Click Here for More Information
↧
Summer Music Program Brochure 2012 - Deadline Extended
↧
The Olympics of the Visual Arts
Students from East Meadow High School and W.T. Clarke High School traveled to Saratoga Springs, N.Y. for the Olympics of the Visual Arts, an exciting and challenging statewide competition. Chaperoned by their advisors, Joanna Greenberg and Shari Zimmerman and art teachers Danielle Sessa and James Parisi, the group found the experience to be an extremely valuable and inspiring one.
Olympics of the Visual Arts was founded by the New York State Art Teachers Association, which views the visual arts as a discipline equal to other disciplines that challenge and stimulate our youth. The organization believes that creativity and creative problem solving in the visual arts is vital to a full and enriched life in our technological and scientific society.
All entrants were required to exhibit a portfolio with their long-term solutions, providing evidence on how they used historical references, examples of problem-solving, working sketches, and reflections. Students were also asked to complete a spontaneous problem, which they created while at the competition. Over 30 school districts from across New York State participated in the event.
East Meadow School District had seven teams participating. These students worked hard on their projects since October and made East Meadow proud by responsibly and creatively representing their school. This year they participated in the Illustration, Painting, Drawing, Fashion, Architecture, Sculpture and Industrial Design groups.
↧
↧
East Meadow BOE Reorganizes for 2012-2013 School Year
During the July 5 Board of Education meeting, East Meadow School District trustees and administrators reorganized for the start of the 2012-2013 school year.
Trustee Joseph Parisi was re-elected to the seat of Board President and Walter Skinner was re-elected as Vice President. Both Mr. Parisi and Mr. Skinner were sworn into office by District Clerk Joan Franciotti, who was also reappointed for the 2012-2013 school year. In addition, trustees Brian O’Flaherty and Walter Skinner were sworn into office for additional three-year terms by Ms. Franciotti.
↧
Summer Learning Program Keeps Students on Track
In addition to traditional summer activities, many East Meadow School District students are honing their literacy skills during the district’s annual Summer Learning Program. Approximately 300 students, recommended by their classroom teachers, attend the morning program at Bowling Green Elementary School each weekday to reinforce their reading and writing skills. There are also pull-out lessons for those students who need additional help with mathematics. “This program has been a staple in the East Meadow community for many years,” Bowling Green Elementary School Assistant Principal Frank Lukasik stated. “The program helps students stay on track and prevents any summer regression of skills. It’s designed to help bridge the learning gap between July and September.”
An integral part of the Summer Learning Program is the pre-kindergarten program. Students entering kindergarten in the fall attend classes that prepare them for the school year by teaching literacy and readiness skills. An added bonus to the pre-kindergarten program, Mr. Lukasik noted, is that it develops familiarity with the school setting and provides the opportunity to make new friends prior to the school year.
↧
Students Complete Summer Music Program
The halls of East Meadow High School resonated with the sound of music this summer as hundreds of students from 20 Nassau County school districts participated in the district’s annual Summer Music Program. During the five-week program, beginner, intermediate and advanced-level student-musicians headed to school in the mornings to hone their music skills and techniques in preparation for the fall.
Summer Music Program Director Joel Levy explained that the program, which has been hosted for the past 50 years, provides East Meadow School District students and students from surrounding districts in grades 4-12 with the opportunity to keep up their skills. “This program helps the students to remain motivated for the upcoming school year, and it fosters an appreciation and love for music,” Mr. Levy stated.
The beginner instrumental program is designed for students who have never played an instrument and focuses on the fundamentals of music. Mr. Levy explained that these beginners receive a strong foundation, which will take them into the fall and beyond as they continue in their respective music programs. At the end of each session, participants have the opportunity to sing in the chorus, as well.
During the intermediate and advanced band/orchestra programs, the students rehearse for most of the morning and then have the opportunity to participate in the jazz ensemble, show chorus or chamber orchestra. This is also the first year that the program has offered a percussion ensemble.
