001What? >> Okay. Good evening. Welcome to the East Rockway uh board of education meeting. We're going to have a call to order >> at I'd like to call this meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. on Tuesday, September 16th, 2025. Can you please stand for the pledge of allegiance? out loud. >> 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 liberty and justice for all. So, I screwed that up [Music] at this time. Oh, I was supposed to say uh everybody, in case you're not aware, we have a new student board member of the board of education, Sophia Furl. [Applause] And to handle new business is Mr. Galsa. >> That's me. Okay. First, I'd like to thank our very
002own uh Oh, I don't see him here. Uh, Mr. Jimmy Lores uh for $73 donation. U I'd also like to thank the New York Elks Club and also for all those involved in a new scholarship which is uh the Danny's Memorial Scholarship where we recognize uh students in the music department. I'm going to do something a little different tonight. Um I'm going to introduce the new staff. So, I just want to make note that on Superintendent's Conference Day, uh, August 28th, I recognize the entire staff, not just the instructional staff that I'm recognizing tonight because I believe everybody from, uh, in every position in this building has an impact on our students and their student lives. But, uh, for tonight, for, uh, for to be expedient about it tonight, I'm just going to introduce our
003instructional staff. So, what I'd like them to do when I call your name, please stand. And then after I call your name, at the end, we'll take a quick picture of everybody. This is your moment of fame. As I said before, you get another moment of fame. And then after that, what we'd like to do is uh we'll have a quick 10-minute break. We have cookies and water out in the back so uh the board of education can get introduce themselves and to get to meet some of the new staff members and to uh mingle for a few minutes. then we'll come back in and we will have our uh regular board of education meeting uh starting with a presentation uh on the strategic plan. So, with that being said, um we have a a
004new position, a director of humanities K through 12, Kristen Anis. Please stand. At the high school, we have several new uh uh staff members joining the East Rockway family. We have Jennifer Belury, science chairperson. We have Phil Young, physics teacher. [Applause] Alexandra Patrika, chemistry teacher. And yes, we hired her sister, Darla Patrika, for a math leave replacement. Adriana Rodriguez, world uh Adrienne Rodriguez, world language teacher, Spanish. Owen Vale, special education teacher. [Applause] Brooke de Julio, special education teacher, and Patrick Hopkins, art teacher, short-term substitute. At Center Avenue, we have Kristen Padalano, psychologist. And in a new position, Casey Wise, elementary math specialist. At RM Avenue, we have one new teaching assistant joining us. That's Brooke Goldston. And at both elementary schools, we have a new guidance counselor, Lindseay Mlesca. And last but not least, the
005district-wide position in ENL. That's Amy Dino. [Applause] Okay. So, at this moment, we're going to celebrate and welcome them to the East Rockway family. So, we're going to take a quick, let's say, 10 minute break. There cookies and water out back. I want to have give the board of education a chance to meet the new staff. So, we'll take a break and be back. Okay. Thank you. Before all the new staff, before you indulge in the uh uh new cookies and and water, can you please uh come to the front so we can get a picture for you? Thank you. that you told me to watch out for. >> Okay. Yeah. One thing on that wire >> where this wire right here. >> Let them take their picture first. >> Yeah. >> Do you guys
006want to join them picture? >> Yeah. Let them take the picture. >> We're in this picture. Joe want you guys in this picture. Yeah, that's fine. >> Make two rows. A front row stack in front of the behind. >> Let's get the board in. Yeah. [Music] Wait, we have one more. We have one more. Thank you. >> Thank you. [Music] Was It's another social [Music] Yeah. [Music] Action. I said [Music] Thank you. [Applause] Can Can you do this? Can you do this? >> Yeah. >> Hundreds of What doesn't [Music] [Applause] All right. like, "Okay, >> all right. I'm done. >> I don't want to socialize anymore." >> How are we going to chew on [Laughter] [Music] Enough socializing for me. >> Yeah. Yeah. Everybody seems happy. I can't believe we're back to school. This is
