ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The Valley Stream District 30 Board of Education gathered virtually for its regular meeting on Oct. 19. In honor of School Board Recognition Week, Forest Road Elementary School held a special presentation for the members of the Board of Education. Forest Road Principal Erin Malone, Assistant Principal Michael DeBlasio, music teacher Sarah Fernandez and teacher Christopher Onorato kicked off the presentation by thanking the Board for their hard work and commitment to the children of Valley Stream District 30.

“All of our successes can be traced back to a Board of Education that works with us, that puts their trust in us and allows us the flexibility necessary to let us do our jobs well in even the most challenging of circumstances,” said Principal Malone. “Please know that your support and perspective are well appreciated by our students, faculty, staff and families. When we picture excellence, we picture you.”
  
Following her remarks, Mrs. Fernandez presented a video that she created along with Mr. Onorato to show the district’s appreciation for each of the board members. Fitting the district’s 2020-21 theme, “Picture This!,” footage and photos from Clear Stream Avenue, Forest Road and Shaw Avenue elementary school were featured along with the beautiful voices of Forest Road chorus members. The students creatively transformed the Sesame Street theme song, “Sunny Days” to fit Valley Stream District 30. The board members were touched by the thank you video. 

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Nicholas Stirling also praised the Board of Education and presented a slideshow which featured each board member. This gave the community the opportunity to get to know each member better. Dr. Stirling expressed how grateful he was to have worked with the Board of Education for the past nine years. 

“I look forward to more years together and I thank each one of you for your time, commitment and your foresight in the things we do in Valley Stream 30,” he said. 

The meeting continued with several more recognitions from Dr. Stirling. He commended each school principal – John Singleton at Clear Stream Avenue School, Erin Malone at Forest Road School and Christopher Colarossi at Shaw Avenue School, for their leadership and hard work, while noting that October is National Principals Month. Dr. Stirling also recognized the district’s custodial workers and technology staff for their service, especially during this unprecedented time. Without the dedication and professionalism of these important individuals, the district would not be where it is today. 

The Valley Stream District 30 Board of Education gathered virtually on Sept. 21 for its first regular meeting since the reopening of schools. The livestream was available for the community to view on YouTube.

Jennifer Lewner, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, and Erica Suarez, summer school principal, shared a recap of the district’s 2020 summer school program which was held virtually for the first time this summer. They reported that although the program was designed differently than in past years due to the pandemic, it was a successful summer of growth for more than 100 student participants. While utilizing Google Classroom and Google Meets, the students strengthened their English language arts and math skills, while also engaging in enrichment sessions.

Following their presentation, Dr. Nicole Schimpf, director of special services, shared the successes of the district’s Special Services Summer Program, also held virtually this past summer. Dr. Schimpf spotlighted some of the lessons, along with the technical supports and platforms that were utilized to help students. She proudly reported zero regression by the end of the summer among those who enrolled in the program.

In addition, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Nicholas Stirling shared a back to school presentation with the board and community. This consisted of steps that are being taken in the school buildings to keep everyone safe and healthy, such as wearing masks, practicing social distancing, limiting visitor access and conducting temperature checks each morning. He encouraged everyone to move forward with a positive mindset and praised the staff for their creativity and innovativeness as the district navigates this new normal.

Board President Ingrid Wyllie-Dacon also praised members of the district, including the Reopening Task Force, staff and parents for their support.

“Thank you to our staff and teachers for embracing all of the changes in, around and outside of the classroom,” she said. “Thank you to the parents who have been very patient and cooperative. Everyone being on board and giving 100 percent created a very smooth opening and that has continued. We are all facing challenges at this time and the board is thankful and appreciative that you are all doing your part each day to ensure that we move forward. Thank you very much for all of your hard work.”