To honor the adoption of the American flag, students and faculty of Barnum Woods Elementary School joined local officials and community members for a Flag Day ceremony on June 14.
Dressed in red, white and blue, the students gathered on the school’s front field under sunny skies for the Wednesday ceremony. The U.S. Navy Color Guard raised the flag as members of the fifth-grade band and chorus performed patriotic songs. The ceremony was held prior to the school’s wellness walk, which was dedicated to Barnum Woods physical education teacher Donald Whearty and first-grade teacher Kristine Waters, both of whom are retiring.
Whearty and Waters took the podium to share what the American flag means to them and offer poignant remarks about their time at the school.
“Boys and girls, as I retire from Barnum Woods, I only ask that you strive to do your best, be kind, smile, live by the Golden Rule and know that I am the luckiest person to have been able to teach all of you,” said Whearty. “I will miss you all.” Acknowledging the special day, he noted that the flag is a symbol of freedom to live and become whomever one wants to be.
Waters, a 26-year veteran of the school, reminisced about her earliest memories of the American flag on a shelf in her home and how her grandparents had immigrated to the United States.
“I hope my children remember what I tried to teach them about respecting each other’s differences, treating each other well and being a good citizen at school as well as in the community,” she said.
Following their remarks, Nassau County Legislator Kevan Abrahams thanked the Barnum Woods community and lauded its wellness initiative.
“I am happy to be here with you today — one, to celebrate Flag Day and show patriotism to our country, and two, to be a part of this walk, because walking and exercising strengthens our heart and enables us to live much longer lives,” he said.
Continuing the festivities, recently retired Town of Hempstead Councilman Gary Hudes received a certificate of recognition from Nassau County Legislator Dennis Dunne on behalf of Town Supervisor Anthony Santino. Hudes also accepted the “Building a Better Barnum” plaque from school Principal Gregory Bottari for his tireless dedication to the Barnum Woods community. “It has been my pleasure to represent this community and to help thousands of families for 17 years,” said Hudes. “Remember, because of what that flag represents, you can be anything you want to be and you can do anything you want to do.”
The ceremony ended with the wellness walk, dubbed “Whearty-Water’s Walk in the Woods.” Waving miniature American flags, the school community embarked on a journey through the neighborhood while sporting hats, signs and banners to promote an active lifestyle and healthy eating habits.
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Patriotic ‘Walk in the Woods’ Celebrates Freedom, Wellness
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East Meadow Social Studies Honor Society Raises Funds For Worthy Causes
East Meadow High School’s Rho Kappa chapter of the National Social Studies Honor Society recently held two fundraisers that garnered more than $1,400 for Camp ANCHOR and the GI Go Fund.
The honor society held the school’s first Lip Sync Battle on May 19, where faculty members went head to head lip-syncing famous songs. The event raised $1,000 for Camp ANCHOR (Answering the Needs of Citizens with Handicaps through Organized Recreation). This organization, according to its website, is dedicated to helping children and adults with special needs who reside in the Town of Hempstead.
Not long after on May 24, the Rho Kappa chapter hosted Jeans for Troops Day in honor of Memorial Day. Every student or staff member who wore jeans that day donated $1 or $5, respectively, to benefit the GI Go Fund, which helps veterans with employment, housing and health care. A total of $431 was raised through this drive.
The district commends the Rho Kappa members for helping their community and inspiring their peers to give back.
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Elementary students move up
Fifth-graders from Barnum Woods, Bowling Green, McVey, Meadowbrook and Parkway elementary schools reflected upon their elementary memories and looked forward to their middle school experiences with moving up ceremonies on June 22.
The principals at each school commended the students on their hard work, devotion and accomplishments over the past six years. They encouraged the graduates to take advantage of what the middle school has to offer, and to be thirsty for knowledge and curious about all of life’s possibilities.
The district congratulates its fifth-grade graduating class and wishes them happiness and many new opportunities as they move on to W.T. Clarke and Woodland middle schools.
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Soaring Onto High School
Continuing their academic journey in the district, eighth-graders of Woodland and W.T. Clarke middle schools commemorated the culmination of their past three years with commencement ceremonies on June 21.