007like >> I know. You and me both. >> Mhm. >> It went quick. I just I just said to um Frank Elto I said I feel like we would just have graduation. [Music] >> Oh wow. >> And it's over. How's she liking? >> Good for her. Where does your daughter college >> goes too fast? Too fast. >> Oh my gosh. >> They'll come back. You'll see. Some They all stop back somehow. How's your kids doing, Sean? >> They're doing It's a stressful Okay. Okay. >> Okay. Go anywhere. Do you think he'll go away? >> Okay. >> That's going to be a rough one. That's going to be a rough one. Okay. >> Okay. So, that's good. That's good. Think you'll go far? >> Okay. That's That's a little far. I see three is like a
008good because you could get there and back in one day. >> Yeah. Yep. You could go for a weekend. Hopefully he'll think. What does he want to do? Does he have any idea? Okay. Hey, listen. That's that's a major no. That's a major no. Okay. >> I'm going to do it on purpose. >> Yes. [Music] Well, yeah. I mean, >> a lot of kids don't know that it's the one until, you know, >> and you know what? If it's not the >> Okay, ladies and gentlemen, we're going to get started. >> Your son's future. >> What? Columbus. >> No, no, but they they do the meeting Wednesday, but they just have a meeting after a day off. purposely like >> it's rough getting rid of that stuff. >> No. >> Okay, before I get started,
009how about a nice warm welcome to our new staff members. [Applause] So this year we opened our superintendence conference day with a simple but powerful theme and tonight I will be sharing that with you. Now for some of the staff members uh some of the videos and things you'll see is a repeat but I feel it's incredibly important you know as an administrator. Yep. We analyze data. We look at statistics and we try to match it to the strategic plan and measure ourselves to see how we're doing, which is very important, no doubt. But tonight, what you're going to see is the informal data, our end product. You're going to see some of some of our alumni who are doing terrific, who got a great foundation at East Rockway. You're going to see a year
010in review and we're going to talk about how every one of our staff members and including the people here tonight have an opportunity to change the world. That's the beautiful thing about being an educator. Every day we get to change the world. So with that being said, the theme tonight is if I could change the world. It's actually a song by Eric Clapton. One one day over the summer I thought, wow, this is powerful. I think I want I want to bring this to the staff. So the lyrics set the tone because in education, as I said, every single one of us has to do exactly that. Not someday, but today, including all the people sitting here tonight. As I told our staff, you don't need a superhero cape. You don't need a magic wand.
011All you need is the belief that the time you spend with students, the words you choose, the patience you demonstrate, and the enthusiasm that you bring, that is the change. So, please enjoy the year- end review slideshow for the 2425 school year and see firsthand how our teachers, administrators, and staff poured their heart into this year to change a student world to change a student's world, which correlates to all aspects of our strategic plan. And if you're familiar with it, we have four pillars: achievement, opportunity, connection, and innovation. So, sit back and enjoy the show for a minute. [Music] If I can reach the stars, hold one down to you. Shining on my heart so you could see the truth. And this love I have inside is everything it seems. But for now I find
012it's only in my dreams that I can change the world. I would be in your universe. You think my life was really something? Maybe if I could change [Music] the world. [Music] If I could be king, even for the day, I'd take you as my queen. [Music] I'd have no other way. And all the world is kingom we have made. I'd be a fool, [Music] but I can't change. [Music] >> I would be the sunlight in your universe. You would think my love was really good. Baby, [Music] baby. [Music] I hope to change the world. >> I would be the sunlight in your universe. You would think my love [Music] change the world. Baby [Music] the world. [Music] I'm incredibly proud of uh our accomplishments last year and many of the staff members here. In
013fact, all of them had the opportunity to change the world last year. And that's that's the vision. That's what we saw. So, next part of the superintendent conference day, I I wanted to find a way to inspire the staff. So, I brought in some student and alumni testimonials that you're about to see, which um in my survey that I put out yesterday seemed to be the most impactful part of the superintendent conference day. Now, it was originally created for the teachers and the staff, but I felt it was really important that the board of education and our community see because they represent the end product of our work. These stories bring our strategic plan to life. They're showing how we have shaped lives, not only successful in the classroom, but also successful careers and meaningful
