COMMACK SCHOOLS

New York State Regent Roger Tilles toured the innovative spaces at CHS and shared his favorite poetry with Burr students during a visit to the district on Monday.

Escorted by superintendent Dr. Jordan Cox, assistant superintendent Timothy Russo and building administrators, Tilles heard firsthand from CHS students about their ability to sample careers via the high school’s impressive array of courses and programs as well as their ability to amass substantial college credit while still in high school.

Among the examples: one student getting aviation experience via Wilson Tech, another student participating in an internship at Huntington Hospital that includes observing maternity settings, and other students who have already identified finance as their career ambition because of exposure to the first-year Bloomberg finance lab.

Students guided Tilles, who represents Long Island, on a tour of several of the innovative spaces at the high school. In addition to the finance lab, the tour stops included the mock courtroom, greenhouse, library, Esports arena, courtyard and college-style cafeteria.

Dr. Cox underscored the district’s commitment to transforming the traditional education paradigm by creating authentic learning spaces. He highlighted Commack’s commitment to linking coursework to real-world experiences, which allows students to make informed decisions even before they officially embark on their college and career journeys.

Tilles then headed to Burr Intermediate School to share his love of poetry with a pair of classes. He read from poetry books by Shel Silverstein, including “Falling Up,” “Where the Sidewalk Ends,” and “A Light in the Attic.”

Tilles told the students he used to similarly read poetry to his daughter Hana’s elementary school classes. Hana, now an adult, and an aspiring teacher, accompanied her father during Monday’s visit.