On Tuesday, September 18th, the East Rockaway Board of Education held a dynamic meeting, showcasing the district's achievements and plans for continued growth.

The evening began with a moment of celebration as Principal Richard Schaffer honored six East Rockaway High School students as “Hometown Heroes.” These students—Isabella DeCunzo, Tristen Latchman, Sarah Lonergan, April Macias, Andres Mezquita, and Mia Monteleone—were recognized for their exceptional accomplishments as part of the College Board’s National Recognition Program. They earned this prestigious distinction through the inaugural National First-Generation Recognition Program. Additionally, Sarah Lonergan, April Macias, Andres Mezquita, and Mia Monteleone received accolades through the National Hispanic Recognition Program, underscoring their remarkable achievements.

Following the recognition, Superintendent James DeTommaso warmly welcomed the new teachers joining the district, wishing them success in their roles at East Rockaway.

The meeting continued with updates on the district’s strategic plan. Superintendent DeTommaso, alongside Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Sean Murray, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Michael Van Wart, Director of Pupil Personnel Services Vincent Healy, and Director of Technology Bonnie McClelland, each presented progress reports on one of the four pillars of the strategic plan: Achievement, Opportunity, Connection, and Innovation.

Highlights of the district's advancements include:

* Achievement: The implementation of iReady has significantly boosted test scores by personalizing math and reading instruction and monitoring student progress.
* Opportunity: New extracurricular offerings such as a junior high boys’ soccer team and afterschool clubs for elementary students provide expanded opportunities for student engagement.
* Connection: The district has enhanced community involvement through events like family engagement nights and college planning sessions, fostering stronger connections between schools and families.
* Innovation: Technological improvements are underway with new equipment, apps, and plans for an upgraded communication system and website.

East Rockaway continues to demonstrate growth and ambition, striving to offer enriched educational experiences and foster a thriving learning environment for all students.

At Centre Avenue School, students recently participated in an important assembly on internet safety hosted by officers from the POP unit of the 4th Precinct. The assembly featured two sessions: one for students in grades K-3 and another for those in grades 4-6, all focused on teaching young learners how to navigate the online world responsibly.

The officers emphasized the importance of being kind to others not only in person but also when interacting on computers and apps like Roblox, where many children chat with users they don't know. They stressed that while social media can be a great way to connect with people, it's essential to stay aware of the dangers and the lasting effects of our digital actions.

A key point covered was the idea of a digital footprint. Every time we post, comment, or interact online, we leave a digital mark that stays with us. The officers encouraged students to think carefully before sharing anything and to always protect their personal information. Just like we talk about stranger danger in person, the same caution should be applied to interactions online—never give out details like birthdays, pets’ names, or other personal information that could be used to guess passwords.

Students were also reminded to safeguard their passwords, as hackers could access accounts and even steal credit card information. The importance of reporting and blocking cyberbullies was another major topic, with officers teaching the difference between joking and bullying. They encouraged students to tell a trusted adult if they experience or witness cyberbullying and to always treat others with kindness, both online and in person.

The assembly left students with three main takeaways:

• Keep personal information private.
• Make sure your family knows what you’re doing online.
• Treat people kindly—both in the real world and online.

 

This assembly was a valuable opportunity for students to learn how to use technology safely while being respectful and responsible digital citizens.

 

Click here to view the Centre Avenue Students Learn Key Lessons in Internet Safety from 4th Precinct Officers slideshow.

Date Added: 9/17/2024

Centre Avenue School in East Rockaway commemorated the lives lost on 9/11 with a solemn ceremony on Tuesday, September 11th. At 8:45 a.m., the entire school gathered outside at the flagpole for the Pledge of Allegiance.

Centre Avenue principal, Ms. Calia Kelly, led a moment of silence, after which four students proudly stepped forward to lead their peers in reciting the Pledge.

The school was honored by the presence of East Rockaway Mayor Gordon Fox, Village Trustee Stephanie Paul, Superintendent James DeTommaso, and members of the East Rockaway School District administration.

Click here to view the slideshow.

Date Added: 9/13/2024

At Rhame Avenue School, 6th-grade teacher Alexis Freudenberg led a touching 9/11 remembrance event that brought the entire school together to honor this important day in history.

In preparation, students read a passage about September 11th to better understand the significance of the event. They then created remembrance chains, writing kind messages on paper links. These chains symbolized how people united in support on September 11, 2001.

Gathering on the field, the students and staff joined their chains together and held hands in a large circle, observing a moment of silence to reflect on the day’s meaning and the power of community.

Click here to view the slideshow.

Date Added: 9/12/2024