014contributions in the world beyond our schools. And you will see that our students are not only learning, they are being prepared for life. And these voices from the past and present affirm the East Rockway graduates leave us ready to make their mark on the world. I know you're going to recognize some familiar faces, enjoy their stories, and have a good laugh. So, at this point, we'll show you uh what I showed the staff on Superintendent Conference Day, our student and uh alumni testimonials. Hey everyone, how's it going? Cesar Munoz here, proud member of the class of 2007. Very fortunate to be speaking to you all today, just given how instrumental of a role East Rockway High School and some of you in the room played in my life and making me the person that I
015am today. Um, for those of you that don't know me or as a reminder for those of you that do, um, I showed up to East Rockway High School in 9th grade having just moved from Huelet. Um, as you could imagine, pretty tough year to have to transition to a new school and build new friendships. And in my head, I was like, you know what? I'll rely on something that was very important to me, and that was sports um to help that transition. And I I joined the football team. And um I think it was day two or day three of football practice, and I said something or did something that got me kicked off the football team. Um so, I was at a pretty low point. And uh fortunately some of you in the
016room sat me down, talked some sense into me and I got an opportunity to join the team again. Um and as they say the rest is history cuz over the next four years so many of you um including Damaso, Coach Pager, Coach Veto, uh Mr. Crowley, Miss Mella, uh Mr. Ren, and countless other teachers just taught me such valuable life lessons. um and taught me how to dream big and set goals and and most importantly how to work hard every day to achieve those goals. And in 2007 um I was fortunate to graduate um East Rockway with a with a lacrosse scholarship to go play division one lacrosse at Lafia College where where I also met my wife and then I went on to Brooklyn Law School and now I'm a corporate lawyer here in
017New York City. Um I stay in touch with so many of you in the room and um some of my best friends are from East Rockway High School. Um, and I really don't think that any of this could be possible if it wasn't for the foundation blocks that I, uh, picked up at East Rock High School from so many of you. So, um, just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. I'm so grateful for everything you do. I know this is just my story and you guys do this for hundreds of other students each year. Um, so so could not be more thankful. Um, want to wish you all the best of luck at this upcoming school year and I hope to see you around whether it's at alumni games or
018around town. Thanks again. Hello, my name is Charlotte Webster and I'm entering my senior year at East Rockway High School. During my time at East Rockway, I have faced many challenges, some socially, some academically, and some athletically. There have been many times where I needed guidance or encouragement from people other than my fellow students. There are many staff members within this school who I'm sincerely grateful for as they have shaped my high school experience in a very positive way. Not only have they inspired me to work hard and push myself to succeed, they've turned me into the person I am today. As some of you may know, I'm involved in the school's community in many ways. That being said, it has caused me to learn time management and self-discipline. When I graduate from East Rockway
019High School, not only will I have memories with friends and teammates, I will also have the skills needed to succeed, which were implemented by the incredible staff. The staff at East Strongway High School are much more than their title suggests. They are the people who give me a smile on a bad day, the people who give me advice when I'm not sure which way to turn. And most importantly, they are the role models that extend far beyond the classroom. I will graduate less than a year from now, and I will always remember the lasting impact that this community has had on me. >> Hello, I'm Deputy Chief Billy Glenn. I'm the commanding officer of the NYPD's newly formed quality of life division and I'm also a proud graduate of East Rockway High School, class of