The session ends with each student participating in one of the program’s many concerts for parents and friends, which showcase the new skills that have been acquired over the summer.
↧
↧
Warm Welcome for New East Meadow Teachers
Prior to the first week of the 2012-2013 school year, East Meadow School District administrators gave a warm welcome to more than 20 new teachers who gathered at the Leon J. Campo Salisbury Center for the annual New Teacher Orientation. The forum was not only an excellent way for new staff to become acquainted with one another, but also an opportunity for them to meet administrators and become familiar with district policies and procedures. During the orientation, the teachers also boarded a school bus to take an official tour of the school district.
During his introductory remarks, Assistant Superintendent for Personnel and Administration Anthony Russo stated that he is confident that each new teacher will be a valuable asset to the fine academic tradition of the East Meadow School District. Superintendent Louis R. DeAngelo also encouraged the teachers to ask questions and reach out for help when needed. “I am glad you have chosen East Meadow to do your life’s work,” Mr. DeAngelo stated. “We are here to help you grow and move forward as we all work together to provide the best for our East Meadow students.”
↧
East Meadow Students Are Welcomed to the 2012-2013 School Year
The relaxing days of summer quickly became faded memories as students throughout the East Meadow School District boarded bright yellow school buses on their way to school on September 5 for the start of the 2012-2013 academic year. Greeted by administrators and teachers, the students safely arrived at their respective buildings, eager to begin learning.
It was a smooth and productive opening at each of the district’s nine schools. It was also a day for students to become reacquainted with friends and to start a routine that accompanies each school year. A warm welcome is extended to the school community as the students begin another year of academic success and growth.
↧
Reflections for a Better World
East Meadow students at W.T. Clarke Middle School commemorated September 11, also referred to as Patriot Day, with reflections on hopes and dreams for the future.
The morning commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of “God Bless America.” During social studies classes, each student wrote a reflection and wishes for a better world on an index card. The index cards were then taken to the school’s Reflection Garden and placed in a box decorated with patriotic colors. After the reflections were deposited, the students received a pin to commemorate this historical day.
Principal Stacy Breslin explained that the Reflection Garden, which was originally created as a memorial for two former colleagues who passed away, has also become an alcove where students and teachers can come to reflect or spend quiet time. Teacher Debra Marks worked diligently over the summer to prepare the Reflection Garden for the fall. She also secured donations of plantings and mulch from Zainos Nursery and benches from Lowe’s of Westbury. “This is a wonderful place for teachers to bring their class for a period of quiet reading, or for staff and students to take a moment to reflect during their day,” Ms. Breslin stated.
The students’ reflections were heartwarming and included the following hopes for the future:“I hope that the world learns to accept other cultures and religions.”“I hope that we can have peace and stop fighting and that soldiers can stop fighting in wars.”“I hope that we don’t get attacked again, and that police and firefighters don’t have to continue to risk their lives.”“I wish for no more wars, an end to poverty and world peace.” “I hope we can all move on.”
↧
Welcoming the District’s Youngest Students
As East Meadow elementary students filed into their respective schools during the opening of the 2012-2013 school year, kindergartners entered their classrooms with parents on hand for their school’s annual kindergarten orientation.
At Meadowbrook Elementary School, teachers personally welcomed the students at the door and directed them to their assigned seats. After the students settled in and met their classmates, Principal Susan Hyde and kindergarten teacher Maria Balsamo met with parents and discussed policies and procedures.
Ms. Hyde also assured the parents that their students would be provided with a well-rounded program that will prepare them for first grade. “We have a rigorous academic program that addresses the whole child,” Ms. Hyde stated.
↧
↧
Beauty and the Beast Jr
↧
Band Clinic Prepares Musicians for Performances
Members of the W.T. Clarke High School Marching Band attended a clinic during the first week of the 2012-2013 school year to prepare for performances at school games and parades. Band director Kevin Scully explained that the returning band members refreshed their skills, while freshmen and other new members in attendance learned spacing and how to march in formation. The clinic was also an opportunity for the students to practice music to be performed in upcoming Columbus Day parades on Long Island and New York City.
