September 2008
Welcome back. I would like to thank the community for voting for this year’s school budget. Please know that we do not take your support for granted. We are looking forward to a year filled with wonderful prospects for our students. Each September there is the opportunity to open our minds to new learning, to create new relationships, and to participate in new ways to build character.
As we look forward to an exciting year I am reminded that some of our colleagues are looking forward to opportunities beyond the East Rockaway education community. I would like to congratulate our retirees who have moved on to new experiences: Mrs. Peggy Koulias, HS Teacher; Ms. Patricia Guglielmo, HS Principal’s Secretary; Ms. Margaret Del Grosso, Pupil Personnel Secretary; and Mr. Salvatore DiGiovanni, District Maintainer. They will be missed. In addition, we wish the best of luck to Mr. Ristano, Director of Facilities, who accepted a position with the Port Washington School District. At the same time we welcome Ms. TJ DiPietro who will be joining us as the chairperson for English and Social Studies. We are still in the process of filling the other vacancies.
On the instructional horizon at the elementary schools, we will be implementing a new English Language Arts program to bridge phonics and literacy. In addition, last fall we implemented a Social Emotional Literacy program in our 7th and 8th grade classes. After evaluating the success of the program, we decided to expand it to grade 6 for the upcoming school year. Some of the highlights at the secondary school will include: participating in the first administration of the new NYS curriculum for Geometry; creating a living lab in the science department; partnering with SUNY Albany for AP Biology and AP Physics; reinstating the HS Newspaper; and implementing a new Middle School Activity Club.
During the summer the high school continued working on its multi-year facilities upgrades. During the first phase of the project, a few years ago, the lockers were replaced. Last summer all the doors were replaced. This summer floor tiles on the first and second floors, as well as the music room, have been replaced. In addition, the first floor hallway has been painted and given a new look. I invite you to come by and admire the transition. Throughout the year our custodial team will continue to make improvements and upgrades in all of the buildings to maintain health and safety conditions for our students.
As the new school year begins, I invite you to consult the school calendar for the many wonderful activities and events that occur in our schools throughout the year. This information is also available at our website. We value and appreciate your participation at all of our events. I wish everyone a productive and enjoyable school year.