0201999. As you all know, East Rockway is a special place and East Rockway High School is staffed by some very special faculty. I had the privilege of being taught by a core group of teachers during my time at the high school that were very influential in my development going forward. Mary Rosanos was my favorite math teacher and she's currently my favorite mother-in-law. She taught me the value of kindness and patience and really going the extra mile with an individual like myself who needed that extra tutoring, the extra help to get over that hump to pass the region. So, thank you for that. Coach Russ Pager. Coach Pager taught me the value of keeping my composure when things weren't going my way and our way out on that football field in the late 90s, which was
021often uh as Russ I'm sure you remember. Dan Veto, Coach Veto taught me uh the value of grit and toughness and sheer determination and that through willpower alone, if we set our mind to a goal, we can accomplish that despite the odds being against us. Joe Lawrence, Joe Lores taught me that bottom line, I'm not very special. And I'm going to have to work hard for everything that comes my way. I'm going to have to earn it. And if it came without any hard work, and if it came too easily, it probably wasn't worth anything at all. Chuck Minnella and Maline Praente, they taught me the value uh of stepping out of my comfort zone, of getting up there on the stage in front of 200 of my peers and faculty and singing on on
022that rock rivalry stage even though I had absolutely no business doing so. James D. Tomaso, James taught me the value of higher education, pursuing higher education to open up doors and set the stage for success down the road. I want to thank each and every one of those teachers. I want to thank each and every one of you for doing what you do every day. Never lose sight of the influence that you have on the students in your classroom and the impact you have in our lives down the road. Thank you very much for all that you do. Good morning, East Rockaway teachers and staff. I'm Richie Hess, a proud graduate of Center Avenue in 1976 and at East Rockway High School 1982. I'm here this morning to share with you about the positive impact
023my fifth grade teacher, Mr. Harry Ree, had on me. I connected with Mr. Ree immediately as a student in his class because we shared the same passion for sports. At our parent teacher conference, my parents had a concern that I wasn't reading enough on my own free time. Mr. Ree said, "I'll guarantee Richard will read more and suggested to my parents that they purchased me subscriptions through the Sporting News and Baseball Digest." Well, he was right. My parents purchased the subscriptions. I read the articles and had meaningful discussions with Mr. Reese. We even did the crossword puzzle together in Baseball Digest. Mr. Mr. Ree was a wonderful man and I have vivid memories of him 51 years later and he will never be forgotten. Mr. Reese retired after the 1979 school year and had a
024fruitful retirement in Maine until his passing in his 93rd year in 2016. Here's how times have changed. Beginning in fourth grade, we were permitted to go out for lunch at the Center Avenue School. Mr. Reese would give me a $1 bill and I would go to the corner stationary store across from St. Raymonds and get him Bond Street Pipe Tobacco, a Hershey bar, and a candy bar for me, all for $1 back in 1975. Here's a snapple fun fact for you about Mr. Ree. He was a multisport athlete at Yale University playing football and baseball and was baseball teammates with President George Bush in 1946 when President Bush was the starting first baseman and Mr. Reese was the starting left fielder. I'll be 61 in October and I think of Mr. priest often because he
025was such a genuine and caring man. As the new year begins for you, I hope you all have a healthy and productive school year and that you'll be the next Mr. Reese making positive impacts on your students. Go Rocks. >> Hi, my name is Brooke to Julio and I graduated from East Rockway High School in 2019. East Rockway has shaped me into the person that I am today. As a student at both the elementary and the high school level, I had many teachers who not only supported me academically, but also inspired me to become an educator. Many of them became role models who showed me what it means to care for a child and how to make a difference in their everyday life. I am so fortunate enough to be able to call these people
026not only my co-workers, but also my friends. As I start my career here as a special education teacher, my goal is to be able to give back to be the same kind of teacher who makes a lasting impact just as so many did for me. >> My name is Rebecca Larson. I'm an East Rockway class of 2024 graduate and I'm also a student at St. Thomas Aquinus College for early childhood childhood education with a masters in special ed. East Rockway had inspired me to become a teacher through all the interactions I had had at my time in East Rockway with su with teachers like Miss Horvath, Miss Peron, Mr. Gomez, and Miss Matthews who at the end of the day ensured I understood their lesson as a student that made me feel seen and heard.
