001[clears throat] Good evening everyone and welcome to the monthly meeting of the East Rockway School Board. Uh, I'd like to call this meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. on Tuesday, December 16th, 2025. Mr. [clears throat] >> Hello all. I'll be introducing um who's going to be reading our pledge tonight. And our pledge will be read by senior Eva. >> Lamb Lamb, sorry. Over the past six years at East Rockway Junior Senior High School, Eva has consistently demonstrated academic excellence and strong character. She completed a full program of advanced placement and dual enrollment courses in both her junior and senior years, preparing herself for the rigor of higher education. Eva is a national merit scholarship qualifier, making her among the top students of our school of scene, and she pairs intellectual curiosity with disciplined work habits.
002Beyond the classroom, she is a pro-active leader. She founded the ERHS chapter of a the HOSA to create pathways for students interested in health industry careers and has been instrumental in organizing that launch. She [snorts] also leads study groups offering steady support to classmates during high pressure times like midterms and finals. What stands out most in Eva's resilience and integrity. When confronted with difficult situations, she advocates for herself and uses those experiences to strengthen and inspire others. She has a unique combination of academic talent, initiative, leadership, and emotional strength and will undoubtedly contribute positively and meaningful to our community and beyond. Eva, if you can come up here, [applause] I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with
003liberty and justice for all. >> [applause] >> Um, now I'd like to ask Mr. [clears throat] Good evening. Happy Hawaiian Holiday Day. So I am here tonight to present students with that achieve both super masters and AP scholar status during the 2425 school year. A supermaster designation is given to students that scored 95 or better on one or more regent exams in June or January. An AP scholar designation is given to a student scoring three or higher on three or more AP exams. An AP scholar with honor is a student that 3.25 average on on four or more exams. And an AP scholar with distinction is a student that average of 3.5 on five or more exams. Last year we set a school record with 57 AP scholars, including 24 with the highest designation of
004AP scholar with distinction. It's a great accomplishment by our students, their teachers, and we thank their families for the support. Now, should be no surprise that we invited a lot more students who better were able to come tonight. Some students have other commitments. It's also very cold, close to the holidays, but we are going to call everyone's name. And if you are here tonight, any student that's here, please come take your certificate. We're going to assemble on stage and take a picture. And we're going to start with the super masters. Dr. Krauss is going to Our super masters on the regist exam. Megan Audi, [applause] Tiffany Anatalia, [laughter] Nicholas Bay, Jordan Buffman, Kira Bur, Andrew Chen, [laughter] Fiona Duffy, Aaron Gil, [laughter] Gavin Delaney, Harvey, Eileen Harvey, Robert J, Adam Bolicowski, Eva Lamb, Sierra Latchman,
005[laughter] Mary Eloa Landro, April Maser, Jelly Mango Peng Shannon Money, Julia Panino, Eva Mena, Hannah Muller, Madison, Ava Corano, Alexandria Scanley, Victoria Schaefer, Norah Smith, Daniel Steener, Mackenzie Sru, Davis Tobaya, Cameron Van Wickler, Elias Shen Basara, Kayla Veltter, Ehan Wang, and Charlotte Webster. Here we go. Good. Thank you. [applause] CONTINUING now with our AP scholars. I'm going to read the names of our AP scholar award winners. Sophia Ampora, [applause] Mary Alisa, Isabella Lo, Anna Muller, Janna Okmpo, Mary Rearden, Carlo Rivera, [laughter] Julia Zidleman, and Juliet Trabio. Our AP scholars with distinction, Megan Auti, Nicholas Bay, [applause] Andrew Chen, Caitlyn Good, Eva Lamb, Sierra Latchman, April Mas, Shannon Mahoney, Julia Manino, Eva Mina, Victoria Schaer, Daniel Steler, Harrison Tyrell, Eliia Basara, Ehan Wang, Charlotte Webster, and finally our AP scholars with honors, Ethan Alvarez, Jay Bastian,
006Jack Damash, and Neo Sal. You guys left the sides. We also have 24 members of the class of who will present their certificates at alumni day next week. So, congratulations to those members. [applause] Thank you, Mr. Shaker. Um, this time we have Mr. Big. >> Good evening everyone. It is my honor to recommend sorry Mr. Sh muted me. All right. Good evening everyone. It is my honor to recommend Miss Alexis Frutenberg for tenure. Something that is truly welldeserved and an incredible gain for the students, staff, and the entire William Avenue community. From the moment you meet Alexis, you immediately see her extraordinary ability to truly know her students. She understands their personalities, their strengths, their challenges, and what motivates them. She connects with students in a way that is genuine and meaningful, and she balances
