ACHIEVEMENT

Professional Development and Instructional Excellence

Our commitment to innovative teaching took center stage during Superintendent’s Conference Days, where the entire staff participated in targeted professional learning:

• The final third of our teacher corps completed PBL 101 training – all instructional staff in the district are now trained in Project-Based Learning (PBL).
• Teachers and support staff who work with students with disabilities received Crisis Prevention Institute training to enhance de-escalation and student-crisis response skills.
• All staff who did not attend PBL training participated in a trauma-informed teaching workshop with Dr. Kelly Zinn.
• Security guards and select teachers received CPR/AED training.
• High school humanities teachers participated in an advanced vocabulary development workshop with consultant Amy Benjamin.
• Elementary teachers worked with literacy coach Danielle Schneider on shifting from leveled reading groups to skill-based, data-driven small-group instruction.
• High school counselors toured the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City, demonstrating their commitment to learning about various postsecondary pathways for students.

Academic Collaboration

• Life Science/Biology teachers at ERHS participated in the second year of our NYSSLS science curriculum collaboration with Hewlett and West Hempstead schools, sharing best teaching practices and assessment building techniques as we transition to the new New York State science learning standards.
• After identifying a need to help seventh graders develop active listening skills, Mr. Moore, Ms. Terranova and Mr. Tesoriero created a comprehensive lesson that was delivered to all seventh grade social studies classes.

Athletic Accomplishments

Our fall playoffs concluded with impressive results:

• Boys soccer advanced to the quarterfinals.
• Girls volleyball reached the semifinals.
• Cross-country sent three girls and six boys to the New York State qualifiers.
• Gameday cheer competed at the Nassau County finals.
• Girls volleyball and gameday cheer were both selected as team sportsmanship winners for their sports.

 

Arts Excellence

• Senior Julia Mannino was accepted into the ACDA All-Eastern Treble Honor Choir – a tremendous accomplishment with record applicants from 11 states across the Eastern region.

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CONNECTION

Community Engagement and Support

• Mr. Gregory held the district’s first Family Engagement Night, where Major League Baseball agent Mark Leinweaver spoke with parents and student-athletes about “Why Character Matters.” In the second session, Kathie Lombardi provided Narcan training, and each person received a kit to take home in case of emergency.
• Mr. Madden posted a letter on the district website sharing school and local resources available to families who may experience added stress related to changes in food assistance programs. 
• The East Rockaway Education Foundation approved three proposals at their October meeting.

Honoring Service and Giving Back

• On Monday, Nov. 10, middle school counselor Ms. Donna Robbins, in collaboration with Mr. Tesoriero, led all seventh grade social studies classes in a Veterans Day lesson celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps. Students made thank-you cards for local Marines, and Ms. Robbins delivered the cards, along with coffee and donuts, to local Marine recruiters. 
• Mr. Poland brought his eighth graders and senior class to the National September 11 Memorial and Museum. This meaningful experience allowed students to reflect on the lasting impact of this moment in our nation’s history.
• Our athletic teams gave back to important causes:
  • Girls volleyball held a Dig Pink! fundraiser for breast cancer.
  • Girls soccer held a shoot-a-thon and youth clinic.
  • Gameday cheer participated in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk at Jones Beach.

Student Leadership and Voice

• On Oct. 20, I hosted the first meeting of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council with 15 student ambassadors representing grades 4-12. I’m excited to see their ideas on how to improve our schools!

Celebrating Excellence

The Hall of Fame touchscreen display has been updated and looks fantastic! Check out the display here.  

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OPPORTUNITY

Experiential Learning

Elementary students expanded their learning through enriching field trips:

• Visit to the local firehouse to learn about community helpers and fire safety.
• Hands-on agricultural experience at White Post Farms.
• Science-focused trip to Captree to explore marine life and local ecosystems.

At ERHS:

• Mr. Crowley’s AP Environmental Science class participated in the annual “Day in the Life of a River,” working with local conservation biologist Michael Farina and the Nassau County Soil and Water Conservation District to collect biotic data from Mill River. 
• Virtual Enterprise students participated in their first NYS online trade show on Nov. 20.
• Mr. Caputo’s geometry classes will launch their PBL unit, visiting a mini golf course to apply classroom knowledge of measurement, angles and the Pythagorean theorem.

Career and College Readiness

• The counseling department concluded its college representatives’ visits for the fall season, with students connecting with over 50 representatives from colleges, trade schools, employers and military branches.
• The department hosted two college trips giving students the opportunity to tour Fordham University, Long Island University and Mercy University.

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INNOVATION

Hands-On Learning

• Students in Mr. Howard’s Tech 7 class completed their oven rack tool woodworking project just in time for Thanksgiving, combining craftsmanship and practical design.

Digital Design and Technology

• Fifth grade students created digital constellation brochures using Canva as part of their informational writing unit, integrating science and writing while learning essential digital design tools.
• Students in Ms. Miah’s Graphic Design class are learning to use Adobe InDesign to create professional-quality layouts for print and digital media, building practical experience with industry-standard software.
• Ms. McClelland held the first meeting of the AI Guidance Committee to create K-12 guidelines for teachers and students on how to use AI effectively, responsibly and safely (to be distributed January 2026).

Click below to watch the full recording of the November board of education meeting, which included this report.

BOE Meeting Part 1 

BOE Meeting Part 2