027And with Miss Crowley's life skills class, that's what inspired me to pursue my masters in special education. And now be in being faculty at Ray Avenue, I get to learn constantly from all the faculty members at Ray Avenue about my early childhood and childhood education. And I hope that one day I can foster the same environment that East Rockway has of wisdom, empathy, respect, optimism, compassion, and kindness that each faculty member has represented throughout my time in East Rockway. And East Rockway has really taken once a rock, always a rock to heart. And I hope one day I can ensure that environment in my classroom. [Applause] So as you can see and imagine these testimonials left an impression on our staff, on me, on everybody who was in the auditorium that day because that is
028our end product. Those are those are people who are educated by the people sitting right here in this auditorium and they did a fantastic job helping set the course for their lives. You know, you sees Munoz, I don't know if you picked it up, but he met his wife at Lafayette College where he went. You know, M uh Richie Hess, you know, had a very funny story about uh his fourth grade teacher. You know, we have uh people in positions of uh Cesar's an attorney, a real um a corporate attorney in New York City. You saw his office out there. Uh Billy Glenn is, you know, like second in command in the New York City Police Department. Those are all things the teachers here did, you know, and that's very that data doesn't often get
029measured and looked at, but that is incredibly important because that's the goal. The goal is that. So the last thing I want to talk about quickly is um the last activity I did on that day was a star activity. Um and what I had is you can see the star board up here. Uh I had every staff member, they wrote down one way that they will change a student's world at East Rockaway. And we gave them a little break and they pinned them up on the board. Uh this is just a high school board, but we had one for Raymond Center. And as you could see on this board, uh there's a number of different uh things that they wrote about. So what I did is I meshed them all together and I came up
030with a summary for each school and then I meshed them together even further to come up with six things that really represent East Rockway District. So uh at first at Center Avenue uh some of their indicators I have six of them were kindness and compassion right uh kindness and compassion uh smiles and positivity building connections instilling confidence ensuring safety and fostering academic growth. So that's that's that's that's what the flavor was at uh Center Avenue. At Ray Avenue, the staff committed to welcoming every child, listening and understanding, spreading kindness, building perseverance, celebrating growth, and strengthening academic skills. And at the junior senior high school, the themes included positivity, trust and safety, listening and advocating, building confidence, mentoring, preparing students with academic and life skills, and promoting equity and diversity. So, I took the three buildings,
031meshed them together, and we came up with six uh district-wide themes. They are kindness and compassion, smiles and positivity, listening and connections, confidence and belief, safety and support and inspiration and growth. I'm I was proud of that activity. I was incredibly proud. The staff took it seriously and the staff really really gave me some good feedback on what the flavor of the schools are. So, how about a nice round of applause for all the staff members who participated in that time. So, what I'll say is that this activity proved something important. Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. That's Margaret me's words which came alive in our staffs for our staff. Those commitments now hang on the boards in each
032school. So as the kids entered school each day on the first day and I believe they're still there. This board was right in the main hallway and the same for center and rain avenue. As we remind every everybody, education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. That was said by Nelson Mandela. And here in East Rockway, we see that power every day in small acts that add up to a lifetime of impact. So as we begin this new year, we carry carry forward one unifiing message. One, whether you are teaching, mentoring, comforting, maintaining our schools, or simply showing up with kindness, instilling uh showing up with kindness. Uh, sorry I lost my spot. My apology. I'm going to go back. So, showing up with kindness. Our staff is changing
033the world. One child, one moment, one relationship at a time. That is the spirit of East Rockaway. That is the spirit I am hoping to build here. And this is our strategic plan in full action. So, and that is how we will continue to make a difference for every student every day. So, I want you to see the staff and the teachers in this photo who will change the world for the kids in the East Rockway School District. And get ready. And there they are. Thank you very much. At this time, does the board have any questions? >> Thank you very much. Thank you. Okay, ready for the meeting? Here we go. I'm sorry. Okay. So, this is a historical moment. This is the first student board of education uh report. So, how about a
034nice hand for Sophia Fur? [Applause] >> You ready? >> Yeah. >> All right. Pull that microphone a little closer and you're all set. >> All right. For my first student report, I'll be introducing recent achievements under the four pillars: opportunity, innovation, connection, and achievement. Over at the elementary school, back to school night was held, giving parents a chance to meet teachers, build early relationships, and share messages of encouragement. Beginning of the year testing, including through I Ready and MClass Assessments, are helping to identify student needs in the elementary schools. They also had Patriot Day activities, remembrance for 911 that helped younger students connect through kindness, empathy, and building stronger student connection. Over in the high school, the RockBlick PBIS reward system, which recognizes students for good behavior and academic success, has been moved online. Students