↧
East Meadow Middle School Students Attend Recreation Night
It was an evening of supervised fun as students from both W.T. Clarke and Woodland middle schools joined their friends for the schools’ first Rec Nights of the year. Offered through the Creative Arts Program of East Meadow, students in grades 6-8 spent two hours of fun-filled activity in their respective schools. Some of the stations included basketball and soccer, music and dancing with a DJ, assorted games, arts and crafts, video games and weight room exercises. It was the perfect way for students to become reacquainted with old friends and to make new friends in a safe environment.
↧
Parkway Students Learn Not to Burn
Third- and fourth-grade students at East Meadow’s Parkway Elementary School learned important lessons about fire safety and how to safely escape a house or building fire during a visit from the Wantagh Fire Department. During an assembly, firefighters briefed the students on how to “stop, drop and roll.” They also discussed home escape plans, fire detectors and school fire drills.“It is important for all of you to go home and discuss an escape plan with your families,” urged firefighter David Goetz.
The most exciting part of the event was a visit to the fire department’s smoke house, which is a trailer designed to resemble a bedroom. Artificial dense smoke permeated the air as an alarm buzzed loudly to indicate a house fire. A firefighter then directed each student to roll out of bed, scoot towards the door and feel for heat, push the window open, scream three times for help, and wait for assistance through the window. A firefighter was stationed on the outside to help each student with his or her escape.
The East Meadow School District would like to thank the Wantagh Fire Department for their time in teaching students valuable safety skills.
↧
↧
A Celebration of the Constitution
On September 17, fifth-grade students throughout McVey Elementary School celebrated one of the most important events in our nation’s history, the drafting of the Constitution. On this day, teachers prepared an array of activities to study this historic event, including each classroom’s drafting of a constitution.
Constitution Day commemorates the signing of the Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787, and recognizes all who have become citizens, whether by birth or by naturalization. Fifth-grade students are currently studying the end of the Revolutionary War, the Articles of the Confederacy, and the formation of government, as well as the Constitution and its Preamble and Bill of Rights.
“The students have also been involved in their class elections, so they are really living this lesson,” teacher Joe Targove stated.
In Mr. Targove’s class, the students created a preamble and bill of rights for Room 109 that symbolizes respect and dignity for their classroom peers. The students agreed to not only try their best and pay attention, but to not judge their classmates by the color of their skin or country of origin and to utilize positive words in the classroom. In their preamble, the students also included language about establishing a “bully-free environment,” providing a helping hand and being helpful to one another. After the classroom constitution was edited, each student in the class signed their name to symbolize the 39 men who signed the U.S. Constitution.
↧
College Planning Night Offers Strategies to Students and Parents
Senior College Planning Night was held at W. T. Clarke High School in early October with the goal of informing students and parents of the best college application strategies. This highly informative presentation featured welcoming remarks by Principal Timothy Voels, followed by a discussion led by the school’s guidance counselors.
Guidance counselor Susan O’Connor identified shortcuts to navigating the high school guidance website, while fellow counselor Joan DeNigris urged students and parents to be organized throughout the process. In addition, guidance counselor Kara McMahon discussed the value of information requested or required by colleges and universities, including the importance of grade-point average, rigor of courses, transcripts, SAT scores, and strength of essays. Finally, guidance counselor William Palmer addressed the risks of social media with those in attendance, as well techniques for building a strong resume.
Principal Voels and the guidance staff then answered questions from parents and students, which touched upon a wide array of subjects concerning college planning.
It was noted that local and regional colleges, including LIU Post, Molloy, NYIT, Hofstra, St. Johns, and Adelphi, will visit both W.T. Clarke and East Meadow high schools during three mini-college fairs this fall. Two upcoming financial aid workshops are also being offered on November 14, 2012 at East Meadow High School and on January 23, 2013 at W.T. Clarke High School.
