The 2024-25 school year kicked off with excitement across the East Rockaway UFSD on Tuesday, September 3. At Rhame Avenue and Centre Avenue elementary schools, families came together the night before to decorate the walkways with colorful chalk messages wishing the students good luck. The cheerful greetings set a positive tone for the first day. Over at East Rockaway Junior/Senior High School, students did a fantastic job of keeping their cell phones away, staying focused on their first-day activities. With smiles all around, it's clear that everyone is happy to be back for another great year!

Click here to view the East Rockaway Students Return for the 2024-25 School Year slideshow.

Date Added: 9/5/2024

For the first time in its history, East Rockaway High School has introduced a free College Application Boot Camp exclusively for rising seniors. The program, offered to all students in the Class of 2025, aims to give students a head start in the college application process and alleviate the stress that often accompanies college deadlines.

Throughout the camp, school counselors collaborated closely with students, helping them kickstart their college applications and refine their college lists. Meanwhile, English teachers provided valuable guidance, assisting students in polishing their college essays—all before the school year officially begins.

This initiative is designed not only to prepare students for the demanding application season but also to empower them to approach the process with greater confidence and less anxiety. By addressing key components early on, East Rockaway High School is helping its seniors transition smoothly into this pivotal stage of their academic journey.

Date Added: 8/22/2024

East Rockaway High School is proud to announce that several of our students have been recognized by the College Board’s National Recognition Program. These students earned this prestigious distinction by achieving top scores on the PSAT/NMSQT® or PSAT™ 10, placing them in the top 10% of test takers in their state, or by scoring 3 or higher on two or more AP Exams by the end of 10th grade.

Isabella DeCunzo, Tristen Latchman, Sarah Lonergan, April Macias, Andres Mezquita, and Mia Monteleone have been honored as part of the inaugural National First-Generation Recognition Program. Additionally, Sarah Lonergan, April Macias, Andres Mezquita, and Mia Monteleone have been recognized through the National Hispanic Recognition Program.

Congratulations to these outstanding East Rockaway scholars!

Date Added: 8/16/2024

This summer, seven dedicated students from East Rockaway High School are volunteering their time and energy at Camp ANCHOR, a renowned program serving children and adults with special needs in Lido Beach. Their involvement not only enhances the campers' experiences but also sets the stage for many of these students to pursue careers in special education.

Camp ANCHOR, an acronym for Answering the Needs of Citizens with Handicaps through Organized Recreation, is a comprehensive year-round program hosted by the Town of Hempstead. It caters to 1,200 participants, ranging from five years old to adults, who have developmental disabilities. This summer, the camp is celebrating its 55th year, a testament to its enduring impact and success.

The six-week summer recreation program at Camp ANCHOR runs Monday through Friday and includes transportation for all participants and volunteers. The camp offers a wide variety of activities, including sports, arts and crafts, home economics, drama, ocean and pool activities, clubs, dance, music, equine therapy, and even surfing. Participants are grouped based on their age, needs, and abilities. Each group enjoys two field trips over the summer and takes part in special events every Friday, such as BBQs, Field Day, and pool parties. Families and friends are also invited to watch their children perform in the annual camp shows.

Volunteering at Camp ANCHOR is a significant commitment, with over 500 teenagers from local high schools dedicating their time to support the program throughout the year. These volunteers give up a considerable portion of their summer down-time, not for financial compensation, but for the satisfaction of helping others. They play a crucial role in creating a wonderful experience for the participants.

A typical day at Camp ANCHOR is filled with activity. Buses arrive around 9:40 a.m., bringing campers to the colorful campground which includes dozens of giant striped tents housing various activities, three swimming pools, and a private oceanfront area. Campers, dressed in red T-shirts, participate in arts and crafts, drama, dance, sports, and the highly popular surf camp. Volunteers, in blue T-shirts, and staff members, in white polo shirts, almost match the campers one-to-one, ensuring personalized attention and care. Each volunteer is matched with a “buddy”, who they accompany to all activities and help care for throughout the day.

The impact of volunteering at Camp ANCHOR extends beyond the summer months. Many volunteers, including those from East Rockaway High School, find that the experience profoundly shapes their perspectives and aspirations. They often start their work thinking they are giving something, but they end up receiving much more in return. The lessons learned from the campers are invaluable, fostering empathy, understanding, and a deep sense of community.

Date Added: 8/8/2024