007being firm, fair, and fun better than almost anyone I've ever seen. She has that rare ability to run a classroom where expectations are clear, routines are strong, and students actually enjoy being in her classroom. When you walk into a classroom, you don't just see students working. You see them engaged, laughing, problem solving, and actively participating in learning that clearly matters to them. Just as important, it is a classroom that is welcoming to all students where everyone feels safe, valued, and encouraged to take risks. One day, you might find your class designing and creating robots, the next day doing hands-on science, then creating entrepreneurial day projects, and [clears throat] then making comic books about school expectations. It is a classroom full of energy, curiosity, and opportunities for every child to succeed. And of course, her room
008includes a crash pad and calm down corner, which is an excellent support for student staff. And if I'm being honest, I've taken advantage of it myself. But Alexis's impact stretches far beyond the classroom walls. She is the teacher who will stay late if a family is running behind, volunteer to chaperon at an event, or show up as a special person for a student who needs one. She's also an outstanding coach, consistently praised by parents and students for her kindness, humor, and the way she makes every child feel supported. One quality that truly sets Alexis apart is her leadership. When I was home with a oneweek old, Alexis reached out to me with a creative and meaningful idea for the whole school to honor 911 through a schoolwide chain link activity. With permission, she not only
009organized it, she executed it perfectly, creating an experience that impressed our entire school community. It also taught me something important. Alexis is such a strong leader that when she sends an email to all staff, the whole staff will actually read it. [clears throat] That is a skill that I am still working on. And of course, Alexis is always the first to volunteer for anything that will bring joy to students. If you need someone for a dump tank, she is in. Pie in the face, no hesitation. Dress up as an I Ready monster. She did it. Lead a dance with the Harlem Wizards. Absolutely. If it helps build community or make school a happier place, Alexis steps up without being asked. Miss Frutenberg Miss Frutenberg embodies everything we hope for in a great educator. Creativity, dedication,
010compassion, leadership, and a genuine commitment to putting students first. Ram is better because of her presence, her passion, and the countless ways she makes a difference every day. It is my honor once again to recommend Miss Alexis Prime for tenure. She has earned it and Ram Avenue is incredibly lucky to have her. Thank you. [applause] [cheering] [applause] [laughter] >> [applause] [clears throat] >> Um, this time we're going to take a five minute break and 5 minute break we'll celebrate have some cookies out and celebrate with spring 10. So please take a moment. Uh we have the freshman right outside. Yes. Hello. Hello sister. I actually [laughter] Like the guy for vacation. station. [laughter] like that. There you go. [laughter] Look on me. [laughter] Yeah, that's why >> [laughter] [laughter] >> Let's go. That's it. [laughter]
011Right. One day [laughter] Hi everyone. Happy Christmas. [laughter] Little >> [laughter] >> Everybody's out on Friday. >> [laughter] >> What are you doing? [laughter] And I feel sleeping. [laughter] >> [laughter] [laughter] >> Oh my god. >> [laughter] [laughter] >> Get one more. [laughter] No more friends. Me too. >> Yep. Okay, everybody, welcome back. Um, next item is new business. Yes. So, before I turn it over to Mr. a work to talk a little bit about facilities and I want to congratulate the high school team on their super masters and AP scores. Um I don't know if you caught what Mr. Shaker had said they're setting records in terms of kids doing well on exams and the number of kids taking tests. So that's certainly an amazing accomplishment and of course you know congratulations to Miss
012Spoonberg who has been an amazing teacher and you know we look forward to many many years of her service. So I'd like to formally mention all so without further ado. >> Thank you Mr. So I just have two positive updates to share with the board community. Uh first the high school Kuba restoration project. Our architect have been working with general contractor to develop a plan to address some of the structural issues that were uncovered when the outside facility. Um we are anticipating at this point that they're going to resume work over the Christmas break starting to release some new work and then shortly thereafter in January we're anticipating the windows will be installed. So there's some progress we're expect to see over the next couple weeks. Um second update I had was at Center Avenue
013as we had mentioned in our last board meeting there was a underground oil tank that was removed excavated from below the field outside the back of the school. Um at this point that that project has been completed. We've back filled with our general contractor's assistance the the hole with very gravel and um over the top of it top soil. The department of health and the state have given us the thumbs up to resume activities on the field as usual. Unfortunately whether over the past two weeks we have been able to reopen the field but weather permitting moving forward those field um will be accessible by the students and staff. There will be a temporary fence placed around the area that was excedated and top soil was relayed just until grass grows in spring. >> Thank