035can now redeem rewards digitally, making processes process more efficient and motivating. High school's no phone policy has reduced distractions, leading to better focus and increased student collaboration in high school classrooms. Overall, the school year is off to a great start with strong family engagement, early assessments, guiding instruction, and a focus on positive behavior and respect. Students are adjusting well, setting the stage for a successful school year ahead. Thank you. Good job. >> Okay, Sophia, here's the hard part. Board, do you have any questions for Sophia? >> I do not either. I think you did a great job. Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you. >> So, now we're going to move on to the public comments on agenda items. If you are viewing the live stream of tonight's meeting and you have questions regarding items on
036the agenda or other school related items, you can email them to our email at board of education eastrochools.org. I also want to remind you that most concerns are appropriately addressed with your child's teacher and/or building principal. Other general district questions should be directed to Mr. D. Tamosa, our superintendent. Matters involving curriculum and instruction should be addressed to Mr. Murray and matters involving budget and facilities should be directed to Mr. Van Wart. If you need technological assistance or have issues with the device, please reach out to Mrs. Mleland. Anyone who is attending in person, if you would like to make any comments, please complete a comment card. >> Were there any filled up? >> No comments. Okay. >> Okay. >> So, at this time, are there any comments regarding tonight's agenda items? Anyone? Okay. So, we're
037going to go on to the approval of the minutes. Are there any questions regarding the minutes from the regular meeting on August 19th and the special meeting on August 26, 2025? >> No. >> Can I have a motion to approve the minutes of the agenda items 1 G? >> Motion. >> Second. >> MFO motions and Mr. Laura's second. All in favor? I >> So moved. Acknowledgement of monthly reports and correspondence. Receipt of monthly financial reports of June 2025. Correspondences. We've received one email and uh consent agenda. Moving on to make a motion to create and accept consent agenda. Can I have a motion to create a consent agenda with the following items? Recommendation of superintendent personnel schedule items 4 A through H. Other items 5 A through E. Approval of CSE and CPSSE recommendation 6A.
038Budget transfers 7A. And I have a motion. >> Motion. >> A motion by Mr. Lores. >> Second by Mrs. Lonigan. All in favor? >> I. >> So move. Motion approved. >> Accept the consent agenda. Can I have a motion to accept the items on the consent agenda? >> Can I have a motion? Motion >> motion by Mrs. Miss Lanigan. >> Second by Mr. Lores. All in favor? >> So move. Motion approved. Number eight. >> Policy matters. Policy subcommittee report. Policies for review. We have seven policies for review listed on tonight's agenda. Reports. Superintendence meeting. You already did your report, right? Superintendent report. You already That was what you did. We went out of order. Correct. >> We did, but I do have other >> Go ahead. >> Thank you. Um, we do have two uh
039staff members here from Center Avenue that I failed to or recognize who were working in the district uh but in different positions and were not here for superintendent conference uh uh the first board meeting last year. So, I'd like to represent and please stand up uh Marina Drevniaak TA over at Center Avenue and and Lauren Bowl who's here as a permanent sub. Two fantastic alumni. So, welcome back and thank you. Okay, I'll be quick. uh remembering September 11th, uh I had the opportunity uh to be a part of all three ceremonies um at the high school. Uh the morning announcements and an announcement by Mr. Schaefer uh was shared with the staff uh reminding reminding us that we should never forget. And also in the social studies classes, there were lessons uh that were done
040individually uh by the classroom teachers. Um at Center Avenue, Mrs. Kelly had a patriot day when uh we assembled outside in front of the school. Uh Mrs. Kelly shared some very touching words. The students also created a chain and made connections as we said the pledge of allegiance. Uh that was very touching. And then later in the day I had a chance to uh visit R Avenue uh where they held a a ceremony of remembrance. Alexis Fudenberg uh organized that out outside assembly where every single student uh wrote a link in the chain and it symbolized how people across the country came together in solidarity on September 11th. I'm incredibly proud of the school community for uh their activities and recognition of this uh these meaningful activities were thoughtful and uh we'll continue the tradition
041and honor of remembering uh those who we lost on on that tragedy in September 11th. Uh in the area of achievement, uh Center Avenue schools had an incredible first and uh second week. Teachers engaged with students on building routines and sharing expectations for the school as they do most years. Teachers and students engaged in the beginning of the year assessments as well. I think uh Sophia mentioned that in our I Ready assessments and others. Um Junior Mary uh Landre was named the College Board Big Future Ambassador. This honor recognized Mary as a peer leader who goes out of her way to share college and career resources with her classmates. Um, East Rockway High School uh is breaking records. Uh, they're pleased to share that 57 students were named AP Scholars during the 2425 school year.