Entering to Sir Edwward Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance,” a sea of red gowns assembled to the cheers and praise of families, friends, teachers and administrators.
Throughout both commencements, the Woodland trumpet and flute trio and the W.T. Clarke Middle School jazz ensemble serenaded graduates, administrators and welcomed guests.
In his farewell address to the impending Class of 2021, Superintendent of Schools Leon J. Campo reminded the middle school graduates to thank those who helped them reach this distinction and to make the right decisions over the next four years.
“I wish everyone of you success in this next step of life and I know you all will continue to do great things,” said Mr. Campo. “As you head off to high school, I’d like to leave you with some advice: thank your teachers, friends, family and administrators for their unconditional support and guidance over the years. Secondly you have your entire lives in front of you, please don’t make bad decisions. As the leaders of tomorrow, the memories you forged in high school will last a lifetime and shape you into outstanding citizens this world needs.”
Following his speech, Mr. Campo awarded Nishanth Chinnadurai and Hafsa Rehman from Woodland Middle School and Anjali Aggarwal and Ryan Faude from W.T. Clarke Middle School with the Superintendent’s Award. This honor is bestowed upon students at the middle school level for their overall academic excellence, good citizenship, leadership qualities and dignified character.
Continuing with the reminiscent spirit, middle school class representatives reflected upon their milestones and memories with the Class of 2017. They also encouraged their fellow graduates to broaden their horizons and expand upon their experiences in school as well as in life.
Woodland Middle School, Principal James Lethbridge and W.T. Clarke Middle School Principal Stacy Breslin spoke fondly of the physical, emotional, intellectual and social growth of the graduates during their time in middle school They expressed their hopes that the eighth-graders will utilize their experiences, challenges and support from faculty, friends and family in the next phase of life.
The district commends the eighth-grade graduates on arriving at this prestigious milestone and wishes them tremendous success as they advance to high school.
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Congratulations To The East Meadow Class of 2017
Signifying their bright futures, seniors from East Meadow and W.T. Clarke high schools accepted their diplomas under sunny skies on June 25. Both ceremonies included musical interludes from the senior chorale, poignant speeches from administrators and a farewell address from Superintendent of Schools Leon J. Campo.
Filing in to the traditional strains of Sir Edward Elgar’s “Pomp and Circumstance,” the graduates assembled on their respective schools’ football fields sporting blue and maroon caps and gowns to the applause and cheers of proud parents, faculty, administrators and Board of Education members.
In his final speech before retiring as East Meadow’s Superintendent, Mr. Campo addressed the graduates with words of wisdom while commending their personal and academic growth, as well as their selfless service to the community.“All of your hard work has brought you to this place of distinction, recognition and accomplishment,” he said. “Together we have traveled a great distance and my wish for you all is to be lifelong learners and use your library of knowledge and experience to help you as you navigate life.”
The valedictorians and salutatorians of both classes addressed their peers one final time reflecting on the fond high school memories and urging their fellow graduates to embrace the uncertainty that the world has to offer.
To commemorate the East Meadow High School 60th graduation exercises, Principal Richard Howard, commended the Class of 2017 for their years of outstanding accomplishments and reminded them they’ll always have a place to call home. He also presented Joseph MacDonell, a graduate of the Class of 1957 with an honorary diploma and bestowed celebratory diplomas to Mr. Campo and Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Cindy Munter.
Across the district, W.T. Clarke High School Principal Timothy Voels commended the seniors for their academic successes, community service efforts and passions, while also wishing them a lifetime of happiness in whatever they choose to do.
After receiving their diplomas and moving their tassels to the left, the Class of 2017 tossed their caps in the air, rejoicing with friends and family. The district congratulates both classes and wishes them happiness, prosperity and great success as they embark on their next journey.
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East Meadow Board of Education Holds Reorganization Meeting
The East Meadow Board of Education held its annual reorganization meeting on July 6 where Scott Eckers and Matthew Melnick were elected President and Vice President, respectively.