014you for that update. >> Mother nature has kept us off that field. It was either rain, snow, or cold temperatures, but the field is uh kids are ready to go on it. Um as usual, I'd like to thank all our donations uh in our new business segment here. First, um I believe this is uh a plan from our very own Dr. Krauss. It's Cyber Monday day, a sum of $35 and that goes to senior scholarships. So, I appreciate Dr. Krauss piggybacking on that Cyber Monday and uh collecting some funds for the kids for their scholarships. Um the alumni uh football game collected $500 and will be placed in the uh Julio Memorial Scholarship. for those uh scholarships that go to our seniors. So, I appreciate all the donations going there. And last but not least,
015the parents of the class of 2029. [clears throat] We raised $1300 from home cover homecoming beverage sales. So, these are important monies that go to our students and uh directly impact them. And so, I appreciate all the donations and as I do each month, I will be recognizing. >> Okay. Thank you. Um next is old business. Old business. Okay. So, old business, just a quick update on the elementary restructuring committee. Um, I know we do have some uh parents here interested in making comments. That will be at the end of the meeting. But what I can say is that the elementary restructuring committee met uh after school on November 20th and December 4th. Very excited about the energy in the room. Um, we had strong participations from teachers and staff members and uh, thanks to
016Mrs. Monin and Mrs. Doyle for attending as well and we're putting the work together. At this point, we have created uh, goals for each subcommittee and we have created objectives and we're at the point now where we're going to be start developing a plan with the staff. So, we're building that from the ground up uh with the teachers and if we uh get through that gate with the teachers where we feel like we can present a formidable plan to the community, we we will be doing that. So, with that being said, um I'm very excited about where we are. Again, there's a lot of energy in the room and uh you know, shortly I will be presenting information as the committee progresses. So, I did uh talk to our super PTAs and give give them
017some information about where we are with the plan. Uh but at this point, um you know, because we're building it and it's in a draft format, I'm not going to be sharing too much, but as we start building it, I will share it and we will have plenty of time to discuss it. And as promised, I will attend PTA meetings, individual meetings. Uh, I'll be mentioning at board meetings if you want to have a town hall meeting to ask questions to poke holes in the plan to ask all the questions that you want. We will have plenty of time to discuss that. Um, full transparency. There's nothing being hid. There's nothing being done at this point. The only things that we are doing are discussing the plan and building the plan. And once we have
018a framework and a draft to share with the community, we will do that. and I will you know I will take requests to present in any format that you wish to hear. So that's the last [cough] update for the uh restructuring uh present and that's it. Okay. Thank you Mr. Damaso. At this time I'm going to uh give the meeting over to Sophia Burke from the student. >> All right. So for this month under connection, the returning school cabinet met where students in grades 7 through 12 participated in activity and shared their top go and grow takeaways from the high school. Students engaged in an open dialogue and collaboration. Next meeting is scheduled for Monday to begin narrowing down priority growth areas to address. Also in the connection, the Ray PTA hosted a winter skit
019at the East Rock lighting festival, which was a highly successful community event that strengthened school community connections. Under achievement, 43 students at the junior senior high school were selected as youth Brock Award recipients. Students were nominated by their teachers for consistently displaying the traits of wisdom, empathy, respect, optimism, compassion, and kindness and were presented with a certificate at a recent PCA meeting. Also in her achievement, elementary students engaged in hands-on science learning, including indoor snow experiments and grade one students strengthen math skills through a number. Students are using thinking maps to analyze character motivation and change in literature, deepening comprehension. Under innovation, on December 3rd, high school art hosted sixth annual virtual college portfolio night. Miss Alante and Mavaso coordinated virtual meetings with representatives from 14 colleges. The students discussed their artworks in one-on-one meetings
020with representatives and also learned about the programs offered at the institutions. >> Thank you, Sophia. >> Okay. Um, next is public comments on agenda items. Um there will be a public comment section at the end of the meeting but uh at this time are there any comments regarding the agenda items? Um approval of minutes. Are there any questions regarding the minutes from the special meeting on November 4th and the regular meeting on November 18th, 2021? No. >> Uh, can I have a motion to approve minutes of agenda item 1H? Motion by Mrs. Doyle. Second. >> Second by Mrs. Salupo. All in favor? >> Abstain. Motion. >> Right. Uh, acknowledgement of monthly reports and correspondence. Um, uh, has everyone received the financial reports? Uh, and this month we did receive six emails. Um, okay. Moving on.
