The East Meadow Board of Education recognized district administrators, their staff and retiring staff members at their meeting on June 16.

First, each building principal, along with Director of Physical Education, Health and Athletics Kristi Detor, was introduced by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kenneth Card. Then, Board of Education President Mr. Matthew Melnick and Assistant Superintendent for Personnel and Administration Mr. Anthony Russo commended the administrators on their steadfast devotion to their students and staff during this past year.  

“Truthfully, the world threw a pandemic at you and you didn’t flinch,” Mr. Melnick said. “In fact, you took every regulation, rule and guidance with grace and did incredible things to offer the best possible education to our students this year.”

Additionally, administrators Parkway Elementary School Principal Jamie Mack and Director of Special Education and Pupil Personnel Services Patrice Dobies were honored for their years of committed and excellent work for the district. Both outstanding administrators will be retiring at the end of the year. 

“Thank you both, for the times when the most difficult of situations were solved because of your expertise and depth of understanding,” Dr. Card said. “Thank you for caring, for always being there and most of all, thank you both for just being you.”

Fifth grade students from Barnum Woods Elementary School, Bowling Green Elementary School, McVey Elementary School, Meadowbrook Elementary School and Parkway Elementary Schools celebrated their past six years of education while also looking forward to middle school during moving up ceremonies throughout the week of June 21. 

The principals at each school commended the students on their hard work, devotion and accomplishments during their elementary school years before encouraging them to take full advantage of a new chapter in middle school and beyond. Awards were also presented to students from the PTA, superintendent and principals.

The district congratulates the graduating fifth graders and wishes them bright and successful future as they look forward to new opportunities at W.T. Clarke and Woodland middle schools.

Every two months, Parkway Elementary School nourishes students’ social-emotional learning through Parkway C.A.R.E.S. Organized by Assistant Principal Janine Farinella, the program aligns with the Responsive Classroom approach and represents the competencies of cooperation, assertiveness, responsibility, empathy and self-control.

With each focus, Ms. Farinella discusses what the competencies mean in a comprehensive video, which is shown to classes throughout the school. The video includes worksheets, questions to ask and reading materials relating to the skills. Each teacher then incorporates the skills into their lessons with in-class activities which are then sent to Ms. Farinella. Submitted items include pictures and video highlighting the activities, which Ms. Farinella then puts together a slideshow commending the entire school community for their hard and meaningful work.

Parkway C.A.R.E.S reflects the vital social-emotional curriculum the East Meadow School District has adopted. The curriculum encourages important skills for students of all ages for them to employ inside and outside of the classroom. It also bonds students in different classrooms during a time when they may not be able to have that in-person connection.

Fifth graders at Parkway Elementary School celebrated their upcoming graduation during Fifth Grade Fun Day on June 7. Students played volleyball, kickball and basketball, and were also able to create chalk art on the building’s sidewalks.

The East Meadow School District was once again able to commend their student artists in person at their districtwide art show at the Leon J. Campo Salisbury Center on June 1 and 2. Students, families and community members were invited to visit the show during specified times, allowing for a safe and enjoyable viewing.

“While viewing artwork in a virtual capacity is certainly wonderful, nothing compares to experiencing original works of art in person,” Art Department Chairperson Heather Anastasio said. “We are thrilled to be able to bring this experience to our student artists and their families.”

Art teachers from throughout the district were also in attendance to celebrate the work of their students. Each teacher chose 13 works of art from their classes, including those who were included in this year’s virtual All-County Art Exhibit but were unable to have their work displayed in person. The evening was also a welcome return for the community, which has always greatly supported the district’s art program.

“I would like to thank the East Meadow community for the continued celebration and support of our program,” Director of Music and Art Kelly Gelfer said. “The district’s commitment to the arts continues to be our biggest strength.”