School Notebook: Looking back on summer learning

Many Long Island students were already learning well before the first day of the 2022-23 academic year.

Dozens of districts kept children creatively engaged this summer through an assortment of programs — from cooking classes to writing workshops — during July and August. 

One such effort gave approximately 225 students in Valley Stream the opportunity to participate in activities including music lessons, science experiments and art projects, like making tie-dye shirts. The monthlong program ran for three hours a day at Wheeler Avenue Elementary School.

"The program is a great way for students to stay engaged throughout the summer while socializing with their friends," said Wheeler Avenue Principal Ruth Peets-Butcher. "Incoming kindergarten students can also familiarize themselves with new routines and activities which will allow them to have an easier transition in the new school year."

In Farmingville, 150 children participated in a space-themed program at Tecumseh Elementary School that featured lessons on topics like constellations and gravity as well as a quiz competition called Are You Smarter Than an Astronaut? They also launched homemade rockets using baking soda, vinegar and bicycle pumps.

In Levittown, two dozen students learned about local history through trips to educational sites, including the Old Bethpage Village Restoration and Cradle of Aviation Museum. They also met Holocaust survivor Anita Weisbord during a visit to the Holocaust Museum & Tolerance Center in Glen Cove.

In Stony Brook, teens from nearby Ward Melville High School read the works of important poets and wrote their own poetry as part of a Young Nature Writers Workshop at the Avalon Nature Preserve.

"Providing students with programs over the summer prevents learning loss and keeps them engaged, all while not taking away from their much-needed summer break," said Ann Pedersen, superintendent of Lawrence School District, which held a summer reading program for 240 students.

BELLMORE

Principal named

Anthony DeMartinis has been named principal of Wellington C. Mepham High School in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District. He replaced Eric Gomez, who is now the assistant superintendent for personnel and administration.

DeMartinis was previously an assistant principal for guidance at the district's Sanford H. Calhoun High School.

"I look forward to connecting with the students, parents and staff as we continue to provide outstanding opportunities for the students of Mepham to learn and grow," DeMartinis said.

COLD SPRING HARBOR

Principal appointed

Christina Alicea-Cosme has been appointed principal of Goosehill Primary School. She replaced Lynn Herschlein, who retired.

Alicea-Cosme was previously an educator and administrator for New York City Public Schools and an administrator for Valley Stream School District 30, where she served the past three years as an assistant principal.

"I look forward to sharing my love for early childhood education and building lasting relationships with students, families and staff members while continuing to build upon the legacy of success at Goosehill," Alicea-Cosme said.

EAST ROCKAWAY

New superintendent

James DeTommaso has been appointed superintendent of the East Rockaway School District. He replaced Lisa Ruiz, who retired.

DeTommaso was previously the district's assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction and before that was principal of West Hempstead High School. He began his career as a special-education teacher at East Rockaway Junior/Senior High School.

"I returned to my professional home because I believe this is a special place with unlimited potential," DeTommaso said. "I want to give back all the life lessons and knowledge I have gained from the community as the leader of the district."

EAST SETAUKET

New superintendent

Kevin Scanlon has been named superintendent of Three Village Central School District. He replaced Cheryl Pedisich, who retired.

Scanlon had been the district's assistant superintendent for educational services since 2012. He also has been chair of humanities at the district's P.J. Gelinas Junior High School and has held administrative roles in the Oyster Bay and Roslyn school districts.

"It's with great excitement that I begin this new chapter of my career in a district that has become like a second family to me over the years," Scanlon said.

ISLANDWIDE

STEAM Challenge

Teams from Commack High School, New Hyde Park Memorial High School and Sanford H. Calhoun High School in Merrick won $2,500 grants this summer from the Long Island Regional Planning Council as part of its Long Island Water Quality STEAM Challenge, which encouraged students to develop projects to reduce rain runoff and nitrogen pollution on school grounds.

Commack's project consisted of a rain garden and rain collection barrels that serve as a natural habitat for pollinators and filter stormwater runoff. New Hyde Park's project included multiple rain gardens along with an outreach and education plan. Calhoun's project involved a rain garden with native plants to filter out pollutants.

STEAM stands for science technology, engineering, art and math.

— MICHAEL R. EBERT

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.