Half Hollow Hills
Central School District

Hills East Theatre brought The Outsiders to the stage recently with two sold out performances that highlighted the strength of their student artists. As part of a collaboration with West Hollow, Ms. Martin’s 7th graders attended a private show tied to their ELA study of the novel and met with the cast for a thoughtful Q and A about adapting literature for performance.

Our West Hollow Players lit up the stage with their incredible musical, Annie Jr. From powerful vocals to heartfelt acting and energy that filled the auditorium, our students gave us something to smile about.

The Hills West Tri-M Music Honor Society, Key Club and National Honor Society joined forces to assemble Thanksgiving baskets for families in need, reflecting the students’ commitment to community and service. #HHHCSD

Candlewood students recently took part in an extended advisory focused on gratitude and the many ways we can show appreciation for one another. Each student created a pennant sharing something they are grateful for, and advisories combined their pennants into unified banners that now line the halls and reflect what Candlewood values most. #HHHCSD

The Hills West Spanish Club and Spanish Honor Society created thoughtful Thanksgiving cards to brighten the day of local nursing home residents and share the spirit of the season. 

Paumanok students created more than 200 placemats for seniors at Gerwin Nursing Home to use on Thanksgiving as a thoughtful act of kindness and service learning.

Hills East Science National Honor Society members spent an inspiring day at Stony Brook University exploring the Advanced Energy Research and Technology Center, the Center of Excellence for Wireless and Information Technology, and the Alda Center.

7th grade Rising Stars from West Hollow and Candlewood engaged in team building at Gravity Vault, developing trust, cooperation and confidence.

The Hills West One World Youth Club hosted a food drive at ShopRite through Island Harvest, collecting 1,000 pounds of food for community members in need.

The Hills East Computer Club recently competed at the 2026 TigerHacks GCDS Programming Contest in Connecticut and swept all three trophies!

Vanderbilt Student Council recently helped fill hearts and bellies through their annual food drive!

Hills East and Hills West NYSCAME All-County Band, Choral and Orchestra students recently shined on stage at the NYSCAME All-County Festival Concert. Orchestra students were inspired by their conductor and Half Hollow Hills Music alumnus, Mr. Adam Glaser (HSW 88’), who is the Director of Orchestras at Hofstra University. 

Students from across the district and PTA representatives marked Bus Driver Appreciation Day and SRP Day by bringing breakfast and small gifts to bus drivers, paraprofessionals and other school related professionals, along with creating heartfelt cards and posters to show their gratitude for the care and support these staff members provide every day. 

Engineering students assisted with weighing and packaging the first harvest from the Hills East AgTech lab, contributing nearly 100 pounds of leafy greens to Island Harvest for community distribution.

Otsego students laced up and took the field for their annual Turkey Trot! After weeks of building stamina, endurance and pacing during physical education classes, runners were ready to conquer the mile course. Ms. Hanover and Mr. Davey, joined by teachers, administrators and Ollie the Owl, cheered on students every step of the way. #HHHCSD

Congratulations to Hills East students Isaac Campbell, AnnaBelle Deaner and Sia Patel on each earning a perfect ACT composite score of 36. Achieving this score is extremely rare, with fewer than 1% of test-takers earning it, placing them among the top students nationwide. #HHHCSD

The Book Buddies in Mrs. Passerello’s and Mrs. Short’s classes at Signal Hill worked together to create cards for local veterans.

Sunquam welcomed the Melville Fire Department for an exciting fire safety visit! Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade students learned important safety skills, explored a fire truck and ambulance, and practiced how to respond in an emergency.

The Half Hollow Hills Toy Hall of Fame Election returned for its second year! Congratulations to our 2025 winner: X-Box.

Third graders at Paumanok recently wrapped up a physical education unit focused on muscular and cardiovascular endurance. Students rotated through high-energy stations filled with fun exercises and activities that kept them moving and motivated. 

Vanderbilt Student Council recently held their annual Socktober Drive, kicking it off with Crazy Sock Day. Council members counted and sorted nearly 1,100 pairs of new socks donated by families and staff.

Congratulations to Hills West senior Harry Wolk, who qualified for his third consecutive state championship after finishing tied for second at the Section XI Individual Championship at Pine Hills. This marks the first time in Hills West history that a golfer has qualified for three straight state championships.

Ms. Serra's 8th grade Family and Consumer Sciences students at West Hollow recently participated in mock interviews for the fictitious business Melville Books, Music & More.

On October 18th, select 4th grade music students participated with their families at the 17th Annual P.E.A.K. (Parents, Educators, and Kids) festival at Northport High School. The PEAK festival is a celebration of elementary classroom music and choral singing.

Congratulations to the Hills East, Hills West and West Hollow students selected as SCMEA All-County Jazz musicians at the advanced and intermediate levels!