042This is a new record. Of the 57 AP scholars, 24 were with distinction and six with honors. In addition, 12 students from the class of 2026 have already earned their AP Capstone diploma with another five eligible. So that's potentially 17 students who are receiving an AP capstone diploma, meaning they scored three or three or higher on five AP courses, including passing uh including a three or higher in the seminar course and the research course. Um, I brought this program in several years ago and I I couldn't be prouder of uh how the high school is championing it. They're doing a great job. Uh, in grade seven, uh, algebra enrichment students will continue participating in the first math activities this year. We are currently preparing for preliminary math round which could qualify us uh, to attend
043the FIM competition in Albany next May. In the area of opportunity, Center and Ray Avenue schools had their back- to-school nights. I was able to attend both. I was so happy to see uh so many parents and families engaged and uh the teachers did a wonderful job there. Uh same for the high school. Uh it was a packed auditorium and in all my years here, I think 36 years, uh and being at back to school nights, I I'm going to venture to guess just my observation that this was the uh we the attendance was the best this past year. Uh, mathletes will continue this September at East Rockway High School and will join Nassau County Interscolastic Math League. Uh, Mrs. Bo has, uh, recruited eight potential students for the middle school and high school. Um,
044at Rim Avenue, the goal is to install a help me out with this one. Uh, a gaga, did I say that right? A gaga pit. And, uh, this came out of our, uh, superintendent student advisory council. those uh that was one of the games the kids wanted. Uh so it's great to see that they're um that they were uh promoted that and then that they see the action uh for them. So we're very excited that uh student advisory council is leading the way there. Uh the school counseling and English departments have launched future Fridays giving seniors time during the school day to focus on postsecary plans with students balancing sports, clubs, jobs, and more. This inschool support helps ease the stress and support their mental health during the college and career planning. So thanks to
045uh Mr. Madden and our guidance counselors for that. Uh the social studies department is celebrating constitution day with a fun building uh wide trivia activity for the students spanning the entire week. Students will have the opportunity to show their knowledge of the nation's history and our founding fathers. In the area of innovation, Center Avenue is exploring using one-to-one devices as well as uh classroom devices to see how they can be used to support learning. In Mr. Howard's introduction to engineering class, students quickly began with their hands-on work as expected, and they have a challenge to construct a tower that can support a softball under various simulated wind speeds. In Miss Mia's eighth grade technology class, students have begun to familiarize themselves with Adobe Photoshop. Uh, I happened to pop into that class. The students were
046incredibly engaged. Uh, the Photoshop builds creativity, dig digital literacy, and critical thinking while preparing students with practical skills for school, personal projects, and future careers. Uh last in this area, Miss Mantle and the school counseling department is in collaboration with the art department having launched a student art competition. One winning piece will be featured on the cover of course of the course selection guide and the other on the college and career guide. Oh, sorry. I have one more in this area. In the skills and achievement classroom, cafe 217 provides the opportunity for students to interact with the entire school community. It also provides the students with opportunities to connect the skills they are practicing in their prevocational classes for real life situations. This year we have implemented a new QR code system which allows students
047to quickly take and record orders. So kudos to uh Miss Crowley and all the uh staff members uh involved in Cafe 217. In the area of connection, students in Mr. Crowley's AP environmental science class have officially planted the planted seeds emphasizing the importance of establishing independence and dependent variables. Students chose between uh being uh beans of snow peeds snow peas and are determined to assess their growth rates and function of fertilizer, sunlight and or water. Students in Miss Matthew Miss Matthews seventh grade science class strategize how to make uh static plastic cups move further across the table emphasizing the importance of establishing independent and dependent variables. English classes are jumping right into right wit into the school year as teachers plan student centered activities that focus on writing for personal expression and ex exploration of
