Sixth grade students at both Rhame Avenue and Centre Avenue elementary schools began participating in a series of virtual "Know Before You Go!" orientation sessions. The virtual sessions are coordinated by school social worker Maureen Schutta and are in partnership with Northwell Health's Cohen Strong Program.

The purpose of these sessions is to help prepare Class of 2027 students for the Junior-Senior High School during the time of COVID-19 and to emphasize the importance of a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment within the junior high and high school settings. The series includes activities ranging from virtual tours, "Name that Junior High Staff Member," and lessons on understanding DASA. These activities compliment the in-classroom preparation work that students have been participating in, along with their school counselor James O'Driscoll.

Each “Know Before You Go!” virtual session includes 11th grade students serving as mentors, under the recruitment of high school juniors Jason Miller and Brandon Velasquez. Both Jason and Brandon represent East Rockaway schools while serving as Cohen Strong student ambassadors. In conjunction with other neighboring school districts, they’ve participated in a yearlong series of evening virtual trainings with Northwell Health staff on antibullying and tolerance education.