Eckers and the Board’s newest trustee, Alisa Baroukh, were officially sworn into three-year terms. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kenneth Card Jr. also took the oath of office for the 2017-18 school year and Jeanne Puma was sworn in as district clerk.
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Special Message to the Community – Bond Initiative
RESIDENTS APPROVE BOND
On Tuesday, March 7, East Meadow residents approved the community’s first joint East Meadow Schools and Public Library capital project bond referendum by a vote of 2,031 Yes to 835 No.
Projects included in this bond will address major repairs and renovations to schools districtwide, improve energy efficiency, support science initiatives, and restore natural grass athletic fields for school and community use. The bond will also fund major repairs and upgrades to the public library that will support additional programs and services, improve energy efficiency and security systems, and increase opportunities for students and patrons.
“The Board of Education and administration would like to thank all community residents who voted on the bond and for their approval and continued support,” said Superintendent of Schools Leon J. Campo. “This is an exciting time for our community and we look forward to improving our schools for our students and for future generations to come.” East Meadow Public Library Director Carol Probeyahn said, “On behalf of the library Board of Directors, we want to thank the community for your vote of support. We are looking forward to improving our library to provide expanded services for our children and community residents.”
Tuesday, March 7 is the East Meadow Public Schools and Public Library joint bond vote. Please plan to be part of the future of our community and remember to vote. Every vote counts! Polls will be open from 7 a.m.-9 p.m. at all elementary schools.
Information on Artificial Turf fields
East Meadow Schools and Public Library Joint Bond Presentation
Thursday, March 2, 2017 • 6:30 p.m.
Leon J. Campo Salisbury Center
Prior to 2017-18 Budget Input Session and Board of Education Meeting
East Meadow Joint Bond Vote March 7 from 7 a.m.- 9p.m. at All Elementary Schools
Average annual cost to taxpayers = $57.53 or less than 16¢ per day
On Tuesday, March 7, 2017, residents will have an opportunity to vote on a joint bond referendum proposed by the East Meadow Public Schools and the East Meadow Public Library that, if approved, will renovate and improve the schools and library to better serve students and community residents into the future. For the first time in East Meadow’s history, residents will vote on a joint bond at significant savings to the taxpayer.
The East Meadow schools are more than 60 years old and in need of major repairs and renovations that are too costly to include in the annual school budget without significantly increasing taxes and/or cutting programs and services to students. The public library has not undertaken a major renovation in more than 30 years, and requires major repairs and upgrades.
The bond initiative will fund the repairs and renovations to the schools, improve energy efficiency, support science initiatives and restore the district’s natural grass athletic fields for school and community use. The proposed bond would also support major repairs and upgrades to the public library to enhance additional programs and services, improve energy efficiency and security systems and increase opportunities to serve students and patrons.
During the life span of the bond, the average annual cost to the taxpayer is $57.53, or approximately 16¢ per day. The projected average annual cost to the taxpayer is calculated using the average assessed property value as determined by the Nassau County Assessor’s Office. It is anticipated the work in the schools will begin during the summer of 2018 and the library work will also begin sometime in 2018.
This is an exciting time for the community. All residents are encouraged to vote on Tuesday, March 7, from 7 a.m.-9 p.m., at all district elementary schools. For more information, visit the school district website at www.eastmeadow.k12.ny.us or the library website at www.eastmeadow.info. You can also find information on the bond on Facebook by liking East Meadow Schools and Public Library Joint Bond.
School District and Public Library Joint Bond Referendum
In a joint decision, the first of its kind in the community’s history, the school district and public library plan to propose a single bond referendum that would support major renovations and improvements to both the district’s schools and athletic facilities, and the public library. If approved by voters, the proposed work will bring the public library into the 21st century and facilitate greater opportunities to serve the community, while the school district will be able to address much needed repairs and improve its instructional space and athletic facilities at schools that are more than 60 years old.
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Board Meeting Notice - July 20, 2017 - Work Session
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VIDEO: Celebrating Bowling Green’s 65th Birthday
Community members, local officials, students, faculty and administrators gathered to celebrate the 65th anniversary of Bowling Green Elementary School in the district on May 19.
