East Rockaway Union Free School District is proud to announce that it has been honored with a 2025 VISION Endorsement and designated a Community of Excellence in Visual Arts by the New York State Art Teachers Association (NYSATA), making it one of only 25 districts in all of New York State to receive this distinction.

The NYSATA VISION Endorsement recognizes schools and districts that champion visual arts instruction through a sequential, standards-based curriculum while advancing inclusivity, equity and accessibility in arts education. The designation celebrates programs that inspire innovation, prepare students for a rapidly changing world and ensure that every learner has access to meaningful, high-quality visual arts experiences that cultivate curiosity, creativity and a lifelong love of artistic expression.

East Rockaway's recognition reflects a district-wide commitment to robust, engaging visual arts programming that prioritizes opportunity, high visibility within the school community and instruction that meets students where they are.

That commitment shows in the accomplishments of East Rockaway's art students, who are regularly featured in exhibits across Long Island and have earned recognition in prestigious competitions including the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, the Northwell Health Erase the Stigma Art Contest and Long Island's Best: Young Artists, among others.

Congratulations to the entire art department, as well as our students and families who help bring these programs to life, said Superintendent James DeTommaso. This recognition is long overdue and incredibly well deserved. Thank you all for your continued dedication and passion.