021Uh, can I have a motion to create a consent agenda with the following items? Recommendation of superintendent personnel schedules items 4 through. Other items 5 through 5. Approval of CSD and CPSC recommendations. Six. >> Motion by Mrs. Saluto. Second. >> Second. Second by Mr. Lores. All in favor? >> Opposed. Motion approved. All right. Now, can I have a motion to accept the items on the consent agenda? >> Motion by Mr. Lawrence. Second. Second by Mrs. Lan. All in favor? >> Opposed? Abstain. Motion approved. Um, okay. Next is policy matters. The following policies are up for review pending adoption. Policy 1120-R, School District Records Regulation. Policy 5500, 5500R, Student Records. Policy 5550, student privacy under the protection of pupil rights amendment. Uh, and policy 8635 and 8635R, information and data privacy, security, breach, and notification. Uh,
022next is the superintendent report. Okay, for our superintendent report, my friend Sophia over here kind of stole some of my thunder, which is fantastic. I'm glad she was able to report out. I do have a full comprehensive report that is uh seven pages, but I'm going to spare everybody tonight uh since we're closer to the holidays, and I will share that report online. But what I would would like to say as I would like to wish as we approach the holiday season uh to extend with sincere wishes uh that health, happiness, peace for the entire school community and I want to thank you for your continued support for our students and for our kids. And on behalf of the district, we wish you a safe, restful, joyful holiday season and a wonderful new year. And
023that's it. >> Thank you, Mr. [laughter] Fantastic. Um Next is uh good and welfare. Um condolences to Deborah Zuckerman and family on the passing of her father-in-law Rusty Zuckerman. Congratulations to Annabelle and Andrew Kell on the birth of their daughter Isabella Veronica on November 14th. And congratulations to Mr. Muharov and family on the birth of his son uh Metahan Karacus. Okay. Uh now is public comment section. Um first one we have here Vincent family. Sorry Vincent. Go ahead. Hi, I'm a resident now for maybe six months. I've been live here since August. My son goes to the high school. My daughter goes to Sun Avenue. Prior to this, I was a resident of West Hamstead School District, which back in I believe I believe it was um eight years, nine years ago, they went to
024the Princeton. Now, we have a lot of problem. They had a lot of problems with school busing, which is going to be your main problem when you do switch over. You're going to have a lot of problems with timings of the schools. Meaning, you're going to have to I'm assuming you're going to have to stagger the times between. You're going to have families that have kids in second grade. You have kids in fifth grade, you have kids in in the high school all in the same household. And if you're in that zone where you don't get a school bus, you're in your car now for an hour going back and forth from school to school to school. I'm telling you, Princeton does not work. Princeton system, you're going to need more school buses. Right now,
025there's a shortage of school bus drivers. I believe I have spoken with members of board of ed in West Hamstead because I've been working with them trying to get them off of there because I was the first person there to tell them that they're going to have problems with school buses. They didn't listen. They ended up now having too many not sorry not enough drivers, not enough school buses going through everywhere. And not only that, but now that you got all the school buses that you do get, now you're cluttering Ocean Avenue. You're cluttering up Atlantic Avenue, right? Not only with the school bus, but also these cars going back and forth. You can't do this. You cannot do Princeton. Princeton will not work. Zoning does work. zone. The reason I was told by one
026of the members of the board was West Hamstead school started off kindergarten was in one school first through I believe it was fifth was in both they said Cornwell Avenue and George Washington. So based off where you lived, you went to that school, which is basically what we do here down. Ram Avenue, Central Avenue, you go come to the high school, everybody merges together. People say they lose contact from kindergarten when they leave the kindergarten back to the high school. You don't lose contact. You know, these kids, you live in a community this small, everybody knows each other. You need the be you need these kids to stay where they are close to home. You don't need them to be traveling from school school to school every three years switching out from one school to
027another to another. I don't know if they've done any type of psychological thing on these kids after that follow this, but I have a feeling that does irk them going jumping from school to school to school every three years. And like I said, I really feel the Princeton would not work here. >> Thank you for your comments. I know I know you you mentioned transportation as considering a plan and we do have we are developing a plan for that to avoid some of the situations that you spoke about. We are aware that that was a problem in 2012. So that was one of our top priorities in terms of traffic and shuttle busing and transportation. So that is on our plan. And you know, I can't speak for West Hemstead, but um educationally we feel
028um that the benefits of the plan in terms of academics for our students and professional development for our staff um I don't want to say outweigh but have a strong impact on how our kids are going to develop. So with that being said, I appreciate the comments that you said. we are addressing many of those concerns to make sure that the community feels comfortable with the decision. So, thank you. >> Um, I just have a question. Um, other than transportation, were there any other negatives that you found? >> Actually, the one I did find is that they did say because of moving the the um teachers over and stuff like that, they let three they allegedly let three go. It was actually more close to the six um faculty member that they left off >>