048identity. And last but not least, uh the World Language Department is excited to announce a celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month beginning on September 15th. Uh throughout the month, this morning the morning announcements will highlight these topics and expression of week in Spanish, a variety of music from across Spanish speaking world and spotlight on important Hispanic figures and their contributions. That's it for the superintendent's report. Thank you. Now let's go to Mr. Vincent. >> Yeah. >> Um, >> hi. Uh, I'm Vincent Haley, the assistant superintendent of special education personnel. Uh so what we wanted to share with you tonight is something that will be uh an annual report that's uh shared at the September meeting at the start of each school year and it's uh a list of all of the staff members who are eligible
049for tenure. We just want to be fully transparent with the school community. Um so I'm not going to read the full table but I will share the names of the staff members who are eligible for tenure. We have two staff members uh who are eligible midyear and that is uh Alexis Futenberg at Ram Avenue Elementary School and Kirstston uh Scholarsio at Center Avenue Elementary School. And then following a more traditional tenure schedule, we have uh principal of Grand Avenue Elementary School, Jack Bixhorn, our mathematics chairperson, Christine Redden, our literacy coach, Danielle Schneider, and the following teachers at the junior senior high school, Michael Bino, Shannon Connley, Noah Luck Weissberg, Rebecca Mantel, school counselor, and Sunzena Mia. >> Thank you, Mr. Haley. Good. So now good and welfare. Congratulations to Renee Mchio and family on the
050birth of her grandchild Connor William Kelly. Congratulations to Denise Cypriano on her daughter Alexandria's engagement to Matthew Lebar, both er alumni. Condolences to Tina Leewald and family on the passing of her father-in-law, William Leewald. Condolences to Lanne Sheridan and family on the passing of her mother-in-law, Rosemary Rapa Kio. Sorry. Uh, congratulations to Ashley Rosen and family on the birth of her son, Dylan John. Do we have any public comments? >> Not tonight. >> Any board member comments? >> Yeah. Uh, I'll just start and say welcome all who's new to the district and the new positions. looking forward to seeing everything you do. >> I'll go. I just want to say thank you for all the donations from everyone that donated. Um I'd like to welcome the new staff. We are family, so welcome to the
051family. Um Sophia, thank you for joining our team. You're a great addition. Um and I look forward to working with you in the future. Um Mr. Damaso, love the presentation. love to see all the old students and um all the visuals and you know that's something that is is very nice to see and to hear uh because I also feel the same way. Um I would like to take a moment and um say thank you to everyone for uh remembering 911 and not forgetting. um feel that it's something that's extremely important um for for the students now to learn about it and not to forget um so a difficult day um and thank you for teaching our children what it's all about um and to the teachers um and to the staff I want to
052say thank you um because without you we are just a building so it's the people inside the building that make it important So I I know that your jobs can be difficult. I know that they not it's not the same every day. Um and I just want to say that it is very much appreciated and to the presentations and from being a former East Shockway student and just listening to my own family um it's a special place. So it takes a village to do what we do and just want to say thank you. And on those days that you have those really bad days, this is what I do. I get in the car and I just turn the radio up and I sing like a lunatic. So when you have those really bad days
053and you have that tough day, because we all have them, it's ups and downs. Um, start jamming out. Um, but thank you for always coming back and for keeping our students first and foremost at the top of your list. Thank you. goodness. >> I wanted to say thank you all for being so welcoming. Welcome to the new staff. And I know there's a few faces in this room that have definitely helped shape my experience. And I thank you all. I know you all do your part for the students. And you know, that's what I'm here for. So, thank you. >> Um I want to say welcome to all of you as well. And yes, you do make a big impact on all the children in East Rockway. Thank you for that. Uh, superintendent conference day
054seemed to be a success. The presentation was wonderful. Sophia, you rocked it. Um, I'm looking forward to a very productive school year. And as always, please feel free to reach out to the board with any questions or concerns. We are here for you. Have a great night. I agree with everything that you guys said. Welcome to all the new teachers and I'm looking forward to a successful new year. So, all right. So, that we're going to have adjourn. We're going to conclude tonight's board meeting. Can I have a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:03 p.m. >> Motion? >> Mr. Lupo. A motion. Mr. Laura's second. All in favor? >> So, moved. Motion approved. >> Good night, everybody. >> Second. Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. We're going to go into executive session following this meeting.
055>> A motion. >> Motion. >> Uh, Mr. Lor's motion. >> Motion. >> Miss Lonigan. Motion. Motion approved. Hi. >> Hi. >> Good night, >> guys.