The school was built in the 1950s with the purpose of educating both elementary and junior high school students. The east campus was built in 1951, and two years later, the west building was constructed. At one point in time, student enrollment was more than 1,500.
Opening the ceremony, Bowling Green Principal Maria Ciarametaro welcomed attendees to the celebration of this historic birthday of a terrific school in an exceptional community.
“We celebrate because the Bowling Green school community is and has always been a wonderful and outstanding community that has seen so many families and children pass through our doors,” said Mrs. Ciarametaro. “We are proud of the innumerable accomplishments and successes of Bowling Green students, past and present.”
The festivities continued with students in grades K-5 performing a “Through the Decades” dance, choreographed by teachers Emily Buckley and Ilyssa Baine. Each grade gave their own performance that displayed music and dance moves from the 1950s to the 2000s, reflecting upon the many years Bowling Green has been educating students of East Meadow. Boosting school spirit was Spike, the school mascot, whose name had been voted on by Bowling Green’s student body prior to the event and revealed during the celebration. The newly designated mascot joined students, administrators and guests in singing “Happy Birthday” to the school as Mrs. Ciarametaro and Assistant Principal Amelia Garcia unveiled the PTA’s gift to Bowling Green: two “buddy benches” at each entrance of the campus, a total of four benches, for students to make new friends at the beginning of the 2017-18 school year.
The anniversary bash concluded with a performance of the new school song, composed by students and children’s singer/songwriter Rick Charette. Departing students received an Italian ice and Bowling Green drawstring bag as a party favor.
The district extends it gratitude to Bowling Green’s students, parents, staff, faculty and administrators, as well as the community, for aiding in the success of this exemplary school. A special thank-you also goes to all of the committees that helped coordinate this celebration and to the PTA for their contributions.
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East Meadow Classes of 2017 Honored For Academic Excellence
Members of East Meadow and W.T. Clarke high schools’ Classes of 2017 were recognized for academic excellence with special scholarships, as well as district and community awards, during two separate senior academic awards ceremonies.
W.T. Clarke High School Principal Timothy Voels welcomed parents, administrators, Board of Education members, community leaders and scholarship sponsors to acknowledge the outstanding achievements and accomplishments the seniors had made over the past four years, noting, “Tonight is a celebration of the dedication, commitment, character and integrity exhibited by the Class of 2017.”
Prior to awarding the seniors, East Meadow High School Principal Richard Howard presented the Class of 2017 Hall of Distinction inductees. Organized by the school’s Planning and Management Team, the Hall of Distinction acknowledges exceptional East Meadow High School graduates for their accomplishments in their respective vocational fields or contributions to the community. The inaugural inductees include Randi Shubin Dresner, Class of 1978, and graduates of 1965, Jack Costello and Robert Freeman.“Through their leadership, dedication and outstanding ability, we are pleased to celebrate these inductees’ successes and have them serve as role models for our current students,” said Howard.
Closing the East Meadow High School ceremony, Assistant Principal Robert Hardwick congratulated the senior class for their hard work, dedication and determination during their time in the district.
“We are extremely proud of you not only for your academic achievements, but also for your exemplary character,” Hardwick told the class. “I thank you for making our school and community a better place.”
East Meadow High School Senior Awards
W. T. Clarke High School Senior Awards
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Where We Stand and Why – An Important Message from the Board of Education
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100 Ways They’re Thankful
On Tuesday Feb. 23, Meadowbrook Elementary School students celebrated 100 days of learning.
In preparation for the celebration, all students were encouraged to create a “100 T-Shirt” utilizing 100 items to wear for the hundredth day of school. The t-shirt designs included 100 ‘Smarties’ candies, stickers and pipe cleaners.
During the hundredth day, each grade level participated in various 100 Days of Learning activities focusing on their creativity, writing and mathematical skills. Students in grades K- 2 created hundred day crowns and decorated capes and banners with 100 items. Students in grades 3-5 expressed their appreciation and gratitude toward their education, teachers, and principals by creating puzzles, quilts and flags. Each puzzle piece, quilt swatch and flag contained a message from students thanking the teachers, principals and friends for making learning fun.
