On July 12, the East Rockaway School District’s Centre Avenue School received a generous $5,000 donation from Burlington, in partnership with AdoptAClassroom.org. This grant will assist Centre Avenue's teachers in acquiring essential classroom supplies. The check presentation occurred during the grand opening of Burlington's new Oceanside store, featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony performed by store staff and several Centre Avenue students.

Since 2017, Burlington has supported over 1.3 million students nationwide in obtaining the supplies they need for a brighter future. The East Rockaway School District is immensely grateful to be the recipient of their latest grant.

Date Added: 7/12/2024

The East Rockaway School District’s Board of Education kicked off the 2024-2025 school year with its annual reorganization meeting on July 9. The meeting was held in the auditorium of East Rockaway High School.

Superintendent of Schools James DeTommaso took the oath of office and newly elected board trustee Joseph M. Lores was sworn in. Together, the board elected Peter McNally as board president and Dineen Cilluffo as board vice president. Both took the oath of office to uphold their duties for the 2024-2025 school year.

In addition, Nereyda Amaya-Moran was re-appointed as district clerk and sworn in, along with deputy superintendent, Michael Van Wart. The district looks forward to a successful school year ahead.

Date Added: 7/10/2024

Welcome to East Rockaway High School's Summer School Program! We're excited to support our students and families throughout the summer session, running from July 8 to August 20, Monday through Thursday, from 8-10 AM.

We're pleased to introduce Lindsay Avrutine, LMSW, our dedicated school social worker with over 10 years of experience. Ms. Avrutine is available for counseling sessions or check-ins, mental health linkages and referrals, crisis intervention, ongoing support, or any other needs you may have during summer school hours, 8-10 AM, Monday-Thursday.

You can reach Ms. Avrutine by email at lavrutine@eastrockawayschools.org, by phone at (516) 887-8300 ext. 451, or in person in room 208A. She looks forward to working with you and providing the support you need for a successful summer school experience!

Date Added: 7/9/2024

On June 26, East Rockaway High School held its graduation ceremony outside on the football field. As the traditional Pomp and Circumstance played, students processed onto the track, greeted by the cheers of family and friends filling the stands.

The ceremony began with the national anthem, sung by the senior chorus, followed by their rendition of You've Got a Friend in Me by Randy Newman. Superintendent James DeTommaso and Board of Education President Dominick Vulpis offered welcoming remarks, setting the stage for the speeches to come.

Kevin Lynch, the salutatorian, delivered a thoughtful address, followed by valedictorian Jordan Lu's inspiring speech. Senior class advisors Emmanuela Matthews and Grayson Valentino provided a heartfelt send-off, while senior class co-presidents Frank Passanisi and Molly Hernandez added a touch of humor. Passanisi made everyone laugh by thanking Hernandez for catching his mistake before he ordered class t-shirts with the wrong graduation year.

Superintendent DeTommaso praised the class's achievements, noting their scholar-athletes, recipients of the NY State seals of biliteracy and civic readiness, theater and concert performances, academic scholarships, and community service. "Always remember that as a Rock, you possess resilience and strength to overcome anything, he said. May your journey ahead be filled with purpose, joy, and a rock-solid belief in your boundless potential."

Principal Richard Schaffer received thunderous applause and cheers from parents when he urged students to disconnect from their cell phones. "There is no true joy to be found in your cell phone," he said. "Endless scrolling and texting may bring temporary enjoyment, but in the end, it is not happiness. So please, put down your cell phone once in a while. Have face-to-face conversations with your friends and family. Make time to unplug; I guarantee that will make you happy."

Diplomas were then presented by members of the Board of Education, and Principal Schaffer officially declared the students graduated. The ceremony concluded with graduates moving their tassels from right to left and joyfully tossing their caps into the air, marking the end of their high school journey and the beginning of their next chapter.

Date Added: 6/28/2024

This morning, the graduating 6th graders bid a heartfelt farewell to Centre Avenue with a memorable “clap-out.” The celebration began as the students paraded two laps around the school. Emerging first through the front doors, they were met with the enthusiastic applause of their parents gathered on the front lawn. Their journey continued around the side of the building, where the lower grades greeted them with cheers and congratulatory signs.

After their first lap, the graduates placed letters into a special time capsule held by Principal Calia Kelly, who will return these letters to the students when they graduate from high school. Adding to the festive atmosphere, the local fire department sounded the sirens on two of their trucks parked out front in support of the Class of 2024.

It was a bittersweet send-off, filled with pride and good wishes as our graduates embark on their next chapter at East Rockaway Jr/Sr High School. We wish them all the best!

Click here to view the photo slideshow.

Date Added: 6/25/2024