroom and cried for the poor mouse....funny how something like that stays with you...even his name....

Joan Gilday (Edmonds)

Ms Greco taught Business Law and it was really interesting.  It peaked my interest and I loved the law involved in being an Accountant.

What was the A/V room?  I don't recall it at all.

Vivian Crapis (Kirkbride)

Paul Newman, I'm right there with you.  Can't remember anything about the "New" IHS.  Maybe because we where there for only one school year.

Paul Newman

Joan... A/V= audio visual.  That's where they showed movies and instructional videos about the evils of casual .... Deep breathing!   ;-) 

Viv....  Yep, or maybe it's because we're old and have CRAFT.   ( can't remember a &$&@ thing). Ah well.

Teachers, yes Mr. Cooper was one of my favorites as well, but if you asked a different question, namely, which teacher influenced your career the most.... I'd have to answer Mr Transue, because of the foundation in physics he gave me, that I later used first in college, then grad school and finally in my career.

Speaking of influences.... I would like to mention the little-mentioned Mr Jerome Coughlin who taught me French, and also coached soccer for a while.  After I got my doctorate, and did a two-year post doc stint at Penn, I went to work for Rockwell Internaional at their corporate R&D center in Thousand Oaks, CA.  An interesting 17 years, during which I was sent to Europe to do some technology hunting.  At one point, I was in a meeting surround by French technology managers at a French Automotive company.  The meeting started out in English, obviously for my benefit.  Noticing how reserved they were as they were being extra careful about their English, I took a deep breath , offered a silent thanks to Mr Coughlin, and said " Si vous preferez, nous pourrions continuer en francais.". (if you prefer we can continue in French)  They looked at me with wide eyes and asked "Etes vous sur"?   I answered, "Oui" and spent the next 2 hours in a heavy duty technical discussion in French.  Once, they switched to French, the whole nature of the discussion changed, with them freely offering more details jokes, and funny stories.  My head was pounding by the end , but it was a great meeting...partly thanks to Mr Coughlin.

***************

Somebody asked me if I was living in Seattle.  The answer is "No".   I actually live part time in Portland Oregon, and part time in our house at the coast located in a town called Oceanside.

Heather Volavka (Williams)

I agree that Monsieur Coughlin was effective though not well liked as I recall...the 6 years of French at IHS also served me well on trips to France many years later.  I want to put in a plug for Miss Weber.  Math was probably my favorite subject and she frequently reminded me she had also taught my father.  The only memory I have of the "new" HS is that we hand carried library books from the old school to the new school.  Was it a way to save on moving costs or an effort to introduce us to the new building?  The old HS definitely had more character and some of us started kindergarten in that building (Mrs. Zakas' class) in 1952 when there was only one school for all of Islip grades K through 12.  

Heather Volavka (Williams)

p.s.  Cathy Almond does a great imitation of Marty Bojack imitating Mrs. Newport...I may have had her for Typing..."please pass the papers to the front of the room...etc. etc.". Does anyone remember Mrs. Newport?

Becky Blau (Bleicher)

Would someone please be so kind as to post some pictures of these teachers? I lost my yearbook long ago, and I know that if I see the pictures, my memory may be jarred :) I wanted to get a copy of the yearbook, however, the cost is prohibitive - they wanted over $100 :/

Paul (Butch) Bird

Heather.....I have those same, early connections to the old High School and none, whatsoever to the new buidling, which is why I had no interest in touring the "new" IHS.  However, the tour of the old building brought back a flood of memories for me.  I was also in Mrs. Zackis's kindergarten class.  (I thought her name was Mrs. Ackis, phonetically!!)  Her classroom was on the first floor SE corner of the school, which years later became the art room, for Miss Burgess.   I was only 4 years old when I started kindergarten.....making it just under the wire for admission.  My best friend was Bruce Verratti.....and he and I were in the same classrooms through the 4th or 5th grade...the latter being Mrs. Morris' classroom up the staircase at the other end of the school.  I think Nancy Vaupel was in that kindergarten class...and maybe Nancy Asp, too.  Cathy Almond ?

As a first or second grader, I remember the "fire" drills or "bomb drills" when we were walked out into the halls, with our faces against the walls!  

And, after a short interruption to Florida in my gth grade, I returned to Islip in the 2nd week of my 7th grade and stayed until 1965.  I grew up alongside Bruce Verratti and we were in the same classes from kindergarten to 4th grade, when they separated us because we talked all the time!!!   Thanks for remembering!

Butch