029and any positives. >> Personally, I didn't see any positive at all. >> How did your Thanks. How did your kids um these are all questions that we are definitely going to address. I really appreciate you coming here giving us that information. Um everybody's voice needs to be heard. Um and we take everything into consideration. Nothing is decided upon. Um this is something that is not only a board decision, a teacher and school decision, but it's also a parent decision. Um you know, I know you mentioned kids. Um I would be I would love to hear if your kids had any issues socially that >> no nothing like that. No. >> Okay. I really appreciate you coming. The one one question I do want to ask is are you going to leave it to a poor
030decision or you going to let the community vote on it? >> Well, the board is here for the community. So, if we don't listen to the community, then what are we actually doing? I mean, that is the way I feel. I'm not here just to fill a seat. I'm here to be the voice of the community. So, if I can't be the voice of the community, then I'm should I shouldn't be here. I don't know if that makes sense. [cough] [clears throat] Yes. Thank you, >> Mr. Thank you. Um, next is Tracy Weiss. >> Okay. I'm looking for clarification on how the potential implementation of the princely plan would impact the UPK program. For the year 2024 to 25, my daughter was placed on EP weight list. She was eventually able to attend due to
031additional funding and additional seats at the Limmer JCC Center. During the summer of 2024, the district advised that they were exploring more enrollment options and expanding partnerships so that all eligible children can have access to early childhood education. I have two young children who will be entering the school system over the next few years and I'm curious if there are any updates. [clears throat] >> Well, the Princeton plan wouldn't have the Princeton plan would not have an impact on a UPK program. The UPK program is funded by the state and we get a we're allotted a certain amount. So that gives us a number that we can facilitate and that's why we do have a lottery. So it really I think we're talking two separate things. The principal plan would not impact it and if
032the state we get more money we can have we can facilitate more kids in the program. But we're constantly looking for places to accommodate as many as we can. So that's kind of the short answer. If you'd like more detail, you feel free to give me a call or want to talk get Mr. Murray in the conversation. >> Okay. And as far as the restructuring there, there would be no option to bring it back in house because the space >> as far as prek, >> right? >> At this point, no, but we could explore. >> Thank you. >> You got it. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Okay. >> [clears throat] >> Um, okay. >> Um, first I'd like to say thank you um for uh the pledge. That was great. I love it when
033our students are here and they are the ones that are able to um say [clears throat] um it's always nice to meet new students. Congratulations to all the students on all their accomplishments um and their achievements. That's wonderful work. Congratulations to our new tenure teacher, Mrs. Futinberg. Um, what a wonderful addition to our East Rockway family. Um, thank you, Sophia, for your report. As always, very informative. In fact, I think you've taken most of the information that Mr. Damasu was going to say, so you just made this speech nice and short. [laughter] So, I really appreciate that. >> I'm so sorry. Um, I would like to say to everybody to have a happy, healthy um, holiday and to always remember those that may not be as fortunate [snorts] as some of us. Um, and most
034of the times I know um, it's very nice to receive, but it's a fantastic thing to give. And when you give somebody something that is not expecting it, it could be the smallest little thing. you could potentially change their outlook on how they're feeling. Just that small little thing just [cough] for those [clears throat] people that you think might need that little extra smile, hold the door open, buy somebody lunch. Um, I know it sounds silly, but it does change. Um, showing kindness, we bring kindness. That's just the way I believe. Everybody have a wonderful holiday and I'll see you next year. >> Yeah. just uh everyone have a happy holiday season and I'll uh hope to see you next year. >> Hope [laughter] um congratulations to our AP scholars super masters. Um great job.
035Congratulations to Miss Freudenberg. Um welcome aboard and we look forward to um working with you. I have um a comment about the Princeton plan because this is what I've been thinking about 247. Um I think our administration and the board, we are exploring every option possible. We want to give um East Rockway students the best educational and um social experience that they possibly can have. And but we also want the feedback from the community because that's the only way that we can do this. Hopefully with a new program, we might be able to explore other options that we wouldn't if things stayed this way. Um but again, we're only in the very beginning and um I'm looking forward to more questions. Thank you. Congratulations to everybody awarded people and happy holidays. >> Second, happy holidays
036everyone. Um, all right. This concludes tonight's board meeting. Can I have a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:57 p.m.? >> Motion. >> Uh, motion by Mrs. Monteran. Second. >> Second by Mrs. Doyle. All in favor. >> Abstain. Motion to approve. Good night everyone and happy holidays. >> [cough]