October 22, 2026

East Rockaway Board of Education celebrates community and shares district updates

Board of Education members smiling with students.

The East Rockaway Board of Education held its regular monthly meeting on Oct. 20 in the East Rockaway High School auditorium. Rhame Avenue sixth grader Lorena Tierney opened the meeting by leading the Pledge of Allegiance.

Rhame Avenue Students Pay Tribute to Board Members

In celebration of Board of Education Recognition Week, Rhame Avenue students and staff presented a special video tribute to board members, featuring two songs written just for the occasion. One highlight was a spirited rendition of “YMCA,” with the familiar chorus cleverly changed to “BOE.” The video also featured heartfelt messages of appreciation from students and staff, thanking board members for their dedication to the district.

Board members expressed their gratitude for the thoughtful tribute. “We do this because we love the community,” said Board Vice President Maureen Doyle.

Jimmy Lores' Legacy Lives On

The family of beloved longtime bus driver and coach Jimmy Lores, who recently passed away, has generously donated his van to the district for its use.

Superintendent James DeTommaso thanked the family for their generosity and reflected on Mr. Lores' lasting impact on the East Rockaway community. He also highlighted a special video tribute honoring Mr. Lores, shown during halftime of the East Rockaway/Lynbrook football game over the weekend.

Click here to view the tribute.

District Welcomes New Rhame Avenue Principal

Superintendent DeTommaso formally introduced Marisa Femia as the newly appointed principal of Rhame Avenue Elementary School. Ms. Femia, who attended the meeting, received a warm welcome from board members and the community.

Mr. DeTommaso thanked the staff, administrators, parents, community members and students who participated in the comprehensive search process, emphasizing the collaborative effort to find the right leader for Rhame Avenue. Ms. Femia will officially begin her new role on Nov. 16.

Family Engagement Night to Focus on Mental Health

The district's first Family Engagement Night of the 2026-27 school year will take place Wednesday, Oct. 28, focusing on student mental health and well-being.

District social workers, psychologists and counselors from the elementary schools and junior/senior high school will share information about the elementary social-emotional learning curriculum and the support services available to students and families. Families will also have an opportunity to meet Sloopy, the district's therapy dog.

Student and District Updates

Student Board Member Nora Smith presented her monthly report, sharing news and activities from the student perspective. Superintendent DeTommaso followed with his report, highlighting recent events, accomplishments and updates from schools throughout the district.

Click here to view the full Board of Education meeting recording.

An audience seated in an auditorium watches a presentation on a large projection screen. A large meeting is held in an auditorium with a projection screen that reads "thank you Board of Education".

An audience seated in an auditorium watches a presentation displayed on a large screen at the front. A small audience sits attentively in a large auditorium with rows of blue seats.