Valley Stream District 30 is pleased to announce the appointment of Marisela Sanchez as the new principal of Forest Road Elementary School, effective July 1. The appointment was announced during the board of education meeting held on April 16.

Ms. Sanchez is an experienced and visionary educational leader with extensive experience in managing daily operations to foster a positive learning environment and support student success. She most recently served as assistant principal at PS 96 in Brooklyn where she oversaw the school's mission of fostering student independence to reach unprecedented heights. During her tenure at PS 96, Ms. Sanchez raised districtwide awareness of key factors to facilitate successful student transitions to appropriate educational settings.

In her previous roles, Ms. Sanchez successfully collaborated with teachers, parents, and staff to develop and implement schoolwide behavior management plans. She conducted regular observations and provided constructive feedback to teachers, empowering them to effectively manage challenging behaviors and create a positive classroom culture. Additionally, she initiated restorative justice practices within the school, promoting conflict resolution and teaching students the importance of empathy and accountability.

"I am honored to have been appointed as the new principal of Forest Road Elementary School," said Ms. Sanchez. "I am excited to join the dedicated team of educators, parents, and community members of Valley Stream District 30, and I look forward to working together to ensure that every student receives a high-quality education in a safe and supportive environment."

Ms. Sanchez holds a Master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from St. Joseph University, a master's degree in School Building Leadership from CUNY Brooklyn College, a master's degree in Special Education from Touro School of Education, Graduate Division, and a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from CUNY Brooklyn College.

Date Added: 5/2/2024

Kelly Ureña, President of the Valley Stream 30 Board of Education, has been recognized with the SCOPE Community Service Award for her exceptional commitment to serving the community.

Ms. Ureña has a long history of advocating for equity in healthcare and education. She has demonstrated a profound sense of community and responsibility, channeling her passion into fulfilling her purpose through social work. Grounded in principles of community and family engagement, cultural responsiveness, and social justice, Ms. Ureña has dedicated her career to serving children and families.

As a leader in her profession and community, Ms. Ureña has made significant contributions to strengthening families, communities, and building partnerships. She firmly believes that when children are provided with the tools and opportunities to succeed, they will surpass all expectations.

The SCOPE Annual School District Awards Dinner is an event that honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to their school district. Ms. Ureña was recognized alongside other distinguished individuals from school districts across Nassau and Suffolk Counties, including School Board Members, School Superintendents, Principals, Teachers, Support Staff, and Community Leaders.

Date Added: 4/30/2024

The Global Leaders of Tomorrow from Valley Stream District 30 took a bold stance against bullying with a series of antibullying assemblies held across all three schools within the district for fourth through sixth graders. Led by dedicated students from the Global Leaders of Tomorrow Advisory Council, these assemblies aimed to educate their peers about the importance of kindness, being an upstander and the dangers of bullying.

Students, guided by the council members, were immersed in interactive slideshows featuring impactful videos highlighting the characteristics of kindness and the role of an upstander in combating bullying. Through these presentations, students gained valuable insights into how to identify bullying behaviors and understand the underlying causes, often stemming from emotional trauma. Emphasizing the importance of seeking help, students were equipped with strategies to prevent bullying before it starts and learned the power of speaking up against it through kindness and fostering supportive friendships.

The assemblies were facilitated by Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Roxanne Garcia-France, and Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Jennifer Lewner. Their leadership ensured engaging interactions with students, who actively participated by sharing their thoughts and experiences.

"It was truly a successful experience," remarked Dr. Garcia-France. "Our upper-grade students walked away with a deeper understanding of the impact of their actions and how they can contribute to achieving our goal of promoting peace and unity through discussions and civic action projects that address classroom, school or community issues and provide solutions."

The Global Leaders of Tomorrow Advisory Council’s commitment to promoting kindness and unity aligns with the district's mission to foster a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students. Through their proactive efforts, they exemplify the values of empathy, compassion and resilience, inspiring their peers to stand up against bullying and cultivate a culture of respect and support.

Date Added: 4/16/2024