↧
Summer Reading a Success
The administration and teaching staff in the East Meadow School District are committed to enhancing student achievement and maintaining academic gains in reading. At Parkway Elementary School, approximately 90 students in grades 1-5 participated in the school’s summer reading program to become better readers and keep the learning momentum alive during the summer months. These students were then invited to a special bagel breakfast in mid-October, where they received a certificate for their participation.“It is not always easy to do extra work over the summer,” Parkway Principal Jamie Mack told the students. ”I am proud of all of you for reading beyond what is expected of you in school.”
Depending on their grade level, participants chose to read between three and five books from the suggested reading list and completed a Bookworm Log, which they brought back to school this fall. Students who decided to go the extra mile also completed a project for one of their books. Projects included cartoon strips, poems, book jacket designs, 3-D scenery, dioramas, story mobiles and much more. The creations were displayed in the hallway for parents to view on Meet the Teacher Night.
As part of the reading program, students were also asked to send the school a postcard from their summer travels, as a way to practice their writing skills. Students at Parkway sent hand-written cards from such places as Florida, Maine, California and Vermont, among other destinations across the country. The cards are currently displayed on a bulletin board in the school’s entranceway.
↧
High School Art Portfolio Night
The East Meadow School District Art Department is hosting a High School Art Portfolio Night on Monday, October 29th at 7:00 p.m. The event will take place in the East Meadow High School Little Theater and is open to all students in grades 9-12 and their families. This informational session is appropriate for anyone considering attending Art school and pursuing a career in the visual arts. The presentation will include information pertaining to selecting a college, portfolio preparation, scholarships and will feature East Meadow alumni who will be available to answer questions.
↧
↧
A Walk for a Bright Future
In celebration of Red Ribbon Week, students at Meadowbrook Elementary School gathered for a Unity Walk around school grounds to reinforce the importance of a healthy and drug-free lifestyle. Accompanied by their teachers and staff, the students wore neon- colored attire to symbolize their bright drug-free futures and chanted, “Stop. Look. We’re the Brook, and we say no to drugs” as they followed in a long line around the school grounds.
For the past week, students have attended a myriad of assemblies that emphasized a healthy lifestyle and supported the message of Red Ribbon Week. Students in each class also had the opportunity to sign a pledge for a drug-free life. After the walk, the students and faculty gathered in front of the school for a message from Assistant Principal Gail Gallucci and social worker and Unity Walk organizer Margherita Diglio. “We all want a bright future and need to make healthy choices for ourselves,” Ms. Gallucci told the students.
↧
McVey Elementary School Hosts Annual Wellness Walk
In celebration of Red Ribbon Week, McVey Elementary School students, accompanied by faculty and parents, pledged to keep a healthy balance between mind and body by participating in the school’s annual one-mile Wellness Walk around the neighborhood. The event was attended by Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray and Islanders mascot Sparky, who energized the students and reminded them that having a healthy mind and body is an important asset in life. “We have been teaching McVey students how to make good choices and keep a healthy body that is drug-free,” stated PTA Wellness Committee member and walk organizer Heidi D’Amico. “This activity is a culmination of those lessons learned during Red Ribbon Week.”
Under the direction of music teacher Jessica Bessel, the school’s band added a celebratory tone to the occasion with several musical selections. Each of the classes designed and decorated colorful posters and banners and dressed in red to symbolize the lessons they had learned during the week’s various assemblies. Upon returning to the building, the students gathered on the front sidewalk and recited pledges for a drug-free school and community.
↧
Celebrating Red Ribbon Week with Councilman Hudes
Members of the Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) Club at Woodland Middle School in the East Meadow School District showed their commitment to a drug-free life by tying red ribbons on the school’s trees with Hempstead Town Councilman Gary Hudes.
Prior to the activity, Mr. Hudes spoke to the students about the projects the Town of Hempstead is working on for the community. He also told students that participating in a club whose mission is to assist others – like SADD – is important. “You get more out of a club that helps others,” he remarked.
After the students tied red ribbons on the trees, they gathered on the school’s front walkway and signed a pledge to lead a healthy and drug-free lifestyle.
↧