Three Long Island middle schools have been recognized for their efforts setting a nationwide standard.

Elwood Middle School, Udall Road Middle School in West Islip and Wisdom Lane Middle School in Levittown are among 24 middle schools nationwide named 2025 Schools of Distinction by the Association for Middle Level Education.

The designation honors middle schools for their “outstanding commitment to young adolescent education and continuous improvement,” according to the association.

“These 24 schools exemplify what’s possible when educators prioritize the unique needs of young adolescents,” Stephanie Simpson, the association’s CEO, said in a statement. “The Schools of Distinction program not only celebrates their achievements, but also fosters a collaborative network where schools learn from and inspire one another.”

To be selected, the schools each went through a review process that measured implementations of best practices and included interviews with students and staff. The evaluation criteria stemmed from the association’s landmark position paper on best practices in the middle grades, titled “The Successful Middle School: This We Believe,” which is now in its fifth edition. It was initially published in 1982.

Elwood’s practices include a teacher-student mentoring program and a Knights of the Round Table program in which older pupils provide guidance and support to younger ones, according to the association. The school also teaches conflict resolution skills through mediation and “thoughtful dialogue,” school officials said.

“We are incredibly proud of this achievement, which reflects the dedication and hard work of our entire school community,” Elwood Principal Christina Moran said in a statement.

The selected schools will be recognized at the association’s 52nd Annual Conference for Middle Level Education, held next month in Indianapolis.

FLORAL PARK

New principal

Lauren Quezada has been named principal of the Floral Park-Bellerose School.

Quezada, who replaced John DeKams, was most recently assistant principal of Stratford Avenue Elementary School in Garden City. She has also been an instructional coach and reading specialist in the Freeport school district.

“I am most excited to build strong relationships and to work together in creating a joyful, inclusive and challenging learning environment where every child feels seen, valued and empowered,” Quezada said. “Every child deserves instruction that helps them grow and thrive.”

GLEN COVE

New superintendent

Alexa Doeschner has been appointed superintendent of the Glen Cove school district. She replaced Maria Rianna, who is now superintendent of the Malverne school district.

Doeschner was previously the district’s assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction and technology for three years. Her other past positions include assistant principal at Glen Cove High School, the district’s coordinator of science and principal of the district’s Landing Elementary School.

“I am committed to fostering a positive culture by listening and learning from those I serve, so that together we can co-create a collaborative and innovative vision for the future of the Glen Cove City School District,” Doeschner said in a statement.

HEWLETT

New principal

Nicole M. Montellese has been named principal of Franklin Early Childhood Center in the Hewlett-Woodmere school district. She replaced Lorraine Smyth, now the district’s assistant superintendent for human resources and leadership development.

Montellese had been chairwoman of the district’s Departments of World Languages and English as a New Language since 2022. She began her career in the district as a reading teacher assistant at the childhood center in 2013.

“I am committed to fostering a nurturing, inclusive environment where every child feels seen, supported and empowered to reach their highest potential,” Montellese said in a statement.

COMMACK

New principal

Melissa Blady has been named principal of North Ridge Primary School. She replaced Katherine Rihm, who retired.

Blady was assistant principal of Center Street Elementary School in the Herricks school district for the past two years, and before that served as the district’s elementary math and technology coordinator.

“I am just so honored, thrilled and excited to be a leader of a school where such amazing things are already happening,” Blady said in a statement. “I can’t wait to continue the work that Kathy already has begun.”

ELWOOD

Interim principal

Irene McLaughlin has been named interim principal of Elwood-John H. Glenn High School. She replaced Corey McNamara, now principal of Great Neck North High School.

McLaughlin served the past year as the Elwood school district’s interim director of human resources and before that held various roles — including assistant principal, principal and assistant superintendent for human resources — in the Northport-East Northport school district over nearly 40 years.

“Throughout my time in the district, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many staff members whose work is incredibly student-centered, a philosophy that aligns perfectly with my own,” McLaughlin said in a statement. “I am eager to continue collaborating with the talented professionals at the high school.”

MIDDLE ISLAND

New principal

Michael Kapfer has been appointed principal of Longwood Middle School.

Kapfer, who replaced Daniel McKeon, was an assistant principal at Longwood High School since 2019. Before that, he was a math team instructional leader and an adjunct professor at Relay Graduate School of Education in Manhattan.

“Having worked within this amazing district, I am excited to continue to collaborate with our outstanding staff, students and families at Longwood Middle School to ensure that every student feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential,” Kapfer said in a statement.

By Michael R. Ebert

michael.ebert@newsday.com

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.