Nassau School Notebook: LI districts host back-to-school events
In Seaford, students participated in a training course last month for CPR and automated external defibrillators during the district's Secondary Summer Experience. The lesson was the first of eight different workshops offered as part of the program. Credit: Seaford School District
The start of a new academic year requires more than just books and school supplies.
Long Island schools hosted everything from orientation picnics to mental health discussions in recent weeks to help reintroduce students and staff to learning — and one another.
In Uniondale, the school district coordinated a meet-and-greet event with the new superintendent, Monique Darrisaw-Akil, that was livestreamed on social media to allow for participation by all community members.
"I felt it was important that the community had the chance to learn my story and why I am so honored and humbled to be chosen to lead this district," Akil said. "I wanted to share my vision and be as transparent as I can possibly be."
In Roslyn, families had the opportunity to meet bus drivers and learn safety tips during a kindergarten bus orientation at Heights Primary School. The event was also attended by characters Chase and Skye from the children's television series "PAW Patrol."
In Locust Valley, the high school held a freshman orientation that featured such events as building tours, discussions on extracurricular activities and managing increased social, emotional and academic demands.
In Bethpage, an orientation was held for 16 new teachers that included a welcome breakfast and an introduction to the district’s array of instructional technology resources.
In Valley Stream, William L. Buck Elementary School hosted a "Popsicle With Your Principal" event that gave families a chance to meet the school's new principal, Johanne Gaddy, who posted for a photo with student Elliah Mattis. Credit: Johanne Gaddy
"You are the best of the best, and you are in one of the best places to work," Bethpage's Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Caroline Lavelle told teachers.
GLEN HEAD
New appointments
Thomas Dolan is interim superintendent of the North Shore School District, and Jennifer Imperiale is interim principal of North Shore Middle School. Dolan replaced Peter Giarrizzo, who is now superintendent of the Mount Pleasant School District in Westchester County; Imperiale replaced Rob Dennis, who is now principal of Northport High School.
Dolan has served as superintendent of the Franklin Square and Great Neck school districts, as well as principal of Cold Spring Harbor High School and H. Frank Carey High School in Franklin Square. He has also been interim president of Nassau Community College and acting/interim superintendent of the Locust Valley School District.
"The opportunity to serve the North Shore School District is as exciting a prospect as I've experienced in my professional life," Dolan said.
Imperiale spent more than a decade as assistant principal of North Shore High School.
LYNBROOK
New principal
Leah Murray has been appointed principal of West End Elementary School. She replaced Cindy Lee, who retired.
Murray had served as assistant principal of PS 169 Bay Terrace Elementary School in Bayside since 2017, and before that was a general-education and special-education teacher.
"I am looking forward to making meaningful relationships with all the students, staff and families," Murray said. "I can’t wait for all the learning and fun we will have next year and the years to come."
ISLANDWIDE
LIMHoF scholarships
Four graduating seniors — Anthony Barone of William Floyd High School in Mastic Beach, Lauren Enos of Riverhead High School, Elias Giuliano of Northport High School, and Emily Howell of Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK High School — were named 2021 recipients this summer of Distinction in Music Awards, which are valued at $500, from the Long Island Music Hall of Fame.
The award recognizes their music accomplishments and plans to pursue music studies in college.
"The talent that exists on Long Island is something we want to celebrate," said the hall's Education Chairman Tom Needham. "In addition to following their own dreams, we believe these students will encourage and inspire others."
— MICHAEL R. EBERT
Michael R. Ebert is an education researcher and has worked for Newsday in various capacities since 2003. He was part of an 11-person team named as 2008 Pulitzer Prize finalists for investigative coverage of the LIRR's platform safety issues.
