The Valley Stream District 30 Board of Education approved the retirements of five faculty members, honored two exceptional teachers with tenure and welcomed several new faces into the district for next year during its March and April virtual board meetings.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Nicholas Stirling announced the retirements of Director of 21st Century Learning Susan Rodriguez, teachers Donna Annunziata, Dorothy Ging and Mary Hevia and typist clerk Elizabeth Sanger. Each were praised by Dr. Stirling, board members and building administrators for their dedication and service to the district.
Looking to the future, Pamela Dembinski, a teacher at Shaw Avenue School and Tara Masterson, a teacher at Forest Road School, were granted tenure during the April meeting. Both were commended by Dr. Stirling and Shaw Avenue Principal Christopher Colarossi.
“She has demonstrated growth over the years and is committed to working with young children,” Dr. Stirling said of Ms. Dembinski. “She is eager to be a part of our learning organization and is an active contributor to our culture and climate throughout the Shaw Avenue building.”
Mr. Colarossi, along with Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Jennifer Lewner, praised Ms. Masterson for always going above and beyond for her students and for being a positive technology resource for her colleagues.
“Her flexibility, patience and efforts in developing instructional activities for all students is very evident…her work with our remote students this year has been outstanding,” said Dr. Stirling.
In addition, the district appointed six staff members for next year and two leave replacements. The board welcomed the following individuals during the April meeting:
Kusum Dhansinghani – elementary teacher
Jessica Price – elementary teacher
Mary Jeanty – elementary teacher
Allyson Godbout – special education teacher
Maureen Carrano – remedial reading teacher
Susana Gómez – English as a second language teacher
Naomi Yochai – elementary leave replacement
Darcel Toliver – elementary leave replacement
The district looks forward to seeing these eight additions grow within the Valley Stream District 30 family!