The month of May is recognized nationally as Mental Health Awareness Month, providing an opportunity to raise awareness, combat stigma, prioritize our well-being and promote open conversations about helpful and available mental health resources.

Below we have shared some useful tools to help you build your coping toolbox, including grounding exercises, the Path to Calm and a decision map to help find help when you need it the most.

Please also remember, when you are in need or just need someone to talk to, your School Social Workers are here for you.

You are not alone!

Date Added: 5/8/2024

Join us for an exciting evening celebrating science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) at our school's STEM night on May 9th at 6 PM!

Our event will showcase the incredible work of our students, highlighting their passion for innovation and discovery.

The evening will feature:

*6th Grade Science Projects on Nutrition: Hear from our 6th-grade students as they discuss their fascinating science projects related to nutrition.

*7th Grade Science Fair Projects: Explore the creative and scientific minds of our 7th-grade students through their science fair projects.

*High School Research Posters: Get a glimpse into the cutting-edge research conducted by our high school students through their research posters.

*Senior Research Student Presentations: Two of our senior research students will present their findings through engaging slide show presentations.

*Technology Department Display: See the latest in technological advancements as our technology department showcases their work.

*Cradle of Aviation Portable Planetarium: Immerse yourself in the wonders of the universe with the Cradle of Aviation Portable Planetarium, located in the small gym from 5:30 to 7:45 PM.

Don't miss this opportunity to support our students and learn more about the exciting world of STEM! We look forward to seeing you there!

*Your must register in advance to view the Planetarium.  Please click here to RSVP.

 Date Added: 5/7/2024

The district congratulates three outstanding members of the East Rockaway School District administration who were granted tenure during the board of education meeting on April 16.

Mr. Vincent Healy has served as the district’s Executive Director of Pupil Personnel Services and Instructional Personnel Superintendent since 2020. His exceptional leadership and deep commitment to our students’ well-being and academic success is the cornerstone of Mr. Healy’s tenure. Among his numerous notable achievements is the implementation of the RULER and Sources of Strength social emotional learning programs. These initiatives are helping to foster a supportive and nurturing environment throughout our schools by focusing on mental health and a sense of belonging. Mr. Healy has played an instrumental role in making sure that teachers and staff are equipped with the tools and resources they need to integrate these essential strategies.

Following two decades as an educator and administrator in New York City public schools, Mrs. Calia Kelly was appointed principal of Centre Avenue Elementary School in 2020 and her impact was felt immediately. Mrs. Kelly’s patience, kindness and positive attitude radiates throughout the school, creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where everyone feeds valued and supported. Her leadership is centered around respect and success as a team and has resulted in exceptional progress and success on multiple levels, including surpassing goals for proficiency in reading and math. She has also been instrumental in the implementation of Thinking Maps across all grade levels, which led to an elevation to level 2 status, one of the only schools on Long Island to achieve this notable result.

A member of the East Rockaway school community since 2009, Mr. Robert Kennedy was appointed to the position of Assistant Director for Pupil Personnel Services 2020. Prior to joining the administration, he served as both an ELA and special education teacher at the high school and led many successful activities throughout the years. In his current position, Mr. Kennedy has consistently put the needs of our students first and has guided with compassion and care. He has led many initiatives that directly benefit students throughout the district, including a focus on the success on our special education programs and early childhood development. As a co-chair of the district’s Mental Wellness committee, Mr. Kennedy has raised awareness of the importance of social and emotional development and been instrumental in professional learning programs that have led to an increased sense of support and inclusion felt throughout the team.

The Board of Education proudly accepted these recommendations for tenure and shared their gratitude to Mr. Healy, Mrs. Kelly and Mr. Kennedy for their dedication to our students and for all they do to enhance the East Rockaway Schools community.

Date Added: 4/29/2024

Thank you to everyone who joined us for ERSD Family Engagement Night and participated in an inspiring celebration of East Rockaway's cultural heritage.

It was truly a night to remember with amazing food, music, dance, art, poetry and so many friends and smiles!

We are grateful to each of the students, teachers, clubs and community members who contributed their time, energy and talent to the event and shared a piece of their culture with us.

Click here to view the photo slideshow.

Date Added: 4/19/2024

Rhame Avenue 4th grader Vincenza Ippolit

Centre Avenue 4th grader Maya Alvarez

Eight East Rockaway students have been selected to have their artwork featured in the 34th annual New York State Art Teachers Association (NYSATA) Legislative Art Exhibit.

Student artists recognized with this honor include fourth graders Maya Alvarez and Vincenza Ippolito, eighth graders Charlie Rodriguez and Brianna Manzano, ninth graders Melina Morris and Caitlin Lynch, tenth grader Eva Lam and eleventh grader Ashley Rivera Flores.

The district is proud to recognize these students who have displayed exceptional talent, creativity and dedication to their craft. We are also grateful to our outstanding art educators who are focused on fostering confidence and inspiration in the classroom every day.

Art students in K-12 from across New York State are featured in this virtual exhibit, which is available for public viewing on the NYSATA Website (nysata.org) through February 2025.

Date Added: 4/10/2024