The East Rockaway Union Free School District Board of Education met on Apr. 28, for a meeting that centered on the people at the heart of the district – its students and the educators who support them.

Fourth grader Alex Narizzano of Centre Avenue Elementary opened the evening by leading those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance. Superintendent James DeTommaso then took a moment to thank the district's teachers before turning the floor over to the evening's first presenters.

Rhame Avenue Principal Jack Bixhorn and Centre Avenue Principal Calia Kelly took meeting attendees on a virtual tour of everything happening across their two buildings. The pair, who work closely in tandem, framed their presentation around the district's mission, which they called Our Why: to ensure every student is supported academically, socially and emotionally, and to create a safe, inclusive and engaging learning environment built on growth and improvement.

Mr. Bixhorn and Ms. Kelly highlighted the social-emotional supports in place across both schools, including the RULER framework, SEL circles and morning meetings. They spoke about building a positive school climate through shared traditions and community events and outlined the academic work underway – including iReady data-driven instruction and project-based learning – with a focus on increasing student proficiency in ELA and math.

The presentation also celebrated the growth of enrichment opportunities and school clubs, which have expanded considerably in recent years. Students today can choose from a wide range of activities, including drama club, mock trial and chess club, among others.

Following the elementary presentation, Director of Humanities Kristin Anisis and East Rockaway High School teacher Sara Perrone introduced the winners of this year's Poetry Madness competition. Two of the winners, Shannon Mahoney and Eva Mena, read their poems aloud to those in attendance. The poems of Vincent Vega and Divine Allen, who were unable to attend, were read on their behalf by Ms. Anisis and Ms. Perrone.

In one of the evening's most compelling segments, members of the Superintendent's Student Advisory Committee presented the findings of their student surveys to the board. The SSAC gathered student input on a wide range of topics, including homework load, afterschool club offerings, indoor recess activities, instrument choices in music, learning styles, school start times, access to outdoor space, college prep support, and course and elective offerings.

The presentation was a testament to the thoughtfulness and civic engagement of East Rockaway's students, and the findings are expected to help guide future improvements to district programs and resources. 

Following a short refreshment break, the board reconvened for its regular business meeting. Student Board Representative Sofia Ferkov delivered the student report, and Mr. DeTommaso shared his superintendent's report. The meeting also included three public comments.