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100 Ways They’re Thankful
On Tuesday Feb. 23, Meadowbrook Elementary School students celebrated 100 days of learning.
In preparation for the celebration, all students were encouraged to create a “100 T-Shirt” utilizing 100 items to wear for the hundredth day of school. The t-shirt designs included 100 ‘Smarties’ candies, stickers and pipe cleaners.
During the hundredth day, each grade level participated in various 100 Days of Learning activities focusing on their creativity, writing and mathematical skills. Students in grades K- 2 created hundred day crowns and decorated capes and banners with 100 items. Students in grades 3-5 expressed their appreciation and gratitude toward their education, teachers, and principals by creating puzzles, quilts and flags. Each puzzle piece, quilt swatch and flag contained a message from students thanking the teachers, principals and friends for making learning fun.
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Jumping to the “Heart” Beat
Bowling Green Elementary School students participated in the American Heart Association’s Jump Rope for Heart program to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease.
On Feb. 9, students exercised their heart muscles for 45 minutes by jumping rope. Prior to the event, third, fourth and fifth grade students practiced their jump roping skills and learned about the importance of nutrition, living a healthy lifestyle and fitness.
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Jumping to the “Heart” Beat
Bowling Green Elementary School students participated in the American Heart Association’s Jump Rope for Heart program to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease.
On Feb. 9, students exercised their heart muscles for 45 minutes by jumping rope. Prior to the event, third, fourth and fifth grade students practiced their jump roping skills and learned about the importance of nutrition, living a healthy lifestyle and fitness.
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100 Days Smarter
Barnum Woods Elementary School kindergartners celebrated their first 100 days of school.
Marianne Berry’s kindergartners began the day by strutting down the runway in their designer “100 Day T-Shirts.” Each student created a t-shirt featuring 100 items. The collection included shirts with stars, hearts, stickers and pom-poms.
Following the fashion show, Ms. Berry’s class rotated between various stations focusing on what students have learned since the first day of school. The “100” themed stations consisted of imprinting 100 stamps by counting by tens, writing and drawing what they have learned over the past 100 days, and creating a 100 beaded necklace made of ‘Fruit Loops.’
Continuing with the celebration, Kerri Portillo’s first-grade class read stories about 100 days of schools and designed their own “100 Day T-Shirts” and “100 Days Smarter” crowns.
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100 Days Smarter
Barnum Woods Elementary School kindergartners celebrated their first 100 days of school.
Marianne Berry’s kindergartners began the day by strutting down the runway in their designer “100 Day T-Shirts.” Each student created a t-shirt featuring 100 items. The collection included shirts with stars, hearts, stickers and pom-poms.
Following the fashion show, Ms. Berry’s class rotated between various stations focusing on what students have learned since the first day of school. The “100” themed stations consisted of imprinting 100 stamps by counting by tens, writing and drawing what they have learned over the past 100 days, and creating a 100 beaded necklace made of ‘Fruit Loops.’
Continuing with the celebration, Kerri Portillo’s first-grade class read stories about 100 days of schools and designed their own “100 Day T-Shirts” and “100 Days Smarter” crowns.
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ACCESS Parent Workshop - March 30, 2016
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Zumba for Autism - April 18, 2016
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Sending Dr. Seuss Birthday Wishes Across the Hall
Parkway Elementary School kindergarten and first-graders celebrated popular children’s author Dr. Seuss’ 112th birthday with a week-long celebration.
Beginning Monday Feb. 29, students created their own “Cat in the Hat” caps, decorated the hallways with pictures of Dr. Seuss characters such as “Cat,” “Thing 1,” “Thing 2” and “Horton,” and were inspired to wear crazy socks and mismatched clothing to go along with “Fox in Socks” and “Wacky Wednesday.”
Later that week, students arrived at school dressed in their pajamas and carrying blankets, pillows and their favorite Dr. Seuss book to celebrate his birthday.
After invited guests arrived, students recited a special oath, promising to read every night.
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