The district’s Board of Education and administration kicked off the school year by celebrating the accomplishments of three teachers and a student during the September board of education meeting.

Board members congratulated teachers who were recognized in the Herald’s Head of Class Long Island Teacher Awards 2021. Junior-Senior High School foreign language teacher Rebeca Rodriguez was selected as a winner, while Junior-Senior High School English teacher Sara Perrone and Rhame Avenue Elementary School special education teacher Erin Kennedy were both named finalists. This recognition honors outstanding K-12 education leaders in public, private and charter schools.

Fine and Performing Arts Chairperson Peter Ceglio took to the podium to celebrate Junior-Senior High School senior Matthew Pollackov for being selected as a Long Island Scholar Artist in the area of media arts for the 2021-2022 School Year through the Long Island Arts Alliance. Matthew was one of 20 selected Scholar Artists from across Long Island to achieve this accomplishment. He is scheduled to be featured in a December Newsday issue.

Superintendent of School’s Lisa Ruiz concluded the recognition portion of the night by introducing this year’s new staff members to the community. Mrs. Ruiz congratulated new staff and welcomed them to the East Rockaway family.